OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE WITH MOVING ARM PARTICIPATING IN MULTIPLE POSITIONS, FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A support device (SD) is fitted to a piece of equipment (EV) in a vehicle passenger compartment and comprises: - a receiving part (RP) designed to receive an object, and - at least one arm (BD1-BD2) coupled to the receiving part (RP) and rotationally coupled to the equipment (EV), in order to allow movement of the receiving part (RP) between first and second end positions adapted for use of the object in two adjacent areas of the passenger compartment, each designed to accommodate two passengers. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE WITH MOVING ARM PARTICIPATING IN MULTIPLE POSITIONS, 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 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 EVt 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 one (rigid) arm coupled to the receiving part and capable of being coupled in rotation to the equipment, in order to allow movement of the receiving part between first and second end positions adapted to use of the object in two neighboring zones of the passenger compartment capable of respectively accommodating two passengers. A third interface part is coupled in rotation to the receiving part and to each arm, in order to allow rotation of the receiving part relative to each arm.

[0011] Thanks to the movement of each rigid arm relative to the equipment, the support device can now offer the reception room a multiplicity of different positions and a choice of approach to one of two neighboring passengers, while being particularly simple to operate by the two passengers.

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

[0013] - it can comprise at least two (rigid) arms;

[0014] - each arm can be curvilinear;

[0015] - it may comprise a first interface part on which is rotatably mounted the receiving part about a first axis and rotatably mounted about a second axis on a second interface part rotatably coupled to each arm, in order to allow placement of the receiving part in multiple spatial orientations;

[0016] - the third interface part can be rotationally coupled to the second part interface around a third axis. In this case, each arm can be rotatably mounted on the third interface part around a fourth axis;

[0017] - the third interface part can be rotationally coupled to the second part interface via a hinge defining the third axis, and possibly of the so-called “braked” type;

[0018] - the third axis may be perpendicular to the second axis and may have a spatial orientation different from a spatial orientation of the first axis;

[0019] - the second axis can be perpendicular to the first axis;

[0020] - the front face of the receiving part may include a concave space specific to receive the object;

[0021] - its receiving part can be suitable for receiving a display screen or a mobile phone or tablet or a navigation aid device.

[0022] 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.

[0023] For example, this equipment can be a dashboard. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0025] [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,

[0026] [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,

[0027] [Fig.3] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, the support device of [Fig. 2], placed in a position suitable for use by the driver of a vehicle, and

[0028] [Fig.4] illustrates schematically and functionally, 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. 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 4, 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 DS support device according to the invention. It will be noted that in this illustrative example the DS support device 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 driver and front passenger, 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 a (rigid) arm BDj.

[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 less visible when it is placed in front of the front face FV1 of the EV equipment (here a dashboard) 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 arm BDj is coupled to the receiving part PR, and is suitable for being coupled in rotation to the equipment EV (around a (fifth) axis A5). This advantageously allows movement of the receiving part PR between first and second end positions suitable for use of the object in two neighboring zones of the passenger compartment H suitable for respectively accommodating two passengers.

[0041] Preferably, each fifth axis A5 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z, once the support device DS is installed in the vehicle V. But this is not an obligation.

[0042] It will be noted that in the case of a passenger compartment H of a car V, the two neighboring zones are those in which the driver and the front passenger can respectively sit. Therefore, when the receiving part PR is placed in the first end position (illustrated in Figures 2 and 3), and the vehicle V has a left-hand drive, the first end position is suitable for the use and observation of the object by the driver. On the other hand, when the receiving part PR is placed in the second end position (illustrated in [Fig.4]), and the vehicle V has a left-hand drive, the second end position is suitable for the use and observation of the object by the front passenger.

[0043] This arrangement of the support device DS allows placement of its receiving part PR (and therefore of the object that it receives) in multiple positions between the first and second end positions, depending on the positioning (and more precisely the orientation) of each arm BDj relative to the equipment EV, and therefore to bring the receiving part PR closer to one of two neighboring passengers as desired, while being particularly simple to operate by the two passengers.

[0044] Two of these positions are illustrated respectively in Figures 2 and 3 and 4.

[0045] In Figures 2 and 3, the receiving part PR is placed in the first end position which is advantageously close to the driver and therefore suitable for use by this driver due to the position of each (rigid) arm BDj relative to the EV equipment (here a dashboard). Furthermore, in this first end position the receiving part PR is also oriented towards the driver of the vehicle V for a reason described later.

[0046] In [Fig.4], the receiving part PR is placed in the second end position which is advantageously closer to the front passenger (installed (here) to the right of the driver) and therefore adapted to its use by this front passenger due to the position of each (rigid) arm BDj relative to the EV equipment (here a dashboard). Furthermore, in this second end position the receiving part PR is also oriented towards the front passenger for a reason described later.

[0047] It will be noted that many other positions of the receiving part PR can be obtained. They are then between the first and second end positions.

[0048] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS may comprise at least two arms BD1 (j = 1) and BD2 (j = 2). This makes it possible to better support the object which is received by the receiving part PR. It is also possible to provide four arms BDj (j = 1 to 4) placed in pairs at two distant vertical levels to further improve the support of the object. It will be understood that the greater the number of rigid arms BDj, the smaller the risk of bending. But the support device DS could comprise only a single arm BDj.

[0049] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, Each arm BDj can be curvilinear. Here, each arm BDj has approximately the shape of a slightly flattened half-circle arc. This can in fact make it possible to increase the distance by which the receiving part PR can be moved in the transverse direction Y, while minimizing the transverse size of each arm BDj. But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, each arm BDj could be rectilinear.

[0050] The use of curvilinear arms BDj makes it possible, here, to bring the receiving part PR closer to the front passenger than to the driver (along the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y), while allowing an orientation of this receiving part PR towards the front passenger. 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 front passenger (along the longitudinal direction X and / or the transverse direction Y).

[0051] Also for example, in the presence of at least two arms BDj, the latter (BDj) preferably have the same shape. But the arms BDj could have different shapes.

[0052] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS can also comprise first PII and second PI2 interface parts.

[0053] In this case, the receiving part PR is mounted to rotate 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 housed to rotate (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.

[0054] Also as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the first interface part PII can be rotatably mounted on the second interface part PI2 about a second axis A2 (which is not parallel to the first axis A1). For this purpose, the second interface part PI2 can, for example, comprise two small axial rods (or circular cylindrical pins) opposite and housed rotatably (without the possibility of exit) respectively in two dedicated housings defined in a rear part of the first interface part PII, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4. But a reverse arrangement could also allow the rotation of the first interface part PII relative to the second interface part PI2.

[0055] In addition, and as illustrated non-limitingly, each arm BDj is coupled in rotation to the second interface part PI2, in order to allow placement of the part PR reception in multiple spatial orientations once it is placed in a position defined by the orientation of each BDj arm relative to the EV equipment.

[0056] Because the receiving part PR is, here, 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.

[0057] In the presence of the illustrated arrangement, the rotations around the first A1 and second A2 axes combined with the movement of each arm BDj around its fifth axis A5 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.

[0058] It will be noted that a limitation of at least one of the three rotations around the first A1, second A2 and fifth A5 axes may possibly be envisaged. Thus, it would be possible in particular to limit the rotation around the first axis A1 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, each arm BDj comprises a first end El which is rotatably mounted, around a fifth axis A5, on a wall of the EV equipment, possibly delimiting a part of a dedicated housing (or location) intended to partially house it (BDj). But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the support device DS could comprise an open housing (at least on a front face), suitable for being fixedly secured to the EV equipment (here a dashboard), and inside which each arm BDj is rotatably mounted around a fifth axis A5. For example, such a housing could be fixedly installed, at least partially, in a dedicated housing (or location) defined in the EV equipment (here a dashboard). For example, this housing (or location) may be one which can accommodate a car radio (sometimes called an “ISO location for car radio”).Alternatively, the aforementioned housing could be fixedly secured to a front or upper face of . EV equipment.

[0062] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS may comprise a third interface part PI3 which is coupled in rotation to the receiving part PR and to each arm BDj, in order to allow rotational driving of the receiving part PR relative to each arm BDj. In this case, as illustrated, each arm BDj comprises a second end E2 opposite its first end E1 and mounted in rotation on this third interface part PI3 around a fourth axis A4.

[0063] Thus, and as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the rotational drive of the receiving part PR relative to the third interface part PI3 can make it possible, here, to precisely orient the receiving part PR (and therefore the object that it receives) towards the driver, which further facilitates the use and observation of this object by this driver.

[0064] It is important to note that, contrary to what is illustrated, the third interface part PI3 can be rotationally coupled directly to the receiving part PR, when no first PII and second PI2 interface parts are provided. In this case, the third interface part PI3 is mounted for rotation about a third axis A3 on the rear face of the receiving part PR. Each fourth axis A4 is then preferably parallel to the third axis A3 (although this is not obligatory).

[0065] But in an alternative embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the third interface part PI3 can be coupled in rotation to the second interface part PI2 around a third axis A3. In this case, each arm BDj is mounted in rotation on the third interface part PI3 around a fourth axis A4 which is preferably parallel to the third axis A3 (although this is not obligatory). Such an arrangement comprising the first PII, second PI2 and third PI3 interface parts makes it possible to obtain an even greater number of different spatial positions of the receiving part PR (and therefore of the object that it receives) relative to the equipment EV.

[0066] Preferably, the third A3 and fourth A4 axes are parallel to the fifth axis A5 (and therefore here preferably substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z, once the support device DS is installed in the vehicle V).

[0067] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the third axis A3 may be perpendicular to the second axis A2 and may have a spatial orientation which is different from the spatial orientation of the first axis A1 (for example it (A3) may be perpendicular to the first axis A1). In this case, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the third axis A3 may be parallel to the vertical direction Z, which may allow a displacement of the second part PI2 interface in a horizontal XY plane.

[0068] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the third interface part PI3 can be coupled in rotation to the second interface part PI2 via a hinge CF which defines the third axis A3. It will be noted that this hinge CF can possibly be of the so-called braked type in order to better guarantee the maintenance of the receiving part PR in the spatial orientation chosen by the user.

[0069] It will be understood that in the presence of the illustrated (and non-limiting) arrangement, when the arms BDj have their second ends E2 placed in the leftmost position (and therefore here closest to the driver), illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the assembly, comprising the first PII and second PI2 interface pieces and the receiving piece PR, can be rotated about the third axis A3, in order to be oriented towards the driver (see [Fig. 3]). On the other hand, when the arms BDj have their second ends E2 placed in the rightmost position (and therefore here closest to the front passenger here placed to the right of the driver), illustrated in [Fig. 4], the third interface piece PI3 is oriented towards this front passenger, and, when this is permitted, the aforementioned assembly can also possibly be rotated about the third axis A3, in order to be even more oriented towards the front passenger.

[0070] It will be noted that in a variant embodiment not illustrated, it would be possible to use the first PII and second PI2 interface pieces and do without the third interface piece PI3. In this case, the second end E2 of each arm BDj is rotatably mounted on the second interface piece PI2, around a fourth axis A4.

[0071] It will also be noted that the rotational drive around the fifth axes A5 can possibly be braked in order to better guarantee that the receiving part PR is maintained in the spatial orientation chosen by the user.

[0072] 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 four rotations around the first A1, second A2, third A3 and fifth A5 axes.

Claims

Claims

1. Support device (DS) suitable for equipping equipment (EV) of a passenger compartment (H) of a vehicle (V) and comprising a receiving part (PR) comprising a front face (FV2) suitable for receiving an object, at least one arm (BDj) coupled to said receiving part (PR) and suitable for being coupled in rotation to said equipment (EV), in order to allow movement of said receiving part (PR) between first and second end positions suitable for use of said object in two neighboring zones of said passenger compartment (H) suitable for respectively accommodating two passengers, characterized in that it comprises a third interface part (PI3) coupled in rotation to said receiving part (PR) and to each arm (BDj), in order to allow rotation of said receiving part (PR) relative to each arm (BDj).

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two arms (BDj).

3. Support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each arm (BDj) is curvilinear.

4. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a first interface part (PII) on which said receiving part (PR) is rotatably mounted around a first axis (Al) and rotatably mounted around a second axis (A2) on a second interface part (PI2) coupled in rotation to each arm (BDj), in order to allow placement of said receiving part (PR) in multiple spatial orientations.

5. Support device according to claim 4, characterized in that said third interface part (PI3) is coupled in rotation to said second interface part (PI2) around a third axis (A3), and in that each arm (BDj) is mounted in rotation on said third interface part (PI3) around a fourth axis (A4).

6. Support device according to claim 5, characterized in that said third interface part (PI3) is coupled in rotation to said second interface part (PI2) via a hinge (CF) defining said third axis (A3).

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

8. first axis (Al). Vehicle (V) comprising a passenger compartment (H), characterized in that said passenger compartment (H) comprises at least one piece of equipment (EV) comprising at least one support device (DS) according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that said equipment (EV) is a dashboard.

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