EXTENDABLE AND ROTATING 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) and comprises: - a receiving part (RP) designed to receive an object (O), - an extendable arm (EB) with minimum and maximum lengths, comprising a first end (E1) rotationally coupled to the equipment (EV) and a second end (E2) to which the receiving part (RP) is rotationally coupled around a first axis (A1), in order to allow the latter (RP) to be placed in multiple spatial orientations. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE WITH EXTENDABLE AND ROTATING ARM 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 do not gener- ally allow. only one 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 spatially oriented 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 an arm extendable between minimum and maximum lengths and comprising a first end suitable for being coupled in rotation to the equipment and a second end to which the receiving part is coupled in rotation about a first axis, in order to allow placement of the receiving part in multiple spatial orientations.

[0011] Thanks to the different rotations and the extension of the arm, the support device can now offer a multiplicity of spatial orientations and a possible approach to the user while being particularly simple to operate by the user.

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

[0013] - its arm may comprise a first part comprising the first end, and a second part slidably mounted on the first part to allow extension, and comprising the second end;

[0014] - it may comprise a mechanism coupled to the arm and arranged so as to allow the latter's rotational drive only when the arm is at its maximum length;

[0015] - in the presence of the last two options, the mechanism may comprise a part locking provided with a notch and fixedly secured to a second axis suitable for being coupled, without rotation, to the equipment, and a rod secured to the second part of the arm and suitable for being housed in the notch as long as the arm is not at its maximum length;

[0016] - its arm can be adapted to be driven in rotation around a second axis parallel to the first axis;

[0017] - the first axis may be perpendicular to a direction along which the arm ;

[0018] - it may comprise two bars mounted to rotate around the first axis on the second part and rotationally coupled to the receiving part, in order to allow placement of the receiving part in multiple spatial orientations;

[0019] - in the presence of the last option, the bars can have different lengths

[0020] - the receiving part may comprise, on the one hand, a first sub- part comprising the front face and suitable for receiving an object, on the second hand, a second sub-part on which the first sub-part is mounted to rotate around a third axis, and on the third hand, a third sub-part on which the second sub-part is mounted to rotate around a fourth axis and coupled in rotation to the arm;

[0021] - in the presence of the last two options, the third sub-part can be mounted at rotation around fifth axes on the bars;

[0022] - it may comprise a coupling part on which the first end of the arm and suitable for being fixedly secured to the equipment;

[0023] - the front face of the receiving part may comprise a concave space specific to receive the object;

[0024] - its receiving part can be suitable for receiving a display screen or a mobile phone or even an electronic tablet.

[0025] 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.

[0026] For example, the equipment may be a dashboard. Brief description of the figures

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view from the side passenger compartment, a part of an example of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprising an example of equipment constituting a dashboard and comprising a support device according to the invention,

[0029] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, a first exemplary embodiment of a support device according to the invention, placed in an intermediate non-oriented position,

[0030] [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,

[0031] [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 its use by a front passenger seated to the right of the driver of the vehicle, and

[0032] [Fig.5] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, a second exemplary embodiment of a support device according to the invention, placed in a non-oriented intermediate position of a first sub-part for fixing its receiving part (continuous lines), and with the materialization in dotted lines of two positions of its receiving part adapted to its use respectively by a driver (on the left) and by a front passenger seated to the right of the driver. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 backrest seat (or bench), or a side door trim, for example.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] [Fig. 1] 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. 1] the EV dashboard comprises only a single DS support device approximately centered on the median plane of the passenger compartment H of the vehicle V. But the EV dashboard could comprise several (at least two) DS support devices.

[0039] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, a support device DS, according to the invention, comprises at least one receiving part PR and a (rigid) arm BE.

[0040] The receiving part PR comprises a front face FV2 (facing the front passengers PV and CV) suitable for receiving an object OR. It may optionally be made of the same material as that from which the external face of the dashboard ES is made. Such an arrangement may make it possible to make the receiving part PR less visible when it is placed in front of (or above) the external face of the EV equipment (here a dashboard) in an intermediate position not facing one of the front passengers (illustrated in [Fig.2]).

[0041] It will be noted, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, that the receiving part PR may comprise a wall comprising the front face FV2 and to which the rear face of the object OR is permanently secured by clipping and / or screwing.

[0042] But in an alternative embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5], 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 OR to be supported and held. This concave space EC may have a general rectangular shape homologous to the general rectangular shape of at least part of the OR object that it is to receive (at least in part). But the concave space EC may have other shapes than a rectangle.

[0043] For example, the object OR may be a display screen forming part of a display device of the vehicle V, or may constitute such a display device (sometimes called a central handset in a vehicle). But the object OR may also 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 or even a navigation aid device, for example.

[0044] The arm BE is extendable between a minimum length (illustrated in Figures 2 and 3) and a maximum length (illustrated in [Fig.4]) and comprises first E1 and second E2 ends.

[0045] The first end El is suitable for being coupled in rotation to the equipment EV.

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, the receiving part PR is rotationally coupled at the second end E2 of the arm BE, around a first axis AL

[0047] This arrangement of the support device DS allows placement of its receiving part PR (and therefore of the object OR that it receives) in multiple spatial orientations. Three of these spatial orientations are illustrated respectively in Figures 2 to 5.

[0048] In [Fig.2] and in the continuous line portion of [Fig.5], the receiving part PR is placed in an intermediate position which is not oriented towards one of the front passengers CV and PV. Furthermore, in [Fig.2], the arm BE has its minimum length (zero extension), while in [Fig.5] the arm BE has its maximum length (maximum extension) and is disoriented to the right (towards the front passenger PV not shown) relative to the longitudinal direction X.

[0049] In [Fig.3] and in the left-hand dotted part of [Fig.5], the receiving part PR is placed in a position which is oriented towards the driver CV of the vehicle and therefore adapted to its use by this driver CV. In addition, in [Fig.2] the arm BE here has its minimum length (zero extension), so as not to hinder the driver CV in his movements (in particular to control the steering wheel VS), while in [Fig.5] the arm BE has its maximum length (maximum extension) and is disoriented to the right (towards the front passenger PV not shown) relative to the longitudinal direction X so as not to hinder the driver CV in his movements. In the example of [Fig.2], the orientation of the receiving part PR (and therefore also the object OR) results from the sole rotational drive of the receiving part PR, around the first axis Al, relative to the arm BE.But the driver CV could also decide to bring the object OR (and therefore the receiving part PR) closer by increasing the length of the arm BE (between its minimum and maximum lengths). In the example of the . [Fig.5], the orientation of the receiving part PR (and therefore also of the object OR), in dotted lines (on the left), results in particular from the rotational drive of the receiving part PR, around first axes Al (towards the left), relative to the arm BE, as will be understood later.

[0050] In [Fig.4] and in the dotted right-hand part of [Fig.5], the receiving part PR is placed in a position which is oriented towards the front passenger PV installed (here) to the right of the driver CV of the vehicle V and therefore adapted to its use by this front passenger PV. Furthermore, in this latter position the receiving part PR (and therefore also the object OR) is brought closer to the front passenger PV because the arm BE has its maximum length (maximum extension). In the example of [Fig.2], the orientation of the receiving part PR (and therefore also of the object OR) results from the sole rotational drive of the arm BE relative to the equipment EV, around a second axis A2 (which will be returned to later), because the receiving part PR has not been rotated around the first axis A1 relative to the arm BE.But the driver CV could decide to choose an intermediate length of the arm BE (between its minimum and maximum lengths) and / or to rotate the receiving part PR, around the first axis Al, relative to the arm BE. In the example of [Fig.5], the orientation of the receiving part PR (and therefore also of the object OR), in dotted lines (on the right), results in particular from the rotational driving of the receiving part PR, around the first axes Al (towards the right), relative to the arm BE, as will be understood later.

[0051] It will also be noted that 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] (possibly with in addition an extension of the arm BE) or of [Fig.5] (right part in dotted lines)), or between the spatial orientation of [Fig.2] and the spatial orientation of [Fig.4] (possibly with in addition a rotation of the receiving part PR relative to the arm BE) or of [Fig.5] (right part in dotted lines)).

[0052] In other words, the different rotations (around at least the first A1 and second A2 axes) combined with the extension of the arm BE allow the support device DS to offer a multiplicity of spatial orientations and a possible approach to the user (here a front passenger PV or a driver CV) while being particularly simple to operate by the user.

[0053] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5 the arm BE is rectilinear. But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated the arm BE could be curvilinear.

[0054] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, the arm BE is capable of being driven in rotation around the second axis A2 which is parallel to the first axis Al. But the first Al and second A2 axes might not be parallel.

[0055] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5 the first axis A1 is perpendicular to the direction in which the arm BE extends (when it is rectilinear). But the first axis A1 could make an angle other than 90° with the direction in which the arm BE extends.

[0056] It will also be noted that a limitation of at least one of the rotations around the first A1 and second A2 axes may possibly be envisaged. 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.

[0057] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS may comprise a coupling part PC on which the first end E1 of the arm BE is rotatably mounted around the second axis A2. As illustrated, this coupling part PC is suitable for being fixedly secured to the equipment EV.

[0058] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the coupling part PC is fixedly secured to the upper face FS of the EV equipment. But it could be fixedly secured to the front face FV1 of the EV equipment or to a wall of the EV equipment which delimits a part of a dedicated housing intended to house it (PC) and possibly also to house a part of the arm BE. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated and without a coupling part PC, the first end El of the arm BE could be mounted to rotate, around the second axis A2, on a wall of the EV equipment (for example that comprising the upper face FS or the front face FV1).

[0059] It will also be noted that the rotational drive around at least one of the first A1 and second A2 axes can possibly be braked in order to better guarantee that the receiving part PR is maintained in the spatial orientation chosen by the user.

[0060] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, the arm BE may comprise first PI and second P2 parts. The first part PI comprises the first end E1. The second part P2 is slidably mounted on the first part PI in order to allow extension between the minimum and maximum lengths, and comprises the second end E2.

[0061] For example, the first part PI may be a slide (with a generally U-shaped cross-section) in which slides a bar constituting the second part P2. It will be noted that an inverse arrangement is also possible.

[0062] It will also be noted that when the arm BE is rectilinear its second part P2 translates relative to its first part PL

[0063] It will also be noted that in the first example illustrated non-limitingly on the figures 2 to 4 the receiving part PR is mounted to rotate on the second end E2 of the arm BE, around the first axis Al. But this is not an obligation as we will see later with reference to [Fig.5].

[0064] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], the support device DS may comprise a mechanism MB coupled to the arm BE and arranged so as to allow the latter (BE) to be driven in rotation only when the arm BE has its maximum length. In this case, when it is desired to drive the arm BE in rotation relative to the EV equipment (for example to orient it towards the front passenger PV), it is necessary to first increase the length of the arm BE until it reaches the maximum length. Of course, and as indicated above, in the absence of a mechanism MB it is possible to drive the arm BE in rotation relative to the EV equipment regardless of the length of the arm BE.

[0065] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], the mechanism MB may comprise a locking part PB and a rod TB. The locking part PB is provided with a notch EB and is fixedly secured to the second axis A2, which is then suitable for being coupled, without rotation, to the equipment EV (possibly via the coupling part PC). The rod TB is secured to the second part P2, and is suitable for being housed in the notch EB as long as the arm BE does not have its maximum length. It will be understood that as long as the rod TB is partially housed in the notch EB, the arm BE cannot rotate around the second axis A2. But other MB mechanisms known to those skilled in the art may be used. Thus, an MB mechanism with toothed wheels or with a cable and pulley or with a rod mounted under a return force could be used.

[0066] In the second embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.5], the support device DS also comprises two (rigid) bars BP.

[0067] The two (rigid) bars BP are mounted for rotation about the first axis A1 on the second part P2 and are coupled in rotation to the receiving part PR. Such an arrangement allows placement of the receiving part PR (and therefore also of the object OR) in (even more) multiple spatial orientations.

[0068] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 5], the two BP bars may be rigid rectilinear rods which are fixedly secured to the main part of the third sub-part PI2 and which may be fixedly secured to each other in an intermediate part so as not to bend when an object is supported by the first sub-part PF. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, at least one of the BP bars could possibly have a curved shape.

[0069] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.5], the two BP bars can have different lengths. Thus, in the example of [Fig.5], the left BP bar is shorter than the right BP bar. But the BP bars could be substantially identical.

[0070] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 5], the receiving part PR can comprise a first sub-part PF, a second sub-part PII, and a third sub-part PI2. This arrangement option can also be used in the case of the first example illustrated in Figures 2 to 4.

[0071] The first sub-part PF comprises the front face FV2 and is suitable for receiving an object OR. It therefore constitutes a fixing and support part for the object OR.

[0072] In addition, this first sub-part PF is rotatably mounted on the second sub-part PII around a third axis A3.

[0073] The second sub-part PII constitutes a first interface part, and is mounted to rotate on the third sub-part PI2 around a fourth axis A4.

[0074] The third sub-part PI2 constitutes a second interface part. It is coupled in rotation to the arm BE.

[0075] Such an arrangement of the receiving part PR allows placement of the first sub-part PF (and therefore also of the object OR) in (even more) multiple spatial orientations. In particular, this can allow placement of the object OR received by the first sub-part PF in a portrait or landscape orientation.

[0076] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 5], that when the support device DS comprises the two (rigid) bars BP, the third sub-part PI2 can be mounted for rotation about fifth axes A5 on the bars BP. In fact, the two (rigid) bars BP are coupled for rotation to the third sub-part PI2 and mounted for rotation about two first axes Al on the arm BE. This allows placement of the first sub-part PF (and therefore also of the object OR) in even more spatial orientations. But the two (rigid) bars BP could be fixedly secured to the third sub-part PI2.

[0077] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.5], the fourth axis A4 can be perpendicular to the third axis A3. But this is not an obligation. Indeed what is important is that the third A3 and fourth A4 axes are not parallel to each other.

[0078] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.5] the fourth axis A4 is always contained in the horizontal plane XY, but this is not an obligation.

[0079] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.5], the fifth axes A5 can be parallel to the first axes AL But this is not an obligation.

[0080] 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 joystick) coupled to at least one electric motor capable of ensuring at least one of the rotations around the first A1, second A2, third A3, fourth A4 and fifth A5 axes and / or an electric motor capable of ensuring the extension of the arm BE.

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 (OR), characterized in that it further comprises an arm (BE) extendable between minimum and maximum lengths and comprising a first end (El) suitable for being coupled in rotation to said equipment (EV) and a second end (E2) to which said receiving part (PR) is coupled in rotation about a first axis (Al), in order to allow placement of said receiving part (PR) in multiple spatial orientations.

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that said arm (BE) comprises i) a first part (PI) comprising said first end (El), and ii) a second part (P2) slidably mounted on said first part (PI) in order to allow extension, and comprising said second end (E2).

3. Support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (MB) coupled to said arm (BE) and arranged so as to allow the latter (BE) to be driven in rotation only when said arm (BE) has its maximum length.

4. Support device according to the combination of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said mechanism (MB) comprises i) a locking part (PB) provided with a notch (EB) and fixedly secured to a second axis (A2) suitable for being coupled, without rotation, to said equipment (EV), and ii) a rod (TB) secured to said second part (P2) and suitable for being housed in said notch (EB) as long as said arm (BE) does not have its maximum length.

5. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said arm (BE) is capable of being driven in rotation around a second axis (A2) parallel to said first axis (Al).

6. Support device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises two bars (BP) mounted for rotation around said first axis (Al) on said second part (P2) and coupled in rotation to said receiving part (PR), in order to allow placement of said receiving part (PR) in multiple spatial orientations.

7. Support device according to claim 6, characterized in that said bars (BP) have different lengths.

8. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said receiving part (PR) comprises i) a first sub-part (PF) comprising said front face (FV2) and suitable for receiving an object (OR), ii) a second sub-part (PII) on which said first sub-part (PF) is rotatably mounted around a third axis (A3), and iii) a third sub-part (PI2) on which said second sub-part (PII) is rotatably mounted around a fourth axis (A4) and coupled in rotation to said arm (BE).

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

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

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