WO2010127863A1

WO2010127863A1 - Vehicle equipment for a mobile appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2010127863A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/002798
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pascal Clochard
Original assignee: Continental Automotive France; Continental Automotive Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-05-07
Filing date: 2010-05-07
Publication date: 2010-11-11
Also published as: FR2945250A1; FR2945250B1

Abstract

The invention relates to vehicle equipment designed to detachably hold an electronic appliance provided with a screen and keys. Said equipment has a cavity (11) for receiving the appliance. Said cavity is bordered at the front by a façade part (13a, 15) containing a front opening (37a) that is longer in a first direction (140a) than in a second direction (140b) perpendicular to the first, in order to encourage a flat insertion, through said opening and in said first direction, of a first appliance larger than a second appliance. The cavity (11) comprises thrust means (17,19,190) having lateral push elements respectively arranged essentially perpendicularly to the first and second opening directions in order to push on the first or second appliance, according to the engagement orientation thereof in the opening (37a).

Description

Vehicle equipment for mobile device

The present invention relates to the field of the interior equipment of a motor vehicle.

At present, it is sought to be able to communicate with and / or use electronic devices in vehicles. Thus has already been proposed a suitable vehicle equipment removably retain an electronic device provided with a display screen and functional keys operable manually and operated with electricity.

However, ensuring the installation (on equipment) of devices that are of different sizes depending on the model, or even the type of device, remains a problem, as well as ensure a quick set up and withdrawal and convenient.

Adapting the equipment to the type of device (size, connectivity, fragility, handling, accessibility, etc.) has also not been taken into sufficient consideration.

Also, is it proposed here, to provide a solution to at least some of these problems, while offering reduced design / manufacturing / installation costs, that the aforementioned equipment has a cavity adapted to receive the device and which is bordered frontally by a portion of the facade traversed by a front opening more elongated in a first direction than in a second, perpendicular to the first, the two directions being situated in parallel or coincident planes, to favor a flat passage, through this opening and in said first direction, a first apparatus more voluminous than a second, the cavity containing thrust means comprising first and second lateral pushers mounted on the lateral edge of the cavity and arranged respectively substantially perpendicular to the first and second direction of the opening to push on the first or second device, following the orie its commitment to openness.

For optimal positioning of the apparatus concerned, it is recommended that the thrust means in question further comprise a rear pusher mounted in the bottom of the cavity and adapted to push towards the front part the apparatus introduced into this cavity. . Moreover, to recharge the device once mounted on the equipment and, for this purpose, to carry out a preparation of the equipment making it possible to operate then easily this operation has so far not been proposed in a suitable way. .

Also, is it also proposed that the equipment comprises a cable-pass pad urged by at least some of the thrust means and having a passage, or a marked passage mark ready to be cut, adapted to be traversed by a cable and its connection tip to be connected to the electronic device. This The connection may be used to power the appliance and / or for the purpose of establishing a wired connection with the vehicle.

Favoring the convenience of maneuvering or using the device is also a goal. For this, we propose:

that the so-called "facade" part of the equipment belongs to a turntable mounted around a transverse axis at the bottom of the cavity,

and that, relative to a reference angular position in which said "first direction" is substantially vertical, this plate is adapted to pivot a quarter of a turn to the right and to the left, until the second direction is placed substantially vertically. The evolution of laptops being fast, this type of device is not excluded here. However, on the day of filing, the device received in the equipment is a priori expected to be one of: a mobile phone, a personal assistant, a satellite navigation console.

And, given the design trend of this type of device, it is expected that its display screen and its keys are favorably accessible and functional facade, both active device at rest.

Thus, this type of device in their sliding versions ("slider") or flap opening (two tilting parts) is not privileged, not that it can not be received, but its use will require that it be removed out of the cavity.

This selectivity is linked to a search for a balance between the cost of the solution and the number of devices on the market covered, for its possible use while the device is housed in the cavity. In this regard, another feature of the invention provides that the flexible material portion of the equipment is a ring removably mounted on the plate, which will then be (at least substantially) a material (more) hard that the Ring.

Reloading the device once mounted on the equipment is also a goal. To this end, it is proposed that the aforementioned cavity also encloses a cable-pass pad urged by at least some of the thrust means and having a passage, or a delimited passage mark ready to be cut, adapted to be traversed by a cable and its connection end to be connected to said mounted device, for its power supply. This connection can be used for the power supply of the device but also for other purposes for example to establish a wired connection with the vehicle.

The solution presented above allows to receive and use the device easily (natural gestures) and without risk for him (flexible material that does not scratch), while providing an easy access area, especially if, as preferred, the equipment belongs to the vehicle dashboard, in a façade area close to the vertical thereof, typically in the central portion , therefore very easily accessible to both the driver and the front passenger. Also concerned is an assembly comprising a vehicle equipment of the aforementioned type releasably holding the intended electronic device (aforementioned type).

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended figures in which:

FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate a part of the dashboard provided with the equipment according to the invention which retains the apparatus which has been chosen,

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of part of this equipment,

- Figure 4 illustrates the gate block ready to be mounted on the relevant part of the dashboard,

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate details of this gate in the open position, tilted forwards,

and FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate details of the installation of the cable runner pad. A central portion of a dashboard console or facade 1 of a motor vehicle 10 is shown schematically in particular FIGS. 1, 3, 4.

This is a suitable equipment removably retain an electronic device 3 / 3b (Figures 1, 2) provided with a display screen 5 and 7 manually operable keys. A rechargeable battery 9 makes it work. In particular Figuresi, 3, we see that this equipment has a cavity 11 where is received (almost) without play the device 3, thus allowing it to stall.

In the illustrated embodiment, the equipment has been optimized to receive as a device 3: a mobile phone or a personal assistant or a satellite navigation console. And, in view of the holding mode also retained in this preferred embodiment, it is advisable to use such a device whose screen 5 and the keys 7 are accessible and functional front, both active device and rest , that is to say of the "classic" type (thus opening / closing neither sliding nor valve).

In particular to receive this type of device and allow it to be functional and manipulable from this place by an occupant of the front seats of the vehicle, the cavity 11 is open at the front (AV), at 37a, where it is lined by a portion 13a of flexible material connected to a plate 15 rotatably mounted about an axis 15a transverse to the bottom of the cavity. The flexibility may be of the order of 60-80 Shore A, other hard materials having a double hardness or more.

The front opening 37a is more elongate in a first direction, 140a, than in a second, 140b, perpendicular to the first direction, the two directions being located in parallel or coincident planes, to favor a flat passage, through this opening. and in said first direction, a first apparatus 3 more voluminous than a second 3b (Figure 2).

To be able to push on the first or second device 3,3b, according to the engagement orientation thereof in the opening 37a, the cavity 11 encloses pushing means comprising first and second side pushers 19,190 (Figure 2) mounted on the lateral edge 11b of the cavity and respectively disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions 140a, 140b of the front opening.

In particular, FIGS. 1 and 3 show that the dimensions of the apparatus and equipment (in particular cavity and flexible portion 13a) are adapted to each other so that, mounted in the cavity 11, the apparatus concerned (3 or 3b) comes to bear behind and / or against this flexible portion 13a under the effect, preferably, first and second thrust means, respectively 17 and 19,190.

Favorably, the apparatus 3 will thus support itself behind said flexible part against the rear face of its front wall which surrounds its central orifice 37a.

As shown, the thrust means comprise for this, respectively a rear pusher 17a mounted in the bottom 11a of the cavity 11 and side pushers 19a, 19b; 190a, 190b mounted on the side edge 11b of the cavity to move parallel to it. The rear pusher 17a comprises first return means 17b adapted to (re) push forward, thus with the apparatus. Favorably, this force will be sufficient so that, device mounted in the cavity (Figuresi, 3), it can be operated by operating its keys 7 by pressing on them as they are directed towards the user (forward AV ). As for the side pushers 19a, 19b, they are present behind the portion 13a of flexible material and are here provided with second return means 19c adapted to (re) push, with the device to the opposite side. It may be the same for the transverse pushers 190a, 190b; see recall means 190c figure 2.

It is advisable two double-side pushers diametrically opposed (one, (re) pushing the device against the side edge 11b opposite the cavity could however also be suitable).

The first and second return means may be springs. It is recommended that the portion of flexible material 13a be a ring 13a whose central opening 130a receives the apparatus and which is removably mounted on the plate 15, which is at least essentially made of hard material (typically medium or high density plastic ). For optimal use of the device, it is furthermore recommended that, placed in the cavity 11, it be in a state removably connected to a first connection end 23a of an electric cable 23 comprising a second connecting end 23b detachably connected to a fixed socket of the vehicle connected to the power supply circuit 27 of this vehicle (via the battery). Figure 5 in particular, we see that the receiving equipment of the apparatus will favorably belong to a gate 29 mounted articulated on a portion near the vertical facade of the dashboard 1.

By articulating around a horizontal axis 29a (FIG 6), the gate 29 closes and opens an empty pocket 31 in a wall 31 to which is located the fixed grip 25. Figure 2 in particular we also see that the cable electrical 23 preferably passes through the rear pusher 17a (hole 170) along said axis 15a transverse to the bottom 11a of the cavity 11, and is wound at the rear of a portion 33 (Figure 5) in the form of a cup located behind the turntable 15.

In several figures, we see also that the plate 15 will be favorably provided in the front of growths 150 conducive to rotate with the portion 13a or 13b of flexible material and the apparatus 3 mounted there.

1, 5, 6, in particular, it is furthermore noted that this plate 15 is, in this preferred embodiment, rotatably mounted with said flexible part 13a, vis-à-vis said cup-shaped portion 33 located behind her and in which she is engaged.

As for the turntable, it includes here, linked together:

- A crown 37 of front in the central opening 37a of which is removably mounted said flexible portion 13a,

- And an intermediate cup 39 which limits the cavity 11 and, therefore, the bottom 11a receives the rear pusher 17a and whose side wall

11b receives the lateral pushers 19a, 19b; 190a, 190b. For effective maintenance of the chosen electronic device, it is furthermore recommended that at least one of these lateral pushpieces be in the form of a jaw with side edges 190, 191 directed towards the cavity 11 and between which an edge is received, here 3a , of the apparatus assumed here chosen (Figure 1). Two blocks, one fixed, the other mobile, located opposite each other and one of which is provided with the jaw 40, are here mounted. Thus, mounted in the cavity, the device in question is engaged rather closely in this jaw which positions it at best.

The angle of rotation of the turntable will be favorably 90 °, or even 2x90 °, to allow to have a vertical position and a horizontal position where the screen is extended horizontally; typically favorable position for use "navigation / tracking".

3, it can be seen that, with respect to a reference angular position in which said "first direction" 140a is substantially vertical, the turntable 15 is adapted to pivot a quarter turn to the right or to the left, until the "second direction" 140b is substantially vertically.

Concerning the gate 29 (FIGS. 5, 6) which can carry the turntable 15, it comprises a front panel 41 rotating around the horizontal axis 29a and in the central orifice of which the turntable 15 is positioned. A rear cover 42 protects everything and camouflages the rear of the carrier cup 33 of the wound cable 23 (FIG. 5).

The various aforementioned parts of the gate 29 can be screwed together.

The separable connection between the flat face ring 37 of hard plastic and the flexible ring 13a or 13b can be effected by lugs 130 (Figure 2) forming clips. The assembly comprising the gate 29, the turntable 15 and the block 43 which this gate is articulated and which has a facade 430 (Figure 4) flanking the gate front side AV of the console 1 will be favorably designed to be easy to manufacture and mounted in a space 45 reserved here in the center of the console.

According to another characteristic, FIGS. 2 and 7-9 show a cable guide pad 160 biased by at least some of the thrust means 17, 19 ... and having a passage, or a delimited passage mark ready to be cut. , 161, adapted to be traversed by the cable 23 and its connecting end 23a to be connected to the device 3. This connection can be used to power the device but can also be used to establish a wired connection with the vehicle. With regard to the lateral pushers (19a, 19b, 19c.) Mounted on the lateral edge of the cavity, behind the front part, it is recommended that it (s) acts (ssent) on or integrates (s) said cable gland pad 160, to move with it (in the illustrated solution, only the pusher 19a is concerned).

Preferably, it will be the same between this cable guide pad and the rear pusher 17.

Regarding this rear pusher, we see Figure 7 it will be convenient for the cable gland is engaged in front and behind him. The pad will then present favorably two said passages or / or marks passages, respectively 161, 163 (8, 9) each adapted to be traversed by the cable 23 and its end 23a.

It is recommended that the cable runner pad 160 be made, at least essentially, of a flexible material with a hardness between 60 and 100 Shore A ₁ limiting the risk of scratches and "hard" contact with the device 3. Thus, favorably, the portion of flexible material 13a will be of a hardness less than or equal to that of (these) shoe (s).

5, it can still be seen that, placed in the cavity 11, the apparatus is removably connected to its mouthpiece 23a, whereas the second mouthpiece 23b is then removably connected to the fixed socket 25 of the vehicle provided with the equipment and which is connected to the circuit 27 of the vehicle.

Claims

1. Vehicle equipment adapted to removably retain an electronic device (3) provided with a display screen (5) and functional keys (7) operable manually and electrically operated, characterized in that the equipment present a cavity (11) adapted to receive the apparatus (3) and which is bordered frontally by a front portion (13a, 15) traversed by a front opening (37a) more elongated in a first direction (140a) than in a second (140b), perpendicular to the first, the two directions being located in parallel planes or merged, to promote a flat passage, through this opening and in said first direction, a first device (3) more voluminous than a second (3b), the cavity enclosing thrust means (17, 19, 190) comprising lateral pushers (19a, 19b, 19c, 190a, 190b, 190c) mounted on the lateral edge of the cavity and arranged respectively substantially perpen in particular to the first and second directions (140a, 140b) of the opening to be able to push on the first or second apparatus, according to the engagement orientation thereof in the opening (37a).

2. Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that said thrusting means (17, 19, 190) further comprises a rear pusher (17a, 17b) mounted in the bottom (11a) of the cavity (11) and adapted to push in. direction of the front part the device introduced into this cavity.

3. Equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cavity also contains a cable guide pad (160) biased by at least some of the thrust means (17,19,190) and having a passage, or a passage mark delimited ready to be cut, (161, 163) adapted to be traversed by a cable and its connecting end (23a) to be connected to the electronic device (3) introduced into the cavity.

4. Equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front portion (13a, 13b, 15) comprises, bonded together, a ring (37) facade in the central opening (37a) which is mounted a ring of flexible material (13a).

5. Equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front portion (13a, 13b, 15) is disposed in front of an intermediate cup (39) to which it is attached, which limits said cavity (11). ) and which internally receives the thrust means (17, 19, 190), the whole defining a plate rotatably mounted relative to a support member (29) about an axis (15a) transverse to the bottom of the cavity.

6. Equipment according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the front portion (13a, 15) belongs to a plate (15) rotatably mounted about an axis (15a) transverse to the bottom of the cavity, the apparatus engaged in the cavity coming to lean behind and / or against said facade part, under the effect of the thrust means (17,19,190).

7. Equipment according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that, with respect to a reference angular position in which said first direction (140a) is substantially vertical, the rotatably mounted stage (15) is adapted to pivot d a quarter turn to the right or to the left, until the second direction (140b) is placed substantially vertically.

8. Equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the front the cavity (11) is bordered by a portion (13a) of flexible material belonging to the front portion (13a, 15), the apparatus being supported behind and / or against this portion of flexible material (13a) under the effect of said thrusting means (17, 19, 190).

9. Equipment according to claims 3 and 8, characterized in that the portion of flexible material (13a) is of a flexible material having a hardness less than or equal to that of / of the cable gland (s) (160).