FR3151257A1 - Cup holder system for automotive vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes a system (40) for holding a beverage container, such as a cup or a bottle, for a motor vehicle. The holding system comprises a storage space (22) with a beverage container holding area (26) and is delimited by a first wall (28) and a second wall (30) opposite the first wall; first holding means (42); a movable partition (46) comprising detachable holding means cooperating with the first holding means so as to attach the movable wall in the storage space and to detach the movable partition. The holding system comprises a holding flap (52) secured to the movable partition, delimiting the holding area when the movable partition is attached in the storage space. The holding flap moves away from the holding area when the detachable holding means are detached. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 3

Description

Cup holder system for automotive vehicle

The invention relates to the holding of beverages in a motor vehicle interior. The invention relates to an arrangement of a storage space with at least one beverage container holding area for a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a system for holding beverage container(s) for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

For ease of use, a motor vehicle commonly has one or more beverage holding systems, or more precisely beverage container(s) holding systems. Such a holding system allows a user to place their beverage container after opening, to prevent it from spilling and losing its liquid. Such a holding system can be used by a passenger, or even the driver when driving. In order to maintain driving safety; the operation of embedding a beverage container in its holding area must be carried out requiring a minimum of attention, in a minimum of time, and with high reliability.

In addition, the holding system must adapt to different diameters and profiles of beverage containers. For example, a beverage container may have a substantially cylindrical shape, or a substantially conical shape. Sinusoidal profiles are also widespread. Similarly, containers of different heights are encountered. Some of them also have a gripping handle.

US8419101B2 discloses a motor vehicle equipped with a receiving element. The receiving element has an upwardly open housing for receiving at least one beverage container such as a cup or a bottle. The housing comprises at least one lateral clamping element. The housing incorporates at least one foldable support, which in a first lockable position is arranged parallel to the ground, and in a second position is arranged substantially perpendicular to the ground, and furthermore, the respective clamping element is arranged above the support relative to its first position. Such a receiving element has a relatively large variable table surface. It is also used to reliably accommodate at least one container, which can vary in size.

However, the folding bracket remains bulky in the retracted position. It reduces the maximum volume available in the housing. The same applies to each side clamping element, which additionally limit the maximum width inside the housing.

The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to increase at least one dimension of a storage space capable of receiving a beverage container of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to increase the maximum storage volume of a storage space for a beverage container of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the available volume, modularity, mass, and cost of a motor vehicle.

According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a beverage container holding system for a motor vehicle passenger compartment; the holding system comprises a storage space with a beverage container holding area; a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall which delimit the holding area; first holding means; a movable partition extending transversely relative to the first wall and the second wall, and which comprises detachable holding means cooperating detachably with the first holding means so as to attach the movable wall in the storage space and to detach the movable partition from the first holding means; remarkable in that the holding system comprises a holding flap connected to the movable partition and delimiting the holding area when the movable partition is attached in the storage space; the holding system being configured so as to move the holding flap away from the holding area when the movable partition is detached from the first holding means.

The invention provides a single entity combining a movable partition which also carries at least one retaining flap. The movable partition, and therefore each retaining flap, is held in position in the storage space by means of detachable retaining means; which makes it possible to selectively place the retaining flaps in the retaining zone, and to remove them from the storage space. Consequently, the space requirement in this storage space varies according to the need to retain a beverage container.

Preferably, the retaining flap comprises a retaining surface forming a cone portion.

Preferably, the retaining flap comprises elastic means.

Preferably, the retaining flap is a first retaining flap, the movable partition further comprising a second beverage container retaining flap.

Preferably, the movable partition comprises an upper cavity between the first retaining flap and the second retaining flap.

Preferably, the movable partition includes roughness along the upper cavity.

Preferably, the first wall comprises a first height, the movable partition is a vertical partition and has a second height lower than the first height.

Preferably, the first holding means are arranged on the first wall.

Preferably, the storage space also has a third wall and a fourth wall connecting the first wall and the second wall; the third wall and the fourth wall being at a distance from the movable partition.

Preferably, the first holding means comprise a vertical rib, and the detachable holding means comprise a vertical groove fitted onto the vertical rib; the first holding means comprise snap-fastening means.

Preferably, the holding system comprises holding means symmetrical to the first holding means; the detachable holding means are first detachable holding means, the movable partition comprises detachable holding means symmetrical to the first detachable holding means and cooperating in a detachable manner with the symmetrical holding means.

Preferably, the movable partition extends from the first wall to the second wall.

Preferably, the movable partition is perpendicular to the first wall and to the second wall.

Preferably, the retaining shutter is a single piece.

Preferably, the first wall extends vertically and longitudinally.

Preferably, the storage space comprises a bottom panel extending from the first wall to the second wall.

Preferably, the third wall and the fourth wall are parallel to, and/or distant from the movable partition.

Preferably, the holding zone has an internal diameter between 60 mm and 100 mm.

Preferably, the holding zone has an internal diameter of between 70 mm and 90 mm.

According to another aspect, the invention proposes a beverage container holding system for a motor vehicle passenger compartment; the holding system comprises a storage space with: a first wall; a second wall opposite the first wall; a beverage container holding area between the first wall and the second wall; remarkable in that the holding system comprises first holding means; a removable partition extending between the first wall and the second wall by compartmentalizing the storage space, the removable partition comprises detachable holding means cooperating in a detachable manner with the first holding means so as to attach the removable wall in the storage space and to remove the removable partition from the storage space; the removable partition further comprises a holding flap delimiting the holding area when the removable partition is attached in the storage space, and to remove the holding flap from the holding area when the removable partition is detached from the storage space. The removable partition optimizes the holding and the available storage space.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a beverage container holding system for a motor vehicle interior; the holding system comprises a storage space with a beverage container holding area; a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall which delimit the holding area; first holding means; remarkable in that the holding system comprises a movable holding device with a transverse partition extending transversely relative to the first wall and the second wall, a holding flap, and detachable holding means cooperating detachably with the first holding means so that the holding flap delimits the holding area when the transverse partition is attached in the storage space, and to move the holding flap away from the holding area when the transverse partition is detached from the first holding means. The holding device adopts several configurations which allow stable holding and preservation of storage space.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a passenger compartment with a beverage container holding system, remarkable in that the holding system is in accordance with the invention.

Preferably, the first wall and the second wall are opposite along a width of the motor vehicle.

Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises front seats and a central console between the front seats and/or rear seats with a central armrest; the support system being in the central console or in the central armrest.

Each feature introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures annexed and listed below.

There is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

There shows a motor vehicle storage space according to the invention.

There represents the insertion of a movable partition into a motor vehicle support system according to the invention.

There shows from above a holding system with a beverage container for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

There is a top view of an upper cavity of a movable partition of a motor vehicle support system according to the invention.

In the following description, the term “comprising” is synonymous with “include” and is not limiting in that it allows for the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the restraint system to which it relates. It is understood that the term “comprising” includes the terms “consist of”.

In this description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "lateral", and the term "laterally", are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "lateral" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

In this description, the value ranges include the limits which delimit them.

In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they authorize an inclination of at most 20°, preferably of at most 10°, more preferably of at most 5°, even more preferably of at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the holding system, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

There represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings; the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems.

The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment 14, the front compartment and the rear compartment. Generally, these last two are respectively an engine compartment and a loading trunk. The passenger compartment 14 is longitudinally between the front compartment and the rear compartment. The passenger compartment 14 forms a cabin for the users.

The passenger compartment 14 houses several seats, including the front seats 16 and the rear seats 18; forming a front row and a rear row. The passenger compartment 14 houses a central console 20. The central console 20 extends longitudinally. It is placed between the front seats 16. It delimits a lower tunnel used by various equipment (not shown), such as for example an exhaust line.

The central console 20, on the upper face, has a user interface for controlling safety, entertainment and comfort equipment. In particular, it receives a storage space 22. This storage space 22 is accessible to the driver. It is ergonomic so that it can be used without the driver losing concentration on the road.

According to one option, the motor vehicle 10 has a central armrest 24 between the rear seats 18. The central armrest 24 is preferably pivotable between a raised position in the thickness of the backrests of the rear seats 18; and a low position, or deployed position, projecting relative to the backrests of the rear seats 18. The central armrest 24 is therefore pivotable in the passenger compartment 14. The central armrest 24 has a storage space 22.

Each storage space 22 has a beverage container holding system. Generally, each storage space 22 is a central storage space, in that it is between two seats in the same row.

The motor vehicle 10 may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

There presents a storage space 22 of a holding system 40 for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to the .

The storage space 22 has at least one holding area 26 for a beverage container (not shown). In this case, the storage space 22 has two holding areas 26, each capable of receiving a beverage container. The holding area 26 is for example in front of the storage space 22. The storage space 22 is laterally delimited by a first wall 28 and a second wall 30 opposite the first wall 28. The first wall 28 extends vertically and longitudinally; as does the second wall 30. The first wall 28 and the second wall 30 are parallel. They border the holding areas 26.

The storage space 22 comprises a bottom panel 32 extending from the first wall 28 to the second wall 30; and connects them laterally. The bottom panel 32 is generally horizontal, and under the holding zones 26. The storage space 22 is also delimited by a third wall 34 and a fourth wall 36 longitudinally opposite the third wall 34. The third wall 34 and the fourth wall 36 connect the first wall 28 and the second wall 30. The storage space 22 then forms a box, a housing.

Optionally, the storage space 22 has a housing 38 between the holding zone 26 and the third wall 34. The housing 38 may be an upper housing; in elevation relative to the bottom panel 32. It is configured to receive a viewing device.

The holding system 40 associated with the present storage space 22 further includes first holding means 42. The first holding means 42 are intended to cooperate with a movable partition (not shown). The first holding means 42 are arranged on the first wall 28. They form for example a vertical rib projecting from the first wall 28 towards the second wall 30. The first holding means 42 extend vertically from the bottom panel 32.

The holding system 40 comprises fixing plates 44. The fixing plates 44 extend from the first wall 28 and the second wall 30. The fixing plates 44 allow mounting, anchoring, of the storage space 22 in the passenger compartment. They are fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle.

According to an alternative of the invention, the first holding means are integrated into the bottom panel.

According to an alternative of the invention, the first holding means are magnetic means, for example housed in the thickness of the first wall. They may comprise a permanent magnet. The removable wall then comprises a ferromagnetic body, or another permanent magnet.

There presents a system 40 for holding a beverage container arranged in a motor vehicle passenger compartment. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 2.

The holding system 40 comprises a movable partition 46, for example a removable wall. The movable partition 46 is presented outside the storage space 22, at a distance from each holding zone 26. The movable partition 46 is mounted and dismounted from the storage space 22 according to a vertical movement. The movable partition 46 forms a transverse partition.

The movable partition 46 comprises detachable holding means (not visible); cooperating in a detachable manner with the first holding means. The first holding means 42 comprise a vertical rib, and the detachable holding means comprise a vertical groove 50 fitted onto the vertical rib. This vertical groove 50 may be a first vertical groove.

The holding system 40 comprises holding means symmetrical (not visible) to the first holding means, and for example associated with the second wall 30. The detachable holding means are first detachable holding means, the movable partition 46 comprises detachable holding means symmetrical 48 to the first detachable holding means and cooperating in a detachable manner with the symmetrical holding means. In this case, the symmetrical detachable holding means 48 comprise a second vertical groove 50, open laterally towards the second wall 30.

The movable partition 46 comprises at least one retaining flap 52, preferably at least two retaining flaps 52, each capable of delimiting a beverage container retaining zone 26 (not shown) when the movable partition 46 is attached in the storage space 22. When the movable partition 46 is detached from the storage space 22, in this case when the detachable retaining means are removed from the first retaining means 42, each retaining flap 52 is at a distance from the retaining zone 26 and no longer delimits it. The movable partition 46 and each retaining flap 52 form a movable retaining device, preferably removable; capable of retaining a beverage container.

Thus, in the connection configuration of the attachment means, the storage space 22 is partitioned, subdivided. When they are detached, the movable partition 46 moves away and frees the storage space 22 without cluttering it. The retaining flap 52 does not interfere in any way with the storage space 22. It does not limit its useful volume, nor does it reduce any of its dimensions. In this case, the length and/or width remain maximum when the detachable retaining means are detached and the movable partition is removed.

The movable partition 46 comprises a central panel 54 between the retaining flaps 52. The central panel 54 extends laterally. It is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each retaining flap 52 is inclined relative to the central panel 54, for example by an angle of between 10° and 45°; preferably between 20° and 30°. The retaining flaps 52 comprise free edges pointing towards each other. They form vertical edges. Each retaining flap 52 is a single piece. It is advantageously integral with the central panel 54. They can be produced by co-injection in bi-material.

The first holding means 42 comprise snap-fastening means 56. The snap-fastening means 56 comprise a protrusion elastically connected to the first wall 28. This protrusion is intended to be housed in the detachable holding means.

The first wall 28 comprises a guide rail 58 of a sliding shutter (not shown). The guide rail 58 is horizontal. The first holding means 42 are under the guide rail 58 in order to optimize compactness and avoid jamming the sliding shutter.

According to an alternative of the invention, the movable partition is connected by means of a pivot connection to one of the walls of the storage space. The movable partition is then movable between a deployed position in which the detachable holding means are attached to the first holding means, and in which the holding flap delimits the holding zone; and a retracted position in which the detachable holding means are detached from the first holding means, and in which the holding flap is at a distance from the holding zone. Consequently, the storage space retains its maximum size at the holding zone when the detachable holding means are detached.

There presents a motor vehicle holding system 40, in which a movable partition 46 is in an attached state in the storage space 22. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 3. A beverage container 60 is inserted into one of the holding zones 26, the other remaining free. The beverage container 60 has a height greater than its diameter. It forms a sealed container.

When the retaining flaps 52 delimit their retaining zone 26, the latter has a generally cylindrical or substantially conical shape. At least one or each retaining zone 26 has an internal diameter of between 60 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 80 mm. According to one embodiment, the internal diameter is between 64 mm and 77 mm. The internal diameter increases upwards in order to facilitate the entry of the beverage container 60.

At least one or each holding flap 52 includes a holding surface 62 describing a portion of a cone. The larger diameter is oriented upwards in order to increase the size of the inlet opening. This aspect improves the ergonomics of the holding system 40 since a user can wedge his beverage container 60 with one hand.

The retaining flap 52 comprises elastic means. It may comprise an elastomeric material, which deforms when a user pushes the beverage container 60 into the desired retaining zone 26. The elastomeric material may comprise foam in order to increase the elasticity. However, the stiffness of each retaining flap 52 allows the beverage container 60 to be blocked when it is embedded therein.

The movable partition 46 is perpendicular to the first wall 28 and the second wall 30 which are parallel to each other. The movable partition 46 extends from the first wall 28 to the second wall 30. The third wall 34 and the fourth wall 36 are parallel to the movable partition 46. They are each at a distance from the movable partition 46. The first wall 28 comprises a first height 64. The movable partition 46 is a vertical partition and has a second height 66 less than the first height 64. This aspect optimizes compactness. The heights are measured vertically. They may be maximum heights.

The holding system 40 has a recess 72 between each holding flap 52 and the movable partition 46. Such a recess allows deformation, pivoting, of a holding flap 52 when a beverage container 60 is placed against the latter.

There presents a movable partition 46 of a motor vehicle restraint system. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 4. No beverage container is presented for the sake of clarity.

The movable partition 46 comprises two retaining flaps 52 (only one visible); including a first retaining flap and a second retaining flap. Each retaining flap 52 delimits one of the beverage container retaining zones 26. The retaining flaps 52 extend transversely in opposite directions.

The movable partition 46 comprises an upper cavity 68 between the first retaining flap and the second retaining flap. The upper cavity 68 is open upwards. It forms a complementary storage cell. The movable partition 46 further comprises asperities 70 along the upper cavity 68. The asperities 70 form parallel lines. They improve the grip. The asperities 70 are formed on the central panel 54; between the retaining flaps 52.

Therefore, the upper cavity 68 also forms a handle for gripping the movable partition 46 in order to insert it into and remove it from the storage space 22.

According to a preferred embodiment, the movable partition 46 comprises a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

The invention comprises the combination of all embodiments shown by all figures.

Figures 2 to 5 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims (10)

Holding system (40) for a beverage container (60) for a passenger compartment (14) of a motor vehicle (10); the holding system (40) comprises a storage space (22) with a holding area (26) for a beverage container (60); a first wall (28) and a second wall (30) opposite the first wall (28) which delimit the holding area (26); first holding means (42); a movable partition (46) extending transversely with respect to the first wall (28) and the second wall (30), and which comprises detachable holding means cooperating detachably with the first holding means (42) so as to attach the movable wall in the storage space (22) and to detach the movable partition (46) from the first holding means (42); characterized in that the holding system (40) comprises a holding flap (52) connected to the movable partition (46) and delimiting the holding zone (26) when the movable partition (46) is attached in the storage space (22); the holding system (40) being configured so as to move the holding flap (52) away from the holding zone (26) when the movable partition (46) is detached from the first holding means (42). Holding system (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding flap (52) comprises a holding surface (62) forming a portion of a cone; preferably the holding flap (52) comprises elastic means. Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the holding flap (52) is a first holding flap (52), the movable partition (46) further comprising a second holding flap (52) for a beverage container (60). Holding system (40) according to claim 3, characterized in that the movable partition (46) comprises an upper cavity (68) between the first holding flap and the second holding flap; preferably the movable partition (46) comprises asperities (70) along the upper cavity (68). Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first wall (28) comprises a first height (64), the movable partition (46) is a vertical partition and has a second height (66) lower than the first height (64). Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first holding means (42) are arranged on the first wall (28); preferably the storage space (22) further has a third wall (34) and a fourth wall (36) connecting the first wall (28) and the second wall (30); the third wall (34) and the fourth wall (36) being at a distance from the movable partition (46). Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first holding means (42) comprise a vertical rib, and the detachable holding means comprise a vertical groove (50) fitted onto the vertical rib; the first holding means (42) comprise snap-fastening means (56). Holding system (40) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding system (40) comprises holding means symmetrical to the first holding means (42); the detachable holding means are first detachable holding means, the movable partition (46) comprises detachable holding means symmetrical (48) to the first detachable holding means and cooperating in a detachable manner with the symmetrical holding means. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a passenger compartment (14) with a holding system (40) for a beverage container (60), characterized in that the holding system (40) conforms to one of claims 1 to 8; preferably, the first wall (28) and the second wall (30) are opposite along a width of the motor vehicle (10). Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises front seats (16) and a central console (20) between the front seats (16) and/or the rear seats (18) with a central armrest (24); the retaining system (40) being in the central console (20) or in the central armrest (24).