Peripheral functional assembly for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a peripheral functional assembly for a motor vehicle. The peripheral functional assembly (100) comprises a base bracket (110) fixedly attached to the motor vehicle and an electric actuator assembly (120) pivotally mounted to the base bracket (110). The electric actuator assembly (120) comprises a drive device (130) for pivoting to the base bracket (110). The electric actuator assembly (120) further comprises a cover assembly (140) which surrounds the drive device (130) next to the drive device (130). The cover assembly (140) is further configured for supporting a functional element (200), such as an electrical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to peripheral functional components, such as winglets, which are intended for use with electronic or optical devices, such as mirrors, lenses, lights, radars, cameras, etc., in motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Peripheral functional components are typically mounted on the exterior of a motor vehicle, for example, to allow the driver to see or monitor the exterior of the vehicle while driving. These peripheral functional components (such as winglets, side mirrors, etc.) are equipped with actuators that include drive mechanisms. The drive mechanism typically includes an electric motor arranged within a housing and used to drive the functional component to rotate relative to the motor vehicle about a fixed part of the vehicle, for example, between a non-drive position and a drive position. In the non-drive position, for protective purposes, the peripheral functional component folds inward when the vehicle is parked.

[0003] EP3663135 discloses a retractable observation device comprising a base, a shaft, and an observation assembly rotatably attached to the shaft. The observation assembly includes an upper housing and a lower housing, an observation unit such as a camera, and an electrically retractable unit having a housing, a motor, and a drive mechanism disposed within the housing. The lower housing of the observation assembly is recessed to fit into the base and is configured to attach a camera.

[0004] The known peripheral functional components are complex and expensive. There is still a need for an improved peripheral functional component that at least partially overcomes the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The aforementioned disadvantages are overcome by the peripheral functional component for vehicles of the present invention, and significant benefits are also obtained by utilizing this peripheral functional component.

[0006] This peripheral functional component for a motor vehicle includes a base bracket fixedly attached to the motor vehicle and an electric actuator assembly pivotally mounted to the base bracket. The electric actuator assembly includes a drive mechanism for pivoting to the base bracket. Thus, the drive mechanism is used to drive the electric actuator assembly to rotate relative to the base bracket attached to the motor vehicle. Although the drive mechanism is preferably motor-driven, other types of mechanisms for pivoting the actuator assembly to the base bracket are also possible, even manually operated ones.

[0007] The electric actuator assembly of this peripheral functional component also includes a cover assembly. The cover assembly is arranged adjacent to and surrounds the drive unit. Furthermore, the cover assembly is configured to support the functional element.

[0008] Within the meaning of this disclosure, a functional element means any element intended to perform a particular function, such as electrical equipment, for example, a mirror, a camera, a camcorder, a lamp, a flash signal light, radar, a LiDAR, etc.

[0009] Within the meaning of this disclosure, the arrangement of the cover assembly adjacent to the drive unit should be understood as the cover assembly being adjacent to at least a portion of the drive unit, that is, the elements are subsequently arranged close to or adjacent to each other. Therefore, the cover assembly is arranged adjacent to, near, or directly adjacent to the drive unit, for example, sharing a common boundary, wall, or demarcation. However, it should be understood that proximity does not necessarily involve direct contact between components.

[0010] According to the above construction, the cover assembly is configured to surround the drive unit, that is, to integrate the electric actuator assembly into the drive unit, and at the same time to support functional elements such as electrical equipment, such as mirrors, cameras, radar, LIDAR, etc.

[0011] The functional element can be arranged to be at least partially covered or supported on the cover assembly. The functional element can also be arranged to rest on the cover assembly. Other examples of integration of the functional element with the cover assembly are also conceivable.

[0012] The cover assembly may include at least a first cover and a second cover. At least one of the first cover or the second cover is used to receive a functional element supported thereon. At least one of the first cover or the second cover is more rigid than the other cover. Preferably, the cover used to support the functional element is more rigid than the other cover.

[0013] The cover assembly may have an extension at which functional elements are supported. The extension may be integrally formed with at least one of the first cover or the second cover, or it may be removably formed with at least one of the first cover or the second cover.

[0014] The extension can be configured to perform the function of a receiving element without enclosing the drive unit.

[0015] Preferably, the first cover is at least 30% longer than the second cover, and may even exceed 40%. However, it is possible for the first cover to be 10% to 20% longer than the second cover. In any case, the first cover may protrude laterally from the second cover away from the vehicle in the driving position, opposite to the direction of travel.

[0016] At least one of the first or second covers may be complementary in shape to at least a portion of the drive mechanism.

[0017] The base support is associated with the shaft. The shaft can be fixed to the base support or integrally formed with the base support. In some examples, the shaft can be divided into at least two segments, one of which can be integrally formed with the base support. The shaft can have a hollow end located distal to the base support. At least one of a first cover or a second cover can be externally surrounding the shaft or disposed internally within the shaft. When the shaft is externally surrounded, it can protrude beyond the first or second cover. At least one of the first or second covers can have a downward protrusion for externally surrounding the shaft or disposed internally within the shaft, arranged to overlap with the shaft. This downward protrusion allows the electric actuator to move along the shaft and acts as a guide during this movement. The length of the downward protrusion overlapping the shaft is greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, and most preferably greater than 5 mm.

[0018] The base support is attached to the shaft, and the first cover is connected to the second cover.

[0019] In the case where the shaft, as described above, comprises at least two sections, they can be attached to each other by screws. Other alternative attachment methods for attaching shaft sections are also possible, such as rivets, glue, welding, etc.

[0020] When the shaft comprises at least two sections, the assembly process can be advantageously automated, thereby avoiding the handling of a large number of parts during the final assembly of peripheral functional components or the vehicle. In use, one section of the shaft is arranged within a cover assembly along with the drive unit. Therefore, an actuator assembly having a cover assembly and a drive unit can be assembled together with one shaft section and coupled to a base support.

[0021] This peripheral functional component may also include a plug for covering the hollow end of the base support shaft or for covering a downward protrusion disposed inside the base support shaft. The plug serves to prevent dust and moisture from entering the component. The plug may be provided with fasteners for securing cables to the shaft, ensuring that cables passing through the center of the shaft are properly held in place.

[0022] A series of ramps are associated with or fixedly attached to the upper surface of the base support. There is no relative movement between the ramps and the base support, or between the shaft and the base support. The ramps may be attached to the upper surface of the base support or integrally formed in that upper surface. The ramps associated with the upper surface of the base support are arranged such that, in use, they interact with a series of ramps formed in the lower surface of the cover assembly and / or with additional ramps formed in the drive mechanism. The ramps allow the actuator to move along the shaft while rotating about the shaft.

[0023] Some aspects, implementation methods, or examples of this peripheral functional component are set forth in the following terms.

[0024] 1. A peripheral functional component for a motor vehicle, the peripheral functional component comprising: a base bracket fixedly attached to the motor vehicle; and an electric actuator assembly pivotally mounted to the base bracket, the electric actuator assembly including a drive mechanism and a cover assembly, the drive mechanism being pivotable to the base bracket; wherein the cover assembly is arranged adjacent to and surrounding the drive mechanism, and wherein the cover assembly is arranged externally around or received in the shaft associated with the base bracket.

[0025] 2. The component described in Clause 1, wherein the cover assembly has a protrusion arranged externally around or received in the axis associated with the base support.

[0026] 3. The component described in Clause 1 or 2, wherein the cover assembly includes at least a first cover and a second cover.

[0027] 4. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover component further supports a functional element.

[0028] 5. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover component has an extension for supporting the functional element.

[0029] 6. The component of any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the first cover is at least 30% longer than the second cover.

[0030] 7. The component of any one of Clauses 3 to 6, wherein at least one of the first cover or the second cover has a shape complementary to at least a portion of the drive device.

[0031] 8. The component of any one of clauses 2 to 7, wherein the component further comprises a plug for covering the hollow end of the base support shaft or for covering the protrusion disposed inside the base support shaft.

[0032] 9. The component described in Clause 8, wherein the plug has fasteners for securing a cable passing through the base support shaft.

[0033] 10. The component of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the base support shaft is divided into at least two sections.

[0034] 11. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the shaft and the base support are integrally formed.

[0035] 12. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the component includes a series of ramps formed in the upper surface of the base support, the series of ramps interacting in use with a series of ramps formed in the lower surface of the cover assembly.

[0036] 13. Component 100 of any one of Clauses 3 to 12, wherein at least one of the first cap or the second cap is harder than the other cap.

[0037] 14. Component 100 of any one of Clauses 2 to 13, wherein the protrusion overlaps with the shaft.

[0038] 15. The component 100 of Clause 14, wherein the length of the protrusion overlapping the shaft is greater than 2 mm.

[0039] Further aspects, implementation methods, or examples of this peripheral functional component are set forth in the following terms.

[0040] 1. A peripheral functional component for a motor vehicle, the peripheral functional component comprising: a base bracket fixedly attached to the motor vehicle; and an electric actuator assembly pivotally mounted to the base bracket, the electric actuator assembly including a drive mechanism and a cover assembly, the drive mechanism being pivotable to the base bracket; wherein the cover assembly is arranged adjacent to and surrounds the drive mechanism, and wherein the cover assembly further includes a plug for covering the hollow end of a shaft of the base bracket.

[0041] 2. The component described in Clause 1, wherein the plug has fasteners for securing cables passing through the base support.

[0042] 3. The component described in Clause 1 or 2, wherein the cover assembly includes at least a first cover and a second cover.

[0043] 4. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover component further supports a functional element.

[0044] 5. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover assembly has an extension, and the functional element is supported on the extension or integrally formed with the extension or removably formed with the extension.

[0045] 6. The component of any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the first cover is at least 30% longer than the second cover.

[0046] 7. The component of any one of Clauses 3 to 6, wherein at least one of the first cover or the second cover has a shape complementary to at least a portion of the drive device.

[0047] 8. The component of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the base support shaft is divided into at least two sections.

[0048] 9. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the shaft and the base support are integrally formed.

[0049] 10. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the component includes a series of ramps formed in the upper surface of the base support, the series of ramps interacting in use with a series of ramps formed in the lower surface of the cover assembly.

[0050] 11. Component 100 of any one of clauses 3 to 10, wherein the first cover has a higher stiffness than the second cover.

[0051] 12. Component 100 of any one of Clauses 2 to 10, wherein the fastener ensures that the cable passing through the center of the shaft is properly held in place.

[0052] Other aspects, implementation methods, or examples of this peripheral functional component are also set forth in the following terms.

[0053] 1. A peripheral functional component for a motor vehicle, the peripheral functional component comprising: a base bracket fixedly attached to the motor vehicle; and an electric actuator assembly pivotally mounted to the base bracket, the electric actuator assembly including a drive mechanism and a cover assembly, the drive mechanism being pivotable to the base bracket; wherein the cover assembly is arranged adjacent to and surrounds the drive mechanism, and wherein a shaft is associated with the base bracket, the shaft including at least two segments arranged to insert into each other.

[0054] 2. The component described in Clause 1, wherein the shaft and the base support are integrally formed.

[0055] 3. The component described in Clause 1 or 2, wherein the cover assembly includes at least a first cover and a second cover.

[0056] 4. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a functional element is supported on the cover assembly or integrally formed with the cover assembly or removably formed with the cover assembly.

[0057] 5. The component according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover component has an extension for supporting the functional element.

[0058] 6. The component of any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the first cover is at least 30% longer than the second cover.

[0059] 7. The component of any one of Clauses 3 to 6, wherein at least one of the first cover or the second cover has a shape complementary to at least a portion of the drive device.

[0060] 8. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover assembly has a protrusion arranged externally around or received in the axis associated with the base support.

[0061] 9. The component described in Clause 8, wherein the component further comprises a plug for covering the hollow end of the base support shaft or for covering the protrusion disposed inside the base support shaft.

[0062] 10. The component described in Clause 9, wherein the plug has fasteners for securing a cable passing through the base support shaft.

[0063] 11. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the component includes a series of ramps formed in the upper surface of the base support, the series of ramps interacting in use with a series of ramps formed in the lower surface of the cover assembly.

[0064] 12. The component (100) of any one of clauses 3 to 11, wherein at least one of the first cap or the second cap is harder than the other cap.

[0065] Further aspects, implementation methods, or examples of this peripheral functional component are set forth in the following terms.

[0066] 1. A peripheral functional component for a motor vehicle, the peripheral functional component comprising: a base bracket fixedly attached to the motor vehicle; and an electric actuator assembly pivotally mounted to the base bracket, the electric actuator assembly including a drive mechanism and a cover assembly, the drive mechanism being pivotable to the base bracket; wherein the cover assembly is arranged adjacent to and surrounds the drive mechanism, and wherein a shaft associated with the base bracket includes at least two segments, at least one of the segments being integrally formed with the base bracket.

[0067] 2. The component described in Clause 1, wherein the at least two segments are arranged to be inserted into each other.

[0068] 3. The component described in Clause 1 or 2, wherein the cover assembly includes at least a first cover and a second cover.

[0069] 4. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a functional element is supported on the cover assembly or integrally formed with the cover assembly or removably formed with the cover assembly.

[0070] 5. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover component has an extension for supporting the functional element.

[0071] 6. The component of any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the first cover is at least 30% longer than the second cover.

[0072] 7. The component of any one of Clauses 3 to 6, wherein at least one of the first cover or the second cover has a shape complementary to at least a portion of the drive device.

[0073] 8. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover assembly has a protrusion arranged externally around or received in the axis associated with the base support.

[0074] 9. The component described in Clause 8, wherein the component further comprises a plug for covering the hollow end of the base support shaft or for covering the protrusion disposed inside the base support shaft.

[0075] 10. The component described in Clause 9, wherein the plug has fasteners for securing a cable passing through the base support shaft.

[0076] 11. The component of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the component includes a series of ramps formed in the upper surface of the base support, the series of ramps interacting in use with a series of ramps formed in the lower surface of the cover assembly.

[0077] 12. The component (100) of any one of clauses 3 to 11, wherein at least one of the first cap or the second cap is harder than the other cap.

[0078] The aforementioned cover assembly achieves a small structural volume and a simple structure because it functions as a functional element integrator without any attachments. No additional frame components are needed to support the functional elements on the peripheral functional components. As a result, cost-effective assembly is achieved.

[0079] Other objects, advantages, and features of the examples of this peripheral functional component for motor vehicles will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon study of this specification, or may be learned through implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Specific examples of peripheral functional components for motor vehicles will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] In the attached diagram:

[0082] Figure 1This is an exploded perspective view of a first example of a peripheral functional component for a motor vehicle, wherein the shaft is formed in two segments;

[0083] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the housing support of the peripheral functional components shown;

[0084] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the electric actuator assembly of the peripheral functional components, wherein the first cover is not shown;

[0085] Figure 4 It is shown from the bottom. Figure 3 A perspective view of the second cover of the electric actuator assembly in the middle;

[0086] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a base support having a first example of an axis forming two sections;

[0087] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a base support having a second example of an axis forming a single segment;

[0088] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the peripheral functional component using the first example, wherein two segments of the shaft are attached by screws; and

[0089] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the peripheral functional component of the second instance. Detailed Implementation

[0090] The following will be based on the attached diagram. Figures 1 to 8 Example describing peripheral functional component 100.

[0091] The peripheral functional component 100 described herein includes a base bracket 110. The base bracket 110 is fixedly attached to a motor vehicle (not shown).

[0092] The peripheral functional component 100 also includes an electric actuator assembly 120, which is pivotally mounted to the base support 110 via a shaft 115 fixedly attached to it. The electric actuator assembly 120 includes a drive mechanism 130 for pivoting the actuator assembly 120 itself about the shaft 115 relative to the base support 110.

[0093] The drive unit 130 is enclosed within the cover assembly 140. The cover assembly 140 is arranged adjacent to the drive unit 130, that is, adjacent to at least one of the motor 135 or the transmission 136 of the drive unit 130.

[0094] Actuator assembly 120 can move along, as Figure 1 The axis z shown moves through ramps 118 and 119, which will be explained below in conjunction with the attached diagram. Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 Further description. This movement of the actuator assembly 120 along the axis z is controlled by the spring 138 and by... Figure 1 Locking washer 137 is shown for locking. Actuator assembly 120 can also rotate about the aforementioned axis 115, which will be further described below.

[0095] In addition to performing the functions of accommodating, receiving and enclosing the drive unit 130, including the motor 135 and the transmission 136, the cover assembly 140 is also configured to support the functional element 200.

[0096] Functional element 200 can be, for example, a mirror, electrical equipment such as a camera, a light, a flash signal light, radar, a LiDAR, etc., and can generally be any element used to perform a specific function. Therefore, cover assembly 140 integrates the electric actuator assembly 120 and functional element 200 therein. In the example shown, functional element 200 is supported on cover assembly 140.

[0097] As shown, the cover assembly 140 includes a first cover or upper cover (also referred to herein as housing support 150) and a second cover or lower cover 160. In this non-limiting example, the housing support 150 is used to receive the functional element 200 supported thereby. For this purpose, the housing support 150 is more rigid than the lower cover 160. Examples of ways to reinforce the housing support 150 could be providing reinforcing elements, such as ribs, spines, etc.; increasing the thickness of the housing support 150 relative to the lower cover; or selecting a more rigid material (e.g., a metal, such as aluminum, magnesium, or Zamak alloy) or a reinforced plastic material. A spring 138 is arranged to bias the lower cover 160 against the base support 110.

[0098] In the example shown, the housing support 150 of the cover assembly has an extension 155 integrally formed therewith. One free end of the extension 155 of the housing support 150 is adapted to support the functional element 200. The resulting configuration allows the housing support 150 to... Figure 1 As shown, in the driving position, the direction y protrudes from the lower cover 160 away from the vehicle, and this direction y is transverse to the direction of travel. Figure 1 The direction x is opposite. Therefore, the housing support 150 is at least 30% longer than the lower cover 160, as shown in the attached figure.

[0099] The housing support 150 is complementary in shape to the drive unit 130, for example, to at least one of the motor 135 or the transmission unit 136.

[0100] As described above, shaft 115 is associated with base support 110. Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 In the first example shown, shaft 115 is divided into a first shaft segment 115a and a second shaft segment 115b, wherein the first shaft segment 115a is the portion attached to the base bracket 110, and in this example is integral with the base bracket 110. Figure 6 and Figure 8 In the second example shown, shaft 115 has a single shaft segment, which is integrally formed with the base support 110.

[0101] The first shaft segment 115a is attached to the base support 110. The first shaft segment 115a is also attached to the second shaft segment 115b, which, in use, is inserted into a cavity 116b formed in the second shaft segment. The second shaft segment 115b has a recess 116a formed in its distal end. The recess 116a is for receiving a plug 170 therein, which will be described further below.

[0102] The base support 110 has a protrusion 156 arranged externally around the shaft 115 or internally to the shaft. In this example, the protrusion 156 is internally arranged in a recess 116a. This protrusion 156 facilitates the installation of the electric actuator assembly 120 according to... Figure 1 The electric actuator assembly is guided as the axis z shown moves axially along axis 115.

[0103] As described above, the plug 170 is configured to cover the cavity 116a formed in the hollow end 116 of the shaft 115, which is fixedly attached to the base bracket 110, in order to protect the assembly 100 from dust and moisture. The plug 170 can also be placed within the protrusion 156 when it is arranged inside the recess 116a of the shaft 115. The plug 170 is provided with a fastener 180 for securing the cable to the central portion of the shaft 115. This prevents the cable from being stretched or contracted during operation when the electric actuator assembly 120 pivots to the base bracket 110.

[0104] The base support 110 has an upper surface 117 on which a series of ramps 118 are formed. The ramps 118 are arranged such that during use they interact with the ramps formed in the figure. Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 A series of ramps 119 in the lower surface of the cover assembly 140 shown interact with other series of ramps formed in the drive unit 130.

[0105] In the first example, when the shaft 115 is divided into two segments 115a and 115b, the first shaft segment 115a is integrally formed with the base bracket 110, and the second shaft segment 115b is attached to the first shaft segment 115a by screws 112. The first shaft segment 115a is inserted into the second shaft segment 115b. This results in the shaft 115 being more rigid.

[0106] Top cap 190 and bottom cap 195 are configured to receive, for example, Figure 1 The peripheral functional component 100 shown.

[0107] Although this document discloses only a few specific embodiments and examples of this winglet assembly for use in motor vehicles, those skilled in the art will understand that other alternative examples and / or uses, as well as their obvious modifications and equivalents, are possible. This disclosure covers all possible combinations of the specific examples described.

[0108] The use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., to indicate different components does not imply any order and does not necessarily exclude other components. Reference numerals in connection with the drawings and enclosed in parentheses in the claims are merely intended to increase the comprehensibility of the claims and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0109] The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by specific examples, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A peripheral functional component (100) for a motor vehicle, the peripheral functional component (100) comprising: - Base bracket (110), said base bracket is fixedly attached to the motor vehicle; as well as - An electric actuator assembly (120), pivotally mounted to the base support (110), the electric actuator assembly (120) comprising: - A drive unit (130), which includes a motor (135) and a transmission (136) and is used for pivoting to the base support (110), and - Cover assembly (140); The top cap (190) and the bottom cap (195) are configured to receive the peripheral functional component (100) therein. The cover assembly (140) is arranged to surround the drive device (130) adjacent to it. The feature is that the cover assembly (140) is further configured to support a functional element (200), wherein the functional element is one or more of a mirror, a camera, a camera, a lamp, a flash signal light, radar, and LIDAR.

2. The component (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The cover assembly (140) includes at least a first cover (150) and a second cover (160).

3. The component (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The cover assembly (140) has an extension (155) at which the functional element (200) is supported.

4. The component (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The extension (155) is integrally formed with at least one of the first cover (150) or the second cover (160).

5. The component (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The extension (155) is formed in a removable manner with at least one of the first cover (150) or the second cover (160).

6. The component (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The first cover (150) is at least 30% longer than the second cover (150).

7. The component (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, At least one of the first cover (150) or the second cover (160) is complementary in shape to at least a portion of the drive device (130).

8. The component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The base support (110) includes a shaft (115) having at least one hollow end (116), and the cover assembly (140) has a downward protrusion (156) that surrounds the shaft (115) externally or is arranged inside the shaft.

9. The component (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The downward protrusion (156) is arranged to overlap with the shaft (115).

10. The component (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The component also includes a plug (170) for covering the hollow end (116) of the shaft (115) of the base support or for covering the downward protrusion (156) disposed inside the shaft (115) of the base support.

11. The component (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The plug (170) has fasteners (180) for securing a cable passing through the shaft (115) of the base bracket.

12. The component (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The shaft (115) of the base support is divided into at least two sections (115a, 115b).

13. The component (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The shaft (115) and the base support (110) are integrally formed.

14. The component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The component includes a series of ramps (118) formed in the upper surface (117) of the base support (110), which in use interact with a series of ramps (119) formed in the lower surface of the cover assembly (140).

15. The component (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, At least one of the first cap (150) or the second cap (160) is harder than the other cap.

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