DE102011086387B3 - Electrical sliding contact of a cover, flap or bending element for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Lid, flap or bending element for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one swivel element, at least one hinge for articulated fastening of the swivel element and a second hinge half which can be swiveled around the first hinge half and is connected to the swivel element, the second hinge half having a sliding contact , which is electrically connected to a functional element arranged in or on the swivel element and the first hinge half comprises at least one electrically current-carrying contact rail, which is in an electrically conductive operative connection with the sliding contact in at least one position of the pivoting element and the sliding contact is both connected to the contact rail Is arranged radially and axially movable.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to an electrically contacted cover, flap or bending element for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

STATE OF THE ART

From the prior art, it is known in principle to bring about an electrical contacting of functional elements via sliding contacts.

A sliding contact in the hinge region of a motor vehicle door shows, for example, the German patent DE 10 2005 006 376 B3 , Here, the hinge includes a hinge pin in which a contact pin is arranged for power supply, which comes into contact at one of its ends with a sliding contact and a functionally connected to this functional component and is electrically contacted at its other end with a power supply device. In addition, signals can be transmitted via the hinge element, for. B. wireless.

The German patent DE 40 25 862 C2 describes a flap for a storage space in a motor vehicle, wherein light sources are provided along a hinge of the flap. Furthermore, it is generally described that the lighting fixtures are electrically contacted via sliding contacts in the hinge joint. The contacting takes place in such a way that the light source illuminates at least in the opening position of the flap.

A cover, flap or bending element for a vehicle having the features in the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 10 2006 008 531 A1 known, wherein the contact rail is movable only in the radial direction. However, similar elements in which the connection with the pivoting element is not formed as a hinge, are in the DE 202 01 014 U1 as well as the DE 40 38 039 A1 described. Finally, the reveals US 5,931,681 A an arrangement for connecting two lines, which are arranged both radially and axially movable, but this is not a hinge for connecting a cover, folding or bending element.

The aforementioned prior art does not disclose an embodiment of a sliding contact for contacting a functional element which is designed in such a way that a pivotable cover, flap or bending element for a vehicle can be simply constructed and easily assembled and disassembled and, in particular, designed to be interchangeable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a cover, flap or bending element for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which in a simple manner the electrical contacting of hinged and easily assembled or even replaceable designed lids, flaps or Bending elements arranged arranged functional elements.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a cover, flap or bending element having the features of patent claim 1. In the subclaims there are advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention.

An inventive cover, flap or bending element for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has at least one pivoting element and at least one hinge for the articulated fastening of the pivoting element. The hinge has a first, fixed hinge half and a second hinge half pivotable about the first hinge half, which is connected to the pivoting element. According to the invention, the second hinge half has a sliding contact, which is electrically connected to a functional element arranged in or on the pivoting element. The first hinge half comprises at least one electrical current-carrying contact rail which communicates with the sliding contact in at least one position of the pivoting element in an electrically conductive operative connection. The sliding contact is arranged relative to the contact rail both radially and axially movable. By such a simple design structure of the sliding contact the lid, flap or bending elements according to the invention can be particularly easily mounted or even replaced or changed in general position.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pivoting element has two distal ends on each of which a second hinge half is arranged. It is particularly advantageous if the distal ends themselves are designed as second hinge halves. The located at the distal ends of the second hinge halves are pivotally mounted and displaceable in two substantially parallel first hinge halves. It may be advantageous depending on the application, if only one of the two second hinge halves has at least two sliding contacts, which arranged in the corresponding first hinge half contact rails in at least one position of the pivot member in a electric current conducting operative connection stand. Alternatively, it may also be advantageous if a sliding contact is arranged in each of the two second hinge halves, wherein each of the sliding contacts is assigned a provided in a corresponding first hinge half contact rail, wherein the sliding contacts with the contact rails in at least one position of the pivot member in an electrical Current conducting operative connection stand.

Characterized that the sliding contacts and the contact rails are in at least one position of the pivot member in an electrically conductive operative connection, an axial or radial movement of the pivot member for switching the operating modes of the functional element can be used, or depending on the position of the pivot member different functional elements activated , be adjusted or deactivated.

Thus, for example, a radial pivoting of the pivoting element into an open position can result in a contacting of sliding contacts and contact rails, and a functional element, which may, for example, be an illumination element arranged on the pivoting element, is activated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second hinge half has a substantially cylindrical shape. This standard hinge parts can be used. The cylindrical shape of the second hinge half allows a collision-free pivoting of the cover, flap or bending element.

According to a particular embodiment, the second hinge half is designed as a hollow cylinder into which the pivot element is inserted, at the same time indirectly or directly arranged in the second hinge half sliding contacts are electrically contacted with the arranged in or on the pivot member functional element.

It is advantageous if the sliding contacts arranged on a mounting element combined as an assembly, for example mounted on a circuit board, are arranged in or on the second hinge half. Preferably, the assembly with the sliding contacts on the second hinge half detachably mounted, for example, locked or inserted via the mounting element. Particularly preferably, the latching simultaneously produces an electrical contacting of the sliding contacts with the functional element. Most preferably, the assembly can be attached via the mounting member to the second hinge half in different positions, preferably locked. If this involves, for example, different angular positions, a different contacting, depending on the desired design and / or mode of operation of the functional element arranged in or on the pivoting element, can be achieved in a simple manner. For receiving the assembly, the second hinge half preferably has a correspondingly shaped recess.

In order to achieve a long-term stable connection of the sliding contacts in the second hinge half, these can be connected to one another in a material-locking manner, for example adhesively bonded, individually or as an assembly with the second hinge half.

It is particularly preferred if the functional element is arranged on the second hinge half. It is particularly advantageous if the functional element and the sliding contacts combined as an assembly, for example, mounted on a circuit board, are arranged in the second hinge half.

The functional element can be, for example, a lighting device with a light source, such as an LED (single or multi-color, such as an RGB LED), an OLED or an electroluminescent film. The advantage of the LED is that it is available in extremely small designs and therefore particularly easy to integrate. OLEDs enable the particularly energy-saving lighting and also the display of information. The electroluminescent film allows a flat and particularly form-adjustable provision of lighting. In the case of the functional element, however, it may also be a display that optionally serves, in addition to illumination, primarily for displaying information and / or patterns or decors. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the functional element is a projection device in order to display information or patterns or patterns on surfaces adjacent or opposite to the pivot element. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the functional element is a loudspeaker and / or a tempering element, such as a heating or cooling element and / or a sensor, such as a capacitive or piezosensor and / or an actuator, such as an adjusting device for automatic Moving the swivel elements, acts. In this case, more than one functional element or different functional elements can be provided in or on the pivoting element. Particularly preferably, the energy and / or signal supply of a plurality of functional elements takes place via shared sliding contacts of the second hinge half. For the arranged in or on the pivot member Functional element, conductor tracks are advantageously mounted on the pivoting element, via which the electrical connection of the functional element takes place with the sliding contacts.

The first hinge half is advantageously fixedly arranged in or on an interior trim part of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle. It is particularly advantageous if the first hinge half is formed integrally with the interior trim part. Such an embodiment enables the cost-saving production of such components, for example in an injection molding.

At least one contact rail is arranged in the first hinge half, wherein the contact rail is formed from an electrically conductive material, such as a metal, an electrically conductive plastic or a graphite-like material. The contact rail can be arranged in a recess in or on the surface of the first hinge half. In the latter case, for example PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), sputtering or cold gas spraying are used.

The first hinge half has a cross section suitable for receiving a second hinge half. Preferably, the first hinge half is a kind of hollow profile into which the second hinge half can be inserted axially. In this case, in a preferred embodiment, the hollow profile has an opening region through which the pivoting element connected to the second hinge half passes. The opening area is advantageously designed so that the pivoting movement of the pivoting element is limited in at least two, preferably opposite, positions.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first hinge half is configured at least in two parts. A first part is provided for the spatial definition of the second hinge half and has, in addition to the aforementioned opening area, a further opening in the form of a recess or recess in which an at least second part of the first hinge half is arranged. The second part comprises at least one contact rail. By virtue of this modular construction of the first hinge half, in the case of a construction of a cover, flap or compartment with pivoting elements without electrical contacting, the first hinge half can consist only of the first part without impairing the mechanical functionality of the cover, flap or bending element is. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to close the opening in the first part by a second matching part without contact rail.

In an alternative embodiment in which electrical contacting of a functional element provided on the cover, flap or bending element is necessary, the first hinge half may additionally comprise the second part with the contact rail contained therein.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first hinge half is configured to receive a plurality of second hinge halves with respective pivoting elements arranged thereon. In this case, the plurality of second hinge halves can be arranged, for example, in alignment next to each other in the first hinge half. Preferably, in this case, the first hinge half comprises a first part of the plurality of openings associated with the respective second hinge halves. Depending on functional elements provided on the respective pivoting elements, in each case a correspondingly designed additional part with contact rails optimized with regard to the respective functional element can be arranged in the associated openings of the first part of the first hinge half.

In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the second part is a film on the surface of the contact rails are designed as a conductor track and which are arranged in an opening designed as a recess of the first part. Such an embodiment makes possible a simple individualization in that, depending on the pivoting elements arranged in the first hinge half and the functional elements arranged thereon and their configuration, only the second part of the first hinge half has to be adapted in its design.

The first part of the first hinge half is advantageously fixedly arranged in or on an interior trim part of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle. It is particularly advantageous if the first part of a first hinge half is formed integrally with the interior trim part. Such an embodiment enables the cost-saving production of such components, for example in an injection molding.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the pivoting element is designed to be flexible in bending. Preferably, a plurality of such flexurally elastic pivoting elements are arranged, for example, in a compartment such that the individual pivoting elements are held under pressure pressure in their longitudinal direction and can be brought into two stable end positions by deformation, whereby the shape of the opening can be achieved Elements, e.g. B. a tray can be varied. Thus, according to this embodiment, for example, a compartment with a plurality of pivotal elements is provided, which may also be spaced from each other, and which are pivotally supported at two opposite ends. Characterized in that the holding points are closer to each other than the length of the respective undeformed pivot member, the pivot elements are bent. The so-held pivot elements can be brought by elastic deformation in two different end positions. In the area between these end positions, the pivot elements are compressed and spring back into one of the end positions. The compartment described in the example can be changed by the respective positioning of the individual pivot elements in different end positions. Here, the contacting of the pivoting elements according to the invention is particularly advantageous because it allows an individual arrangement of pivoting elements, which are provided with the same or different functional elements, wherein the pivoting elements are also interchangeable or added depending on the number of existing pivot elements further pivot elements or already existing can be removed. In this way, it is possible to form a particularly light, also open, form-variable element, for example a compartment, which comprises one or more pivoting elements with functional elements arranged thereon. Other embodiments may be trays or pads.

It is self-evident to a person skilled in the art that the simple reversal of the principle of action, ie. H. the arrangement of the sliding contacts in the first hinge half and consequently the arrangement of contact rails in the second hinge half is encompassed by the inventive concept.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1a shows a schematic plan view of an inventive bending element 1 with a pivoting element 2 on the one functional element 21 is arranged in a first operating position.

1b shows a schematic plan view of an inventive bending element 1 with a pivoting element 2 on the one functional element 21 is arranged in a second operating position.

2 shows in a schematic plan view of the hinge area 10 with the first hinge half 11 and at the pivoting element 2 arranged second hinge half 12 ,

3 shows in a schematic perspective view of a first part 11a a first hinge half 11 ,

4a - 4e show different embodiments for second parts 11b a first hinge half 11 with contact rails 111 . 112 ,

5 shows in a schematic perspective view of the first part 11a out 3 with the second part arranged thereon 11b according to 4c ,

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

This in 1a illustrated embodiment shows an interior component 5 in which a bending element according to the invention 1 is arranged to form a storage compartment. These are integral with the interior component 5 first hinge halves 11 educated. The interior component 5 is produced in an injection molding process. In the first hinge halves 11 are contact rails 111 respectively 112 arranged. At the same time, the first hinge halves embrace 11 cylindrical second hinge halves 12 at the two distal ends of the pivot member 2 are attached. In the second hinge halves 12 are the sliding contacts 121 . 122 arranged. The pivoting element 2 runs parallel and adjacent to the interior component 5 and access to the storage compartment is not possible in this position. At the pivoting element 2 is the functional element 21 provided, in the illustrated embodiment is a sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, via (not shown) conductor tracks on the pivot member 2 with the sliding contacts 121 . 122 electrical contact is made. In the illustrated closed state of the storage compartment is the sliding contact 121 not in electrically conductive connection with the contact rail 111 and the functional element 21 is deactivated.

1b shows an identical structure of a bending element according to the invention 1 as 1a in an open position of the storage compartment. The pivoting element 2 is located in a position in which access is possible in the storage compartment and objects can be arranged in the storage compartment or removed therefrom. Both the sliding contact 121 as well as the sliding contact 122 are with the respective corresponding contact rails 111 respectively 112 in electrically conductive contact and the functional element 21 is activated, in the present example, the capacitive sensor is designed such that upon access to the compartment a signal is generated, for example, to indicate an unauthorized removal of objects located in the storage compartment by a warning signal.

2 shows a schematic structure of the hinge area 10 a further embodiment of a cover element according to the invention 1 , The pivoting element 2 is with a cylindrical second hinge half 12 connected in the two-part ( 11a . 11b ) constructed second hinge half 11 is arranged, wherein in the hinge half 12 a recess is present in which the mounting element 125 is arranged. In the present embodiment, the mounting element 125 about two screws 126 (The first screw covers the second screw in this view) with the pivoting element 2 connected. The mounting element 125 is about the screws 126 simultaneously with the second hinge half 12 connected. In addition, over the two screws 126 an electrical contact of the two sliding contacts 121 . 122 with on the swivel element 2 arranged conductor tracks (not shown) made with a (also not shown) functional element 21 are connected. The two sliding contacts 121 and 122 are located on the mounting element 125 , These contact in the illustrated position of the pivoting element 2 the corresponding ones in the second part 11b the first hinge half 11 arranged contact rails 111 and 112 , The pivoting element 2 Can over the second hinge half 12 and first hinge half 11 formed hinge area 10 be pivoted from the neutral position in two directions by the angle a, the first part 11a the first hinge half 11 essentially to the spatial definition of the second hinge half 12 is provided and limits the pivoting movement to the angle a. At the same time, the pivoting element by the cylindrical configuration of the hinge area 10 relative to the first hinge half 11 be moved axially.

Another embodiment of a first part 11a a two-part designed first hinge half 11 is in 3 shown. This shows the first part 11b a half-round groove for receiving a (not shown) second hinge half 12 up, coming from a first area 114 having a first diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the second hinge half - and a second region 113 having a larger diameter, so that between the second hinge half 12 and the first part 11a second half of the first hinge half 11b can be arranged.

Examples of such second parts 11b be from the 4a -E shown as an example. It shows 4a a second part 11b from a foil 110 of an electrically insulating material having a first contact rail arranged thereon 112 , The thickness of the film 110 preferably corresponds to the amount of half the difference of the diameters of the regions 113 and 114 of in 3 shown first part 11a , The foil 110 and the contact rail connected thereto 112 have a flexibility that has an arrangement in the in 3 illustrated second area 113 of the first part 11a enable. Depending on the design of the functional element 21 or its operation, second parts 11b consisting of films 110 with different contact tracks arranged thereon 111 . 112 with the first part 11a get connected. An example of such a composite from the first part 11b out 3 and a second part 4c is in 5 shown.

Claims (10)

Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) for a vehicle, in particular motor vehicle with at least one pivoting element ( 2 ), at least one hinge ( 10 ) for articulated fastening of the pivoting element ( 2 ) and one around a first hinge half ( 11 ) pivotable second hinge half ( 12 ) connected to the pivoting element ( 2 ), wherein the second hinge half ( 12 ) a sliding contact ( 121 . 122 ), which with a in or on the pivoting element ( 2 ) arranged functional element ( 21 ) is electrically connected and the first hinge half ( 11 ) at least one electrical current-carrying contact rail ( 111 . 112 ) connected to the sliding contact ( 121 . 122 ) in at least one position of the pivoting element ( 2 ) in an electrically conductive operative connection is characterized in that the sliding contact ( 121 . 122 ) relative to the contact rail ( 111 . 112 ) is arranged both radially and axially movable. Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivoting element ( 2 ) has two distal ends, each having a second hinge half ( 12 ), which in two substantially parallel first hinge halves ( 11 ) are mounted radially pivotable and axially displaceable. Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the two second hinge halves ( 12 ) each a sliding contact ( 121 . 122 ) or one of the two hinge halves ( 12 ) two sliding contacts ( 121 . 122 ), wherein the sliding contacts ( 121 . 122 ) with in the first hinge halves ( 11 ) arranged contact rails ( 111 . 112 ) in at least one position of the pivoting element ( 2 ) are in an electrical current conducting operative connection. Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding contacts ( 121 . 122 ) on a mounting element ( 125 ) are arranged. Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting element ( 125 ) at the second hinge half ( 12 ) releasably secured, preferably locked or screwed, can be. Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first hinge half ( 11 ) is designed in two parts, preferably a first part ( 11a ) for the spatial definition of the second hinge half ( 12 ) and a second part ( 11b ) at least one contact rail ( 111 . 112 ). Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first hinge half ( 11 ) and / or a first part ( 11a ) of the first hinge half ( 11 ) fixed in or on an interior trim part ( 5 ) of a vehicle can be arranged, preferably integrally with the interior trim part ( 5 ) can be formed. Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting element ( 2 ) is designed elastic bending. Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that one or more such flexurally elastic pivoting elements ( 2 ) at least one compartment forming are arranged so that the individual gift elements ( 2 ) are subjected to pressure force in their longitudinal direction, that they rebound laterally to the longitudinal direction and can be brought into two stable lateral Ausfederstellungen by pressing or pulling, whereby the shape of the tray can be varied. Cover, flap or bending element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting element ( 2 ) Conductor tracks and it is in the functional element ( 21 ) is a projection and / or lighting device and / or a display and / or a speaker and / or a tempering and / or a sensor and / or an actuator.

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