Automotive cup holder system

Abstract

The invention provides a beverage container retention system (40), for use in motor vehicles, for a beverage container such as a cup or bottle. The retention system comprises a storage compartment (22) with a beverage container retention zone (26) and is delimited by a first wall (28) and a second wall (30) opposite the first wall; first retention means (42); a movable partition (46) comprising detachable retention means cooperating with the first retention means so as to attach the movable wall within the storage compartment and detach the movable partition. The retention system includes a retaining flap (52) integral with the movable partition, delimiting the retention zone when the movable partition is attached within the storage compartment. The retaining flap moves away from the retention zone when the detachable retention means are detached. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Cup holder system for motor vehicles

[0001] The invention relates to the storage of beverages in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The invention concerns an arrangement of a storage space with at least one area for holding beverage containers for a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a system for holding beverage container(s) in a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] For ease of use, a motor vehicle commonly features one or more beverage retention systems, or more precisely, beverage container retention systems. Such a retention system allows a user to place their beverage container after opening it, preventing it from tipping over and losing its liquid. This retention system can be used by a passenger, or even the driver while driving. To ensure driving safety, the operation of placing a beverage container in its retention area must be carried out with minimal attention, in minimal time, and with high reliability.

[0003] Furthermore, the retaining system must be adaptable to different diameters and profiles of beverage containers. For example, a beverage container may have a predominantly cylindrical shape or a substantially conical shape. Sinusoidal profiles are also common. Similarly, containers come in various heights. Some of them also feature a handle for gripping.

[0004] US patent 8419101B2 describes a motor vehicle equipped with a receiving element. The receiving element has an upward-opening housing for receiving at least one beverage container, such as a cup or bottle. The housing includes at least one lateral clamping element. The housing incorporates at least one folding support, which in a first lockable position is arranged parallel to the ground, and in a second position is arranged essentially perpendicular to the ground. Furthermore, the respective clamping element is arranged above the support relative to its first position. Such a receiving element has a relatively large, variable tray surface. It is also used to reliably accommodate at least one container, which may vary in size.

[0005] However, the folding support remains bulky in the retracted position. It reduces the maximum available volume in the case. The same applies to each lateral clamping element, which further limits the maximum width inside the case.

[0006] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or inconsistencies The invention addresses the limitations of the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to increase at least one dimension of a storage space suitable for a beverage container in a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to increase the maximum storage volume of a beverage container storage space in a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention aims to optimize the available volume, modularity, weight, and cost of a motor vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a beverage container retention system for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle; the retention system comprises a storage space with a beverage container retention area; a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall which delimit the retention area; first retention means; a movable partition extending transversely with respect to the first wall and the second wall, and which comprises detachable retention means cooperating in a detachable manner with the first retention means so as to attach the movable wall in the storage space and to detach the movable partition from the first retention means; notable in that the retention system comprises a retention flap connected to the movable partition and delimiting the retention area when the movable partition is attached in the storage space;the holding system being configured so as to move the holding flap away from the holding area when the movable partition is detached from the first holding means. ;

[0008] The invention provides a single unit combining a movable partition that also carries at least one retaining flap. The movable partition, and therefore each retaining flap, is held in position within the storage space by means of detachable retaining means; this allows the retaining flaps to be selectively placed in the holding zone and removed from the storage space. Consequently, the space occupied in this storage space varies according to the need to hold a beverage container.

[0009] Preferably, the retaining flap comprises a retaining surface forming a portion of a cone.

[0010] Preferably the retaining flap comprises elastic means.

[0011] Preferably, the retaining flap is a first retaining flap, the movable partition further comprising a second retaining flap for a beverage container.

[0012] Preferably, the movable partition includes a superior cavity between the first retaining flap and the second retaining flap.

[0013] Preferably the movable partition includes asperities along the upper cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the first wall comprises a first height, the partition mobile is a vertical partition and has a second height that is lower than the first height.

[0015] Preferably, the first means of support are arranged on the first wall.

[0016] Preferably the storage space further has a third wall and a fourth wall connecting the first wall and the second wall; the third wall and the fourth wall being at a distance from the movable partition.

[0017] Preferably, the first retaining means comprise a vertical rib, and the detachable retaining means comprise a vertical groove fitted onto the vertical rib; the first retaining means comprise snap-on means.

[0018] Preferably, the retaining system comprises retaining means symmetrical to the first retaining means; the detachable retaining means are first detachable retaining means, the movable partition comprises detachable retaining means symmetrical to the first detachable retaining means and cooperating in a detachable manner with the symmetrical retaining means.

[0019] Preferably, the movable partition extends from the first wall to the second wall.

[0020] Preferably, the movable partition is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall.

[0021] Preferably, the retaining flap is a single piece.

[0022] Preferably, the first wall extends vertically and longitudinally.

[0023] Preferably, the storage space includes a back panel extending from the first wall to the second wall.

[0024] Preferably, the third wall and the fourth wall are parallel to, and / or distant from, the movable partition.

[0025] Preferably, the holding area has an inner diameter between 60 mm and 100 mm.

[0026] Preferably, the holding area has an inner diameter between 70 mm and 90 mm.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a beverage container retention system for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle; the retention system comprises a storage space with: a first wall; a second wall opposite the first wall; a beverage container retention area between the first and second walls; notable in that the retention system comprises first retention means; a removable partition extending between the first and second walls, compartmentalizing the storage space; the removable partition comprises detachable retention means cooperating in a detachable manner with The first means of securing the removable partition in the storage space and removing it from the storage space; the removable partition also includes a retaining flap that delimits the holding area when the partition is attached in the storage space, and a flap that allows for the removal of the retaining area when the partition is detached from the storage space. The removable partition optimizes both the holding and the available storage space.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a beverage container retention system for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle; the retention system comprises a storage space with a beverage container retention area; a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall which delimit the retention area; first retention means; notable in that the retention system comprises a movable retention device with a transverse partition extending transversely with respect to the first wall and the second wall, a retention flap, and detachable retention means cooperating in a detachable manner with the first retention means so that the retention flap delimits the retention area when the transverse partition is attached in the storage space, and moves the retention flap away from the retention area when the transverse partition is detached from the first retention means.The support system adopts several configurations that allow for stable support and preservation of storage space.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a passenger compartment with a beverage container retention system, remarkable in that the retention system conforms to the invention.

[0030] Preferably, the first wall and the second wall are opposite along a width of the motor vehicle.

[0031] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises front seats and a central console between the front seats and / or rear seats with a central armrest; the restraint system being in the central console or in the central armrest.

[0032] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0033] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a motor vehicle storage space according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 3 shows the insertion of a movable partition into a retaining system of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0037] Figure 4 shows from above a holding system with a beverage container for motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 5 is a top view of an upper cavity of a movable partition of motor vehicle restraint system according to the invention.

[0039] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the restraint system to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of".

[0040] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "lateral," and "sideways" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. "Longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Lateral" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0041] The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0042] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the bounds that delimit them.

[0043] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; with respect to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0044] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the retaining system, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0045] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0046] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0047] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or the main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 connects various parts of the motor vehicle 10, including the openings; the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems.

[0048] The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment 14, the front compartment, and the rear compartment. Generally, the latter two are respectively an engine compartment and a cargo area. The passenger compartment 14 is located longitudinally between the front and rear compartments. The passenger compartment 14 forms a cabin for the occupants.

[0049] The passenger compartment 14 houses several seats, including the front seats 16 and the rear seats 18, forming a front row and a rear row. The passenger compartment 14 contains a center console 20. The center console 20 extends longitudinally. It is located between the front seats 16. It defines a lower tunnel through which various components (not shown), such as an exhaust system, pass.

[0050] The central console 20, on the upper face, features a user interface for controlling safety, entertainment, and comfort equipment. It also includes a storage compartment 22. This storage compartment 22 is accessible to the driver. It is ergonomically designed so that it can be used without the driver having to take their eyes off the road.

[0051] According to one option, the motor vehicle 10 has a central armrest 24 between the rear seats 18. The central armrest 24 is preferably pivotable between a raised position within the thickness of the backrests of the rear seats 18; and a low, or deployed, position protruding from the backrests of the rear seats 18. The central armrest 24 is therefore pivotable within the passenger compartment 14. The central armrest 24 has a storage space 22.

[0052] Each storage space 22 has a beverage container retention system. Generally, each storage space 22 is a central storage space, in that it is located between two seats in the same row.

[0053] The motor vehicle 10 can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0054] Figure 2 shows a storage space 22 for a retention system 40. motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to [Fig.1].

[0055] The storage space 22 has at least one beverage container retention zone 26 (not shown). In this case, the storage space 22 has two retention zones 26, each capable of holding a beverage container. The retention zone 26 is, for example, in front of the storage space 22. The storage space 22 is laterally delimited by a first wall 28 and a second wall 30 opposite the first wall 28. The first wall 28 extends vertically and longitudinally, as does the second wall 30. The first wall 28 and the second wall 30 are parallel. They border the retention zones 26.

[0056] The storage space 22 comprises a back panel 32 extending from the first wall 28 to the second wall 30 and connecting them laterally. The back panel 32 is generally horizontal and located beneath the support areas 26. The storage space 22 is also delimited by a third wall 34 and a fourth wall 36 longitudinally opposite the third wall 34. The third wall 34 and the fourth wall 36 connect the first wall 28 and the second wall 30. The storage space 22 thus forms a box, a casing.

[0057] Optionally, the storage space 22 has a housing 38 between the holding area 26 and the third wall 34. The housing 38 can be an upper housing; in elevation relative to the bottom panel 32. It is configured to receive a viewing device.

[0058] The support system 40 associated with this storage space 22 further includes first support means 42. The first support means 42 are designed to cooperate with a movable partition (not shown). The first support means 42 are arranged on the first wall 28. They form, for example, a vertical rib projecting from the first wall 28 to the second wall 30. The first support means 42 extend vertically from the back panel 32.

[0059] The support system 40 includes mounting plates 44. The mounting plates 44 extend from the first wall 28 and the second wall 30. The mounting plates 44 allow for the mounting and anchoring of the storage space 22 in the passenger compartment. They are fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle.

[0060] According to an alternative of the invention, the first retaining means are integrated into the bottom panel.

[0061] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first retaining means are magnetic means, for example housed within the thickness of the first wall. They may include a permanent magnet. The removable wall then comprises a ferromagnetic body, or another permanent magnet.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a beverage container retention system 40 located in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0063] The support system 40 includes a movable partition 46, for example a removable wall. The movable partition 46 is positioned outside the storage space 22, at a distance from each support zone 26. The movable partition 46 is mounted and removed from the storage space 22 by means of a vertical movement. The movable partition 46 forms a transverse partition.

[0064] The movable partition 46 includes detachable (non-visible) retaining means; cooperating in a detachable manner with the first retaining means. The first The retaining means 42 include a vertical rib, and the detachable retaining means include a vertical groove 50 fitted onto the vertical rib. This vertical groove 50 may be a first vertical groove.

[0065] The retaining system 40 comprises symmetrical retaining means (not visible) to the first retaining means, and, for example, associated with the second wall 30. The detachable retaining means are the first detachable retaining means; the movable partition 46 comprises symmetrical detachable retaining means 48 to the first detachable retaining means and cooperating in a detachable manner with the symmetrical retaining means. In this case, the symmetrical detachable retaining means 48 comprise a second vertical groove 50, open laterally towards the second wall 30.

[0066] The movable partition 46 comprises at least one retaining flap 52, preferably at least two retaining flaps 52, each capable of delimiting a holding zone 26 for a beverage container (not shown) when the movable partition 46 is attached in the storage space 22. When the movable partition 46 is detached from the storage space 22, in this case when the detachable retaining means are removed from the first retaining means 42, each retaining flap 52 is at a distance from the holding zone 26 and no longer delimits it. The movable partition 46 and each retaining flap 52 form a movable, preferably removable, holding device capable of holding a beverage container.

[0067] Thus, in the configuration of the attachment means, the storage space 22 is partitioned and subdivided. When detached, the movable partition 46 moves away, freeing up the storage space 22 without obstructing it. The retaining flap 52 does not interfere with the storage space 22 in any way. It does not limit its usable volume, nor does it reduce any of its dimensions. In this case, the length and / or width remain at their maximum when the detachable retaining means are untied and the movable partition is removed.

[0068] The movable partition 46 comprises a central panel 54 between the retaining flaps 52. The central panel 54 extends laterally. It is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each retaining flap 52 is inclined relative to the central panel 54, for example, at an angle between 10° and 45°; preferably between 20° and 30°. The retaining flaps 52 have free edges pointing towards each other. They form vertical edges. Each retaining flap 52 is a single piece. It is advantageously formed from the same material as the central panel 54. They can be made by co-injection of two materials.

[0069] The first retaining means 42 include latching means 56. The latching means 56 include a protrusion elastically connected to the first wall 28. This protrusion is intended to fit into the means of detachable supports.

[0070] The first wall 28 includes a guide rail 58 for a sliding shutter (not shown). The guide rail 58 is horizontal. The first retaining means 42 are located below the guide rail 58 to optimize compactness and prevent the sliding shutter from jamming.

[0071] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the movable partition is connected by means of a pivot joint to one of the walls of the storage space. The movable partition is then movable between a deployed position in which the detachable retaining means are attached to the first retaining means, and in which the retaining flap delimits the retaining area; and a retracted position in which the detachable retaining means are detached from the first retaining means, and in which the retaining flap is away from the retaining area. Therefore, the storage space retains its maximum size at the level of the retaining area when the detachable retaining means are detached.

[0072] Figure 4 shows a vehicle restraint system 40, in which a movable partition 46 is attached within the storage compartment 22. The vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. A beverage container 60 is inserted into one of the restraint areas 26, the other remaining free. The beverage container 60 has a height greater than its diameter. It forms a sealed container.

[0073] When the retaining flaps 52 define their retaining area 26, the latter generally has a cylindrical or substantially conical shape. At least one or each of the retaining areas 26 has an internal diameter between 60 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 80 mm. In one embodiment, the internal diameter is between 64 mm and 77 mm. The internal diameter increases upwards to facilitate the entry of the beverage container 60.

[0074] At least one or each of the retaining flaps 52 comprises a retaining surface 62 describing a portion of a cone. The larger diameter is oriented upwards to increase the size of the inlet opening. This feature improves the ergonomics of the retaining system 40 since a user can secure their beverage container 60 with one hand.

[0075] The retaining flap 52 includes elastic means. It may include an elastomeric material that deforms when a user pushes the beverage container 60 into the desired retaining zone 26. The elastomeric material may include foam to increase elasticity. However, the rigidity of each retaining flap 52 allows the beverage container 60 to be locked in place when inserted.

[0076] The movable partition 46 is perpendicular to the first wall 28 and to the second The two walls, 30 and 46, are parallel to each other. The movable partition extends from the first wall 28 to the second wall 30. The third wall 34 and the fourth wall 36 are parallel to the movable partition 46. They are each located at a distance from the movable partition 46. The first wall 28 has a first height of 64. The movable partition 46 is a vertical partition and has a second height of 66 that is shorter than the first height of 64. This design optimizes compactness. The heights are measured vertically. They may be maximum heights.

[0077] The retaining system 40 has a recess 72 between each retaining flap 52 and the movable partition 46. Such a recess allows a deformation, a pivoting, of a retaining flap 52 when a beverage container 60 is placed against it.

[0078] Figure 5 shows a movable partition 46 of a motor vehicle restraint system. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4. No beverage container is shown for clarity.

[0079] The movable partition 46 comprises two retaining flaps 52 (only one visible); a first retaining flap and a second retaining flap. Each retaining flap 52 delimits one of the beverage container retention zones 26. The retaining flaps 52 extend transversely in opposite directions.

[0080] The movable partition 46 includes an upper cavity 68 between the first retaining flap and the second retaining flap. The upper cavity 68 is open upwards. It forms an additional storage compartment. The movable partition 46 further includes asperities 70 along the upper cavity 68. The asperities 70 form parallel lines. They improve grip. The asperities 70 are formed on the central panel 54; between the retaining flaps 52.

[0081] Therefore, the upper cavity 68 also forms a gripping handle for the movable partition 46 in order to insert it into, and remove it from, the storage space 22.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable partition 46 comprises a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may be a thermoplastic or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0083] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments presented by all the figures.

[0084] Figures 2 to 5 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. A holding system (40) for a beverage container (60) for a passenger compartment (14) of a motor vehicle (10); the holding system (40) comprises a storage space (22) with a holding area (26) for a beverage container (60); a first wall (28) and a second wall (30) opposite the first wall (28) which delimit the holding area (26); first holding means (42); a movable partition (46) extending transversely relative to the first wall (28) and to the second wall (30), and which comprises detachable holding means cooperating detachably with the first holding means (42) so as to attach the movable wall in the storage space (22) and to detach the movable partition (46) from the first holding means (42);characterized in that the holding system (40) comprises a holding flap (52) connected to the movable partition (46) and delimiting the holding zone (26) when the movable partition (46) is attached in the storage space (22); the holding system (40) being configured so as to move the holding flap (52) away from the holding zone (26) when the movable partition (46) is detached from the first holding means (42).;

2. Holding system (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding flap (52) comprises a holding surface (62) forming a portion of a cone; preferably the holding flap (52) comprises elastic means.

3. Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the holding flap (52) is a first holding flap (52), the movable partition (46) further comprising a second holding flap (52) of the beverage container (60).

4. Holding system (40) according to claim 3, characterized in that the movable partition (46) comprises an upper cavity (68) between the first holding flap and the second holding flap; preferably the movable partition (46) comprises asperities (70) along the upper cavity (68).

5. Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first wall (28) comprises a first height (64), the movable partition (46) is a vertical partition and has a second height (66) less than the first height (64).

6. Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 5, ca- characterized in that the first holding means (42) are arranged on the first wall (28); preferably the storage space (22) further has a third wall (34) and a fourth wall (36) connecting the first wall (28) and the second wall (30); the third wall (34) and the fourth wall (36) being at a distance from the movable partition (46).

7. Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first holding means (42) comprise a vertical rib, and the detachable holding means comprise a vertical groove (50) fitted onto the vertical rib; the first holding means (42) comprise snap-fastening means (56).

8. Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding system (40) comprises holding means symmetrical to the first holding means (42); the detachable holding means are first detachable holding means, the movable partition (46) comprises detachable holding means symmetrical (48) to the first detachable holding means and cooperating in a detachable manner with the symmetrical holding means.

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a passenger compartment (14) with a holding system (40) for a beverage container (60), characterized in that the holding system (40) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8; preferably, the first wall (28) and the second wall (30) are opposite along a width of the motor vehicle (10).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises front seats (16) and a central console (20) between the front seats (16) and / or the rear seats (18) with a central armrest (24); the holding system (40) being in the central console (20) or in the central armrest (24).

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