U.S. patent application number 14/890629 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for fastening element for connecting transmission means to a lever element.
The applicant listed for this patent is KIEKERT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT. Invention is credited to Thomas Heide.
Application Number | 20160195126 14/890629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50896121 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160195126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heide; Thomas |
July 7, 2016 |
FASTENING ELEMENT FOR CONNECTING TRANSMISSION MEANS TO A LEVER
ELEMENT
Abstract
The invention relates to fastening elements for connecting
transmission means such as tie rods, Bowden cables or the like to
lever elements, in particular for motor vehicle locks, and to
connecting arrangements equipped with such fastening elements. In
order to allow reliable mounting and a structurally simple
manufacture of the fastening elements, the fastening element is
provided with a bayonet contour in such a manner that the fastening
element, when mounted, is hinged to the lever element so as to be
swiveled about a swivel axis. Owing to the swivelability and secure
fastening to the lever element, the fastening element is
particularly suitable for use in an actuation-force transmission
chain between a motor vehicle lock and an actuating element for
actuating said motor vehicle lock.
Inventors: |
Heide; Thomas; (Essen,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIEKERT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT |
Heiligenhaus |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
50896121 |
Appl. No.: |
14/890629 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
April 17, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE2014/000201 |
371 Date: |
January 5, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
403/349 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 1/102 20130101;
F16C 2226/72 20130101; F16C 2350/52 20130101; E05B 79/16 20130101;
F16C 1/105 20130101; E05B 79/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16C 1/10 20060101
F16C001/10; E05B 79/20 20060101 E05B079/20; E05B 79/16 20060101
E05B079/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 10, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 208 652.0 |
Claims
1. Fixing element to connect transmission media such as pull rods,
Bowden cables or similar to a lever element, in particular for
motor vehicle latches, whereby the fixing element may be designed
as a socket for connection to a transmission element, whereby the
fixing element can be connected to an opening of the lever element,
characterized in that the fixing element demonstrates a bayonet
contour, so that the fixing element is pivotably deflected around a
pivoting axis to the lever element in the mounted state.
2. Fixing element in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that
the fixing element demonstrates one or several radial projections
in relation to a swiveling axis of the fixing element.
3. Fixing element in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that
the fixing element demonstrates a peg-shaped area running parallel
to its swiveling axis and/or that the fixing element encompasses a
bar-shaped area running vertically to its swiveling axis which can
preferably come into contact with the lever element in the mounted
state of the fixing element.
4. Fixing element in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that
the fixing element demonstrates an extension extending principally
in parallel to the swiveling axis in the bar-shaped area which is
pivotably adjacent to an external contour of the lever element
especially in the mounted state of the fixing element.
5. Fixing element in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that
the extension on the side facing the external contour of the lever
element demonstrates an edge, and/or that the extension is
pin-shaped.
6. Fixing element in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that
the bar-shaped area is longer on the side of the extension in
relation to the swiveling axis of the fixing element and preferably
demonstrates a recess on this side.
7. Fixing element in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that
the peg-shaped area demonstrates radial projections of different
dimensions, preferably such that a larger projection is configured
on the side of the extension in relation to the swiveling axis of
the fixing element.
8. Connection configuration for connecting a transmission medium
such as a pull rod, a Bowden cable or similar to a lever element.
Especially for a motor vehicle latch with a fixing element in
accordance with claim 1 and a pivotable lever element. Whereby the
fixing element can be attached for the insertion or channeling out
of activation movements in an opening positioned excentrically to a
lever axis of the lever element, characterized in that the fixing
element is accommodated in the opening of the lever element in the
manner of a bayonet joint; consequently, the fixing element is
pivotably connected to the lever element.
9. Connection configuration according to claim 8, characterized in
that the opening (15) of the lever element demonstrates at least a
radial recess in relation to its scope which is designed in
particular to correspond to a projection of the fixing element.
10. Connection configuration according to claim 8, characterized in
that the lever element adjacent to the opening demonstrates an
external contour for the interaction with the fixing element in
particular an extension of the fixing element, preferably in such a
way that a pre-determined swiveling area is provided for the fixing
element.
11. Connection configuration in accordance with claim 8,
characterized in that an external contour of the lever element
demonstrates an end stop and/or a limitation section for the
pivoting of the fixing element, whereby the limitation section is
executed as a radial raised area in relation to a swivel axis of
the fixing element, in particular in such a way that the fixing
element can be led only with resilient malleability over the
limitation section.
12. Connection configuration in accordance with claim 8,
characterized in that an external contour of the lever element
demonstrates a limitation section for the pivoting of the fixing
element, whereby the limitation section is executed as a radial
raised area in relation to a swivel axis of the fixing element, in
particular in such a way that the fixing element can be led only
with resilient malleability over the limitation section.
13. Fixing element in accordance with claim 2, characterized in
that the fixing element demonstrates a peg-shaped area running
parallel to its swiveling axis and/or
14. Fixing element in accordance with claim 2, characterized in
that that the fixing element encompasses a bar-shaped area running
vertically to its swiveling axis which can preferably come into
contact with the lever element in the mounted state of the fixing
element.
15. Fixing element in accordance with claim 2, characterized in
that the extension on the side facing the external contour of the
lever element demonstrates an edge, and/or that the extension is
pin-shaped.
16. Fixing element in accordance with claim 2, characterized in
that the extension is pin-shaped.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The invention relates to a fixing element to connect
transmission media such as pull rods, Bowden cables or similar to a
lever element in accordance with the generic term of claim 1 and a
connection configuration with such a fixing element, especially for
motor vehicle latches.
[0002] Fixing elements of the stated type can be utilized in
different areas of a vehicle. In the present case, the focus is in
particular on use within the scope of an activation force effect
chain between a vehicle latch and an activation element for
activation of the motor vehicle latch. The closing device can, for
example, involve doors, sliding doors, trunk lids, hoods or similar
of a motor vehicle.
[0003] It is known to design locking elements for a connection rod
between an activation and/or a locking device and an activation
and/or locking element with a clip element. The basic construction
of such a configuration is shown in DE 10 2010 015 058 A1. The clip
element comprises two components and is safeguarded from being
levered out by its subcomponents. The subcomponents connected via a
common crosspiece can be moved longitudinally to the connection rod
and are designed in such a way that a sub element can be applied to
an end piece of the connection rod.
[0004] Indeed, the locking element permits performance of the
required functionality in relation to securing of a connection rod
from automatic loosening. However, the dual-component construction
of the clip element is not satisfactory from a constructional or
manufacturing viewpoint. Furthermore, construction with separate
sub elements impedes installation, which subsequently can lead to
problems in the required functionality of the mounted locking
element.
SUMMARY
[0005] The invention is based on the task of improving and
continuing to form a connection configuration, namely in particular
in that the aforementioned disadvantages can be rectified with
simple constructional means.
[0006] The task is resolved by a fixing element in accordance with
claim 1 and a connection configuration in accordance with the
additional claim. Advantageous further formations and designs arise
from the sub claims.
[0007] The consideration of envisaging a bayonet contour on the
fixing element is crucial. Consequently, in the mounted
state--therefore in the state connected in the opening of the lever
element--the fixing element is pivotably diverted around a
swiveling axis on the lever element. The bayonet contour initially
enables a simple-to-produce mechanical connection of the fixing
element in the opening of the lever element. The bayonet contour is
preferably designed in such a way that the fixing element can be
connected with the lever element by insertion and rotation in the
opening thereof.
[0008] It is furthermore interesting in the proposed solution that
the fixing element can be pivotably diverted around a swiveling
axis on the lever element. The connection of a transmission medium
such as a pull rod, a Bowden cable or similar can, for example, be
safely achieved on the fixing element designed as a connector
without the risk of the connection being automatically loosened or
damaged due to dynamic stresses.
[0009] Furthermore, the proposed solution enables retention of the
fixing element mounted in the opening of the lever element without
separate securing elements needing to be envisaged. The mounting of
separate securing elements can be dispensed with in this regard and
erroneous mountings can be reliably prevented.
[0010] In a preferred execution form of the invention, the fixing
element demonstrates one or several radial projections in relation
to the swiveling axis of the fixing element. In connection with the
opening of the lever element, these provide a simple-to-produce
and/or loosenable connection in the nature of a bayonet joint.
[0011] Preferably at least two projections should be envisaged on
opposite sides of the fixing element in order to enable a stable
connection between the fixing element and the lever element.
[0012] In an especially preferential design, the fixing element
demonstrates a peg-shaped area stretching parallel to its swiveling
axis. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element has a
bar-shaped area running vertically to its swiveling axis which
preferably comes into contact with the lever element in the mounted
state of the fixing element. The peg-shaped area running parallel
to the swiveling axis forms a constructively stable execution of
the fixing element. The peg-shaped area is preferably designed as a
socket inside in order to simply provide a connection option for a
transmission medium such as a pull rod, a Bowden cable or similar.
With the bar-shaped area running vertically to the swiveling axis a
further stabilization of the fixing element can be achieved, in
particular in the mounted state in connection with the lever
element coming into contact.
[0013] In an even more preferential design, an extension stretching
principally parallel to the swiveling axis on the bar-shaped area
is envisaged which, in particular in the mounted state of the
fixing element, is or can be pivotably adjacent to an outside
contour of the lever element. Thus, it is particularly easy to
execute safe control and stabilization of the fixing element on the
connected lever element.
[0014] The extension can also usefully feature an edge on the side
turned towards the external contour of the lever element. `Edge`
means that the extension demonstrates a protruding section on the
side turned towards the external contour which is principally
edge-shaped. The edge can also be rounded and/or flattened
accordingly. Accordingly, targeted and improved control and
stabilization of the fixing element on the outside contour of the
lever element is attained.
[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the extension can also be
principally pin-shaped. It is possible for the pin-shaped extension
to be round, quadratic or also flattened when viewed from the
profile. The lengthwise aspect of the extension then preferably
runs parallel to the swiveling axis of the fixing element.
[0016] The purpose of the pin-shaped extension is for the improved
support and stabilization of the fixing element to the lever
element. Consequently, in particular the mounting works which are
generally associated with long cycle times, such as the insertion
and, if necessary, the loosening of transmission media such as push
rods can be executed with particular simplicity.
[0017] As a further design feature, the bar-shaped area is longer
on the side of the extension in relation to the swiveling axis of
the fixing element. A recess of the bar-shaped area is preferably
envisaged on this side. This enables a weight reduction and
constructional bracing of the fixing element.
[0018] The peg-shaped area can usefully also demonstrate radial
projections of different dimensions. Preferably, then, the larger
projection is positioned on the side of the extension in relation
to the swiveling axis of the fixing element. Thus, the bayonet
contour can be deployed in an especially stable and secure manner
in the opening of the lever element by the radial projections in
conjunction with the bar-shaped area safely encompassing the
relevant section of the opening of the lever element.
[0019] In the preferred design, the fixing element, especially the
bar-shaped area, if necessary with the connecting extension, is
designed at least in places with resilient malleability. The fixing
element is preferably made of plastic. The resilient malleability
of the fixing element, in particular of the bar-shaped area and, if
necessary, the extension enable connection with the opening of the
lever element in a spring clamp manner. Thus, a self-locking
connection can be achieved between the fixing element and the
opening of the lever element. The configuration is preferably made
in such a way that the extension of the bar-shaped area is
deflected and then locks into place when rotating the fixing
element in the opening of the lever element.
[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, a connection
configuration is claimed as such with a fixing element in
accordance with the proposal. Reference may be made to all versions
which are suitable for describing the connection configuration.
[0021] In order to enable relevant connection of the fixing element
with the lever element, the opening of the lever element can
expediently demonstrate at least a radial recess in relation to its
dimensions which is designed in particular corresponding to the
projection of the fixing element. If, for example, several
projections are envisaged on the fixing element, several relevant
recesses can be envisaged on the opening of the lever element in
order to enable a simple connection by insertion and rotation in
the manner of a bayonet joint.
[0022] It is particularly advantageous, adjacent to the opening of
the lever element, to envisage an external contour for the
interaction with the fixing element and, if necessary, the
extension of the bar-shaped area. The external contour is
especially advantageous, meaning that a pre-determined swiveling
area is envisaged for the fixing element. Thus, a pivotability of
the fixing element can be targetedly adjusted and improved stable
control of the fixing element can be achieved. Consequently, in
particular a self-activated or unintentional loosening of the
fixing element is prevented. The external contour can usefully
demonstrate an end stop which, for example, prevents further
pivoting of the fixing element on one side of the external contour.
Alternatively or additionally, a limitation section can be usefully
envisaged, whereby the limitation section is executed as a radial
raised area in relation to the swiveling axis of the fixing
element. Preferably the limitation section is executed in such a
way that the fixing element can only be controlled via the
limitation section with resilient malleability. Thus, the fixing
element can be connected to the external contour in a self-locking
manner and at the same time attain a pre-determined swiveling area
of the fixing element.
[0023] Hereinafter, the invention is explained in further detail on
the basis of sketches which are only an execution example: The
sketches show:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1a a front view of a fixing element,
[0025] FIG. 1b a sectional view (A-A) of the fixing element,
[0026] FIG. 1c a top view on the fixing element and
[0027] FIG. 2 a diagrammatic view of a lever element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] It must be pointed out that the proposed fixing element and
the connection configuration are applicable in all conceivable
areas of a motor vehicle in which transmission media such as pull
rods, Bowden cables or similar are to be connected to relevant
lever elements 14 within the scope of a force effect activation
chain. However, in an especially preferential design the proposed
fixing element 1 or the connection configuration can be applied
within the scope of a force effect activation chain between a motor
vehicle latch and an activation element for activation of the motor
vehicle latch. FIG. 2 relates to an internal locking lever designed
here for a motor vehicle latch accordingly.
[0029] The fixing element 1 in question is equipped with a
peg-shaped area 3 and a bar-shaped area 2 as shown in FIGS. 1a to
1c. The peg-shaped area 3 is inserted into the opening 15 of the
lever element during connection with a lever element. The
bar-shaped area 2 is pivotably adjacent to one side of the lever
element 14 in the mounted state in order to attain stable control.
The bar-shaped area 2 has an internal recess 23.
[0030] It is now crucial that the fixing element 1 has a bayonet
contour in such a way that the fixing element in the mounted state
is pivotably diverted around the swiveling axis 22 on the lever
element. The peg-shaped area 3 mainly runs parallel to the
swiveling axis 22 and is preferably designed as a socket 7 towards
the center in order to enable a simple connection of a transmission
medium such as a pull rod. The bar-shaped area 2 mainly extends
vertically to the swiveling axis 22.
[0031] As visible in FIG. 1a, the peg-shaped area 2 can furthermore
demonstrate projecting stops 4 which provide improved connection of
a transmission element and, if necessary, restricted
contortion.
[0032] FIG. 1b shows a sectional view (A-A) and illustrates the
projections 9 which protrude radially on the swiveling axis 22
which can also be formed as a protruding nose 9a. In conjunction
with the peg-shaped area 3 and the bar-shaped area 2 a pivotable
connection with the lever element 14 can be achieved in the manner
of the bayonet joint. The connection is basically attained by
insertion of the fixing element 1 into the opening 15 of the lever
element and subsequent rotation of the fixing element 1.
[0033] In the execution examples depicted in FIG. 1a to FIG. 1c an
extension 5 running parallel to the swiveling axis 22 of the
bar-shaped area 2 is envisaged. This extension 5 can be designed as
a pin-shaped flattened extension 5 as illustrated and stretch, for
example, in relation to the course of the swiveling axis 22 up to
the height of the radial projection 9 and 9a. The distance of the
projection 9 or nose 9a to the bar-shaped area 2 is then preferably
between 1.5 to 2 mm. In the mounted state, the extension 5 of the
bar-shaped area 2 is adjacent to an external contour 19 of the
lever element in order to enable improved control of the fixing
element 1 on the lever element 14. Accordingly, the bar-shaped area
2 in relation to the swiveling axis 22 is longer on the side of the
extension 5 and preferably demonstrates a recess 23 towards the
center. Details on the external contour 19 of the lever element 14
are clarified below.
[0034] The radial projections 9 and 9a are of different dimensions
here, whereby the larger projection 9 is configured on the side of
the extension 5 in relation to the swiveling axis 22. The
projection designed as a nose 9a is then configured on the opposite
side of the peg-shaped area 3.
[0035] The peg-shaped area 3 of the fixing element, for example,
has an external diameter 10 of 5 to 11 mm. Towards the swiveling
axis 22 the peg-shaped area 3 is preferably designed as a socket 7
in order to facilitate simple connection of a transmission medium.
The diameter of the socket 7 is between 3 and 5 mm, for example.
The fixing element 1 is preferably manufactured from a single piece
of plastic. The bar-shaped area 2 and the connected extension 5 are
at least in part executed in a resiliently malleable manner in
order to enable resilient deflection of the extension 5 for a
connection in the manner of a spring clamp. The extension 5 also
has an edge 6 here on the side facing the external contour 19 of
the lever element 14. The edge 6 is preferably aligned in the
direction of the swiveling axis 22. The edge 6 can basically also
be designed with a rounded or flattened protruding edge in order to
attain safe control of the fixing element 1 on the external contour
19 of the lever element. The distance 11 of the edge 6 to the
pivoting axis 22 of the fixing element 1 is, for example, selected
between 6 and 11 mm.
[0036] FIG. 1c shows a top view of the fixing element. Viewed from
the side of the extension 5 the peg-shaped area 3 is preferably
designed in such a way here that a principally circular orifice
which is open on one side 13 is formed vertically to the swiveling
axis 22. The passage 13 can be used, for example, as a connection
for a transmission medium such as a pulling rod. The passage 13 can
then be designed in such a way that a transmission medium can be
accommodated by resilient malleability.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows the lever element 14 which is mounted pivotally
around a lever axis 16 for activation. The lever element 14 is
equipped with an opening 15 configured excentrically to the lever
axis 16 for the insertion or channeling out of activation
movements. The purpose of the opening 15 is to accommodate the
fixing element 1, in order to attain a pivotable connection of a
transmission medium such as a push rod, a Bowden cable or similar
on the lever element 14. Radial recesses 17 are envisaged on the
opening 15 in relation to the swiveling axis 22, which are
preferably configured on opposite sides of the opening 15. The
recesses 17 are dimensioned in particular to enable the insertion
of the fixing element 1 of the peg-shaped area 3 in addition to
radial projections 9 and 9a.
[0038] Due to subsequent rotation of the fixing element 1 a
pivotable connection is provided between the fixing element 1 and
the lever element 14. The circular area of the opening 15
preferably has a diameter of between 6 and 11 mm. Two recesses 17
of different dimensions are preferably envisaged on the opening 15.
The larger recess 17 then, for example, has a breadth 18 of 5 to 7
mm viewed via the circumference of the opening 15. Incorrect
mounting of the fixing element 1 to the lever element 14 can be
prevented with the recesses 17 of different dimensions.
[0039] It is preferably the case that an external contour 19 is
envisaged adjacent to the opening 15 of the lever element 14. In
the mounted state, this enables the interaction with the extension
5 of the fixing element 1 for pivotability in a pre-determined
swiveling area. The external contour 19 is in particular designed
in such a way that an end stop 20 is envisaged on one side, which
safely limits the swiveling area of the fixing element 1, and
additionally on the other side of the external contour 19 a
limitation section 21 is present which is designed as a radial
raised area in relation to the swiveling axis 22 of the fixing
element. Preferably the limitation section 21 is designed in such a
way that the fixing element 1 can only be controlled via the
limitation section 21 in a resiliently malleable manner.
Preferably, the limitation section 21 is executed with a steeper
angle than on the deflection section 8 leading to the external
contour 19 on the side of the external contour 19. The deflection
section 8 is in particular designed in such a way that the radial
distance to the swiveling axis 28 constantly increases to the
limitation section 21. The external contour 19 on the side of the
limitation section 21 preferably demonstrates a comparatively
steeper angle in order to reliably prevent a self-activated
loosening of the fixing element 1. The resiliently malleable
extension 5 of the fixing element 1 thus enables simple and safe
mounting of the fixing element 1 to the lever element.
Consequently, a loosening of the fixing element 1 is guaranteed and
at the same time incorrect mountings and associated defects of the
connection configuration are prevented. The external contour 19 is
preferably configured with a radius between 8 and 9 mm to the
swiveling axis 22. The circular arc formed by the external contour
19 then encompasses in particular an angle of 40 to 50.degree..
[0040] For the depicted and, to this extent, preferred execution
examples the fixing element 1 and the lever element 14 are designed
in one piece. The fixing element 1 or the lever element 14 can be
produced at negligible manufacturing expense. The lever element 14
preferably has a density of 1 to 2 mm.
REFERENCE SIGNS
[0041] 1 Fixing element [0042] 2 bar-shaped area [0043] 3
peg-shaped area [0044] 4 Stop [0045] 5 Extension [0046] 6 Edge
[0047] 7 Socket [0048] 8 Deflection section [0049] 9 Projection
[0050] 9a Nose [0051] 10 External diameter of the peg-shaped area
[0052] 11 Distance of the edge to the swiveling axis [0053] 12
Distance of the bar-shaped area to the projection [0054] 13 Passage
[0055] 14 Lever element [0056] 15 Opening of the lever element
[0057] 16 Lever axis [0058] 17 Recess [0059] 18 Breadth of the
recess [0060] 19 External contour [0061] 20 End stop [0062] 21
Limitation section of the external contour [0063] 22 Swiveling axis
of the fixing element [0064] 23 Recess
* * * * *