Spring plug assembly, winding tube, roller assembly, kit, roof and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a spring plug assembly which comprises a spring plug, the spring plug is provided with a long and thin main body extending longitudinally, the long and thin main body is provided with a spring insertion component and a spring installation hole, and the spring installation hole transversely penetrates through the long and thin main body so as to limit an installation surface. Wherein the mounting surface comprises a clamping groove for receiving an anchoring hook of a spring. A mounting tongue extends inside the spring mounting hole perpendicular to the mounting surface defining a mounting channel for receiving the anchor hook and a dead end. And wherein the mounting tongue comprises a clamping lip for clamping the anchoring hook in the clamping groove. The utility model also relates to a winding tube, a roller blind assembly, a kit, a roof and a roller blind assembly and a vehicle comprising the spring plug assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a sunshade curtain assembly for a vehicle, in particular to a spring plug for installing a spring of a winding tube of the sunshade curtain assembly. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle such as a passenger car may be equipped with a roof or a roof assembly having one or more roof panels. The roof panel may be movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the roof opening is covered or uncovered, or the roof panel may be fixed. Sunshades for vehicle roof assemblies are known per se, in particular when the roof assembly is equipped with a transparent panel, such as glass. Such sunshades may generally be referred to as roller blinds, the name deriving from the movement when closing and / or opening the sunshade, during which the sunshade is rolled in or out parallel to the roof assembly or more specifically along the glass panel of the roof assembly, respectively. Such a roller blind will have a closed position, in which the roller blind screen covers the glass panel, thereby blocking light from the outside from entering the vehicle interior, and an open position, in which the roller blind screen does not cover the glass roof panel. In turn, the glass roof assembly may comprise fixed panels and / or sliding panels, each of which may comprise a glass panel. Such a glass panel may include a switchable glass window, that is, a switchable glass that can be switched between a transparent state and an opaque state (that is, a light-blocking state), and / or the glass panel may include "Light in Glass", which means that light from a light source can be coupled into and out of the glass panel at a predetermined position to provide glare or lighting effects depending on the illumination of the light source.

[0003] The movement of the roll-up screen is achieved by winding on or unwinding from a rotatable winding tube or shaft. In the fully open position, the roll-up screen is completely wound on the winding tube. In the closed position, the roll-up screen is almost completely unwound from the winding tube.

[0004] In known roller blind assemblies, the roller blind screen can be operated by a drive cable driven by a motor, the drive cable being connected to an operating beam of the roller blind screen via a sliding shoe. The operating beam can also be called a pulling beam, because it can pull the roller blind screen, or the operating beam can be further called a front beam, which is related to its position relative to the front of the vehicle. The motor will drive the movement of the drive cable, thereby moving the drive shoe and the connected operating beam. Therefore, pulling the pulling beam away from the winding tube will unwind the roller blind screen from the winding tube. Pulling the pulling beam towards the winding tube will allow the roller blind screen to be wound on the winding tube. In addition, the winding tube is usually provided with a spring assembly to enable winding when the roof opening is exposed by the roller blind screen.

[0005] Such a rolling blind assembly thus comprises a fixed mounting assembly and a rotatable winding tube for a rolling blind screen, the rotatable winding tube being mounted to rotate in the fixed mounting assembly. The rolling blind assembly comprises a spring assembly, a first end of which is connected to the winding tube and a second end of which is connected to a mounting plug positioned inside the winding tube and connected to the fixed mounting assembly. The mounting plug or spring plug has a shaft extending centrally inside the winding tube. In order to mount or remove the rolling blind to or from the fixed mounting assembly, the shaft must be attached to or removed from the mounting plug, which requires special attachment means and tools. Utility Model Content

[0006] In one aspect, the utility model relates to a spring plug assembly, which includes a spring plug, the spring plug having a longitudinally extending elongated body, the elongated body with a spring insertion member, and a spring mounting hole, the spring mounting hole transversely passing through the elongated body, thereby defining a mounting surface. Wherein the mounting surface includes a clamping groove for receiving an anchor hook of a spring. The spring plug assembly also includes a mounting tongue, the mounting tongue extending vertically from the mounting surface inside the spring mounting hole, thereby defining a mounting channel and a dead end for receiving the anchor hook. And wherein the mounting tongue includes a clamping lip for clamping the anchor hook in the clamping groove.

[0007] Preferably, the retaining slots extend longitudinally along opposite side portions of the elongate body via the mounting surface.

[0008] Preferably, an inner surface of the clamping lip of the mounting hole facing the mounting tongue has a cross-sectional profile similar to a profile of the protruding clamping lip.

[0009] Preferably, the spring plug assembly further comprises: a spring comprising an anchor hook and an inner core; wherein the spring insertion member is inserted into the inner core; and wherein the anchor hook is clamped in the clamping groove.

[0010] Preferably, the anchor hook comprises at least two legs, wherein the first leg extends further than the second leg.

[0011] Preferably, the spring further comprises: a spring body comprising a coiled structure; wherein the inner core is defined by the coiled structure of the spring body; and the first leg is connected to the spring body.

[0012] Preferably, the spring plug further comprises a mounting flange for mounting the spring plug to a fixed component of the roller blind assembly.

[0013] In another aspect, the utility model relates to a winding tube for a rolling shutter assembly of a vehicle, characterized in that the winding tube comprises: an elongated spring having anchor hooks on corresponding opposite outer ends, the spring being inserted into the interior of the winding tube; and at least two spring plug assemblies according to the aforementioned, wherein each anchor hook is respectively mounted on one of the spring plug assemblies.

[0014] In another aspect, the utility model relates to a rolling shutter assembly for a vehicle, characterized in that the rolling shutter assembly comprises: a fixed mounting assembly; a winding tube according to the aforementioned, and wherein the winding tube is rotatably mounted in the fixed mounting assembly.

[0015] In another aspect, the utility model relates to a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: the aforementioned rolling curtain assembly; or the aforementioned roof and rolling curtain assembly.

[0016] In another aspect, the utility model relates to a kit of parts for a rolling shutter assembly for a vehicle, comprising a fixed mounting assembly, a winding tube for winding and unwinding a rolling shutter screen, the winding tube being rotatably mounted in the fixed mounting assembly, and the kit comprising at least one spring plug assembly as disclosed.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a roof and roller blind assembly for a vehicle, comprising a roof panel and a roller blind assembly as disclosed.

[0018] By having the mounting tongue, i.e. the clamping element, extend from the same surface as the surface where the clamping slot is located, the reassembly and / or disassembly of the roller blind spring can be facilitated, whether for repair or replacement, because the spring anchor hook has only one way of travel when moving away from the clamping slot. Whereas the known spring plug assembly has a clamping element extending from a surface opposite to the surface of the clamping slot, when the roller blind spring anchor hook moves away from the clamping slot, the roller blind spring anchor hook will have two possible ways of travel, only one of which provides sufficient space for the anchor hook to disengage. Therefore, in such a spring assembly, before the anchor hook can be released, it is necessary to first move the clamping element in the correct direction. Therefore, the spring plug according to the utility model is easy to assemble, reassemble and / or disassemble, while maintaining elasticity in the assembled state.

[0019] Furthermore, having the clamping element extend from the same surface as the clamping slot provides a mounting channel and a dead end. The presence of a dead end allows the spring to be pre-assembled in the spring plug without active pulling tension of the spring. That is, the anchor hook can be positioned in the dead end, and during final assembly, the anchor hook can be moved over the clamping element into the mounting channel and secured in the clamping slot under active tension of the spring. In prior art plugs without a dead end, the spring may inadvertently travel into the clamping slot prematurely.

[0020] Further objects, aspects, effects and details of specific embodiments of the present invention are described in the following detailed description of multiple exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] By way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1A A perspective view showing components of an example of a roller blind assembly in a closed position;

[0023] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A a roller blind assembly in a partially open position;

[0024] Figure 2A and 2B A side perspective view of a spring plug assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 Show Figure 2A An exploded view of a spring plug assembly;

[0026] Figure 4 Show Figure 2AA side view of a spring plug assembly showing an outline of a spring insert member inserted into a spring;

[0027] Figure 5 The spring plug assembly is shown along Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional side view of the line AA' in FIG.

[0028] Figure 6-8 Show Figure 2A Successive assembly positions of the spring plug assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] refer to Figure 1A and 1B , shows an example of a rolling curtain assembly 1, which can be used as a sunshade or sunshade assembly and can be positioned, for example, below a roof panel. The rolling curtain assembly 1 is shown in a closed position and a partially open position, respectively. The rolling curtain assembly 1 comprises a rolling curtain screen 2 and a winding tube 3 rotatable about a fixed rotation axis 4. The rolling curtain screen 2 extends substantially in a first direction D1 and is connected to the winding tube 3. In the opposite second direction D2, the rolling curtain screen is connected to a front beam 5. The rolling curtain assembly 1 further comprises two parallel arranged rolling curtain guides 6 and two slides 7, which are connected to the front beam 5 and are arranged to slide movably along one of the rolling curtain guides 6, respectively. Together with the slides 7, two opposite longitudinal edges 8 of the rolling curtain screen 2 are arranged in the guides 6 and are used to move in unison with the slides 7 through the rolling curtain guides 6. The rolling curtain guides 6 further support the rolling curtain screen 2 and keep it in a desired position. When moving from the closed position to the partially or fully open position, the rolling screen 2 is wound on the winding tube 3 when rotating in the first direction. The front beam 5 is pulled by the slider 7 to slide along the rolling guide 6 in the first direction D1. When moving from the partially or fully open position to the closed position, the rolling screen 2 is unwound from the winding tube 3 when rotating in the second direction D2. The front beam 5 is pulled by the slider 7 to slide along the rolling guide 6 in the second direction D2. In order to control the movement of the rolling screen 2, a drive cable 9 can be connected to the slider 7 for pulling or pushing the front beam 5 in the second direction D2 or the first direction D1. The drive cable 9 can be operated by a drive cable motor (not shown). The rolling assembly further includes a fixed mounting assembly 10 for receiving the winding tube 3 that may be mounted thereon. The rolling guide 6 can also be connected to the fixed mounting assembly 10.

[0030] refer to Figure 2A and 2B, a perspective view showing an example of a spring plug from different angles. The spring plug assembly includes a spring plug 14 having a longitudinally extending elongated body 11 with a spring insertion member 12. A spring mounting hole 13 extends transversely through the elongated body 11, thereby defining a mounting surface 131. The mounting surface 131 includes a clamping groove 132 for receiving an anchor hook 31 of a spring 30. Inside the spring mounting hole 13 is a mounting tongue 133, which extends perpendicular to the mounting surface 131. The mounting tongue thus defines a mounting channel 134 and a dead end 135 for receiving the anchor hook 31. The mounting channel 134 is on one side of the tongue 133, while the dead end 135 is on the other side of the tongue. Therefore, as seen from the side, the mounting tongue divides the mounting hole 13 into two parts, wherein at least the mounting channel will be sufficient for the anchor hook 31 to pass through. The mounting tongue 133 includes a clamping lip 136 for clamping the anchor hook 31 in the clamping groove 132. The clamping lip 136 protrudes from the tongue into the mounting channel 134. The clamping lip is sized so that the anchor hook 31 passing through the mounting hole 13 and pulled toward the mounting surface 131 will allow the tongue to be pushed aside and into the clamping groove 132 along the clamping lip 136.

[0031] The spring plug 14 further comprises a mounting flange 15 for mounting the spring plug 14 into the fixed assembly 10 when the spring plug 14 is placed on the outer end of the winding tube 3 .

[0032] refer to Figure 3 , shows an exploded view of a spring plug assembly, wherein the spring plug 14 and the spring 30 are shown as distinct elements. The anchor hook 31 of the spring 30 comprises at least two legs 33, 34, wherein one leg 33 extends further than the other leg 34, so that the longer leg 33 is connected to the spring body 35. The spring 30 further comprises an inner core 32, which may be defined by the coiled structure of the body 35.

[0033] refer to Figure 4 , shows an assembly view of a spring plug assembly, wherein the spring insert member 12 of the spring plug 14 is inserted into the inner core 32 of the spring 30 shown. The anchor hook 31 of the spring 30 is clamped in the clamping groove 132 in the mounting surface 131. The anchor hook 31 can have a U-shaped, C-shaped or V-shaped shape, such as at least partially formed by the legs 33, 34. The shape is preferably selected to correspond to the shape of the clamping groove 132.

[0034] Still reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, the inner surface 137 of the mounting hole 13 facing the clamping lip 136 protruding from the mounting tongue 133 has a cross-sectional profile similar to the profile of the clamping lip 136. This further accommodates the passage of the anchor hook as it travels through the mounting channel toward the clamping groove.

[0035] refer to Figure 5 , showing the spring plug assembly along Figure 4 The clamping groove 132 extends longitudinally along the opposite side portions 111, 112 of the elongated body 11 via the mounting surface 131. A portion of the clamping groove 132 extending via the mounting surface 131 extends transversely to the side portions 111, 112. Figure 4 As mentioned, the shape of the retaining groove 132 corresponds to the shape of the anchor hook 31. These preferably correspond so that the retaining groove 132 extending along the side portions 111, 112 can accommodate the legs 33, 34 within the periphery of the elongated body 11.

[0036] refer to Figure 6-8 , showing a side view of the spring plug assembly in a continuous assembled state. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the insertion member 12 of the spring plug is inserted into the inner core 32 of the spring 30. The anchor hook 31 passes through the mounting hole 13 via the mounting channel 134. The length of the mounting channel 134 will need to accommodate the length of the shorter second leg 34 (if any). In addition, the length of the mounting channel 134 that can be used to manipulate the anchor hook 31 can be further limited by the clamping lip 136 protruding from the mounting tongue 133. The length of the first longer leg 33 is such that when the insertion member 12 is fully inserted into the spring inner core 32, the anchor hook 31 can still be positioned in the mounting channel 134.

[0037] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the spring 30 and the anchor hook 31 are pulled toward the clamping groove 132. When in contact with the clamping lip 136, the mounting tongue 133 will be pushed aside, thereby allowing the anchor hook 31 to pass and further advance toward the clamping groove 132.

[0038] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the anchor hook 31 is pulled into the clamping groove 132. The mounting tongue 133 will return to its default position, allowing the anchor hook 31 to be snugly clamped by the clamping lip 136 and retained in the clamping groove 132.

[0039] exist Figure 6-8In the embodiment shown in , the length of the shorter second leg 34 is such that when the insertion member 12 is fully inserted into the spring core 32, the anchor hook 31 can still pass through the mounting hole 13 via the mounting channel 134, which is defined by the protruding clamping lip 136. As another way of assembly, the anchor hook 31 of the spring can first be passed through the dead end 135, which can provide more space, i.e., length, because the mounting channel is defined by the clamping lip 136, to allow the anchor hook to pass through the mounting hole. As the insertion member 12 is inserted into the spring core 32 and the anchor hook 31 is inserted into the dead end 135, the anchor hook 13 is now pulled over the mounting tongue 133 into the mounting channel 134. From there, the assembly of the spring plug assembly follows the same procedure as described with respect to Figure 7 and 8 as described.

[0040] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as the basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various ways with any appropriate specific structure as contemplated. In particular, the features proposed and described in separate dependent claims can be applied in combination, and any advantageous combination of such claims is therefore disclosed.

[0041] Further, it is contemplated that the structural elements may be generated by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Thus, any reference to a structural element is intended to encompass any computer-executable instructions that instruct a computer to generate such a structural element by three-dimensional printing technology or similar computer-controlled manufacturing technology. Furthermore, any such reference to a structural element is also intended to encompass a computer-readable medium that carries such computer-executable instructions.

[0042] Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not restrictive, but provide an understandable description of the utility model. As used herein, the term "one" is defined as one or more than one. As used herein, the term "plurality" is defined as two or more than two. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms "comprising" and / or "having" are defined as including (that is, open language). As used herein, the term "connection" is defined as connecting, but not necessarily directly connecting.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the specific forms described herein. Instead, the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, and within the scope of these appended claims, other embodiments other than the above specific embodiments are also possible.

[0044] In addition, although exemplary embodiments have been described above in some exemplary combinations of components and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may be provided by different combinations of components and / or functions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it is specifically contemplated that specific features described separately or as part of an embodiment may be combined with other separately described features or parts of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A spring plug assembly, characterized in that: The spring plug assembly includes: A spring plug (14) comprising a longitudinally extending elongated body (11) having a spring insert member (12); a spring mounting hole (13) extending transversely through the elongated body (11) to define a mounting surface (131), the mounting surface (131) including a clamping groove (132) for receiving an anchor hook (31) of a spring (30); A mounting tongue (133) extending perpendicularly to the mounting surface (131) inside the spring mounting hole (13) to define a mounting channel (134) and a dead end (135) for receiving the anchor hook (31); The mounting tongue (133) includes a clamping lip (136) for clamping the anchor hook (31) in the clamping groove (132).

2. The spring plug assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The clamping groove (132) extends longitudinally along opposite side portions (111, 112) of the elongated body (11) via the mounting surface (131).

3. The spring plug assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner surface (137) of the clamping lip (136) of the spring mounting hole (13) facing the mounting tongue (133) has a cross-sectional profile similar to the profile of the protruding clamping lip (136).

4. The spring plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Further including: A spring (30), wherein the spring (30) comprises an anchor hook (31) and an inner core (32); wherein the spring insertion member (12) is inserted into the inner core (32); and The anchor hook (31) is clamped in the clamping groove (132).

5. The spring plug assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The anchor hook (31) comprises at least two legs, wherein the first leg (33) extends further than the second leg (34).

6. The spring plug assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that The spring further comprises: A spring body (35) comprising a coiled structure; wherein the inner core (32) is defined by a coiled structure of the spring body (35); and The first leg (33) is connected to the spring body (35).

7. The spring plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The spring plug (14) further comprises a mounting flange (15) for mounting the spring plug to a fixed component (10) of a roller blind assembly.

8. A winding tube for a rolling curtain assembly of a vehicle, characterized in that: The coiled tube includes: an elongated spring (30) having anchor hooks (31) on respective opposite outer ends, the spring (30) being inserted inside the winding tube (3); and At least two spring plug assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each anchor hook (31) is mounted on one of the spring plug assemblies.

9. A rolling curtain assembly for a vehicle, characterized in that: The roller blind assembly comprises: A fixed mounting assembly (10); The winding tube (3) according to claim 8, and The winding tube (3) is rotatably mounted in the fixed mounting assembly (10).

10. A kit of parts for a rolling shutter assembly of a vehicle, characterized in that: The kit includes: A fixed mounting assembly (10); A winding tube (3) for winding and unwinding the rolling screen (2), wherein the winding tube (3) can be rotatably mounted in the fixed mounting assembly (10); and at least one spring plug assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-7.

11. A roof for a vehicle, characterized in that: The roof includes: Roof panels; and The rolling blind assembly according to claim 9, wherein the rolling blind assembly is installed below the roof panel.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: The rolling shutter assembly according to claim 9; or The vehicle roof according to claim 11.

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