OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE WITH AN ARM THAT CAN BE ELECTRICALLY ROTATED AROUND AT LEAST ONE DIRECTION, FOR EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A support device (DS) equips a piece of equipment and comprises: - an arm (BE) comprising a first end (E1) coupled for rotation to a base (ED) and a second end (E2) suitable for receiving an object, and - a first electrical mechanism (M1) suitable for translation relative to the base (ED), in a first direction, a support part (PS) supporting an intermediate part (PI) of the arm (BE) at least in certain positions of the latter, to rotate the arm (BE) around a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, between first and second extreme positions. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: OBJECT SUPPORT DEVICE WITH AN ARM THAT CAN BE ELECTRICALLY ROTATED AROUND AT LEAST ONE DIRECTION, FOR AN EQUIPMENT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to support devices which are intended to equip equipment which may be part of systems, and which may receive an object. State of the art

[0002] Certain systems, such as for example certain vehicles (possibly automobiles), may comprise 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 system is a vehicle comprising 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] Some of these support devices comprise a base fixedly secured to a piece of equipment, possibly in a dedicated housing, and an arm comprising a first end coupled for rotation to this base and a second end suitable for receiving an object, possibly via an interface part. Currently, the rotational drive of the arm is done in a non-motorized manner around a direction which is generally vertical and which allows it to be placed in an angular position chosen by a manual action of a user.

[0004] A disadvantage of this type of support device lies in the fact that in the presence of a force experienced by the equipment in a transverse direction (perpendicular to the vertical direction), for example due to a passage in a bend or a change of direction when it equips a vehicle, it frequently happens that the arm does not remain in the angular position chosen by the user, including when the rotation of the arm relative to the base is done under a friction force. This then forces the user to reposition the arm after each change of position, which can cause inconvenience (potentially dangerous) and / or harm the impression of quality of the vehicle. In addition, when the equipment is subjected to vibrations, these can induce small jumps of the arm which, when the latter contacts the base, cause a noise which can disturb the user and / or harm the impression of quality of the vehicle.

[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 and comprising a base and an arm comprising a first end coupled for rotation to this base and a second end suitable for receiving an object.

[0007] This support device is characterized by the fact that it also comprises a first electrical mechanism capable of translating relative to the base, in a first direction, a support part supporting an intermediate part of the arm at least in certain positions of the latter, to rotate the arm around a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, between first and second extreme positions.

[0008] The first mechanism being electric, once the arm is placed in a chosen angular position, the support part is immobilized in this chosen angular position and therefore maintains the arm in the latter, which avoids having to reposition the arm and vibrations causing small jumps of the arm.

[0009] The support device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0010] - it may also comprise a ball joint coupled to the first end of the arm and to the base in order to allow the arm to be rotated around the second direction;

[0011] - its support part can be mounted to rotate freely on a first part of coupling of the first mechanism which is translatable in the first direction;

[0012] - its arm can be extendable between minimum and maximum lengths. By for example, its arm can be telescopic;

[0013] - the first mechanism may comprise a first electric motor specific to rotating about the first direction a first worm screw to which the support part is coupled;

[0014] - in the presence of at least the last option, the first coupling part can be screwed onto the first worm screw;

[0015] - it can also include a second electrical mechanism and suitable for translating by relative to the base, in the second direction, a second coupling part to which the arm is coupled at least in the first extreme position, to rotate the arm around the first direction between third and fourth extreme positions;

[0016] - in the presence of the last option, the second mechanism may comprise a second electric motor suitable for driving in rotation around the second direction a second worm screw onto which the second coupling part is screwed.

[0017] The invention also proposes a system comprising at least one piece of equipment comprising at least one support device of the type presented above.

[0018] For example, this system may constitute a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and the equipment may be a dashboard. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0020] [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 placed in a first extreme position,

[0021] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a perspective view on the front side, an exemplary embodiment of a support device according to the invention, placed in its first extreme position and before it is secured to a piece of equipment of a system, and a left insert comprising (in transparency) the second coupling part coupled to the second mechanism and to the arm in the first extreme position, and a right insert comprising (in transparency) the arm coupled to the support part coupled to the first mechanism in the first extreme position,

[0022] [Fig.3] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a perspective view on the front side, the support device of [Fig.2], placed in its second extreme position and before it is secured to a piece of equipment of a system, and a left insert comprising the ball joint connection, and a right insert comprising the support part coupled to the first mechanism, and

[0023] [Fig.4] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a perspective view on the rear side, the support device of [Fig.2], placed in its fourth extreme position and before it is secured to equipment of a system, and a right insert comprising the second coupling part coupled to the second mechanism and to the arm in the third extreme position. Detailed description of the invention

[0024] The invention aims in particular to propose a support device DS intended to equip equipment ES, and comprising an arm BE which can be driven in rotation around at least one direction by at least one first electrical mechanism M1, in order to allow positioning of this arm BE in a precise and permanent chosen position.

[0025] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the equipment ES is intended to be part of a system S. But this is not an obligation.

[0026] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the system S is a motor vehicle, and more precisely a car, as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in [Fig.l]. But the equipment ES can be part of any system S, and in particular of a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), of a device (possibly general public), of an installation (possibly industrial), or of a building.

[0027] Furthermore, taking into account the preceding choices, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the equipment ES is a dashboard of a vehicle S. But within a vehicle S the equipment ES could also be a console, a seat back (or bench seat), or a side door trim, for example.

[0028] In Figures 1 to 4, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle S, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle S, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle S, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

[0029] 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 of the vehicle S). Consequently, the front face of an element is oriented towards the users (and therefore here towards the passenger compartment H), while the rear face of this element is oriented towards the front compartment (engine) and opposite the front face.

[0030] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a part of a system S (here a car) comprising a passenger compartment H comprising equipment ES (here a dashboard) comprising a support device DS according to the invention. It will be noted that in this illustrative example the support device DS is fixedly secured to the equipment ES (here a dashboard) and appears very partially in front of the seats dedicated to the front passengers, in order to be able to be used by the latter. Furthermore, it will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] the dashboard ES comprises only a single support device DS. But the dashboard ES could comprise several (at least two) support devices DS.

[0031] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, a support device DS, according to the invention, comprises at least one base ED, one (rigid) arm BE, one first mechanism M1 and one support part PS.

[0032] The ED base is intended to be fixedly secured to the ES equipment (here a dashboard), for example by screwing and / or clipping. For example, the ES equipment may have on its front face FV1 (facing the front seats) a dedicated housing inside which the ED base is fixedly installed. But in an alternative embodiment, the ED base could be intended to be fixedly secured to the face before FV1 or an upper face of the ES equipment.

[0033] The (rigid) arm BE comprises first E1 and second E2 opposite ends. The first end E1 is rotatably coupled to the base ED (see Figures 3 and 4). The second end E2 is suitable for receiving an object O, possibly via an interface part (possibly rotatably mounted) (see [Fig.l]).

[0034] For example, the object O may be a display screen forming part of a display device of the system S (here a vehicle), or may constitute such a display device (sometimes called a central handset in a vehicle). But the object O may also be transportable by a user of the system S. 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.

[0035] The support part PS is responsible for supporting an intermediate part PI of the arm BE at least in certain positions of the latter (BE), as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

[0036] The first mechanism M1 is electrical and capable of translating, relative to the base ED, in a first direction d1, the support part PS to rotate the arm BE about a second direction d2, which is perpendicular to the first direction d1, between first pel and second pe2 extreme positions. The first extreme position pel is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Here, it makes it possible to bring the object O closer to the driver (left front passenger) by placing it closer to the latter than to the right front passenger, in the case of left-hand driving. The second extreme position pe2 is illustrated in [Fig. 3]. Here, it makes it possible to bring the object O closer to the right front passenger by placing it closer to the latter than to the left front passenger and by orienting it towards this right front passenger, in the case of left-hand driving.

[0037] It will be understood that, because the first end El of the arm BE is coupled in rotation to the base ED, a translation of the support part PS along the first direction d1 causes a rotation of the arm BE around the second direction d2, and therefore an angular positioning of the arm BE in a plane perpendicular to the second direction d2.

[0038] Thanks to this first electrical mechanism M1, once the arm BE is placed in a first chosen angular position (between the first pel and second pe2 extreme positions) by an action of a user on a control member OC, the support part PS is immobilized in this first chosen angular position and advantageously maintains the arm BE in the latter. There is therefore no longer any risk of having to reposition the arm BE, just as there is no longer any risk that in the presence of vibrations the arm BE will make small jumps and therefore generate annoying noises.

[0039] Furthermore, the fact of rotating the arm BE by translating its inter part median PI, allows a much more precise placement in the first chosen angular position than if the rotation were carried out electrically at the level of the first end El, and moreover this allows the use of a less powerful and therefore less energy-consuming electric motor.

[0040] In order for the arm BE not to decouple from the support part PS when it is placed in a first chosen angular position in a bend or during a change of direction (when it is fitted to a vehicle) and / or in the presence of shocks or vibrations, it is advantageous for the support part PS to comprise coupling means, possibly of the clipping type, and / or a specific shape associated with a slight flexibility, to keep it coupled. Furthermore, to prevent the arm BE from causing annoying noises by repeatedly contacting the support part PS in the presence of vibrations or shocks, it is advantageous for the latter (PS) to be made of a damping material or to comprise a damping coating, for example made of elastomer (possibly Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (or EPDM)). In this case, the material can, for example, be used during molding, or the coating can, for example, be made by overmolding.

[0041] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4 the first direction d1 is parallel to the transverse direction Y, and the second direction d2 is parallel to the vertical direction Z. This allows a first angular positioning in the XY plane. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, other positions of the base ED in the system S can lead to other orientations of the first d1 and second d2 directions in the system S.

[0042] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4 the arm BE is rectilinear. But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated the arm BE could be curvilinear.

[0043] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4 the arm BE is extendable between a minimum length (illustrated in Figures 2 to 4) and a maximum length (not illustrated). In this case, and as illustrated non-limitingly, the arm BE can be of the telescopic type. Here, the arm BE comprises a first hollow part PI and comprising the first end E1, a second hollow part P2 and housed in translation inside the first part PI, and a third part P3 (possibly hollow) housed in translation inside the second part P2 and comprising the second end E2. This option is intended to bring the object O closer or closer to the user (here a front or rear passenger, right or left).

[0044] It will also be noted that the extension / contraction of the arm BE can be done by manual traction / push of the user, or by means of a dedicated control member controlling an electric motor acting on the arm BE.

[0045] But in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the arm BE could have a constant (or fixed) length.

[0046] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS may comprise a ball joint LR coupled to the first end El of the arm BE and to the base ED in order to allow the arm BE to be driven in rotation at least around the second direction d2 (here parallel to the vertical direction Z). Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4, this ball joint LR may comprise a housing LR' in which an at least semi-spherical ball BR is rotatably housed. In the example illustrated, the ball BR is fixedly secured to a lower sub-part of the first end El of the arm BE, and the housing LR' is defined as a hollow in the base ED. But a reverse assembly is possible, namely the ball BR fixedly secured to the base ED, and the housing LR' defined in a lower sub-part of the first end El of the arm BE.

[0047] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, the support part PS can be mounted to rotate freely on a first coupling part PCI which is part of the first mechanism M1 and which is translatable in the first direction d1. It will be noted that this free rotation takes place around the second direction d2 so as to advantageously allow the support part PS to accompany the arm BE in its rotations around the second direction d2 when it (PS) translates in the first direction d1. Thus, the position of the arm BE relative to the support part PS is constant.

[0048] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, the first mechanism M1 may comprise a first electric motor and a first worm screw VL. The support part PS is coupled to the first worm screw VL. The first electric motor is capable of driving the first worm screw VI in rotation about the first direction d1, which causes the translation of the support part PS along the first direction d1. This first electric motor may be fixedly secured to the base ED or to the equipment ES.

[0049] It will be noted that when the first mechanism M1 comprises the first coupling part PCI, the latter (PCI) is screwed onto the first endless screw VI, and therefore the rotation of the latter (VI) causes the translation of the first coupling part PCI (and therefore also of the support part PS) in the first direction d1.

[0050] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, the support device DS may also comprise a second mechanism M2 and a second coupling part PC2. The arm BE is suitable for being coupled to the second coupling part PC2 at least in the first extreme position pel (see Figures 2 and 4). The second mechanism M2 is electrical and capable of translating relative to the base ED, along the second direction d2, the second coupling piece PC2, to rotate the arm BE around the first direction dl between the third pe3 and fourth pe4 extreme positions. The third extreme position pe3 is illustrated in [Fig.3]. It is here identical to the first extreme position pel, but this is not an obligation. The fourth extreme position pe4 is illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0051] It will be understood that, because the first end El of the arm BE is coupled in rotation to the base ED, a translation of the second coupling part PC2 along the second direction d2 causes a rotation of the arm BE around the first direction dl, and therefore a second angular positioning of the arm BE in a plane perpendicular to the first direction dl (here the plane XZ).

[0052] This option makes it possible to straighten the arm BE more or less via the second coupling part PC2 because it allows rotation of the arm BE around the first direction dl which is here parallel to the transverse direction Y, and therefore to tilt the object O more or less (here upwards or downwards).

[0053] It is important to note that the straightening of the arm BE can only be done here when the latter (BE) has been placed substantially in its first extreme position pel, because the arm BE is coupled to the second coupling part PC2. When the arm BE is brought closer to its second extreme position pe2, the arm BE is in fact decoupled from the second coupling part PC2, and therefore the second mechanism M2 can no longer act on it. Furthermore, when the arm BE is brought closer to its fourth extreme position pe4, this causes the arm BE to be decoupled from the support part PS, and therefore the first mechanism M1 can no longer act on it.

[0054] Thanks to this second electrical mechanism M2, once the arm BE is placed in a second chosen angular position (between the third pe3 and fourth pe4 extreme positions) by an action of a user on a control member (possibly the same as that (OC) used to control the placement of the arm BE in a first angular position between the first pel and second pe2 extreme positions), the second coupling part PC2 is immobilized in this second chosen angular position and advantageously maintains the arm BE in the latter. There is therefore no longer any risk of having to reposition the arm BE in the presence of a turn or a change of direction and / or vibrations or shocks (when it is fitted to a vehicle).

[0055] In order for the arm BE not to decouple from the second coupling part PC2 when it is placed in a second chosen angular position in a bend or during a change of direction (when it is fitted to a vehicle) and / or in the presence of shocks or vibrations, it is advantageous for the second coupling part PC2 to comprise coupling means, possibly of the clipping type, and / or a specific shape associated with a slight flexibility, to keep it coupled. Furthermore, to prevent the arm BE from causing annoying noises by repeatedly contacting the second coupling part PC2 in the presence of vibrations or shocks, it is advantageous for the latter (PC2) to be made of a damping material or to include a damping coating, for example an elastomer (possibly EPDM). In this case, the material can, for example, be used during molding, or the coating can, for example, be made by overmolding.

[0056] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, the second mechanism M2 may comprise a second electric motor and a second worm screw V2. The second coupling part PC2 is then screwed onto the second worm screw V2. The second electric motor is capable of driving the second worm screw V2 in rotation about the second direction d2, which causes the translation of the second coupling part PC2 in the second direction d2. This second electric motor may be fixedly secured to the base ED or to the equipment ES.

[0057] It will also be noted that in the presence of first M1 and second M2 mechanisms, it is possible, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], to use a common control member OC, such as for example a lever (or "joystick"), coupled to the first and second electric motors. But in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) it would be possible to use a first control member OC dedicated to controlling the first electric motor, and a second control member dedicated to controlling the second electric motor.

[0058] It will also be noted that, when the equipment ES comprises a housing dedicated to the support device DS, it is possible to provide, as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in [Fig. 1], a cover masking this housing in the continuity of the front face FV1 of the equipment ES and intended to mask the greater part of this support device DS. In this case, the cover comprises a passage (or a cutout) PB having a shape adapted to the motorized movements of the arm BE. In the presence of only the first mechanism M1, the passage PB may have a rectangular shape. In the presence of first M1 and second M2 mechanisms, the passage PB may have an L shape, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1].

[0059] It will also be noted that when the equipment ES can only comprise a housing dedicated to the support device DS of restricted dimension in the second direction d2, or when there is no need to offer a movement of the object O in the second direction d2, or when the support device DS risks interfering with the deployment of an airbag safety device (or "airbag") and / or can cause a loss of visibility for the driver, only the first mechanism ML is used. On the other hand, as soon as a de placement of the object O following the second direction d2, as for example in certain utility or camping vehicles ("camper van"), the first Ml and second M2 mechanisms are used.

Claims

Claims

1. Support device (DS) suitable for equipping equipment (ES) and comprising i) a base (ED), and ii) an arm (BE) comprising a first end (El) coupled in rotation to said base (ED) and a second end (E2) suitable for receiving an object (0), characterized in that it further comprises a first electrical mechanism (Ml) suitable for translating relative to said base (ED), in a first direction, a support part (PS) supporting an intermediate part (PI) of said arm (BE) at least in certain positions of the latter (BE), to rotate said arm (BE) around a second direction, perpendicular to said first direction, between first and second extreme positions.

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a ball joint (LR) coupled to said first end (El) and base (ED) in order to allow the rotation of said arm (BE) around said second direction.

3. Support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said support part (PS) is mounted to rotate freely on a first coupling part (PCI) of said first mechanism (Ml) which can be translated in said first direction.

4. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said arm (BE) is extendable between minimum and maximum lengths.

5. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first mechanism (Ml) comprises a first electric motor capable of driving in rotation about said first direction a first endless screw (VI) to which said support part (PS) is coupled.

6. Support device according to the combination of claims 3 and 5, characterized in that said first coupling part (PCI) is screwed onto said first worm screw (VI).

7. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a second electrical mechanism (M2) capable of translating relative to said base (ED), in said second direction, a second coupling part (PC2) to which said arm (BE) is coupled at least in said first extreme position, to drive said arm (BE) in rotation around said first direction. between third and fourth extreme positions.

8. Support device according to claim 7, characterized in that said second mechanism (M2) comprises a second electric motor capable of driving in rotation about said second direction a second endless screw (V2) onto which said second coupling part (PC2) is screwed.

9. System (S), characterized in that it comprises at least one piece of equipment (ES) comprising at least one support device (DS) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that it constitutes a vehicle, and in that said equipment (ES) is a dashboard.

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