Side opening device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a side opening device for a vehicle, which is arranged on a functional component in the vehicle and comprises a base adapted to be attached to the functional component, a cover attached to the base, and a locking assembly attached to the cover and capable of being switched between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the locking assembly is in a locked state with the base, in the second position, the locking assembly is in an unlocked state with the base, in response to the unlocked state of the locking assembly, the cover is pivoted relative to the base to be in an open state, wherein the locking assembly is configured to move through a preset additional stroke from the first position to the second position. The side opening device of the present disclosure can prevent the locking assembly from scratching the base during the opening and closing of the cover by providing the additional stroke of the locking assembly moving between the first position and the second position, and reduce the force of the opening and closing of the cover, provide good appearance quality while ensuring stability during use, and improve the use comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of accessories technology for vehicles, and more specifically to a side-opening device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] As consumers' demands for functionality and comfort in transportation continue to rise, there is a need to provide separate spaces for storing personal belongings, as an extension of the vehicle's interior space, to meet consumers' requirements and needs for personal space. For example... Figure 1 In the schematically illustrated vehicle V, an armrest assembly AS is typically located on the secondary dashboard between the driver's and passenger's sides. This provides elbow support for occupants and also offers storage space for personal belongings. To facilitate easy access for passengers on the driver's, passenger's, and rear seats, the side-opening functionality of the armrest assembly is increasingly required.

[0003] For armrest components AS with side-opening function, the desired outcome is a stable and reliable locking and unlocking mechanism. However, existing armrest components have many parts and a complex structure, resulting in poor reliability and high cost. Furthermore, they may interfere with adjacent interior components during use. For example, the locking component may rub against adjacent components, increasing the locking or unlocking force and reducing the appearance quality, thus affecting the comfort of the driver and passengers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a side-opening device to solve the problems in the prior art. This side-opening device has a simple structure, reliable operation, is easy to operate, and is inexpensive.

[0005] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a side-opening device for a vehicle, the side-opening device being disposed on a functional component within the vehicle and comprising: a base adapted to be attached to the functional component; a cover attached to the base; and a locking assembly attached to the cover and switchable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the locking assembly is locked to the base, and in the second position the locking assembly is unlocked to the base, and in response to the unlocked state of the locking assembly, the cover pivots relative to the base to be in an open state, wherein the locking assembly is configured to move from the first position through a predetermined additional stroke to reach the second position.

[0006] Based on the above-described technical concept, this disclosure may further include any one or more of the following alternative forms.

[0007] In some alternative forms, the locking assembly includes a drive plate and a latch assembly attached to the drive plate, wherein movement of the drive plate in a first direction causes the latch assembly to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; wherein the locking assembly further includes a locking lever configured to be in an overlapping state with the drive plate in the first position, and to drive the drive plate through the additional stroke after the drive plate moves in the first direction to disengage from the locking lever until the latch assembly reaches the second position.

[0008] In some alternative forms, the locking rod is attached to a spring, and when the drive plate moves to a state where it is disengaged from the locking rod, the locking rod rotates about the first direction or the second direction under the action of an elastic force.

[0009] In some alternative configurations, the drive plate is provided with a booster ramp, and the locking rod rotates about the first direction or the second direction while moving against the booster ramp to push the drive plate to continue moving along the first direction through the additional stroke.

[0010] In some alternative forms, the latch assembly includes an active latch attached to the drive plate and a passive latch attached to the active latch via a turntable, wherein movement of the active latch in the second direction drives the passive latch to move toward or away from the active latch.

[0011] In some alternative forms, the active latch or the drive plate is provided with a groove and is attached to each other through the groove, such that movement of the drive plate in the first direction causes the active latch to move in the second direction.

[0012] In some alternative configurations, the drive plate is attached to a spring, which allows the drive plate to move to an initial position under the action of an elastic force.

[0013] In some alternative versions, the latch assembly is attached to a spring, which allows the latch assembly to move to an initial position under the action of an elastic force.

[0014] In some alternative forms, the cover defines a cavity for receiving the locking assembly, and the side-opening device further includes a button disposed outside the cover, wherein the locking assembly switches from the first position to the second position in response to an external force applied to the button.

[0015] In some alternative forms, the locking assembly includes a first locking assembly attached to one side of the cover and a second locking assembly attached to the opposite side of the cover. In response to the unlocked state of the first locking assembly, the cover pivots relative to the base about a second axis on the side where the second locking assembly is located. In response to the unlocked state of the second locking assembly, the cover pivots relative to the base about a first axis on the side where the first locking assembly is located.

[0016] The side-opening device disclosed herein provides an additional stroke for the locking assembly to move between a first position and a second position. This additional stroke further drives the locking assembly to move in the unlocking direction during the opening and closing of the cover. This results in an increased gap or distance between the locking assembly and the base during the transition from the locked to the unlocked state, preventing scratching between the locking assembly and the base, reducing the force required to open and close the cover, providing a good appearance while ensuring stability during use and improving user comfort. The side-opening device disclosed herein is compact, simple, reliable, and inexpensive, applicable to various situations and meeting diverse user needs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood through the following detailed description of alternative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar parts, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle interior, showing the armrest assembly arranged on the secondary dashboard between the driver's and passenger's sides;

[0019] Figure 2A This is an external schematic diagram of a side-opening device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the cover of the side-opening device opening from the first side. Figure 2C yes Figure 2A An external schematic diagram of the other side of the side-opening device. Figure 2D yes Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the cover of the side-opening device opening from the second side;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking assembly of the side-opening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a locked state with the base.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of the locking assembly is shown, along with the base.

[0022] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the locking component in the locked state. Figure 5B yes Figure 5AAn enlarged schematic diagram of section E1;

[0023] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of the first locking component of the locking assembly in the unlocked state. Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first locking component switching from the locked state to the unlocked state. Figure 6C yes Figure 6B An enlarged schematic diagram of section E3 in the middle. Figure 6D-1 yes Figure 6A The cross-sectional view along the middle AA shows the first locking lever in the locked state. Figure 6D-2 yes Figure 6A The cross-sectional view along the middle AA shows the first locking lever in the unlocked state. Figure 6E-1 yes Figure 6A The cross-sectional view along the middle BB shows the first locking lever and the first drive plate in the locked state. Figure 6E-2 yes Figure 6A The cross-sectional view along the middle BB shows the first locking lever and the first drive plate in the unlocked state. Figure 6F-1 yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional view along the CC axis is shown, illustrating the first active locking bolt in the locked state. Figure 6F-2 yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional view along the CC axis is shown, illustrating the first active locking bolt in the unlocked state. Figure 6G yes Figure 6A An enlarged schematic diagram of section E2;

[0024] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram showing the second locking component of the locking assembly in the unlocked state. Figure 7B-1 yes Figure 7A A cross-sectional view along the middle DD is shown, along with the second locking lever in the locked state. Figure 7B-2 yes Figure 7A A cross-sectional view along the middle DD is shown, along with the second locking lever in the unlocked state. Figure 7C-1 yes Figure 7A The cross-sectional view along EE shows the second locking lever and the second drive plate in the locked state. Figure 7C-2 yes Figure 7A The cross-sectional view along EE shows the second locking lever and the second drive plate in the unlocked state. Figure 7D-1 yes Figure 7A A cross-sectional view along the FF line is shown, illustrating the second active locking bolt in the locked state. Figure 7D-2 is... Figure 7A A cross-sectional view along the middle FF is shown, illustrating the second active locking bolt in the unlocked state. Figure 7E yes Figure 7A An enlarged schematic diagram of section E4 in the middle;

[0025] Figure 8AThis is a schematic diagram of the locking assembly of a side-opening device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8B yes Figure 8A An enlarged schematic diagram of section E5. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The descriptions of the structural positions of various components, such as up, down, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but relative. These directional descriptions are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but they change accordingly when the positions of the various components in the figures change.

[0027] In this document, expressions such as “including” or similar expressions such as “having” are open-ended and do not exclude additional unlisted elements, steps or components.

[0028] In this document, the terms “first,” “second,” and similar expressions are not used to specify the order of events or the number of components, unless otherwise stated.

[0029] In this document, unless otherwise explicitly specified, terms such as "connection" and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this document according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] It should be understood that although the embodiments of the side-opening device of this disclosure described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are described in relation to vehicles, the term "vehicle" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, vehicles, ships, aircraft, etc., wherein "vehicle" includes fuel vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, etc., and can be of various models, and is not limited to the illustrations.

[0031] It is recognized that the reliability of existing side-opening armrest assemblies used in vehicles is poor, and there are instances of interference with adjacent interior components during use. For example, when opening and closing the armrest assembly cover, the locking tongue, which performs the locking function, frequently scrapes against the armrest base, resulting in an unsightly appearance. Furthermore, a significant force is required to open and close the cover, affecting the comfort of the driver and passengers. Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a side-opening device that prevents the cover from scraping against the base during opening and closing, thereby reducing the operational force required to open and close the cover, improving operational comfort, and enhancing the aesthetic quality. It should be understood that the side-opening device described below is exemplarily described in the form of a double-sided opening mechanism. Side-opening devices based on the concept of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, applications in single-sided and double-sided opening scenarios.

[0032] Furthermore, due to poor reliability, existing dual-sided opening armrest assemblies may even result in the cover opening simultaneously on both sides. As an addendum, this disclosure also proposes a side-opening device with dual-sided opening function, which restricts the unlocking of the locking structure on the other side when the locking structure on one side is unlocked, thereby preventing the cover from falling off.

[0033] According to the concept of this disclosure, a side-opening device for a vehicle is provided, the side-opening device being arranged on a functional component within the vehicle. When the side-opening device is applied to a vehicle, the functional component includes, but is not limited to, a handrail between the driver's and passenger's sides, a vehicle interior storage box, or other suitable interior components.

[0034] Combination Figures 2A to 2D This illustration shows a side-opening device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The side-opening device mainly includes a base 10 and a cover 50. The base 10 can be attached to a functional component by means of, for example, fasteners or snap-fits, and may be provided with an opening 11 to provide access to a storage space, for example, in a storage context. The cover 50 can be attached to the base 10 and can be opened or closed relative to the base 10; that is, when the cover 50 is open, the storage space is exposed, and when the cover 50 is closed, the storage space is sealed. It should be understood that the cover 50 and base 10 shown in the exemplary illustration are generally rectangular structures with quadrilaterals; however, other suitable shapes, such as circles or other polygons, are feasible depending on the application environment.

[0035] The side-opening device also includes a locking assembly attached to the cover 50 and switchable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking assembly is locked to the base 10, and in the second position, the locking assembly is unlocked from the base 10. In response to the unlocked state of the locking assembly, the cover 50 can pivot relative to the base 10 to be in an open state. In some embodiments, the cover 50 may include an upper cover 51 and a lower cover 52 to define a cavity for accommodating the locking assembly. The upper cover 51 and the lower cover 52 are detachably connected to each other, so that the locking assembly is not visible to the operator from the outside of the cover, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing overall design. A button may be provided on the outside of the cover 50, and in response to an external force applied to the button, the locking assembly switches from the first position to the second position.

[0036] Figures 2A to 2D The side-opening device shown is in Figure 2A When the button is positioned as shown, for example, facing the driver's side inside the vehicle, applying external force to the button will cause the cover 50 to rotate upwards relative to the base 10 around the other side (passenger's side) and open to the desired position. Figure 2B The state shown. Similarly, in Figure 2C When the button is positioned as shown, for example, facing the passenger side inside the vehicle, applying external force to the button will cause the cover 50 to rotate upwards relative to the base 10 around the other side (driver's side) and open to the desired position. Figure 2D The state shown.

[0037] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A locking assembly according to one embodiment is shown, the locking assembly including a first locking assembly 20 attached to one side (first side) of the cover and a second locking assembly 30 attached to the opposite side (second side) of the cover. As described above, in response to the unlocked state of the first locking assembly 20, the cover pivots relative to the base 10 about a second pivot S2 on the side where the second locking assembly 30 is located, and in response to the unlocked state of the second locking assembly 30, the cover pivots relative to the base 10 about a first pivot S1 on the side where the first locking assembly 20 is located.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the structures of the first locking assembly 20 and the second locking assembly 30 are generally symmetrical. Specifically, the first locking assembly 20 includes a first drive plate 23 and a first latch assembly attached to the first drive plate 23, and the second locking assembly 30 includes a second drive plate 33 and a second latch assembly attached to the second drive plate 33. In response to an external force applied to the first button 21 or the second button 31, the movement of the first drive plate 23 or the second drive plate 33 along the first direction D1 causes the first latch assembly or the second latch assembly to move along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, thereby enabling the first latch assembly or the second latch assembly to disengage from the keyhole on the base 10 and achieve unlocking. Figure 4An exemplary illustration shows a first keyhole 13 and a second keyhole 14 located near the first button 21 and the second button 31. When the side-opening device is applied to the armrest between the driver's side and the passenger side of the vehicle, the first direction D1 can be the vehicle width direction, and the second direction D2 can be the vehicle length direction. It should be understood that when the side-opening device is applied to other interior components, the extending directions of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be changed accordingly.

[0039] In some embodiments, the drive plate is attached with a spring. Specifically, as shown in the figure, both the first drive plate 23 and the second drive plate 33 can be provided with springs. Under the action of elastic force, the first drive plate 23 and the second drive plate 33 can move to the initial position. That is, when the external force applied to the first button 21 or the second button 31 is removed, the first drive plate 23 or the second drive plate 33 can move to the position where the first latch assembly or the second latch assembly is in the locked state.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first locking tongue assembly may include a first active locking tongue 24 attached to the first drive plate 23, and a first driven locking tongue 26 attached to the first active locking tongue 24 via the first turntable 25. Movement of the first active locking tongue 24 along the second direction D2 can drive the first driven locking tongue 26 to move towards or away from the first active locking tongue 24. A connecting rod 12 may be provided on the base 10. In the locked state, the first driven locking tongue 26 can pass through the connecting rod 12 and lock into a keyhole on the base 10 to achieve locking. A spring may be attached to the connecting rod 12 to allow the cover to rotate about a corresponding axis in the unlocked state. An exemplary spring 27 corresponding to the first axis S1 is shown in the figure. Similarly, the second latch assembly may include a second active latch 34 attached to the second drive plate 33, and a second passive latch 36 attached to the second active latch 34 via the second turntable 35, wherein the movement of the second active latch 34 along the second direction D2 drives the second passive latch 36 to move toward or away from the second active latch 34, and the second passive latch 36 can pass through the link 12 and lock into the lock hole on the base 10 to achieve locking. In some embodiments, the latch assembly may also be attached with a spring. Specifically, both the first active latch 24 and the second active latch 34 may be provided with springs. Under the action of elastic force, the first active latch 24 and the second active latch 34 can move to the initial position, thereby driving the first driven latch 26 and the second driven latch 36 to move to the initial position. That is, when the external force applied to the first button 21 or the second button 31 is removed, the first active latch 24 and the first driven latch 26 or the second active latch 34 and the second driven latch 36 move to the position where the first latch assembly or the second latch assembly is in the locked state.

[0041] Advantageously, in the side-opening device of this disclosure, the locking assembly is configured to move from a first position through a preset additional stroke to a second position. Specifically, during the additional stroke, in addition to the external force applied to the button, a locking lever is provided to simultaneously drive the drive plate to move in the unlocking direction. In this way, during the switching process of the bolt assembly from the locked state to the unlocked state, the locking lever in the additional stroke assists in unlocking, increasing the gap or distance between the bolt and the base and connecting rod, effectively preventing the bolt from scratching the base and connecting rod.

[0042] In some embodiments, the locking assembly further includes a locking rod, which is configured to overlap with the drive plate in a first position. After the drive plate moves in a first direction to disengage from the locking rod, it drives the drive plate to move through an additional stroke until the latch assembly reaches a second position. Taking the first locking assembly 20 as an example, the first locking rod 22 and the first drive plate 23 are overlapped in the first position. Here, "overlapping" means that the first locking rod 22 and the first drive plate 23 abut against each other, and the first drive plate 23 restricts the movement of the first locking rod 22. The amount of overlap between the first locking rod 22 and the first drive plate 23 can be set according to different actual needs and is not limited here.

[0043] Advantageously, the locking lever is attached to a spring. Again, taking the first locking assembly 20 as an example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the first locking rod 22 is attached to a spring. When the first drive plate 23 moves to the point where it is disengaged from the first locking rod 22, the first locking rod 22 can rotate around the first direction D1 under the action of the elastic force. Furthermore, the rotation of the first locking rod 22 applies a force to the first drive plate 23, causing the first drive plate 23 to move through an additional stroke.

[0044] In some embodiments, the drive plate may be provided with a boosting ramp, and the locking rod rotates about a first direction while moving against the boosting ramp to push the drive plate to continue moving along the first direction for an additional stroke. In this way, by combining the spring and the ramp, the gap or distance between the latch and the base and the connecting rod can be effectively increased in a compact spatial layout through the cooperation of the locking rod and the drive plate, which will be further described below in conjunction with the operation process.

[0045] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the side-opening device of this disclosure is provided with a protective member 40, which is arranged between the first locking assembly 20 and the second locking assembly 30 and configured to restrict the other of the first locking assembly 20 and the second locking assembly 30 from being in an unlocked state when one of the first locking assembly 20 and the second locking assembly 30 is in an unlocked state.

[0046] Depending on the specific needs, the protective element 40 can be configured to move by being driven by the first drive plate 23 and / or the second drive plate 33. The protective element 40 can be fixed to the lower cover 52, and advantageously, the protective element 40 is attached with a spring, which allows it to move to its initial position under the action of an elastic force. The operation will be further described below in conjunction with this description.

[0047] Figure 5A A schematic diagram of the locking components in the locked state is shown. At this time, both the first and second locking components are in the first locked position, causing the cover to lock onto the base and remain closed. Furthermore, the protective member 40 is not driven by the first drive plate 23 or the second drive plate 33, as... Figure 5B As shown.

[0048] Figure 6A A schematic diagram of the first locking component of the locking assembly in the unlocked state is shown. Figure 6B A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first locking component switching from a locked state to an unlocked state is shown.

[0049] Specifically, in combination Figure 6B As shown, when the first button 21 is pressed to drive the first drive plate 23, the first drive plate 23 moves to the upper right corner along the first direction D1 in the direction of the arrow, thereby driving the first active locking tongue 24 to move to the lower right corner along the second direction D2 in the direction of the arrow. This can be achieved through the inclined groove provided on the first active locking tongue 24 or the first drive plate 23. Combined with... Figure 6C A groove 242 can be provided on the first active locking tongue 24 to attach the first active locking tongue 24 and the first drive plate 23 to each other. For example, the first drive plate 23 may have a joint (not marked) embedded in the groove 242, so that the movement of the first drive plate 23 along the first direction D1 causes the first active locking tongue 24 to move along the second direction D2. As an example, the groove 242 is inclined, for example, at 45 degrees relative to the main body of the first active locking tongue 24 or the first drive plate 23 to achieve a vertical change in the movement direction of the associated component.

[0050] Since the first active locking bolt 24 and the first driven locking bolt 26 are connected via the first turntable 25, when the first active locking bolt 24 moves along the second direction D2, it will cause the first turntable 25 to rotate clockwise, for example, in the direction of the arrow. This, in turn, will cause the first driven locking bolt 26 to move towards the first active locking bolt 24 along the second direction D2. Figure 6BThe indicated direction is to move to the upper left corner in the direction of the arrow. Conversely, when the external force applied to the first button 21 is removed, the first active locking tongue 24 can move to the initial position under the action of elastic force, thereby driving the first driven locking tongue 26 to move in opposite directions to the initial position. The first turntable 25 can be fixed to the lower cover 52. This design further realizes stable and reliable movement of related components in a compact spatial layout with a simple structure and fewer parts.

[0051] During the movement of the first drive plate 23, the first locking rod 22 and the first drive plate 23 have a certain overlap in the direction of movement of the first drive plate 23, combined with Figures 6D-1 to 6F-2 As shown, in the first position P1, the first locking rod 22 and the first drive plate 23 are in an overlapping state. The first drive plate 23 restricts the movement of the first locking rod 22, and the first locking rod 22 can abut against the base 10 through the first contact surface 221. Figure 6D-1 As shown, the first end face 241 of the first active locking tongue 24 is inserted into the first locking hole 13 of the base 10, thereby fixing the first active locking tongue 24 to the base 10, as shown. Figure 6F-1 As shown, the first driven latch 26 is also fixed to the base 10. Once the first drive plate 23 is in place... Figure 6E-1 As shown, the device moves in the direction of the arrow until it disengages from the first locking lever 22. The first locking lever 22 will then rotate around the first direction D1. For example... Figure 6B The example shows a counterclockwise rotation about the first direction D1. At this time, as... Figure 6E-1 and Figure 6E-2 As shown, under the elastic force of the spring in the first locking rod 22, the part of the first locking rod 22 that abuts against the first drive plate 23 will continue to push the first drive plate 23 along the first direction through an additional stroke during its upward movement by moving against the assisting inclined surface 233 of the first drive plate 23, until the first locking surface 222 on the first locking rod 22 and the first stop surface 231 on the first drive plate 23 are completely fitted and fixed and reach the second position P2, thereby realizing the function of assisting the first drive plate 23 to continue moving an additional stroke and stopping the first drive plate 23. This assisting action can drive the first active locking tongue 24 to continue moving away from the base 10 until the first end face 241 is completely separated from the base 10 and reaches the second position P2, and there is a certain distance between it and the base 10 at this position, such as Figure 6F-2As shown, simultaneously, driven by the first turntable 25, the first driven latch 26 and the first active latch 24 move towards each other, causing the first driven latch 26 to completely disengage from the connecting rod 12 and maintain a certain distance. This disengages the first locking assembly from the base 10 and moves it a certain distance away, allowing the cover 50 to open from the first side where the first locking assembly is located. Due to the additional stroke, within this additional stroke, the elastic force of the spring in the first locking rod 22, aided by the booster ramp 233, helps the first drive plate 23 move in the unlocking direction, increasing the gap or distance between the latch and the base and connecting rod. This effectively avoids problems such as friction and scratching between the latch and the base and connecting rod when the unlocking force is insufficient or the unlocking stroke applied to the first drive plate 23 is insufficient, improving the appearance quality. Correspondingly, the force required to open and close the cover is significantly reduced, improving user comfort. It should be understood that the design of the booster ramp and the distance of the additional stroke it achieves can be set according to different actual needs, and is related to the elastic force of the locking rod spring. Those skilled in the art can change or adjust it as needed, and no limitation is made here.

[0052] Figure 6G The state of the protective member 40 when the first locking assembly is in the unlocked state is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective member 40 is configured to be driven to rotate when the first drive plate 23 moves, and is provided with a first driven surface 411 that abuts against the first drive plate 23, and the first drive plate 23 is correspondingly provided with a first drive surface 232. Under the elastic force of the spring in the protective member 40, the first driven surface 411 always adheres to the first drive surface 232 on the first drive plate 23. The protective member 40 is also provided with a first limiting surface 412 adapted to abut against the second drive plate 33 to limit the movement of the second drive plate 33 along the first direction D1 after rotation. When the first drive plate 23 is driven by force, the protective member 40 rotates to a second position, so that the first limiting surface 412 faces the direction of the second drive plate 33, for example, facing the second drive surface 332 provided on the second drive plate 33, thereby limiting the movement of the second drive plate 33, and thus achieving the effect of preventing the cover 50 from opening from the second side where the second locking assembly is located.

[0053] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram showing the second locking component of the locking assembly in the unlocked state. Similarly, combined with... Figures 7B-1 to 7D-2 In the first position, the second locking component is in a locked state, and the second front end face 341 of the second active locking tongue 34 is inserted into the base 10, as shown. Figure 7D-1As shown, this fixes the second active locking tongue 34 to the base 10, and simultaneously fixes the second passive locking tongue 36 to the base 10. When the second button 31 is pressed to drive the second drive plate 33, the second drive plate 33 moves along the first direction D1, thereby driving the second active locking tongue 34 to move along the second direction D2. The movement of the second active locking tongue 34 along the second direction D2 will drive the second turntable 35 to rotate, thereby driving the second passive locking tongue 36 to move towards the second active locking tongue 34 along the second direction D2.

[0054] In the first position P1, the second locking rod 32 and the second drive plate 33 are in an overlapping state. The second drive plate 33 restricts the movement of the second locking rod 32, and the second locking rod 32 can abut against the base 10 through the second contact surface 321. Figure 7B-1 As shown. During the movement of the second drive plate 33, when the second drive plate 33 disengages from the second locking rod 32 in the direction of movement of the second drive plate 33, the second locking rod 32 will rotate under the action of the spring. At this time, as... Figure 7C-1 and Figure 7C-2 As shown, under the elastic force of the spring in the second locking rod 32, the part of the second locking rod 32 that abuts against the second drive plate 33 will continue to push the second drive plate 33 to move an additional stroke in the first direction during the upward movement by moving the assisting inclined surface 334 of the second drive plate 33, until the second locking surface 322 on the second locking rod 32 and the second stop surface 331 on the second drive plate 33 are completely fitted and fixed and reach the second position P2, thereby realizing the function of assisting the second drive plate 33 to continue moving an additional stroke and stopping the second drive plate 33. In this way, the second active locking tongue 34 will continue to move away from the base 10 until the second front end surface 341 is completely separated from the base 10 and reaches the second position P2, and there is a certain distance between it and the base 10 at this position. Figure 7D-2 As shown, simultaneously, driven by the second turntable 35, the second driven locking tongue 36 can also move to completely disengage from the connecting rod 12 and remain at a certain distance, thereby disengaging the second locking assembly from the base 10 and the connecting rod 12 and moving it away from the base 10 and moving it away from the connecting rod 12, allowing the cover 50 to be opened from the second side where the second locking assembly is located.

[0055] Figure 7EThe state of the protective member 40 when the second locking assembly is in the unlocked state is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective member 40 is configured to restrict rotation when the second drive plate 33 moves, and is provided with a second limiting surface 413 adapted to abut against the second drive plate 33. The second drive plate 33 is correspondingly provided with a third limiting surface 333. When the second drive plate 33 moves under the drive of the second button 31, the third limiting surface 333 of the second drive plate 33 and the second limiting surface 413 of the protective member 40 overlap in the moving direction of the second drive plate 33, thereby restricting the rotation of the protective member 40. Furthermore, the movement of the first drive plate 23 is restricted by the contact between the first driven surface 411 of the protective member 40 and the first drive surface 232 on the first drive plate 23, thereby achieving the effect of restricting the cover 50 from opening from the first side where the first locking assembly is located.

[0056] By providing the protective member 40, when the cover 50 is unlocked from the first side where the first locking assembly is located, the first limiting surface 412 restricts the movement of the second drive plate 33, thereby restricting the cover 50 from unlocking from the second side where the second locking assembly is located; when the cover 50 is unlocked from the second side, the second limiting surface 413 and the third limiting surface 333 restrict the rotation of the protective member 40, thereby restricting the movement of the first drive plate 23, and thus restricting the cover 50 from unlocking from the first side. In this way, the protective member 40 acts as an interlocking turntable, which can restrict the unlocking of the other side after one side is unlocked, preventing the cover 50 from falling off due to the simultaneous unlocking of both sides, thus improving the comfort of use. In this way, the protective member only needs to rotate a small angle (e.g., 2 degrees, 5 degrees) to make the first limiting surface 412 abut against the second drive plate 33, thereby restricting the second drive plate 33; similarly, the second drive plate 33 only needs to press and move a small distance (e.g., 2 mm) to make the third limiting surface 333 of the second drive plate 33 block the second limiting surface 413 and restrict the rotation of the protective member 40. Furthermore, the protective component disclosed herein does not require consideration of manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances of the parts, and can also ensure interlocking of the locking components on both sides, improving reliability and ensuring use under various operating conditions. It should be understood that the movement mode and configuration of the protective component can be modified or adjusted according to different needs. In some embodiments, the protective component can also be constructed to be driven by a first drive plate and a second drive plate. For example, the protective component can be driven to rotate by the first drive plate or by the second drive plate; this is not limited here.

[0057] Alternatively, each of the springs described above can be attached to the lower cover 52 to achieve relative fixation and pivotal connection of the corresponding components.

[0058] Figure 8A and Figure 8BA schematic diagram of the locking assembly of another embodiment of the side-opening device is shown. Components identical or similar to those in the above embodiments will not be described again. The difference from the above embodiments lies in the rotation direction of the locking rod. Taking the first locking assembly as an example, when the first drive plate 23a moves to the point of disengagement from the first locking rod 22a, the first locking rod 22a can rotate around the second direction D2 under the action of elastic force. In other words, the rotation axis direction of the locking rod is perpendicular to the movement direction of the drive plate. This helps to prevent the locking rod from being pushed and deflected when the drive plate is subjected to force, effectively ensuring the reliable implementation of the pushing and locking functions.

[0059] Regardless of the arrangement, the side-opening device disclosed herein achieves the smooth implementation of the opening and closing process of the cover with fewer parts and a compact structure, and can effectively solve the problem that the lock tongue scrapes against the base and / or the cover falls off when both sides open simultaneously in the existing solution.

[0060] It should be understood here that the embodiments shown in the figures only illustrate the optional architecture, shape, size and arrangement of the various optional components of the side-opening device according to the present disclosure. However, they are only illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] It should be noted that this disclosure (e.g., the disclosed concepts, etc.) has been described in the specification of this patent document and / or illustrated in the figures according to exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of this disclosure are presented by way of example only and are not intended to be a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the disclosed concepts embodied in this disclosure as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures are merely illustrative. Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail in this patent document, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc., of the subject matter of the exemplary and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. It should also be noted that various / other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, alterations, omissions, etc., may be made in the configuration and / or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in terms of concepts, designs, structures, devices, forms, assemblies, constructions, means, functions, systems, processes / methods, steps, the order of process / method steps, operations, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition, combinations, etc.). All such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure without departing from its scope; the scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, behaviors, steps, sequences, systems, results, etc.) described in the specification and / or figures of this patent document. Given that the claims of this patent document will be properly interpreted as covering the full scope of the subject matter of this disclosure (e.g., including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.), it should be understood that the terminology used in this patent document is for the purpose of providing a description of the subject matter of exemplary embodiments and not as a limitation on the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] It should also be noted that, according to exemplary embodiments, this disclosure may include conventional techniques (e.g., techniques implemented and / or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.), or may include any other applicable techniques (now and / or in the future) with the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All such techniques (e.g., techniques implemented in the manner of embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure in this patent document.

Claims

1. A side-opening device for a vehicle, characterized in that, The side-opening device is disposed on a functional component within the vehicle and includes: A base adapted to be attached to the functional component; A cover body, the cover body being attached to the base; A locking assembly is attached to the cover and switchable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking assembly is locked to the base. In the second position, the locking assembly is unlocked to the base. In response to the unlocked state of the locking assembly, the cover pivots relative to the base to open. The locking assembly includes a drive plate and a latch assembly attached to the drive plate. The drive plate moves along a first direction from the first position through a preset additional stroke until the latch assembly moves along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to the second position.

2. The side-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly further includes a locking rod, which is configured to overlap with the drive plate in the first position, and to drive the drive plate to move through the additional stroke after the drive plate moves along the first direction to disengage from the locking rod until the bolt assembly reaches the second position.

3. The side-opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking rod is attached to a spring. When the drive plate moves to a state where it is disengaged from the locking rod, the locking rod rotates around the first direction or the second direction under the action of elastic force.

4. The side-opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive plate is provided with a boosting ramp. While the locking rod rotates around the first direction or the second direction, it abuts against the boosting ramp to push the drive plate to continue moving along the first direction through the additional stroke.

5. The side-opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The latch assembly includes an active latch attached to the drive plate and a passive latch attached to the active latch via a turntable. Movement of the active latch in the second direction drives the passive latch to move toward or away from the active latch.

6. The side-opening device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The active locking tongue or the drive plate is provided with a groove and is attached to each other through the groove, so that the movement of the drive plate in the first direction causes the active locking tongue to move in the second direction.

7. The side-opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive plate is attached to a spring, which allows it to move to its initial position under the action of elastic force.

8. The side-opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The latch assembly is attached to a spring, which allows the latch assembly to move to its initial position under the action of elastic force.

9. The side-opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The cover defines a cavity for accommodating the locking assembly, and the side-opening device further includes a button disposed outside the cover, wherein, in response to an external force applied to the button, the locking assembly switches from the first position to the second position.

10. The side-opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a first locking assembly attached to one side of the cover and a second locking assembly attached to the opposite side of the cover. In response to the unlocked state of the first locking assembly, the cover pivots relative to the base about a second pivot axis on the side where the second locking assembly is located. In response to the unlocked state of the second locking assembly, the cover pivots relative to the base about a first pivot axis on the side where the first locking assembly is located.

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