GB2609929A

GB2609929A - Locking mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2609929A
Application number: GB2111752.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexandru Haba Sever
Original assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
Current assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
Priority date: 2021-08-17
Filing date: 2021-08-17
Publication date: 2023-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2041-08-17
Also published as: GB2609929B; GB202111752D0; DE102022120178B4; DE102022120178A1

Abstract

A locking mechanism for a cover such as a vehicle glove box comprises a first and second axially movable locking rods 110, 120, the locking rods preferably slide in opposite directions. A first actuating element 130 (first transmission) is connected only to the first locking rod and an auxiliary/second transmission mechanism 140 is connected between the first and second locking rods for transmitting locking movement of the first lock rod to the second lock rod. The second transmission 140 comprises a flexible tension-resistant element 141, e.g. cable, and a deflection element 145 for guiding and changing direction of the flexible cable 141, e.g. 180° change direction. The deflection guide may include a curved base 146 and elongate guide arm 147. The actuating element may be a Bowden cable 131, 132 and the housing may include two symmetrical cable guides 153a, 153b for different cable locations/orientations. Locking rods may be spring biased into extended/locked position.

Description

LOCKING MECHANISM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a cover element in a vehicle comprising a first locking rod axially movable between a locking position and a release position; and a second locking rod axially movable between a locking position and a release position.

The present invention is described below mainly in connection with a glove box in a vehicle. However, the idea can be used with respect to various interior trim components having cover elements covering compartments or openings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Locking mechanisms for glove boxes are known in the prior art. They are used as a part of or together with cover elements covering the compartment, in particular glove compartment.

The known locking mechanisms comprise at least one locking element which is movable between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the cover element is usually held in a position closing the compartment. In the release position, the cover element can be moved to an open position that allows access to the compartment. To move the locking element, a lever or button can be actuated to perform an actuating movement. To transmit the actuating movement to the locking mechanism a transmission mechanism is used. Such transmission mechanisms are usually complex in design and typically comprise gear wheels and multiple rods. This is especially true if a second locking element is provided that is to be moved together with the first locking element.

Such state-of-the-art locking mechanisms are relatively prone to failure. The complex and complicated designs entail the risk of the gear wheels and/or rods getting caught or jammed and thus disrupting the mechanism. The complex mechanisms of the known cover elements also result in high manufacturing costs. Due to their complex design, the known mechanisms also take up a lot of installation space.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Taking the above statements as basis, the object of the present invention is that of providing a locking mechanism that is simpler, less expensive, optimized for installation space and yet reliable.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying figures.

According to the invention, a locking mechanism for a cover element in a vehicle is proposed comprising: a first locking rod axially movable between a locking position and a release position; a second locking rod axially movable between a locking position and a release position; an actuating element connected only to the first locking rod for moving the first locking rod from the locking position to the release position, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting an opening motion from the first locking rod to the second locking rod, wherein the transmission mechanism comprises: a tension-resistant, flexible connection element connected with the first locking rod and with the second locking rod, and a deflection element for changing the direction of the connection element.

The locking mechanism is used to lock and release a cover element, especially of a glove box. The cover element can be moved from a locked position to a release position and vice versa. The locked position is given when the cover element is performing its covering or locking function. Although the primary object is a glove box, the locking mechanism can be used to lock any cover element that covers any opening. The cover element could also be a fuel tank cover, for example.

As stated above, the locking elements can be moved between their locking position and their release position. In the locking position, opening of the cover element is prevented and the cover element is held in a closed position. For this purpose, the locking elements engage in a part, for example in a housing of the glove compartment. In the release position, this engagement is disengaged and the cover element can be opened.

In particular, the locking position is a protruded position in which an end portion of the locking element protrudes outwards. The release position, on the other hand, is a retracted position in which the end portion of the locking element is retracted, thus does not protrude outwards.

Particularly preferably, the two locking elements move along a common axis. In particular, the locking elements are arranged coaxially to each other and move along the common axis. With two locking elements, the cover element can be held in its closed position more reliably and robustly. The cover element can thus be held in its closed position on two sides, preferably on two opposite sides According to the invention, the actuating element is only connected to the first locking rod and not to the second locking rod. The second locking rod moves due to the transmission mechanism arranged between the first and second locking rod. Accordingly, the transmission mechanism is configured such that the movement of the first locking rod from the locking position in the release position also moves the second locking rod from the locking position in the release position.

Preferably, the actuating element is connected to a release mechanism, such as a button or switch. When the release mechanism is actuated, the actuating element is adapted to move the first locking rod in its release position.

As stated above, the transmission mechanism for transmitting movement, e.g. an opening movement, from the first locking rod to the second locking rod comprises: a tension-resistant, flexible connection element connected with the first locking rod and with the second locking rod, and a deflection element for changing the direction of the connection element.

By using the tension-resistant, flexible connection element, a particularly simple mechanism is achieved. This eliminates the need for a complicated mechanism composed of gears and connecting rods. The force can be simply transferred from the first locking rod to the connection element to the second locking element when the release mechanism is actuated.

The connection element is ideal for the transmission of tensile forces.

According to an advantageous further development of the locking mechanism according to the invention, the first locking rod and the second locking rod move in opposite directions.

This means that the locking direction of the first locking rod is opposite to the locking direction of the second locking rod. This allows a locking element to be arranged on each of two opposite sides. The change of direction is made possible in particular by the deflection element, by means of which the connection element is deflected.

Preferably, in the interior locking mechanism according to the invention, the deflection element is adapted to change the direction of the connection element by 1800.

By means of connection element and deflection element, a complex mechanism can be avoided.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a deflection point at which the direction of the connection element is changed is located further towards a locking position of the first locking element than a fastening portion connecting the first locking element with the connection element.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deflection element comprises a base portion and a guide arm extending in a direction at least substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the first locking rod.

In particular, the guide arm extends from the base portion at least substantially in the direction of the second locking rod. The connection element can be easily guided by the guide arm.

According to an advantageous further development, the guide arm is at least partially biased to press against the connection element.

In particular, an end portion of the guide arm is biased to press against the connection element. For example, the guide arm may have a waveform, at least in some areas, that applies a preload to the guide arm. The biased guide arm offers the advantage that the connection element can be held in position i.e. tensioned. If, for example, the second locking rod is pressed from the outside in the direction of the first locking rod, the connection element would hang down if it were not biased by the guide arm. If the connection element hangs down, there is a risk that it will get caught in other elements, so that the function is impaired.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the connection element is a rope.

In this context, a rope is understood to be an element with flexible curvature braided from at least two, preferably several, fibres. The term rope is also intended to include thinner elements such as cords and strings. Alternatively to the use of a rope, the use of a thin wire as a connection element would also be possible. Using a rope or thin wire is less expensive than using a gearbox.

Preferably, the rope is a synthetic rope. For example, a synthetic rope based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or high-modulus polyethylene. The advantage of such a rope is its particularly high strength. This enables reliable power transmission with a thin rope without the risk of it breaking.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuating element is a Bowden cable, comprising an inner cable and an outer cable housing.

The Bowden cable is flexible, which allows for various different mounting situations. The operating principle is the transmission of a mechanical force through the movement of the inner cable relative to the hollow outer cable housing. The linear movement of the inner cable can be used effectively to transmit a pulling force.

According to an advantageous further development, the connection element comprises stop elements at both ends, wherein the first and the second locking rod each comprises a fastening portion, to which the respective stop element can be mounted.

Preferably, the stop elements are made of plastic. Particularly preferably, the stop elements can be placed in the fastening portion. For example, the stop elements have spherical shapes with a larger diameter than a hole in the fastening portion. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly. In particular, the connection element can be easily replaced if it is broken.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first locking rod and the second locking rod are each connected to an urging means which urges the respective locking rod in its locking position.

This holds the locking rods in their locking position and makes it easy to close the cover element. To close the cover element, it only needs to be moved into its closed position, e.g. by pushing. The locking rods can retract and are then pushed into their locking position by the urging means. The urging means can be springs, for example. In particular, the urging means are coil springs that are arranged around one end of the locking rod and come into contact with a shoulder of the locking rod.

According to an advantageous further development of the locking mechanism, the first locking rod and the second locking rod are identical in construction.

The use of identical parts saves costs and simplifies assembly.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a housing comprising multiple holders assigned to at least the first locking rod, the second locking rod and the deflection element for holding at least the first locking rod, the second locking rod and the deflection element.

The housing simplifies assembly. It is possible to assemble the locking mechanism with the housing and then, in a further step, to attach it as an assembled unit to the cover element to be locked. This means that in the event of a malfunction of the locking mechanism, only the locking mechanism needs to be replaced. The holders in the housing further simplify assembly, as the individual elements can be easily arranged.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holders comprise two symmetrical holders assigned to the deflection element, so that the deflection element can be mounted in two different locations.

This makes the locking mechanism more flexible in its use.

According to an advantageous further development of the locking mechanism, the holders comprise two symmetrical holders assigned to the actuating element, so that the actuating element can be mounted in two different locations.

This means that there are two default possibilities for mounting. Depending on the installation situation of the mechanism, the actuating element can be mounted coming from the left or from the right. If the actuating element comes from the right, the left holder is used to mount the actuating element and the left holder is used to mount the deflection element. This leaves the right-hand holder for mounting the actuating element and the right-hand holder for mounting the deflection element both free. If the actuating element comes from the left, the right holder is used to mount the actuating element and the right holder is used to mount the deflection element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and developments as well as features of the present invention are revealed by the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism according to the present invention. In this regard, Fig. 1 shows a view of the locking mechanism according to the invention in a locking position; and Fig. 2 shows a view of the locking mechanism according to the invention in a release position; Consequently, in the different views, identical parts are designated by identical reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

Fig. 1 shows a locking mechanism 100 according to the invention in a locking position and Fig. 2 shows the locking mechanism 100 in a release position.

The locking mechanism 100 comprises a first locking rod 110 and a second locking rod 120. In Fig. 1, the locking rods 110, 120 are in their locking positions in which an end portion 115 of the first locking rod 110 and an end portion 125 of the second locking rod 120 protrude outwards. The locking mechanism 100 comprises urging means 112, 122 urging the locking rods 110, 120 in the locking position. Here, the urging means 112, 122 are coil springs, which are arranged at an end opposite the end portions 115, 125.

In Fig. 2, the locking rods 110, 120 are in their release position in which the end portions 115 are retracted. In the release position, the urging means 112, 122 are compressed The locking mechanism 100 comprises a housing 150. In the locking position, the locking rods 110, 120 protrude from the housing, while in the release position, the locking rods 110, 120 are preferably fully retracted into the housing 150.

To move the locking mechanism 150 from the locking position to the release position, the locking mechanism 150 comprises an actuating element 130 and a transmission mechanism 140.

Here, the actuating element 130 is a pull element, in particular a Bowden cable. As a Bowden cable, the actuating element 13 comprises an inner cable 131 and an outer cable housing 132. As can be seen in Fig. 1 and 2, the inner cable 131 is connected to the first locking rod 110. By pulling the actuating element 130, in particular the inner cable 131, in the release direction -here to the right -the first locking rod 110 is moved in its release direction -here to the right -into its release position shown in Fig. 2.

The transmission mechanism 140 is adapted to transmit this release movement from the first locking rod 110 to the second locking rod 120. In this regard, the transmission mechanism 140 comprises a tension-resistant, flexible connection element 141 and a deflection element 145.

The tension-resistant, flexible connection element 141 can be a rope or a wire. The connection element 141 is connected to the first locking rod 110 and to the second locking rod 120. Here, the first locking rod 110 and the second locking rod 120 each comprise fastening portions 111, 121. The connection element 141 comprises stop elements 142a, 142b at both ends, which can be mounted to the fastening portions 111, 121. Preferably, the stop elements 142a, 142b have spherical shapes with a larger diameter than a hole in the fastening portion 111, 121 The connection element 141 is wound around the deflection element 145. The deflection element 145 is arranged to change the direction of the connection element 141. In particular, the deflection element 145 changes the direction of the connection element 141 by 180°. Accordingly, the transmission mechanism 140 with its deflection element 145 is configured such that movement of the first locking rod 110 to the right moves the second locking rod 120 to the left. Hence, the first locking rod 110 and the second locking rod 12 move in opposite directions, such that the first locking element 110 can be arranged on a left side and the second locking element 120 can be arranged on a right side of the housing 150. A deflection point D, at which the direction of the connection element 141 is changed, is located further left than the fastening portion 111 of the first locking element 110.

Accordingly, the actuating element 130 is only connected to the first locking rod 110. By moving the actuating element 130 to the right, the first locking rod 110 moves to the right, pulling the connection element 141 with it. The connection element 141, whose direction is changed at the deflection point D, pulls the second locking rod 120 to the left. This avoids the need for a complex mechanism with gear wheels.

The deflection element 145 comprises a base portion 146 and a guide arm 147. The guide arm 147 extends in a direction at least substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the first and second locking rod 110, 120. Hence, the guide arm 147 extends at least substantially parallel to an axial direction of the first and second locking rods 110, 120. As can be seen in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2, the guide arm 147 has a waveform to apply a preload to the guide arm 147 to press against the connection element 141. Thus, the guide arm 147 is adapted to hold the connection element 141 under tension.

In Fig. 2, a further detail of the housing 150 is shown. The housing 150 comprises multiple holders 151a, 151b, 152a, 152b, 153a, and 153b for the first locking rod 110, the second locking rod 120, the deflection element 145 and the actuating element 130.

In particular, the housing 150 comprises a holder 151a for the first locking rod 110 and a holder 151b for the second locking rod 120. As both locking rods 110 and 120 are identical in construction, the holders 151a and 151b are constructed in the same way, but arranged mirror-symmetrically to each other.

The housing 150 further comprises two holders 152a, 152b for the deflection element 145 and two holders 153a, 153b for the actuating element 130. Hence for the deflection element 145 and the actuating element 130 two symmetrical holders 152a, 153a and 152b, 153b are provided, wherein for each installation situation, only one holder per element is used.

This results in two default possibilities for mounting. In the first default possibility shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the actuating element 130 comes from the right. Here, the left holder 153a is used to mount the actuating element 130 and the right holder 153b is not used. Likewise, the left holder 152a is used to mount the deflection element 145 and the right holder 152b is not used. In the second default possibility, not shown in the figures, the actuating element 130 comes from the left. Here, the right holder 153b is used to mount the actuating element 130 and the left holder 153a is not used. Likewise, the right holder 152b is used to mount the deflection element 145 and the left holder 152a is not used.

Hence, it is possible to provide two default possibilities for mounting with the housing 150 of the locking mechanism 100 without changing any element.

Although the present invention has been explained in detail with reference to a purely exemplary embodiment, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but rather that modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the following claims.

LIST WITH REFERENCE SIGNS

locking mechanism 110 first locking rod 111 fastening portion 112 urging means second locking rod 121 fastening portion 122 urging means actuating element 131 inner cable 132 outer cable housing transmission mechanism 141 connection element 142a stop element 142b stop element deflection element 146 base portion 147 guide arm 150 housing 151a holder (assigned to the first locking rod) 151 b holder (assigned to the second locking rod) 152a, b holders (assigned to the deflection element) 153 a, b holders (assigned to the actuating element) deflection point

Claims

CLAIMS1. Locking mechanism (100) for a cover element in a vehicle comprising: * a first locking rod (110) axially movable between a locking position and a release position; * a second locking rod (120) axially movable between a locking position and a release position; * an actuating element (130) connected only to the first locking rod (110) for moving the first locking rod (110) from the locking position to the release position, and * a transmission mechanism (140) for transmitting an opening motion from the first locking rod (110) to the second locking rod (120), wherein the transmission mechanism (140) comprises: o a tension-resistant, flexible connection element (141) connected with the first locking rod (110) and with the second locking rod (120), and o a deflection element (145) for changing the direction of the connection element (141).
2. The locking mechanism (100) of claim 1, wherein the first locking rod (110) and the second locking rod (120) move in opposite directions.
3. The locking mechanism (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the deflection element (145) is adapted to change the direction of the connection element (141) by 180°.
4 The locking mechanism (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a deflection point (D), at which the direction of the connection element (145) is changed, is located further towards a locking position of the first locking element (110) than a fastening portion (111) connecting the first locking element (110) with the connection element (145).
The locking mechanism (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection element (145) comprises a base portion (146) and a guide arm (147) extending in a direction at least substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the first locking rod (110).
6. The locking mechanism (100) of claim 5, wherein the guide arm (147) is at least partially biased to press against the connection element (141).
7. The locking mechanism (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection element (141) is a rope
8 The locking mechanism (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (130) is a Bowden cable, comprising an inner cable (131) and an outer cable housing (132).
9 The locking mechanism (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection element (141) comprises stop elements (142a, 142b) at both ends, the first and the second locking rod (110, 120) each comprising a fastening portion (111, 121) to which the respective stop element (142a, 142b) can be mounted.
10. The locking mechanism (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking rod (110) and the second locking rod (120) are each connected to an urging means (112, 122) which urges the respective locking rod (110, 120) in its locking position.
11. The locking mechanism (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking rod (110) and the second locking rod (120) are identical in construction.
12. The locking mechanism (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (100) comprises a housing (150) comprising multiple holders (151a, 151b, 152a, 152b, 153a, 153b) assigned to at least the first locking rod (110), the second locking rod (120) and the deflection element (145) for holding at least the first locking rod (110), the second locking rod (120) and the deflection element (145).
13. The locking mechanism (100) of claim 12, wherein the holders (151a, 151b, 152a, 152b, 153a, 153b) comprise two symmetrical holders (152a, 152b) assigned to the deflection element (145), so that the deflection element (145) can be mounted in two different locations.
14. The locking mechanism (100) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the holders (151a, 151b, 152a, 152b, 153a, 153b) comprise two symmetrical holders (153a, 1523b) assigned to the actuating element (130), so that the actuating element (130) can be mounted in two different locations.