Cup holder for a motor vehicle, and method

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a cup holder (10) for an interior of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one receiving opening (12) for receiving a cup (14) or similar cylindrical container (14a, 14b) and a bottom (18) for placing thereon the cup (14) or similar cylindrical container (14a, 14b) led through the receiving opening (12), wherein at least one compensation element (24) is disposed on a first inner wall region (20) of an inner-circumferential inner wall, said inner wall extending from the receiving opening (12) to the bottom (18), by means of which compensation element the cup (14) or similar cylindrical container (14a, 14b) can be pressed against a second inner wall region (22) different from the first inner wall region (20). The disclosure also relates to a method for operating a cup holder (10) of this type.

Description

[0001] Cup holder for a motor vehicle and method

[0002] The invention relates to a cup holder for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a cup holder.

[0003] DE 102020 105603 A1 discloses a holder for a beverage container, such as a beverage can, which is intended to securely hold the beverage container in a motor vehicle. It is disclosed that a support for laterally supporting the beverage container is provided with a support element that is mounted horizontally pivotably on a support bracket.

[0004] DE 102009 053 397 A1 already discloses a cup holder with an upwardly open storage space for holding a liquid container, wherein the storage space is defined by a base and at least partially by a casing. The cup holder comprises at least one temperature control element arranged in the casing of the storage space. The cup holder also has flexible retaining means for securely fixing containers of different sizes in position.

[0005] In addition, various noteworthy devices for holding cups or similar containers are disclosed in DE 102019 119 370 B4, JP 2008 -114653 A, KR 10 2019 137 541 A, DE 102006 032 883 A1 and DE 10 2009 058 957 A1.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a cup holder for a motor vehicle, by means of which different cups or cylindrical containers with different geometries can be held particularly reliably and efficiently. This object is achieved by means of a cup holder having the features of patent claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the cup holder according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the cup holder are used to carry out the method steps.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a cup holder for the interior of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, wherein such a cup holder is also referred to as a "cup holder." The cup holder comprises at least one, in particular round, receiving opening for receiving a cup or a cylindrical container or a bottle or other elements for holding liquids, and additionally comprises a base for placing the cup or cylindrical container passed through the receiving opening. It is provided that at least one compensating element is arranged on a first side wall extending from the receiving opening to the base, by means of which compensating element the cup or the cylindrical container can be pressed against a second side wall opposite the first side wall.In particular, the side walls can be part areas of a casing which extends from the receiving opening on the inner circumference to the floor and is held on the floor around a floor surface of the floor.

[0008] It is also envisaged that the compensating element is designed as an arm that can be pivoted about an axis. Designing the compensating element as an arm that can be pivoted about an axis offers further advantages. The arm can be moved into different positions to allow better adaptation to different container sizes. This allows the cup holder to be used even more flexibly and offers an even greater variety of possible uses. In addition, the pivoting arm can be positioned to hold the cup and / or a small and / or cylindrical container securely and stably without impeding the use of the cup holder.

[0009] In order to achieve the object of the invention and thus provide a cup holder for a motor vehicle by means of which different cups or cylindrical containers with different geometries can be held particularly reliably and efficiently, the invention provides that the pivotable arm is directed downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle and can be pivoted about the axis in the direction of the cup or cylindrical container. The pivotable arm is thus directed downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle and is pivoted about the axis in the direction of the cup, as a result of which the cup coming from above in the vertical direction of the vehicle cannot become wedged. This also improves handling of the cup holder, since the cup or container can be inserted and removed easily and without jamming.

[0010] In other words, a cup holder is provided for the interior of the motor vehicle, which cup holder contains one or more receiving openings for receiving cups or other cylindrical containers. The receiving opening is arranged essentially in an upper region of the cup holder in the vertical direction of the vehicle so that the occupant can conveniently and ergonomically place their cup or cylindrical container into the cup holder. The base of the cup holder is designed so that the occupant can safely place the cup or cylindrical container passed through the receiving opening, in particular a container that is small in relation to the receiving area, for example a can, and the cup holder receives and / or holds the cup and / or a small and / or cylindrical container reliably and essentially without spilling any contents.

[0011] To assist in this picking up or holding, the compensating element is provided and arranged on the first side wall of the cup holder and is designed such that it can press the cup and / or small and / or cylindrical container against the second side wall of the cup holder. This pressure stabilizes the cup and / or the small and / or cylindrical container and makes it more difficult to fall over or tip over. The compensating element can be made from various materials, such as rubber or plastic. It is important that the material of the compensating element is soft enough to hold the cup and / or a small and / or cylindrical container, but at the same time strong enough to exert the necessary pressure to press the cup and / or the small and / or cylindrical container against the second side wall.In particular, the compensating element can also consist of a soft section oriented toward the cup and a harder section oriented away from the cup, which are installed in a corresponding manner; in particular, a mixture of hard plastic and soft foam can be used here. The use of a compensating element thus increases the stability and safety of the cup holder and offers the user a better user experience. The compensating element is designed to hold the cup and / or small and / or bulbous bottles and / or cylindrical containers in an upright position, even if the cup holder experiences uneven or jerky movement of the motor vehicle. This increases safety and prevents liquids or other contents from spilling from the cup or container.Furthermore, the compensating element allows for better adjustment or fit for different sizes of cups and / or small and / or bulbous and / or cylindrical containers. The compensating element can be arranged in various ways to allow for appropriate adjustment to the size of the cup. This means the cup holder can accommodate a wider variety of container sizes with different geometries, making it more versatile and practical.

[0012] In summary, the cup holder with compensating element offers better stability, safety and adaptability for the transport of cups with drinks or other cylindrical containers in the vehicle.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the cup holder arm, which can be pivoted about an axis, can have a spring element or a suspension to hold the arm in a predetermined position. The suspension can be designed, for example, as a coil spring or a torsion spring. The suspension ensures that the cup holder arm remains in the desired position and is not accidentally moved to another position. This further increases the stability and safety of the cup in the holder. Particularly on bumpy road conditions or during sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers, the arm's suspension can help ensure that the cup is held stable in the cup holder and that its contents are not tipped over or spilled.Furthermore, the spring element or suspension can also facilitate the adjustment of the cup holder by moving the pivoting arm into an optimal position for the user, without the user having to manually readjust the cup. In summary, the design of the compensating element as an arm that pivots around an axis offers another useful function for the cup holder, at least partially increasing its adaptability and user-friendliness.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a sensor device is arranged on the compensating element, by means of which a contact pressure of the compensating element on the cup or on the cylindrical container can be controlled. Thus, a sensor is arranged on the compensating element, which measures a force or pressure between the compensating element and the cylindrical container. This force or pressure can then be controlled, in particular automatically, to ensure that the container is pressed evenly against the side wall while being held. The contact pressure of the compensating element can be controlled in various ways. One possibility is for the sensor device to be connected to a control system that automatically adjusts the contact force to ensure that the correct force is exerted on the cylindrical container.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the cup holder, the pivotable arm is pivotable by means of an actuator. The actuator can be an electric or hydraulic drive that pivots the arm about the axis to hold the cup and / or a small and / or cylindrical container. In addition, the sensor device is located on the compensating element. In other words, a motor or other drive mechanism can be arranged and controlled. The sensor device, which is arranged on the compensating element, measures the force or pressure exerted on the cup and / or a small and / or cylindrical container while being held, and a control system adjusts the contact force or pressure accordingly to ensure that the cup is pressed evenly.It is also possible to adapt the control system depending on the occupant's driving style in order to optimize the holding of the cup, in particular, various parameters of the driving style, such as speed, acceleration and deceleration, can be taken into account.

[0016] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the floor has an insert mat with a first partial region angled towards the floor and a second partial region that is height-adjustable and / or adjustable relative to the floor. The height adjustment is provided in particular by a thickness of the insert mat, or alternatively by the thickness of a plurality of insert mats arranged one above the other. The cup holder is therefore designed such that it has in particular an insert mat, which in turn has two partial regions, namely an inclined and a planar partial region. These two partial regions enable the cup holder and / or containers of different sizes to accommodate; in particular, the angled first partial region should also make it possible to accommodate cans and / or bulbous and / or small bottles.Small containers such as cans stand on the angled surface of the first sub-area and lean against a side wall of the cup holder. To ensure that the can remains stable and does not tip over, at least one movable compensating element is arranged, which presses the can against the side wall. In particular, the inner side wall of the cup holder can be angled, whereby the angled first sub-area can be angled corresponding to the sloping side wall at such an angle that the can, which has an edge substantially at 90°, can be placed down and in doing so forms contact with the side wall and with the angled first sub-area. The second sub-area of ​​the insert mat is in particular planar and, depending on the size of the container, can hold it in a vertical position.In particular, cups with a cylindrical shape tapering downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle can be provided with a storage surface by the second flat or planar portion, with the receiving opening holding such a cup on the outer circumference. In summary, such an insert mat in the cup holder can provide a practical way to securely and stably accommodate various types of cups or small and / or cylindrical containers. Furthermore, the insert mat can be made of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone, or foam and can be adjusted to various positions within the cup holder to accommodate various tall cups or cylindrical or small, bulbous containers.

[0017] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is characterized in that the insert mat is height-adjustable, for example by means of an actuator which is arranged, for example, below the insert mat. The actuator can be, for example, an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic piston which changes the position of the insert mat within the cup holder. This allows the insert mat to be adapted to different container heights in order to enable optimal stability and safety while holding it. In addition to the actuator, the height adjustment of the insert mat can also be provided by various other mechanisms, such as, for example, a threaded system which moves the insert mat up or down.By using the actuator or other mechanisms, the adjustment of the insert mat can be automated, thereby achieving greater efficiency and user-friendliness of the cup holder. The actuator can also be controlled by the aforementioned control system, which detects the size of the cup or cylindrical container, for example, using an optical detection device or other sensor devices, and takes this into account during the adjustment.

[0018] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the insert mat is adjustable in its plane corresponding to a base surface of the cup or of the cylindrical container. In this embodiment, it is provided that the adjustable insert mat is adjustable not only in its height and position, but also in its plane. This means that the insert mat can be adjusted corresponding to the base surface of the cup or of the cylindrical container. This is particularly advantageous if the cup holder has a cylindrical shape that tapers from top to bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When the cup is pressed against the side wall, this causes the cylindrical cup to tilt without tapering, thus preventing the base of the cup from resting on the insert mat.As a result, the cup has an uneven or sloping base surface, which can be compensated for by the adjustable insert mat. This enables maximum stability and safety when holding the cup. The adjustment of the insert mat in its plane can be achieved using various mechanisms, such as a ball joint or a pivot joint, which allow the insert mat to be tilted or inclined to different angles. Alternatively, an electric actuator or a hydraulic cylinder can be used to adjust the insert mat in its plane. In other words, the corresponding tilting of the insert mat relative to the base surface of the cup ensures that the cup is held stable during travel.

[0019] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the insert mat is designed to gradually adjust the height of respective partial areas of the insert mat. The stepwise adjustability of the height of respective partial areas of the insert mat allows even more precise adaptation to the shape of the cup or to the bottom of the cup. It also enables adaptation to cups that are not perfectly cylindrical by allowing the insert mat to be adjusted higher or lower at specific points. A pneumatic or hydraulic system can be used for the stepwise adjustment of the insert mat. This system uses compressed air or hydraulic fluid to raise or lower the insert mat. An actuator moves the insert mat by applying pressure or vacuum in the corresponding areas.The pneumatic or hydraulic system offers the advantage of quick and precise adjustment of the insert mat to the shape of the container. It can also enable automatic adjustment if the cup holder is equipped with a corresponding sensor device that detects the shape of the cup and adjusts the insert mat settings accordingly.

[0020] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a plurality of compensating elements are arranged on a circumferential inner wall of the cup holder, each of which is designed to be pivotable about a respective axis. The arrangement of a plurality of compensating elements on a circumferential inner wall of the cup holder enables even more precise adaptation to the shape of the cup. Each compensating element is designed to be pivotable about a respective axis, which means that it can rotate about its own axis to better balance the cup. This arrangement allows the compensating elements to be aligned at different angles to compensate for containers of different diameters or shapes. Each compensating element can be pivoted independently of one another to enable individual adaptation to the respective cup.

[0021] Finally, in yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plurality of compensating elements is at least partially automatically controllable. The pivotability of the compensating elements can be realized by a respective actuator or motor. The actuator or motor can be programmed to automatically align the compensating elements in the correct position as soon as a cup is inserted into the cup holder. A corresponding sensor device can also be used to detect the position of the cup in the cup holder and adjust the compensating elements accordingly.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention also relates to a method for operating a cup holder for a motor vehicle interior according to the preceding aspect, in which the cup or the cylindrical container is pressed against a second side wall opposite the first side wall by means of at least one compensating element arranged on a first side wall extending from the receiving opening to the floor. The method for operating the cup holder essentially comprises the following steps:

[0023] Placing the cup or cylindrical container in the receiving opening of the cup holder. Activating the compensating element(s) arranged on the first side wall of the cup holder. The compensating element(s) press the cup or container against the second side wall of the cup holder opposite the first side wall. Optionally monitoring the contact force of the compensating element(s) using a sensor device arranged on the compensating element(s). Adjusting the contact force of the compensating element(s), if necessary, to ensure that the cup or container is held stably and securely in the cup holder. Optionally adjusting the insert mat, if present, to ensure that the base of the cup or container rests on the insert mat and does not tip over.This method allows the cup or cylindrical container to be held securely in the cup holder without tipping or falling over while the vehicle is in motion.

[0024] In summary, the invention relates to a cup holder for the interior of a motor vehicle, also referred to as a "cup holder." The cup holder contains at least one round or oval opening for accommodating cups, bottles, or similar cylindrical containers, as well as a base for placing the container. To reliably and efficiently hold different cup geometries, at least one compensating element is arranged on a first side wall extending from the base to the opening. This element can be made of rubber or plastic and is soft enough to hold the container, but firm enough to press it against the second side wall. This stabilizes the container and prevents it from tipping over easily, even if the cup holder is subjected to uneven or jerky movement of the motor vehicle. The compensating element also allows for better adaptation to different container sizes and geometries.In particular, the occupant is offered an ergonomic option for storing their cup holder in the vehicle, ensuring that virtually no contents spill. Furthermore, a variety of cup holders can be accommodated in the cup holder.

[0025] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0026] Showing:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a first schematic side view of a first embodiment of a cup holder for a large container for an interior of a motor vehicle;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a second schematic side view of the first embodiment of the cup holder for further cups or cylindrical, in particular small, containers;

[0029] Fig. 3 is a first schematic plan view of a base of the cup holder showing planar and bevelled portions on the base, in particular for holding the cup or cylindrical and / or small containers;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a second schematic plan view of another base of the cup holder to illustrate possible height-adjustable gradations of an insert mat of the cup holder;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the further base of the cup holder to illustrate the possible gradations of the insert mat of the cup holder;

[0032] Fig. 6 is a further schematic plan view of the bottom of the cup holder to illustrate a plurality of compensating elements in a bottom region of the cup or cylindrical containers; and

[0033] Fig. 7 shows another schematic plan view of the bottom of the cup holder, illustrating another embodiment of the plurality of compensating elements in a bottom region of the cup or cylindrical container. In the figures, identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a first schematic side view of a first embodiment of a cup holder 10 for cups 14 or cylindrical containers 14a, 14b for the interior of a motor vehicle, wherein in particular two coffee cups of different sizes are shown as the cup 14. The cup holder 10 is equipped with at least one receiving opening 12, which serves to receive a cup 14 or a similar cylindrical container 14a, 14b. The cup holder 10 has a base 18, on which the cup 14 or the container 14a, 14b, which has been passed through the receiving opening 12, can be placed. It is provided that at least one compensating element 24 is arranged on a first inner wall region 20 of the inner wall, which extends from the receiving opening 12 to the base 18.

[0035] The cup holder 10 with the at least one receiving opening 12 thus has at least one compensating element 24 on the first inner wall region 20 of the inner peripheral inner wall extending from the receiving opening 12 to the base 18, by means of which the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b can be pressed against a second inner wall region 22 that is different from the first inner wall region 20, in particular a second inner wall region 22 that is substantially opposite the first inner wall region 20. This compensating element 24 makes it possible to press the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b against the second inner wall region 22 that is different from the first inner wall region 20. In this way, the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b is held or fixed in the cup holder 10 while the motor vehicle is traveling and cannot fall over, slide around, or tip over.The cup holder 10 is thus designed to be particularly practical and user-friendly, as it securely holds the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b and prevents unwanted spillage of liquids while driving.

[0036] The floor 18 has an insert mat 26 with a first partial region 26a angled toward the floor 18 and a second partial region 26b that is planar and / or height-adjustable relative to the floor 18. The second partial region 26b of the insert mat 26 is height-adjustable and, depending on the size of the cup 14, can hold the cup 14 in a vertical position. In particular, a cup 14a with a cylindrical shape tapering downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction z can be provided with a storage surface by the second flat or planar partial region 26b, wherein the receiving opening 12 holds such a cup 14a on the outer circumference. In the case of an alternative, smaller dimension of the cup 14a, the compensating element 24 can be used for holding.

[0037] In summary, Fig. 1 shows a large container 14a, which is positioned on a planar plane within the insert mat 26 and is fixed by at least one lateral holding arm or compensating element 24.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a second schematic side view of the first embodiment of the cup holder 10 for additional cups 14 or cylindrical containers 14a, 14b, wherein, in particular, a can is shown as the cup 14, which in turn has different proportions and geometries than the coffee cups shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, containers of other shapes can also be accommodated, for example, small, bulbous vessels.

[0039] In the cup holder 10 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the compensating element 24 is designed as an arm pivotable about a pivot axis A. It is possible to operate the compensating element 24 with an actuator which, for example, controls the movement of the compensating element 24 by moving or pivoting the arm about the pivot axis (A). A sensor device can also be arranged on the arm, for example, by means of which a contact force F of the compensating element 24 on the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b can be controlled. The sensor device measures the contact force F or a pressure exerted by the compensating element 24 on the cup 14 and automatically adapts the contact force F to the size and shape of the cup 14.For this purpose, the sensor device on the compensating element 24 measures the contact force F on the cup 14 and provides feedback to the actuator in order to adapt the movement of the arm accordingly. Alternatively, the sensor device can also be arranged on the second inner wall region 22 and detect a contact force -F caused by the cup 14, which is generated by the cup 14 being pressed by the compensating element 24 against the, for example, opposite first inner wall region 20. In particular, the actuator can adapt the contact force F, -F of the compensating element 24 to the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b in real time. In particular, the contact force F, -F with which the cup 14 is held in the cup holder 10 can thereby be individually adapted to the respective cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b.The base 18 has an insert mat 26 with a first partial region 26a angled toward the base 18 and a second partial region 26b height-adjusted relative to the base 18. The cup holder 10 is accordingly designed to have at least this one insert mat 26; in particular, additional insert mats 26 of a different design can also be inserted into the cup holder 10, which in turn have different partial regions. The insert mat 26 in Fig. 2 thus shows an inclined and a planar partial region 26a, 26b. These two partial regions 26a, 26b enable the cup holder 10 to accommodate a container 14b designed as a can, which stands on the angled surface of the first partial region 26a and leans against a side wall in the inner wall region 22 of the cup holder 10. To ensure that the can remains stable and does not tip over, at least one movable compensating element 24 is arranged, which presses the can against the side wall.In particular, the inner side wall of the cup holder 10 is shown angled, whereby the angled first portion 26a is angled corresponding to the inclined side wall by such an angle that the can, which has an edge substantially at 90°, can be placed down and thereby forms contact with the side wall and with the angled first portion 26a.

[0040] The base 18 of the cup holder 10 can also be equipped with an adjustable insert mat 26. This insert mat 26 is, in particular, height-adjustable and can be adapted in its plane E according to the base surface 28 of the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b. The insert mat 26 is designed, for example, such that a height H of a respective partial area 26a, 26b can be adjusted in steps. This allows the insert mat 26 to be individually adapted to different cup sizes to ensure a secure and stable hold. To adjust the height H of the insert mat 26, an actuator can be provided, for example, which is arranged below the insert mat 26. The actuator can be, for example, an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic piston that changes the position of the insert mat 26 within the cup holder 10.This allows the insert mat 26 to be adapted to different container heights, in particular to ensure optimal stability and safety during holding.

[0041] The insert mat 26 can also be designed to be adjustable in a separate plane E to correspond to the bottom surface 28 of the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b. The insert mat 26 can thus be designed to be stepwise adjustable, allowing the height H of each section 26a, 26b to be individually adjusted. This allows the insert mat 26 to be adjusted to a variety of cup sizes and shapes.

[0042] The combination of the arm, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis A, and the height-adjustable insert mat 26 ensures a particularly flexible and adaptable design of the cup holder 10. This facilitates adaptation to different cup sizes and shapes and optimizes the hold of the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b in the cup holder 10.

[0043] In summary, Fig. 2 shows a small container 14b, in particular a can, which is positioned on an inclined surface within the above-mentioned insert mat 26 and is fixed to the opposite side wall by the above-mentioned lateral holding arm or compensating element 24, wherein the holding arm or the compensating element 24 is fully extended.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a first schematic plan view of the base 18 of the cup holder 10 to illustrate possible adjustments for holding the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b. In order to be able to individually adapt different gradations of the insert mat 26 to different cup sizes, the respective sub-regions 26a, 26b are height-adjustable. For this purpose, an actuator can be used, which is arranged, for example, below the insert mat 26 and changes the position of the insert mat 26 within the cup holder 10. In particular, by adjusting the sub-regions 26a, 26b, a base holder for the cup 14 can be provided, by which the cup 14 is held particularly securely.

[0045] Furthermore, Fig. 4 shows a second schematic plan view of another base 18 of the cup holder 10 to illustrate possible gradations of the insert mat 26 of the cup holder 10.

[0046] In addition, Fig. 5 shows a corresponding first schematic perspective view of the base 18 of the cup holder 10 to illustrate the possible gradations of the insert mat 26. By using an actuator, the height H of the insert mat 26 can thus be adjusted stepwise and individually to the height of the respective cup 14. This ensures that the cup 14 is held stably and securely in the cup holder 10 without tipping, wobbling, or falling over. Figs. 3, 4, and 5 show in particular the two partial areas 26a, 26b of the insert mat 26, which are planar and inclined and can also be referred to as standing areas.

[0047] Fig. 6 shows a second schematic plan view of the base 18 of the cup holder 10 to illustrate a plurality of compensating elements 32 in a base region of the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b. In this embodiment, the cup holder 10 is provided with the plurality of compensating elements 32, in particular with three respective compensating elements 32 arranged differently on the circumferential inner wall, which hold the cup 14 from different positions. The control of the compensating elements 32 is, for example, at least partially automatic and can be based on sensors or other information that detect the distance, size, or shape of the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b. By using multiple compensating elements 32, the cup holder 10 can become even more flexible in order to accommodate a plurality of cups 14 with unusual geometries. In particular, Fig.6 is a side view of the insert mat 26, through which it can be seen that the compensating elements 32 can be arranged in the bottom region of the cup 14 and the insert mat 26 has respective partial regions 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, by means of which the cup 14 is held at the bottom region.

[0048] Finally, Fig. 6 shows a triangular configuration of the compensating elements 32. Here, the compensating elements 32 are triangular and are not pivoted, but instead raised to adapt to the bottom area of ​​the cup 14. Through this adaptation, the compensating elements 32 can enable stability by providing firm support for the cup bottom. For example, the compensating elements 32 could be moved by an actuator that raises and lowers them, or spring mechanisms could also be used to hold the compensating elements 32 in position.

[0049] Fig. 7 shows a third schematic plan view of the base 18 of the cup holder 10 to illustrate a further embodiment of the plurality of compensating elements 32 in the base region of the cup 14 or the cylindrical container 14a, 14b. In particular, Fig. 7 also shows a side view of the insert mat 26, through which it can be seen that the compensating elements 32 can be arranged in a base region of the cup 14 and that the insert mat 26 has respective partial regions 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d by which the cup 14 is held in the base region. The exact design of the compensating elements 24 depends on various factors, such as the size and shape of the cup 14; the one illustrated in Fig. 7 shows a particularly simple, elongated design.

[0050] In other words, Figs. 6 and 7 show various design options for the partial areas 30a-30d of the insert mat 26 using different support ribs. In particular, an insert mat 26 can also have different configurations with different gradations for different containers 14a, 14b; in particular, combinations of insert mats 26 can also be inserted into the cup holder 10.

[0051] In summary, the cup holder 10 for a motor vehicle consists of a circumferential inner wall with a receiving opening 12 for receiving cups 14, which are pressed against the inner wall by means of pivotable compensating elements 24.

[0052] The invention proposes a constructive design of cup holders 10 (English) “cup holders” for increasing the stability of the cup 14 or cylindrical containers 14a, 14b.

Claims

New patent claims 1. A cup holder (10) for the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one receiving opening (12) for receiving a cup (14) or cylindrical containers (14a, 14b), and comprising a base (18) for depositing the cup (14) or cylindrical containers (14a, 14b) guided through the receiving opening (12), wherein at least one compensating element (24) is arranged on a first inner wall region (20) of an inner peripheral wall extending from the receiving opening (12) to the base (18), by means of which the cup (14) or the cylindrical container (14a, 14b) can be pressed against a second inner wall region (22) different from the first inner wall region (20), and wherein the at least one compensating element (24) is designed as an arm pivotable about a pivot axis (A), characterized in thatthat the pivotable arm is directed downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle and can be pivoted about the axis (A) in the direction of the cup (14) or cylindrical container (14a, 14b).

2. Cup holder (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor device is arranged on the at least one compensating element (24), by means of which a contact pressure (F) of the at least one compensating element (24) on the cup (14) or on the cylindrical container (14a, 14b) can be controlled.

3. Cup holder (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the floor (18) has an insert mat (26) with a first partial area (26a) angled towards the floor (18) and a second partial area (26b) that is height-adjusted and / or planar to the floor (18).

4. Cup holder (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the insert mat (26) is height adjustable.

5. Cup holder (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the insert mat (26) is adjustable in its plane (E) corresponding to a bottom surface (28) of the cup (14) or the cylindrical container (14a, 14b).

6. Cup holder (10) according to claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the insert mat (26) is designed to adjust a height (H) of respective partial regions (26a, 26b) of the insert mat (26) in stages.

7. Cup holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of compensating elements (24) are arranged on the circumferential inner wall of the cup holder (10), wherein the respective compensating elements (24) are designed to be pivotable about a respective pivot axis (A).

8. Cup holder (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of compensating elements (24) is at least partially automatically controllable.

9. Method for operating a cup holder (10) for an interior of a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, in which the cup (14) or the cylindrical container (14a, 14b) is pressed against a second side wall opposite the first side wall by means of at least one compensating element (24) arranged on a first side wall extending from the receiving opening (12) to the base (18), wherein the at least one compensating element (24) is designed as a pivot axis (A) pivotable arm is formed, characterized in that the pivotable arm directed downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle is pivoted about the axis (A) in the direction of the cup (14) or cylindrical container (14a, 14b).

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