ES2827800T3 - Pivot bearing for vehicle side cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Pivot bearing (1) for pivotally holding a side cover on the outer side of a vehicle, with two fixing elements (2, 3) mounted rotatably relative to each other about a rotation axis (S), of the which one is provided to be mounted on the side cover and the other to be mounted on the vehicle; wherein the pivot bearing (1) has at least one elastic element (4) which in the closed state of the pivot bearing (1) tries to push the fixing elements (2, 3) away from each other, characterized in that, a The first of the fixing elements (2) is provided with two receiving elements (9, 10) separated from each other along the axis of rotation (S) for receiving a support pin (8) that connects the elements of fixing (2, 3) pivotally to each other; wherein an internal diameter (L) extending parallel to the axis of rotation (S) of a space (11) between the receiving elements (9, 10) increases or decreases at least partially along the pivot direction (R ) extending around the axis of rotation (S), and along the axis of rotation (S), the opposite end surfaces (13, 14) of the receiving elements (9, 10) are at least partially shaped in a helical towards each other.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Pivot bearing for vehicle side cover

The present invention relates to a pivot bearing for pivotally holding a side cover on the outer side of a vehicle, with two fixing elements mounted rotatably relative to each other about an axis of rotation, one of which is provided to be mounted on the side cover and the other to be mounted on the vehicle; wherein the pivot bearing has at least one elastic element which in the closed state of the pivot bearing attempts to push the fixing elements away from each other.

Such a pivot bearing is known, for example, from the application DE 102012011 850 A1, which relates to a fuel tank cap with an integrated automatic opening mechanism for motor vehicles. Pivot bearings for pivotally mounting a side cover on the exterior of a vehicle, for example a train, are generally known. Therefore, already known end cap sections provide parts of the pivot bearing. When the pivot bearing is closed, these parts of the known end caps are mechanically clamped with other sections of the pivot bearing to prevent the end cap from vibrating. However, the resulting mechanical stresses can have a negative effect on the life of the pivot bearing and make it difficult to open the closed plate, as the parts that are clamped together rub against each other while under mechanical pressure when opening and / or close.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pivot bearing; where the pivot bearing prevents the end cap from vibrating, lasts for a long time, and is easy to open.

According to the invention, the object for the pivot bearing mentioned in the introduction is solved in that a first of the fixing elements is provided with two receiving elements spaced from each other along the axis of rotation for receiving a pin support connecting the fixing elements to each other in a pivotal way; wherein an internal diameter extending parallel to the axis of rotation of a space between the receiving elements increases or decreases at least partially along the direction of pivot that extends around the axis of rotation, and along the axis of rotation , the opposite end surfaces of the receiving elements are at least partially helically shaped towards each other.

Since not any part of the side cover presses against other parts of the vehicle and when opening and / or closing these parts rub against each other under pressure, the elastic element does not affect the life of the pivot bearing, nor does it generate friction forces that could hinder an opening of the pivot bearing or end cap.

The solution according to the invention can be further improved by different configurations, each of which is advantageous in itself and, unless otherwise indicated, can be combined with one another at will. These designs and the advantages associated with them are discussed below: In this way, one of the fastening elements can have the elastic element. The elastic element can be attached or fixed, for example, to the fixing element, for example, by screwing or by welding. Due to the fact that the elastic element is permanently attached to one of the fixing elements, the pivot bearing can be easily handled and installed as one piece.

The elastic force of the elastic element according to the invention can act directly on the fixing elements. Furthermore, the elastic force can act at least partially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and / or to at least one of the fixing elements. In this way, the frictional forces between the elastic member and at least one of the fixing members can be effectively reduced.

The elastic element can have essentially the same extension along the axis of rotation as at least one of the fastening elements and, for example, as the fastening element that is in opposition to one of the fastening elements exhibiting the elastic element in the closed state of the pivot bearing. In this way, the elastic force of the elastic element that pushes the fasteners away from each other is applied uniformly along the axis of rotation of the pivot bearing, so that the stress within the pivot bearing is minimized. Alternatively, to minimize stresses, the pivot bearing may have a plurality of elastic spring elements arranged one behind the other along the axis of rotation; wherein the multiple elastic elements may be constructed essentially mechanically identical.

Furthermore, the elastic element can be arranged along the axis of rotation in the center of the fixing elements to avoid stresses within the pivot bearing, even when the elastic element along the axis of rotation is smaller than the element. fixing that the elastic element presents.

The fixing element having the elastic element can be made in one piece with the elastic element. For example, the fixing element and the elastic element can be made of one piece of sheet metal; wherein the sheet metal part is easy and economical to manufacture by means of a stamping and bending process for the manufacture of the fixing element with the elastic element.

The elastic element can be a flexible tongue. The flexible tongue may have a fixed end fixed in an immovable way on one of the fixing elements. A free end of the elastic element opposite the fixed end can be bent towards the fixed end or towards the fixing element to which the fixed end is fixed. Consequently, the free end can be bent away from the other fixing element, at least in the closed state of the pivot bearing, and abut against it with a curved section so as to be able to slide easily over the other fixing element. Therefore, the pivot bearing can be easily opened and closed without sudden changes in the closing forces to be applied.

The fixing element having the elastic element can be provided for mounting on the vehicle. The fixing element, which is located opposite the fixing element having the elastic element, can be designed to be fixed to the pivot cap, at least in the closed state of the pivot bearing.

The pivot bearing for pivotally fastening a side cover on the outside of a vehicle then has two fixing elements that can pivot relative to each other about the axis of rotation; wherein one of the fixing elements is provided for mounting on a side cover and the other of the fixing elements for mounting on the vehicle.

The inside diameter of a space between the receiving elements measured along the axis of rotation may at least partially decrease along the direction of rotation of the pivot bearing that extends around the axis of rotation. In particular, in the closed state of the pivot bearing, the position of the two fixing elements relative to each other can be better defined, as a result of which the predetermined dimensions of the space between the side cover and other external elements of the vehicle. Because the inside diameter varies, the pivot bearing can still be easily opened and closed without complications, without it being necessary to consider the predetermined dimensions of the gap, in particular when the pivot bearing is open.

In order to be able to shape the space with the internal diameter changing in the direction of rotation, the opposite or facing front surfaces along the axis of rotation of the receiving elements can be further formed inclined towards each other at least in sections.

The sections of the face surfaces opposite each other along the axis of rotation can be extended parallel to each other and specify the minimum inside diameter of the space. Said sections can be shaped as surfaces that extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation. These sections can be referred to as positioning sections as they specify the position of the fastening elements relative to each other in the closed state of the pivot bearing. The internal diameter of the space can be minimal in the area of said sections. At least one of the receiving elements can provide a stop that defines the maximum opening angle of the pivot bearing. The stop can be configured as a stop surface that extends transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to the direction of rotation and that defines the width of rotation of the pivot bearing. The stop provided by one of the receiving elements can abut in its positioning section to achieve the largest possible opening angle.

The second of the fixing elements can have a mounting element with an essentially hook-shaped cross section. The cross section can be, for example, C-shaped. This makes it possible to remove the second fixing element from the support pin without having to loosen connecting elements such as screws. Therefore, the side cover can be easily removed from the vehicle in order to easily reach the facilities provided behind the side cover.

The width of the mounting element along the axis of rotation can be dimensioned such that the mounting element can be inserted with clearance into the space, in the open state of the pivot bearing. Due to the play, the side cover can be easily put back on the vehicle. However, in the closed state of the pivot bearing, the mounting element can rest on both receiving elements and, for example, on their front surfaces and, in particular, on their positioning sections. In this way, the mounting element is housed in the gap without play, so that the position of the side cover in relation to the other exterior elements of the vehicle is well defined and the predetermined dimensions of the gap can be easily met. For example, the width of the fastener may correspond to the minimum inside diameter of the space.

In the fully open state of the pivot bearing, the locking element can rest against the stop, so that a pivot bearing operator immediately recognizes when the pivot bearing is open enough to release the second locking element from the first locking element. fixation.

The properties, characteristics and advantages of the present invention, mentioned above, as well as the way in which they are achieved, are clarified and deduced in relation to the following description of the execution examples, which are explained in detail in relation to with the drawings. Figures show:

Figure 1: a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the pivot bearing according to the present invention.

Figure 2: another schematic perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 3: a schematic perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In the following, the present invention is explained in detail by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. The different features of the embodiments can be combined independently of one another in accordance with the appended claims, as has already been explained in the case of the individual advantageous configurations.

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the pivot bearing 1 according to the invention with two fixing elements 2, 3 which are pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation S relative to each other. The pivot bearing 1 also has an elastic element 4, which is arranged between the fixing elements 2, 3 in the partially closed state Z of the pivot bearing 1 shown in FIG. 1.

The elastic element 4 is arranged along the axis of rotation S essentially in the center with respect to at least one of the fixing elements 2, 3. At least in the partially closed state Z of the pivot bearing 1 represented in the figure 1, the elastic element 4 is arranged between the fixing elements 2, 3. The elastic element 4 has a fixed end 5 and a free end 6 arranged opposite the fixed end 5.

The fixed end 5 is fixed, for example, to the fixing element 2 or is formed in one piece with the fixing element 2. The free end 6 rests on an internal side of the fixing element 3 facing towards the fixing element 2. When the pivot bearing 1 is further closed by further turning the fixing elements 2, 3 towards each other around the axis of rotation, then the elastic element 4 is further deformed on the fixing element 2, so that it applies an increasing elastic force trying to open the pivot bearing 1. Any play in the mounting of the fasteners 2, 3 relative to each other is compensated by the elastic force, such that, at least when the pivot bearing 1 is fully closed, the fastening elements 2, 3 cannot vibrate, for example in the case of typical vibrations in a vehicle.

At least the free end 6 can be bent towards the fixing element 2 or away from the fixing element 3 in order to be able to slide easily and evenly on the inner side 7 of the fixing element 3 when the pivot bearing 1 is closed.

The elastic element 4 can have essentially the same extension parallel to the axis of rotation S as at least one of the fixing elements 2, 3. Alternatively, the pivot bearing 1 can have a plurality of elastic elements 4, which are designed essentially identical and arranged one behind the other along the axis of rotation S. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the elastic element 4 is arranged along the axis of rotation S in the center of the fixing element 2 and is designed smaller than the fixing element 2 in parallel to the axis of rotation S.

At least one of the fixing elements 2, 3 or even both fixing elements 2, 3 can be designed as a fixing element; wherein the ends of the plates extending perpendicular and / or parallel to the axis of rotation S can be bent respectively towards the other plate to reinforce at least one or both of the fixing elements 2, 3. Because of the reinforcement of the fixing elements 2, 3, in the closed state of the pivot bearing 1, a free volume remains between the fixing elements 2, 3, in which, for example, the mounting elements through which the pivot bearing can be arranged 1 can be attached to the vehicle or to a vehicle cover, that is, for example, rivet heads, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, screws and nuts as well as the elastic element.

To mount the fixing elements 2, 3 rotatably relative to each other, the pivot bearing 1 has a support pin 8. One of the fixing elements 2, 3 and, for example, the fixing element 2 has two fixing elements. 9, 10 in which the support pin 8 is inserted. Since the receiving elements 9, 10 are shown more clearly in figure 2, the execution example of the pivot bearing 1 according to the following is described below. invention with reference to figure 2. Compared to figure 1, figure 2 shows an outer side of the pivot bearing 1 in a schematic perspective view; wherein, for example, the side cover or a fixing element of the vehicle can rest on the outside of the fixing element 3 when the pivot bearing 1 is mounted.

The receiving elements 9, 10 are spaced from each other along the axis of rotation S, in such a way that there is a space 11 along the axis of rotation S between the receiving elements 9, 10. In the space 11 A mounting element 12 is inserted which is fixed to the fixing element 3 or which may be an integral component of the fixing element 3. The mounting element 12 may have an essentially hook-shaped or C-shaped cross-section, of so that it can be mounted on the support pin 8 transversely to the axis of rotation S and inserted into the space 11. The length of the space 11 parallel to the direction of rotation R, which can also be referred to as the inside diameter L, increases or decreases as along the direction of rotation R extending around the axis of rotation S, along the fixing elements 2, 3, which can pivot to open and close the pivot bearing 1. Parallel to the axis of rotation S, the mont element Axle 12 can have a width B which essentially corresponds to the minimum value of the inside diameter L.

The inner diameter L of the space 11 is essentially limited by the front surfaces 13, 14 of the receiving elements 9, 10 which are contiguous with the space 11 and which are opposite or facing each other. These end surfaces 13, 14 can extend inclined towards each other at least in sections with respect to the axis of rotation S, so that the internal diameter L can decrease in the direction of rotation R. According to the invention, the end surfaces 13, 14 are formed at least in sections to extend helically towards each other. The helix shape can be designed around the axis of rotation S and in the same direction or in opposite directions.

In order to be able to define the position of the fastening elements 2, 3 along the axis of rotation S at least in the completely closed state of the pivot bearing 1 essentially free of play, the mounting element 12 is at least in the state completely closed of the pivot bearing 1 on the front surfaces 13, 14, in particular in the area of the minimum inside diameter L. In the area of the minimum inside diameter L, the front surfaces 13, 14 can be configured with positioning sections 15 , 16 extending parallel to each other and in particular perpendicular to the axis of rotation S. The positioning sections 15, 16 are preferably arranged in a section of the front surfaces 13, 14 furthest from the fixing element 2 perpendicular to the axis of rotation S.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a part of another exemplary embodiment of the pivot bearing 1 according to the invention in an enlarged perspective view. For the elements that correspond in form and / or function with elements of the previous execution example, the same reference numbers are used. Only the differences with the preceding execution example are discussed below.

Figure 3 shows the receiving element 10 of the pivot bearing 1 isolated from other elements of the pivot bearing 1. The front surface 14 extends helically around the axis of rotation S and points parallel to the axis of rotation S towards the other element of rotation. reception 9, which, as in the previous exemplary embodiment, can be designed with mirror symmetry with respect to the reception element 10 with reference to a plane of symmetry extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation S.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the receiving element 10 has a stop 17 that adjoins the front surface 14 and can be configured to extend obliquely and, in particular, transversely to the direction of rotation R. Receptacle 9, 10 respectively have a stop 17, the stops can point in the same direction, that is to say, extend parallel to each other and, for example, in a common plane.

Claims (8)

1. Pivot bearing (1) for pivotally holding a side cover on the outer side of a vehicle, with two fastening elements (2, 3) mounted rotatably relative to each other about an axis of rotation (S), of which one is provided to be mounted on the side cover and the other to be mounted on the vehicle; wherein the pivot bearing (1) has at least one elastic element (4) which in the closed state of the pivot bearing (1) tries to push the fixing elements (2, 3) away from each other, characterized because, A first of the fixing elements (2) is provided with two receiving elements (9, 10) separated from each other along the axis of rotation (S) for receiving a support pin (8) that connects the elements fixing (2, 3) pivotally to each other; wherein an internal diameter (L) extending parallel to the axis of rotation (S) of a space (11) between the receiving elements (9, 10) increases or decreases at least partially along the pivot direction (R ) extending around the axis of rotation (S), and Along the axis of rotation (S), the opposite end surfaces (13, 14) of the receiving elements (9, 10) are at least partially helically shaped towards each other. Pivot bearing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the fixing elements (2, 3) has the elastic element (4). Pivot bearing (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing element (2, 3) having the elastic element (4) is made in one piece with the elastic element (4). Pivot bearing (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the elastic element (4) is a flexible tongue; wherein the flexible tongue has a fixed end (5) fixed in an immovable way on the fixing element (2) that has the elastic element (4) and a free end (6) located in opposition to the fixed end (5); wherein the free end (6) is curved towards the fixing element (2) that presents the elastic element (4). Pivot bearing (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the end faces (13, 14) opposite each other along the pivot axis (S) of the receiving elements (9, 10) they are made up of at least sections inclined to each other a. Pivot bearing (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sections of the front surfaces (13, 14) furthest from the first fixing element (2) are aligned parallel to each other. Pivot bearing (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the receiving elements (9, 10) provides a stop (17) limiting the maximum opening angle of the pivot bearing ( 1). Pivot bearing (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second of the fixing elements (3) has a mounting element (12) with a substantially hook-shaped cross section; wherein the width (B) of the mounting element (12) along the axis of rotation (S) is dimensioned such that in the open state of the pivot bearing (1), the mounting element (12) is It can be inserted with a play in the space (11) and at least in the closed state the pivot bearing (1) rests against both receiving elements (9, 10).