LARGE-STROKE OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A support device (DS) equips a piece of equipment (EV) of a vehicle passenger compartment and comprises: - a receiving part (PR) suitable for receiving an object, - two arms (B1, B2) each comprising first (EB11, EB12) and second (EB21, EB22) elements coupled in rotation by meshing of pinions (PG12, PG22), the first elements (EB11, EB12) being able to be driven in rotation relative to the equipment (EV), and the second elements (EB21, EB22) being coupled in rotation to the receiving part (PR), and - a coupling bar (BC) coupled in rotation to the equipment (EV) and inducing rotation by meshing of a second element (EB22) relative to the associated first element (EB12) when the latter is driven in rotation. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: LARGE-STROKE OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE 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 accommodate in one (their) passenger compartment at least one object, possibly transportable by a user. For example, when the vehicle includes equipment constituting a dashboard, the latter can be used to support a mobile telephone or a navigation aid device or even a display screen.

[0003] For example, the object may be indirectly coupled to equipment in a passenger compartment by coupling an attached support device and coupling the object to this support device. In this case, the equipment becomes cluttered and at least one function performed, directly or indirectly, 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 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 cause small movements of the object relative to the equipment, which is annoying for the user and can sometimes cause noise.Furthermore, such support devices provide a spatial orientation of the received object which is generally very limited, and therefore can only satisfy one of the two front passengers of a vehicle. Finally, such support devices generally only allow a single orientation (portrait type) of the object, which is limiting and therefore prevents the reception of certain objects.

[0004] It has also been proposed, in particular in document FR-B1 3019507, a support device comprising a housing, suitable for being housed in a dedicated housing of a dashboard, and a support part, suitable for receiving an object to be held and coupled in rotation to two pairs of connecting rods, right and left, mounted in rotation in the housing while being placed at different heights. This makes it possible to store the support part in the housing when it is not in use or to extract it from this housing and raise it when it must be used. A main disadvantage of this type of support device lies in the fact that its support part cannot be subject to spatial orientations or lateral movements relative to the equipment due to the fact of its coupling by the connecting rods. Consequently, 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 him to see what is displayed on his 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 from the seats accommodating the front passengers (including the driver). It will be understood that in this illustrative example the driver can only observe the details of what is displayed on the screen of the mobile phone and / or act with his fingers on this screen after leaning towards it, which can be dangerous.

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a support device suitable for equipping equipment in a vehicle interior and comprising a receiving part suitable for receiving an object.

[0007] This support device is characterized by the fact that it also comprises:

[0008] - two arms each comprising first and second elements coupled in rotation by meshing of pinions, the first elements being capable of being driven in rotation relative to the equipment, and the second elements being coupled in rotation to the receiving part, and

[0009] - a coupling bar suitable for being coupled in rotation to the equipment and for inducing a rotation by meshing of a second element relative to the first associated element when the latter is rotated.

[0010] Thanks to the more or less significant selective deployments of each of the arms, there is a large positioning range of the receiving part between a first extreme position, for example totally oriented towards the driver of the vehicle, and a second extreme position, for example totally oriented towards the front passenger of the vehicle, which makes it possible to always satisfy the user of the object supported by the support device.

[0011] The support device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0012] - its coupling bar can be coupled in rotation to a plate on which are mounted, in a gear meshing zone, to rotate a first element and a second element associated with the latter, so that a rotation of this first element induces a rotation by meshing of this second element relative to the latter;

[0013] - the first elements may be capable of crossing each other while being separated by a predefined distance, and the second elements may be capable of crossing each other while being separated by this predefined distance;

[0014] - it can also comprise a first interface part on which is mounted rotating the receiving part around a first axis and mounted for rotation around a second axis on a second interface part. In this case, the second elements may respectively comprise second ends mounted for rotation on the second interface part around third axes parallel to each other;

[0015] - in the presence of the last option, the second axis can be perpendicular to the first axis;

[0016] - 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 different from a spatial orientation of the first axis;

[0017] - the first and second elements can be bars (or connecting rods);

[0018] - it may also include a housing suitable for being fixedly secured to the equipment, and defining an internal space in which the arms are at least partly housed and are rotatably mounted first ends of the first elements and one end of the coupling bar;

[0019] - it can also comprise first and second electric motors specific to drive in rotation, in a synchronized manner and respectively, the first elements;

[0020] - in the presence of the last two options, the first and second electric motors can be installed in the housing;

[0021] - the receiving part may be suitable for receiving a portable electronic object or a vehicle display screen.

[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] illustrates schematically and functionally, 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, with the materialization of a driver and a front passenger,

[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 its use by the front passenger (here installed 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, comprising a receiving part PR suitable for receiving an object, possibly transportable, and offering a large positioning range of the receiving part PR.

[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 the driver CV and the front passenger PV who are respectively 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 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 CV and front passenger PV, in order to be able to be used by the latter (CV and PV). Furthermore, and as illustrated non-limitingly in figures 2 to 4, the DS support device can be fixedly secured to a cross member of the EV dashboard.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Finally, it will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle V has left-hand drive, and therefore the driver CV is intended to sit in the left front seat, while the front passenger PV is intended to sit in the right front seat. But the invention also applies to right-hand drive vehicles.

[0037] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, a support device DS, according to the invention, comprises at least one receiving part PR, two arms Bj (j = 1 or 2), and a coupling bar BC.

[0038] 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 can 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]).

[0039] 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 and / or welding, in a durable manner.

[0040] For example, the object may be transportable by a user of the vehicle V. In this case, it may constitute a portable electronic object such as, for example, 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 instrument panel in a vehicle), or may be a navigation aid device.

[0041] When the receiving part PR comprises the concave space EC, the latter (EC) may have a generally rectangular shape homologous to the general shape rec tangular of at least part of the object that it must receive (at least in part). But the concave space EC can have other shapes than a rectangle.

[0042] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, each of the arms Bj comprises first EBlj and second EB2j elements which are rotationally coupled by meshing first PGlj and second PG2j pinions (or PGij, with i = 1 or 2). It will be understood that each first element EBlj of an arm Bj comprises an end to which a first pinion PGlj (i = 1) is fixedly secured, and each second element EB2j of this same arm Bj comprises an end to which a second pinion PG2j (i = 2) is fixedly secured which meshes this first pinion PGlj.

[0043] The first two elements EBlj are capable of being driven in rotation relative to the EV equipment. For this purpose, each first element EBlj of an arm Bj comprises a first end El which is capable of being coupled to the EV equipment (here a dashboard), can be driven in rotation, and is opposite the end provided with a first pinion PGlj.

[0044] The second elements EB2j are rotationally coupled to the receiving part PR. For this purpose, each second element EB2j of an arm Bj comprises a second end E2 which is rotationally coupled to the receiving part PR and opposite the end provided with a second pinion PG2j.

[0045] The coupling bar BC is suitable for being coupled in rotation to the equipment EV and for inducing rotation by meshing a second element EB2j with respect to the associated first element EBlj (and therefore belonging to the same arm Bj) when this first element EBlj is driven in rotation. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in FIGS. 2 to 4, it is the first EB12 and second EB22 elements of the second arm B2 which are directly affected by the action of the coupling bar BC. But in an alternative embodiment not shown, the first EB11 and second EB21 elements of the first arm B1 could be directly affected by the action of the coupling bar BC.

[0046] It will be understood that when the first element EB12 of the second arm B2 is driven in rotation, its first pinion PG12 causes the second pinion PG22 of the second element EB22 of the second arm B2 to mesh, due to the presence and action of the coupling bar BC (which forces this meshing). This then results in the second element EB22 being driven in rotation relative to the first element EB12. At the same time, the first element EB11 of the first arm B1 is driven in rotation, and therefore its first pinion PG11 causes the second pinion PG21 of the second element EB21 of the first arm B1 to mesh, which causes the second element EB21 to be driven in rotation relative to the first element EB12.

[0047] It is thus possible to selectively deploy or fold more or less each of the first B1 and second B2 arms, simultaneously, in order to orient the receiving part PR rather (or totally) towards the driver CV ([Fig.3]), or rather (or totally) towards the front passenger PV ([Fig.4]), or even rather in a "neutral" (or non-oriented) position ([Fig.2]). In addition, these deployments of the arms Bj make it possible to offer a large positioning movement of the receiving part PR (here lateral (along the transverse direction Y)) between a first extreme position, totally oriented towards the driver CV ([Fig.3]), and a second extreme position, totally oriented towards the front passenger PV ([Fig.4]). This makes it possible to always satisfy the user of the object which is supported by the receiving part PR of the support device DS, and therefore to reinforce safety when the user is the driver CV.

[0048] It will be noted that many other positions of the receiving part PR can be obtained. They are then between the neutral (or non-oriented) position of [Fig.2] and the first extreme position of [Fig.3] or between the neutral (or non-oriented) position of [Fig.2] and the second extreme position of [Fig.4].

[0049] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, that the rotation of a second element EB2j relative to a first element EBlj is preferably done around (third) axes A3 parallel to each other (and here parallel to the vertical direction Z), in order to facilitate and simplify the movements of the arms Bj.

[0050] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the first EBlj and second EB2j elements of each arm Bj 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.

[0051] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the first elements EBlj of the two arms Bj have identical first lengths, and the second elements EB2j of the two arms Bj have identical second lengths, and possibly different from the first lengths. But this is not an obligation.

[0052] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, that the first elements EB1j may be able to cross each other while being separated by a predefined distance, and likewise the second elements EB2j may be able to cross each other while being separated by this predefined distance. In other words, the arms Bj are here separated by the predefined distance so as not to interfere during their respective deployments or foldings. Here, the predefined distance is a vertical spacing (along the vertical direction Z).

[0053] In order for the meshing of the second pinion PG22 of the second element EB22 (here) of the second arm B2 with the first pinion PG12 of the first element EB12 (here) of the second arm B2 to take place, the coupling bar BC can be coupled in rotation to a plate PC on which this first element EB12 and this second element EB22 (associated with the latter (EB12)) are mounted in rotation. It will be understood in fact that the anchoring (in rotation) of the coupling bar BC on the plate PC constrains the movement of this last (here following an arc of a circle in the XY plane), and therefore allows, during a rotation of the first element EB12, the aforementioned meshing which causes the rotation of the second element EB22 relative to this first element EB12 (and consequently a deployment or a folding of the second arm B2 according to the direction of rotation of the first element EB12).

[0054] In order for the meshing of the second pinion PG21 of the second element EB21 (here) of the first arm B1 with the first pinion PG11 of the first element EB11 (here) of the first arm B1 to take place, these first EB11 and second EB21 elements can be mounted, in the meshing zone of the pinions, for rotation on another plate PC' (see figures 2 and 3). Here, no other coupling bar is needed to induce the meshing of the second pinion PG21 with the first pinion PG11 due to the indirect coupling of the two second elements EB21 and EB22.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the first interface part PII is 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 may, 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.

[0058] Also as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the second ends E2 of the second elements EB2j are rotatably mounted on the second interface part PI2 around third axes A3 which are parallel to each other.

[0059] 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-type orientation. or landscape type. This allows the reception of objects of different types or different designs.

[0060] In the presence of the arrangement illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the rotations around the three axes A1 to A3 allow the support device DS to offer a multiplicity of spatial orientations, and the deployments of the arms Bj allow a significant approach of the reception part PR to the user (here the front passenger PV or the driver CV).

[0061] 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 change from portrait orientation to landscape orientation to 90°. 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.

[0062] It will also be noted that the rotation of the second ends E2 of the second elements EB2j 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 the maintenance of the receiving part PR in the spatial orientation chosen by the user.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, that the first ends El of the first elements EBlj of the arms Bj are preferably driven in rotation around third axes A3, so that their arrangement is simple and robust.

[0067] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS can also comprise a BD box open (at least on a front face), and suitable for being fixedly secured to the EV equipment (here a dashboard at its crossmember). For example, such a BD box can be fixedly installed in a dedicated housing defined in the EV equipment (here a dashboard).

[0068] Furthermore, this housing BD defines an internal space El in which the arms Bj are at least partly housed, and in which the first ends El of the first elements EBlj and one of the two ends of the coupling bar BC (the one opposite the plate PC) are rotatably mounted. When the arms Bj are completely folded, they are almost completely housed inside the housing BD, behind the first PII and second PI2 interface parts and the receiving part PR, which makes them almost invisible in the passenger compartment H.

[0069] It will be noted that the rotation of the first ends El of the first elements EBlj of the arms Bj 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.

[0070] 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 and one end of the coupling bar BC are rotatably mounted, possibly via brake hinges, or the support device DS may include another support plate on which the first ends El and one end of the coupling bar BC are rotatably mounted, possibly via brake hinges. For example, this dedicated housing (or location) of the dashboard may be the one that can accommodate a car radio (sometimes called an “ISO location for car radio”).

[0071] 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 first and second electric motors capable of driving in rotation, in a synchronized manner and respectively, the first elements EB1j. These first and second electric motors are then preferably installed in the possible housing BD. It is also possible to provide a third electric motor capable of ensuring the rotation of the reference part PR relative to the first interface part PII, around the first axis A1, and / or a fourth electric motor capable of ensuring the rotation of the first interface part PII relative to the second interface part PI2, around the second axis A2. The control of the third electric motor and the control of the fourth electric motor electric can be done by means of at least one control member (such as a joystick), possibly the same as that which allows the control of the first and second electric motors.

Claims

Claims

1. Support device (DS) suitable for equipping equipment (EV) of a vehicle interior (V) and comprising a receiving part (PR) suitable for receiving an object, characterized in that it further comprises i) two arms (Bj) each comprising first (EBlj) and second (EB2j) elements coupled in rotation by meshing of pinions (PGij), said first elements (EBlj) being suitable for being driven in rotation relative to said equipment (EV), and said second elements (EB2j) being coupled in rotation to said receiving part (PR), and ii) a coupling bar (BC) suitable for being coupled in rotation to said equipment (EV) and for inducing rotation by meshing of a second element (EB22) relative to the associated first element (EB12) when the latter (EB12) is driven in rotation.

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling bar (BC) is coupled in rotation to a plate (PC) on which are mounted, in a zone of meshing of the pinions, in rotation a first element (EB12) and a second element (EB22) associated with the latter (EB12), so that a rotation of this first element (EB12) induces a rotation by meshing of this second element (EB22) relative to the latter (EB12).

3. Support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first elements (EBlj) are capable of crossing each other while being separated by a predefined distance, and said second elements (EB2j) are capable of crossing each other while being separated by said predefined distance.

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 (A1) and rotatably mounted around a second axis (A2) on a second interface part (PI2), and in that said second elements (EB2j) respectively comprise second ends (E2) rotatably mounted on said second interface part (PI2) around third axes (A3) parallel to each other.

5. Support device according to claim 4, characterized in that said second axis (A2) is perpendicular to said first axis (Al).

6. Support device according to claim 4 or 5, 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).

7. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 6, 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 arms (Bj) are at least partly housed and first ends (El) of said first elements (EBlj) and one end of said coupling bar (BC) are rotatably mounted.

8. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises first and second electric motors capable of driving said first elements (EBlj) in rotation, in a synchronized manner and respectively.

9. Support device according to the combination of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said first and second electric motors are installed in said housing (BD).

10. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said receiving part (PR) is suitable for receiving a portable electronic object or a display screen of said vehicle (V).

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