WO2013037395A1 - A holding means for fastening a portable communication device to a vehicle component - Google Patents

A holding means for fastening a portable communication device to a vehicle component Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013037395A1
WO2013037395A1 PCT/EP2011/065768 EP2011065768W WO2013037395A1 WO 2013037395 A1 WO2013037395 A1 WO 2013037395A1 EP 2011065768 W EP2011065768 W EP 2011065768W WO 2013037395 A1 WO2013037395 A1 WO 2013037395A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
basic carrier
holding means
portable communication
holding
communication device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2011/065768
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Julien Moizard
Waldo REIJNDERS
Eric VAN DORST
Original Assignee
Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh filed Critical Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh
Priority to PCT/EP2011/065768 priority Critical patent/WO2013037395A1/en
Publication of WO2013037395A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013037395A1/en

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Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08GMACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
    • C08G18/00Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates
    • C08G18/06Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen
    • C08G18/70Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen characterised by the isocyanates or isothiocyanates used
    • C08G18/72Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates
    • C08G18/721Two or more polyisocyanates not provided for in one single group C08G18/73 - C08G18/80
    • C08G18/725Combination of polyisocyanates of C08G18/78 with other polyisocyanates
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R11/0241Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for telephones
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08GMACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
    • C08G18/00Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates
    • C08G18/06Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen
    • C08G18/70Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen characterised by the isocyanates or isothiocyanates used
    • C08G18/72Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates
    • C08G18/74Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates cyclic
    • C08G18/76Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates cyclic aromatic
    • C08G18/7607Compounds of C08G18/7614 and of C08G18/7657
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08GMACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
    • C08G18/00Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates
    • C08G18/06Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen
    • C08G18/70Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen characterised by the isocyanates or isothiocyanates used
    • C08G18/72Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates
    • C08G18/77Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates having heteroatoms in addition to the isocyanate or isothiocyanate nitrogen and oxygen or sulfur
    • C08G18/78Nitrogen
    • C08G18/7806Nitrogen containing -N-C=0 groups
    • C08G18/7843Nitrogen containing -N-C=0 groups containing urethane groups
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16MFRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02Heads
    • F16M11/04Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/041Allowing quick release of the apparatus
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16MFRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02Heads
    • F16M11/04Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/06Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
    • F16M11/12Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
    • F16M11/14Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction with ball-joint
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16MFRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16MFRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • F16M13/02Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
    • F16M13/022Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle repositionable
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/04Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
    • B60R2011/0026Windows, e.g. windscreen
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0042Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
    • B60R2011/0049Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
    • B60R2011/005Connection with the vehicle part
    • B60R2011/0056Connection with the vehicle part using suction cups
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0042Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
    • B60R2011/0049Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
    • B60R2011/0064Connection with the article
    • B60R2011/0071Connection with the article using latches, clips, clamps, straps or the like
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16MFRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M2200/00Details of stands or supports
    • F16M2200/02Locking means
    • F16M2200/025Locking means for translational movement
    • F16M2200/027Locking means for translational movement by friction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a holding means, which is formed for holding a portable communication device - for instance a mobile phone - to a vehicle component, in particular to a windscreen of a motor vehicle.
  • the holding means has a basic carrier, which serves for carrying the portable communication device, such that the portable communication device extends parallel to a front face of the basic carrier.
  • Holding means for attaching a mobile phone to the windscreen of a motor vehicle are already known from the prior art in a plurality of designs.
  • Such holding means as a rule contain a basic carrier, to which the mobile phone can be fixed, namely for instance by means of a snap-on connection, a plug-in connection, or the like.
  • the holding means also include fasteners serving for fastening the basic carrier to the windscreen.
  • a suction cup - it is a suction element made of rubber - is employed by means of which the holding means can be temporarily and releasable mounted to the surface of the windscreen.
  • the basic carrier serves as a holder or a cradle for holding the mobile phone.
  • the mobile phone may for instance be attached by means of a snap-on connection or a plug-in connection. All these known concepts have the disadvantage that the holding means is exclusively suited for holding a single type of mobile phone.
  • a holding means for a mobile phone of a certain company cannot hold a mobile phone of another company. This particularly because the mobile phones of different manufacturers each have different sizes.
  • the document US 2010/0286904 A1 describes a device assembly for performing a driver assistance function.
  • the device assembly includes a mobile terminal as well as a holder removable installed in the vehicle for temporarily receiving the mobile terminal.
  • An image recording device is connected to the holder, which is connectable to the mobile terminal via an image signal line and an electrical interface provided on the holder.
  • the holder can be designed as a section attachment device and can be attached to a vehicle windshield.
  • the holder can receive the mobile terminal via a receptacle arm, in which the appropriate interface for transmitting the image signals and for the power supply are positioned.
  • an image processing module for processing camera image data of the environment of a motor vehicle on the one hand and a display for displaying the images on the other hand can be formed by a microcomputer, in particular a palmtop, a personal digital assistant or a mobile telephone.
  • a microcomputer in particular a palmtop, a personal digital assistant or a mobile telephone.
  • the integration of the image processing module in the vehicle interior guarantees that the image processing module is not exposed to large temperature variations or extremely high temperatures.
  • a holding means according to the invention is designed for holding a portable
  • the holding means comprises a basic carrier, which is designed for carrying the portable communication device.
  • the basic carrier has a front face. If the portable communication device is fixed to the basic carrier, the portable communication device extends parallel to the front face of the basic carrier.
  • the basic carrier comprises a pair of holding arms arranged on opposite sides of the front face of the basic carrier and extending perpendicular to the front face and parallel to each other. The holding arms are arranged for accommodating the portable communication device between them.
  • the basic carrier furthermore comprises an elastic coupling element, by means of which the holding arms are joined to each other.
  • the invention is based on the realization that the holding means for portable
  • the holding means according to the present invention is based on a mechanism adapted to be used for different kinds of portable communication devices, in particular for different kinds of smart phones.
  • the portable communication device independently of its size may be mounted to the basic carrier of the holding means. This means that for instance mobile phones of different manufacturers can be attached to the basic carrier of the holding means.
  • the user merely needs to press the portable communication device between the holding arms which are arranged on opposite sides of the front face of the basic carrier such that the portable communication device is accommodated between the holding arms.
  • the portable communication device may be for instance a mobile phone (smart phone). But it may equally be a navigation device, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or the like.
  • the coupling element is formed from elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber.
  • the position of the holding arms can reliably adjust itself due to the elasticity of the used material such that portable communication devices of different sizes can efficiently be held on the basic carrier.
  • the opposite compressive force of the holding arms is sufficient for holding the portable communication device between the holding arms.
  • the holding arms can be formed from an elastic material, in particular from elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber.
  • the holding arms also can adjust themselves to the size and the shape of the portable communication device due to the elasticity of the used material of the holding arms.
  • a compact and robust holding means can be provided if the holding arms and the coupling element are formed in a single piece.
  • the coupling element is arranged parallel to a plane defined by the front face of the basic carrier.
  • the coupling element can be arranged in the plane of the front face of the basic carrier.
  • the basic carrier is a flat part, which needs not much space in the direction perpendicular to the front face. In this way, more space can be dedicated to a fastening unit provided behind the basic carrier and serving for fastening the basic carrier to the vehicle component.
  • the coupling element has the shape of a ring segment which at least partially surrounds a central region of the basic carrier.
  • a ring segment By using a ring segment, a large range of sizes of the portable communication device can be covered such that the basic carrier can hold a large range of different types of portable communication devices. This is because the ring segment can be stretched while inserting a portable communication device having a great width between the holding arms.
  • the holding means comprises a fastening unit, which serves for fastening the basic carrier to the vehicle component.
  • the fastening unit can be a separate part from the basic carrier.
  • the fastening unit may include a suction cup, by means of which the holding means can be attached to the vehicle component, in particular to the
  • the holding means can reliably be attached to the vehicle component.
  • the holding means comprises an adapter detachably connected to the basic carrier in a plane defined by the front face of the basic carrier.
  • the adapter can be formed for supporting the portable communication device. This means that on the one hand the portable communication device can be held by means of the two holding arms - i.e. between the holding arms - and on the other hand can be supported or held up by means of the adapter.
  • the adapter which can be coupled to the basic carrier and can be removed from the basic carrier, allows to adapt the holding means to different kinds of the portable communication device and improves the stabilisation of the portable communication device when it is fixed to the vehicle component. Namely, the adapter avoids sliding off the portable communication device. Different kinds of adapters can be used for different kinds of portable communication devices.
  • the holding means according to the present invention serves for fastening a smart phone of any width to a vehicle component, in particular to the windscreen.
  • the advantage of using a pair of holding arms arranged on opposite sides of the front face of the basic carrier and connected to each other by means of an elastic coupling element is to avoid using complex mechanisms.
  • the holding is achieved thanks to mechanical distortion which is simple and cost-efficient.
  • Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective side view of a holding means according to one embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective view of a reverse side of a basic carrier to which a mobile phone can be fixed;
  • Fig. 3 a schematic and exploded view of the basic carrier and an adapter
  • Fig. 4 a schematic and perspective view of a front side of the basic carrier and the adapter.
  • Fig. 5 a schematic and perspective view of the basic carrier and different types of the adapter.
  • the holding means 1 is a fastening device or a cradle and serves for fastening a smart phone to a vehicle windscreen.
  • the holding means 1 comprises a fastening unit 2 on the one hand as well as a basic carrier 3 and an adapter 4 on the other hand.
  • the fastening unit 2 serves for fastening the holding means 1 to the windscreen.
  • the fastening unit 2 comprises a suction cup 5 by means of which the holding means 1 can be attached to the windscreen.
  • the suction 5 is a rubber element and allows for mounting the holding means 1 to the windscreen.
  • the suction cup 5 in essence has the shape of a circle or a disk. If the suction cup 5 is pressed against the windscreen, a vacuum chamber is formed between the suction cup 5 on the one hand and the windscreen on the other hand, and the holding means 1 is held to the windscreen due to an air pressure, which acts upon the suction cup 5.
  • the fastening unit 2 also comprises a fastening arm 6 through which a main body 7 holding the suction cup 5 is coupled to the basic carrier 3.
  • the fastening arm 6 is pivotally arranged on the main body 7 and can be pivoted between a use position shown in Fig. 1 and a storage position in which the fastening arm 6 is accommodated in a recess 8 formed in the main body 7.
  • the coupling mechanism 10 comprises a ball joint having a sphere and a socket.
  • the basic carrier 3 comprises a pair of holding arms 1 1 , 12 which are designed for accommodating a smart phone between them.
  • a reverse side 13 of the basic carrier 3 is shown in more detail.
  • the socket is formed for accommodating a sphere 14 of the ball joint.
  • a pin 15 is joined to the sphere 14 and can be inserted into a socket formed in the fastening arm 6. In this way, the basic carrier 3 can be moved relatively to the fastening arm 6 in three different directions, i.e. it has three degrees of freedom.
  • the basic carrier 3 consists of a central region 16, in which a socket 17 for accommodating the sphere 14 is formed.
  • the central region 16 is partially surrounded by a coupling element 18, which has the shape of a ring segment.
  • the coupling element 18 connects the two holding arms 1 1 , 12.
  • the basic carrier 3 comprises a cover 19 which can be screwed on the central region 16 of the basic carrier 3 to create the joint ball connection.
  • the adapter 4 can be connected to the basic carrier 3 by means of a pair of pins 20, 21 on the one hand and corresponding sockets 22, 23 on the other hand.
  • the pins 20, 21 as well as the sockets 22, 23 extend parallel to a front face 24 of the basic carrier 3.
  • the pins 20, 21 can be inserted into the corresponding sockets 22, 23.
  • Fig. 4 shows the basic carrier 3 and the adapter 4 in the mounted state.
  • the holding arms 1 1 1 , 12 are arranged on opposite sides of the front face 24 of the basic carrier 3.
  • the holding arm 1 1 is arranged on the left side of the mobile phone, while the holding arm 12 is arranged on the right side.
  • the two holding arms 1 1 , 12 are joined to each other by means of said coupling element 18 which is formed from an elastic material, such as elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber, for example.
  • the holding arms 1 1 , 12 themselves can be formed from an elastic material, namely from the elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber, for example.
  • the coupling element 18 is a ring segment, which partially surrounds the central region 24 of the basic carrier 3.
  • the ring segment extends in a plane defined by the front face 24 of the basic carrier 3. This means that the coupling element 18 extends parallel to the mobile phone when it is mounted on the holding means 1 .
  • the coupling element 18 is joined to the central region 24 in a bottom region 25. Here, the free ends of the coupling element 18 are joined to the bottom region 25 of the central region 24.
  • the adapter 4 is also joined to the bottom region 25 of the central region 16.
  • the holding arms 1 1 , 12 rise from the coupling element 18 and extend perpendicular to the front face 24 of the basic carrier 3. Since the front face 24 is parallel to the surface of the mobile phone, the holding arms 1 1 , 12 extend perpendicular to the main surface of the mobile phone and parallel to each other.
  • the mobile phone can be inserted and accommodated between the holding arms 1 1 , 12. While inserting or pressing the mobile phone between the holding arms 1 1 , 12, the orientation and the position of the holding arms 1 1 , 12 can adjust themselves to the width of the smart phone due to the elasticity of the coupling element 18.
  • the maximum distance between the holding arms 1 1 , 12 will adapt itself to the width of the smart phone such that an opposite compressive force of the holding arms to each other acts on the smart phone gripping it on the holding means 1 .
  • This is achieved by using the elastic ring segment comprising the two holding arms 1 1 , 12.
  • the basic carrier 3 is formed in a single piece. This means that the central region 16, the coupling element 18 as well as the holding arms 1 1 , 12 are formed in a single piece.
  • the holding arms 1 1 1 , 12 each have a nose 26, 27 pointing towards one another.
  • the portable communication device can reliably be held by means of the holding arms 1 1 , 12.
  • the adapter 4 can be detachably connected to the basic carrier 3. This means that the adapter 4 can be coupled to and removed from the basic carrier 3.
  • different adapters can be used.
  • Figs. 5 to 7 each show a different adapter 4a to 4c which can be used for supporting the mobile phone on the basic carrier 3.
  • the adapters 4a to 4c have different supporting elements 28a to 28c which are adapted to the different types of the mobile phone.
  • the adapter 4 is optional. It allows to adapt the basic carrier 3 to different kinds of smart phones and improves stabilisation of the smart phone. Namely, it can avoid sliding of the smart phone when it is connected to the basic carrier 3.
  • the mobile phone presses against the holding arms 1 1 , 12 and the coupling element 18 stretches.
  • the distance between the holding arms 1 1 , 12 will be adapted to the width of the mobile phone such that the mobile phone can be accommodated between the holding arms 1 1 , 12.
  • an opposite compressive force of the holding arms 1 1 , 12 to each other acts on the mobile phone and the holding arms 1 1 , 12 grip the mobile phone on the basic carrier 3.
  • the holder 4 supports the mobile phone on the basic carrier 3.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding means (1) for fastening a portable communication device to a vehicle component, in particular to a windscreen of a motor vehicle, the holding means (1) comprising a basic carrier (3) for carrying the portable communication device such that the portable communication device extends parallel to a front face (24) of the basic carrier (3). The basic carrier (3) comprises a pair of holding arms (11, 12) arranged on opposite sides of the front face (24) of the basic carrier (3) and extending perpendicular to the front face (24) and parallel to each other. The holding arms (11, 12) are arranged for accommodating the portable communication device between them, wherein the basic carrier (3) furthermore comprises an elastic coupling element (18) by means of which the holding arms (11, 12) are joined to each other.

Description

A Holding Means for Fastening a Portable
Communication Device to a Vehicle Component
The present invention relates to a holding means, which is formed for holding a portable communication device - for instance a mobile phone - to a vehicle component, in particular to a windscreen of a motor vehicle. The holding means has a basic carrier, which serves for carrying the portable communication device, such that the portable communication device extends parallel to a front face of the basic carrier.
Holding means for attaching a mobile phone to the windscreen of a motor vehicle are already known from the prior art in a plurality of designs. Such holding means as a rule contain a basic carrier, to which the mobile phone can be fixed, namely for instance by means of a snap-on connection, a plug-in connection, or the like. On the other hand, the holding means also include fasteners serving for fastening the basic carrier to the windscreen. For this purpose as a rule a suction cup - it is a suction element made of rubber - is employed by means of which the holding means can be temporarily and releasable mounted to the surface of the windscreen. If such suction cup is pressed against the surface of the windscreen, the air is sucked out of a clearance between the windscreen and the suction cup, and the air volume between the windscreen and the suction cup decreases. This has the effect that a pressure on the part of the ambient air acts on the suction cup so that the suction cup remains in contact with the windscreen.
Presently, the interest is focussed on the attaching of a mobile phone to the basic carrier of the holding means. The basic carrier serves as a holder or a cradle for holding the mobile phone. For attaching the mobile phone to the holding means in the prior art already numerous concepts have been developed: The mobile phone may for instance be attached by means of a snap-on connection or a plug-in connection. All these known concepts have the disadvantage that the holding means is exclusively suited for holding a single type of mobile phone. Thus, a holding means for a mobile phone of a certain company cannot hold a mobile phone of another company. This particularly because the mobile phones of different manufacturers each have different sizes. Even if the electronic connections for mobile phones are standardized, one and the same holding means due to the different sizes - in particular to the different widths - of the mobile phones cannot be employed for mobile phones of different manufacturers. The document US 2010/0286904 A1 describes a device assembly for performing a driver assistance function. The device assembly includes a mobile terminal as well as a holder removable installed in the vehicle for temporarily receiving the mobile terminal. An image recording device is connected to the holder, which is connectable to the mobile terminal via an image signal line and an electrical interface provided on the holder. The holder can be designed as a section attachment device and can be attached to a vehicle windshield. The holder can receive the mobile terminal via a receptacle arm, in which the appropriate interface for transmitting the image signals and for the power supply are positioned.
The document WO 2005/090124 A1 discloses that an image processing module for processing camera image data of the environment of a motor vehicle on the one hand and a display for displaying the images on the other hand can be formed by a microcomputer, in particular a palmtop, a personal digital assistant or a mobile telephone. The integration of the image processing module in the vehicle interior guarantees that the image processing module is not exposed to large temperature variations or extremely high temperatures.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution as how to employ a holding means of the initially mentioned kind for portable communication devices, which have different sizes, in particular different widths. This means that the holding means should be designed for holding portable communication devices of different manufacturers, namely independently of the size of the portable communication device.
According to the invention, this object is solved by a holding means with the features of patent claim 1 . Advantageous implementations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, of the description and of the figures.
A holding means according to the invention is designed for holding a portable
communication device to a vehicle component, in particular to a windscreen of a motor vehicle. The holding means comprises a basic carrier, which is designed for carrying the portable communication device. The basic carrier has a front face. If the portable communication device is fixed to the basic carrier, the portable communication device extends parallel to the front face of the basic carrier. The basic carrier comprises a pair of holding arms arranged on opposite sides of the front face of the basic carrier and extending perpendicular to the front face and parallel to each other. The holding arms are arranged for accommodating the portable communication device between them. The basic carrier furthermore comprises an elastic coupling element, by means of which the holding arms are joined to each other.
The invention is based on the realization that the holding means for portable
communication devices of different manufacturers can be employed, when two holding arms designed for accommodating the portable communication device between them are coupled to each other by means of an elastic or spring-mounted element. In this way, the two holding arms are flexibly arranged relative to each other so that the orientation and the position of the holding arms can adjust themselves to the elasticity of the coupling element depending on the size - in particular on the width - of the portable
communication device. Therefore, the maximum distance between the two holding arms will adapt itself to the size of the portable communication device such that an opposite compressive force of the holding arms to each other acts on the portable communication device gripping it on the basic carrier. Thus, the holding means according to the present invention is based on a mechanism adapted to be used for different kinds of portable communication devices, in particular for different kinds of smart phones. Thus, the portable communication device independently of its size may be mounted to the basic carrier of the holding means. This means that for instance mobile phones of different manufacturers can be attached to the basic carrier of the holding means. For this purpose, the user merely needs to press the portable communication device between the holding arms which are arranged on opposite sides of the front face of the basic carrier such that the portable communication device is accommodated between the holding arms.
The portable communication device may be for instance a mobile phone (smart phone). But it may equally be a navigation device, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or the like.
It turns out to be particularly advantageous if the coupling element is formed from elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber. In this way, the position of the holding arms can reliably adjust itself due to the elasticity of the used material such that portable communication devices of different sizes can efficiently be held on the basic carrier. On the other hand, the opposite compressive force of the holding arms is sufficient for holding the portable communication device between the holding arms.
Also, the holding arms can be formed from an elastic material, in particular from elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber. In this embodiment the holding arms also can adjust themselves to the size and the shape of the portable communication device due to the elasticity of the used material of the holding arms.
A compact and robust holding means can be provided if the holding arms and the coupling element are formed in a single piece.
In one embodiment, the coupling element is arranged parallel to a plane defined by the front face of the basic carrier. Particularly, the coupling element can be arranged in the plane of the front face of the basic carrier. Thus, the basic carrier is a flat part, which needs not much space in the direction perpendicular to the front face. In this way, more space can be dedicated to a fastening unit provided behind the basic carrier and serving for fastening the basic carrier to the vehicle component.
It turns out to be particularly advantageous if the coupling element has the shape of a ring segment which at least partially surrounds a central region of the basic carrier. By using a ring segment, a large range of sizes of the portable communication device can be covered such that the basic carrier can hold a large range of different types of portable communication devices. This is because the ring segment can be stretched while inserting a portable communication device having a great width between the holding arms.
Preferably, the holding means comprises a fastening unit, which serves for fastening the basic carrier to the vehicle component. The fastening unit can be a separate part from the basic carrier. The fastening unit may include a suction cup, by means of which the holding means can be attached to the vehicle component, in particular to the
windscreen. In this way, the holding means can reliably be attached to the vehicle component.
In one embodiment, the holding means comprises an adapter detachably connected to the basic carrier in a plane defined by the front face of the basic carrier. The adapter can be formed for supporting the portable communication device. This means that on the one hand the portable communication device can be held by means of the two holding arms - i.e. between the holding arms - and on the other hand can be supported or held up by means of the adapter. The adapter, which can be coupled to the basic carrier and can be removed from the basic carrier, allows to adapt the holding means to different kinds of the portable communication device and improves the stabilisation of the portable communication device when it is fixed to the vehicle component. Namely, the adapter avoids sliding off the portable communication device. Different kinds of adapters can be used for different kinds of portable communication devices.
In summary, the holding means according to the present invention serves for fastening a smart phone of any width to a vehicle component, in particular to the windscreen. The advantage of using a pair of holding arms arranged on opposite sides of the front face of the basic carrier and connected to each other by means of an elastic coupling element is to avoid using complex mechanisms. The holding is achieved thanks to mechanical distortion which is simple and cost-efficient.
Further features of the invention derive from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. All of the features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone are usable not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations, or else alone.
Now, the invention is explained in more detail by way of individual preferred
embodiments as well as with reference to the attached drawings.
Therein show:
Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective side view of a holding means according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective view of a reverse side of a basic carrier to which a mobile phone can be fixed;
Fig. 3 a schematic and exploded view of the basic carrier and an adapter;
Fig. 4 a schematic and perspective view of a front side of the basic carrier and the adapter; and
Fig. 5 a schematic and perspective view of the basic carrier and different types of the adapter. In Fig. 1 a holding means 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The holding means 1 is a fastening device or a cradle and serves for fastening a smart phone to a vehicle windscreen. The holding means 1 comprises a fastening unit 2 on the one hand as well as a basic carrier 3 and an adapter 4 on the other hand. The fastening unit 2 serves for fastening the holding means 1 to the windscreen. For this purpose, the fastening unit 2 comprises a suction cup 5 by means of which the holding means 1 can be attached to the windscreen. The suction 5 is a rubber element and allows for mounting the holding means 1 to the windscreen. The suction cup 5 in essence has the shape of a circle or a disk. If the suction cup 5 is pressed against the windscreen, a vacuum chamber is formed between the suction cup 5 on the one hand and the windscreen on the other hand, and the holding means 1 is held to the windscreen due to an air pressure, which acts upon the suction cup 5.
The fastening unit 2 also comprises a fastening arm 6 through which a main body 7 holding the suction cup 5 is coupled to the basic carrier 3. The fastening arm 6 is pivotally arranged on the main body 7 and can be pivoted between a use position shown in Fig. 1 and a storage position in which the fastening arm 6 is accommodated in a recess 8 formed in the main body 7.
On a free end 9 of the fastening arm 6, a mounting mechanism is provided for coupling the fastening arm 6 on the one hand with the basic carrier 3 on the other hand. The coupling mechanism 10 comprises a ball joint having a sphere and a socket.
The basic carrier 3 comprises a pair of holding arms 1 1 , 12 which are designed for accommodating a smart phone between them. In Fig. 2 a reverse side 13 of the basic carrier 3 is shown in more detail. In the reverse side 13, the socket is formed for accommodating a sphere 14 of the ball joint. A pin 15 is joined to the sphere 14 and can be inserted into a socket formed in the fastening arm 6. In this way, the basic carrier 3 can be moved relatively to the fastening arm 6 in three different directions, i.e. it has three degrees of freedom.
As shown in Fig. 3, the basic carrier 3 consists of a central region 16, in which a socket 17 for accommodating the sphere 14 is formed. The central region 16 is partially surrounded by a coupling element 18, which has the shape of a ring segment. The coupling element 18 connects the two holding arms 1 1 , 12. Furthermore, the basic carrier 3 comprises a cover 19 which can be screwed on the central region 16 of the basic carrier 3 to create the joint ball connection. The adapter 4 can be connected to the basic carrier 3 by means of a pair of pins 20, 21 on the one hand and corresponding sockets 22, 23 on the other hand. The pins 20, 21 as well as the sockets 22, 23 extend parallel to a front face 24 of the basic carrier 3. The pins 20, 21 can be inserted into the corresponding sockets 22, 23. Thus, a reliable connection between the basic carrier 3 and the adapter 4 can be provided.
Fig. 4 shows the basic carrier 3 and the adapter 4 in the mounted state. The holding arms 1 1 , 12 are arranged on opposite sides of the front face 24 of the basic carrier 3. The holding arm 1 1 is arranged on the left side of the mobile phone, while the holding arm 12 is arranged on the right side. The two holding arms 1 1 , 12 are joined to each other by means of said coupling element 18 which is formed from an elastic material, such as elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber, for example. Also, the holding arms 1 1 , 12 themselves can be formed from an elastic material, namely from the elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber, for example. The coupling element 18 is a ring segment, which partially surrounds the central region 24 of the basic carrier 3. The ring segment extends in a plane defined by the front face 24 of the basic carrier 3. This means that the coupling element 18 extends parallel to the mobile phone when it is mounted on the holding means 1 . The coupling element 18 is joined to the central region 24 in a bottom region 25. Here, the free ends of the coupling element 18 are joined to the bottom region 25 of the central region 24. The adapter 4 is also joined to the bottom region 25 of the central region 16.
The holding arms 1 1 , 12 rise from the coupling element 18 and extend perpendicular to the front face 24 of the basic carrier 3. Since the front face 24 is parallel to the surface of the mobile phone, the holding arms 1 1 , 12 extend perpendicular to the main surface of the mobile phone and parallel to each other. The mobile phone can be inserted and accommodated between the holding arms 1 1 , 12. While inserting or pressing the mobile phone between the holding arms 1 1 , 12, the orientation and the position of the holding arms 1 1 , 12 can adjust themselves to the width of the smart phone due to the elasticity of the coupling element 18. Therefore, the maximum distance between the holding arms 1 1 , 12 will adapt itself to the width of the smart phone such that an opposite compressive force of the holding arms to each other acts on the smart phone gripping it on the holding means 1 . This is achieved by using the elastic ring segment comprising the two holding arms 1 1 , 12. Preferably, the basic carrier 3 is formed in a single piece. This means that the central region 16, the coupling element 18 as well as the holding arms 1 1 , 12 are formed in a single piece.
Furthermore, the holding arms 1 1 , 12 each have a nose 26, 27 pointing towards one another. Thus, the portable communication device can reliably be held by means of the holding arms 1 1 , 12.
As already explained, the adapter 4 can be detachably connected to the basic carrier 3. This means that the adapter 4 can be coupled to and removed from the basic carrier 3. In dependence on the used mobile phone, different adapters can be used. Figs. 5 to 7 each show a different adapter 4a to 4c which can be used for supporting the mobile phone on the basic carrier 3. The adapters 4a to 4c have different supporting elements 28a to 28c which are adapted to the different types of the mobile phone. The adapter 4 is optional. It allows to adapt the basic carrier 3 to different kinds of smart phones and improves stabilisation of the smart phone. Namely, it can avoid sliding of the smart phone when it is connected to the basic carrier 3. If the user presses the mobile phone against the front face 24 of the basic carrier 3, the mobile phone presses against the holding arms 1 1 , 12 and the coupling element 18 stretches. The distance between the holding arms 1 1 , 12 will be adapted to the width of the mobile phone such that the mobile phone can be accommodated between the holding arms 1 1 , 12. When the mobile phone is accommodated between the holding arms 1 1 , 12, an opposite compressive force of the holding arms 1 1 , 12 to each other acts on the mobile phone and the holding arms 1 1 , 12 grip the mobile phone on the basic carrier 3. The holder 4 supports the mobile phone on the basic carrier 3.

Claims

Claims
1 . A holding means (1 ) for fastening a portable communication device to a vehicle component, in particular to a windscreen of a motor vehicle, the holding means (1 ) comprising a basic carrier (3) for carrying the portable communication device such that the portable communication device extends parallel to a front face (24) of the basic carrier (3),
characterized in that
the basic carrier (3) comprises a pair of holding arms (1 1 , 12) arranged on opposite sides of the front face (24) of the basic carrier (3) and extending perpendicular to the front face (24) and parallel to each other, wherein the holding arms (1 1 , 12) are arranged for accommodating the portable communication device between them, and wherein the basic carrier (3) furthermore comprises an elastic coupling element (18) by means of which the holding arms (1 1 , 12) are joined to each other.
2. A holding means (1 ) according to claim 1 ,
characterized in that
the coupling element (18) is formed from elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber.
3. A holding means (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the holding arms (1 1 , 12) are formed from an elastic material.
4. A holding means (1 ) according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the holding arms (1 1 , 12) are formed from elastic plastic and/or elastic rubber.
5. A holding means (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the holding arms (1 1 , 12) and the coupling element (18) are formed in a single piece.
6. A holding means (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the coupling element (18) is arranged parallel to, in particular in, a plane defined by the front face (24) of the basic carrier (3).
7. A holding means (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the coupling element (18) has the shape of a ring segment, which at least partially surrounds a central region of the basic carrier (3).
8. A holding means (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the holding means (1 ) comprises a fastening unit (2) for fastening the basic carrier (3) to the vehicle component.
9. A holding means (1 ) according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the fastening unit (2) comprises a suction cup (5) for fastening the basic carrier (3) to the vehicle component.
10. A holding means (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the holding means (1 ) comprises an adapter (4) detachably connected to the basic carrier (3) in a plane defined by the front face (24) of the basic carrier (3), wherein the adapter (4) is formed for supporting the portable communication device.
PCT/EP2011/065768 2011-09-12 2011-09-12 A holding means for fastening a portable communication device to a vehicle component WO2013037395A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2011/065768 WO2013037395A1 (en) 2011-09-12 2011-09-12 A holding means for fastening a portable communication device to a vehicle component

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2011/065768 WO2013037395A1 (en) 2011-09-12 2011-09-12 A holding means for fastening a portable communication device to a vehicle component

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013037395A1 true WO2013037395A1 (en) 2013-03-21

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1041261A (en) * 2015-04-09 2016-10-12 De Kock Johanes Holder for smartphone with protective cover.

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EP0454297A2 (en) * 1990-04-12 1991-10-30 Nokia Mobile Phones (U.K.) Limited Holder for a portable telephone
US6073901A (en) * 1999-03-29 2000-06-13 Richter; Herbert Device for supporting objects
WO2005090124A1 (en) 2004-02-20 2005-09-29 Daimlerchrysler Ag Image processing system for motor vehicles
WO2009020287A1 (en) * 2007-08-03 2009-02-12 Thinkware Systems Corporation Holder for personal portable device
US20090090757A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Han Soo Kim Cradle for automobile
US7540459B2 (en) * 2005-08-26 2009-06-02 Nokia Corporation Mobile device clamp holder with damped release mechanism
US20090140113A1 (en) * 2007-11-30 2009-06-04 Carnevali Jeffrey D Dual attachment base for cradle
US20100286904A1 (en) 2007-10-10 2010-11-11 Manfred Meissner Device assembly for performing a driver assistance function
US20100300909A1 (en) * 2009-05-29 2010-12-02 Belkin International Inc. Mobile media device enclosure, method of use of mobile media device enclosure, and method of providing mobile media device enclosure
DE202011050270U1 (en) * 2010-05-31 2011-08-19 Ming-Hsiang Yeh Wireless Vehicle Charger

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0454297A2 (en) * 1990-04-12 1991-10-30 Nokia Mobile Phones (U.K.) Limited Holder for a portable telephone
US6073901A (en) * 1999-03-29 2000-06-13 Richter; Herbert Device for supporting objects
WO2005090124A1 (en) 2004-02-20 2005-09-29 Daimlerchrysler Ag Image processing system for motor vehicles
US7540459B2 (en) * 2005-08-26 2009-06-02 Nokia Corporation Mobile device clamp holder with damped release mechanism
WO2009020287A1 (en) * 2007-08-03 2009-02-12 Thinkware Systems Corporation Holder for personal portable device
US20090090757A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Han Soo Kim Cradle for automobile
US20100286904A1 (en) 2007-10-10 2010-11-11 Manfred Meissner Device assembly for performing a driver assistance function
US20090140113A1 (en) * 2007-11-30 2009-06-04 Carnevali Jeffrey D Dual attachment base for cradle
US20100300909A1 (en) * 2009-05-29 2010-12-02 Belkin International Inc. Mobile media device enclosure, method of use of mobile media device enclosure, and method of providing mobile media device enclosure
DE202011050270U1 (en) * 2010-05-31 2011-08-19 Ming-Hsiang Yeh Wireless Vehicle Charger

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1041261A (en) * 2015-04-09 2016-10-12 De Kock Johanes Holder for smartphone with protective cover.

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