KR102238391B1 - Ashtray assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is installed in a vehicle, comprising a housing unit (2) that can be mounted on a vehicle, and an ash tray (3) that can be moved in a drawer type between two end positions (12, 22) within the housing unit (2). It relates to an ash tray assembly (1) for doing. In this case, the ashtray 3 is latched onto the housing unit 2 by means of one or more latching units 4 in the closed end position 12. It is possible to release the latching unit 4 by manually pulling the ash tray 3 in the direction of the open end position 22.

Description

Ashtray assembly {ASHTRAY ASSEMBLY}

The present invention, an ash tray assembly for installation in a vehicle; And a vehicle having at least one ash tray and at least one housing unit mountable to the vehicle. The ash tray is movable in a drawer manner between two or more end positions within the housing unit.

Ashtrays in automobiles are often constructed in a drawer type. Due to this, the ashtray is easily accessible when in use and can be closed so that the contents are not visible and odors do not leak out when not in use. However, known ashtrays are often complexly constructed, and therefore correspondingly expensive and sometimes prone to failure.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved ash tray assembly for installation in a vehicle, which can be conveniently opened and closed without being particularly complicated in structure.

The above problem is solved by an ash tray assembly having the features of claim 1 and an automobile having the features of claim 15. The dependent claims deal with desirable improvements. Further advantages and features of the present invention refer to the general description and the description of the embodiments.

The ash tray assembly according to the present invention is provided for installation in a vehicle. The ash tray assembly includes one or more housing units and one or more ash trays mountable to a vehicle. The drawer ashtray is movable between two or more end positions within the housing unit. In this case, the ashtray in the closed end position is latched to the housing unit by means of one or more latching units. It is possible to release the latching unit by pulling the ashtray in the direction of the open end position.

The ashtray assembly according to the present invention provides a number of advantages. One of the important advantages is the latching mechanism. Due to the latching mechanism, the ashtray can be opened very simply and conveniently, and at the same time reliably closed or latched. Undesirable opening in the driving mode is effectively prevented. In addition, the proposed latching connection can be used safely in operation even during long and demanding operating periods of the vehicle. Another advantage is that the ashtray assembly according to the present invention can be manufactured in an economical manner and can be installed in automobiles with less complexity.

Also, to release the latching connection and allow the ashtray to open, simply pull the ashtray. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in the driving mode, since the driver's attention is not distracted and, for example, there is no need to operate any keys or pushbuttons. The opening or closing of the ashtray may, for example, be performed only tactilely without looking.

Preferably the latching unit comprises one or more flexible latching hooks that engage one or more undercuts for latching. Preferably the latching hook is supported on the undercut in a form-fitting manner. The latching hook is in particular arranged on the housing unit. The undercut is in particular arranged on the ashtray. These latching hooks can be implemented in an uncomplicated and economical manner, and can be latched and unlatched in a reliable manner. Inverted configurations may also be provided. In this case, in particular the undercut is arranged on the housing unit, and the latching hook is arranged on the ashtray.

The latching unit is particularly suitably configured to disengage the latching hook from the undercut when the ashtray is pulled out of the housing unit. In particular, by pulling the ashtray out of the housing unit, the latching hook can be released without damage from the undercut. The undercut has in particular one or more recesses and/or one or more through openings through which the latching hook extends.

The latching unit is in particular adapted to provide one or more latching connections between the housing unit and the ashtray. The latching connection is provided in particular only in the closed end position. One or more additional latching connections may be provided in the open end position. The latching unit may be adapted to provide one or more latching connections outside the end positions. For this purpose, additional latching hooks and/or additional undercuts can be provided, for example.

Preferably the latching hooks can be arranged on one or more sidewalls of the housing unit. Preferably the undercut may be disposed on one or more sidewalls of the ashtray. The side walls extend in particular to be parallel to the direction of movement of the ashtray or to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In this position the latching hook or undercut can be accommodated in an uncomplicated, space-saving manner. The side walls of the ash tray extend in particular transversely to the base of the ash tray. The side walls of the housing unit and/or the ashtray extend in particular vertically. The side walls of the housing unit extend parallel or in particular substantially parallel to the side walls of the ashtray. The latching hooks and/or undercuts can also be arranged on the bottom and/or top surfaces of the ashtray and/or housing unit.

Particularly preferably the latching hook is configured integrally with the housing unit. Such latching units can be manufactured in a particularly economical manner, for example by means of injection molding methods. The latching hook is in particular configured integrally with one or more side walls of the housing unit. Preferably, the undercut is configured integrally with the ash tray, in particular with the side wall of the ash tray. The opposite configuration is also possible. In this case, the latching hook may be configured integrally with the ash tray, and/or the undercut may be configured integrally with the housing unit. Latching hooks and/or undercuts may be provided by one or more individual parts.

The ashtray assembly comprises two or more opposing latching units in a particularly advantageous embodiment. This provides a sturdy yet easily releasable latching connection at the same time. Each latching unit includes at least one latching hook and at least one undercut each. In this specification the latching unit is specifically configured as described above. Two latching hooks are arranged in particular on opposite side walls of the housing unit. Two undercuts are arranged in particular on opposite side walls of the ashtray. Three or more latching units may be provided.

The latching units can in particular be arranged so as to be mutually symmetric. For example, the latching units are arranged on opposite sides at the same height with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and/or the vehicle vertical axis of the vehicle. An asymmetric arrangement of latching units is also possible.

In one preferred embodiment, the ashtray assembly comprises one or more guide assemblies for guiding the ashtray within the housing unit. The guide assembly in particular comprises at least one rail guide and at least one runner rail movable along the rail guide. This makes it possible to pull out or push in the ash tray very conveniently. The running rail and the rail guide extend parallel or in particular substantially parallel.

The running rail can in particular be constructed in a straight line or linearly. The running rail is arranged horizontally or preferably substantially horizontally in the inserted state according to the operation. In particular, the ashtray can be pulled straight and preferably horizontally. However, the running rail may be configured to be bent or curved. In this case, the ashtray can in particular be pulled out along a curve.

The running rail may be configured to be continuous or to be at least partially disconnected. The running rail may also comprise one or more sliding blocks and/or one or more sliding rollers or one or more other suitable guiding means, or may be formed as such members.

The rail guide is in particular formed as an elongated recess, for example as a guide groove, or at least comprises such a member. The rail guide may include one or more support rails, or the like, to which the traveling rail can be movably supported.

Preferably the running rail is arranged on the ashtray. Preferably the rail guide is arranged on the housing unit. The running rail is arranged in particular on the outside of the ashtray. The rail guide is arranged in particular on the inside of the housing unit. Depending on the configuration possibilities available in the housing unit or in the ashtray, this embodiment offers a number of advantages. In certain installation locations, the opposite arrangement may be advantageous. In this case, the running rail is arranged in particular on the housing unit, and/or the rail guide is arranged in particular on the ashtray.

Preferably, the running rail may be disposed on one or more sidewalls of the ashtray. The side walls extend transversely, in particular at the bottom of the ashtray. In this case, the side wall is, in particular, a side wall with an undercut or a latching hook as described above. Due to this, inclination of the ash tray in the housing unit can be very easily prevented.

The side wall with the running rail extends in particular parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the ashtray for pulling or pushing out. The running rail may be disposed on the top and/or bottom of the ashtray. The rail guide is arranged in particular on the side wall of the housing unit. The side walls of the housing unit are arranged in particular parallel or substantially parallel to the side walls of the ash tray. Rail guides may be arranged on the top and/or bottom of the housing unit. A running rail may be disposed on one or more side walls of the housing unit, and/or a rail guide may be disposed on one or more side walls of the ashtray.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the running rail is configured integrally with the ashtray. This embodiment can be manufactured in a very economical manner. The running rail is in particular constructed integrally with the side wall of the ashtray. In particular, the rail guide is configured integrally with the housing unit, and preferably with the side wall of the housing unit. The opposite configuration may also be desirable. In this case, the running rail may be configured in particular integrally with the housing unit, and/or the rail guide may be configured integrally with the ashtray. The running rail and/or rail guide may be provided by separate parts.

It is preferred that the guide assembly comprises at least one lubricant to lubricate the running rail and/or rail guide. The running rail and/or rail guide may be configured in a self-lubricating manner. This in particular provides a very convenient and smooth-running opening or closing of the ashtray. The lubricant is in particular arranged between the running rail and the rail guide. The lubricant serves in particular to reduce the friction between the running rail and the rail guide. Preferably, a lubricant is applied to the running rail. Lubricants may also be applied to the rail guides. The running rail and/or rail guide may be made of self-lubricating material.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, the ashtray assembly comprises two or more opposing guide assemblies. This embodiment provides a very stable and sturdy ashtray receiving portion in the housing unit, and further allows very smooth opening and closing without tilting. In this case, the guide assemblies are in particular configured as described above.

For example, guide assemblies are provided, each having one or more running rails and one or more rail guides each. The two running rails are arranged in particular on opposite side walls of the ashtray. The two rail guides are arranged in particular on opposite side walls of the housing unit. The reverse embodiment is also possible, in which the ashtray and housing unit were changed accordingly.

Preferably the housing unit is configured to be mounted on the central console. The housing unit can in particular be mounted on the side of the central console facing rear in the direction of travel. The housing unit can also be mounted in other locations on the central console. The housing unit can also be mounted on other vehicle parts other than the central console. For example, the housing unit can be mounted on the front console and/or dashboard.

The ashtray assembly is particularly adapted to be operated by a rear seat occupant. The ash tray assembly can also be operated on the front seat side.

Preferably the ashtray assembly comprises one or more central consoles for receiving the housing unit. Preferably the housing unit can be accommodated on a side of the central console facing rear in the driving direction. In this embodiment the ashtray assembly can be used in a very advantageous manner. The housing unit can also be received on one or more other sides of the central console, for example on the front and/or top surfaces. The central console may include one or more armrests and/or one or more air vent openings and/or one or more cigarette lighters of the air conditioning system.

In all embodiments, it is preferred that by manually pulling the ashtray in the direction of the open end position, the latching unit can be unlatched according to the intended operation or without damage. The latching unit is particularly suitably configured so that it can be released according to the intended operation by simply pulling the ashtray. In particular, there is no need to operate a lever or a trigger or the like to release the latching unit. The latching unit is particularly adapted to be latched by the action of pushing the ashtray in the direction of the closed end position.

The ashtray is in particular movable between a closed end position and an open end position. The ashtray is in particular manually movable between the end positions. The ashtray is movable, especially by being pulled and/or pushed in by hand. In particular, the latching unit can also be unlatched by pulling the ash tray by hand.

In the closed end position, the ashtray is pushed into the housing unit, especially as far as the detent. Preferably, in the closed end position the ashtray closes the housing. In the open end position the ashtray is pulled out of the housing unit, in particular up to the detent.

It can be removed from the housing to empty the ashtray. To this end, the ashtray can be pulled out beyond the open end position or beyond the detent in the open end position.

In the mounting position according to the intended operation the ashtray is preferably movable horizontally or substantially horizontally between the end positions of the housing unit. Alternatively or additionally, the ashtray is movable either upwardly or substantially vertically. The ashtray can also be moved by tilting.

The ashtray is formed, for example, as a drawer box, or contains at least such components. The ashtray, in particular the drawer box, preferably comprises at least a bottom portion and a wall portion arranged in the form of a container relative to the bottom portion. The wall portion preferably comprises at least four side walls. Depending on the shape of the ashtray, more or less sidewalls may be provided.

One side wall, in particular the front face, may comprise one or more trim panels or may be formed as such a component. On one side wall, in particular on the trim panel, one or more gripper units can be arranged for pulling or pushing the ashtray out. The gripper unit is formed, for example, as a gripper concavity and/or a handle. In the closed end position the trim panel preferably closes the housing or housing opening for receiving the ashtray. In particular, the trim panel closes the housing so that it is at least partially coplanar.

The ashtray, and preferably the side walls and in particular the bottom, are also, in particular, constructed integrally. An embodiment consisting of several members is also possible. The trim panels are constructed in particular integrally with the ashtray and in particular integrally with the side walls and/or the bottom. The trim panel may be implemented separately.

Preferably the ashtray assembly includes one or more ashtray pans for receiving ash. Preferably, the ash tray fan is arranged to be retractable in the ash tray. Preferably the ashtray assembly comprises one or more lock assemblies with one or more movable catches. In this case, the ashtray can preferably be constrained or locked in the ashtray via a clasp. This embodiment makes it possible to prevent the ashtray fan from separating, which is not complicated in structure.

In particular, the ash tray can be withdrawn at least at the position of the open end of the ash tray. Preferably, the locking device assembly for locking the ashtray fan serves to prevent the ashtray fan from disengaging during acceleration, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In particular, the clasp in the locked position is at least partially displaced over the ashtray fan. In particular, the clasp is supported to be movable on the ash tray.

In particular, the clasp is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The clasp is movable in particular in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or parallel to the direction of movement of the ashtray.

Preferably the clasp is movably supported within one or more clasp guides. The clasp guide in particular comprises at least two sliding rails. The latch guide prevents movement of the ashtray fan in particular in the vehicle transverse direction and/or in the vehicle vertical axis direction. The sliding rail is in particular fixed to the ashtray. Particularly preferably, the clasp is latched to the clasp guide, in particular to the sliding rail. This allows for a reliable sliding while at the same time providing a very quick assembly of the clasp.

The lock assembly preferably includes one or more detents. The detent is particularly adapted to slide the clasp into the locked position when the ashtray is moved in the direction of the closed end position. Thus, the ashtray fan can be automatically re-locked when the ashtray is closed. The detent is in particular arranged on the housing unit. The detent is arranged to be positioned in front of the ash tray, in particular, with respect to the direction of movement of the ash tray in the direction of the closed end position.

The vehicle according to the invention has one or more ashtray assemblies as described above.

The vehicle according to the invention likewise offers a number of advantages through an ashtray assembly that can be opened or closed reliably and conveniently.

Further advantages and features of the present invention refer to embodiments to be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic side view of an ash tray assembly according to the present invention.
2 is a schematic perspective view of an ash tray assembly with a central console.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an ashtray assembly with a locking device assembly in a locked position;
4 is a view showing the ash tray assembly with the locking device assembly in the unlocked position.
5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ash tray assembly of FIG. 3.
6 is a front view of the ash tray assembly of FIG. 3.

1 shows an ash tray assembly 1 according to the invention, comprising a housing unit 2 and an ash tray 3. The ash tray 3 is movable within the housing unit 2 in a drawer type. Here, the direction of movement for movement or opening and closing is indicated by a double-sided dashed arrow.

In the figure shown here, the ashtray 3 is in the open end position 22. The ashtray 3 may be pulled further outward, in which case the position shown here becomes a partially open position.

When the ashtray 3 is fully pushed into the detent in the housing unit 2, the ashtray 3 is in the closed end position 12 (not shown in more detail here).

Here, the ash tray 3 is configured in the form of a container or as a drawer box, and includes a bottom portion 13 and four walls extending transversely to the bottom portion 13 for this purpose. Here, the trim panel 33 is disposed on the wall facing the rear in the driving direction. The walls extending parallel to the direction of movement of the ashtray or the longitudinal axis of the vehicle are the side walls 23.

The trim panel 33 is configured integrally with the side wall 23, and preferably is configured integrally with the entire ash tray 3. The trim panel 33 here functions as a handle or gripper recess for opening or closing the ashtray 3.

The ash tray 3 shown here may be configured integrally.

The ashtray 3 is latched with the housing unit 2 in the closed end position 12. Two latching units 4 are provided here for the latching function. One latching hook 14 is provided for each latching unit 4 each.

The latching hooks 14 are arranged on opposite side walls 32 of the housing unit 2 and are in particular configured integrally with the side walls. The housing unit can here be configured integrally.

Furthermore, one undercut 24 (not visible in the position shown here) is provided for each latching unit 4 each. These undercuts 24 are respectively disposed on the side walls 23 of the ash tray 3.

In the closed end position 12 the latching hooks 14 are latched in the undercuts 24 in a form-fitting manner. Due to this, the ash tray 3 is constrained in the housing unit 2.

The ashtray 3 or the trim panel 33 can simply be pulled out for opening. At this time, the latching hooks 14 are released from the undercut and the latching connection is released. When the ashtray is pushed back into the closed end position 12, the latching hooks 14 are latched again.

Here, the ash tray assembly 1 has two opposing guide assemblies 5. To this end, one running rail 15 is provided on each side wall 23 of the ash tray 3. Each of the running rails 15 is guided within one rail guide 25. Rail guides 25 are here arranged on each side wall 32 of the housing unit 2. For opening or closing, the ashtray 3 slides along the rail guide 25 of the housing unit 2 with its own running rail 15.

The running rails 15 here are provided with a lubricant 35 and are applied, for example, with a lubricant.

A configuration may be provided in which the ashtray 3 can also be latched in the open end position 22 via a latching unit (not shown here).

In FIG. 2, the housing unit 2 described above is mounted in the central console 6. Here, the ash tray 3 is inserted into the housing unit 2 and is shown in a partially open state. The ashtray 3 can here be pulled out from the housing unit 2 linearly and horizontally, respectively, and pushed into the housing unit 2.

The central console 6 is shown here with a face 16 facing rearward in the driving direction. An ashtray assembly is installed on this side 16 and is accessible for use. In the installation position shown here, the ash tray 3 functions to be used by the occupant of the rear seat.

The central console 6 here comprises, for example, an armrest 26, an air vent opening 36 for an air conditioning system, and a cigarette lighter 46.

In Fig. 3, an ash tray assembly 1 is shown having an ash tray 3 into which an ash tray fan 7 for accommodating ash is inserted. The ashtray pan 7 can be withdrawn from the ashtray 3 when necessary and for example to empty. The trim panel 42 of the housing unit 2 is shown here. The ashtray 3 is here in the open end position 22.

To restrain or lock the ashtray fan 7 a lock assembly 17 with a movable clasp 27 is provided. The clasp 27 is shown here in a locked state 47. The clasp 27 is here slid over the edge area of the ashtray fan 7. Thus, the ashtray fan 7 is fixed so as not to deviate, especially when attempting to accelerate in the direction X or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

In FIG. 4 the ashtray assembly 1 of FIG. 3 is shown with the clasp 27 in the unlocked position 57. For unlocking, the clasp 27 slides forward in the driving direction according to the actuation or in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Now that the clasp 27 is no longer over the ash tray pan 7, the ash tray pan can be withdrawn from the ash tray 3.

5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the ash tray assembly 1. Here the lock assembly 17 can be identified very well, which is in the locked position 47. Here the ashtray 3 is in the closed end position 12.

The locking device assembly 17 includes a detent 37 disposed on the housing unit 2. The detent 37 is disposed in front of the ash tray 3 based on the moving direction of the ash tray 3 here. Here, the detent 37 is aligned so that the clasp 27 slides to the locked position 47 when the ash tray 3 is closed, when the clasp 27 is located outside the locking position 47. For this reason, when the ash tray fan 7 is emptied, the clasp 27 is automatically restrained again.

6 shows a cross-sectional view of the ash tray assembly 1 of FIG. 5. The ashtray pan 7 is not visible because it is located outside the cross-sectional plane shown here. In this figure, the clasp guide of the locking device assembly 17, on which the clasp 27 is movably supported, can be seen very well.

The clasp guide comprises for example four sliding rails 67. The movement direction of the clasp 27 when unlocking or when locking is predetermined by the sliding rails 67.

Here, the clasps 27 are latched onto the two sliding rails 67. To this end the clasp 27 here has two latching hooks 77 which each engage in a suitable undercut of one sliding rail 67. In addition, a rail-type guide member corresponding to the sliding rail 67 is disposed on the clasp 27 here.

The embodiment shown here enables a locking device assembly 17 that can be implemented securely and robustly and further without much complexity in construction, for example without additional elements such as springs or similar parts.

In the drawings shown here, the guide assembly 5 of the ash tray 3 can also be seen particularly well. Here, a running rail 15 and a rail guide 25 are provided not only on the side surface but also in the area of the bottom 13.

1 Ash tray assembly
2 housing unit
3 Ash tray
4 latching unit
5 guide assembly
6 central console
7 Ashtray pan
12 end positions
13 bottom
14 latching hook
15 running rail
16 side
17 Lock assembly
22 end position
23 side wall
24 undercut
25 rail guide
26 armrest
27 shackle
32 side wall
33 trim panel
35 lubricant
36 air vent opening
37 Detent
42 trim panel
46 Cigar Lighter
47 positions
57 positions
67 sliding rail
77 latching hook

Claims (15)

A vehicle comprising at least one housing unit (2) mountable to the vehicle, and at least one ash tray (3) drawable between two or more end positions (12, 22) within the housing unit (2). In the ash tray assembly (1) for installation,
The ashtray 3 is latched to the housing unit 2 via one or more latching units 4 in the closed end position 12 and by pulling the ashtray 3 in the direction of the open end position 22, the latching unit (4) latching release is possible,
It comprises one or more ash tray fans (7) retractably arranged in the ash tray (3), the ash tray fan (7) by means of one or more lock assembly (17) having one or more clasps (27). (3) It can be locked in a position within, and one or more clasps 27 are supported on the clasp guide so as to be movable between the unlocking position 57 and the locking position 47,
The lock assembly 17 includes one or more detents 37 configured to slide the clasps 27 into the locked position 47 when the ashtray 3 is displaced in the direction of the closed end position 12. That, the ash tray assembly (1). The method of claim 1,
The latching unit 4 comprises one or more flexible latching hooks 14 that engage one or more undercuts 24 for latching, the latching hooks 14 disposed on the housing unit 2, and the undercut ( The ash tray assembly (1), 24) is disposed on the ash tray (2). The method of claim 2,
Ash tray, in which latching hooks 14 are arranged on one or more side walls 23 of the housing unit 2 and/or undercuts 24 are arranged on one or more side walls 23 of the ash tray 3 Assembly (1). The method according to claim 2 or 3,
The latching hook 14 is configured integrally with the housing unit 2, the ash tray assembly (1). The method according to claim 2 or 3,
An ashtray assembly (1) comprising two or more opposing latching units (4) each having one or more latching hooks (14) and one or more undercuts (24) each. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
One or more guide assemblies (5) for guiding the ash tray (3) within the housing unit (2), the guide assembly being movable along one or more rail guides (25) and the rail guides (25) Ash tray assembly (1) comprising the above running rail (15). The method of claim 6,
The running rail 15 is disposed on the ash tray 3 and the rail guide 25 is disposed on the housing unit 2, the ash tray assembly 1. The method of claim 6,
An ashtray assembly (1), wherein the running rail (15) is disposed on one or more side walls (23) of the ashtray (3). The method of claim 6,
The running rail (15) is configured integrally with the ash tray (3), the ash tray assembly (1). The method of claim 6,
Ash, wherein the guide assembly 5 comprises one or more lubricants 35 for lubricating the running rail 15 or the rail guide 25, or the running rail 15 or the rail guide 25 being self-lubricating. Tray assembly (1). The method of claim 6,
An ashtray assembly (1) comprising at least two opposing guide assemblies (5) each having at least one running rail (15) and at least one rail guide (25). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An ashtray assembly (1) comprising at least one central console (6) for accommodating a housing unit (3) on a side (16) facing rear in the running direction. delete delete A motor vehicle comprising at least one ash tray assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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