Equipment component and use of a guide component for a wire in an equipment component

Abstract

The invention relates to an equipment component and to the use of a guide device for a wire in an equipment component, an equipment component (10) for a vehicle comprising a base part (11) and a deflection part (12) which is deflectable relative to the base part (11) about a deflection axis (a) between a first position and a second position, which deflection part forms a deflection hinge (13) with the base part (11), and which equipment component comprises at least one wire (26) between the base part and the deflection part (12), which wire has a first region (31) assigned to the base part and a second region (32) assigned to the deflection part. A guide device for a wire has a first part which is fixed to the deflection part and a second part which is fixed to the base part, the first part forming a first connection with the first region, the second part forming a second connection with the second region, the wire forming a wire reservoir between the first connection and the second connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to equipment components for vehicles. Such equipment components are, for example, armrests including deflectable and / or movable arm supports, or deflectable and / or movable covers of receiving compartments in a console. In such equipment components, it is often necessary to guide wires between the movable portion and the fixed base of the equipment component, for example, to provide energy to the movable portion or to enable data transmission. Background Technology

[0002] Such equipment components are known from DE 20 2013 007 807 U1 in the form of a receiving compartment including a cover. Here, the operating elements are connected to a communication mechanism fixed to the vehicle via cables. A cable loop is provided to compensate for movement of the cover relative to the center console.

[0003] DE 10 2020 111 742 A1 discloses a connection device for a vehicle. The connection device has a cable including a first end, the first end being electrically connected to at least one component of the vehicle. A second end of the cable is designed for electrical connection to a movable terminal instrument of a user of the vehicle. A portion of the cable existing between the first end region and the second end region is switchable between the first and second states. This is possible, for example, by winding the cable onto or unwinding it from a spool.

[0004] WO 2020 / 184274 A1 discloses an equipment component in the form of an armrest. The armrest has a frame and a fastening unit including a fastening surface disposed on the frame and capable of fastening to a seat retaining device. A cable harness on the armrest side, including a connector, is wired to the frame, and the connector is connectable to a cable harness on the seat side.

[0005] JP 6 917 320 B2 discloses an armrest including a deflectable arm support, wherein a cable is guided between the vehicle seat and the arm support. The cable includes an excessively long section that deforms when the arm support is deflected.

[0006] In the armrest conforming to JP 2019 188 994 A, a cable is guided between the vehicle seat and the deflectable arm support. The cable extends within a tubular deflection shaft.

[0007] In the aforementioned equipment components, which include a cable guide between a fixed base and a movable part, the cable is disadvantageous because it twists when the deflection component moves and in some devices there are exposed cable areas that can get caught or affect the function of the equipment components and must be costly covered for space constraints. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide an equipment component including a wire guide portion between a base of an equipment component and a deflection component, wherein the wire is subjected to only small deformations.

[0009] This task is solved by the equipment components of the present invention.

[0010] The equipment component is configured for use in a vehicle. In the context of this invention, the vehicle is a land, air, or water transport vehicle. The equipment component has a base and a deflecting member that is deflectable about a deflection axis relative to the base between a first position and a second position, the deflecting member forming a deflection hinge with the base.

[0011] At least one conductor is guided between the base and the deflection component. For example, the conductor is used for power supply or for data transmission. The conductor is, for example, a single-core or multi-core cable. The conductor has, for example, one or more sheathed metal or fiberglass cores.

[0012] The guiding device for the conductor has a first part fixed to the deflecting component and a second part fixed to the base. Relative motion in the form of deflection motion about the deflection axis a is possible between the first and second parts.

[0013] The first region of the conductor and the first portion form a first connection. The second region of the conductor and the second portion form a second connection. The conductor is substantially immovably fastened to the corresponding portions at the connections. Between the connections, the conductor forms a conductor reservoir in the sense of excess conductor. The length of the conductor in the conductor reservoir is constant. The conductor is wound, for example, at least partially spirally (coiled) in the region of excess conductor. The conductor can move between at least one position with a narrower winding portion and a position with a wider winding portion, wherein the number of winding coils changes. The radial gap then changes between the individual winding coils. The number of winding coils is, for example, at least one winding coil, preferably about three to six winding coils.

[0014] According to an alternative solution, the wires are stored in loops, for example, in a zigzag pattern, in areas of excessive wire quantity.

[0015] In the first position of the deflection component, the wire has, for example, a first number of winding coils in the wire reservoir, wherein a first distance is formed radially between the winding coils of the wire. In the second position of the deflection component, a larger wire length is required, for example. A second distance is formed between the wires. The wire reservoir has a second number of winding coils. Additionally, the required wire length, or an excessive wire length, is compensated by the wire reservoir, for example, by changing the number of turns in the helical winding portion.

[0016] The advantage of this invention is that the conductor deforms only slightly during the movement of the deflection component and thus does not undergo strong alternating deformation. In the helical winding section, for example, only the number of turns changes according to the deflection angle of the deflection component. The deformation based on the deflection of the deflection component is distributed, for example, over a large length of conductor in the conductor reservoir. The service life of the conductor is thus extended. Furthermore, the conductor reservoir can be implemented relatively small, thereby reducing the consumption for covering the conductor.

[0017] The wire reservoir is configured, for example, as a spiral winding portion. The winding portion is formed, for example, around a deflection axis that serves as the center.

[0018] The conductor is, for example, an electrical conductor, an optical fiber, or a compressed air line. Other conceivable conductors may also be used alternatively in this invention.

[0019] For example, the conductor is configured as a flat ribbon cable. Flat ribbon cables are well-suited for uniform winding and require less space. However, alternatively, round cables, for example, are also suitable for implementing the invention.

[0020] The guiding device, for example, forms a housing in which the wire reservoir is received. The area of ​​the wire reservoir containing the wires will then not unintentionally move out of its intended position and affect or damage the movement of the deflection component. The housing is configured such that the movement of the wire reservoir can occur based on changes in the wire requirements within the housing.

[0021] In particular, the first and second parts form the shell.

[0022] The housing, for example, has a cylindrical shape. The housing, for example, roughly corresponds to the shape of the wire reservoir and therefore requires less space. For example, the first and / or second portions are cup-shaped. The wire reservoir can then be easily received and secured in the cup-shaped portions.

[0023] For example, the areas on the armrest side and the base side extend from the housing through at least one opening. Preferably, each section has an opening, with a first section extending from the opening of one section and a second section extending from the opening of the other section. Connections between the conductor and the corresponding section can be provided, for example, in the areas of the openings. For example, the conductor extends from the housing axially, that is, parallel to the deflection axis. In an alternative embodiment, the conductor may also extend radially from the housing.

[0024] One of the components, namely the first or second part, is immovable relative to the vehicle body or a vehicle reference. The other part then moves relative to the fixed part when the deflection component moves. This simplifies the structure and reduces wear on the equipment components. Furthermore, the defined relative movement between the first and second parts better avoids noise due to the relative movement.

[0025] The second part, for example, can deflect relative to the first part around the deflection axis. Within the region of the deflection axis, the difference in cable length to be released or stored between the final positions of the deflection components is minimal. Furthermore, relative movement between the first and second parts can easily occur at this position by having one part connected to the deflection component and the other part connected to the base.

[0026] The equipment component is, for example, a deflectable cover for the receiving compartment of a vehicle's armrest or console.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to the application of a guide member for a conductor in an equipment component for a vehicle.

[0028] Reference is made to the prior art mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0029] The guide component has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion forming a first connection with a first region of the conductor, and the second portion forming a second connection with a second region of the conductor. A conductor reservoir is formed between the first and second connection portions. The conductor reservoir has a defined length segment of the conductor. An excess of conductor is formed in the conductor reservoir.

[0030] The application of the guiding component relates to equipment components for vehicles. The equipment component has a base and a deflecting component that is deflectable about a deflection axis relative to the base between a first position and a second position, the deflecting component forming a deflection hinge with the base. Furthermore, the equipment component has at least one conductor between the base and the deflecting component, the conductor having a first region configured for the base and a second region configured for the deflecting component.

[0031] The equipment component is a handrail including a deflectable arm support or a receiving compartment including a deflectable cover.

[0032] For details on the embodiments and advantages of the present invention, please refer to the first aspect of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0033] In the following description of the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the invention will also be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. For clarity—and whenever different embodiments are involved—the same or similar parts, elements, or areas are indicated by the same reference numerals, in part by lowercase letters.

[0034] The features described with reference to only one embodiment may also be provided in every other embodiment of the invention within the scope of the invention. Such modified embodiments—even if they are not shown in the drawings—are included together with the invention.

[0035] All disclosed features are essential to the present invention. Therefore, the disclosures of the apparatus described in the relevant priority documents (copies of earlier applications), as well as the referenced documents and prior art, are also included in this disclosure for the purpose of incorporating individual or multiple features of those documents into this application.

[0036] in:

[0037] Figure 1a A side view of an equipment component in the form of a handrail including a base and a deflection member is shown, wherein the deflection member is in a first position, which in this case is a generally horizontal position;

[0038] Figure 1b Showing according to Figure 1a A perspective view of the deflection component from the oblique front;

[0039] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1a A side view, wherein the base is not shown for clarity;

[0040] Figure 3 The diagram shows the arrangement including the guide device. Figure 2 A perspective view of the deflection component;

[0041] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 2 The side view shows the deflection component moving to the second position above;

[0042] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 A perspective view of the deflection component;

[0043] Figure 6 A side view of the guide component in the first position of the arm support is shown;

[0044] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 6 The view of the guide component with arrow A in the view;

[0045] Figure 8 Showing according to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the guide component of the intersection line BB in the diagram;

[0046] Figure 9a Showing according to Figure 6A perspective view of the guide component, wherein the deflection component is in a first position;

[0047] Figure 9b Showing according to Figure 9a A side view of the guide component, wherein the first part is not shown, thus revealing the wire reservoir;

[0048] Figure 10a Showing according to Figure 9a A perspective view of the guide component, wherein the deflection component is in the second position;

[0049] Figure 10b Showing according to Figure 9b A side view of the guide component, wherein the deflection component is in the second position;

[0050] Figure 11 Showing according to Figure 9b A perspective view of the guide components;

[0051] Figure 12 Showing according to Figure 10b A perspective view of the guide component, wherein the first and second regions are indicated only by dashed lines. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In Figure 1 and Figure 4 The diagram shows an equipment component 10 for a vehicle, the equipment component having a base 11 and a deflection member 12. In this embodiment, the equipment component 10 is a handrail including a base 11 fixed to the vehicle body, and the deflection member 12 is an arm support that can deflect relative to the base 11. The deflection member 12 and the base 11 form a deflection hinge 13 having a deflection axis a. The base 11 is configured here in the form of a retaining clip or a U-shape. The base 11 is formed from a sheet metal piece having a central region 35, wherein the end regions are angled forward approximately at right angles to the central region 35. A gap 34 is provided in the angled region 36.

[0053] The deflecting component 12 is deflectable relative to the base 11 about the deflection axis a between a first position and a second position. First position (see...) Figure 1a , 1b Positions 1, 2, and 3) are approximately horizontal, in which the central longitudinal axis of the deflection member 12 is positioned, for example, parallel to the x-axis or offset from the x-axis, for example, by up to 30°. The x-axis here corresponds to... Figure 1a and 1b The diagram shows a portion of the usual coordinate system with x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0054] In the second position (see Figure 4 and 5In this embodiment, the central longitudinal axis of the deflection member 12 is arranged, for example, substantially perpendicular to, i.e., parallel to, the z-axis, or at an angle of up to 30° to, the z-axis. Between the first and second positions, the deflection member 12 undergoes a deflection angle of approximately 90°. This deflection angle may deviate from this in other embodiments of the invention.

[0055] In this example, the deflector 12 has a longitudinally extending shape, wherein the longitudinal extension dimension is large with respect to width and height. The frame of the deflector 12 has side beams 19a and 19b and a crossbar 16 connecting the side beams 19a and 19b. The housing or liner of the deflector 12 is not shown in the figure.

[0056] The movement of the deflecting member 12 in the second position is limited by a crossbar 16 having opposing end regions 18a and 18b. End regions 18a and 18b move within a groove 17 formed in the base 11. The end region 27 of the groove 17 prevents movement of the deflecting member 12 in the direction u2 beyond the first position shown in FIG. 1 in the first position. Similarly, a stop (not shown) is present in the second position, preventing the deflecting member 12 from moving in the direction u1 beyond the second position.

[0057] The deflection component 12 has an end region 14 located near the base 11 and a free end region 15. To supply current to instruments on the deflection component, for example, or to transmit data between instruments mounted on the deflection component 12 and vehicle units, for example, a conductor (guide line) 26 is guided between the base 11 and the deflection component 12. The end region 14 is suitable as a transition for the conductor 26 from the base 11 to the deflection component 12, because the movement of the deflection component 12 is minimal here and the conductor 26 can be better protected against damage. Such a conductor 26 is formed, for example, from metal cable or fiber optic cable.

[0058] In existing devices, twisting and bending of the wires also occur in this area, which can lead to damage to the wires under sustained load. The present invention prevents such loads, as will become apparent from subsequent embodiments.

[0059] Equipment component 10 according to the invention has a guide device 20 for the conductor 26, which, as a structural assembly, more accurately... Figures 6 to 12 As shown in the figure. The guide device 20 in this example is coaxial with the deflection axis a. The guide device has a first part 21 fixed to the base and a second part 22 fixedly held on the deflection member 12. The second part 22 is deflectable relative to the first part 21.

[0060] In the first part 21, a gap 24 is formed coaxially with the central axis a, and in the second part 22, a gap 25 is also formed coaxially with the central axis a, through which a shaft element 29, which is fixedly connected to the deflection member 12, passes. (As in...) Figure 4 As can be seen, the shaft element 29 is supported in the gap 34 of the base 11.

[0061] According to the first region 31 of conductor 26 Figure 7 The first portion 21 is connected via connector 28, and the second region 32 of the conductor 26 is connected to the second portion 22 via connector 30. Connector 28 is located in the region of the axial opening 23 in the first portion 21, and connector 30 is located in the region of the axial opening 38 in the second portion 22. The first region 31 leads to the base 11, and the second region 32 leads to the deflection member 12. A conductor reservoir 33, in the form of an excess of the length of the conductor 26, is formed between the connector 28 of the first portion 21 and the first region 31, and the connector 30 of the second portion 22 and the second region 32. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 8 The length of the wire 26 in the wire reservoir 33 is constant.

[0062] exist Figure 8 As can be seen, part 22 is configured as a can-shaped shell, and part 21 is configured as a lid. An annular connecting piece 37 is used for centering part 21 on part 22. In this way, the wire reservoir 33 is protected against external influences, such as mechanical forces. Damage is prevented in this way. The wire 26 can also be positioned in this way without affecting the movement of the deflector 12 or other movable parts. Furthermore, the wire reservoir 33 is received by the shell parts 20 and 21 in this way, allowing the wire reservoir to accept different states.

[0063] In this embodiment, the wire 26 is wound substantially spirally into the wire reservoir 33. However, the wire reservoir can also be arranged differently according to an alternative embodiment. Importantly, the arrangement is such that, during the relative movement of the region 32 with respect to the region 31, only a slight deformation occurs in the region of the wire 26 within the wire reservoir 33. In particular, the deformation should be evenly distributed over the long region extending in the wire reservoir 33 along the longitudinal direction of the wire 26.

[0064] The wire reservoir 33 has a spiral winding portion (see...). Figure 9b In this embodiment, end region 31 is closer to the deflection axis a than end region 32. During the relative movement of the first portion 21 relative to the second portion 22, the first region 31 also moves relative to the second region 32 (compare). Figure 9b and 10b ).

[0065] Spiral winding is an alternative, for example, a zigzag arrangement of conductor 26 is also considered.

[0066] according to Figure 9a and 9b For example, the deflecting member 12 is in the first position. For example, the arm support of the armrest is in a roughly horizontal position. If the deflecting member 12 deflects in the direction u1, the second part 22 and the second region 32 move with the deflecting member 12 in the direction u1, while the first region 31 and the first part 21 are immovable relative to the base 11. Figure 9b The 2.25 turns of conductor 26 are located in conductor reservoir 33. A radial gap S1 is formed between the turns.

[0067] exist Figure 10a and 10b In the diagram, the guide device 20 is shown in the second position of the deflecting member 12. During the movement of the deflecting member 12 along direction u1 to the second position, the region 32 moves from... Figure 8 The position rotates approximately 90° along direction u1. According to... Figure 10b The conductor is wound with 2.5 turns, wherein the radial gap between the turns is reduced from S1 to gap S2.

[0068] The conductor 26 undergoes only minor deformation and is not twisted or bent in each length section. Movement of the conductor occurs only within the guide device 20 and only in the region where the conductor 26 is spirally wound around the center a, while the region of the conductor outside the guide device 20 undergoes little or no deformation during the movement of the deflector 12. This significantly extends the service life of the conductor.

[0069] The larger the wire reservoir 33, that is, the longer the wire 26 in the wire reservoir 33, the smaller the deformation of each length segment of the wire 26 when the deflection component 12 moves.

[0070] During the opposite deflection process of the deflection component 12 from the second position to the first position along direction u2, the first part 21 and the second part 22 move to the position according to... Figure 9a and 9b In the relative positions, the wire reservoir 33 adopts the position shown, in which a gap S1 appears between the wire winding coils.

[0071] It should be noted that the gap S in this embodiment should only indicate different winding states, and does not necessarily mean that the gap is constant throughout the entire winding section.

Claims

1. An equipment component (10) for a vehicle, the equipment component comprising a base (11) and a deflecting member (12) deflectable about a deflection axis (a) relative to the base (11) between a first position and a second position, the deflecting member forming a deflection hinge (13) with the base (11), and the equipment component comprising at least one conductor (26) between the base (11) and the deflecting member (12), the conductor having a first region (31) disposed to the base (11) and a second region (32) disposed to the deflecting member (12), characterized in that, The guide device (20) for the conductor (26) has a first part (21) fixed to the deflection member and a second part (22) fixed to the base. The first part forms a first connection with a first region (31), and the second part forms a second connection with a second region (32). The conductor (26) forms a conductor reservoir (33) between the first connection and the second connection.

2. The equipment component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wire reservoir (33) is configured as a spiral winding section.

3. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The conductor reservoir (33) is configured as a zigzag arrangement of conductors (26).

4. The equipment component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The winding portion is formed around the deflection axis (a).

5. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The change in the relative position of the first connecting part (28) and the second connecting part (30) when the deflecting component (12) is deflected is accompanied by a change in the number of turns of the wire.

6. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The conductor (26) is an electrical conductor, an optical conductor, or a compressed air line.

7. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The conductor (26) is configured as a flat cable.

8. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide device (20) forms a housing, and the wire reservoir (33) is received in the housing.

9. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first part (21) and / or the second part (22) are bowl-shaped.

10. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Part 1 (21) is not movable relative to the body or vehicle reference.

11. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second part (22) is able to deflect about the deflection axis (a) relative to the first part (21).

12. The equipment component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The equipment component (10) is a deflectable cover for the receiving compartment of the armrest or console.

13. Application of a guide device (20) having a wire (26) of an equipment component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the guide device having a first portion (21) and a second portion (22), the first portion forming a first connection (28) with a first region (31) of the wire (26), and the second portion forming a second connection (30) with a second region (32) of the wire (26), wherein, A wire (26) forms a wire reservoir (33) in an equipment component (10) for a vehicle between a first connection and a second connection. The equipment component includes a base (11) and a deflection member (12) that is deflectable relative to the base (11) between a first position and a second position about a deflection axis (a). The deflection member forms a deflection hinge (13) with the base (11). The wire (26) is guided between the base (11) and the deflection member (12). A first region (31) of the wire (26) is disposed to the base (11), and a second region (32) is disposed to the deflection member (12). The equipment component (10) is a handrail including a deflectable arm support or a receiving grid layer including a deflectable cover.

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