ARTICULATED ARM OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE PARTICIPATING IN MULTIPLE SPATIAL ORIENTATIONS, FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A support device (SD) is fitted to a piece of equipment (EV) in a vehicle interior and comprises: - a receiving part (PR) designed to receive an object, and - at least two articulated arms (BA1-BA2) having first ends (E1), coupled to the equipment (EV) and capable of rotation, and second ends (E2), rotationally coupled to the receiving part (PR) to allow the latter (PR) to be positioned in multiple spatial orientations. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: ARTICULATED ARMS OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE PARTICIPATING IN MULTIPLE SPATIAL ORIENTATIONS, FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to support devices which are intended to equip vehicle interiors, and which can receive an object. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, can receive in a (their) passenger compartment at least one object which can possibly be transported by a user. As an illustrative example, when the vehicle includes a dashboard, the latter can be used to support a mobile telephone or a navigation aid device or even a display screen.

[0003] Currently, the object can be coupled to equipment in a passenger compartment either directly, by insertion into a small dedicated housing (or "well") defined in a wall, or indirectly, by coupling an attached support device and coupling the object to this support device.

[0004] In the first alternative (well), when the object is a mobile phone, part of its screen is housed in the well and therefore masked. Furthermore, this only allows a single orientation (of the “portrait” type) of the object.

[0005] In the second alternative (support device), the passenger compartment equipment becomes cluttered and a function performed by this equipment may be affected. This is the case, for example, when the support device is secured to a dashboard air vent. In addition, the user of the object must purchase this support device (which must be perfectly adapted to the sub-part of the equipment that is to receive it), and this support device must be permanently present in the vehicle. In addition, vibrations and shocks induce small movements of the object relative to the equipment, which is annoying for the user and can sometimes cause noise. Incidentally, it should be noted that the fins of the dashboard air vents, which allow the coupling of a support device, tend to disappear, and therefore this removes a coupling sub-part of the dashboard.Furthermore, the spatial orientation of the object by such support devices is generally very limited, and for example proves insufficient to satisfy at least one of the two front passengers of a vehicle. Finally, such support devices generally only allow a single orientation (portrait type) of the object.

[0006] It has also been proposed, in particular in document FR-B1 3019507, a support device comprising a support part having a front face in which is defined a concave space suitable for receiving an object to be held, and intended to be coupled in rotation to two pairs of connecting rods, right and left, mounted in rotation on equipment while being placed at different heights. This makes it possible to integrate the support part into a housing of the equipment when it is not in use or to extract it from this housing and raise it when it must be used.

[0007] A first disadvantage of this type of support device lies in the fact that its support part cannot be subject to spatial orientation relative to the equipment due to its coupling by the connecting rods. Therefore, when the object to be supported includes a display screen, as is the case in particular with a mobile phone (possibly a smart phone (or "smartphone")), it is difficult for a user who is not installed directly in front of it to see what is displayed on its display screen. This is particularly the case when the equipment is a dashboard of a vehicle, and the support device is installed in a central position on this dashboard, and therefore offset relative to the seats accommodating the front passengers (including the driver).It will be understood that in this illustrative example, in order for the driver to be able to observe the details of what is displayed on the mobile phone screen and / or act with his fingers on this screen, he must lean towards it, which can be dangerous.

[0008] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0009] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a support device suitable for equipping equipment in a vehicle passenger compartment and comprising a receiving part having a front face suitable for receiving an object.

[0010] This support device is characterized by the fact that it also comprises at least two articulated arms having first ends, suitable for being coupled to the equipment and capable of being driven in rotation, and second ends, coupled in rotation to the receiving part, in order to allow placement of the latter in multiple spatial orientations. Each of the articulated arms comprises first and second elements secured to each other in rotation, each first element comprising one of the first ends, and each second element comprising one of the second ends;

[0011] Such a support device advantageously allows users to come closer together, while being particularly simple for users to operate.

[0012] The support device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0013] - the first and second elements can be bars (or connecting rods);

[0014] - at least two of the articulated arms may have different arrangements;

[0015] - the first elements of at least two of the articulated arms may have different lengths, and the second members of at least two of the articulated arms may have different lengths;

[0016] - in the presence of the last sub-option, each first element can have a length less than a length of the second associated element;

[0017] - it may comprise a first interface part on which is rotatably mounted the receiving part around a first axis and rotatably mounted around a second axis on a second interface part. In this case, the second ends can be rotatably mounted on the second interface part around third axes parallel to each other;

[0018] - in the presence of the last option, the second axis can be perpendicular to the first axis;

[0019] - also in the presence of the last option, the third axes can be per pendicular to the second axis and may have a spatial orientation that is different from a spatial orientation of the first axis;

[0020] - it may comprise a housing suitable for being fixedly secured to the equipment, and defining an internal space in which the articulated arms are partly housed and the first ends are rotatably mounted.

[0021] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a passenger compartment comprising at least one piece of equipment comprising at least one support device of the type presented above.

[0022] For example, this equipment can be a dashboard. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0024] [Fig.l] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view from the passenger compartment side, a part of an example of a motor vehicle passenger compartment comprising an example of equipment constituting a dashboard and comprising a support device according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, an exemplary embodiment of a support device according to the invention, placed in an intermediate non-oriented position,

[0026] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, the support device of [Fig.2], placed in a position suitable for its use by the driver of a vehicle,

[0027] [Fig.4] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, the support device of [Fig.2], placed in a position suitable for use by a front passenger seated to the right of the driver of the vehicle, and

[0028] [Fig.5] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view from the side passenger compartment of a vehicle, a three-arm articulated variant of the support device of figures 2 to 4. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] The invention aims in particular to propose a support device DS intended to equip EV equipment with a passenger compartment H of a vehicle V, and comprising a receiving part PR suitable for receiving an object, possibly transportable, and capable of being placed in multiple spatial orientations.

[0030] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V is of the automobile type. This is for example a car, as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in [Fig.l]. But the EV equipment can be part of any vehicle interior, and in particular a land vehicle interior or a boat interior or even an aircraft interior.

[0031] Furthermore, taking into account the preceding choices, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the EV equipment is a dashboard. But within a vehicle interior the EV equipment could also be a console, a seat back (or bench), or a side door trim, for example.

[0032] In Figures 1 to 5, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0033] In the above and the following, the notions of "front" and "rear" are defined in relation to the users (here installed on the front seats present in the passenger compartment H of the vehicle V). Consequently, the front face of an element is oriented towards the users (and therefore here towards the interior of the passenger compartment H), while the rear face of this element is oriented towards the front compartment (engine) and opposite the front face.

[0034] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a part of a passenger compartment H of a vehicle V (here a car) comprising EV equipment (here a dashboard) comprising a support device DS according to the invention. It will be noted that in this illustrative example the support device DS is fixedly secured in an internal housing (not visible) of the EV equipment (here a dashboard) and therefore appears partially in front of the seats dedicated to the front passengers, in order to be able to be used by the latter. Furthermore, it will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] the dashboard EV only comprises a single support device DS approximately centered on the median plane of the passenger compartment H of the vehicle V. But the dashboard EV could comprise several (at least two) support devices DS.

[0035] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, a support device DS, according to the invention, comprises at least one receiving part PR and two articulated arms BAj.

[0036] The receiving part PR is suitable for receiving an object. It may optionally be made of the same material as that from which the front face FV1 (here) of the dashboard EV is made. Such an arrangement may make the receiving part PR almost invisible when it is placed in an intermediate position not oriented towards one of the front passengers (illustrated in [Fig.2]).

[0037] It will be noted, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, that the receiving part PR may have a front face FV2 in which a concave space EC is defined which is suitable for receiving an object to be supported and held. But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the receiving part PR could comprise a wall to which the rear face of the object is secured by clipping and / or screwing, in a durable manner.

[0038] For example, the object may be transportable by a user of the vehicle V. In this case, it may constitute a mobile telephone (possibly of the “smartphone” type) or an electronic tablet. But the object may also be a display screen forming part of a display device of the vehicle V (here a vehicle), or may constitute such a display device (sometimes called a central handset in a vehicle), or may be a navigation aid device.

[0039] When the receiving part PR comprises the concave space EC, the latter (EC) may have a generally rectangular shape homologous to the generally rectangular shape of at least part of the object that it is to receive (at least in part). But the concave space EC may have other shapes than a rectangle.

[0040] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, each of the articulated arms BAj has first E1 and second E2 ends. Each first end E1 is suitable for being coupled to the EV equipment (here a dashboard) and can be driven in rotation. Each second end E2 is coupled in rotation to the receiving part PR.

[0041] This arrangement of the support device DS allows placement of its receiving part PR (and therefore of the object it receives) in multiple spatial orientations and bringing users (here a front passenger and a driver) closer together, while being particularly simple to operate by the user. Three different spatial orientations are illustrated respectively in Figures 2 to 4.

[0042] In [Fig.2], the receiving part PR is placed in an intermediate position which is not oriented towards one of the front passengers.

[0043] In [Fig. 3], the receiving part PR is placed in a position which is oriented towards the driver of the vehicle and therefore adapted to its use by this driver. Furthermore, in this latter position the receiving part PR is also advantageously brought closer to the driver due to the combined action of the articulated arms BAj.

[0044] In [Fig. 4], the receiving part PR is placed in a position which is oriented towards the front passenger installed (here) to the right of the driver of the vehicle V and therefore adapted to its use by this front passenger. Furthermore, in this latter position the receiving part PR is also advantageously brought closer to the front passenger due to the combined action of the articulated arms BAj.

[0045] It will be noted that many other spatial orientations of the receiving part PR can be obtained. They are then between the spatial orientation of [Fig.2] and the spatial orientation of [Fig.3] or between the spatial orientation of [Fig.2] and the spatial orientation of [Fig.4].

[0046] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, each of the articulated arms BAj may comprise first EB Ij and second EB2j elements which are secured to each other for rotation. Each first element EB Ij then comprises one of the first ends E1, and each second element EB2j comprises one of the second ends E2. It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, that the rotation of a second element EB2j relative to a first element EB1j is preferably done around (third) axes A3, in order to facilitate and simplify the movements of the articulated arms BAj. This provides articulated arms BAj with “two levels of elements”.

[0047] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, the first EBlj and second EB2j elements of each articulated arm BAj may be rectilinear bars (or connecting rods). But this is not an obligation. Indeed, at least one of them (EBlj and EB2j) could possibly have a curved shape.

[0048] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, at least two of the articulated arms BAj may have different arrangements. In the example of Figures 2 to 4, the first BAI and second BA2 articulated arms are different, whereas in the embodiment variant of [Fig.5] the first BAI and third BA3 articulated arms are identical and different from the second articulated arm BA2 (interposed between the first BAI and third BA3 articulated arms). But all the articulated arms BAj could be identical.

[0049] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the first elements EBlj of at least two of the articulated arms BAj may have different lengths, and the second elements EB2j of at least two of the articulated arms BAj may have different lengths. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, all the first elements EBlj could have identical lengths and / or all second EB2j elements could have identical lengths.

[0050] In the presence of the last option, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, each first element EB Ij may have a length which is less than the length of the associated second element EB2j. But this is not an obligation.

[0051] It will be noted that the asymmetry, simple or double, between the articulated arms BAj on the passenger side (j = 2) and the driver side (j = 1) is here intended to bring the receiving part PR closer to the passenger or the driver. In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, the articulated arm BA2 is shorter than the articulated arm BAI so that the receiving part PR can be closer to the passenger than to the driver. This makes it possible not to hinder the driver in his movements. But an inverse arrangement is possible, so that the receiving part PR can be closer to the driver than to the passenger.

[0052] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, that the articulated arms BAj are spaced vertically (along the vertical direction Z) from each other so as not to interfere during their movements during actuation by the user.

[0053] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4 the support device DS comprises two articulated arms BAI (j = 1) and BA2 (j = 2). But the number of articulated arms BAj is not limited to two. Indeed, it can take any value greater than or equal to two. Thus, in the embodiment variant illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 5], the support device DS comprises three articulated arms BAj (j = 1 to 3). In this case, at least two (here BAI and BA3) of these three articulated arms BAj are identical.

[0054] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS may also comprise first PII and second PI2 interface parts.

[0055] The receiving part PR is rotatably mounted on the first interface part PII around a first axis A1. For this purpose, the first interface part PII may, for example, comprise a front face provided with a small axial rod (or a circular cylindrical pin) which is rotatably housed (without the possibility of exit) in a dedicated housing defined in a rear face of the receiving part PR, as illustrated non-limitingly in FIGS. 2 to 4. But a reverse arrangement could also allow the rotation of the receiving part PR relative to the first interface part PII.

[0056] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the first interface part PII is rotatably mounted on the second interface part PI2 around a second axis A2 (which is not parallel to the first axis A1). For this purpose, the second interface part PI2 may, for example, comprise two small axial rods (or circular cylindrical pins) opposite and housed in rotation (without the possibility of exit) respectively in two dedicated housings defined in a rear part of the first PII interface part, as illustrated non-limitingly in figures 2 to 4. But an inverse arrangement could also allow the rotation of the first PII interface part relative to the second PI2 interface part.

[0057] Also as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the second ends E2 are rotatably mounted on the second interface part PI2 around third axes A3 which are parallel to each other.

[0058] Because the receiving part PR is rotatably mounted on the first interface part PII, the object received by the receiving part PR can optionally be placed in any orientation, and in particular in a portrait or landscape orientation.

[0059] In other words, in the presence of such an arrangement, the rotations around the three axes A1 to A3 allow the support device DS to offer a multiplicity of spatial orientations and a closer approach to the user (here a front passenger or a driver) while being particularly simple to operate by the user.

[0060] It will also be noted that a limitation of at least one of the three rotations around the axes A1 to A3 may possibly be envisaged. Thus, it would be possible in particular to limit the rotation around the first axis A1 to 90° in order to move from portrait orientation to landscape orientation. Any means known to those skilled in the art may be implemented here to achieve a limitation, and in particular the use of notches and stops.

[0061] It will also be noted that the rotation of the second ends E2 around the third axes A3 can possibly be slowed, for example by using hinges CF adapted for this purpose and ensuring the rotational coupling of the second ends E2 to the second interface part PI2. This makes it possible to better guarantee that the receiving part PR is maintained in the spatial orientation chosen by the user.

[0062] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the second axis A2 may be perpendicular to the first axis A1. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, what is important is that the first A1 and second A2 axes are not parallel to each other.

[0063] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, each third axis A3 may be perpendicular to the second axis A2 and have a spatial orientation different from the spatial orientation of the first axis A1. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, what is important is that the second A2 and third axes A3 are not parallel to each other. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4 each third axis A3 is perpendicular to the first A1 and second A2 axes. It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4 the third axes A3 are substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z, but this is not an obligation.

[0064] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4 the second axis A2 is always contained in the horizontal plane XY, but this is not an obligation.

[0065] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, that the first ends E1 of the articulated arms BAj are preferably driven in rotation around third axes A3, so that their arrangement is simple and robust.

[0066] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS may also comprise an open BD box (at least on a front face), and suitable for being fixedly secured to the EV equipment (here a dashboard). For example, such a BD box may be fixedly installed in a dedicated housing defined in the EV equipment (here a dashboard).

[0067] Furthermore, this housing BD defines an internal space El in which the articulated arms BAj are partly housed, and in which the first ends El are rotatably mounted.

[0068] It will be noted that the rotation of the first ends E1 relative to the housing BD (and here around the third axes A3) can possibly be slowed, for example by using hinges adapted for this purpose. This makes it possible to better guarantee that the receiving part PR is maintained in the spatial orientation chosen by the user.

[0069] But we could do without a BD box. In this case, the EV equipment (here a dashboard) must include a dedicated housing in which the first ends El are rotatably mounted, possibly via brake hinges. For example, this housing (or location) can be the one that can accommodate a car radio (sometimes called "ISO location for car radio").

[0070] It will also be noted that the actuation of the support device DS by a user can be done manually and / or by means of at least one control member (such as for example a lever (or "joystick")) coupled to at least one electric motor capable of ensuring at least one of the three rotations around the first A1 and second A2 axes and some of the third A3 axes.

[0071] To allow for a large clearance and a position offset towards the passenger side of the vehicle, the sum of the lengths of the first and second elements of the driver's side articulated arm is less than the sum of the lengths of the first and second elements of the driver's side articulated arm.

Claims

Claims

1. Support device (DS) suitable for equipping equipment (EV) of a vehicle interior (V) and comprising a receiving part (PR) having a front face (FV2) suitable for receiving an object, the support device further comprising at least two articulated arms (BAj) having first ends (El), suitable for being coupled to said equipment (EV) and capable of being driven in rotation, and second ends (E2), coupled in rotation to said receiving part (PR) in order to allow placement of the latter (PR) in multiple spatial orientations., characterized in that each of said articulated arms (BAj) comprises first (EBlj) and second (EB2j) elements secured to each other in rotation, said first element (EBlj) comprising one of said first ends (El), and said second element (EB2j) comprising one of said second ends (E2).

2. Support device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least two of said articulated arms (BAj) have different arrangements.

3. Support device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first elements (EBlj) of at least two of said articulated arms (BAj) have different lengths, and in that said second elements (EB2j) of at least two of said articulated arms (BAj) have different lengths.

4. Support device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each first element (EBlj) has a length less than a length of said associated second element (EB2j).

5. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a first interface part (PII) on which said receiving part (PR) is rotatably mounted around a first axis (A1) and rotatably mounted around a second axis (A2) on a second interface part (PI2), and in that said second ends (E2) are rotatably mounted on said second interface part (PI2) around third axes (A3) parallel to each other.

6. Support device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second axis (A2) is perpendicular to said first axis (Al).

7. Support device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said third axes (A3) are perpendicular to said second axis (A2) and have a spatial orientation different from a spatial orientation of said first axis (Al).

8. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a housing (BD) suitable for being fixedly secured to said equipment (EV), and defining an internal space (El) in which said articulated arms (BAj) are partly housed and said first ends (El) are rotatably mounted.

9. Vehicle (V) comprising a passenger compartment, characterized in that said passenger compartment comprises at least one item of equipment (EV) comprising at least one support device (DS) according to one of the preceding claims.

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