Clamping mechanism for vehicle accessories

Abstract

A clamping mechanism for vehicle accessories comprises a base, a cover plate, a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly, the second clamping assembly comprises a linkage piece, a clamping piece and a first elastic piece, the two ends of the first elastic piece abut against the linkage piece and the clamping piece respectively, and in the cover plate buckling process, the linkage piece can push the clamping piece to slide towards the first clamping assembly; and when the clamping piece is subjected to acting force opposite to the sliding direction of the clamping piece, the first elastic piece can be compressed. When the cover plate is closed, the first elastic piece can be compressed when the clamping piece is subjected to acting force opposite to the sliding direction of the clamping piece, and the compressed first elastic piece provides elastic force for the clamping piece, so that the clamping piece tends to slide towards the direction of the first clamping assembly and firmly clamps a clamped object; and meanwhile, the first elastic piece is arranged on the second clamping assembly, so that the sliding of the first clamping assembly is prevented from being influenced by the first elastic piece, and the first clamping block can smoothly slide on the base without clamping stagnation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of steam fittings, especially to a clamping mechanism of vehicle accessories. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, with the increasing popularity of self-driving travel, carrying large luggage such as luggage cases, car frames, bicycles, and kayaks on the roof of the car can not only increase the amount of luggage carried but also not occupy the space inside the car. Carrying luggage on the roof usually uses a clamping mechanism to connect with the horizontal support on the top of the vehicle. For example, a Chinese invention application with the patent application number CN202210322648.5 (publication number CN114604179A) discloses a "quick clamp for roof luggage case". The quick clamp includes a cover plate, a base, a locking mechanism, and first and second clamping pieces that are slidably installed in the base and oppositely arranged. The locking mechanism is movably installed on the base and is elastically connected with the first clamping piece. The cover plate is hingedly installed on the base and is linked with the second clamping piece. The first clamping piece has a first state of sliding cooperation with the base after the locking mechanism is unlocked and a second state of being fixed on the base after the locking mechanism is locked. The second clamping piece has a first state of sliding backward when the cover plate is opened and a second state of sliding toward the first clamping piece when the cover plate is closed.

[0003] The locking mechanism of the above-mentioned quick clamp includes a locking block and an elastic piece. The elastic piece has the following two functions: first, the elastic piece is in contact between the locking block and the first clamping piece. The spacing between the first clamping piece and the locking block provides a margin for the movement of the first clamping piece, so that in the locked state, the first clamping piece moves in the direction of the locking block after being subjected to the force transmitted by the second clamping piece and compresses the elastic piece, thereby providing space for the clamped object to prevent damage to the clamped object and the clamping piece when clamped hard and increasing the firmness of the clamped object. Second, the locking mechanism is unlocked by the force received by the pressing plate. After unlocking, the locking mechanism can freely slide with the first clamping piece on the base, and the elastic piece can provide pre-tightening force for the reset of the locking block.

[0004] However, the above locking mechanism has the following problems in actual use: first, in the unlocked state of the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism and the first clamping piece are manually driven to slide relative to the base, and the locking mechanism includes elastic members that abut against the locking block and the first clamping piece, respectively. During the sliding process, the distance between the first clamping piece and the locking mechanism changes constantly due to the expansion and deformation of the elastic members, causing jamming during sliding; second, the locking mechanism relies on the bending deformation of the elastic members to provide a pre-tightening force for the reset of the locking block to achieve locking. However, due to the limited bending deformation capacity of the elastic members, they cannot provide sufficient pre-tightening force to keep the locking block in a locked state, often causing the locking block to slip and fail to lock. Although adding an elastic member between the pressing plate and the first ratchet part in the locking mechanism may solve the problem of insufficient pre-tightening force, there is not enough space in the locking mechanism to accommodate the elastic member between the pressing plate and the first ratchet part. Therefore, the above quick clamping structure still needs to be improved. Utility model content

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a vehicle accessory clamping mechanism with smooth sliding and locking stability for the above-mentioned prior art status.

[0006] The utility model adopts the technical scheme that the clamping mechanism of the vehicle accessory comprises:

[0007] a base;

[0008] a cover plate hingedly installed at the end of the base;

[0009] a first clamping assembly slidably installed on the base and lockable on the base, the first clamping assembly being slidably matched with the base in the unlocked state and being fixed on the base in the locked state;

[0010] a second clamping assembly slidably installed on the base and oppositely arranged with the first clamping assembly, the second clamping assembly being linked with the cover plate, the second clamping assembly sliding away from the first clamping assembly during the opening of the cover plate, and the second clamping assembly sliding towards the first clamping assembly during the buckling of the cover plate;

[0011] characterized in that the second clamping assembly comprises:

[0012] a linkage member slidably installed on the base and linked with the cover plate;

[0013] a clamping piece slidably installed on the base;

[0014] The first elastic member is arranged between the linkage member and the clamping member and abuts against the linkage member and the clamping member at two ends, and the linkage member can push the clamping member to slide towards the first clamping assembly during the clamping of the cover plate, and the first elastic member can be compressed when the clamping member is subjected to a force in a direction opposite to the sliding direction of the clamping member.

[0015] Preferably, the second clamping assembly further comprises a connecting rod connecting the linkage member and the clamping member, the first elastic member is sleeved on the connecting rod, and at least one of the linkage member or the clamping member is capable of sliding relative to the connecting rod and is provided with a sliding channel for the sliding of the connecting rod. In this way, the connecting rod limits the first elastic member, avoiding the first elastic member from moving in other directions during the sliding process. In order for the first elastic member to be compressed when the clamping member is subjected to a force in a direction opposite to the sliding direction of the clamping member, at least one of the clamping member and the linkage member must be capable of sliding relative to the connecting rod so that the connecting rod is inserted into the at least one of the clamping member and the linkage member, at this time, the distance between the clamping member and the linkage member is reduced, and the elastic member is compressed.

[0016] In order for the second clamping assembly to slide on the base during the opening and closing of the cover plate, preferably, the lower surface of the cover plate is provided with a mounting seat, the mounting seat is connected through a linkage rod and a linkage member, and the linkage rod is hingedly connected with the mounting seat and the linkage member. The cover plate converts the rotary motion of the cover plate into the sliding motion of the linkage member on the base through the linkage rod during the opening and closing process.

[0017] Preferably, the clamping member comprises a second sliding block slidingly installed on the base and a second hook portion connected with the second sliding block and extending downward through the base; and the first elastic member abuts against the second sliding block.

[0018] Preferably, the first clamping assembly comprises a first sliding block slidingly installed on the base and a first hook portion connected with the first sliding block and extending downward through the base.

[0019] In order to make the first clamping assembly have two states of locking and unlocking, preferably, the first clamping assembly further comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprises a locking block and a first ratchet portion arranged on the locking block; the base is provided with a second ratchet portion engaged with the first ratchet portion; and the locking mechanism has a locking state in which the first ratchet portion and the second ratchet portion are engaged, and an unlocking state in which the first ratchet portion and the second ratchet portion are separated. In the locking state, the first ratchet portion and the second ratchet portion are engaged, so that the first clamping assembly is fixed on the base; in the unlocking state, the first ratchet portion and the second ratchet portion are separated, so that the first clamping assembly can slide on the base.

[0020] In order to facilitate the conversion of the locking mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state, preferably the locking block further comprises an operation plate arranged above the first ratchet part, and the locking block is hinged on the first sliding block. By operating the operation plate, the first ratchet part and the second ratchet part can be converted between the engaged state and the disengaged state, thereby converting the locking mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0021] Further, the locking mechanism further comprises a second elastic member, which always has an elastic force on the operation plate to make the first ratchet part always have a tendency to engage with the second ratchet part. Due to the second elastic member making the first ratchet part always have a tendency to engage with the second ratchet part, the locking mechanism can be in the locked state, and when the operation plate is forced, the operation plate overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic member to make the first ratchet part upwardly tilt and disengage with the second ratchet part, and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, in which the first clamping assembly can slide on the base.

[0022] In order to make the second elastic member apply sufficient elastic force on the operation plate to make the first ratchet part always have a tendency to engage with the second ratchet part, further, the second elastic member is a compression spring, the fixed end of the compression spring is fixed on the upper surface of the first sliding block, and the free end of the compression spring abuts against the lower surface of the operation plate. In this way, the elastic force of the compression spring directly acts on the pressing plate, and the locking mechanism has sufficient pre-tightening force in the locked state.

[0023] Preferably, the operation plate and the first ratchet part have a connecting portion therebetween, and the locking block is hinged on the first sliding block through the connecting portion; the operation plate is a pressing plate, and the first ratchet part and the pressing plate are arranged on the two sides of the connecting portion (3113), respectively, or the operation plate is a hook plate, and the hook plate and the first ratchet part are arranged on the same side of the connecting portion. The arrangement of the pressing plate or the hook plate provides two unlocking modes for the locking mechanism, and by pressing the pressing plate or hooking the hook plate, the first ratchet part can be upwardly tilted and disengaged with the second ratchet part, thereby unlocking the locking mechanism.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the vehicle accessory clamping mechanism lie in that the two ends of the first elastic member respectively abut against the linkage and the clamping piece, the spacing between the linkage and the clamping piece provides a margin for the movement of the clamping piece, in the cover plate buckling process, the linkage can push the clamping piece to slide towards the first clamping assembly, and when the clamping piece is subjected to a force opposite to the sliding direction, the first elastic member can be compressed, the first elastic member after being compressed provides the clamping piece with an elastic force, so that the clamping piece has a tendency to slide towards the first clamping assembly and firmly clamps the clamped object; meanwhile, the first elastic member is arranged on the second clamping assembly, so that the locking mechanism of the first clamping assembly is not affected by the first elastic member in the sliding process, thereby enabling the first clamping assembly to smoothly slide on the base without being stuck, in addition, the locking mechanism of the first clamping assembly does not rely on the first elastic member to provide a pre-tightening force in the locked state, so that the stability of the locking mechanism in the locked state is not affected by the bending deformation ability of the first elastic member, and the locking mechanism does not have the problems of slipping or being unable to lock in use, and the reliability and stability of clamping objects are significantly increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a structure schematic view of the clamping mechanism in the folded state of the cover plate and the base in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a top view of the clamping mechanism in the folded state of the cover plate and the base in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a structure schematic view of the clamping mechanism in the open state of the cover plate in the embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 It is a sectional view of A-A in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a structure schematic view of the second clamping assembly in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a sectional view of B-B in the embodiment of the utility model; Figure 4 It is a structure schematic view of the first clamping assembly in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 It is a structure schematic view of the locking block in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 It is a structure schematic view of the base in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 8 It is a structure schematic view of the clamping mechanism in the open state of the cover plate in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 9 It is a structure schematic view of the clamping mechanism in the open state of the cover plate in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0034] Figure 10 is a top view of the clamping mechanism in the open state of the cover plate in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0035] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a sectional view at C-C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The utility model will be described further in detail below in combination with the embodiment of the drawings.

[0037] As Figures 1-11 shown, it is a preferred embodiment of the utility model. The clamping mechanism of the vehicle accessory of the embodiment comprises a base 1, a cover plate 2 hingedly installed at the end of the base 1, a first clamping assembly 3 slidably installed on the base 1 and lockable on the base 1, and a second clamping assembly 4 slidably installed on the base 1 and oppositely arranged with the first clamping assembly 3. Wherein, the first clamping assembly 3 is fixed on the base 1 in the locked state and is slidably matched with the base 1 in the unlocked state. The second clamping assembly 4 is linked with the cover plate 2, and in the opening process of the cover plate 2, the second clamping assembly 4 slides away from the first clamping assembly 3, and in the buckling process of the cover plate 2, the second clamping assembly 4 slides towards the first clamping assembly 3.

[0038] Referring to Figures 4-5The second clamping assembly 4 comprises a linkage 41 and a clamping piece 42 slidably mounted on the base 1, and a first elastic piece 43 arranged between the linkage 41 and the clamping piece 42. The linkage 41 is connected with the cover plate 2 in linkage, and the lower surface of the cover plate 2 is provided with a mounting seat 21 connected with the linkage 41 through a linkage rod 5. The linkage rod 5 is hingedly connected with the mounting seat 21 and the linkage 41 respectively. During the opening and closing of the cover plate 2, the linkage rod 5 converts the rotary motion of the cover plate 2 into the sliding motion of the linkage 41 on the base 1. The clamping piece 42 comprises a second sliding block 421 slidably mounted on the base 1, and a second hook portion 422 connected with the second sliding block 421 and extending downward through the base 1. The base 1 is provided with a second passing groove 11 for the second hook portion 422 to pass through. When the second sliding block 421 slides, it can drive the second hook portion 422 to pass through the second passing groove 11. The clamping piece 42 is connected with the linkage 41 through a connecting rod 44, and the first elastic piece 43 is sleeved on the connecting rod 44 and abuts against the linkage 41 and the second sliding block 421 of the clamping piece 42 at both ends. The linkage 41 is provided with a sliding channel 45 and can slide relative to the connecting rod 44. During the buckling of the cover plate 2, under the transmission of the linkage rod 5, the linkage 41 and the clamping piece 42 slide together to the first clamping assembly 3. When the second hook portion 422 contacts the clamped object, the clamping piece 42 stops sliding under the blockage of the clamped object, while the linkage 41 can further slide and compress the first elastic piece 43. The compressed first elastic piece 43 generates an elastic force and acts on the second sliding block 421 to make the clamping piece 42 have a tendency to slide to the first clamping assembly 3 and firmly clamp the clamped object. In this embodiment, the first elastic piece 43 is arranged on the second clamping assembly 4, which can firmly clamp the clamped object while avoiding the problems of clamping instability and sliding jam of the first clamping assembly 3 caused by the influence of the first elastic piece 43 in the prior art.

[0039] Referring to Figure 6 The first clamping assembly 3 comprises a first sliding block 32 slidably mounted on the base 1, and a first hook portion 33 connected with the first sliding block 32 and extending downward through the base 1. The base 1 is provided with a first passing groove 12 for the first hook portion 33 to pass through. When the first sliding block 32 slides, it can drive the first hook portion 33 to pass through the first passing groove 12. The first clamping assembly 3 further comprises a locking mechanism 31 comprising a locking block 311 movably connected to the base 1 and a second elastic piece 312. Figures 7-8The locking block 311 includes a first ratchet portion 3111, and the base 1 is provided with a second ratchet portion 13 that engages with the first ratchet portion 3111. This allows the locking mechanism 31 to have a locked state where the first ratchet portion 3111 and the second ratchet portion 13 are engaged, and an unlocked state where the first ratchet portion 3111 and the second ratchet portion 13 are disengaged. In this embodiment, the first ratchet portion 3111 is located at the bottom of the locking block 311, while the second ratchet portion 13 is located on the bottom wall of the base 1. The locking block 311 also includes an operating plate. The second elastic element 312 is a compression spring. The fixed end 312a of the compression spring is fixed to the upper surface of the first slider 32, and the free end 312b of the compression spring abuts against the lower surface of the operating plate. The compression spring always exerts an elastic force on the operating plate so that the first ratchet portion 3111 always tends to engage with the second ratchet portion 13. A connecting portion 3113 is provided between the operating plate and the first ratchet portion 3111, and the connecting portion 3113 is hinged to the first slider 32. In this embodiment, the operating plate is a pressing plate 3112, and the pressing plate 3112 and the first ratchet portion 3111 are respectively provided on both sides of the connecting portion 3113. The structure of the locking block is similar to a lever structure. The elastic force of the second elastic member 312 acts on the pressing plate 3112, so that the first ratchet portion 3111 always has a tendency to engage with the second ratchet portion 13, the locking mechanism 31 is in the locked state, and the first clamping assembly 3 is locked on the base 1; when the pressing plate 3112 is pressed down, the pressing plate 3112 rotates against the elastic force of the second elastic member 312, the first ratchet portion 3111 tilts upward and separates from the second ratchet portion 13, the locking mechanism 31 is in the unlocked state, and the first clamping assembly 3 can slide on the base 1. The compression spring that acts directly on the pressing plate 3112 can apply sufficient preload to the locking block 311, so that the locking block 311 is always in a locked state when no force is applied, and the locked state is stable.

[0040] Alternatively, the operating plate can be a hook plate 3114. The hook plate 3114 and the first ratchet portion 3111 are located on the same side of the connecting portion 3113, and there is a gap 3115 between the hook plate 3114 and the first ratchet portion 3111 for finger insertion. The hook plate 3114 provides a second unlocking method for the locking mechanism 31. By hooking the hook plate 3114 with a finger, the first ratchet portion 3111 can be raised upward and separated from the second ratchet portion 13, thus unlocking the locking mechanism 31.

[0041] In summary, the method of using the clamping mechanism for vehicle accessories in this embodiment is as follows:

[0042] a. Open cover 2, as follows Figures 9-11 As shown, driven by the linkage, the second clamping assembly 4 moves to the end position of the base 1 away from the first clamping assembly 3;

[0043] b. Press the pressing plate 3112 or hook the hook plate 3114 to unlock the locking mechanism 31, and manually push the first clamping component 3 to slide relative to the base 1 so that the preset distance and position between the first clamping component 3 and the second clamping component 4 are adapted to the clamped object.

[0044] c. Release the pressure plate or hook plate 3114, and the locking mechanism 31 will enter the locked state under the action of the compression spring;

[0045] d. Close cover plate 2, as follows Figures 1-3 As shown, driven by the linkage rod 5, the second clamping component 4 slides towards the first clamping component 3. After the second claw part 422 and the first claw part 33 respectively contact the two ends of the clamped object, the second claw part 422 is subjected to the resistance of the clamped object, causing the first elastic member 43 to be compressed. The compressed first elastic member 43 makes the clamping member 42 have the tendency and force to clamp the clamped object, thereby firmly clamping the clamped object.

[0046] The above is the preferred embodiment of this utility model. Of course, other methods can also be used to lock the first clamping component 3 onto the base 1. For example, a pin can be used to pass through the first clamping component 3 (including its first slider 32 or other parts) and the base 1 to achieve locking between the two. Alternatively, ratchet teeth, protrusions or groove structures that engage with each other can be provided on the side wall of the first clamping component 3 (including its first slider 32 or other parts) and the side wall of the base 1 to achieve locking between the two.

[0047] It should be noted that in the description of this embodiment, the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A clamping mechanism for vehicle accessories, comprising: Base (1); The cover plate (2) is hinged to the end of the base (1); The first clamping component (3) is slidably mounted on the base (1) and can be locked on the base (1). In the unlocked state, the first clamping component (3) can slide and cooperate with the base (1). In the locked state, the first clamping component (3) is fixed on the base (1). The second clamping component (4) is slidably mounted on the base (1) and is disposed opposite to the first clamping component (3). The second clamping component (4) is linked to the cover plate (2). During the opening of the cover plate (2), the second clamping component (4) slides away from the first clamping component (3). During the closing of the cover plate (2), the second clamping component (4) slides towards the first clamping component (3). Its features are, The second clamping assembly (4) includes: Linkage component (41) is slidably mounted on base (1) and linked to cover plate (2); The clamping element (42) is slidably mounted on the base (1); The first elastic element (43) is disposed between the linkage element (41) and the clamping element (42) and its two ends respectively abut against the linkage element (41) and the clamping element (42). During the fastening process of the cover plate (2), the linkage element (41) can push the clamping element (42) to slide towards the first clamping assembly (3) and the first elastic element (43) can be compressed when the clamping element (42) is subjected to a force opposite to its sliding direction.

2. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second clamping assembly (4) further includes a connecting rod (44) that connects the linkage (41) and the clamping member (42). The first elastic member (43) is sleeved on the connecting rod (44). At least one of the linkage (41) or the clamping member (42) is capable of sliding relative to the connecting rod (44) and is provided with a slide (45) for the connecting rod (44) to slide.

3. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower surface of the cover plate (2) is provided with a mounting base (21), which is connected by a linkage rod (5) and a linkage component (41). The linkage rod (5) is hinged to the mounting base (21) and the linkage component (41) respectively.

4. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping member (42) includes a second slider (421) slidably mounted on the base (1) and a second claw portion (422) connected to the second slider (421) and extending downward through the base (1); the first elastic member (43) abuts against the second slider (421).

5. The clamping mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The first clamping assembly (3) includes a first slider (32) slidably mounted on the base (1) and a first claw portion (33) connected to the first slider (32) and extending downward through the base (1).

6. The clamping mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first clamping assembly further includes a locking mechanism (31), which includes a locking block (311) and a first ratchet portion (3111) disposed on the locking block (311); the base (1) is provided with a second ratchet portion (13) that engages with the first ratchet portion (3111); the locking mechanism (31) has a locked state in which the first ratchet portion (3111) and the second ratchet portion (13) are engaged, and an unlocked state in which the first ratchet portion (3111) and the second ratchet portion (13) are separated.

7. The clamping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking block (311) also includes an operating plate disposed on the first ratchet portion (3111), and the locking block (311) is hinged to the first slider (32).

8. The clamping mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (31) further includes a second elastic element (312), which always exerts an elastic force on the operating plate so that the first ratchet (3111) always tends to engage with the second ratchet (13).

9. The clamping mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second elastic element (312) is a compression spring. The fixed end (312a) of the compression spring is fixed to the upper surface of the first slider (32), and the free end (312b) of the compression spring abuts against the lower surface of the operating plate.

10. The clamping mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The operating plate has a connecting part (3113) between it and the first ratchet part (3111). The locking block (311) is hinged to the first slider (32) through the connecting part (3113). The operating plate is a pressing plate (3112). The first ratchet part (3111) and the pressing plate (3112) are respectively provided on both sides of the connecting part (3113). Alternatively, the operating plate is a hook plate (3114). The hook plate (3114) and the first ratchet part (3111) are provided on the same side of the connecting part (3113).

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