FR2991934A1 - ARRANGEMENT OF A NOMAD APPARATUS IN EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the arrangement (10) for mounting a mobile device (5) in an equipment (12) having a style facade (14). The style facade (14) is provided with a housing adapted to receive the mobile device (5). The arrangement comprises a base, a movable support adapted to receive the nomadic device (5) and a device for holding the mobile support in free and depressed positions. In the depressed position, the front face of the nomadic apparatus (5) is in surface continuity with the style facade (14) of the equipment (12) and, in the free position, the movable support is flush with the opening and is in surface continuity with the style facade (14) of the equipment (12).

Description

The present invention relates to the arrangement of a nomadic device, typically a mobile phone or "smartphone" or an electronic tablet, in an equipment that can be a central armrest of vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In 1949, Jacques Tati turns "Feast Day". There he interprets a postman who installed a phone on his bike. The phone is not connected but impresses passersby. In 2011, a concept of interior vehicle presents a steering wheel equipped with a "smartphone" which detects the state of vigilance of the driver. Today devices allow the "hands-free" use of mobile devices. Articulated arms suction cup on the windshield or small discreet media allow to arrange a smartphone or electronic tablet along the dashboard. In addition, housing has been made in armrests, the device is placed and camouflaged by a cover. Smartphones are also integrated in motorcycle helmets or in the center of the handlebars of a scooter. Nomadic devices do not all have the same dimensions these devices are designed for a specific model or else provided with means of adaptation and adjustment. The disadvantage of these systems is that the integration remains visible and that even fixed, the device appears as an added part, not originally planned. In addition, when the device is removed, the empty device appears. Finally, from the point of view of available applications, those currently in use interact very little with the vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a simple and economical solution for a perfect mechanical integration of several models of nomadic devices, thus opening the way to a safer use. For this purpose, the invention proposes an arrangement for mounting a mobile device in equipment having a style facade, especially in a motor vehicle the central armrest, the steering wheel, the dashboard or a chair armrest salon or other equipment. The mobile device is typically a mobile phone or tablet. The style facade is provided with an opening giving access to a housing adapted to receive the mobile device. For this purpose the arrangement comprises a base fixed to the bottom of the housing, a movable support, movable relative to the base between a depressed position in which it is close to the base and a free position in which it is away from the base. 'base. The mobile support has a main wall adapted to receive the mobile device. The arrangement further includes a retainer that holds the movable support in its free and depressed positions. The advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is that in the recessed position the front-face of the nomadic apparatus is flush with the opening and is in surface continuity with the style facade of the equipment and that in free position the main wall of the movable support is flush with the opening and is in surface continuity with the facade of equipment style. Throughout the description, the term "surface continuity" means that two juxtaposed surfaces are coplanar, in the zone that delimits them. To do this in every point of their common border the two surfaces admit the same tangents. Beyond the border areas each surface can have its own profile. On the other hand, each surface can have its own grain or surface state. The screen of a mobile phone is typically perfectly smooth while the armrest of a chair can be rougher. The passage from one surface to another is without any noticeable change of the rim type, bead or small step but on the contrary in a flexible and continuous manner. The arrangement further comprises an elastic means arranged between the movable support and the base. The resilient means permanently urges the movable support to the free position. The resilient means may include one or more compression springs although other devices exist and are suitable. Thus the transition from the depressed position to the free position is done automatically. The mobile support comprises a generic support independent of the mobile device model and an interchangeable thickness adapter specific to a particular model of nomadic device. The thickness adapter is arranged on the generic support. Its thickness is chosen according to the own thickness of the nomadic device so that in the recessed position the front-face of the nomadic device of said model is in surface continuity with the facade style. The advantage of this adapter thickness is to be able to arrange in continuity of surface with the facade of style several types of nomadic devices, with each model corresponding its specific adapter. The arrangement further includes an interchangeable peripheral adapter specific to a particular model of mobile device. The peripheral adapter is arranged and fixed in the opening of the housing and is itself provided with a specific opening to the dimensions of the mobile device model. Thus, when the nomadic device is set up its front panel fully closes the specific opening while being in surface continuity with the facade of equipment style. The advantage of this peripheral adapter is to be able to maintain in continuity of surface with the facade of style several types of nomadic devices, with each model corresponding a specific peripheral adapter. It is of course possible to install a thickness adapter and a peripheral adapter so that the mobile device is in full surface continuity with the style facade.

The retainer includes a cam and an index. The cam is integral with the movable support or the base, and the index is integral with the base, respectively the movable support. The cam and index finger cooperate so that in a specific relative position of the cam and index the movable support is retained in the depressed position.

More specifically, the cam is provided with a path traveled by the index when the movable support moves from the free position to the depressed position, and a return path traveled by the index when the movable support passes from the position. depressed to the free position.

The path and the return path can in particular form a substantially heart-shaped closed loop, the path forming a first lobe of the heart and the return path forming the second lobe of the heart. The determined relative position holding the movable support in the depressed position corresponds to the index placed at the concave inter-lobe point. The retaining device also comprises a stop secured to the movable support, abutment which cooperates with a bearing surface integral with the style facade. Thus when the abutment contacts the bearing surface the movable support is retained in the free position.

In addition, the main wall of the movable support may comprise a removable and interchangeable style cover. The arrangement may further be provided with means for holding the mobile device in place in the housing. This maintenance can be achieved by slight jamming of the front panel of the device or by an additional device. The invention also relates to equipment provided with a style facade and comprising a device for arranging a nomadic device, the arrangement being realized according to the preceding paragraphs. The invention also relates to a kit for the installation of a nomadic device of a specific model in a device itself provided with a style facade and an arrangement made according to the preceding paragraphs. The kit includes a thickness adapter that can fit on the mobile stand. The thickness adapter has dimensions, including a thickness, specifically adapted to the mobile device model. The kit also includes a peripheral adapter that can be arranged and fixed in the opening of the housing and itself having a specific opening to the dimensions of the mobile device model. Thus, when nomadic device of said model is put in place, its front panel completely closes the specific opening while being in surface continuity with the facade of style of the equipment.

The kit may also include a style cover specific to the nomadic model, the style cover having the dimensions of the specific aperture. The style cover can be attached to the thickness adapter so that in the free position of the movable support, the style cover is in surface continuity with the equipment style facade. The style cover also has a surface state coordinated with that of the style facade. For a particular model of nomadic device it can be provided several style covers having the same dimensions and differing from each other only by their surface condition, color or material. These kits have the advantage of allowing the adaptation of any mobile device in the receiving equipment. A kit that includes only the style cover can also be provided.

Similarly, can also be provided a kit comprising a material plate having dimensions greater than those of the style cover and the instructions necessary to cut the plate to the dimensions of said cover, or even the size of several covers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting example and in which: FIG. 1 is a general view of the interior of a vehicle, a nomadic device being arranged in the central armrest. - Figure 2 is an enlarged detail of the end of the armrest of Figure 1, the mobile device being set up. - Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2, the nomadic device being removed. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the arrangement of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 in which is placed a first nomadic device model. - Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5, the nomadic device being removed. FIG. 7 is a section similar to FIG. 5 but specifically adapted to a nomadic apparatus of a second model that is thinner and narrower than the first model of FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. the nomadic apparatus being withdrawn. FIG. 9 is the perspective detail of a cam provided with a core path traversed by an index, these two elements being represented in the arrangement of FIG. 4. FIGS. 10 to 14 illustrate the operation of FIG. Figure 9. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the rest of the description, identical or similar elements will be designated by the same references.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the driving position of a car in the central armrest 12 of which an arrangement 10 allows the integration of a mobile device 5. The object of the invention is not limited to this environment and the arrangement 10 may be perfectly suitable for a lounge armrest armrest, in the center of a steering wheel, on a dashboard or on any other equipment 12, whatever, provided with a facade style 14. Similarly, the nomadic device 5 shown is a latest-generation mobile phone, also called "smartphone", provided on the front panel 16 of a touch screen. The invention may also be suitable for other types of nomadic devices such as portable music players, electronic tablets or others.

These devices are conventionally parallelepiped rectangles with slightly rounded corners. In the description will be identified the width La, smaller dimension of the front panel 16, the length Lg largest dimension of the front panel 16 and the thickness epl dimension of the front panel 16 at the back of the unit 5 .

Finally, again for the sake of clarity and simplification, a bottom-up orientation along the main axis Z, as selected in Figure 1, will be used. Thus, the terms "low", "high", "above", "below", "higher", "lower" and "horizontal" and "vertical" may serve the description without limiting the invention, in particular Given the multiple possibilities of integration of a mobile device 5 in a device 12. The elements of the arrangement 10 are now described with reference to Figure 4.

The equipment 12 is provided with a rectangular opening 18 giving access to a recessed housing 20. The teachings of the invention can obviously be applied to all other forms corresponding in particular to a circular, oval or other device.

A base 22 is fixed to the bottom of the housing 20. The base 22 shown can be installed by passing through the opening 18. Once at the bottom of the housing 20, tabs, four in Figure 4, elastically relax from the base 22 and are arranged in housing the peripheral walls of the housing 20. Other devices are possible such a base fixed by screw to the bottom of the housing. The base 22 is equipped with two compression springs 24, an index 26 mounted at the end of an oscillating arm and a damper 28. Alternatively other elastic means may be used. A movable support 30 itself provided with a cam 32 is arranged on the base, compresses the springs 24 and covers the damper 28. In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the cam 32 is a cam defining a heart-shaped path in which the index finger 26. The cam and the index are described further and illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 14. In addition to FIG. 4, the movable support 30 and the cam 32 are two different pieces but, once assembled they are interdependent. An integral construction, coming from material of the mobile support and the cam is of course possible. A thickness adapter 34 is arranged on the movable support 30. The thickness adapter 34 has a main wall 36 of thickness ep2 perpendicularly bordered by side walls. Once in place the thickness adapter 34 covers and covers the movable support 30. The main wall 36 is rectangular, non-limiting form as previously explained, and is bordered by a narrow periphery 40 in slight thickness withdrawal by relative to the central zone 42. The central zone 42 has the dimensions La x Lg of the mobile device 5 to be installed. A rectangular and thin ep3 style cover 38, whose main dimensions L x Lg are also those of the apparatus 5 and the central zone 42 is arranged and fixed on the central zone 42 of the thickness adapter 34. .

A peripheral adapter 44 is arranged and held in the opening 18 of the housing 20. The peripheral adapter 44 has the shape of a rectangular crown whose external lateral walls 46 and the internal lateral walls 48 are connected by a horizontal upper face 50 overflowing slightly inwards and outwards. The outer side walls 46 have dimensions that are paired with those of the opening 18 so that additional engagement of the parts is achieved. The inner sidewalls 48 have dimensions paired with those of the thickness adapter 34 so that it can move smoothly.

More easily seen in Figures 5 to 8, the peripheral adapter 44 is placed in the opening 18 in a complementary arrangement. The external overflow 52 of the upper face 50 fits perfectly in a slight recess 54 of the style facade 14, slight withdrawal 54 bordering the turn of the opening 18. This complementary engagement ensures that the peripheral adapter 44 is positioned exactly in the opening 18, the upper face 50 then being in surface continuity with the facade of style 14. In addition, the peripheral adapter 44 and the internal overflow 56 of the upper face 50 restrict the opening 18 to a specific opening 58 whose dimensions are those, La, Lg, the nomadic device 5, the style cover 38 and the central zone 42 of the main wall 36 of the thickness adapter 34. The operation of the system is now described FIGS. 5 and 6 show the arrangement 10 specifically designed for a first model M1 of smartphone 5. This first model M1 is distinguished from a second model M2, selected to illustrate Figures 7 and 8, because of its width and thickness which are different. The operation remains the same. In these figures is shown the mounting of the peripheral adapter 44 in the opening 18 with in particular the complementary arrangement of the outer overflow 52 in the slight withdrawal 54 of the style facade 14.

The arrangement 10 includes the stack of the style cover 38, the thickness adapter 34, the movable support 30, the compression springs 24 and the base 22. Thus mounted the style cover 38 the adapter of thickness 34 and the movable support 30 can move along the main axis Z.

Figures 5 and 7 correspond to a depressed position Pl. The nomadic apparatus 5 is in place, the springs 24 are compressed and the movable support 30 is close to the base 22. Figures 6 and 8 correspond to a free position P2 . The nomadic apparatus 5 is removed, the springs 24 are less compressed than before and the movable support 30 is moved away from the base 22. In FIGS. 5 and 7, the apparatus 5 is in place on the style cover 38. The front panel 16 of the apparatus 5 is flush with the specific opening 58 of the peripheral adapter 44 and closes it completely. The front panel 16 is in surface continuity with the style facade 14 of the equipment 12 and with the upper face 50 of the peripheral adapter 44. In Figures 6 and 8, the apparatus 5 is removed. The style cover 38 is flush with the specific opening 58 of the peripheral adapter 44 and closes it perfectly. It is in surface continuity with the style facade 14 of the equipment 12 and with the upper face 50 of the peripheral adapter 44. In FIGS. 5 and 7, the assembly is held in this depressed position P1 by the cam in the heart 32 and the index 26. This type of mechanism is known and the operation is now briefly described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. Other arrangements exist to fix the positions of the movable support 30. The cam 32 is provided with a heart-shaped path traversed by the index 26 so that in the P2 free position, the index is at the convex tip Li of the heart. To put the mobile device 5 in place, the arrangement being in the free position P2 - Figure 10 - a user places the device 5 on the style cover 38 and bears on the front panel 16 in the direction of the arrow on Figure 11 along the main axis Z. The movable support 30 and the cam 32 move, the index finger 26 then traverses a path CA going through a first zenith position L2, at the top of a first lobe of the heart. The apparatus 5 is then fully inserted into the housing 20, its front panel 16 being depressed with respect to the style facade 14. The damper 28 is placed on the base in order to avoid a sudden shock if the the user presses a little strongly on the device 5. Then the user releases its pressure and, urged by the springs 24, the movable support 30 rises - Figure 12 - the index 26 pursuing the path to go CA until housing in the concave inter-lobe tip L3 then holding the movable support 30 in the depressed position Pl. To remove the device 5, a support on the front face 16, in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 13 along the main axis Z, pushes the mobile support 30 again, the index 26 then moves along a return path CR from the concave inter-lobe tip L3 to a second zenith position L4, at the top of the second lobe of the heart. The apparatus 5 is then fully re-entered into the housing 20, its front panel 16 being depressed with respect to the style facade 14. Here, too, the damper 28 may reduce the effect of a somewhat abrupt support. Then - Figure 14 - the user releases the pressure exerted and, biased by the springs 24, the movable support 30 rises until the periphery 40 of the peripheral adapter 34 abuts under the internal overflow 56 of the face upper 50 of the peripheral adapter 44. The index 26 has continued the return path CR until back again in the convex tip low Li heart. The mobile support 30 is then kept in the free position P2 and the apparatus 5 can easily be removed. The model M1 of smartphones - Figure 5 - is thicker than the model M2 - Figure 7. Each model therefore corresponds a specific thickness adapter 34 whose thickness ep2 compensates for that of the device epl and ensures that in position pressed down, the front panel 16 is in surface continuity with the facade style 14. Similarly, the model M1 of smartphones - Figure 5 - is narrower than the model M2 - Figure 7. Each model therefore corresponds to an adapter specific device 44 whose specific opening 58 corresponds exactly to the dimensions of the front panel 16 of the corresponding model so that in the depressed position P1, the front face 16 of the device 5 perfectly closes the specific opening 58. free position P2, a surface continuity between the style facade 14 and the style cover 38 is desired. To do this, the thickness of the internal overflow 56 must be equal to that of the style cover 38. Alternatively, other constructions can be chosen taking into account the stack of dimensions of the arrangement.

In several places of this description it is mentioned a complementary commitment of parts which have equal dimensions. For example, does the front panel 16 or the style cover 38 close the specific opening 58. The arrangement in the armrest of FIG. 1 positions the mobile device 5 in a substantially horizontal manner. The apparatus is then naturally held in place in the housing 20. It is important to avoid an unexpected extraction for example following the passage on a lump of the road, a blackcurrant or a speed bump, a pothole or some irregularity whatsoever. For this purpose, the dimensions of the specific opening 58 are adjusted so that the front face 16 of the nomadic device 5 is slightly wedged between the internal overflows 56. By cons, the style cover 38 is fixed on the thickness adapter 34 it is not likely to exit unexpectedly and then its own dimensions are chosen so as to maintain a very slight clearance between the style cover 38 and the specific opening 58.

The skilled person will be able to choose the dimensions so that the slight jamming and the slight play do not affect the proper functioning of the arrangement. The slight jamming of the front panel 16 in the specific opening 58 is a first embodiment of a holding means 62 of the mobile device 5 in the housing 20. In the case where this first mode would not be considered sufficient for example in the case of a vertical integration in the center of the steering wheel or a "head-down" integration with the front panel 16 facing downwards, an additional holding means 62 may be provided. This additional holding means 62 may be made according to various modes, in particular by using the positioning of the nomadic apparatus and thus the depression of the mobile support 30 to actuate the tilting of lateral friction pads coming to be arranged between the side walls. 48 of the peripheral adapter 44 and the sides of the nomadic device 5. The tilting of the pads can be replaced by a jamming by compression made by means of springs or others. Flanges can also come to close, such as the jaws of a pair of clamps, on the sides of the nomadic device. A device can still be designed to surround and retain the device. Whatever it is, the additional holding means 62 must not be visible to the user so as to maintain the appearance of continuity of the surfaces.

Also, the description does not specify that the dimensions of the nomadic apparatus 5 include any rounding corners. Thus the specific opening 58 is rectangular but can be provided with rounded corners if the model of nomadic device is thus realized.

The most general construction method has been described. Alternative modes can also be achieved by following the teachings of the present invention. According to a second method of construction, the style cover 38 is made integrally with the thickness adapter 34. In this case, in the free position P2, the main wall 36 of the thickness adapter 34 is flush and is in position. continuity of surface with the style facade 14. According to this second embodiment the replacement of the thickness adapter 34 is necessary to adapt for example the aesthetics of the arrangement 10 to the facade of style 14. In a third embodiment construction mode specifically designed for a single model of nomadic device 5, the thickness adapter and the peripheral adapter are removed, the style cover 38 is directly attached to the mobile support 30, or even material with him, the opening 18 made in the style facade 14 directly has the specific dimensions of said smartphone model.

In a fourth mode of construction, similar to the first mode, the most general, the peripheral adapter 44 can be arranged in the opening in two orthogonal directions so as to place the smartphone 5 in portrait position or in landscape position. To do this the opening 18 of the housing 20 may be of square section, the outer side walls 46 of the peripheral adapter 44 forming a complementary square. The specific opening 58 remains a rectangle to the dimensions of the front panel 16. The other adaptations including those of the thickness adapter 34 remain within the reach of the skilled person. In a fifth mode of construction, and for the purpose of indifferent angular positioning of the front face 16, the opening 18 of the housing 20 may be circular and the peripheral adapter 44 may have additional circular outer walls while the specific opening 58 remains a rectangle to the dimensions of the front panel 16 of the device 5. The other adaptations including those of the thickness adapter 34 remain within the reach of the skilled person. Thickness adapter, peripheral adapter and style cover, which are parts specific to a given model of nomadic device 5, can be the subject of specific kits supplied separately. When a change of smartphone 5 is then sufficient to integrate the new device in the equipment 12 to obtain a kit corresponding to the new device and replace only the thickness adapter 34, the peripheral adapter 44 and the style cover 38. Similarly, the style cover may be provided alone in a separate kit so as to replace a worn cover or to adapt the arrangement 10 to a new style facade 14.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Arrangement (10) for mounting a mobile device (5) in equipment (12) having a style facade (14), especially in a motor vehicle, the style facade (14) being provided with an opening ( 18) giving access to a housing (20) adapted to receive the nomadic device (5), characterized in that the arrangement comprises: - a base (22) fixed to the bottom of the housing (20), - a movable support ( 30, 34) movable relative to the base (22) between a depressed position (P1) in which it is close to the base (22) and a free position (P2) in which it is remote from the base ( 22), the movable support (30, 34) having a main wall (36) adapted to receive the mobile device (5), - a retaining device (26, 32, 40, 56) which holds the mobile support (30). , 34) in its free (P2) and depressed (P1) positions, so that in the depressed position (P1) the front face (16) of the nomadic apparatus (5) is flush with the opening (18) and is in surface continuity with the style facade (14) of the equipment (12) and, in the free position (P2), the main wall (36, 38) of the movable support (30, 34) is flush with the opening (18) and is continuous surface with the style facade (14) of the equipment (12). 2. Arrangement (10) according to claim 1 further comprising an elastic means (24) arranged between the movable support (30,34) and the base (22), the resilient means (24) permanently urging the movable support (30). , 34) to the free position (P2). An arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the movable support (30, 34) comprises a generic carrier (30), independent of the mobile device model (5), and a thickness adapter ( 34) which is interchangeable and specific to a particular model of nomadic apparatus (5), the thickness adapter (34) being arranged on the generic support (30), its thickness (ep2) being chosen as a function of the thickness ( epl) of the nomadic apparatus (5) so that in the depressed position (P1) the front face (16) of the nomadic apparatus (5) of said model is in surface continuity with the style facade (14) . An arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an interchangeable peripheral adapter (44) specific to a particular model of mobile device (5), the peripheral adapter (44) being arranged and fixed in the opening (18) of the housing (20) and being itself provided with a specific opening (58) to the dimensions (La, Lg) of the mobile device model (5), so that the nomadic device (5) being put in place its front panel (16) completely closes the specific opening (58) while being in surface continuity with the style facade (14) of the equipment (12). 5. An arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the retaining device (26, 32, 40, 56) comprises a cam (32) and an index (26), the cam (32) being integral with the mobile support (30) or the base (22), and the index being secured to the base (22) respectively of the movable support (30), the cam (32) and the index (26) cooperating so in that a determined relative position (L3) of the cam (32) and the index (26) the movable support (30, 34) is retained in the depressed position (P1). 6. An arrangement (10) according to any preceding claim wherein the retaining device (26, 32, 40, 56) comprises a stop (40) integral with the movable support (30, 34) which cooperates with a surface of support (56) secured to the style facade (12) so as to retain the movable support (30, 34) in the free position (P2). The arrangement (10) of any preceding claim wherein the main wall (36) of the movable support (30, 34) includes a removable and interchangeable style cover (38). 8. Arrangement (10) according to any preceding claim provided with a holding means (62) of the mobile device (5) in place in the housing (20). 9. Equipment (12) provided with a facade style (14) characterized in that it comprises a device for arranging a mobile device (5), the arrangement being made according to any one of the preceding claims. 10. Kit (60) for the installation of a mobile device (5) of a particular model (M1) in equipment (12) provided with a styling facade (14) and an arrangement (10) A method according to claim 1, the kit (60) comprising: - a thickness adapter (34) that can be arranged on the movable support (30), the thickness adapter (34) having the dimensions specifically adapted to the model (M1) mobile device (5), - a peripheral adapter (44) can be arranged and fixed in the opening (18) of the housing (20) and itself having a specific opening (58) to dimensions (La, Lg) of the model (M1) nomadic device (5), so that a nomadic device (5) of said model (M1) being put in place, its front panel (16) completely closes the specific opening (58) while being in surface continuity with the style facade (14).