Sliding mechanism for device with electrical or optical function, cable tensioner, winding roller, and vehicle interior trim part with electrical or optical function

Abstract

The present application proposes a sliding mechanism for a device with electrical or optical functions, comprising: a first part and a second part, the second part being translationally movable relative to the first part along a sliding direction; a cable disposed between the first part and the second part and fixedly connected or connectable to both; a winding roller rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the sliding direction, the winding roller being arranged in a region of the cable between the first part and the second part and being fixedly connected to the cable, the cable can be wound on the winding roller or unwound from the winding roller around the rotation axis according to the relative position and the sliding direction of the second part relative to the first part. The winding roller is also mounted for translational movement in a sliding direction relative to the first and second parts.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present intellectual property relates to a sliding mechanism for a device with electrical or optical functionality, a cable tensioner which can be arranged, for example, in the sliding mechanism, a winding roller which can be arranged, for example, in the sliding mechanism and / or the cable tensioner, and a vehicle interior trim part with electrical or optical functionality comprising the sliding mechanism. BACKGROUND

[0002] Sliding mechanisms for devices with electrical or optical functionality are known in the prior art. For example, a vehicle interior trim part with electrical or optical functionality can comprise a component which can be moved relative to a component fixed in the vehicle interior, and the electrical or optical functionality is integrated in this component. Such a vehicle interior trim part can comprise, for example, a heating and / or electrically movable armrest, a roof hatch or a vehicle seat, but also a movable interior component with lighting elements, etc. One challenge with such components is the laying and provision of the electrical or optical cables necessary for the electrical or optical functionality, which are connected to the components which can be moved relative to one another, so that they are compatible with these components without jeopardizing the stability of the electrical or optical connection or even the integrity of the cables.

[0003] For example, FR 3 087 717 A1 discloses an electrically movable armrest of a motor vehicle, which comprises a fixed part and a movable part which accommodate at least one electrical cable. The fixed part and the movable part contain a plurality of elements for guiding, driving and fastening the electrical cables. At least some of the electrical cables move together with the movable part in a predetermined section, which can be detrimental to the cables and the stability of the electrical cable connection. SUMMARY

[0004] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to propose an improved sliding mechanism for a device with electrical or optical functionality, wherein the improvement is in particular in providing a cable management which is compatible with components which can be moved relative to one another, taking into account the special requirements for the connection stability.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sliding mechanism for a device with electrical or optical functionality having the features of the corresponding independent claim, a cable tensioner which can be contained, for example, in the sliding mechanism, a winding roller which can be contained, for example, in the sliding mechanism and / or the cable tensioner, and a vehicle interior trim part with electrical or optical functionality comprising the sliding mechanism. Possible embodiments and improvements can be found in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] The proposed sliding mechanism for a device with an electrical or optical function comprises a first part and a second part, which is translatable relative to the first part along a sliding direction, a cable or optical cable, which is arranged between the first part and the second part and is fixedly connected or connectable to both, a winding roller, which is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the sliding direction, which is arranged in a region of the cable between the first part and the second part and is fixedly connected to the cable, so that the cable can be wound onto or unwound from the winding roller about the rotation axis depending on the relative position of the second part relative to the first part and the sliding direction. The winding roller is also mounted so as to be translatable relative to the first part and the second part along the sliding direction, so that during a translation of the second part along the sliding direction, the winding roller can be rotated about the rotation axis and can be moved along the sliding direction, and the translation distance of the winding roller corresponds to half the translation distance of the second part.

[0007] Since depending on the relative position of the second part relative to the first part and the sliding direction, the cable can be wound onto or unwound from the winding roller, and the winding roller can be moved in the sliding direction at the same time, the effective cable length can be adapted to the relative position of the two parts in order to provide a cable management particularly compatible with parts that can be moved relative to one another without jeopardizing the stability of the cable connection.

[0008] The sliding mechanism can particularly be provided for a vehicle interior trim part with an electrical or optical function, for example an armrest with a heating function.

[0009] The cable can comprise one or more electrical lines and / or optical lines. The cable can thus be designed as a cable bundle comprising a plurality of lines. The cable can be, for example, a power cable, a signal cable and / or an optical waveguide, and can supply electrical or optical devices arranged in or arrangeable in the second part, for example heating elements, electric motors, lighting devices, etc., with electrical power or provide these in the second part. Corresponding power supply and / or control devices for supplying and / or controlling the electrical or optical devices can be arranged in the first part or can be connected or connectable to the cable in the first part. Corresponding connection terminals can be arranged in the first part and / or the second part, to which the cable can be rigidly connected.

[0010] The cable extends between a first cable end, which is rigidly or rigidably connected with the first component, e.g. by a cable connection, and a second cable end, which is rigidly or rigidably connected with the second component. Both cable ends thus mark fixation points at which the cable cannot move relative to the corresponding component. The cable has a fixed length within the usual cable extension limits. In this case, the effective cable length essentially refers to the cable length between the first cable end and the second cable end minus the cable length wound on the winding roller. The cable can be connected to the winding roller between its first cable end and its second cable end, e.g. by a form fit or a force fit. For example, the cable can be clamped in or to the winding roller. The winding roller is rigidly connected to the cable, i.e. the winding roller is arranged in a specified and predetermined region of the cable between the first component and the second component, in particular between the first cable end and the second cable end. Since the winding roller is rigidly connected to the cable, the distance between the winding roller and the first cable end and the second cable end decreases or increases by the same amount during winding or unwinding. Thus, during the translation of the second component in the sliding direction, the winding roller moves in the sliding direction by half the translation distance.

[0011] The first component can comprise a first rolling surface extending in the sliding direction. Alternatively or preferably additionally, the second component can comprise a second rolling surface also extending in the sliding direction. In particular, the corresponding rolling surfaces can be designed immovable relative to the corresponding component, i.e. cannot move relative thereto. The winding roller can comprise a winding portion having a winding surface extending about the rotation axis to support the cable and a rolling portion designed to rotate with the winding portion and comprising a running surface extending about the rotation axis to roll on the first rolling surface in the sliding direction and / or on the second rolling surface in the sliding direction. In other words, each of the rolling surfaces and the rolling portion of the winding roller can be designed such that a substantially uniform and controlled rolling of the winding roller on each of the rolling surfaces can be provided instead of a sliding, wherein each of the contact surfaces between the running surface and the rolling surface complement each other. Thus, the rolling of the rolling portion designed to rotate with the winding portion causes the cable to be wound onto or unwound from the winding surface. The rolling portion can be substantially cylindrical and the running surface can correspondingly at least partially correspond to a lateral face of the rolling portion. The corresponding cylinder axis can be collinear with the rotation axis. The winding portion can be substantially cylindrical and the winding surface can correspondingly at least partially correspond to a lateral face of the winding portion. The corresponding cylinder axis can be collinear with the rotation axis. The winding surface and the rolling surface can be spaced apart from each other. For example, the rolling portion and the winding portion can thus be spaced apart from each other, e.g. spaced apart from each other and arranged on a shaft to rotate with the shaft, and / or have different diameters measured perpendicular to the rotation axis. The winding roller can be substantially arranged in the first component or the second component.

[0012] If each of the two components has a rolling surface, the first rolling surface can be arranged parallel to and facing the second rolling surface. The winding roller and in particular the rolling portion is then arranged between the two rolling surfaces.

[0013] The rolling portion can be designed as a gear wheel having teeth arranged on the running surface. The first rolling surface and / or the second rolling surface can be designed as toothed elements having teeth which are or can be engaged meshingly with the gear wheel. In other words, the teeth of the gear wheel can correspond to the teeth of the corresponding toothed elements. The toothed elements forming the first rolling surface and / or the second rolling surface can for example be formed directly on the surface of the corresponding component or present the form of a rack arranged in the corresponding component. Alternatively, the running surface, the first rolling surface and / or the second rolling surface can comprise a rubber surface designed to provide a substantially uniform and controlled rolling.

[0014] The winding roller can be mounted in a sliding element such that it is rotatable and translatable with the sliding element which is arranged in the first component or the second component so as to be movable in translation in the sliding direction. The sliding element can thus be designed to provide the entire translational movement of the winding roller in the sliding direction. The sliding element can for example comprise a support element for rotatably mounting the winding roller which is arranged to move in translation in a groove or recess extending in the sliding direction. If the sliding element is arranged in the first component, only the second component can comprise a rolling surface as described above and vice versa. However, in combination with the sliding element, both the first component and the second component can comprise a first rolling surface and a second rolling surface or no rolling surface.

[0015] The cable portion extending between the first cable end and the winding roller will be referred to hereinafter as the first cable portion and the cable portion extending between the second cable end and the winding roller will be referred to hereinafter as the second cable portion. The winding roller is rigidly connected to the cable without only the intermediate portion being wound. The intermediate portion can extend through the winding roller, in particular the winding portion. The first cable portion and the second cable portion can each have an excess length which is greater than a corresponding minimum cable portion length required to connect the corresponding cable portion to the winding roller and the corresponding component. In other words, a maximum distance between the two cable ends and the winding roller provided when the sliding mechanism is used as intended can be less than the corresponding cable length of the first cable portion and the second cable portion such that at least with this maximum distance between the cable ends, the cable can be arranged not to be taut but at least partially to hang down. Each excess length can be between 100% and 120%, in particular between 105% and 110% of the corresponding minimum cable portion length.

[0016] In contrast to conventional round cables, the cable can be designed as a ribbon cable having two opposite broad sides, i.e. the cable cross section can be substantially flat and have a thickness which is much smaller than its width. The cable can be connected to the winding roller such that the broad sides can be in contact with the winding roller, in particular with the winding surface, so that the cable can be wound onto the winding roller by its broad sides. In the region of the middle portion, the cable can have a lateral offset, i.e. a lateral protruding offset in the broad side plan view, which is substantially designed as a step, in particular with a step angle of 90°. The offset can extend substantially parallel to the rotation axis and in particular along the rotation axis. The offset can be longer than the cable width when measured in the cable width direction.

[0017] Furthermore, a cable tensioner for tensioning a cable is proposed, which is arranged between a first component and a second component and fixedly connected to both components, which second component is translatable in a sliding direction relative to the first component. The cable tensioner comprises a winding roller for winding and unwinding the cable about a rotation axis, which winding roller can be mounted rotatable about the rotation axis relative to the first component and the second component, can be moved translatory in the sliding direction, can be arranged in a region of the cable between the first component and the second component and can be fixedly connected to the cable. The rotation axis extends perpendicular to the sliding direction.

[0018] Since the cable can be wound onto or unwound from the winding roller and the winding roller can be moved in the sliding direction at the same time depending on the relative position of the second component relative to the first component and the sliding direction, the effective cable length can be adapted to the relative position of the two components by the cable tensioner according to the invention in order to provide a cable management particularly compatible with components which can be moved relative to each other without jeopardizing the stability of the cable connection.

[0019] The cable tensioner can be arranged in a sliding mechanism and in particular designed and / or configured therefor according to the features and improvements described above in connection with the sliding mechanism.

[0020] The cable tensioner can comprise a sliding element in which the winding roller is mounted such that the winding roller can rotate and translate with the sliding element. The sliding element can be arranged in the first component or the second component in order to be moved translatory in the sliding direction.

[0021] Further, a winding roller is proposed, which is used for winding and unwinding a cable rigidly connected to the winding roller about a rotation axis. The winding roller comprises a winding portion having a winding surface for supporting the cable, which winding surface extends around the rotation axis, in particular a closed winding surface, and a rolling portion designed to be co-rotatable with the winding portion, having a running surface to roll on the rolling surface, which running surface extends around the rotation axis and is in particular a closed surface. The winding surface and the running surface are spaced apart from each other.

[0022] Since the winding roller designed according to the invention comprises a running surface and a winding surface spaced apart from the running surface, the winding roller can contribute to an improved cable management, for example in combination with the above-mentioned slide mechanism and / or the above-mentioned cable tensioner.

[0023] Thus, the winding roller can be arranged in the slide mechanism and / or the cable tensioner and in particular can be designed and / or configured accordingly according to the above-mentioned corresponding features and improvements. Thus, the rolling portion and / or the winding portion can be cylindrical (where the cylinder axis extends co-linearly with the rotation axis) and their lateral faces correspondingly to the running surface and / or the winding surface.

[0024] The diameter of the winding portion, measured perpendicular to the rotation axis, can substantially correspond to half of the diameter of the rolling portion, measured perpendicular to the rotation axis, or preferably to the entire diameter. In particular, if the winding roller is provided in combination with a slide element and / or a single rolling surface on one of the second parts, this can correspond to half of the diameter of the rolling portion, as described above. Alternatively, if no slide element is provided and / or if two rolling surfaces are provided as described above, the diameter of the winding portion can correspond to the diameter of the rolling portion. The rolling portion can be designed as a gear wheel having teeth arranged on the running surface. Its diameter then corresponds to the working pitch circle diameter of the gear wheel, which is decisive for the rolling distance.

[0025] The winding roller can further comprise a channel extending through the winding roller, in particular through the winding portion, in which a cable can be guided and accommodated for connection with the winding roller. The channel can have a channel cross section substantially corresponding to the cross section of the cable to be accommodated. The channel can comprise two channel ends intersecting the winding surface, in particular two channel ends located on opposite sides of the winding roller. The channel can have a generally S-shaped cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0026] The winding portion can comprise a first winding sub-portion having a first winding sub-surface extending around the rotation axis and receiving the first cable portion extending from the first cable end to the winding roller, and a second winding sub-portion having a second winding surface extending around the rotation axis and receiving the second cable portion extending from the second cable end to the winding roller. The first winding sub-surface can be spaced apart from the second winding sub-surface. A diameter of the first winding sub-portion measured perpendicular to the rotation axis can correspond to a diameter of the second winding sub-portion measured perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0027] The rolling portion can comprise a first rolling sub-portion and a second rolling sub-portion. The first rolling sub-portion and the second rolling sub-portion can be structurally identical. The two rolling sub-portions can be arranged in the winding roller such that the winding portion is arranged between the two rolling sub-portions. For example, the winding portion can thus be arranged between two structurally identical gears that serve as rolling portions.

[0028] Finally, a vehicle interior trim part having an electrical or optical function, in particular a hand rest having a heating function, is proposed, wherein the vehicle interior trim part comprises a sliding mechanism according to the invention. The first component of the sliding mechanism is designed as a first support and the second component is designed as a second support. When used as intended, the first support is stationary relative to the vehicle interior and the second support comprises a device having an electrical or optical function, which is in particular rigidly connected to or can be rigidly connected to a cable according to the above statements regarding the cable arrangement and connection.

[0029] By using a sliding mechanism according to the invention in combination with two supports of a vehicle interior trim part, it is advantageously possible to provide a cable management that is particularly compatible with supports that are movable relative to each other, without jeopardizing the stability of the cable connection.

[0030] The vehicle trim part can be provided for a motor vehicle having an interior, for example for a passenger car. In addition to a heated hand rest, the vehicle interior trim part can in principle also be an electrically movable hand rest, a hand rest with integrated connection of a charging and / or connection device for a moving device, a heated and / or electrically movable roof console, a heated and / or electrically movable seat, a movable multimedia device, for example a device with a movable screen, etc.

[0031] The diameter of the rolling portion measured transversely to the rotation axis can be between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, in particular between 2 cm and 6 cm. The diameter of the winding portion, the first winding sub-portion and / or the second winding sub-portion measured transversely to the rotation axis can be between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, in particular between 1 cm and 3 cm. The length of the first rolling surface and / or the second rolling surface measured along the sliding direction can be between 5 cm and 50 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 25 cm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] In the present case, several embodiments have been disclosed. Other embodiments of the application will become clear to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses and describes various embodiments of the application. As such, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. In describing the drawings, like features have the same reference numerals.

[0033] In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sliding mechanism according to the application, wherein the sliding mechanism is in a first position,

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment in Figure 1 , wherein the sliding mechanism is in a second position,

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment in Figure 1 , wherein the sliding mechanism is in a third position,

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic view in cross-section in the sliding direction of a vehicle interior trim part having another embodiment of a sliding mechanism according to the application,

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment in Figure 4 perpendicular to the sliding direction,

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a winding roller in Figure 1 in the sliding direction,

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a winding roller in Figure 1 perpendicular to the sliding direction,

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a winding roller in Figure 4 in the sliding direction,

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 Schematic detailed cross-section of the winding roller perpendicular to the sliding direction,

[0043] Figure 10 is based on Figure 8 and Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the first improvement of the winding roller,

[0044] Figure 11 is based on Figure 8 and 9 A schematic diagram of a second improvement of the winding roller, and

[0045] Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of a cable that may be advantageously used with the sliding mechanism according to the present invention.

[0046] List of reference signs

[0047] L Slide direction

[0048] R Rotation axis

[0049] T1 Second component translation distance

[0050] T2 Winding roller translation distance

[0051] 1 Vehicle interior decoration parts

[0052] 10; 10' sliding mechanism

[0053] 20 first component, first support member

[0054] 21 First rolling surface

[0055] 25 Second component, second support member

[0056] 26 Second rolling surface

[0057] 30 cables

[0058] 31 First Cable Section

[0059] 32 First cable end

[0060] 33 Second cable section

[0061] 34 Second cable end

[0062] 35 middle part

[0063] 40 sliding elements

[0064] 100; 100' winding roller

[0065] 120 winding portion

[0066] 121 first winding sub-portion

[0067] 122 second winding sub-portion

[0068] 125 winding surface

[0069] 126 first winding sub-surface

[0070] 127 second winding sub-surface

[0071] 130 rolling portion

[0072] 131 first rolling sub-portion

[0073] 132 second rolling sub-portion

[0074] 135 running surface

[0075] 140 passage

[0076] 200; 200' cable tensioner DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Figures 1 to 3 A first possible embodiment of a sliding mechanism 10 according to the present application is shown, comprising a first example of a cable tensioner 200. Figure 4 and Figure 5 An embodiment of a vehicle interior trim 1 according to the present application is shown, comprising a second embodiment of a sliding mechanism 10', having a second example of a cable tensioner 200'. Figures 6 to 11 Two different embodiments of a winding roller 100; 100' according to the present application are shown, comprising two improvements. Figure 12 An embodiment of a cable 30 is shown. In the following, for all figures, features that are repeated will only be described once. Individual figures are only referred to in case it is beneficial or in case any identified difference or alternative is to be identified.

[0078] The proposed sliding mechanism 10; 10' for a device with electrical or optical functionality comprises a first part 20 and a second part 25 which is translatable relative to the first part 20 along a sliding direction L, a cable or optical cable 30 which is arranged between and fixedly connected or connectable to both the first part 20 and the second part 25, and a winding roller 100; 100' which is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis R extending perpendicular to the sliding direction L, which is arranged in a region of the cable 30 between the first part 20 and the second part 25 and is fixedly connected to the cable 30 such that the cable can be wound onto or unwound from the winding roller 100; 100' depending on the relative position of the second part 25 relative to the first part 20 and the sliding direction L. The winding roller 100; 100' is also mounted so as to be translatable relative to the first part 20 and the second part 25 along the sliding direction L such that, during translation of the second part 25 along the sliding direction L, the winding roller 100; 100' can both rotate about the rotation axis R and move along the sliding direction L, and the translation distance T2 of the winding roller 100; 100' corresponds to half the translation distance T1 of the second part 25.

[0079] Since the cable 30 can be wound onto or unwound from the winding roller 100; 100' depending on the relative position of the second part 25 relative to the first part 20 and the sliding direction, and the winding roller 100; 100' can simultaneously move along the sliding direction L, the effective cable length can adapt to the relative position of the two parts 20, 25 to provide a cable management which is particularly compatible with parts 20, 25 which can move relative to one another without jeopardizing the stability of the cable connection. Since the winding roller 100; 100' is integrated in the sliding mechanism 10; 10', the available installation space can also be particularly effectively utilized. In particular, fewer components are required compared to known sliding mechanisms, which can make the sliding mechanism 10; 10' and its construction or assembly less error-prone. The cable length can dynamically adapt to the relative position of the two parts 20, 25 without adversely affecting their relative movement, on the contrary, this can be actively supported by the translational movement of the winding roller 100; 100'.

[0080] The sliding mechanism 10; 10' can in particular be provided for a vehicle interior trim 1 comprising an electrical or optical functionality, for example an armrest with a heating function.

[0081] The sliding direction is in Figure 1 and Figure 4The relative position of the two components 20, 25 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is wound onto the winding roller 100; 100' as indicated by the curved dashed arrows in Figure 1 and Figure 4 . The exemplary translational distances T1, T2 of the second component 25 or the winding roller 100; 100' are marked in Figure 1 and Figure 4 by the corresponding straight dashed arrows. In the present case, the rotational axis R (not shown in Figures 1 to 5 ) extends through the center of the winding roller 100; 100' and is in Figures 1 to 5 perpendicularly extended into the paper plane.

[0082] The cable 30 can comprise one or more electrical lines and / or optical lines. Thus, the cable 30 can be designed as a cable bundle with a plurality of lines. The cable 30 can be, for example, a power cable, a signal cable and / or an optical waveguide and can supply electrical or optical devices (not shown here) arranged in or arrangeable in the second component 25, for example heating elements, electric motors, lighting devices, etc., with electrical power or provide these in the second component 25. Corresponding power supplies and / or control devices (not shown here) for supplying and / or controlling the electrical or optical devices can be arranged in the first component 20 or connected or connectable to the cable 30 in the first component 20. Corresponding connection terminals can be arranged in the first component 20 and / or the second component 25, to which the cable 30 can be rigidly connected.

[0083] The cable 30 extends between a first cable end 32, which is rigidly or rigidly connectable to the first part 20, for example by a cable connection, and a second cable end 34, which is rigidly or rigidly connectable to the second part 25. Both cable ends 32, 34 thus mark fixed points at which the cable 30 is not movable relative to the associated part 20, 25. The cable 30 has a fixed length within the limits of the usual cable extension. In the present case, the effective cable length essentially refers to the cable length between the first cable end 32 and the second cable end 34 minus the cable length wound on the winding roller 100; 100'. The cable 30 can be connected to the winding roller 100; 100' between its first cable end 32 and its second cable end 34, for example by a form fit or a force fit. For example, the cable 30 can be clamped in the winding roller 100; 100' or to the winding roller. The winding roller 100; 100' is rigidly connected to the cable 30, i.e. the winding roller 100; 100' is arranged in a specified and predetermined region of the cable 30 between the first part 20 and the second part 25, in particular between the first cable end 32 and the second cable end 34. Since the winding roller 100; 100' is rigidly connected to the cable 30, the distance between the winding roller 100; 100' and the first cable end 32 and the second cable end 34 decreases or increases by the same amount during winding or unwinding. Thus, during the translational movement of the second part 25 in the sliding direction L, for example the translational distance T1, the winding roller 100; 100' moves in the sliding direction L by half the translational distance T2.

[0084] According to Figure 4 and Figure 5 the first part 20 comprises a first rolling surface 21 extending in the sliding direction L. Alternatively (as shown, for example, in the first embodiment of the sliding mechanism 10 according to Figures 1 to 3 , or preferably additionally (as shown, for example, in the second embodiment of the sliding mechanism 10 according to Figure 4 and Figure 5surface 26. The rolling surfaces 26 or 21, 26 can provide a controlled or particularly effectively controllable rotational and translational movement of the winding roller 100; 100' between the two components 20, 25. In particular, at least in the present case, each of the rolling surfaces 21, 26 is designed to be immovable with respect to the corresponding component 20, 25, i.e. cannot be moved with respect thereto. The winding roller 100; 100' comprises a winding portion 120 having a winding surface 125 extending about a rotational axis R to support the cable 30 and a rolling portion 130 designed to rotate with the winding portion 120 and having a running surface 135 extending about the rotational axis R to roll on the first rolling surface 21 in the sliding direction L and / or on the second rolling surface 26 in the sliding direction L. In other words, each of the rolling surfaces 21, 26 and the rolling portion 135 of the winding roller 100; 100' is designed such that a substantially uniform and controlled rolling, instead of sliding, of the winding roller 100; 100' on each of the rolling surfaces 21, 26 is provided, wherein each of the contact surfaces between the running surface 135 and the rolling surfaces 21, 26 complement each other. The rolling of the rolling portion 130 designed to rotate with the winding portion 120 thus causes the winding or unwinding of the cable 30 onto the winding surface 125. The rolling portion 130 is cylindrical and the running surface 135 at least partially corresponds to a lateral face of the rolling portion. The corresponding cylinder axis is collinear with the rotational axis R. The winding portion 120 is cylindrical and the winding surface 125 at least partially corresponds to a lateral face of the winding portion. The corresponding cylinder axis is collinear with the rotational axis R. The winding surface 125 and the rolling surface 135 are spaced apart from each other. For example, according to the two embodiments, the rolling portion 130 and the winding portion 120 are thus spaced apart from each other and arranged on a shaft to rotate with the shaft. According to the first embodiment, they also have different diameters measured perpendicularly to the rotational axis R. The winding roller 100; 100' can be arranged substantially in the first component 20 (according to the first embodiment of the sliding mechanism 10, Figures 1 to 3 ) or in the second component 25 (according to the second embodiment of the sliding mechanism 10', Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). The choice of arrangement and design of the winding roller 100; 100' and the rolling surfaces 21, 26 allows a particularly effective use of the available installation space depending on the design of the two components 20, 25 and / or of the corresponding vehicle interior trim 1.

[0085] According to Figure 4 and Figure 5In the second embodiment of the sliding mechanism 10', the first rolling surface 21 is arranged parallel to and facing the second rolling surface 26. The winding roller 100; 100' and in particular the rolling portion 130 is arranged between the two rolling surfaces 21, 26.

[0086] The rolling portion 130 is in the present case designed as a gear wheel having teeth arranged on the running surface 21, 25. The first rolling surface 21 and the second rolling surface 26 are designed as toothed elements having teeth which are in meshing engagement or can be in meshing engagement with the gear wheel. In other words, the teeth of the gear wheel correspond to the teeth of the corresponding toothed elements. The toothed elements forming the first rolling surface 21 and / or the second rolling surface 26 can for example be formed directly on the surface of the corresponding part 25 (according to the first embodiment, Figures 1 to 3 ), or in the form of a rack arranged in the corresponding part 20, 25 (according to the second embodiment of the sliding mechanism 10', Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). Alternatively, the running surface 135, the first rolling surface 21 and / or the second rolling surface 26 can comprise a rubber surface designed to provide a substantially uniform and controlled rolling. The advantage of the meshing engagement is to ensure greater installation tolerances while ensuring better movement control.

[0087] According to the first embodiment, the winding roller 100 is mounted so that it can move in the sliding element 40 in a rotational but translational manner, the sliding element being arranged in the first part 20 so as to move translationally in the sliding direction L. Alternatively, the sliding element 40 and thus also the winding roller 100 can be arranged in the second part 25. Thus, the sliding element 40 is designed to provide the entire translational movement (e.g. the translational distance T2) of the winding roller 100 in the sliding direction L. The sliding element 40 can for example comprise a support element for rotatably mounting the winding roller 100, the support element being arranged to move translationally in a groove or recess extending in the sliding direction L. As shown here, if the sliding element 40 is arranged in the first part 20, only the second part 25 can comprise a rolling surface 26 as described above, and vice versa. However, in combination with the sliding element 40, both the first part 20 and the second part 25 can comprise the first rolling surface 21 and the second rolling surface 26 or not comprise the rolling surfaces 21, 26. The sliding element 40 can represent an alternative to the design having one or two rolling surfaces 21, 26 and / or can be adapted in a particularly simple manner to the translational dynamics or haptics (e.g. by movement damping) of the parts 20, 25 which are movable relative to each other according to certain requirements. The sliding element 40 can additionally support and / or guide the winding roller 100.

[0088] As already described, the cable portion extending between the first cable end 32 and the winding roller 100; 100' is referred to as the first cable portion 31 and the cable portion extending between the second cable end 34 and the winding roller 100; 100' is referred to as the second cable portion 33. The winding roller 100; 100' is fixedly connected to the cable 30 without only the wound intermediate portion being referred to as the intermediate portion 35. The intermediate portion 35 extends through the winding roller 100; 100', in particular the winding portion 120, in the present case. The first cable portion 31 and the second cable portion 33 can each have an excess length which is greater than a corresponding minimum cable portion length required to connect the corresponding cable portion 31, 33 to the winding roller 100; 100' and the corresponding component 20, 25. In other words, a maximum distance between the two cable ends 32, 34 and the winding roller 100; 100' provided when the sliding mechanism 10; 10' is used as intended can be less than the corresponding cable length of the first cable portion 31 and the second cable portion 33, so that at least with this maximum distance between the cable ends 32, 34, the cable 30 can be arranged not to be taut but at least partially to hang down. Each excess length can be between 100% and 120%, in particular between 105% and 110%, of the corresponding minimum cable portion length. The excess length makes it possible to take into account the fact that, depending on its thickness, the cable 30 has a greater winding radius around the rotation axis R at each winding of the cable, but the translational movement of the winding roller 100; 100' in the sliding direction L remains constant. This compensates for the cable tension which would otherwise increase at each winding.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, in contrast to conventional round cables, the cable 30 can be designed as a strip cable having two opposite broad sides, i.e. the cable cross section can be substantially flat and have a thickness which is much smaller than its width. Such a cable is shown in Figure 12 wherein such a cable is arranged according to its width and length in the plane of the paper. In Figure 12In the middle, the cable portions 31, 33, 35 and the cable ends 32, 34 are indicated by dashed lines. The cable 30 can be connected to the winding roller 100; 100', such that the wide edge can be in contact with the winding roller 100; 100', in particular with the winding surface 125, and thus the cable 30 can be wound onto the winding roller 100; 100' by its wide edge. The shown cable 30 also has a lateral offset V in the region of the middle portion 35, i.e. a lateral protruding offset in the wide edge plan view, which offset is designed essentially as a step, in this case with a step angle of 90°. The offset V can extend essentially parallel to the rotation axis R and in particular along the rotation axis. The offset V is longer than the cable width when measured in the cable width direction. Both the flat cable design and the offset can help to compensate for the increasing cable tension with each winding. In particular, the offset V can prevent any overlap between the first cable portion 31 and the second cable portion 33. In contrast, an alternative cable designed without an offset has the advantage that the corresponding winding roller for receiving the cable can be more compact, for example as shown in Figure 11

[0090] Figures 1 to 5 Two embodiments of a cable tensioner 200, 200' for tensioning a cable 30 according to the application are also shown, which cable tensioner is arranged between a first part 20 and a second part 25 and is rigidly connected to both parts 20, 25, which second part can be moved translationally in a sliding direction L relative to the first part 20. The cable tensioner 200, 200' comprises a winding roller 100; 100' for winding and unwinding the cable 30 about a rotation axis R, which cable roller can be mounted to rotate about the rotation axis R relative to the first part 20 and the second part 25, can be moved translationally in the sliding direction L, can be arranged in the region of the cable 30 between the first part 20 and the second part 25, and can be rigidly connected to the cable 30. The rotation axis R extends perpendicular to the sliding direction L.

[0091] ​Since the cable 30 can be wound onto or unwound from the winding roller 100; 100' depending on the relative position and sliding direction L of the second component 25 relative to the first component 20, and the winding roller 100; 100' can be moved at the same time in the sliding direction L, the effective cable length can be adapted to the relative position of the two components 20, 25 by the shown cable tensioner 200, 200' in order to provide a cable management that is particularly compatible with components 20, 25 that can be moved relative to each other without jeopardizing the stability of the cable connection. Since the winding roller 100; 100' is mounted in such a way that it can rotate as well as move in a translational manner, the available installation space can be used particularly efficiently. In particular, fewer components are required compared to known cable tensioners, which can make the cable tensioner 200; 200' and its construction or assembly less error-prone. The cable length can be dynamically adapted to the relative position of the two components 20, 25 without adversely affecting their relative movement, on the contrary, this can be actively supported by the translational movement of the winding roller 100; 100'.

[0092] The first and second embodiments of the cable tensioner 200, 200' are included in the corresponding first and second embodiments of the sliding mechanism 10; 10' described above.

[0093] According to Figures 1 to 3 According to the shown first embodiment, the cable tensioner 200 comprises a sliding element 40 in which the winding roller 100 is mounted so as to be rotatable but not moveable in a translational manner. The sliding element 40 can be arranged in the first component 20 or in the second component 25 so as to move translationally along the sliding direction L. In the present case, the sliding element can be arranged in the first component 20 so as to move translationally along the sliding direction L.

[0094] Figures 6 to 9 Two embodiments of a winding roller 100; 100' for winding and unwinding a cable 30 about a rotation axis R are shown, which cable is rigidly connected to the winding roller 100; 100'. As already described, the winding roller 100; 100' comprises a winding portion 120 having a winding surface 125 for supporting the cable 30, which winding surface extends around the rotation axis R and is in particular a closed surface, and a rolling portion 130 designed to co-rotate with the winding portion 120 and having a running surface 135 to roll on a rolling surface, in the present case for example the first rolling surface 21 and / or the second rolling surface 26, which running surface extends around the rotation axis R and is in particular a closed surface. The winding surface 125 and the running surface 135 are spaced apart from each other.

[0095] Since the winding roller designed according to the present invention has a running surface 135 and a winding surface 125 spaced apart from the running surface, the winding roller 100; 100' can help improve cable management, for example in combination with the above-mentioned sliding mechanism 10; 10' and / or the above-mentioned cable tensioner 200, 200'.

[0096] The first and second embodiments of the winding rollers 100 and 100' are included in the first and second embodiments of the sliding mechanism 10 and 10' and the cable tensioner 200 and 200', respectively, and are designed and configured according to the corresponding features and developments described above. Thus, the rolling portion 130 and the winding portion 120 are cylindrical (with the cylinder axis extending colinearly with the rotation axis R), and their lateral surfaces correspond to the running surface 135 and the winding surface 125, respectively.

[0097] The diameter of the winding portion 120 measured perpendicularly to the rotation axis R may correspond substantially to half the diameter of the rolling portion 130 measured perpendicularly to the rotation axis R (eg, the first embodiment of the winding roller 100, Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), or preferably corresponds to all (eg, the second embodiment of the winding roller 100 ', Figure 8 and Figure 9 In particular, if the winding roller 100 is provided in combination with the sliding element 40 and a single rolling surface 21 , 26 on one of the two components 20 , 25 (in the present case, the second rolling surface 26 on the second component 25 ), this may correspond to half the diameter of the rolling portion 130 ; see Figures 1 to 3 Alternatively, if no sliding element is provided and / or two rolling surfaces 21, 26 are provided as described above (as in the embodiment according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), the diameter of the winding section 120 can correspond to the diameter of the rolling section 130. In the present case, the rolling section 130 is designed as a gear, which in each case has teeth arranged on a running surface 135. Its diameter therefore corresponds to the working pitch diameter of the gear, which is decisive for the rolling distance.

[0098] The winding roller 100; 100' further comprises a channel 140 extending through the winding roller 100; 100', in particular through the winding portion 120, in which a cable 30 can be guided and accommodated for connection to the winding roller 100; 100'. The channel 140 can have a channel cross-section substantially corresponding to the cross-section of the cable 30 to be accommodated. The channel 140 comprises two channel ends intersecting the winding surface 125, in particular two channel ends located on opposite sides of the winding roller 100; 100'. The channel 140 has a generally S-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the rotation axis R. The channel 140 and its design represent a particularly easy-to-implement structural measure for accommodating, guiding, fastening and / or arranging the cable 30 with respect to the winding roller 100; 100' and / or the two components 20, 25.

[0099] According to a second embodiment of the winding roller Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the winding portion 120 comprises a first winding sub-portion 121 having a first winding sub-surface 126 extending around the rotation axis R to receive the first cable portion 31 extending from the first cable end 32 to the winding roller 100', and a second winding sub-portion 122 having a second winding sub-surface 127 extending around the rotation axis R to receive the second cable portion 33 extending from the second cable end 34 to the winding roller 100'. This design is particularly advantageous in combination with a stepped offset of the strip cable. Thus, the winding sub-portions 121, 122, the winding sub-surfaces 126, 127 and the channel are designed to be complementary to the cable 30 in Figure 12 , which is designed as an example as a strip cable. The first winding sub-surface 126 is spaced apart from the second winding sub-surface 127. A diameter of the first winding sub-portion 121 measured perpendicular to the rotation axis R corresponds to a diameter of the second winding sub-portion 122 measured perpendicular to the rotation axis R. As a result, the corresponding cable portions 31, 33 are wound and unwound uniformly.

[0100] As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the rolling portion 130 can comprise a first rolling sub-portion 131 and a second rolling sub-portion 132. The first rolling sub-portion 131 and the second rolling sub-portion 132 can be structurally identical. The two rolling sub-portions 131, 132 can be arranged in the winding roller 100' such that the winding portion 120 is arranged between the two rolling sub-portions. For example, the winding portion 120 can thus be arranged between two structurally identical gears serving as rolling portion 130. By means of the two rolling sub-portions, the movement of the winding roller 100', in particular its translational movement in the sliding mechanism 10; 10' according to the application, can be stabilized and guided more effectively.

[0101] at last, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Also shown is a vehicle interior trim 1 according to the invention with an electrical or optical function, which in the present case is schematically an armrest with a heating function. The vehicle interior trim 1 comprises, in its second embodiment, a sliding mechanism 10' according to the invention, here merely as an example. The first component 20 of the sliding mechanism 10' is designed as a first support and the second component 25 as a second support. When used as intended, the first support is fixed relative to the vehicle interior and the second support comprises a device with an electrical or optical function (not shown here), which is rigidly connected or can be rigidly connected to a cable 30, in particular in accordance with the above statements about the cable arrangement and connection.

[0102] By combining the sliding mechanism 10' according to the present invention with two supports of the vehicle interior trim 1, it is advantageously possible to provide cable management that is particularly compatible with supports that are movable relative to one another, without compromising the stability of the cable connections. This advantage is all the more significant because of the particular demands placed on the stability of cable connections in vehicles due to potential vibrations during driving. The further advantages have already been described above and apply mutatis mutandis to the proposed vehicle interior trim, which can be designed according to the features already described for the sliding mechanism 10; 10', the cable tensioner 200, 200', and / or the winding roller 100; 100'.

[0103] The vehicle trim 1 can be provided for a motor vehicle with an interior, for example for a passenger car. In addition to heated armrests, the vehicle interior trim 1 can in principle also be an electrically movable armrest, an armrest with an integrated connection for charging and / or connecting devices for mobile devices, a heated and / or electrically movable roof movable block, a heated and / or electrically movable seat, a movable multimedia device (for example a device with a movable screen), etc. The first support and / or the second support can be essentially dimensionally stable supports, which give the vehicle interior trim 1 its basic shape and stability. The first support and / or the second support can be components that are permanently installed in the vehicle interior and cannot be removed without causing damage when used as intended.

[0104] The diameter of the rolling portion 130, measured transversely to the rotation axis R, can be between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, in particular between 2 cm and 6 cm. The diameter of the winding portion 120, of the first winding sub-portion 121 and / or of the second winding sub-portion 122, measured transversely to the rotation axis R, can be between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, in particular between 1 cm and 3 cm. The length of the first rolling surface 21 and / or of the second rolling surface 26, measured along the sliding direction L, can be between 5 cm and 50 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 25 cm.

Claims

1. A sliding mechanism (10; 10') for a device having an electrical or optical function, characterized in that In particular, the invention relates to a vehicle interior decoration part (1) having an electrical function or an optical function, such as an armrest having a heating function, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises: A first component (20) and a second component (25), the second component being capable of translational movement relative to the first component (20) along a sliding direction (L), an electrical or optical cable (30) arranged between the first component (20) and the second component (25) and fixedly connected to both or connectable to both, a winding roller (100; 100') rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (R) extending perpendicularly to the sliding direction (L), the winding roller being arranged in a region of the cable (30) between the first component (20) and the second component (25) and being fixedly connected to the cable (30) such that the cable can be wound onto or unwound from the winding roller (100; 100') about the rotation axis (R) depending on the relative position of the second component (25) relative to the first component (20) and the sliding direction (L), wherein the winding roller (100; 100') is also mounted so as to be movable translationally in the sliding direction (L) relative to the first part (20) and the second part (25), so that during translation of the second part in the sliding direction (L), the winding roller (100; 100') is rotatable about the rotation axis (R) and movable in the sliding direction (L), and The translation distance (T2) of the winding roller (100; 100') corresponds to half the translation distance (T1) of the second component (25).

2. The sliding mechanism (10; 10') according to claim 1, wherein the first component (20) comprises a first rolling surface (21) extending along the sliding direction (L) and / or the second component (25) comprises a second rolling surface (26) extending along the sliding direction (L), and the winding roller (100; 100') further comprises: a winding portion (120) having a winding surface (125) extending around the rotation axis (R) to support the cable (30); and a rolling portion (130) designed to be non-rotatable relative to the winding portion (120), the rolling portion having a running surface (135) extending around the rotation axis (R) to roll on the first rolling surface (21) along the sliding direction (L) and / or roll on the second rolling surface (26) along the sliding direction (L), wherein the winding surface (125) and the running surface (135) are spaced apart from each other.

3. The sliding mechanism (10; 10') according to claim 2, wherein the first rolling surface (21) is arranged parallel to the second rolling surface (26) and faces the second rolling surface.

4. The sliding mechanism (10; 10') according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the rolling portion (130) is designed as a gear having teeth arranged on the running surface (135), and the first rolling surface and / or the second rolling surface (26) are designed as toothed elements having teeth meshingly engaged or capable of meshingly engaging with the gear.

5. Sliding mechanism (10; 10') according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the winding roller (100; 100') is mounted so as to be rotationally and translationally fixed in a sliding element (40), which is arranged in the first component (20) or the second component (25) so as to be translationally movable in the sliding direction (L).

6. Sliding mechanism (10; 10') according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (30) has: a first cable portion (31) extending between the winding roller (100; 100') and a first cable end (32) connected or connectable to the first component (20); a second cable portion (33) extending between the winding roller (100; 100') and a second cable end (34) connected or connectable to the second component (25); and an intermediate portion (35) arranged between the first cable portion (31) and the second cable portion (33), the intermediate portion optionally extending through the winding roller (100; 100'), in particular the winding portion (120), and wherein the winding roller (100; 100') is fixedly connected to the cable (30), wherein the first cable portion (31) and the second cable portion (33) each have an excess length, which is greater than the corresponding shortest cable portion length required to connect the corresponding first cable portion (31) and the second cable portion (33) to the winding roller (100; 100') and the corresponding first component (20) and the second component (25), wherein the corresponding excess length is between 100% and 120%, in particular between 105% and 110%, of the corresponding shortest cable portion length.

7. A sliding mechanism (10; 10') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (30) is designed as a flat ribbon cable with two opposite wide sides and is connected to the winding roller (100; 100') so that the wide sides can come into contact with the winding roller (100; 100'), in particular the winding surface (125), and wherein the cable (30) optionally has a lateral offset in a middle portion (35) connected to the winding roller (100; 100'), the lateral offset being designed essentially as a step.

8. A cable tensioner (200; 200'), characterized in that: The cable tensioner (200; 200') is used for tensioning a cable (30), the cable tensioner being arranged between and fixedly connected to a first component (20) and a second component (25), the second component being arranged to move translationally relative to the first component (20) along a sliding direction (L), The cable tensioner (200; 200') comprises a winding roller (100; 100') which is rotatable relative to the first component (20) and the second component (25) about a rotation axis (R) and is movable translationally along the sliding direction (L), and is arranged in a region of the cable (30) between the first component (20) and the second component (25) and is fixedly connected to the cable (30) for winding and unwinding the cable (30) about the rotation axis (R), wherein the rotation axis (R) extends perpendicular to the sliding direction (L).

9. The cable tensioner (200; 200') according to claim 8, further comprising a sliding element (40), in which the winding roller (100; 100') is rotatably and translationally fixedly mounted, wherein the sliding element (40) can be arranged in the first component (20) or the second component (25) so as to be translationally movable along the sliding direction (L).

10. Winding roller (100; 100'), characterized in that The winding roller (100; 100') is for winding and unwinding a cable (30) fixedly connected to the winding roller (100; 100') about a rotation axis (R), in particular a winding roller (100; 100') for a sliding mechanism (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or a cable tensioner (200; 200') according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the winding roller (100; 100') The invention comprises: a winding portion (120) having a winding surface (125) extending around the rotation axis (R) to support the cable (30); and a rolling portion (130) designed to be non-rotatable relative to the winding portion (120), the rolling portion having a running surface (135) extending around the rotation axis (R) to roll on the rolling surface, wherein The winding surface (125) and the running surface (135) are spaced apart from each other.

11. The winding roller (100; 100') according to claim 10, wherein the diameter of the winding portion (120) measured perpendicularly to the axis of rotation (R) corresponds substantially to half or the entire diameter of the rolling portion (130) measured perpendicularly to the axis of rotation (R), and / or wherein the rolling portion (130) is designed as a gear having teeth arranged on the running surface (135).

12. The winding roller (100; 100') according to claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising a channel (140) extending through the winding roller (100; 100'), in particular through the winding portion (120), and in which the cable (30) can be guided and received for connection to the winding roller (100; 100').

13. The winding roller (100; 100') according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the winding portion (120) comprises: a first winding subsection (121) having a first winding subsurface (126) extending about the rotation axis (R) to receive a first cable portion (31) extending from a first cable end (32) to the winding roller (100; 100'); and a second winding subsection (122) having a second winding subsection surface (127) extending about the rotation axis (R) to receive a second cable section (33) extending from a second cable end (34) to the winding roller (100; 100'), wherein optionally a channel (140) connects the first winding subsection surface (126) to the second winding subsection surface (127).

14. A winding roller (100; 100') according to claim 13, wherein the first winding sub-surface (126) is spaced apart from the second winding sub-surface (127), and / or the diameter of the first winding sub-portion (121) measured perpendicularly to the rotation axis (R) corresponds to the diameter of the second winding sub-portion (122) measured perpendicularly to the rotation axis (R).

15. A vehicle interior decoration part (1) with electrical or optical functions, in particular an armrest with a heating function, characterized in that: The vehicle interior trim (1) comprises a sliding mechanism (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and wherein the first component (20) is designed as a first support and the second component (25) is designed as a second support, wherein the first support is fixed relative to the vehicle interior and the second support comprises a device with an electrical or optical function, which is fixedly connected or can be connected to a cable (30).

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