Patent Description:
As one of the most common configurations of vehicle interiors, a cup holder is usually mounted on an auxiliary instrument panel between a driver's seat and a passenger seat, with a main function of placing a cup or another item. The cup holder can be designed not only to place an item, but also to play a certain role in beautification and decoration.

Currently, cup holders in the prior art are of multiple types mainly including a fixed type, a lifting type, a roller shutter type, a turnover type, etc. A cup holder in a lifting cup holder can move up and down in a cavity for accommodating a cup, so that the cup holder can close the cavity for an aesthetic effect when idle, and is hidden in the cavity when operating, to support the cup. For example, a Chinese utility model patent no. <CIT> discloses a lifting cup holder for a vehicle. The lifting cup holder for a vehicle comprises components such as a shell of a substantially cup-shaped structure, a lifting support plate arranged in the shell in a liftable manner, a buffer assembly in linkage connection with the lifting support plate to slow down the movement of the lifting support plate, and a lift assembly. The lift assembly is provided with an annular connecting end abutting against an annular limiting ring located on a lower end face of the lifting support plate. The lifting support plate cannot translate in a horizontal direction relative to the annular connecting end, so that the lifting support plate and the annular connecting end are fixed together by means of the annular limiting ring, thereby preventing the lifting support plate from moving in a non-vertical direction.

As mentioned in the above utility model patent, the lifting cup holder in the prior art extends substantially in the horizontal direction in an idle state and an operating state, and a profile angle of the cup holder cannot be adjusted, so that it is difficult to meet personalized and aesthetic requirements for vehicle interiors.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose a vehicle-mounted accommodating device disposed on an in-vehicle component and including a shell defining an accommodation space and a cover body assembly. The cover body assembly is arranged to reciprocate between a first position for covering the accommodating space and a second position for exposing the accommodating space along a first direction relative to the shell.

Thus, a new technical solution is needed in the art to solve the above problem.

In order to solve the technical problem in the prior art that a profile angle of a lifting cup holder cannot be changed, the invention provides a cup holder assembly.

The subject-matter of the present invention is defined in the independent claim. In particular, the cup holder assembly comprises: a mounting barrel having a circumferential wall extending in a vertical direction and a top opening obliquely extending downwards from a front portion of the mounting barrel to a rear portion of the mounting barrel, the circumferential wall enclosing an accommodating cavity extending in the vertical direction; a synchronizer disc arranged in the accommodating cavity; a cup holder rotatably fixed to the synchronizer disc and having an axis of rotation extending in a width direction of the cup holder; a lifting mechanism connected to the synchronizer disc; and an angle adjusting mechanism configured to be connected to each of the cup holder, the lifting mechanism, and the synchronizer disc, so that the cup holder is rotatable about the axis of rotation while rising and lowering in the vertical direction, so as to move between an inclined initial position in which the cup holder is located at the top opening and a horizontal operating position in which the cup holder is located in the accommodating cavity.

The cup holder assembly according to the invention comprises components such as the mounting barrel, the synchronizer disc, the cup holder, the lifting mechanism, and the angle adjusting mechanism. The mounting barrel has the circumferential wall extending in the vertical direction and the top opening obliquely extending downwards from the front portion of the mounting barrel to the rear portion thereof. The circumferential wall encloses the accommodating cavity also extending in the vertical direction, to accommodate an item such as a cup. The synchronizer disc is arranged in the accommodating cavity, so as to cooperate with another component. The cup holder rotatably covers the synchronizer disc and has the axis of rotation extending in the width direction of the cup holder. The lifting mechanism is configured to be connected to the synchronizer disc, so that the cup holder fixed to the synchronizer disc can move up and down in the accommodating cavity. The angle adjusting mechanism is configured to be connected to each of the cup holder, the lifting mechanism, and the synchronizer disc, so that the cup holder is rotatable about the axis of rotation while rising and lowering in the vertical direction. With the above arrangement, the cup holder can move between an inclined initial position in which the cup holder is located at the top opening of the mounting barrel and a horizontal operating position in which the cup holder is located in the accommodating cavity. In other words, the cup holder can be adjusted in the profile angle while rising and lowering. Specifically, when the cup holder is in the initial position, the cup holder is located at the top opening of the mounting barrel, so that the top opening can be conveniently closed, and an inclined cup holder profile can also meet personalized and aesthetic requirements of an appearance design, thereby improving a user's sensory experience. When the cup holder is in the operating position, the cup holder extends substantially in a horizontal direction, and can stably support an item such as a cup, so as to achieve a function of placing the item.

In a technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, the angle adjusting mechanism comprises: a planetary gear which is rotatably fixed to a bottom wall of the synchronizer disc and which comprises a conical tooth portion fitting with the lifting mechanism and a first circumferential tooth portion extending along a circumferential edge of the conical tooth portion; a sun gear which is rotatably fixed to the bottom wall and which comprises a second circumferential tooth portion meshing with the first circumferential tooth portion and an annular wall extending along a central axis of the second circumferential tooth portion; and a connector which is fixed to the annular wall in a liftable manner and which is provided with a first rotating shaft pivotally connected to the cup holder. By means of the cooperation between the conical tooth portion of the planetary gear and the lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism can synchronously drive the planetary gear to rotate during movement. Further, by means of the cooperation between the first circumferential tooth portion in the planetary gear and the second circumferential tooth portion in the sun gear, the sun gear can be synchronously driven to rotate. The connector is fixed to the annular wall of the sun gear in a liftable manner, and the first rotating shaft pivotally connected to the cup holder is also arranged on the connector, so that the sun gear drives the connector to rise and lower in the annular wall during rotation, thereby driving the cup holder to move relative to the bottom wall of the synchronizer disc, so as to adjust the profile angle of the cup holder.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, the planetary gear further comprises an annular protrusion extending outwards in a radial direction of the first circumferential tooth portion, and the bottom wall is provided with a first limiting claw and a second limiting claw which are respectively positioned on two sides of the annular protrusion and which are capable of restricting the annular protrusion. With the above arrangement, the planetary gear can be prevented from being dislocated during rotation, so as to ensure the reliability of components.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, a spiral sliding slot is formed in the annular wall, and a slider restricted in the sliding slot is arranged on the connector. With the above arrangement, the rotation of the sun gear can enable the connector to rise and lower, thereby driving the profile angle of the cup holder to change.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, the sliding slot comprises a first sliding slot and a second sliding slot that are opposite each other, and the slider comprises a first slider fitting with the first sliding slot and a second slider fitting with the second sliding slot. With the above arrangement, the connector can be stressed more evenly.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, a recess extending perpendicularly downwards is formed in the bottom wall, and the sun gear is rotatably fixed in the recess. With the above arrangement, the sun gear can be more stably arranged on the synchronizer disc.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, the second circumferential tooth portion has a greater diameter than the first circumferential tooth portion. The diameter of the second circumferential tooth portion is set to be greater than that of the first circumferential tooth portion, so that a rotation speed of the sun gear is relatively low to meet process requirements for angle adjustment.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, a first lug and a second lug that are respectively located on a left side and a right side are formed on an upper portion of the connector, the first rotating shaft comprises two rotating shaft portions which are separated from each other, and the two rotating shaft portions are circular shafts which are respectively arranged on the first lug and the second lug and which extend in opposite directions. With the above arrangement, the connector can have a stable and simple structure and is easily processed.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, a second rotating shaft extending along the axis of rotation is positioned on the bottom wall close to the rear portion or the front portion, and a first support seat which is fixable to two ends of the first rotating shaft and a second support seat fixed to two ends of the second rotating shaft are formed on a lower portion of the cup holder. By means of the cooperation between the second rotating shaft and the second support seat, the cup holder can be pivotally connected to the synchronizer disc. In addition, the first rotating shaft and the first support seat are arranged, such that the profile angle of the cup holder can be conveniently adjusted under the driving of the angle adjusting mechanism. The change in the position of the second rotating shaft can also enrich types of products and meet diversified requirements of users.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, the lifting mechanism comprises a lifting gear shaft fixed to the circumferential wall in a liftable manner, the lifting gear shaft is rotatably fixed to the synchronizer disc, and a bevel gear which can mesh with the conical tooth portion is arranged on the lifting gear shaft. With the above arrangement, the lifting mechanism can have a simple structure and is convenient to process.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, a front wall of the circumferential wall is provided with a front lifting guide slot extending in the vertical direction and a front lifting rack facing the front lifting guide slot, a rear wall of the circumferential wall is provided with a rear lifting guide slot parallel to the front lifting guide slot and a rear lifting rack facing the rear lifting guide slot; and the lifting gear shaft is provided with a shaft body extending through the front lifting guide slot and the rear lifting guide slot, and two ends of the shaft body are respectively provided with a front lifting gear meshing with the front lifting rack and a rear lifting gear meshing with the rear lifting rack. With the above arrangement, it is possible to conveniently enable the synchronizer disc to rise and lower in the accommodating cavity, thereby driving the cup holder fixedly connected to the synchronizer disc to rise and lower.

In a preferred technical solution of the cup holder assembly described above, an included angle formed between the initial position and the operating position is a predetermined angle, and the predetermined angle is less than or equal to <NUM>°. With the above arrangement, it is possible to prevent an excessive predetermined angle which cannot meet design requirements.

In order to solve the technical problem in the prior art that a profile angle of a lifting cup holder cannot be changed, the invention further provides a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a cup holder assembly according to any one of the above embodiments. By adopting the cup holder assembly according to any one of the above embodiments, the vehicle according to the invention can obtain a lifting cup holder, the lifting cup holder can move between an inclined initial position and a horizontal operating position, so that personalized and aesthetic requirements of an appearance design are met while the practicality of placing an item is taken into account, thereby improving the beauty of vehicle interiors.

Preferred implementations of the invention are described below with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:.

Cup holder assembly; <NUM>. Mounting barrel; 10a. Front portion; 10b. Rear portion; <NUM>. Circumferential wall; <NUM>. Front wall; <NUM>. Front lifting guide slot; <NUM>. Button opening; <NUM>. Rear wall; <NUM>. Rear lifting guide slot; <NUM>. Connecting block guide slot; <NUM>. Upper guide rod mounting base; <NUM>. Left wall; <NUM>. Left mounting support; <NUM>. Right wall; <NUM>. Right mounting support; <NUM>. Snap-fit block; <NUM>. Upper through hole; <NUM>. Lower through hole; <NUM>. Base; <NUM>. Base body; <NUM>. Skirt; <NUM>. Snap-fit hole; <NUM>. Lower guide rod mounting base; <NUM>. Bottom plate; <NUM>. Through hole; <NUM>. Top opening; <NUM>. Accommodating cavity; <NUM>. Cup holder; <NUM>. Cup holder body; <NUM>. Cup holder peripheral wall; <NUM>. First support seat; <NUM>. Second support seat; <NUM>. Avoidance recess; <NUM>. Synchronizer disc; <NUM>. Bottom wall; <NUM>. Second rotating shaft; <NUM>. Second rotating shaft mounting base; <NUM>. Recess; <NUM>. Mounting hole; <NUM>. Synchronizer disc peripheral wall; <NUM>. Front shaft hole; <NUM>. Rear shaft hole; <NUM>. Lifting mechanism; <NUM>. Lifting gear shaft; <NUM>. Shaft body; <NUM>. Front lifting gear; <NUM>. Rear lifting gear; <NUM>. Bevel gear; <NUM>. Front lifting rack; <NUM>. Front cover plate; <NUM>. Rear lifting rack; <NUM>. Connecting plate; <NUM>. Guide rod; <NUM>. Guide sleeve; <NUM>. Connecting block; <NUM>. Angle adjusting mechanism; <NUM>. Planetary gear; <NUM>. Conical tooth portion; <NUM>. First circumferential tooth portion; <NUM>. Annular protrusion; <NUM>. Shaft hole; <NUM>. Planetary gear rotating shaft; <NUM>. Reinforcing rib; <NUM>. First limiting claw; <NUM>. Second limiting claw; <NUM>. Sun gear; <NUM>. Second circumferential tooth portion; <NUM>. Annular wall; <NUM>. Sliding slot; 5221a. First sliding slot; 5221b. Second sliding slot; <NUM>. Arc-shaped base; <NUM>. Sun gear rotating shaft; <NUM>. Fixing block; <NUM>. Connector; <NUM>. Columnar body; <NUM>. Slider; <NUM>. First lug; <NUM>. Second lug; <NUM>. First rotating shaft; <NUM>. Circular shaft; <NUM>. Reset mechanism; <NUM>. Coil spring; <NUM>. First fixed end; <NUM>. Coil spring fixing block; <NUM>. Coil spring mounting support; <NUM>. Winding rod; <NUM>. Buffer mechanism; <NUM>. Buffer gear; <NUM>. Buffer rack; <NUM>. Buffer gear mounting support; <NUM>. Locking mechanism; <NUM>. Locking member; <NUM>. Locking plate; <NUM>. Locking plate body; <NUM>. Locking hole; <NUM>. Limiting block; <NUM>. Spring connecting block; <NUM>. Locking plate limiting plate; <NUM>. Reset spring; <NUM>. Spring mounting plate; <NUM>. Control rod; <NUM>. Control rod body; <NUM>. Control rod support seat; <NUM>. Switch button; <NUM>. Clamping mechanism; 90a. Clamping connecting rod; <NUM>. Upper connecting rod; <NUM>. Lower connecting rod; <NUM>. Lower connecting rod body; <NUM>. Connecting rod support seat.

Preferred implementations of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these implementations are only used to explain the technical principles of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention.

It should be noted that, in the description of the invention the terms that indicate the direction or positional relationship, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", and "outer", are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the figures, which is merely for ease of description instead of indicating or implying that the device or element must have a particular orientation and be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore, should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

In addition, it should also be noted that, in the description of the invention the terms "arrange" and "connect" should be interpreted in a broad sense unless explicitly defined and limited otherwise. For example, a connection may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; and may be a direct connection, an indirect connection by means of an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the invention can be interpreted according to the specific situation.

In order to solve the technical problem in the prior art that a profile angle of a lifting cup holder cannot be changed, the invention provides a cup holder assembly <NUM>. The cup holder assembly <NUM> comprises: a mounting barrel <NUM>, the mounting barrel <NUM> having a circumferential wall <NUM> extending in a vertical direction and a top opening <NUM> obliquely extending downwards from a front portion 10a of the mounting barrel <NUM> to a rear portion 10b of the mounting barrel <NUM>, and the circumferential wall <NUM> enclosing an accommodating cavity <NUM> extending in the vertical direction; a synchronizer disc <NUM>, the synchronizer disc <NUM> being arranged in the accommodating cavity <NUM>; a cup holder <NUM>, the cup holder <NUM> being rotatably fixed to the synchronizer disc <NUM> and having an axis of rotation extending in a width direction of the cup holder <NUM>; a lifting mechanism <NUM>, the lifting mechanism <NUM> being connected to the synchronizer disc <NUM>; and an angle adjusting mechanism <NUM>, the angle adjusting mechanism <NUM> being configured to be connected to each of the cup holder <NUM>, the synchronizer disc <NUM>, and the lifting mechanism <NUM>, so that the cup holder <NUM> is rotatable about the axis of rotation while rising and lowering in the vertical direction, so as to move between an inclined initial position in which the cup holder is located at the top opening <NUM> and a horizontal operating position in which the cup holder is located in the accommodating cavity <NUM>.

Herein, the term "axis of rotation" refers to a central axis of a second rotating shaft <NUM>, unless explicitly stated otherwise. As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the cup holder assembly <NUM> according to the invention comprises components such as a mounting barrel <NUM>, a cup holder <NUM>, a synchronizer disc <NUM>, a lifting mechanism <NUM>, an angle adjusting structure <NUM>, a reset mechanism <NUM>, a buffer structure <NUM>, a locking mechanism <NUM>, and a clamping mechanism <NUM>. Alternatively, the cup holder assembly <NUM> may also be configured in another suitable form, for example, the cup holder assembly comprises only the mounting barrel <NUM>, the cup holder <NUM>, the synchronizer disc <NUM>, the lifting mechanism <NUM>, the angle adjusting structure <NUM>, the reset mechanism <NUM>, and the locking mechanism <NUM> among the above components.

As shown in <FIG>, the mounting barrel <NUM> comprises a circumferential wall <NUM> extending in a vertical direction and a base <NUM> located at a lower portion of the circumferential wall <NUM>. The circumferential wall <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be separately molded by using a suitable resin material (such as ABS, PP) by means of an injection molding process and are then fixed. The mounting barrel 10a has a front portion 10a and a rear portion 10b that are opposite each other. Based on an orientation as shown in <FIG>, the front portion 10a is located on a left side, and the rear portion 10b is located on a right side. The circumferential wall <NUM> comprises a front wall <NUM>, a left wall <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, and a right wall <NUM> that are connected in sequence to enclose an accommodating cavity <NUM> (see <FIG>) extending in the vertical direction. The front wall <NUM> is located at the front portion 10a of the mounting barrel <NUM>, the rear wall <NUM> is located at the rear portion 10b of the mounting barrel <NUM>, the left wall <NUM> is located on the left side of the mounting barrel <NUM>, and the right wall <NUM> is located on the right side of the mounting barrel. In one or more embodiments, the circumferential wall <NUM> is fixed to the base <NUM> by means of snap-fitting. Specifically, the left wall <NUM> is provided with two snap-fit blocks <NUM> spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction, and the right wall <NUM> is also provided with two snap-fit blocks <NUM> spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Two skirts <NUM> extending vertically upward are arranged on each of a left side and a right side of a base body <NUM> of the base <NUM>. One snap-fit hole <NUM> which can match with a corresponding snap-fit block <NUM> is formed in each of the skirts <NUM>, so that the circumferential wall <NUM> can be conveniently snap-fitted to the base <NUM>. Alternatively, the circumferential wall <NUM> may also be fixed to the base <NUM> by means of a screw or another suitable fixing manner.

Still referring to <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, a left mounting support <NUM> extending substantially in the front-rear direction is formed on the left wall <NUM>. A plurality of mounting holes spaced apart from each other are formed in the left mounting support <NUM>. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, a right mounting support <NUM> extending substantially in the front-rear direction is also formed on the right wall <NUM>. A plurality of mounting holes spaced apart from each other are also formed in the right mounting support <NUM>. The provision of the left mounting support <NUM> and the right mounting support <NUM> enables the entire cup holder assembly <NUM> to be conveniently fixed to a predetermined device (such as a vehicle) by means of a mounting member (such as a screw, a nut).

Still referring to <FIG>, the mounting barrel <NUM> has a top opening <NUM> obliquely extending downwards from the front portion 10a to the rear portion 10b. The top opening <NUM> has a substantially square shape with rounded corners. Alternatively, the top opening <NUM> may also be configured in a circular shape or another suitable shape.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the cup holder in the cup holder assembly according to the disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the cup holder <NUM> comprises a cup holder body <NUM> in a substantially square shape with rounded corners and a cup holder peripheral wall <NUM> extending perpendicularly downwards from a circumferential edge of the cup holder body <NUM>. The cup holder <NUM> may be made of a suitable resin material by means of an injection molding process. The cup holder <NUM> is fixed in the accommodating cavity <NUM> in a liftable manner. The cup holder <NUM> has a relative initial position and operating position. The "initial position" refers to an inclined position in which the cup holder is located at the top opening <NUM> and the cup holder <NUM> extends substantially in a direction of the top opening <NUM>. The "operating position" refers to a position in which the cup holder is located in the accommodating cavity <NUM> and extends substantially in a horizontal direction. A predetermined angle is formed between the initial position and the operating position. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined angle is less than or equal to <NUM>°. Further, the predetermined angle ranges from <NUM>° to <NUM>°. With the above arrangement, when the cup holder <NUM> is in the initial position, not only can the top opening <NUM> be substantially closed, so as to prevent an internal component from being exposed to the outside and affecting the appearance, but an inclined profile can also meet personalized and aesthetic requirements of an appearance design. In addition, when the cup holder <NUM> is in the operating position, the horizontally arranged cup holder <NUM> can firmly and stably support an item such as a cup, so that the cup holder has a good item placement function.

Still referring to <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, a first support seat <NUM> and a second support seat <NUM> spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction are formed on a lower surface of the cup holder body <NUM>. The first support seat <NUM> is positioned close to the front portion 10a, and the second support seat <NUM> is positioned close to the rear portion 10b. The first support seat <NUM> comprises two first support seat units spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, so as to fit with a first rotating shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, the second support seat <NUM> comprises two second support seat units spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, so as to fit with a second rotating shaft <NUM>. Alternatively, the positions of the first support seat <NUM> and the second support seat <NUM> can also be adjusted to other suitable positions according to actual requirements. For example, the first support seat <NUM> is positioned on the lower surface of the cup holder body <NUM> and close to the rear portion <NUM>, and the second support seat <NUM> is positioned on the lower surface of the cup holder body <NUM> and close to the front portion <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, an avoidance recess <NUM> extending perpendicularly upward is also formed in the lower surface of the cup holder body <NUM>. The avoidance recess <NUM> is located between the two first support seat units to avoid a connector <NUM> in the angle adjusting mechanism <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the synchronizer disc <NUM> is arranged in the accommodating cavity <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a synchronizer disc, a lifting gear shaft and the angle adjusting mechanism in the cup holder assembly according to the disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the synchronizer disc <NUM> has a bottom wall <NUM> in a substantially square shape with rounded corners and a synchronizer disc peripheral wall <NUM> extending perpendicularly upward from a circumferential edge of the bottom wall <NUM>. The second rotating shaft <NUM> which can fit with the second support seat <NUM> of the cup holder <NUM> is arranged on the bottom wall <NUM>. Specifically, two second rotating shaft mounting bases <NUM> that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction are positioned on the bottom wall <NUM> close to the rear portion 10b. The second rotating shaft <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the two second rotating shaft mounting bases <NUM>, and two ends of the second rotating shaft <NUM> are respectively fixed to second support seats <NUM> of the cup holder <NUM>, so that the cup holder <NUM> can rotate about a central axis of the second rotating shaft <NUM>, so as to adjust a profile angle of the cup holder <NUM>. Alternatively, the second rotating shaft mounting bases <NUM> may also be positioned on the bottom wall <NUM> close to the front portion <NUM> and spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the second rotating shaft <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the second rotating shaft mounting bases <NUM>. A front shaft hole <NUM> is provided at a front side of the synchronizer disc peripheral wall <NUM>, and a rear shaft hole <NUM> opposite the front shaft hole is provided at a rear side of the synchronizer disc, so as to receive a lifting gear shaft <NUM> in the lifting mechanism <NUM>, so that the lifting gear shaft <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the synchronizer disc <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, a front lifting guide slot <NUM> extending in the vertical direction is formed in the front wall <NUM>. Accordingly, a rear lifting guide slot <NUM> opposite the front lifting guide slot <NUM> is formed in the rear wall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the lifting mechanism <NUM> comprises components such as the lifting gear shaft <NUM>, a front lifting rack <NUM>, and a rear lifting rack <NUM>. Still referring to <FIG>, the lifting gear shaft <NUM> is provided with a substantially cylindrical shaft body <NUM>. The shaft body <NUM> extends through the front lifting guide slot <NUM> and the rear lifting guide slot <NUM> in the circumferential wall <NUM>, so as to rise and lower in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, the shaft body <NUM> is rotatably fixed to each of the front shaft hole <NUM> and the rear shaft hole <NUM> of the synchronizer disc <NUM>, so that the lifting gear shaft <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the synchronizer disc <NUM>. Two ends of the shaft body <NUM> are respectively provided with a front lifting gear <NUM> and a rear lifting gear <NUM>, so as to fit with the front lifting rack <NUM> and a rear lifting rack <NUM>. Specifically, the front lifting rack <NUM> parallel to the front lifting guide slot <NUM> is positioned on the front wall <NUM> close to the front lifting guide slot <NUM>. A toothing of the front lifting rack <NUM> faces the front lifting guide slot <NUM> and meshes with the front lifting gear <NUM>. Accordingly, the rear lifting rack <NUM> parallel to the rear lifting guide slot <NUM> is positioned on the rear wall <NUM> close to the rear lifting guide slot <NUM>. A toothing of the rear lifting rack <NUM> faces the rear lifting guide slot <NUM> and meshes with the rear lifting gear <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the front wall <NUM> is also provided with a front cover plate <NUM> which can cover the front lifting guide slot <NUM> and the front lifting rack <NUM>, so as to prevent a component from being exposed and affecting the appearance. In one or more embodiments, a bevel gear <NUM> is also provided at the middle of the shaft body <NUM>, so as to fit with the angle adjusting mechanism <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, a connecting block <NUM> extending perpendicularly outwards from the rear wall <NUM> is arranged on the synchronizer disc peripheral wall <NUM> of the synchronizer disc <NUM> close to the rear portion 10b. Accordingly, a connecting block guide slot <NUM> extending in the vertical direction is formed in the rear wall <NUM>, so that the connecting block <NUM> can be restricted in the connecting block guide slot <NUM>. A tail end of the connecting block <NUM> is fixed to a peripheral wall of a guide sleeve <NUM> extending in the vertical direction. The guide sleeve <NUM> is a hollow cylinder, which is sleeved on a guide rod <NUM> extending in the vertical direction. An upper end of the guide rod <NUM> is fixed to an upper guide rod mounting base <NUM> on an upper portion of the rear wall <NUM>, and a lower end of the guide rod <NUM> is fixed to a lower guide rod mounting base <NUM> at a corner of the base <NUM>. <FIG> is a first schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the synchronizer disc in the cup holder assembly according to the disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and based on an orientation as shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, a connecting plate <NUM> is arranged on a right side of the guide sleeve <NUM>, a coil spring mounting support <NUM> which can accommodate a coil spring <NUM> of the reset mechanism <NUM> is arranged on a right side of the connecting plate <NUM>, and a buffer gear mounting support <NUM> which can accommodate a buffer gear <NUM> of the buffer mechanism <NUM> is also arranged on a left side of the guide sleeve <NUM>. With the above arrangement, the synchronizer disc <NUM>, the connecting block <NUM>, the guide sleeve <NUM>, the connecting plate <NUM>, the coil spring mounting support <NUM>, and the buffer gear mounting support <NUM> can be integrally connected, which can not only facilitate processing and reduce manufacturing costs, but can also make a lifting process of the cup holder <NUM> connected to the synchronizer disc <NUM> smoother.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the cup holder, the lifting gear shaft and the angle adjusting mechanism in the cup holder assembly according to the disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the angle adjusting mechanism <NUM> comprises components such as a planetary gear <NUM>, a sun gear <NUM>, and a connector <NUM>. The angle adjusting <NUM> is configured to be connected to each of the cup holder <NUM>, the synchronizer disc <NUM> and the lifting mechanism <NUM>, so as to adjust the profile angle of the cup holder <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the planetary gear <NUM> comprises a conical tooth portion <NUM> and a first circumferential tooth portion <NUM> located below the conical tooth portion <NUM>. The conical tooth portion <NUM> is configured to mesh with the bevel gear <NUM> on the lifting gear shaft <NUM>, to implement reversing running fit. The first circumferential tooth portion <NUM> is configured to extend from a circumferential edge of the conical tooth portion <NUM>, and has a toothing extending substantially in the vertical direction. In one or more embodiments, an annular protrusion <NUM> extending radially outwards from a circumferential edge of the first circumferential tooth portion <NUM> is also arranged below the first circumferential tooth portion <NUM>, so that the entire planetary gear <NUM> has a more stable structure. A shaft hole <NUM> extending along an axis of rotation of the planetary gear <NUM> is formed inside the planetary gear, so as to fit with a planetary gear rotating shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>) fixed to the bottom wall <NUM> of the synchronizer disc <NUM>, so that the planetary gear <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the bottom wall <NUM>. Still referring to <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the planetary gear rotating shaft <NUM> is a cylindrical protrusion extending perpendicularly upward from the bottom wall <NUM>. Preferably, reinforcing ribs <NUM> arranged in a cross shape are also arranged on the bottom of the cylindrical protrusion, to enhance mechanical strength of the planetary gear rotating shaft <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the bottom wall <NUM> is further provided with a first limiting claw <NUM> and a second limiting claw <NUM> which are located on two sides of the planetary gear rotating shaft <NUM> and are arranged opposite each other, so that in an assembled state, the annular protrusion <NUM> of the planetary gear <NUM> can be restricted between the first limiting claw <NUM> and the second limiting claw <NUM>, so as to prevent the planetary gear <NUM> from being dislocated during rotation and ensure the reliability of components.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a sun gear in the cup holder assembly according to the disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the sun gear <NUM> comprises an annular wall <NUM>, a second circumferential tooth portion <NUM>, and an arc-shaped base <NUM> which are connected in sequence. The second circumferential tooth portion <NUM> is provided with a substantially circular body, and a toothing meshing with the first circumferential tooth portion <NUM> is formed in a circumferential direction of the body. In addition, the second circumferential tooth portion <NUM> has a greater diameter than the first circumferential tooth portion <NUM>, so that the lifting process with a longer stroke cooperates with an angle adjustment process with a shorter stroke to achieve synchronization. A substantially cylindrical annular wall <NUM> is formed on a side of the second circumferential tooth portion <NUM> away from the bottom wall <NUM> (based on an orientation as shown in <FIG>, i.e., above). The annular wall <NUM> is provided with a spiral sliding slot <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the sliding slot <NUM> comprises a first sliding slot 5221a and a second sliding slot 5221b that are opposite each other, so as to fit corresponding sliders <NUM> in the connector <NUM>. The arc-shaped base <NUM> is formed on a side of the second circumferential tooth portion <NUM> close to the bottom wall <NUM> (based on the orientation as shown in <FIG>, i.e., below), and a shaft hole (not shown in the figure) extending along an axis of rotation of the arc-shaped base <NUM> is formed in a central portion of the arc-shaped base, so as to fit with a sun gear rotating shaft <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, a recess <NUM> extending perpendicularly downwards is formed in the bottom wall <NUM> of the synchronizer disc <NUM>, so as to receive the arc-shaped base <NUM> of the sun gear <NUM>. A mounting hole <NUM> is formed in the recess <NUM>, so that the sun gear rotating shaft <NUM> can be fixed to the mounting hole <NUM> by means of a fixing block <NUM> located at the bottom of the sun gear rotating shaft, and then the entire sun gear <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the bottom wall <NUM>. The fixing block <NUM> may be fixed to the mounting hole <NUM> by means of clamping, a screw, or another suitable fixing manner.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a connector in the cup holder assembly according to the disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the connector <NUM> comprises a substantially cylindrical columnar body <NUM>. The columnar body <NUM> can be inserted into the annular wall <NUM> of the sun gear <NUM>. A slider <NUM> extending perpendicularly outwards is arranged on a circumferential wall of the columnar body <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is configured to be inserted and restricted in the sliding slot <NUM> of the annular wall <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the slider <NUM> comprises a first slider and a second slider (not shown in the figure) which are located on two sides of the columnar body <NUM> and are symmetrically arranged, so as to fit with the corresponding first sliding slot 5221a and second sliding slot 5221b in the annular wall <NUM>, so that the connector <NUM> is stressed more evenly. A first rotating shaft <NUM> is arranged on an upper portion of the connector <NUM>. The first rotating shaft <NUM> has an axis of rotation parallel to the second rotating shaft <NUM>, that is, in the assembled state, the first rotating shaft <NUM> extends substantially in the left-right direction of the mounting barrel <NUM>. Two ends of the first rotating shaft <NUM> are respectively rotatably fixed to the corresponding first support seats <NUM> of the cup holder <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a first lug <NUM> and a second lug <NUM> that are spaced apart from each other are formed on an upper portion of the columnar body <NUM>, the first rotating shaft <NUM> comprises two rotating shaft portions which are separated from each other, and the two rotating shaft portions are circular shafts <NUM> which are respectively fixed to the first lug <NUM> and the second lug <NUM>. The circular shafts <NUM> are respectively rotatably fixed to the corresponding first support seats <NUM> of the cup holder <NUM>. Alternatively, the first rotating shaft <NUM> may also be configured as a circular shaft passing through the first lug <NUM> and the second lug <NUM>, and two ends of the circular shaft are rotatably fixed to the corresponding first support seats <NUM>.

When the cup holder <NUM> is subjected to a vertically downward external force in the initial position, the synchronizer disc <NUM> connected to the cup holder <NUM> is stressed to move downward, so that the lifting gear shaft <NUM> of the lifting mechanism <NUM> rotates in cooperation with the front lifting rack <NUM> and the rear lifting rack <NUM>. In this process, the bevel gear <NUM> on the lifting gear shaft <NUM> drives the planetary gear <NUM> in the angle adjusting mechanism <NUM> to rotate, and the planetary gear <NUM> drives the sun gear <NUM> to rotate slowly. At the same time, the spiral sliding slot <NUM> in the sun gear <NUM> slides relative to the slider <NUM> in the connector <NUM> during rotation. When the second rotating shaft <NUM> is arranged close to the rear portion 10b of the mounting barrel <NUM>, since the cup holder <NUM> is fixedly connected to the synchronizer disc <NUM> by means of the second rotating shaft <NUM>, the cup holder <NUM> close to the front portion 10a of the mounting barrel <NUM> moves in a direction close to the synchronizer disc <NUM>, so that the cup holder <NUM> rotates about the second rotating shaft <NUM> while rising and lowering, thereby implementing the movement from the inclined initial position to the horizontal operating position. Accordingly, when the second rotating shaft <NUM> is arranged close to the front portion 10a of the mounting barrel <NUM>, the cup holder <NUM> close to the rear portion 10b of the mounting barrel <NUM> moves in a direction away from the synchronizer disc <NUM>, which can also implement the adjustment of the profile angle of the cup holder <NUM> while rising and lowering.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the reset mechanism <NUM> in the cup holder assembly <NUM> according to the invention comprises the coil spring <NUM> fixed to the coil spring mounting support <NUM>. The coil spring <NUM> may be made of stainless steel or another suitable material, so that the coil spring has a good elastic recovery capability. Referring to <FIG>, the coil spring mounting support <NUM> is provided with a winding rod <NUM> extending in the left-right direction. Two coil spring fixing blocks <NUM> spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction are arranged on the upper portion of the rear wall <NUM>. The coil spring <NUM> is wound around the winding rod <NUM>, and has a first end fixed to the winding rod <NUM> and a second end fixed to the coil spring fixing block <NUM>. With the above arrangement, when the cup holder <NUM> moves downwards under an external force, the coil spring <NUM> connected to the synchronizer disc <NUM> is synchronously extended. When the external force (including a locking action of the locking mechanism <NUM>) on the cup holder <NUM> is released, the coil spring <NUM> retracts under its own stress, thereby driving the synchronizer disc <NUM> and the cup holder <NUM> connected to the synchronizer disc <NUM> to reset upward to the initial position.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the buffer mechanism <NUM> in the cup holder assembly <NUM> according to the invention comprises the buffer gear <NUM> fixed to the buffer gear mounting support <NUM> and a buffer rack <NUM> meshing with the buffer gear <NUM>. The buffer gear <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the buffer gear mounting support <NUM>. A fixing manner includes, but is not limited to, clamping, fixing by means of a screw, etc. The buffer rack <NUM> is fixed to the rear wall <NUM> in the vertical direction, with a toothing facing the buffer gear <NUM> so as to fit with the buffer gear. With the provision of the buffer gear <NUM> and the buffer rack <NUM> having appropriate friction coefficients, the lifting process of the cup holder <NUM> can be smoother.

<FIG> is a second schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the synchronizer disc in the cup holder assembly according to the invention; <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a base and a control rod in the cup holder assembly according to the disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <NUM>, in one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism <NUM> in the cup holder assembly <NUM> according to the invention comprises components such as a locking member <NUM>, a locking plate <NUM>, a control rod <NUM>, and a switch button <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> comprises a body extending perpendicularly downwards from a lower surface of the bottom wall <NUM> of the synchronizer disc <NUM> and a locking protrusion (not marked in the figure) extending leftward from the body. The locking member <NUM> is configured to be fit with a locking hole <NUM> in the locking plate <NUM>, so as to stably limit the cup holder <NUM> in a preset operating position. As shown in <FIG>, the locking plate <NUM> comprises a substantially rectangular locking plate body <NUM>. The locking plate body <NUM> is arranged below a bottom plate <NUM> of the base <NUM>. Specifically, a lower surface of the bottom plate <NUM> is provided with two locking plate limiting plates <NUM> spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction of the mounting barrel <NUM>, and the locking plate body <NUM> is movably arranged between the two locking plate limiting plates <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a limiting block <NUM> extending in the left-right direction of the mounting barrel <NUM> is also arranged on a lower surface of the locking plate body <NUM>. The limiting block <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the locking plate limiting plate <NUM> to limit the position of the locking plate <NUM>. A substantially rectangular locking hole <NUM> is formed in a central portion of the locking plate body <NUM>, and a through hole <NUM> corresponding to the locking hole <NUM> is also formed in the bottom plate <NUM> of the base <NUM>, so that the locking member <NUM> can pass through the through hole <NUM> and the locking hole <NUM> in sequence and be snap-fitted to the locking plate body <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a reset spring <NUM> enabling the locking plate to reset is also arranged at a right end of the locking plate <NUM>. Specifically, a spring connecting block <NUM> is formed at a right end of the locking plate body <NUM>, and a spring mounting plate <NUM> spaced apart from the spring connecting block <NUM> in the front-rear direction of the mounting barrel <NUM> is arranged on the bottom plate <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The reset spring <NUM> is arranged between the spring connecting block <NUM> and the spring mounting plate <NUM>, and extends substantially in the front-rear direction of the mounting barrel <NUM>. A left end of the locking plate <NUM> is configured to be pivotally connected to the control rod <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the control rod <NUM> is provided with a control rod body <NUM> extending substantially in a pivoting direction. The front wall <NUM> is provided with control rod support seats <NUM> located on two sides of the control rod body <NUM>, so that the control rod body <NUM> can rotate about a rotating shaft on the control rod support seat <NUM>, thereby driving the locking plate <NUM> to slide forward and backward. In one or more embodiments, a substantially rectangular switch button <NUM> is formed at a top end of the control rod body <NUM>, and the front wall <NUM> is provided with a button opening <NUM> which can accommodate the switch button <NUM>. A user can conveniently apply an external force to the control rod body <NUM> by pressing the switch button <NUM>, so as to drive the locking plate <NUM> to move.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the clamping mechanism <NUM> in the cup holder assembly <NUM> according to the invention comprises four clamping connecting rods 90a respectively located at four corners of the circumferential wall <NUM>. Each of the clamping connecting rods 90a comprises an upper connecting rod <NUM> and a lower connecting rod <NUM> that are pivotally connected to each other. The upper connecting rod <NUM> is provided with a protruding portion (not marked in the figure) facing the circumferential wall <NUM>. An upper through hole <NUM> is provided in the circumferential wall <NUM> opposite the protruding portion, so that the upper connecting rod <NUM> can extend into the accommodating cavity <NUM> enclosed by the circumferential wall <NUM>. The lower connecting rod <NUM> comprises a lower connecting rod body <NUM> extending substantially vertically and an extension section (not shown in the figure) obliquely extending from a tail end of the lower connecting rod body <NUM> to the circumferential wall <NUM>. Accordingly, a lower through hole <NUM> is provided in the circumferential wall <NUM> opposite the extension section, so that the extension section can extend into the accommodating cavity <NUM>. Connecting rod support seats <NUM> located on two sides of the lower connecting rod body <NUM> are also arranged on the circumferential wall <NUM>, so that the entire clamping connecting rod 90a is rotatably fixed to the circumferential wall <NUM>. When the cup holder <NUM> is in the initial position, the upper connecting rod <NUM> of the clamping connecting rod 90a is located outside the accommodating cavity <NUM>, and the extension section of the lower connecting rod <NUM> of the clamping connecting rod 90a is located inside the accommodating cavity <NUM>. When the cup holder <NUM> moves toward the operating position under the action of an external force, the synchronizer disc <NUM> located below the cup holder <NUM> will abut against the extension section of the lower connecting rod <NUM> and push the extension section out of the accommodating cavity <NUM>. In this process, the protruding portion of the upper connecting rod <NUM> extends into the accommodating cavity <NUM> through the corresponding upper through hole <NUM> under the action of the connecting rod. Therefore, the upper connecting rods <NUM> located at the four corners of the circumferential wall <NUM> cooperate with each other to jointly clamp an item such as a cup, so that the item can be stably placed in the accommodating cavity <NUM>.

The invention further provides a vehicle (not shown in the figure). The vehicle comprises a cup holder assembly <NUM> according to any one of the above embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle is a battery electric vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle may also be a hybrid vehicle, a fuel vehicle, or another suitable vehicle. The vehicle may be a car, an SUV, an MPV, or another suitable vehicle. The cup holder assembly <NUM> is arranged in a vehicle body of the vehicle. Specifically, the cup holder assembly <NUM> is arranged on an auxiliary instrument panel between a driver's seat and a passenger seat, so that the driver and a passenger can conveniently use the cup holder assembly <NUM>. In addition, the cup holder assembly <NUM> can also play a role in beautification and decoration, thereby improving the beauty of vehicle interiors.

Claim 1:
A cup holder assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a mounting barrel (<NUM>) having a circumferential wall (<NUM>) extending in a vertical direction and a top opening (<NUM>) obliquely extending downwards from a front portion (10a) of the mounting barrel to a rear portion (10b) of the mounting barrel (<NUM>), the circumferential wall (<NUM>) enclosing an accommodating cavity (<NUM>) extending in the vertical direction;
a synchronizer disc (<NUM>) arranged in the accommodating cavity;
a cup holder (<NUM>) rotatably fixed to the synchronizer disc (<NUM>) and having an axis of rotation extending in a width direction of the cup holder (<NUM>);
a lifting mechanism (<NUM>) connected to the synchronizer disc (<NUM>); and
an angle adjusting mechanism (<NUM>) configured to be connected to each of the cup holder (<NUM>), the synchronizer disc (<NUM>), and the lifting mechanism (<NUM>), so that the cup holder (<NUM>) is rotatable about the axis of rotation while rising and lowering in the vertical direction, so as to move between an inclined initial position in which the cup holder (<NUM>) is located at the top opening (<NUM>) and a horizontal operating position in which the cup holder (<NUM>) is located in the accommodating cavity (<NUM>),
wherein the angle adjusting mechanism (<NUM>) comprises:
a planetary gear (<NUM>);
a sun gear (<NUM>) which is rotatably fixed to the bottom wall (<NUM>) and which comprises a second circumferential tooth portion (<NUM>) meshing with the first circumferential tooth portion (<NUM>) and an annular wall (<NUM>) extending along a central axis of the second circumferential tooth portion (<NUM>); and
a connector (<NUM>) which is fixed to the annular wall (<NUM>) in a liftable manner and which is provided with a first rotating shaft (<NUM>) pivotally connected to the cup holder (<NUM>), characterized in that
the planetary gear is rotatably fixed to a bottom wall of the synchronizer disc and comprises a conical tooth portion fitting with the lifting mechanism and a first circumferential tooth portion extending along a circumferential edge of the conical tooth portion.