GB2519195A

GB2519195A - Electronic device mount

Info

Publication number: GB2519195A
Application number: GB1413689.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald Allan Alcalde
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-01
Filing date: 2014-08-01
Publication date: 2015-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-01
Also published as: GB2519195B; WO2016016608A1; GB2519195C; GB201413689D0

Abstract

An electronic device mount 1 for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing 4 arranged to be provided on the dashboard of the motor vehicle, a holder 5 for holding an electronic device 6 and an actuation mechanism 7 configured to move the holder 5 between a retracted position and a deployed position. The movement of the holder between the retracted and deployed positions comprises translation movement relative to the housing and rotational movement relative to the housing. The holder may comprise a first part (32, Fig. 11) that carries out the rotational and translational movement, and a second part (33) detachably connected to the first part suitable for supporting the device. There may be a power, charge, audio, video or auxiliary connection (45, Fig.8) through the holder for connection to the device. The actuation mechanism may be motorised (19, Fig.7). The mount may be integral to the dash or releasably attached to the top of the dash board by adhesive (10) or at least one suction cup (81, Fig.17), or by means of a separable base plate (9).

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE MOUNT

The present invention relates to an electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle such as a car.

EP2070768 discloses an electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle. It has a base for being mounted on the dashboard, and a console for being mounted in the base. The console has a mounting plate to which a portable electronic device can be mounted and the mounting plate is rotatable between a first position in which the electronic device is contained face down in the console and a second position wherein the mounting plate leans towards the windscreen of the vehicle.

A problem with this mount is that the windscreen may obstruct how far the mounting plate can be rotated.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle that alleviates the above-mentioned problem.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing arranged to be provided on the dashboard of the motor vehicle; a holder for holding an electronic device; and an actuation mechanism configured to move the holder between a retracted position and a deployed position, the movement of the holder between the retracted and deployed positions comprising translation movement relative to the housing and rotational movement relative to the housing.

The mount can be provided on the dashboard so that holder in the retracted position is closer to the windscreen of the vehicle than when the holder is in the deployed position so that the holder in its deployed position is not obstructed by the windscreen.

The holder may comprise first and second holder parts, the first holder part arranged to be moved between the retracted and deployed positions, and the second holder part arranged to hold the electronic device and be detachably connected to the first holder part. There can be different types of second holder parts for holding different types of electronic devices (e.g. smart phone, hand-held tablet PC such as iPad Mini, etc.) which may be GPS devices.

The electronic device mount may include power transmitting means for transmitting power from a power source of the motor vehicle to an electronic device in the holder. The power source may be a cigarette lighter of the motor vehicle.

The power transmitting means may comprise a first power transmitting connector in the first holder part and a second power transmitting connector in the second holder part, the first and second power transmitting connectors being connected together when the first and second holder parts are connected together. The power transmitting means may comprise a third power transmitting connector in the second holder part for connecting to a power connector of the electronic device held in the second holder part, the third power transmitting connector being connected to the second power transmitting connector.

The electronic device mount thus provides a universal docking console wherein different types of electronic devices can be powered by simply connecting the corresponding type of second holder part to the first holder part wherein all the different types of second holder parts have a second power transmitting connector that is able to connect to the first power transmitting connector of the first holder part. Power is able to be redirected to different types of electronic devices.

The first and second power transmitting connectors or further transmitting connectors in the first and second holder pads may be arranged to transmit at least one of audio and video signals from the electronic device held in the second holder part to at least one output in the vehicle when the first and second holder pads are connected together.

The power transmitting means may comprise a cable connectable to said power source of the motor vehicle, the cable having adhesive to enable it to be fixed to inside surfaces of the vehicle.

The actuation mechanism may include translation means to translate the holder relative to the housing between the retracted position and the deployed position. The translation means may comprise a motor and a threaded shaft for translating the holder relative to the housing. The power transmitting means may be arranged to transmit power to the motor of the translation means.

The holder is preferably arranged to be rotatable relative to the housing between a first position in which it is orientated to hold an electronic device in a generally parallel position relative to the housing and a second position in which it is orientated to hold an electronic device in a generally perpendicular position relative to the housing.

The actuation mechanism may include rotation means to rotate the holder between the first and second positions.

The actuation mechanism may include a first cooperating part forming part of the holder and a second cooperating part forming part of the housing, the first and second cooperating parts being arranged to cooperate during translation of the holder and thereby to activate the rotation means to cause the holder to rotate. The first cooperating part may comprise a protrusion and the second cooperating part may comprise a stop. Alternatively, the first cooperating part may comprise one of a cog and a rack and the second cooperating part the other of the cog and rack.

The holder may be arranged to be rotated through an angle in the range of 80° to 1200 between the first and second positions.

The holder in the retracted position may be contained within the housing.

Preferably, the holder in the retracted position is contained within the housing, together with any electronic device held by the holder. The mount provides a convenient safe storage for an electronic device when the holder is in its retracted position, particularly when the holder and electronic device are contained within the housing. A user of the electronic device can thus leave the vehicle without the need to or hassle of removing or demounting the electronic device which may be a GPS device.

The housing may be arranged to be removably fixed to the dashboard of the motor vehicle. The housing may be arranged to be fixed to the dashboard by adhesive. Alternatively, the housing may be arranged to be fixed to the dashboard by at least one suction cup.

The housing may include a detachable base part having a shape which conforms to the shape of the dashboard of the motor vehicle.

A motor vehicle may include an electronic device mount as previously described. The housing of the mount may be an integral part of a dashboard of the motor vehicle.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing arranged to be provided on the dashboard of the motor vehicle; a holder comprising first and second holder parts, the second holder part arranged to hold an electronic device and be detachably connected to the first holder part; an actuation mechanism configured to move the first holder part between a retracted position and a deployed position; and a first power transmitting connector in the first holder part and a second power transmitting connector in the second holder part, the first and second power transmitting connectors being interconnected when the first and second holder parts are connected together, and the first and second power transmitting connectors arranged to transmit power from a power source of the motor vehicle to an electronic device held in the second holder part when the first and second power transmitting connectors are interconnected. The first and second power transmitting connectors or further transmitting connectors in first and second holder parts may be arranged to transmit at least one of audio and video signals from the electronic device held in the second holder part to at least one output in the vehicle when the first and second holder parts are connected together.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device mount according to a first embodiment of the invention with a holder of the mount in a deployed position; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device mount; Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 but with a second holder part omitted from the electronic device mount; Figure 4 is a perspective view similar to Figure 3 but with a housing main upper part omitted as well; Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the electronic device mount with the holder of the mount in a retracted position; Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a view of the electronic device mount with the holder of the mount in its retracted position and the mount mounted on a dashboard of a motor vehicle; Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of the inside and the outside, respectively, of the second holder part of the electronic device mount; Figure 11 is a sectional view of first and second holder parts of the electronic device mount connected together; Figures 12 to 15 are views of a part of the electronic device mount showing different stages of the holder of the mount being moved between its retracted and deployed positions; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the electronic device mount with the holder of the mount in its deployed position, the holder having a modified second holder part; Figure 17 is a view of a detail of a modified electronic device mount showing alternative means for fixing the mount to the dashboard of a vehicle; Figures 18 and 19 are views of a detail of a modified electronic device mount showing alternative means for rotating the second holder part; Figures 20 and 21 are views of a part of another modified electronic device mount with the holder of the mount in its retracted position and deployed position, respectively; and Figure 22 is a view of part of a motor vehicle incorporating the electronic device mount.

Referring to Figures 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings, an electronic device mount or docking device 1 for a dashboard 2 (see Figure 8) of a motor vehicle 3 according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The mount 1 has a housing 4, a holder 5 for holding an electronic device 6, and an actuation mechanism 7.

The housing 4 comprises a housing main body 8 and a base part or bottom casing 9. The housing base part 9 forms a tray and has a shape which is conformed to or is adapted to the shape of the dashboard 2 of the motor vehicle 3. The housing base part 9 has a layer of adhesive 10 on its underside covered by a sealing layer (not shown).

The housing main body 8 has a tray or cassette 11 which is fitted into the tray forming the housing base part 9. The housing main body tray 11 has a base 12, two side walls 13, 14 and one end wall 15, the tray 11 being open at the opposite end 16 to the end wall 15. Each side wall 13, 14 has a rail 17 mounted on it, the rail 17 defining a groove 18. The groove 18 comprises a main straight part 18a and a curved part 18b that curves downward at the end nearest the open end 16 of the tray 11. A motor 19 is mounted on the base 12 of the tray 11 adjacent the end wall 15. A threaded shaft 20 or screw threaded spindle extends from the motor 19 midway between the two side walls 13, 14, and the motor 19 and threaded shaft 20 form part of the actuation mechanism 7.

A block 21 is mounted on the threaded shaft 20 and it has a threaded hole 22 which is engaged by the screw thread of the threaded shaft 20. A plate or base plate 23 is mounted over the threaded shaft 20 and below the rails 17. The plate 23 has a longitudinal slot 24 above the threaded shaft 20 through which a protrusion 25 (see Figure 5) on the top of the block 21 protrudes. The end of the plate 23 adjacent the tray end wall 15 has a recess 26 which enables the plate 23 to fit around the motor 19.

The housing main body 8 has an upper part or top casing 27 which fits over the housing main body tray 11. The housing main body 8 also has a decorative strip 28 which may be of aluminium and which is fixed between the upper part 27 and the housing base part 9. The upper part 27 has a front face 29 with a pivotable flap or spring loaded door 30. The flap 30 can pivot in opposite directions and is spring biased to a closed position below the front face 29. The curved part 1 Sb of each groove 18 and the plate 23 extend beyond the front face 29. The end of the slot 24 distal from the motor recess 26 also extends beyond the front face 29.

An actuation or power button 31 is located at the front of the housing 30 and is beneath the plate 23. The actuation button 31 is connected to the motor 19. Position adjustment buttons 31a, 31b (shown on Figure 1 only) are located next to the actuation button 31 and are also connected to the motor 19.

The holder 5 has first and second parts 32, 33. The first holder part or universal or GPS mounting clip 32 has a cavity 34 defined by first and second side walls 35, 36, first and second end walls 37, 38 and a base 39. A power connector 40 (see Figure 5) is mounted on the face of the base 39 facing into the cavity 34, together with an audio connector 63 and a video connector 64.

The audio connector 63 is arranged to be connected to an output which may be speakers of the vehicle 3, and the video connector 64 can be connected to an output which is, say, a video camera in the vehicle 3. The end walls 37, 38 of the first holder pad 32 extend below the base 39 and a bar 41 is rotatably mounted between the two end walls 37, 38. The bar 41 is integral with the block protrusion 25. Each end wall 37, 38 also has a protrusion 42 extending from an outer face of the wall 37, 38 wherein each protrusion 42 is received in a respective one of the grooves 18 of the housing main body tray 11 and these protrusions 42 and grooves 18 also form part of the actuation mechanism 7.

The protrusions 42 are opposite each other and each protrusion 42 is adjacent a corner of their respective end walls 37, 38 and the first side wall 35. The first side wall 35 is higher than the second side wall 36 and the two end walls 37, 38.

The first side wall 35 has a latch or catch 43 at the distal end of the wall 35 and extending along a face of the wall 35 facing towards the cavity 34. The latch 43 is biased or spring biased or loaded towards the cavity 34. When the holder 5 is in a deployed position, the first side wall 35 is adjacent the front face 29 of the housing main body upper pad 27 (see Figure 3).

A cable 44 (see Figures 8 and 11) for connection to a power source 58 of the vehicle 3 extends from a junction box 69 in the housing 4. The cable 44 preferably has a ribbon shape and one side 45 of the cable 44 has a self-adhesive sealing strip. The junction box 69 is connected by a flexible cable 72 to the power connector 40 of the first holder part 32 and the junction box 69 is also connected to the motor 19 by another flexible cable 46.

Referring particularly to Figures 9 and 10, the second holder part or universal holder/charging point 33 comprises a tray having a base 47, first and second side walls 48, 49 and one end wall 50, the tray being open at the opposite end 51 to the end wall 50. The outside face of the base 47 of the tray has a notch 52 shaped to match the latch 43. The notch 52 extends between the tray end wall 50 and the open end 51 and is close to the second side wall 49. The tray end wall 50 has a first power connector or contact point 53 on the face of the wall 50 facing into the tray, together with a first audio connector or pin 65 and a first video connector or pin 66. The second side wall 49 has a second power connector or contact point 54 on the face of the wall 49 facing out from the tray for connection to the power connector 40 on the base 39 of the first holder part 32. The second side wall 49 also has a second audio connector 67 and a second video connector 68 on the face of the wall 49 facing out from the tray for connection to the respective audio connector 63 and video connector 64 on the base 39 of the first holder pad 32. The first and second power connectors 53, 54 of the second holder part 33 are connected to each other by an electrical connection 55. The first and second audio connectors 65, 67 are also connected to each other as are the first and second video connectors 66, 68.

Referring to Figure 11, a lower part of the second holder part 33 is inserted into the cavity 34 of the first holder part 32 and the second power connector 54 of the second holder part 33 is connected to the first holder part power connector 40. Also, the second audio and video connectors 67, 68 are connected to the respective first holder part audio and video connectors 63, 64 (omitted for clarity from Figure 11). The latch 43 of the first holder part 32 latches into the notch 52 of the second holder part 33 to connect the first and second holder parts 32, 33 together.

The electronic device mount 1 is fixed or retrofitted to the dashboard 2 of a motor vehicle 3 by the adhesive 10 which has been exposed when the sealing layer has been removed from the housing base part 9. The holder 5 is initially in a retracted position where it is contained within the housing 4 in a position generally parallel to the plate 23, and the end 60 of the second holder part 33 distal from the first holder part 32 rests on, and is supported by, the plate 23 (see Figure 12).

The cable 44 is placed against inner surfaces 56 (see Figure 8) of the motor vehicle 3 and is fixed to the inner surfaces 56 by adhesive which has been exposed by removing the self-adhesive sealing strip. A plug 57 at the end of the cable 44 is plugged into a power source of the vehicle 3 which comprises a cigarette lighter socket or car charger 58.

The actuation button 31 is pressed so that the motor 19 is activated and power is transmitted to the motor 19 via the cable 44, the junction box 69 and the motor flexible cable 46. The motor 19 rotates the threaded shaft 20 in one direction so as to translate the block 21 away from the motor 19 and the holder is hence translated relative to the housing 4. During the translation, the protrusions 42 on the first holder part 32 cooperate with the grooves 18 as they travel along the grooves 18. Also during the translation, the distal end 60 of the second holder part 33 is slid along the plate 23. In addition, the moving holder pushes open the flap 30 from its closed position (see Figure 13) and when the holder 5 is fully past the flap 30, the flap 30 springs back to its closed position.

When the protrusions 42 travel around the downward curved part 1 Sb of the grooves 18 (see Figure 14), this causes the holder 5 to rotate up from a first position relative to the housing 4. When the protrusions reach the end of the downward curved part of the grooves which form a stop 61 (see Figure 15) they can no longer travel any further and the motor 19 stops rotating the threaded shaft 20. Control of the motor 19 is achieved using the technology for operating DVD trays. The holder 5 is now in a second position relative to the housing 4 which is the deployed position of the holder 5 and the holder 5 has been rotated through an angle e. The power connector flexible cable 72 between the junction box 69 (see Figure 11) and first holder part power connector 40 is sufficiently long so that it can still connect the junction box 69 to the power connector 40 when the holder 5 is in its deployed position.

An electronic device 6, such as a GPS device, which may be a hand-held tablet PC, is then placed in or slid into the second holder part 33 of the holder 5 so that the first power connector 53 of the second holder part 33 is inserted into a power socket of the electronic device 6 enabling the device 6 to be recharged from the cigarette lighter 58 of the vehicle 3 with power being transmitted to it via the cable 44. The first holder part power connector 40 and the second and first power connectors 54, 53 of the second holder part 33 form respective first, second and third power transmitting connectors. Also, the first audio connector of the second holder part 33 is inserted into an audio socket of the electronic device 6 enabling the device 6 to be connected to the speakers of the vehicle 3, and the first video connector 66 of the second holder part 33 is inserted into a video socket of the electronic device 6 enabling the device 6 to be connected to, say, a video camera in the vehicle 3. The first holder part audio and video connectors 63, 64 and the second audio and video connectors 67, 68 of the second holder part 33 form further transmitting connectors. The first audio and video connectors 65, 66 of the second holder part 33 may also form further transmitting connectors. The device 6 is held in a generally perpendicular or upstanding or upright position relative to the housing 4 so that a driver of the vehicle 3 can view the electronic device 6 in the holder 5 of the electronic device mount 1. There may be at least one wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) between the device 6 and the mount 1.

The second holder part 33 may be initially separate from the first holder part 32 and the electronic device 6 is placed in or slid into the second holder part 33 of the holder 5 before the second holder part 33 is inserted into the first holder part 32 and the latch 43 of the first holder part 32 latches into the notch 52 of the second holder part 33.

If the actuation button 31 is pressed again, such as when a GPS device 6 has finished being used, the motor 19 is activated to rotate the threaded shaft in the opposite direction so as to translate the block 21 back towards the motor 19. When the first holder part protrusions 42 travel around the downward curved part lBb of the grooves 18 from the end 61 of the grooves 18, this causes the holder 5 to rotate from the second position back towards the first position. When the protrusions 42 reach the straight part 1 8a of the grooves 18, the holder 5 has rotated back to its first position wherein the electronic device 6 in the second holder part 33 is in a generally parallel position relative to the housing 4. The protrusions 42 travel along the straight part 1 Ba of the grooves 18 and the holderS pushes the flap 30 which pivots open and then springs back to its closed position after the holder 5 has moved past it. When the protrusions 42 reach the end 62 (see Figure 12) of the grooves 18 closest to the motor 19 they can no longer travel any further and the motor 19 stops rotating the threaded shaft 20. The holder 5 is now in its retracted position and has been smoothly slid into the housing 4 where it is contained within the housing 4, along with the electronic device 6 held by the second holder part 33 of the holder 5 in a position generally parallel to the housing 4.

In order to use the electronic device 6 again, the actuation button 31 is pressed so that the holder 5 is moved from its retracted position to its deployed position. The device 6 in the holder 5 is now in a position where it can be viewed by a driver of the motor vehicle 3.

If a different type of electronic device is to be held by the mount 1 then, when the holder 5 is in its deployed position, the first side wall 35 of the first holder part 32 is bent away from the second holder part 33 so as to release the latch 43 from the notch 52 and the second holder part 33 is detached from the first holder part 31. A modified second holder part 70 (see Figure 16) for holding the different type of electronic device 71 (e.g. a smart phone instead of a hand-held tablet PC) is then inserted into the first holder part 32. The modified second holder part 70 has power, audio and video connectors suitable for being inserted into the respective power, audio and video sockets of the different electronic device 71. Like the second holder part 33, the modified second holder part 70 has the same second power connector 54, second audio connector 67 and second video connector 68 to be connected to the respective power connector 40, audio connector 63 and video connector 64 of the first holder part 32, and has a notch 52 for the latch 43 of the first holder part 32 to engage.

If the mount 1 is to be fitted to a motor vehicle that has a different shaped dashboard then the housing base part 8 of the mount 1 can be replaced by a different shaped base part that suits the shape of the dashboard of this motor vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the holder 5 may be rotated from the first position to the second position through an angle 9 (see Figure 15) in the range of 80° to 120°. Thus, in its second position, the holder 5 is in a generally upright position at an angle in the range of 60° to 1000 relative to the housing 4.

Position adjustment buttons 31a, 31b (see Figure 1) can be pressed to adjust the position of the angle of the holder 5 between the first and second positions after it has been deployed. Thus, if the holder 5 had been rotated through an angle 9 of, say, 120° to its deployed position and the driver of the vehicle 3 wants to reduce this angle, he holds down position adjustment button 31b (marked with a down arrow in Figure 1). Whilst the position adjustment button 31b is held down, the motor 19 rotates the shaft 20 so that angle B is reduced. To adjust the position of the holder 5 back towards the deployed position, position adjustment button 31a (marked with an up arrow in Figure 1) is held down. Whilst the position adjustment button 31a is held down, the motor 19 rotates the shaft 20 in the opposite direction so that angle 0 is increased.

Buttons 31 a, 31 b could be used to set angle 0 of the holder 5 to be anywhere in the range of, say, 800 to 1200.

As an alternative to the position adjustment button 31a, 31b, a manual turning means may be provided to adjust the angle B. This may comprise a knob that the driver turns to finely adjust the angle of the holder after it has been deployed.

In a modification illustrated in Figure 17, the housing 80 may be fixed to the dashboard 2 by at least one suction cup 81.

In another modification illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, instead of the actuation mechanism using protrusions and grooves to rotate the first holder part between first and second positions, the actuation mechanism 90 may have cogs and racks to achieve this. The first holder part 91 have cogs 92 which engage respective racks 93 mounted in the housing 94 to cause the first holder part 91 to rotate after it had earlier been translated by the block 95 along the threaded shaft 96.

In another modification illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, a spring 100 is positioned between the block 101 and the first holder part 102 of the holder 103.

The spring 100 is distal from a pivotal connection 104 between the block 101 and the first holder part 102 and the spring 100 biases the first holder part 102 against the underside of a roof 105 of the housing upper part 106. The motor 107 translates the block 101 by rotating the screw thread 108. As the block 101 is translated past the end of the underside of the roof 105, the first holder part 102 is no longer blocked by the underside of the roof 105 and the spring 100 consequently rotates the holder 103 into the deployed position with the holder 103 engaging the front face 109 of the housing upper part 106. When the holder 103 is translated back to its retracted position, the holder 103 is forced by the roof 105 to back against the bias of the spring 100.

Referring to Figure 22, the electronic device mount 110 is shown as being an integral part of the dashboard 111 of a motor vehicle, and when the holder 112 of the mount 110 is in its retracted position, the holder 112 is contained within the dashboard 111.

Whilst particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, any suitable means may be used for detachably connecting the second holder part to the first holder part. Any suitable means could be provided to adjust the position of the angle of the holder between the first and second positions, particularly after the holder has been moved to its deployed position. Alternative means such as screws or double-sided tape may be used to fix the electronic device mount to the dashboard of the motor vehicle.

The first holder part audio connector and the second audio connector of the second holder pad may be arranged to form a part of the first holder part power connector and the second power connector of the second holder part.

The first holder part video connector and the second video connector of the second holder part may be arranged to form a part of the first holder part power connector and the second power connector of the second holder part.

The motor of the housing and the power connector of the first holder part may be hard wired to the electronics system of the vehicle in order to have power transmitted to them.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing arranged to be provided on the dashboard of the motor vehicle; a holder for holding an electronic device; and an actuation mechanism configured to move the holder between a retracted position and a deployed position, the movement of the holder between the retracted and deployed positions comprising translation movement relative to the housing and rotational movement relative to the housing.
2. The mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder comprises first and second holder parts, the first holder part arranged to be moved between the retracted and deployed positions, and the second holder part arranged to hold the electronic device and be detachably connected to the first holder part.
3. The mount as claimed in claim 1 or 2, including power transmitting means for transmitting power from a power source of the motor vehicle to an electronic device in the holder.
4. The mount as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein the power transmitting means comprises a first power transmitting connector in the first holder part and a second power transmitting connector in the second holder part, the first and second power transmitting connectors being interconnected when the first and second holder pads are connected together.
5. The mount as claimed in claim 4, wherein the power transmitting means comprises a third power transmitting connector in the second holder part for connecting to a power connector of the electronic device held in the second holder part, the third power transmitting connector being connected to the second power transmitting connector.
6. The mount as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second power transmitting connectors or further transmitting connectors in the first and second holder parts are arranged to transmit at least one of audio and video signals from the electronic device held in the second holder part to at least one output in the vehicle when the first and second holder pads are connected together.
7. The mount as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the power source is a cigarette lighter of the motor vehicle.
8. The mount as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the power transmitting means comprises a cable connectable to said power source of the motor vehicle, the cable having adhesive to enable it to be fixed to inside surfaces of the vehicle.
9. The mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuation mechanism includes translation means to translate the holder relative to the housing between the retracted position and the deployed position.
10. The mount as claimed in claim 9, wherein the translation means comprises a motor and a threaded shaft for translating the holder relative to the housing.
11. The mount as claimed in claims 3 and 10, wherein the power transmitting means is arranged to transmit power to the motor of the translation means.
12. The mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the holder is arranged to be rotatable relative to the housing between a first position in which it is orientated to hold an electronic device in a generally parallel position relative to the housing and a second position in which it is orientated to hold an electronic device in a generally perpendicular position relative to the housing.
13. The mount as claimed in claim 12, wherein the actuation mechanism includes rotation means to rotate the holder between the first and second positions.
14. The mount as claimed in claim 13, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first cooperating part forming part of the holder and a second cooperating part forming part of the housing, the first and second cooperating parts being arranged to cooperate during translation of the holder and thereby to activate the rotation means to cause the holder to rotate.
15. The mount as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first cooperating part comprises a protrusion and the second cooperating part comprises a stop.
16. The mount as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first cooperating part comprises one of a cog and a rack and the second cooperating part the other of thecogand rack.
17. The mount as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the holder is arranged to rotate through an angle in the range of 800 to 120° between the first and second positions.
18. The mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the holder in the retracted position is contained within the housing.
19. The mount as claimed in claim 18, wherein the holder in the retracted position is contained within the housing, together with any electronic device held by the holder.
20. The mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing is arranged to be removably fixed to the dashboard of the motor vehicle.
21. The mount as claimed in claim 20, wherein the housing is arranged to be fixed to the dashboard by adhesive.
22. The mount as claimed in claim 20, wherein the housing is arranged to be fixed to the dashboard by at least one suction cup.
23. The mount as claimed in claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the housing includes a detachable base part having a shape which is conformed to the shape of the dashboard of the motor vehicle.
24. A motor vehicle including an electronic device mount as claimed in any preceding claim.
25. The motor vehicle as claimed in claim 24, wherein the housing is an integral part of a dashboard of the motor vehicle.
26. An electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing arranged to be provided on the dashboard of the motor vehicle; a holder comprising first and second holder parts, the second holder part arranged to hold an electronic device and be detachably connected to the first holder part; an actuation mechanism configured to move the first holder part between a retracted position and a deployed position; and a first power transmitting connector in the first holder part and a second power transmitting connector in the second holder part, the first and second power transmitting connectors being interconnected when the first and second holder parts are connected together, and the first and second power transmitting connectors arranged to transmit power from a power source of the motor vehicle to an electronic device held in the second holder part when the first and second power transmitting connectors are interconnected.
27. The mount as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first and second power transmitting connectors or further transmitting connectors in first and second holder parts are arranged to transmit at least one of audio and video signals from the electronic device held in the second holder part to at least one output in the vehicle when the first and second holder parts are connected together.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: CLAIMS: 1. An electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing arranged to be provided on the dashboard of the motor vehicle; a holder for holding an electronic device; and an actuation mechanism configured to move the holder between a retracted position and a deployed position, the movement of the holder between the retracted and deployed positions comprising translation movement relative to the housing and rotational movement relative to the housing, wherein the holder comprises first and second holder parts, the first holder part arranged to be moved between the retracted and deployed positions, and the IC) second holder part arranged to hold the electronic device and be detachably connected to the first holder part.2. The mount as claimed in claim 1, including power transmitting means for transmitting power from a power source of the motor vehicle to an electronic device in the holder.3. The mount as claimed in claim 2, wherein the power transmitting means comprises a first power transmitting connector in the first holder part and a second power transmitting connector in the second holder part, the first and second power transmitting connectors being interconnected when the first and second holder parts are connected together.4. The mount as claimed in claim 3, wherein the power transmitting means comprises a third power transmitting connector in the second holder part for connecting to a power connector of the electronic device held in the second holder part, the third power transmitting connector being connected to the second power transmitting connector.5. The mount as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the first and second power transmitting connectors or further transmitting connectors in the first and second holder parts are arranged to transmit at least one of audio and video signals S from the electronic device held in the second holder part to at least one output in the vehicle when the first and second holder parts are connected together.6. The mount as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the power source is a cigarette lighter of the motor vehicle.7. The mount as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the power transmitting means comprises a cable connectable to said power source of the IC) motor vehicle, the cable having adhesive to enable it to be fixed to inside surfaces of the vehicle.8. The mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuation mechanism includes translation means to translate the holder relative to the housing between the retracted position and the deployed position.9. The mount as claimed in claim 8, wherein the translation means comprises a motor and a threaded shaft for translating the holder relative to the housing.10. The mount as claimed in claims 2 and 9, wherein the power transmitting means is arranged to transmit power to the motor of the translation means.11. The mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the holder is arranged to be rotatable relative to the housing between a first position in which it is orientated to hold an electronic device in a substantially parallel position relative to the housing and a second position in which it is orientated to hold an electronic device in a substantially perpendicular position relative to the housing.12. The mount as claimed in claim 11, wherein the actuation mechanism includes rotation means to rotate the holder between the first and second positions.13. The mount as claimed in claim 12, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first cooperating part forming part of the holder and a second cooperating pad forming part of the housing, the first and second cooperating parts being arranged to cooperate during translation of the holder and thereby to activate the rotation means to cause the holder to rotate.IC) 14. The mount as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first cooperating part comprises a protrusion and the second cooperating part comprises a stop.15. The mount as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first cooperating pad comprises one of a cog and a rack and the second cooperating part the other of the cog and rack.16. The mount as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the holder is arranged to rotate through an angle in the range of 80° to 120° between the first and second positions.17. The mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the holder in the retracted position is contained within the housing.18. The mount as claimed in claim 17, wherein the holder in the retracted position is contained within the housing, together with any electronic device held by the holder.19. The mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing is arranged to be removably fixed to the dashboard of the motor vehicle.20. The mount as claimed in claim 19, wherein the housing is arranged to be fixed to the dashboard by adhesive.21. The mount as claimed in claim ig, wherein the housing is arranged to be fixed to the dashboard by at least one suction cup.22. The mount as claimed in claim 19,20 or 21, wherein the housing includes a detachable base part having a shape which is conformed to the shape of the dashboard of the motor vehicle. IC)23. A motor vehicle including an electronic device mount as claimed in any CO 15 preceding claim.24. The motor vehicle as claimed in claim 23, wherein the housing is an integral part of a dashboard of the motor vehicle.25. An electronic device mount for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing arranged to be provided on the dashboard of the motor vehicle; a holder comprising first and second holder parts, the second holder part arranged to hold an electronic device and be detachably connected to the first holder part; an actuation mechanism configured to move the first holder part between a retracted position and a deployed position; and a first power transmitting connector in the first holder part and a second power transmitting connector in the second holder part, the first and second power transmitting connectors being interconnected when the first and second holder parts are connected together, and the first and second power transmitting connectors arranged to transmit power from a power source of the motor vehicle to an electronic device held in the second holder part when the first and second power transmitting connectors are interconnected.26. The mount as claimed in claim 25, wherein the first and second power transmitting connectors or further transmitting connectors in first and second holder parts are arranged to transmit at least one of audio and video signals from the electronic device held in the second holder part to at least one output in the vehicle when the first and second holder parts are connected together. IC)CO