OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE WITH ELECTRICALLY IMMOBILIZABLE BALL JOINT, FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A support device (DS) equips equipment in a vehicle passenger compartment and comprises: - a receiving part (PR) to which an object (O) is secured and coupled by a ball joint (LR) to an interface part (PI1) fixedly secured to the equipment, and - an electric motor (ME) capable of acting on an immobilization part (PI2) to place it on command either in a first position in which it immobilizes the ball joint (LR) in a current position defined manually by a user by action on the object (O), or in a second position in which it allows movement of the ball joint (LR) by manual action of the user on the object (O). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE WITH ELECTRICALLY IMMOBILIZABLE BALL JOINT CONNECTION, FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to support devices which are intended to equip vehicle interiors and to which objects can be secured. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, may include in a (their) passenger compartment a support device to which an object that may be transported by a user is secured. As an illustrative example, when the vehicle includes a dashboard, the latter may serve as an anchoring point for a support device to which a display screen or temporarily a mobile telephone or a navigation aid device is fixedly secured.

[0003] Certain support devices comprise a receiving part to which an object is capable of being secured and coupled by a ball joint to an interface part which is capable of being fixedly secured to a piece of equipment of a vehicle.

[0004] In a first “purely mechanical” embodiment, the support device comprises a screw that must be screwed manually by a user to immobilize the ball joint in a position that results from the positioning of the object that he has just manually carried out. When this user or a neighboring user wants to manually carry out a new positioning of the object, he must unscrew the screw, then reorient the object, then screw the screw back in. It will be understood that each repositioning proves to be relatively time-consuming, which can prove dangerous when the user who carries it out is the driver of the vehicle. In addition, the lifespan of such a support device is generally short because the end of the screw gradually damages the ball joint and creates play that prevents the object from being held in a precise position and induces annoying noises.Furthermore, this type of support device is often considered by users as very basic, and therefore can harm the perceived quality of the vehicle.

[0005] In a second “fully automated” embodiment, the support device comprises three electric motors which act on mechanisms acting on the ball joint in three different spatial directions, depending on commands from control members actuated by a user wishing to position the object in a chosen position. The three electric motors and the associated mechanisms occupy a large volume which is rarely available, are expensive, and their number significantly increases the probability of breakdown. In addition, the time taken for the spatial orientation of the object by the user's action on the electric motor control unit is relatively long, which can be dangerous when the user is the driver of the vehicle.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a support device suitable for equipping equipment in a vehicle passenger compartment, and comprising a receiving part to which an object is suitable for being secured and coupled by a ball joint to an interface part suitable for being fixedly secured to this equipment.

[0008] This support device is characterized by the fact that it also comprises an electric motor capable of acting on an immobilizing part to place it on command either in a first position in which it immobilizes the ball joint in a current position defined manually by a user by action on the object, or in a second position in which it allows movement of the ball joint by manual action of the user on the object.

[0009] Thanks to this arrangement, only a single electric motor is used, associated with an immobilizing part which performs very simple actions and requires only low power, which makes it possible to reduce their size and the probability of breakdown, while avoiding progressive damage to the ball joint.

[0010] The support device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0011] - the ball joint may comprise a ball, and the immobilizing part may exert, in its first position, immobilizing pressure on this ball;

[0012] - in the presence of the first option, in a first embodiment, the connection ball joint may comprise a rod to which the ball is fixedly secured and fixedly secured to a rear face of the receiving part. In this case, the interface part may comprise a substantially semi-spherical housing, opening onto a front face oriented towards the rear face of the receiving part and onto a lateral opening adapted to movements of the immobilizing part between its first and second positions, and in which the ball is rotatably mounted;

[0013] - in this first embodiment, the electric motor can be secured fixed to the interface part;

[0014] - also in the presence of the first option, in a second embodiment, the ball joint may comprise a rod to which the ball is fixedly secured and fixedly secured to a front face of the interface part. In this case, the receiving part may comprise a substantially semi-spherical housing, opening onto a rear face oriented towards the front face of the interface part and on a lateral opening adapted to movements of the immobilization part between its first and second positions, and in which the ball is rotatably mounted;

[0015] - in this second embodiment, the electric motor can be secured fixed to the receiving part or suitable for being fixedly secured to a rear face of the object;

[0016] - the electric motor can be capable of moving the immobilizing part according to a direction chosen to move it between its first and second positions;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option, the chosen direction may be intended to be parallel to a vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0018] 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.

[0019] For example, this equipment can be a dashboard.

[0020] Also for example, this vehicle may also comprise an object having a rear face fixedly secured to the receiving part of the support device. For example, this object may be a display screen. Brief description of the figures

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] [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 to which an object is secured,

[0023] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side and by partially in section in a vertical and longitudinal plane, a part of an exemplary embodiment of a support device according to the invention, to which a display screen is fixedly secured,

[0024] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a vertical plane and transverse, part of the support device of [Fig.2], with the immobilizing part placed in its first position immobilizing the ball joint and therefore the object in a position chosen by a user, and

[0025] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in the vertical plane and transverse, part of the support device of [Fig.2], with the immobilizing part placed in its second position allowing the movements of the ball joint and therefore the manual orientation of the object by a user. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] The invention aims in particular to propose a support device DS intended to equip EV equipment in a passenger compartment H of a vehicle V, and comprising a receiving part PR to which an object O is capable of being secured and allowing electrical immobilization of its ball joint connection LR to fix the orientation of this object O carried out by a user.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 seat), or a side door trim, for example.

[0029] 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 X and transverse Y directions.

[0030] In the above and the following, the notions of "front" and "rear" are defined in relation to the users (here intended to be 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) of the vehicle V and opposite the front face.

[0031] [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. In this illustrative example, the support device DS can be fixedly secured to the front face FV1 of the EV equipment (here a dashboard) or in an internal housing (not visible) of this EV equipment, so that the object O which is secured to it (DS) can be used by the front passengers seated on the front seats. In this arrangement, the object O therefore has a front face FV3 which is oriented towards the front seats.

[0032] It will be noted that the object O can be coupled to the support device DS in a durable (or even permanent) manner or in a temporary manner. In the first alternative it can, for example, be a display screen forming part of a display device of the vehicle V or a display device with a display screen (such as for example a central handset). In the second alternative, it could, for example, be a mobile phone (possibly a "smartphone" type) or an electronic tablet or even a navigation aid device.

[0033] Furthermore, it will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1] the dashboard EV comprises only 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.

[0034] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, a support device DS, according to the invention, comprises at least one receiving part PR to which an object O is capable of being secured, an interface part PI capable of being fixedly secured to an EV equipment (here a dashboard), a ball joint LR, an electric motor ME and an immobilization part PI2.

[0035] The receiving part PR comprises a front face FV2 to which an object O is suitable for being secured (for example at its rear face FR2). Furthermore, the receiving part PR is coupled by the ball joint LR to the interface part PII.

[0036] The electric motor ME is capable of acting on the immobilizing part PI2 to place it on command either in a first position (illustrated in Figures 2 and 3), or in a second position (illustrated in [Fig.4]). In the first position, the immobilizing part PI2 immobilizes the ball joint LR in a current position which has just been manually defined by a user (or front passenger) installed in the front part of the passenger compartment H, by action on the object O. In the second position, the immobilizing part PI2 allows a movement of the ball joint LR by manual action of this user on the object O.

[0037] It will be understood that once the object is spatially and manually oriented by the user (thanks to the ball joint LR), the user acts on a control member OC (which controls the electric motor ME) so that it moves the immobilizing part PI2 from its second position (which allows the movements of the ball joint LR) to its first position (which immobilizes the ball joint LR in its current position). Conversely, when the user or a neighboring user wants to reposition the object O, he must act a first time on the control member OC so that it moves the immobilizing part PI2 from its first position to its second position, then he must manually reorient the object O, then he must act a second time on the control member OC so that it moves the immobilizing part PI2 from its second position to its first position.

[0038] The ball joint LR therefore allows the user, when it is released, to spatially and manually orient the object O very easily, very quickly and very precisely, and the electric motor ME associated with the immobilization part PI2 allows by a simple action (for example a brief press on the control member OC) to immobilize or release the ball joint LR. Each action that the electric motor ME must therefore perform is very simple and does not require high power, which allows it to occupy, with the associated immobilization part PI2, a reduced volume that is almost always available. In addition, the use of a single electric motor ME associated with an immobilization part PI2 reduces the probability of failure. Finally, the interactions of the immobilization part PI2 with the ball joint LR do not cause progressive damage to the latter (LR), and therefore do not risk reducing the service life of the support device DS or inducing annoying noises, which avoids harming the perceived quality of the vehicle V.

[0039] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the control member OC can be installed on the front face FV1 of the equipment below the support device DS (and therefore the object O). But it could be installed on a peripheral part of the object O, for example. Furthermore, this control member OC can, for example, be a two-state button (a first press placing it in a first state inducing for example the passage from the first position to the second position, and a second press placing it in a second state inducing for example the passage from the second position to the first position), or a button having two action zones dedicated respectively to two opposite directions of movement of the same direction.

[0040] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the ball joint LR may comprise a ball B, and the immobilizing part PI2 may exert, in its first position, an immobilizing pressure (or friction) on this ball B. It will be understood that this immobilizing pressure (or friction) results from close contact with the ball B, such as to immobilize it in its current position.

[0041] Also for example, in a first exemplary embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the ball joint LR may also comprise a possible rod TR to which the ball B is fixedly secured and which is fixedly secured to the rear face FRI of the receiving part PR. In this case, the interface part PII may comprise a substantially semi-spherical housing LB, opening onto its front face FV2 (oriented towards the rear face FRI of the receiving part PR) and onto a lateral opening OL adapted to the movements of the immobilizing part PI2 between its first and second positions, and in which the ball B is rotatably mounted.

[0042] It will be understood that in this first embodiment the action of the immobilizing part PI2 on the ball B is carried out at the interface part PII. Consequently, it is advantageous, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, for the electric motor ME to be fixedly secured to the interface part PII. But this is not obligatory.

[0043] It will also be understood that the lateral opening OL which opens into the housing LB is defined in such a way as to allow the immobilizing part PI2 to move to come into close contact with the ball B to immobilize it (in its first position), or to move away from the ball B to make it free to move in the housing LB (in its second position).

[0044] It will also be noted that the possible rod TR is possibly very short in order to be as invisible as possible, as illustrated in [Fig.2]. But its length can be adapted to the needs, and in particular here to the shape of the area of ​​the EV equipment where it must be installed and / or to the dimensions of the object O to be secured to the receiving part PR. It will also be noted that the possible rod TR can be attached, for example by gluing or welding, to the rear face FRI of the receiving part PR, or can be an integral part of the receiving part PR, in particular when the latter (PR) is produced by molding.

[0045] It will also be noted that the ball B preferably has at least a semi-spherical shape, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. But other slightly less spherical shapes (and for example ovoid or ogive) can be used.

[0046] It will also be noted that the expression “substantially semi-spherical” here means perfectly semi-spherical or almost semi-spherical. For example, when the housing LB is defined in the interface part PII, the material from which the interface part PII is made may be slightly flexible in order to allow force fitting of the ball B (with rotation capacity) in its housing LB. But in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the housing LB could be defined in a dedicated part and fixedly attached to the front face FV2 of the interface part PII.

[0047] In a second exemplary embodiment (not illustrated), “inverse” to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the ball joint LR may comprise a rod TR to which the ball B is fixedly secured and fixedly secured to the front face of the interface part PII. In this case, the receiving part PR may comprise a substantially semi-spherical housing LB, opening onto its rear face FRI (oriented towards the front face FV2 of the interface part PII) and onto a lateral opening OL adapted to the movements of the immobilization part PI2 between its first and second positions, and in which the ball B is rotatably mounted.

[0048] It will be understood that in this second embodiment the action of the immobilizing part PI2 on the ball B is carried out at the level of the receiving part PR. Consequently, it is advantageous for the electric motor ME to be fixedly secured to the receiving part PR or to be suitable for being fixedly secured to the rear face FR2 of the object O.

[0049] It will also be understood that the lateral opening OL which opens into the housing LB is defined so as to allow the immobilizing part PI2 to move to come into close contact with ball B to immobilize it (in its first position), or to move away from ball B to make it free to move in the LB housing (in its second position).

[0050] It will also be noted that, as in the first embodiment, the possible rod TR can be very short in order to be as invisible as possible. But its length can be adapted to the needs, and in particular here to the shape of the area of ​​the equipment EV where it must be installed and / or to the dimensions of the object O to be secured to the receiving part PR. It will also be noted that the possible rod TR can be attached, for example by gluing or welding, to the front face FV2 of the interface part PII, or can be an integral part of the interface part PII, in particular when the latter (PII) is produced by molding.

[0051] It will also be noted that, as in the first embodiment, the ball B preferably has at least a semi-spherical shape. But other slightly less spherical shapes (and for example ovoid or ogive) can be used.

[0052] It will also be noted that the expression “substantially semi-spherical” here means perfectly semi-spherical or almost semi-spherical. For example, when the housing LB is defined in the receiving part PR, the material from which the receiving part PR is made may be slightly flexible in order to allow force fitting of the ball B (with rotation capacity) in its housing LB. But in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the housing LB could be defined in a dedicated part and fixedly attached to the rear face FRI of the receiving part PR.

[0053] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the electric motor ME can be capable of translating the immobilizing part PI2 in a chosen direction (arrows f1 and f2) to move it between its first and second positions.

[0054] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the chosen direction (of translation of the immobilizing part PI2) may be intended to be parallel to the vertical direction Z (as shown by the arrows fl and f2). Here the upward translation (arrow fl) allows the displacement of the immobilizing part PI2 from its second position to its first position, while the downward translation (arrow f2) allows the displacement of the immobilizing part PI2 from its first position to its second position, for example. But this is not obligatory. Thus, the chosen direction could be intended to be parallel to the transverse direction Y or longitudinal direction X, for example.

[0055] Also for example, and although this does not appear in [Fig.2], the PII interface part may be suitable for being fixedly secured to the EV equipment by at least two fixing screws. Preferably, three or four fixing screws will be used instead. fixing in order to ensure high-precision anchoring and / or when the object O supported is relatively heavy.

[0056] Also for example, and although this does not appear in [Fig.2], the receiving part PR may be suitable for being fixedly secured to the object O by at least two fixing screws. Preferably, three, or even four, fixing screws will be used in order to guarantee high-precision fixing and / or when the object O supported is relatively heavy. But in an alternative embodiment, the coupling between the receiving part PR and the object O could be done by gluing or clipping. Clipping is particularly advantageous when the object O is transportable by a user of the vehicle V, and is therefore coupled temporarily and not permanently (or even permanently) to the support device DS.

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) to which an object (0) is suitable for being secured and coupled by a ball joint (LR) to an interface part (PII) suitable for being fixedly secured to said equipment (EV), characterized in that it further comprises an electric motor (ME) suitable for acting on an immobilization part (PI2) to place it on command either in a first position in which it immobilizes said ball joint (LR) in a current position manually defined by a user by action on said object (0), or in a second position in which it allows movement of said ball joint (LR) by manual action of said user on said object (0).

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that said ball joint (LR) comprises a ball (B), and in that said immobilizing part (PI2) exerts, in its first position, an immobilizing pressure on said ball (B).

3. Support device according to claim 2, characterized in that said ball joint (LR) comprises a rod (TR) to which said ball (B) is fixedly secured and fixedly secured to a rear face (FRI) of said receiving part (PR), and in that said interface part (PII) comprises a substantially semi-spherical housing (LB), opening onto a front face (FV2) oriented towards said rear face (FRI) of the receiving part (PR) and onto a lateral opening (OL) adapted to movements of said immobilizing part (PI2) between its first and second positions, and in which said ball (B) is rotatably mounted.

4. Support device according to claim 3, characterized in that said electric motor (ME) is fixedly secured to said interface part (PU).

5. Support device according to claim 2, characterized in that said ball joint (LR) comprises a rod (TR) to which said ball (B) is fixedly secured and fixedly secured to a front face of said interface part (PII), and in that said receiving part (PR) comprises a substantially semi-spherical housing (LB), opening onto a rear face (FRI) oriented towards said front face of the interface part (PII) and onto a lateral opening (OL) adapted to movements of said immobilizing part (PI2) between its first and second positions, and in which said ball (B) is rotatably mounted.

6. Support device according to claim 5, characterized in that said electric motor (ME) is fixedly secured to said receiving part (PR) or capable of being fixedly secured to a rear face (FR2) of said object (0).

7. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said electric motor (ME) is capable of translating said immobilizing part (PI2) in a direction chosen to move it between its first and second positions.

8. Support device according to claim 7, characterized in that said chosen direction is intended to be parallel to a vertical direction of said vehicle (V).

9. 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.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises an object (0) having a rear face (FR2) fixedly secured to said receiving part (PR) of the support device (DS).

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