FR2954611A1 - Device for maintaining electronic apparatus e.g. portable telephones, with touch screen in fascia of motor vehicle, has retaining element deformed between opening and retaining configurations in which device retains electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has an electronic apparatus (2) and a deformable retaining element (11) formed on a support surface (8). The retaining element is deformed between a stable opening configuration and a stable retaining configuration in which the device retains the electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus is positioned on the support surface in a stable opening configuration. An actuator causes deformation of the retaining element between the stable opening configuration and the stable retaining configuration.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for holding an electronic device in a motor vehicle of the type comprising a support surface intended to receive the electronic device and a deformable retaining element.

The invention also relates to an instrument panel comprising such a holding device. More and more portable electronic devices with a large number of features are available to users, including motor vehicle drivers. In particular, devices of the mobile phone or "smartphone" type, personal digital assistant or PDA ("personal digital assistant"), navigation system or others allow for example to help a car driver to determine a journey, to inform on the condition of the road traffic or assisting him in driving his vehicle. Such devices are controlled for example by means of a touch screen which must be accessible to the driver without forcing him to take the device in hand, which would be a danger to driving the vehicle. Thus, it is known to provide a device for supporting the electronic device near the driver, for example on the dashboard of the motor vehicle, in order to maintain the device leaving the screen cleared to allow the order without taking it in hand. Such a support device generally comprises a rigid frame in which the device is fitted to ensure its maintenance. Alternatively, the apparatus is disposed in a support frame and locking means, or other, to ensure its maintenance in the frame.

However, the presence of a rigid frame necessarily leads to a limitation of the size of the electronic device that can be received in this frame and the support device is therefore not suitable for several models of electronic devices. Generally, each support device offered on the market corresponds to a specific model of electronic device and this device must be changed if the driver wishes to change the model of the device. It is also known to provide adjustable support devices to adapt the device to the size of the device. However, such devices are generally complex, expensive and impractical to use. One of the objectives of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages by providing a "universal" holding device for an electronic device that can maintain any type

2 of electronic device model, leaving the screen clear and accessible, being inexpensive and simple to use. To this end, the invention relates to a holding device of the aforementioned type in which the retaining element is deformable between a stable opening shape, in which the electronic device can be positioned on the support surface and a form of stable retainer, wherein the holding device is adapted to hold the electronic device. According to particular embodiments, the holding device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination: the holding device further comprises an actuator capable of causing the deformation of the retainer between its stable opening shape and its stable retainer shape; the holding device delimits a reception space comprising an insertion opening, through which the electronic device is able to be inserted into the reception space, the insertion opening having a first dimension in the form of opening and a second dimension in the retaining shape, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension; in the form of a stable retainer, the retaining element conforms to the shape of the electronic apparatus, leaving a front face of the electronic apparatus substantially free; the retaining element is a pocket filled with rigid filling elements, the density of the filling elements in the retaining shape being greater than the density of the filling elements in the opening shape of the pocket so as to stiffen the pocket in the form of restraint; - The holding device further comprises a retaining frame, attached to the pocket and defining the insertion opening of the electronic device; the actuator comprises a suction device, able to suck up the air contained in the pocket, so as to cause the deformation of the pouch from the stable opening shape to the stable retaining shape; the retaining element comprises at least one airbag, the inflatable bag being inflated in the form of stable retention so as to grip the electronic device in at least a part of its periphery; the actuator comprises an inflation device capable of inflating the airbag so as to cause it to deform from the stable opening shape to the stable retaining shape; and - the retaining element is an integrally formed support, the support comprising a medial portion which projects into the receiving space in the stable opening shape and has in the stable retaining shape a shape substantially rectiligne cleaner to receive a support a rear face of the electronic device, the end portions of the support coming closer to each other during the passage to the retaining shape so as to hold the device. The invention also relates to a dashboard comprising a holding device of the aforementioned type. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which will follow, given solely by way of example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a dashboard of FIG. a motor vehicle on which a holding device according to the invention is provided; - Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the holding device according to a first embodiment of the invention, no electronic device being retained by the holding device; - Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the holding device along the axis III-III of Figure 2; - Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the holding device according to the first embodiment retaining an electronic device; - Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the holding device along the axis V-V of Figure 4; - Figure 6 is a schematic front view of the holding device according to a second embodiment of the invention, an electronic device being retained by the holding device; - Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of the holding device according to a third embodiment of the invention, no electronic device being retained by the holding device; and FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the holding device of FIG. 7, an electronic device being retained by the holding device.

Referring to the figures, there is described a holding device 1, 1 ', 1 "for retaining a portable electronic device 2. This electronic device 2 can be of any type, but the holding device 1, 1', 1" is more particularly suitable for devices 2 with a touch screen 4, of the mobile phone or "smartphone" type, personal digital assistant or PDA ("personal digital assistant"), navigation system or other. This list of devices is given as an example and is in no way limiting. Such an electronic device 2 is generally rectangular and the touch screen 4 occupies most of the face of the device 2. The holding device 1 according to the invention is therefore adapted to maintain the electronic device 2 by at least two opposite edges thereof to leave the screen 4 cleared and thus allow to control the device 2 by pressing on the screen.

The holding device 1, 1 ', 1 "is intended to be arranged close to a driver of a motor vehicle or a passenger, for this purpose it is for example installed on the dashboard 5 of the vehicle. it can be installed elsewhere in the vehicle, for example in the center of the steering wheel, etc. In the remainder of the description, a holding device 1, 1 ', 1 "disposed on a dashboard 5 of a motor vehicle, will be described. as shown in FIG. 1. In the description which follows, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the direction of insertion of the apparatus 2 into the holding device 1, 1 ', 1 ", the apparatus 2 being inserted from the front to the rear, the holding device 1, 1 ', 1" comprises a support surface 8 and a retaining element 11 which can be deformed between a stable opening shape ( FIGS. 2, 3 and 7), in which the apparatus 2 is able to be positioned on the surface 8 and a stable retaining shape (Figures 4, 5, 6 and 8), wherein the holding device 1, 1 ', 1 "is able to retain the device 2. In the form of retaining, the holding device 1, 1 ', 1 "is able to hold the device 2 by at least two opposite edges so as to leave the screen 4 of the device 2 disengaged. In this context, the term stable means that in the absence of external stress, the retaining element 11 retains a given shape, that is to say either the retaining shape or the opening shape. The holding device 1, 1 ', 1 "also comprises an actuator 14, able to cause the deformation of the retaining element 11 between its opening shape and its retaining shape, in the first embodiment, shown in FIG. 2 to 5, the deformable retaining element 11 is a pocket 17 filled with rigid filling elements 20, such as rigid microbeads 20. The pocket 17 is airtight. The apparatus 2 is intended to be received flat on a portion of the front face 23 of the pocket 17, which constitutes the support surface 8. In the first embodiment, the actuator 14 is a suction device, for example a pump 25, able to evacuate the air contained in the pocket 17.

The front face 23 is provided with a retaining frame 26 intended to participate in maintaining the apparatus 2 by at least two opposite edges. The frame 26 is formed of a rigid material, in particular of rubber or plastic, in particular polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ABS filled with polycarbonate, styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS), polypropylene / polypropylene blend. ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or EPDM or in mixtures of these materials.

It is fixed on the pocket 17 by any appropriate means, for example by gluing. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5, the retaining frame 26 comprises a first retaining bar 30A and a second retaining bar 30B identical, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, corresponding to the height of the pocket 17 and substantially parallel to each other.

The support surface 8 is the surface of the front face 23 included inside the frame 26, that is to say, in this embodiment, between facing lateral edges 35A, 35B of the bars 30A, 30B . The edges 35A, 35B delimit an insertion opening 40 of the apparatus 2. A receiving space 45 of the apparatus 2 is defined forwards by the insertion opening 40 and towards the rear by the surface. support 8.

In the opening form, the pocket 17 has an elongate shape. It is in particular substantially parallelepiped shape. The front face 23 is substantially flat. The microbeads 20 are spaced from each other because of the presence of air in the pocket 17. Due to the presence of air between the microbeads 20, the pocket 17 is flexible in the form of opening.

The reception space 45 is able to receive the apparatus 2 bearing at the rear on the support surface 8, the periphery of the apparatus 2 being left free by the holding device 1. For this purpose, the insertion opening 40 has a dimension D1, corresponding to the distance between the edges 35A and 35B in the longitudinal direction. In the retaining shape of the bag 17, it contains no or little air and the density of the microbeads 20 is greater than in the opening form. Due to the increase in the density of the microbeads 20 and the evacuation of the air from the pocket 17, the latter is rigid in the retaining shape. In addition, the front face 23 is no longer substantially flat, but has a shape complementary to the shape of the device 2. Thus, the front face 23 is adapted to grip the periphery of the device 2. In the form of retained, the retaining frame 26 is able to bear on a front face 48 of the device 2, while leaving the screen 4 cleared. Thus, the insertion opening 40 has in the retaining shape a dimension D2, smaller than the dimension D1 and adapted to ensure the retention of the apparatus 2 in the receiving space 45. The apparatus 2 is therefore closely retained by the holding device 1, which encloses the device 2 in the retaining shape.

The passage from the opening shape to the retaining shape is provided by the pump 25. For this purpose, the pocket 17 is provided for example with a sealingly closable suction orifice (not shown) and adapted to allow the aspiration of the air contained in the pocket 17 by the pump 25. The size of the orifice is smaller than that of the microbeads 20 so as not to suck them. The holding device 1 is able to be fixed directly to the dashboard 5, for example by gluing a rear face 51 of the pocket 17 to the dashboard 5. Alternatively, a rigid support element, for example a rigid support plate is fixed on the rear face 51 of the pocket 17. The rigid support plate 54 is able to be mounted on the dashboard 5. The operation of the holding device 1 according to the first embodiment is now be explained. Initially, the pocket 17 is in the form of opening. The user initially plates the rear of the apparatus 2 on the support surface 8. While maintaining the apparatus 2 in this position, it actuates the pump 25 so as to pass the holding device 1 of its form of opening to its form of restraint. When the pump 25 is actuated, the pocket 17 stiffens as the evacuation of the air contained in the pocket 17 and the front face 23 is deformed so as to match the shape of the apparatus 2 and thus clamp the device 2 around its periphery, the latter being supported at the rear on the support surface 8, the screen 4 of the device 2 being cleared. Due to this deformation, the frame 26 bears on the front face 48 of the appliance 2 and holds the appliance 2 in the holding device 1. When the user wishes to remove the appliance 2 from the holding device 1, it refills the pocket 17, for example by removing the shutter member from the orifice formed in the pocket 17 so as to let the air enter the pocket 17. The holding device 1 then deforms to resume its shape opening and the apparatus 2 can be removed from the holding device 1. Alternatively, the user can use the pump 25 in "inflation" mode to inject air into the pocket 17. Alternatively, the fluid contained in the pocket 17 is a fluid different from the air.

According to variants of the first embodiment, the frame 26 comprises four retaining bars, thus forming a substantially rectangular frame 26. In the opening form, this frame 26 defines an insertion opening 40 having a longitudinal dimension D1 and a transverse dimension D1 'delimited respectively between the lateral edges facing the retaining bars forming the frame 26. The frame 26 is , in the form of opening, capable of allowing the insertion of the apparatus 2 into the reception space 45.

In the retaining shape, the insertion opening 40 has a dimension D2 and a dimension D2 'respectively smaller than the dimensions D1 and D1' and the frame 26 is able to bear on the front face 48 of the apparatus 2 in leaving the screen 4 clear. FIG. 6 represents a holding device 1 'according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the deformable retainer 11 between a stable opening shape and a stable retainer shape includes airbags 58 attached to a rigid support plate 61. The support plate 61 is adapted to be fixed on the dashboard 5 by any suitable known means. Alternatively, the support plate 61 is formed by a portion of the dashboard 5. The cushions 58 define an insertion opening 64. A receiving space 67 is delimited at the front by the opening 64 and at the front of the housing 64. rearwardly by the support plate 61. The surface of the support plate 61 delimited by the cushions 58 constitutes the bearing surface 8.

In the example shown in Figure 6, the cushions 58 are arranged on the support plate 61 so as to form a substantially rectangular frame, the frame being formed by four independent cushions 58 arranged along the sides of a rectangle. In the opening form, the cushions 58 are deflated. The insertion opening 64 they delimit has a longitudinal dimension Dl and a transverse dimension Dl ', respectively corresponding to the distance between two opposite cushions 58. The dimensions D1 and D1 'are such that the receiving space 67 of the holding device 1 is able to receive the device 2, resting at the rear on the support surface 8. In the retaining shape, the cushions 58 are inflated and the insertion opening 64 has dimensions D2 and D2 'respectively smaller than the dimensions D1 and D1' and such that the cushions 58 are able to grip the device 2 around its periphery, leaving the screen 4 cleared , the apparatus 2 being supported at the rear on the support surface 8. Thus, in the retaining shape, the cushions 58 are able to conform to the shape of the lateral edges of the apparatus 2.

In the second embodiment, the actuator 14 is an inflator, capable of inflating the cushions 58. The actuator 14 is for example a pump 73, able to inflate simultaneously all the cushions 58. According to one embodiment, the inflation fluid is air. Alternatively, it is any other fluid adapted to inflate the cushions 58.

According to a first variant of the second embodiment, the retaining element 11 does not comprise four cushions forming a substantially rectangular frame, but consists of a single annular cushion attached to the support plate 61 and able to grip, in the retaining shape, the periphery of the apparatus 2. According to a second variant of the second embodiment, the retaining element 11 comprises only two cushions 58, arranged facing one another and able to grip, in the retaining shape, two opposite side edges of the apparatus 2. The operation of the holding device 1 'according to the second embodiment will now be explained. Initially the cushions 58 are deflated. The user then introduces the apparatus 2 into the reception space 64, the apparatus 2 being supported at the rear on the support surface 8. While keeping the apparatus 2 in position, it actuates the pump 73 of so as to simultaneously inflate the cushions 58 until they rest on the periphery of the device 2 so as to grip and thus hold the device 2 on the dashboard 5. FIGS. 8 represent a holding device 1 "according to a third embodiment In this embodiment, the retaining element 11 is formed of a support 80 in one piece.The support 80 is formed for example in the one of the following materials or their blends or copolymers: polypropylene, mixture of polypropylene and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), metal molded with styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS), polypropylene overmolded with SEBS, polypropylene overmolded with EPDM or rubber The support 80 delimits a reception space 88 capable of receiving the apparatus 2. The receiving space 88 comprises an insertion opening 91 at the front. In the opening form, the support 80 presents in section an omega form. The support 80 has a medial portion 94 projecting forwards, that is to say towards the insertion opening 91. The support 80 further comprises free end portions 97 oriented towards the front. The insertion opening 91 extending between the free end portions 97 of the support 80 has a dimension D1. In the opening form, the dimension D1 is able to allow the insertion of the apparatus 2 into the reception space 88 through the insertion opening 91.

In the retaining shape, the support 80 has a substantially rectilinear rear wall, having at the front the support surface 8. The shape of the support 80 is substantially complementary to the shape of the apparatus 2, the support 80 being suitable for to enclose two opposite side edges of the device 2. The free end portions 97 are able to bear on the front face 48 of the device 2 so as to retain it in the holding device 1 "', while leaving the When moving to the retaining shape, the free end portions 97 of the support 80 approach each other so that, in the retaining shape, the insertion opening 91 has a dimension D2, less than D1, the support 80 is for example manufactured by molding, for attachment to the dashboard 5, it comprises for example pins 105, made of material with the support 80 and arranged on either side of the dashboard. the middle part 94, able to snap into The central portion 94 projecting when the support 80 has the opening shape is able to cause the deformation of the support 80 towards its retaining shape and constitutes the actuator 14 in this mode of operation. production.

The operation of the holding device 1 "according to the third embodiment will now be explained: Initially, the support 80 has the form of opening The user introduces the device 2 into the holding device and presses the rear of the the device 2 on the median portion 94 projecting.This support causes the deformation of the support 80 to its retaining shape, the support deforming to grip the device 2 according to its periphery.In variants of the first, second and third modes embodiment of the present invention, the holding device is attached to other adapted surfaces of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, for example on an upper surface of a central console.

The present invention has the advantage of allowing reliable retention of the electronic device, while leaving the screen of the electronic device clear and accessible when the electronic device is retained in the holding device. Furthermore, the holding device according to the invention is adaptable to devices of different sizes, because the retaining element adapts, during its deformation, to the size of the inserted device. The fact of not providing a rigid frame makes it possible not to limit the size of the electronic device that can be maintained by the device. The holding device is also particularly simple to use, the passage of the opening shape to the retaining shape being done by pressing a button actuating a pump or by pressing the electronic device on the device.

The holding device described above can also be used for other types of apparatus having a screen. Thus, one could consider providing such a device on the rear of the front seats of a motor vehicle to maintain a removable screen DVD player or other.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS1.- Device for holding an electronic device (2) in a motor vehicle, the holding device (1; 1 '; 1 ") comprising a support surface (8) intended to receive the electronic device (2 ) and a deformable retaining element (11), the holding device (1, 1 ', 1 ") being characterized in that the retaining element (11) is deformable between a stable opening shape, in which the electronic apparatus (2) can be positioned on the support surface (8) and a stable retaining shape, in which the holding device (1, 1 ', 1 ") is adapted to hold the electronic apparatus (2) . 2. Holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding device further comprises an actuator (14) adapted to cause the deformation of the retaining element (11) between its stable opening shape and its form of stable retention. 3. Holding device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the holding device (1, 1 ', 1 ") defines a receiving space (45; 67; 88) having an opening of insertion (40; 64; 91), by which the electronic apparatus (2) is insertable into the receiving space (45; 67; 88), the insertion opening (40; 64; 91); ) having a first dimension (D1) in the aperture shape and a second dimension (D2) in the retaining shape, the first dimension (D1) being larger than the second dimension (D2). 4. Holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the form of stable retention, the retaining element conforms to the shape of the electronic device (2) leaving a front face ( 48) of the electronic device (2) substantially disengaged. 5. A holding device according to any one of 1 to 4, characterized in that the retaining element (11) is a pocket (17) filled with rigid filling elements (20), the density of the elements of filling (20) in the retaining shape being greater than the density of the filling elements (20) in the opening shape of the pocket (17) so as to stiffen the pocket (17) in the retaining shape. 6. Holder device according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a retaining frame (26), attached to the pocket (17) and defining the insertion opening (40) of the device electronic (2). 7. A holding device according to claim 5 or 6, taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the actuator (14) comprises a suction device (25), able to suck the air contained in the pocket (17), so as to cause the deformation of the pocket (17) from the stable opening shape to the stable retaining shape. 8. A holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the retaining element (11) comprises at least one airbag (58), the airbag (58) being inflated in the form retainer stationary so as to grip the electronic device (2) in at least a part of its periphery. 9. A holding device according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuator (14) comprises an inflation device (73), adapted to inflate the airbag (58) so as to cause its deformation of the form of stable opening to the stable form of restraint. 10. A holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining element is a support (80) formed integrally, the support (80) comprising a median portion (94). ) protruding into the receiving space (88) in the form of a stable opening and having in the form of a stable retention a substantially rectilinear shape adapted to receive a rear face of the electronic apparatus (2), the end portions (97) of the support (80) approaching each other upon passage to the retaining shape to retain the apparatus (2). 11. A dashboard (5) of a motor vehicle comprising the holding device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to any one of claims 1 to 10.20