Article holding device

An article holding device for holding a navigation system or similar device. The article holding device includes at least one article holding element, which is intended to hold at least one article in at least one position. In at least one embodiment, the article holding element has a multiplicity of micro holding elements which are configured to generate at least one holding force.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An article holding device, in particular a navigation system holding device, with at least one article holding element, which is intended to hold at least one article, in particular a navigation system, in at least one position has already been proposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on an article holding device, in particular a navigation system holding device, with at least one article holding element, which is intended to hold at least one article, in particular a navigation system, in at least one position.

It is proposed that the article holding element has a multiplicity of micro holding elements, which are intended to bring about at least one holding force. In particular, the micro holding elements are intended to hold the article in position while avoiding a, particularly fixed mechanical, positive engagement, in particular a positive engagement of the article holding element with the article. An “article holding device” is to be understood in particular as meaning a device which is intended to arrange, preferably stabilize, in particular releasably fix and/or fasten, at least one article, in particular a navigation system, in at least one position. An “article holding element” is to be understood in particular as meaning an element of the article holding device. In particular, the article holding element is intended to arrange, preferably stabilize, in particular releasably fix and/or fasten, the article in position. A “micro holding element” is to be understood in particular as meaning an element which, with a projection of the micro holding element into a plane, has a longitudinal extent of less than 100 μm, preferably of less than 10 μm, in particular of less than 5 μm and particularly preferably of less than 2 μm. In particular, with the projection of the element into the plane, the micro holding element has a transverse extent of less than 20 μm, preferably of less than 10 μm and in particular of less than 6 μm. Preferably, the micro holding element is arranged in at least one surface region of at least one element, in particular an article holding element surface region of the article holding element. In particular, the micro holding element is intended to make a contribution to a generation of the holding force. Preferably, the micro holding element is intended in particular to make the contribution to the generation of the holding force in dependence on, in particular in the presence of, at least one, preferably external, stimulus. In particular, in the absence of the stimulus, the micro holding element is arranged in a forceless state. Preferably, the micro holding element is formed as an element of a micro holding structure. A “micro holding structure” is to be understood in particular as meaning a structure which has at least one micro holding lamella, preferably a multiplicity of micro holding lamellae, and at least one micro holding element, preferably a multiplicity of micro holding elements. In particular, the micro holding structure is intended to make a contribution to a generation of the holding force by means of the micro holding element. Preferably, with a projection of the micro holding structure into a plane, the micro holding structure has a longitudinal extent of less than 10 mm, preferably of less than 1 mm, in particular of less than 0.5 mm and particularly preferably of less than 0.2 mm. In particular, with the projection of the micro holding structure into the plane, the micro holding structure has a transverse extent of less than 20 μm, preferably of less than 10 μm and in particular of less than 6 μm. Preferably, the micro holding structure is arranged in the surface region of the element. A “micro holding lamella” is to be understood in particular as meaning a lamella which, with a projection of the micro holding lamella into a plane, has a longitudinal extent of less than 10 mm, preferably of less than 1 mm, in particular of less than 0.5 mm and particularly preferably of less than 0.2 mm. In particular, with the projection of the micro holding lamella into the plane, the micro holding lamella has a transverse extent of less than 20 μm, preferably of less than 10 μm and in particular of less than 6 μm. Preferably, the micro holding lamella is intended to connect, preferably arrange, in particular fasten, the micro holding element to/on the surface of the element, in particular the article element surface of the article holding element. A “holding force” is to be understood in particular as meaning a force exerted by the multiplicity of micro holding elements on the article. In particular, the holding force is intended to hold the article in position, in particular in direct contact with the article holding element. Preferably, the holding force is formed as a force between the article element surface of the article holding element and at least one surface of the article. In particular, the holding force is formed as a force deviating from a force that is produced by a positively engaging connection. Preferably, the holding force comprises a holding force density of more than 10 N/cm2, preferably of more than 15 N/cm2, in particular of more than 20 N/cm2and particularly preferably of more than 25 N/cm2. An “article holding element surface region” of an element, in particular of the article holding element, is to be understood in particular as meaning a region at a distance of less than 100 mm, preferably of less than 50 mm and in particular of less than 1 mm from an outer delimiting line and/or an outer delimiting surface of the element. “Intended” is to be understood in particular as meaning especially programmed, designed and/or equipped. A configuration according to the invention advantageously allows the article to be effectively and securely held in position.

Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one of the micro holding elements is intended to bring about at least one adhesive force. In particular, the holding force is formed as a sum of at least two adhesive forces, in particular of a multiplicity of adhesive forces. An “adhesive force” is to be understood in particular as meaning a force between at least two condensed phases coming into contact. In particular, a proportion of a vapor pressure in an absolute amount of the adhesive force is less than 15%, preferably less than 5% and in particular less than 2%. Preferably, the adhesive force is at least partially formed as a molecular interaction. In particular, the adhesive force is intended to bring about a cohesion, preferably a mechanical cohesion, between the two condensed phases. Preferably, the adhesive force is formed as at least a mechanical adhesive force and/or as at least a special adhesive force. A “mechanical adhesive force” is to be understood in particular as meaning a mechanical and/or physical force which is at least partially produced by means of at least an interlocking, preferably a wedged interlocking, in particular an interlinking, of particles, preferably with a size in a range of several μm, of a respective one of the two condensed phases in one another. A “special adhesive force” is to be understood in particular as meaning a chemical and/or physical and/or thermodynamic force. A “condensed phase” is to be understood in particular as meaning a solid body and/or a liquid. The phrase that the “adhesive force is at least partially formed as a molecular interaction” is to be understood in particular as meaning that an absolute amount of the adhesive force is produced in a proportion of over 70%, preferably of over 80% and in particular of over 90%, by the molecular interaction. The phrase that the “mechanical adhesive force is at least partially produced by means of at least an interlocking of particles of a respective one of the two condensed phases in one another” is to be understood in particular as meaning that an absolute amount of the mechanical adhesive force is produced in a proportion of over 70%, preferably of over 80% and in particular of over 90%, by the interlocking of the particles of a respective one of the two condensed phases in one another. Such a configuration advantageously allows the article to be securely held in position by means of a natural force.

Moreover, it is proposed that the adhesive force is at least partially formed as a van der Waals force. Alternatively, the adhesive force could be at least partially formed as a diffusion force, in particular as a diffusion force on the basis of a Brownian molecular motion. It is likewise conceivable that the adhesive force is at least partially formed as an adsorption force and/or as a wetting force. The phrase that the “adhesive force is at least partially formed as a van der Waals force” is to be understood in particular as meaning that an absolute amount of the adhesive force is produced in a proportion of over 70%, preferably of over 80% and in particular of over 90%, by a van der Waals force. A “van der Waals force” is to be understood in particular as meaning a force between at least two, preferably nonpolar, in particular uncharged, minute particles, in particular between molecules and/or atoms, preferably noble gas atoms. In particular, the van der Waals force is at least partially formed as an electrostatic van der Waals interaction. In particular, the van der Waals force is intended to connect the minute particles to one another by means of the van der Waals interaction. Preferably, a van der Waals binding energy in a range from 0.5 kJ/mol to 5 kJ/mol can be achieved by means of the van der Waals force. In particular, the van der Waals binding energy decreases at least substantially at an exponential rate to a power of six of a distance between the minute particles. Preferably, the van der Waals force is formed as a Keesom interaction and/or as a Debye interaction and/or as a London dispersion interaction. A “Keesom interaction” is to be understood in particular as meaning an interaction between at least two dipoles. In particular, the van der Waals force formed as a Keesom interaction is formed as a force between at least two dipoles. A “Debye interaction” is to be understood in particular as meaning an interaction between at least one dipole and at least one polarizable molecule. In particular, the van der Waals force formed as a Debye interaction is formed as a force between at least one dipole and at least one induced dipole. A “London dispersion interaction” is to be understood in particular as meaning an interaction between at least two polarizable molecules. In particular, the van der Waals force formed as a London dispersion interaction is formed as a force between at least two polarizable molecules, in particular between at least two induced dipoles. The phrase that the “van der Waals force is at least partially formed as an electrostatic van der Waals interaction” is to be understood in particular as meaning that an absolute amount of the van der Waals force is produced in a proportion of over 70%, preferably of over 80% and in particular of over 90%, by the electrostatic van der Waals interaction. “At least substantially” is to be understood in particular as meaning that a deviation from a predetermined value deviates in particular less than 25%, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 5%, from the predetermined value. Such a configuration advantageously allows a well researched force to be exploited to hold the article in position, whereby stability of the article in the position can be improved.

It is also proposed that the article holding element has a self-cleaning article holding element surface. In particular, the article holding element surface is intended to clean the article holding element surface of the article holding element when there is contact of the article holding element surface with at least one further element. In particular, the article holding element has at least one micro holding element, preferably a multiplicity of micro holding elements. Preferably, the article holding element surface is intended to clean the article holding element surface by means of at least one of the micro holding elements, preferably by means of the multiplicity of micro holding elements. Preferably, the micro holding element is at least partially formed as dirt-repellent. In particular, the micro holding element is intended to at least substantially repel at least one contaminant coming into contact with the micro holding element on the basis of an absolute amount of at least one micro holding element longitudinal extent. In particular, a force of attraction between the contaminant, in particular between at least one particle of the contaminant, and the micro holding element is less than a force of attraction between the contaminant and the further element. The phrase that the “micro holding element is at least partially formed as dirt-repellent” is to be understood in particular as meaning that the micro holding element is intended to repel a proportion by mass of over 70%, preferably of over 80% and in particular of over 90%, of a contaminant coming into contact with the micro holding element. The phrase “at least substantially repel” a contaminant coming into contact with the micro holding element is to be understood in particular as meaning repelling a proportion by mass of over 70%, preferably of over 80% and in particular of over 90%, of the contaminant coming into contact with the micro holding element. A “contaminant” is to be understood in particular as meaning dirt, dust and/or a liquid, in particular beverages and/or oil. In particular, the contaminant is formed by particles with a size in a range of several μm, a force between the individual particles of the contaminant being less than a force between the contaminant and the article holding element surface of the article holding element on which the contaminant is located. Such a configuration advantageously allows a clean, easy-care article holding element to be achieved.

Furthermore, an article holding device, in particular a navigation system holding device, with at least one article holding element, which is intended to hold at least one article, in particular a navigation system, in at least one position, the article holding element comprising at least one specifically activatable liquid, is proposed. In particular, the article holding element is at least partially formed as the specifically activatable liquid. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the article holding element comprises a specifically activatable, in particular soft, advantageously gel-like, polymer. The phrase that the “article holding element is at least partially formed as the specifically activatable liquid” is to be understood in particular as meaning that the article holding element is formed in a proportion by mass of over 70%, preferably of over 80% and in particular of over 90%, as the specifically activatable liquid. “Specifically” is to be understood in particular as meaning deliberately and/or as planned. “Activatable” is to be understood in particular as meaning controllable and/or influenceable. Such a configuration advantageously allows the article to be held in position by means of a specifically influenceable liquid, whereby a flexible capability of holding the article in position can be achieved.

Moreover, it is proposed that the liquid is at least partially formed as a magnetorheological liquid. Alternatively, the liquid could be at least partially formed as an electrorheological liquid. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the specifically activatable, in particular soft, advantageously gel-like, polymer is formed as a magnetorheological polymer. The phrase that the “liquid is at least partially formed as a magnetorheological liquid” is to be understood in particular as meaning that the liquid is formed in a proportion by mass and/or a proportion by volume of over 70%, preferably of over 80% and in particular of over 90%, as the magnetorheological liquid. A “magnetorheological liquid” is to be understood in particular as meaning a magnetorheological material in which a carrier is formed as a liquid. A “magnetorheological material” is to be understood in particular as meaning a suspension of magnetic particles, preferably with a size in a range of several μm, in a carrier. In particular, the magnetorheological material is intended to change at least one, preferably rheological, material property, preferably rapidly, in particular reversibly, when a magnetic field of less than 0.1 T, preferably of less than 0.01 T and in particular of less than 0.001 T, is applied. Preferably, a change of the material property can be influenced by a variation of the field. In particular, the change of the material property is proportionate to a strength of the applied field. Preferably, when the field is applied, material property changes of several hundred percent can be achieved. In particular, the magnetorheological material is intended to revert, preferably rapidly, to its original state after the applied field is switched off, in particular to its state before application of the field. Preferably, the material property is formed as a shape and/or as a viscosity and/or as a stiffness of the magnetorheological material. In particular, the particles are dispersed in the carrier in a proportion by volume of between 5% and 50% of a total volume of the magnetorheological material. Preferably, the particles are formed as ferromagnetic and/or paramagnetic particles. For example, the particles are formed as iron, iron oxide, iron nitride, iron carbide, carbonyl iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium oxide and/or a combination of at least one of the aforementioned materials with at least one further material. For example, the carrier is formed as polyalphaolefins, natural rubber, silicone, polybutadiene, polyethylene, polyisoprene and/or as a combination of at least one of the aforementioned materials with at least one further element. A “suspension” is to be understood in particular as meaning a, preferably heterogeneous, substance mixture of at least one carrier material and particles distributed in the carrier material, preferably with a particle size of less than 100 μm, preferably of less than 50 μm and in particular of less than 10 μm. In particular, the carrier material is formed as a liquid. “Rapidly” is to be understood in particular as meaning a time period of a few milliseconds. Such a configuration advantageously allows a magnetically influenceable liquid to be achieved, and consequently easy influencing of a holding of the article in position.

It is also proposed that the article holding device has at least one setting unit, which is intended to set at least one material property change of the article holding element. A “setting unit” is to be understood in particular as meaning a unit which is intended to set at least one characteristic variable, in particular the material property change, specifically, preferably as planned, in particular deliberately. In particular, the setting unit comprises at least one setting system. A “setting system” is to be understood in particular as meaning a unit with a processor unit and with a memory unit and also with an operating program stored in the memory unit. In principle, the setting unit may have a number of setting systems connected to one another, which are preferably intended for communicating with one another via a bus system, such as in particular a CAN bus system. In particular, the setting system comprises at least one open-loop control unit and/or at least one closed-loop control unit. An “open-loop control unit” is to be understood in particular as meaning a unit which is intended to influence the characteristic variable once and subsequently keep it in the influenced state. A “closed-loop control unit” is to be understood in particular as meaning a unit which is intended to influence the characteristic variable once, subsequently check whether the influenced characteristic variable achieves a desired effect and, according to a result of the check, influence the characteristic variable once again. In particular, the closed-loop control unit is intended to control, in particular monitor, the characteristic variable in a continuously sustained control loop. The phrase that the setting unit is intended to set the characteristic variable “specifically” is to be understood in particular as meaning that the setting unit is intended to set, preferably influence, in particular control, the characteristic variable in a specific direction, preferably as planned, in particular deliberately. A “material property change” of an element, in particular of the article holding element, is to be understood in particular as meaning a change of at least one physical and/or chemical and/or geometrical parameter. For example, the parameter is formed as a density, a refractive index, a lattice structure and/or a geometry. Likewise conceivable are further parameters that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art. In particular, the material property change is formed at least as a change of a viscosity. Alternatively, it is conceivable that, in the case of the specifically activatable, in particular soft, advantageously gel-like, polymer, the material property change is formed as a change of shape and/or as a change of stiffness. Advantageously, the article holding element is intended to create by means of the material property change at least one positive engagement with the article. Such a configuration advantageously allows the article to be held in position by means of a material property change of the article holding element that can be set by the setting unit, and consequently allows flexibility to be further increased.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the article holding device has at least one field generating unit, which is intended to generate at least one field. In particular, the field generating unit is intended to generate the field for influencing the article holding element. Preferably, the field is formed as a magnetic field. A “field generating unit” is to be understood in particular as meaning a unit which is intended to generate an internal and/or an external field. In particular, the field generating unit is intended to influence at least one element, in particular the article holding element, specifically, preferably as planned, in particular deliberately, by means of the field. An “internal field” is to be understood in particular as meaning a field within the element. An “external field” is to be understood in particular as meaning a field outside the element. In particular, the field generating unit is intended to generate the external field outside the element. Such a configuration advantageously allows the article holding element to be influenced in a simple, dependable way.

Moreover, a dashboard with at least one article holding device according to the invention is proposed. Such a configuration advantageously allows a dashboard to be equipped with the article holding device according to the invention, whereby a flexible dashboard on which an article can be held in position in a secure, flexible way can be achieved. Furthermore, the dashboard can advantageously be formed as a direct article holder.

Also proposed is a method for operating an article holding device according to the invention, in which the micro holding elements bring about at least one holding force. Such a configuration advantageously allows the article holding device according to the invention to be actuated dependably, flexibly, correctly and reproducibly.

The article holding device according to the invention is not intended here to be restricted to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the article holding device according to the invention may have a different number of individual elements, components and units than the number mentioned here in order to perform a type of function described here.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a detail of a dashboard26aaccording to the invention with an article holding device10aaccording to the invention in a simplified representation. Moreover,FIG. 1shows a view of a cockpit arranged in a passenger compartment of a vehicle (not represented). The dashboard26ais formed as a vehicle dashboard and is arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle is formed as a motor vehicle. The dashboard26ais formed as a motor vehicle dashboard. InFIG. 1, a windowpane28a, which is formed as a windshield, is arranged adjoining the dashboard26a. Arranged on the dashboard26ais a steering wheel30afor steering the vehicle. The dashboard26aalso comprises a number of air vents32a, by means of which ventilation of the passenger compartment is realized. For the sake of overall clarity, only one of the air vents32ais provided with a reference sign inFIG. 1. Further components that are represented inFIG. 1are not described any more specifically, since only the features that are essential to the invention are described below.

The article holding device10acomprises an article holding element12a, which is intended to hold an article14ain a position. The article holding element12ais partially represented by dashed lines inFIG. 1, since the article holding element12ais concealed by the dashboard26a. The article holding element12ais arranged within the dashboard26awith the exception of an article holding element surface20a. The article holding device10ais formed as a navigation system holding device and the article14ais formed as a navigation system. The article14acomprises a main article region34aand an article foot36a. The main article region34aand the article foot36aare formed in one piece. In the position in which the article14ais held by the article holding element12a, the article foot36ais arranged in direct contact with the article holding element surface20a.FIG. 1shows the article14ain this position, which for the sake of simplicity is referred to hereinafter as the position. A state in which the article14ais in the position is referred to hereinafter as a fastened state. A state in which the article14ais absent is referred to hereinafter as an unfastened state.

The article holding element12ahas a multiplicity of micro holding elements16a, which are intended to bring about a holding force. The micro holding elements16arespectively have a micro holding element longitudinal extent of less than 1 μm, for which reason the micro holding elements16acannot be seen inFIG. 1.FIG. 2shows a micro holding structure40awith a number of micro holding elements16aaccording to the invention in a greatly enlarged representation. The article holding element12acomprises the micro holding structure40a, which is arranged on the article holding element surface20a. The micro holding structure40ais arranged in an article holding element surface region38aof approximately 100 μm around the article holding element surface20a. The micro holding structure40acomprises a multiplicity of micro holding lamellae42a, only one of the micro holding lamellae42abeing represented inFIG. 2. Hereinafter, only one of the micro holding lamellae42ais described, since all the micro holding lamellae42aare constructed similarly. The various micro holding lamellae42adiffer only in the number of micro holding elements16aarranged on the respective micro holding lamella42aand in the number of branches of the respective micro holding lamella42a.

The micro holding lamella42ais intended to fasten a number of micro holding elements16aon the article holding element surface20a. The micro holding element16ais arranged in the region of the micro holding lamella42athat is facing away from the article holding element surface20a. The micro holding element16ais respectively arranged here at a tip of the micro holding lamella42athat is facing away from the article holding element surface20a. In the fastened state of the article14a, the micro holding element16ais in direct contact with a surface of the article14a. Here, in the fastened state of the article14a, the micro holding element16ais in direct contact with a surface of the article foot36a. The micro holding lamella42acomprises a number of branches. Moreover, the micro holding lamella42acomprises a number of tips corresponding to a number of micro holding elements16a. A more detailed description ofFIG. 2will not be provided, sinceFIG. 2merely shows a micro holding structure40athat is given by way of example.

The micro holding lamella42ahas a micro holding lamella longitudinal extent44aof approximately 100 μm. The micro holding element16ahas the micro holding element longitudinal extent in a range from 0.2 μm to 0.5 μm. InFIG. 2, the micro holding element longitudinal extent is not represented on account of its absolute amount. The micro holding element16ais intended to bring about an adhesive force. The holding force is formed as a sum of a multiplicity of adhesive forces. The adhesive force is formed as a van der Waals force. The micro holding element16ais intended to bring about a van der Waals force. The holding force is formed as a sum of a multiplicity of van der Waals forces.

The article holding element12ahas a self-cleaning article holding element surface20a. The article holding element surface20acomprises the multiplicity of micro holding elements16a. The micro holding element16ais intended to repel a contaminant coming into contact with the micro holding element16aon the basis of an absolute amount of the micro holding element longitudinal extent. The micro holding element16ais formed as dirt-repellent.

For a further description of the article holding device10a, reference is made toFIG. 1. The article holding device10acomprises a field generating unit24a, which is intended to generate a field. The field is formed as a magnetic field. The field generating unit24ais formed as an electromagnet and is arranged within the dashboard26a. The field generating unit24ais arranged here on a side of the article holding element12athat is facing away from the article holding element surface20a. Moreover, the article holding device10acomprises a setting unit22a, which is intended to set a material property change of the article holding element12a. The material property change of the article holding element12ais formed as an orientation of the micro holding element16a. The setting unit22aand the field generating unit24aare formed in one piece. Alternatively, the setting unit22acould be arranged at any desired location that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, as long as an electrical connection with the field generating unit24ais ensured. In the present exemplary embodiment, the setting unit22acomprises a storage battery (not represented), which is intended to provide electrical energy. Alternatively, the setting unit22acould have a supply access to a supply with electrical energy; for example, the setting unit22acould be connected by means of the supply access to an electronics system of the vehicle. The setting unit22ais intended to set the material property change of the article holding element12aby means of the field generating unit24a.

The micro holding element16ais intended to bring about the adhesive force in dependence on the field. In the present exemplary embodiment, the micro holding element16ais formed as a magnetic particle. The micro holding element16ais formed here as a ferromagnetic particle. In the present exemplary embodiment, the micro holding element16ais formed as a nickel particle. Alternatively, the micro holding element16acould be formed as a particle of cobalt and/or iron. Further ferromagnetic particles that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are likewise conceivable. The micro holding element16ais intended in the presence of the field to change an orientation according to an alignment of the field. In an oriented state, the micro holding element16ais intended to bring about the adhesive force.

Likewise provided is a method for operating the article holding device10aaccording to the invention, in which the micro holding elements16abring about the holding force. In a first method step, a signal for a setting of the holding force is transmitted to the setting unit22a, for example by a vehicle driver by means of an actuating element (not represented) arranged on the cockpit. The setting unit22asets the material property change of the article holding element12aby means of the field generating unit24a. The micro holding element16ais oriented on the basis of the field and thereby brings about the adhesive force. The bringing about of the adhesive force has the effect that the micro holding element16alikewise brings about the holding force, since the holding force is formed as the sum of the respective adhesive force generated by the respective micro holding element16a. As a result, the dashboard26ais formed as a direct article holder.

A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown inFIG. 3. The following descriptions and the drawing are substantially restricted to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, while reference with respect to components with the same designations, in particular with respect to components with the same reference signs, may in principle be made to the drawing and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiment, in particular ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference signs of the exemplary embodiment inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3, the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

FIG. 3shows a detail of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a dashboard26baccording to the invention with an article holding device10baccording to the invention in a simplified representation. The dashboard26bis identical to the dashboard26aof the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2with the exception of the article holding device10b, for which reason the dashboard26bis not described any further. By analogy with the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the article holding device10bcomprises an article holding element12b, which is intended to hold an article14bin a position. The article holding device10bis formed as a navigation system holding device and the article14bis formed as a navigation system. The article14bcomprises a main article region34band an article foot36b.

In a difference from the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the article holding element12bcomprises a specifically activatable liquid. The liquid is formed here as a magnetorheological liquid. The article holding element12bcomprises a magnetorheological liquid. In this case, the article holding element12bcomprises a specifically activatable magnetorheological liquid. The dashboard26bforms a lateral delimitation of the article holding element12band thereby prevents distribution of the liquid of the article holding element12bin a passenger compartment. In an unfastened state of the article14b, to be precise in the absence of the article14b, the article holding element12bis covered by a film (not represented). An article holding element surface20bof the article holding element12bis formed here as the film. The article holding element surface20bis fixedly connected on a respective side to the dashboard26b. The article holding element surface20bis formed from an elastic material and is intended to change a geometry. The article holding element surface20bis intended to adapt its geometry to a geometry of the article14b. Moreover, the article holding element surface20bis intended to prevent the distribution of the liquid of the article holding element12bin the passenger compartment.

In a fastened state, the article14bis partially arranged within a region that is filled by the article holding element12bin the unfastened state. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the article foot36bis arranged entirely region of the article holding element12bthat is filled by the article holding element12bin the unfastened state. The main article region34bis arranged at a limit of the region of the article holding element12bthat is filled by the article holding element12bin the unfastened state. The article14bis intended to displace the article holding element surface20band the liquid by means of a force of the weight of the article14b. The liquid and the article holding element surface20bare intended to adapt their respective geometry to the geometry of the article14b. This state, in which the article14bis partially arranged within the region that is filled by the article holding element12bin the unfastened state and the liquid and the article holding element surface20bhave adapted their respective geometry to the geometry of the article14b, is referred to hereafter as the pre-fastened state.

By analogy with the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the article holding device10bcomprises a field generating unit24b, which is intended to generate a field, the field being formed as a magnetic field. Moreover, the article holding device10bcomprises a setting unit22b, which is intended to set a material property change of the article holding element12b. The material property change of the article holding element12ais formed as a change of viscosity of the liquid. The setting unit22bis intended to set the material property change of the article holding element12bby means of the field generating unit24b. The formation and arrangement of the field generating unit24band of the setting unit22bare identical to the formation and arrangement of corresponding units of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2, for which reason they are not described any further.

In the pre-fastened state of the article14b, a signal for a setting of the holding force is transmitted to the setting unit22b, for example by a vehicle driver by means of an actuating element (not represented) arranged on a cockpit. The setting unit22bsets the material property change of the article holding element12bby means of the field generating unit24b. The liquid changes its viscosity on the basis of the field and becomes virtually solid. In this case, the liquid brings about a holding force on the article14b, whereby the article14bis held in position. As a result, the article14bis fastened by means of the holding force on the dashboard26bin a kind of vise. Moreover, the dashboard26bis formed as a direct article holder.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the article holding element surface20bof the article holding element12bthat is formed as the film is formed as a sensor. The article holding element surface20bis intended here to transmit a signal to the setting unit when there is contact with the article14b. The article14bis intended to displace the article holding element surface20band the liquid by means of a force of the weight of the article14b. The liquid and the article holding element surface20bare intended to adapt their respective geometry to the geometry of the article14b. The article holding element surface20bis intended to detect by means of the sensor a stop to the movement of the article14b, and consequently an end position of the article14b. Moreover, the article holding element surface20bis intended to send a signal to the setting unit22bfor the setting of the holding force when the end position of the article14bis reached. Consequently, the setting of the holding force is performed in a partly automated manner. The article holding element12bis intended to hold the article14bin a position in a partly automated manner in dependence on a characteristic variable. Moreover, the article holding element12bis intended to create a positive engagement with the article14b. If a force of over 20 N is applied to the article holding element surface20bof the article holding element12bby means of an article14blocated in the held position, the article14bcan be released from the position. The article holding element surface20bis intended to send a signal to the setting unit22bwhen a force of over 20 N acts on the article holding element surface20b. The setting unit22bis intended to generate or remove the holding force in dependence on the signal. Consequently, the article holding element12bis intended to hold the article14bin a position or release it from the position in a partly automated manner in dependence on a characteristic variable.