Storage for mobile telephones in a vehicle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUDI AG
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing mobile phone storage solutions in vehicles do not effectively maintain confidentiality of messages displayed on phone screens for occupants, as both phones are visible and connected to the cellular network, potentially showing private information to others.
A shelf with a coupling box featuring two coupling areas, each assigned to a vehicle seat, and a movable partition that can be extended to isolate the screen of one phone from the other, using a push-push mechanism or actuating device to move between storage and separation positions, ensuring only the occupant of each seat can view their phone's screen.
The solution enhances privacy by allowing occupants to control the visibility of their phone's screen, maintaining confidentiality of messages while allowing for cost-effective and simple implementation, with the option for wireless charging and versatile placement within the vehicle.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024066755_26122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Storage for mobile phones in a vehicle
[0002] DESCRIPTION:
[0003] The invention relates to a storage unit for mobile phones in a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one such storage unit.
[0004] There are many different types of cell phone storage compartments in vehicles. These compartments typically include a docking station in which a cell phone can be stored and wirelessly charged. Cell phone storage compartments are also known in the art in which two cell phones belonging to two passengers, such as a driver and a front passenger, can be stored next to each other. The two cell phones are positioned within the field of vision of both passengers. Since both cell phones are connected to the cell phone network while driving, messages such as text messages, new social media posts, and / or calendar reminders can appear on the screens of both cell phones and be viewed by both passengers. This can result in one passenger receiving information that the other passenger would prefer to keep private.
[0005] DE 10 2018 000 493 A1 discloses a holder for positioning a smartphone in a vehicle. The holder comprises a pivoting arm connected to a spring drive and a cover for covering the smartphone when not in use, which cover is coupled to a push-to-open mechanism by means of which the spring drive of the pivoting arm can be triggered to release the smartphone through the cover. DE 10 2006 008 420 A1 discloses a device holder for an electronic device for installation in a motor vehicle. The device holder is part of a compartment having an opening on the top and can be pivoted relative to the compartment between a non-use position, in which the device holder is received in the compartment, and a use position, in which the device holder is pivoted out of the compartment. In addition, the compartment is assigned a closure for closing its opening.In addition to a closed position that completely closes the opening, the closure can be brought into a further closed position in which, when the device holder is swung out of the compartment, the remaining opening is at least largely closed.
[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a storage space for mobile phones in a vehicle and a vehicle with at least one such storage space for mobile phones, which improves the comfort of storing mobile phones in the vehicle.
[0007] This object is achieved by a storage for mobile phones in a vehicle having the features of patent claim 1 and by a vehicle having at least one such storage for mobile phones having the features of patent claim 13. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.
[0008] In order to provide a storage space for mobile phones in a vehicle, comprising a coupling box in which two coupling areas are each formed, each for a mobile phone, and a separating device which cost-effectively improves the comfort of storing mobile phones in the vehicle, the two coupling areas are each assigned to a vehicle seat and arranged within the field of vision of occupants on both vehicle seats. The separating device comprises a movable partition which can be extended from a retracted storage position, in which both coupling areas and screens of mobile phones stored therein are visible to both occupants, into a separating position in which the occupants can only see one coupling area assigned to their vehicle seat and a screen of a mobile phone stored therein.
[0009] In addition, a vehicle with at least one such storage space for mobile phones is proposed.
[0010] By implementing the mobile phone storage system according to the invention, the view of one's own mobile phone can be controlled with the movable partition, and the confidentiality of the messages displayed on the mobile phone screen can be maintained in the extended partition position. In the extended partition position, the movable partition allows for a good shielding of the messages displayed on the mobile phone screen from a seat neighbor. If there are no confidentiality issues, the movable partition can be moved to the retracted storage position.
[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the storage unit, the movable partition of the separating device can be arranged largely within a receiving space in the retracted storage position, or largely outside the receiving space in the extended separating position. The receiving space can be formed outside the coupling box, for example, in a cavity of a center console. Alternatively, the receiving space can be formed within the coupling box in a fixed partition arranged between the two coupling areas.
[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the storage unit, the separating device can comprise an actuating device designed to move the movable partition from the retracted storage position into the extended separation position or from the extended separation position into the retracted storage position. Preferably, the manual actuating device can comprise a simple, cost-effective mechanism for moving the partition between the storage position and the separation position or between the separation position and the storage position. Alternatively, the actuating device can comprise a drive which can be activated by an actuating element and can move the movable partition from the retracted storage position into the extended separation position or from the extended separation position into the retracted storage position.
[0013] In a particularly advantageous and cost-effective design of the storage unit, the actuating device can comprise a push-push mechanism with at least one spring element, which can be triggered by manual pressure on the movable partition. The movable partition can be moved from the retracted storage position to the extended separation position by a spring force of the at least one spring element of the push-push mechanism. Furthermore, the movable partition can be manually moved from the extended separation position to the retracted storage position against the spring force of the at least one spring element of the push-push mechanism. The push-push mechanism design enables simple and cost-effective implementation of the holding device.
[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the storage unit, the movable partition wall can be held in the retracted storage position by means of a locking mechanism.
[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the storage unit, the movable partition can be guided in a guide slot formed in a wall of the coupling box or in the fixed partition. In this case, the movable partition can be held in the extended separation position by a stop of the guide slot.
[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the storage unit, the coupling box can have at least one electrical charging device for charging an electrical energy storage device of the mobile phone stored in one of the coupling areas. The charging device preferably comprises at least one transponder coil, so that the electrical energy storage device of the stored mobile phone can be charged wirelessly. Of course, the respective charging device can additionally or alternatively have a plug-in contact for wired charging of the electrical energy storage device of the stored mobile phone.
[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle, the storage compartment can be arranged between two adjacent vehicle seats. Preferably, the storage compartment can be arranged in a center console between a driver's seat and a passenger seat. Additionally or alternatively, the storage compartment can be arranged between two seats in the rear area of the vehicle.
[0018] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the mobile phone storage device according to the invention also apply to the vehicle according to the invention.
[0019] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced from the explained embodiments through separate feature combinations.
[0020] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate components or elements that perform the same or similar functions. Herein:
[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic and partial illustration of a first embodiment of a storage device according to the invention for mobile phones in a vehicle, with a partition in a retracted storage position; Fig. 2 is a schematic and perspective illustration of the storage device according to the invention for mobile phones in a vehicle, with the partition in an extended separation position, and
[0022] Fig. 3 is a schematic and partial representation of a second embodiment of a storage device according to the invention for mobile phones in a vehicle, with a partition in an extended separation position.
[0023] As can be seen from Fig. 1 to 3, the illustrated embodiments of a storage area 1 according to the invention for mobile phones 18 in a vehicle comprise a coupling box 5, in which two coupling areas 7 are formed, each for a mobile phone 18, and a separating device 10. The two coupling areas 7 are each assigned to a vehicle seat and arranged within the field of vision of occupants on the two vehicle seats. The separating device 10 comprises a movable partition 11, which can be extended from a retracted storage position 11A shown in Fig. 1, in which both coupling areas 7 and screens 18.1 of mobile phones 18 stored therein are visible to both occupants, into a separating position 11B shown in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3, in which the occupants can only see a coupling area 7 assigned to their vehicle seat and a screen 18.1 of a mobile phone 18 stored therein.
[0024] The storage compartment 1 for mobile phones 18 is arranged in the vehicle between two adjacent vehicle seats (not shown in detail). In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartment 1 is arranged in a center console 3 between a driver's seat and a passenger seat.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the storage compartment 1 is additionally or alternatively arranged between two adjacent vehicle seats in the rear area of the vehicle.
[0026] In the first exemplary embodiment of the storage compartment 1A shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a first coupling area 7A, in which a first mobile phone 18A is stored, is formed on a sloping end wall 5.1 of the coupling box 5A and is assigned to the driver's seat (not shown in detail) arranged on a driver's side FS of the vehicle. A second coupling area 7B, in which a second mobile phone 18B is stored, is formed next to the first coupling area 7A on the sloping end wall 5.1 of the coupling box 5A and is assigned to the passenger seat (not shown in detail) arranged on a passenger side BS of the vehicle.
[0027] As can be further seen from Fig. 1, in the illustrated retracted storage position 11A of the movable partition 11, the first coupling area 7A assigned to the driver's seat and the screen 18.1 of the driver's first mobile phone 18A are visible to the front passenger from the passenger side. As can be further seen from Fig. 2, in the illustrated extended separation position 11B of the movable partition 11, the first coupling area 7A assigned to the driver's seat and the screen 18.1 of the driver's first mobile phone 18A are not visible to the front passenger from the passenger side.
[0028] As can be further seen from Fig. 1 and 2, the separating device 10A in the illustrated first embodiment of the storage 1A comprises an actuating device 15, by means of which the movable partition 11 can be moved from the retracted storage position 11A into the extended separating position 11B or from the extended separating position 11B into the retracted storage position 11A.
[0029] In the illustrated first embodiment of the storage unit 1A, the actuating device 15 comprises a push-push mechanism 15A with at least one spring element 16, which can be triggered by manual pressure on an end face 11.1 of the movable partition 11. The movable partition 11 can be moved from the retracted storage position 11A into the extended separation position 11B by a spring force of the at least one spring element 16 of the push-push mechanism 15A. For this purpose, the partition 11 is guided in a guide gap 13 introduced into the coupling box 5A. As can also be seen from Figs. 1 and 2, the guide gap 13 in the illustrated first embodiment of the storage unit 1A is introduced into a base and into the inclined end wall 5.1 of the coupling box 5A. In addition, the movable partition 11 can be moved manually against the spring force of at least one spring element 16 of the push-push mechanism 15A from the extended separation position 11B into the retracted storage position 11A.For this purpose, the movable partition 11 is moved by manual pressure on the front side 11.1 from the extended separation position 11B until it clicks into the retracted storage position 11A.
[0030] 1 and 2, the larger part of the movable partition 11 in the retracted storage position 11A shown in Fig. 1 is received in a receiving space 14 formed behind the sloping end wall 5.1 of the coupling box 5 in a cavity of the center console 3, so that only a front end region in the coupling box 5A is arranged outside the receiving space 14. The movable partition 11 is held in the retracted storage position 11A by means of a locking mechanism (not shown in detail). In the extended separation position 11B shown in Fig. 2, the movable partition 11 rests with an end face 11.1 of the front end region against a stop 13.1 of the guide gap 13, so that only a rear end region of the movable partition 11 is arranged within the receiving space 14. Also arranged in the receiving space 14 is a spring element 16 of the push-push mechanism 15A, designed as a compression coil spring. As can be seen from Fig.As can be further seen in Fig. 1, the spring element 16 of the push-push mechanism 15A, designed as a compression coil spring, is in a tensioned state in the retracted storage position 11A of the movable partition 11. As can be further seen in Fig. 2, the spring element 16 of the push-push mechanism 15A, designed as a compression coil spring, is in a more relaxed state in the extended separation position 11B of the movable partition 11.
[0031] In the second exemplary embodiment of the storage compartment 1B shown in Fig. 3, a first coupling area 7A, in which a first mobile phone 18A is stored, is formed in the area of the front wall 5.1 on the floor of the coupling box 5B and is assigned to the driver's seat (not shown in detail) arranged on a driver's side FS of the vehicle. A second coupling area 7B, in which a second mobile phone 18B is stored, is formed next to the first coupling area 7A in the area on the front wall 5.1 on the floor of the coupling box 5B and is assigned to the passenger seat (not shown in detail) arranged on a passenger side BS of the vehicle.
[0032] As can also be seen from Fig. 3, in the illustrated extended separation position 11B of the movable partition 11, the first coupling area 7A assigned to the driver's seat and the screen 18.1 of the driver's first mobile phone 18A are not visible to the front passenger from the passenger side. In the not-illustrated retracted storage position 11A of the movable partition 11, the first coupling area 7A assigned to the driver's seat and the screen 18.1 of the driver's first mobile phone 18A are visible to the front passenger from the passenger side.
[0033] As can be further seen from Fig. 3, the separating device 10B in the illustrated second embodiment of the storage 1B comprises an actuating device 15, by means of which the movable partition 11 can be moved from the retracted storage position into the extended separating position 11B or from the extended separating position 11B into the retracted storage position.
[0034] As can further be seen from Fig. 3, the separating device 10B in the illustrated second embodiment comprises a fixed partition 12, which is arranged between the two coupling regions 7 at the bottom of the coupling box 5. The fixed partition 12 has a receiving space 14, in which the larger part of the movable partition 11 is received in the retracted storage position 11A (not shown), so that only an upper end region with an upper side 11.2 of the movable partition 11 is arranged in the coupling box 5B outside the receiving space 14.
[0035] Analogous to the first exemplary embodiment of the shelf 1A, the actuating device 15 in the illustrated second exemplary embodiment of the shelf 1B comprises a push-push mechanism 15A with at least one non-visible spring element, which can be triggered by manual pressure on the upper side 11.2 of the movable partition 11. The movable partition 11 can be moved by a spring force of the at least one spring element of the push-push mechanism 15A from the retracted storage position (not shown) into the extended separation position 11B shown in Fig. 3. For this purpose, the partition 11 is guided in a guide gap 13 introduced into the fixed partition 12. The movable partition 11 is held in the retracted storage position 11A by means of a latch (not shown in detail).In the extended separation position 11B shown in Figure 3, the movable partition 11 rests at a lower end region against a non-visible stop of the guide gap 13, so that only a rear end region of the movable partition 11 is arranged within the receiving space 14. In addition, the movable partition 11 can be manually moved against the spring force of the at least one spring element of the push-push mechanism 15A from the extended separation position 11B into the retracted storage position. For this purpose, the movable partition 11 is moved by manual pressure on the upper side 11.2 from the extended separation position 11B until it engages in the retracted storage position. The above-mentioned at least one spring element of the push-push mechanism 15A is also arranged in the receiving space 14.
[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the storage 1 for mobile phones 18 in a vehicle, not shown, the actuating device 15 comprises a drive which can be activated by an actuating element and moves the movable partition 11 from the retracted storage position 11A into the extended separation position 11B or from the extended separation position 11B into the retracted storage position 11A.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiments of the storage area 1, the two coupling areas 7 each have an electrical charging device (not shown) for charging an electrical energy storage device of the mobile phone 18 stored in the respective coupling area 7. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0038] I , 1 A, 1 B filing
[0039] 3 Center console
[0040] 5, 5A, 5B coupling box
[0041] 5.1 Front wall
[0042] 7, 7A, 7B coupling area
[0043] 10, 10A, 10B disconnector
[0044] II , 11 A, 11 B movable partition
[0045] 11.1 Front side
[0046] 11.2 Top
[0047] 12 fixed partition wall
[0048] 13 Guide gap
[0049] 13.1 Stop
[0050] 14 Recording room
[0051] 15 Actuating device
[0052] 15A push-push mechanism
[0053] 16 spring element
[0054] 18, 18A, 18B Mobile phone
[0055] 18.1 Screen x Vehicle longitudinal direction y Vehicle transverse direction z Vehicle vertical direction
[0056] FS driver's side
[0057] BS passenger side
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS:
1. A storage device (1) for mobile phones (18) in a vehicle, comprising a coupling box (5) in which two coupling areas (7) are each formed, each for a mobile phone (18), and a separating device (10), wherein the two coupling areas (7) are each assigned to a vehicle seat and are arranged within the field of vision of occupants on the two vehicle seats, wherein the separating device (10) comprises a movable partition wall (11) which can be extended from a retracted storage position (11A), in which both coupling areas (7) and screens (18.1) of mobile phones (18) stored therein are visible to both occupants, into a separating position (11B), in which the occupants can only see one coupling area (7) assigned to their vehicle seat and one screen (18.1) of a mobile phone (18) stored therein.
2. Storage (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable partition wall (11) of the separating device (10) is arranged largely in a receiving space (14) in the retracted storage position (11A) or largely outside the receiving space (14) in the extended separating position (11B).
3. Storage (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiving space (14) is formed outside the coupling box (3) or inside the coupling box (5) in a fixed partition wall (12) which is arranged between the two coupling areas (7).
4. Storage (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the separating device (10) comprises an actuating device (15) which is designed to move the movable partition wall (11 ) from the retracted storage position (11A) into the extended separating position (11 B) or from the extended separation position (11 B) to the retracted storage position (11 A).
5. Storage (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuating device (15) comprises a drive which can be activated by an actuating element and moves the movable partition (11) from the retracted storage position (11A) into the extended separation position (11B) or from the extended separation position (11B) into the retracted storage position (11A).
6. Shelf (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuating device (15) comprises a push-push mechanism (15A) with at least one spring element (16), which can be triggered by manual pressure on the movable partition (11).
7. Storage (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the movable partition (11) can be moved from the retracted storage position (11A) into the extended separation position (11B) by a spring force of the at least one spring element (16) of the push-push mechanism (15A).
8. Storage (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the movable partition (11) can be moved manually against the spring force of the at least one spring element (16) of the push-push mechanism (15A) from the extended separation position (11B) into the retracted storage position (11A).
9. Tray (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that that the movable partition (11) is held in the retracted storage position (11 A) by means of a locking mechanism.
10. Shelf (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the movable partition (11) is guided in a guide gap (13) introduced into a wall of the coupling box (5) or into the fixed partition (12).
11. Shelf (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the movable partition (11) is held in the extended separation position (11B) by a stop (13.1) of the guide gap (13).
12. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the coupling box (5) has at least one electrical charging device for charging an electrical energy storage device of the mobile telephone (18) stored in one of the coupling areas (7).
13. Vehicle with at least one storage (1) for mobile telephones (18), which is designed according to one of claims 1 to 12.
14. Vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that the storage compartment (1) is arranged between two adjacent vehicle seats.
15. Vehicle according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the storage compartment (1) is arranged in a center console (3) of the vehicle.