Recessing device for a radiator decorative element

Abstract

Retracting device (10) for a radiator decorative element (76), comprising a rod (14) for transferring the radiator decorative element (76) between an extended position above a radiator surface (32) and a retracted position below the radiator surface (32); a drive unit (18) decoupleably connected to the radiator decorative element (76) for reversibly changing the position of the radiator decorative element (76) by moving the rod assembly (14) in the case of an existing coupling; a decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit (18) from the radiator decorative element (76); and a decoupling drive unit (64) connected to the rod assembly (14) for transferring the radiator decorative element (76) from the extended position above the radiator surface (32) to the retracted position below the radiator surface (32) by moving the rod assembly (14) upon actuation of the decoupling device; characterized in that the decoupling drive unit (64) has a spring assembly comprising a mechanical spring (74), a guide (72) for the mechanical spring (74), and a second bearing element (70) movable along the guide parallel to the spring force of the spring (74).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a countersinking device for a radiator decorative element according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Such retracting devices can be used in high-end motor vehicles to move a radiator decorative element, such as a radiator ornament, between an extended position above a radiator surface and a retracted position below the radiator surface. Known retracting devices from the prior art include, among other things, means for controlling the movement of the radiator decorative element in two different ways.

[0003] The first type typically involves a reversible change in the position of the radiator decorative element. This is generally accomplished directly or indirectly via a drive unit, in particular an electric motor drive. For example, such a reversible position change between the extended position and the retracted position can be achieved via the drive unit depending on the vehicle's operating state, so that the radiator decorative element is moved to the extended position when the vehicle's engine is started and, conversely, to the retracted position when the vehicle's engine is switched off.

[0004] The second type of movement of the radiator decorative element generally serves to prevent accidents and / or to protect against vandalism. Accordingly, in known retracting devices, it is provided that when certain forces are applied to the radiator decorative element in the extended position, the radiator decorative element is moved into the retracted position as directly and quickly as possible. It is already known from the prior art to provide a separate drive unit for the second type of position change and, when the second type of position change is activated, to decouple the radiator decorative element from the drive unit, for example the electric motor drive, in such a way that the movement of the radiator decorative element orthe transfer of the radiator decorative element from the extended position to the lowered position takes place exclusively via the second drive unit after the radiator decorative element has been decoupled from the first drive unit, wherein the second drive unit is designed in such a way that, on the one hand, only the transfer from the extended position to the lowered position is made possible, but this is realized with a correspondingly short response time and a correspondingly high speed.

[0005] For this purpose, gas pressure cylinders are known from the prior art as a second drive unit, wherein the gas pressure cylinders are in a pressurized state in the extended position of the radiator decorative element and transfer the radiator decorative element from the extended position to the lowered position by transitioning to a relaxed or less pressurized state.

[0006] From document DE 10 2007 037 362 A1, a retracting device for retracting a radiator decorative element is known, comprising a retracting rod, a drive device, a gas pressure spring, and a decoupling device. The drive device and the gas pressure spring can be decoupled via the decoupling device, so that the retracting rod can be mechanically actuated by the energy storage device.

[0007] However, such gas springs are particularly susceptible to wear and tear and sensitive to environmental influences. Accordingly, the state-of-the-art retractable devices require a high level of maintenance and are therefore relatively expensive to manufacture and maintain.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a countersinking device for radiator decorative elements that is more robust and durable.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the countersinking device for a radiator decorative element having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0010] A retracting device for a radiator decorative element is therefore proposed, which, in addition to a first rod for transferring the radiator decorative element between an extended position above a radiator surface and a retracted position below the radiator surface, a drive unit decoupleably connected to the radiator decorative element for reversibly changing the position of the radiator decorative element by moving the rod when there is an existing coupling between the drive unit and the radiator decorative element, a decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit from the radiator decorative element, and a decoupling drive unit connected to the first rod for transferring the radiator decorative element from the extended position above the radiator surface to the retracted position below the radiator surface by moving the rod when the decoupling device is actuated, wherein the decoupling drive unit is characterized in thatthat it has a spring assembly with a mechanical spring, a guide guiding the spring and a second bearing element movable along the guide parallel to the spring force of the spring.

[0011] The proposed use of a spring assembly with a mechanical spring and a guide as part of the decoupling drive unit has the advantage that such spring assemblies are highly durable and insensitive to environmental influences, since, unlike gas springs, they do not have a gas filling and corresponding seals that are susceptible to wear.

[0012] The second bearing element can serve to connect the decoupling drive unit to the rod assembly. In the proposed arrangement, with a bearing element fixed to the spring assembly and a bearing element movable along the guide and parallel to the spring force, the direction and magnitude of the drive force of the decoupling drive unit is determined by the guide and the spring. At the same time, the bearing elements ensure that the decoupling drive unit can perform more complex movements, such as those performed by the first rod assembly when transferring the radiator decorative element between the two positions, such as rotational and / or translational movements.

[0013] Furthermore, the proposed spring assemblies have the advantage that they can be manufactured and used in particularly space-saving designs, which accordingly require less installation space. Finally, the proposed spring assemblies are also significantly lighter and less expensive than the gas springs known from the state of the art.

[0014] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the spring assembly has a first bearing element that is immovably arranged relative to the spring assembly. A corresponding bearing element can be used, for example, to connect the decoupling drive unit to the linkage.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the first and / or second bearing element is / are made of plastic. This allows the use of solid bearing elements whose surface, due to the material properties, enables the bearing function or bearing properties to be realized, thus avoiding the need for failure-prone multi-part bearing elements, such as ball bearings.

[0016] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the first bearing element and the guide are formed as a single piece. Accordingly, the first bearing element and the guide can be made of plastic. This single-piece design results in a robust and wear-resistant construction of the decoupling drive unit or spring assembly. Furthermore, the second bearing element, which can move along the spring, can also be solid and, if necessary, made of plastic.

[0017] It is also desirable if the bearing elements each have bearing eyes or bearing pins that are in rotary engagement with corresponding complementary pins and eyes of the rod.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the first and second bearing elements are connected to the rod, wherein in the deployed position of the radiator decorative element, the mechanical spring has a pre-tensioned state.

[0019] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be found in the description, the drawings and the patent claims.

[0020] Embodiments of the proposed recessing device for a radiator decorative element according to the invention are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 a retracting device for a radiator decorative element in a first position, without showing the radiator decorative element; Fig. 2 the retracting device for a radiator decorative element in a second position; Fig. 3 the retracting device for a radiator decorative element in a third position; Fig. 4 the retracting device for a radiator decorative element in a fourth position; Fig. 5 a rear view of the retracting device for a radiator decorative element in the first position; Fig. 6 a section through a part of a countersinking device for a radiator decorative element, comprising a decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit from the radiator decorative element; Fig. 7 a decoupling drive unit.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a retracting device 10, by means of which a radiator decorative element, in this case a radiator mascot (not shown) of a vehicle radiator, can be adjusted between a retracted position and an extended position. The essential elements of the retracting device 10 are arranged on or at a base plate 12. A rod or a first rod 14 in the form of a four-bar linkage is arranged on the base plate 12, which in turn is connected to a platform 30 for a Fig. 1 radiator decorative element not shown.

[0022] Also arranged on the base plate 12 is an electric motor drive 16 of a drive unit 18. The electric motor drive 16 is connected to a connecting link 22 via a pivot point 20 on a drive link 19. The end of the connecting link 22 facing away from the electric motor drive 16 is connected to a first drive lever 24 pivotally mounted on the base plate 12, wherein the first drive lever 24 is guided by a guide 26 when the connecting link 22 is moved by the electric motor drive 16.

[0023] At one in the Fig. 1 end of the first drive lever 24 of the drive unit 18, not shown, there is a decoupling device which is partly arranged in the housing 28.

[0024] The Fig. 1 shows a situation or a position of the lowering device in which the Fig. 1 not shown radiator figure or the radiator decorative element arranged on the platform 30 is arranged in a display position above the radiator surface 32 shown in dashed lines.

[0025] In the event that the radiator decorative element is transferred or brought into the retracted position and the radiator surface has an unsealed opening 33, the retracting device also comprises a cover element 34 which is arranged by means of a second rod 36 between a Fig. 1 shown lowering position and one in the Fig. 1 not shown cover position. The second linkage 36 is connected to the drive unit 18 by a decoupleable connection 38 for reversibly changing the position of the cover element 34 or for moving the second linkage 36. In other words, the connection 38 is articulated via the drive link 19 as well as the connecting coupling 22 to the electric motor drive 16 of the drive unit 18. As can be seen from the figure described below Fig. As can be seen more clearly in Figure 5, the drive link 19 of the connection 38 is connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive 16. The connecting link 24 is, in turn, pivoted to the drive link 19 at the pivot point 20.

[0026] The decoupleable connection 38 comprises a second drive lever 40, which is connected to the drive link 19. At the end of the second drive lever 40 facing away from the drive link 19, the second drive lever 40 has a decoupling link 42. The decoupling link 42 serves to guide a portion of the second linkage 36. Furthermore, the second connection 38 comprises a securing device 44, which has a pre-tensioned lock latch 46 and a likewise pre-tensioned rocker arm 48.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 shows a configuration of the lowering device 10 in which the securing device 44 establishes a coupling between the second rod 36 and the drive unit 18 via the connection 38 by preventing the extension joint 50 of the second rod 36 from moving along the decoupling link 42.

[0028] In addition to an extension joint 50 and an upper extension lever 52 and lower extension lever 54 hinged thereto, the second linkage 36 has a guide lever 56 that engages in a recess 58 in a support 60 connected to the cover element 34. The end of the upper extension lever 52 facing away from the extension joint 50 is also guided by a guide 62, so that the cover element 34 can be pivoted and displaced, or rotated and translated, with the second linkage 36.

[0029] In addition, the lowering device 10 has a first decoupling drive unit 64, which is connected to the first rod 14, and a second decoupling drive unit 66, which is connected to the base plate 12 on the one hand and to the second rod 36 on the other hand. The two decoupling drive units 64 and 66 each have a first bearing element 68 arranged immovably on the spring assembly, which in the example of Fig. 1 is designed in the form of a bearing eyelet. Furthermore, the decoupling drive units 64 and 66 have a second bearing element 70, which is movable along the guide or guides 72 parallel to the spring forces generated by the mechanical springs 74. Fig. 1, the first decoupling drive unit 64 is shown in a spring-loaded state in which, in the event of a decoupling between the drive unit 18 and the radiator decorative element, it would cause the radiator decorative element to be transferred into the retracted position, since the decoupling device would decouple the drive unit 18 from the radiator decorative element.

[0030] Likewise, the second decoupling drive unit 66 is in a spring-loaded state, so that in the event that the securing device 44 were to release the movement of the extension joint 50 in the decoupling gate 42, the first decoupling drive unit 64 would release the cover element 34 from the Fig. 1 shown retracted position into a covering position.

[0031] In Fig. 2, the lowering device 10 is shown in a second position, which differs from the Fig. 1 by the reverse positioning of the cover element 34 in the covering position by means of the electric motor drive 16 and the Fig. 2 also not shown in the lowered position. Fig. 2, the coupling between the second rod 36 and the connection 38 to the drive unit 18 via the securing of the extension joint 50 along the decoupling link 42 of the connection 38 as well as the coupling between the radiator decorative element and the drive unit 18 still exists, which can be seen in that the first drive lever 24 has been pivoted along the link 62 in the direction of the retracted position of the radiator decorative element.

[0032] The transition between the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 and vice versa, illustrates the functioning of the retracting device 10, in which the radiator decorative element as well as the cover element 34 can be reversibly transferred, for example depending on the operating state of a motor vehicle drive, from the respective retracted position into the extended position or into the cover position and back. In contrast, based on the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the mode of operation is discussed in which an actuation of the decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit 18 from the radiator decorative element and indirectly also for decoupling between the connection 38 and the second linkage 36 results in the first and second decoupling drive units 64 and 66 transferring the radiator decorative element from the deployed position to the retracted position and the covering element 34 from the retracted position to the covering position.

[0033] As in Fig. 3, the first linkage 14, which comprises the four-bar linkage, is in a position Fig. 2 comparable position, but the first drive lever 24 in the gate 62 and the connecting coupling connected to the first drive lever 24 are each in a position which Fig. 1. This situation is achieved in that the decoupling device arranged at least partially in the housing 28 decouples the drive unit 18 or the first drive lever 24 of the drive unit 18 from the radiator decorative element 76 and the first decoupling drive unit 64 then moves the four-bar linkage or first rod 14 by relaxing the mechanical spring 74 and a resulting displacement of the second bearing element 70 along the guide 72 in such a way that the radiator figure or the radiator decorative element 76 connected to the rod is transferred into the retracted position.

[0034] Likewise, the Fig. 3 shows that by actuating the securing device 44 or by rotating the rocker arm 48 against the preload, the lock latch 46 releases the extension joint 50 for movement along the decoupling link 42, so that the second rod 36 is decoupled from the connection 38 to the drive unit 18. The rotation of the rocker arm 48 can be caused by the housing 28 or an object connected thereto when the radiator decorative element 76 is moved after the coupling between the drive unit 18 and the radiator decorative element 76 has been released. Accordingly, it can be provided that the housing or an element connected thereto is designed such that when the radiator decorative element is moved after being decoupled from the drive unit, it comes into contact with the rocker arm 48 in such a way that the rocker arm 48 is deflected or rotated against its preload.

[0035] As a result, the second decoupling drive unit 66, which is connected to the lower extension lever 54, can move the second linkage 36 and thus the cover element 34 from the lowered position into the covering position in a manner corresponding to the first decoupling drive unit 64. This Fig. 3 still in progress is in the position of the sinking device 10 as shown in the Fig. 4 is completed.

[0036] The Fig. 4 thus shows the result when the respective decoupling of the radiator decorative element and the cover element was brought into the covering position and the retracted position by means of the decoupling drive units 64 and 66 alone.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows a rear view of the lowering device according to the Fig. 1 illustrated arrangement of the individual elements to clarify the decoupling device and for this reason by hiding the base plate 12, as in the Fig. 1 is shown. In Fig. 5 it can be seen that the first drive lever 24 of the drive unit 18, at its end facing away from the connecting coupling 22, comes into frictional contact with a trigger element 80, wherein the trigger element 80 can be pivoted about a rotation axis 82 running horizontally in the plane of the drawing, when the Fig. 5 and partly arranged in the housing 28, act on the trigger element 80 and exert a force thereon, which causes the trigger element 80 to tilt relative to the rotation axis 82. As a result, the frictional connection between the trigger element 80 of the decoupling device and the first drive lever 24 of the drive unit 18 is canceled, so that the transfer of the radiator decorative element 76 into the retracted position caused by the first decoupling drive unit 64 can occur, which with respect to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 was explained.

[0038] The Fig. 5 also shows a driver 25 arranged on the first drive lever 24, the inside of which facing the first drive lever 24 in the position of the lowering device 10 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 comes into contact with a rivet head 15 arranged on the first rod 14 or the four-bar linkage. When the radiator decorative element is moved into the retracted position by means of the first drive lever 24, the driver 25 acts on the rivet head.

[0039] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a section through a part of the sinking device 10 along the line AA of the Fig. 5. It can be seen that a first activation element is arranged in the housing 28, which has a Bowden cable 84, a sleeve 86 movably arranged in the housing 28, a fastening 88 of the Bowden cable 84 to the radiator decorative element 76 and a first elastic element 90, which urges the sleeve 86 against a Bowden cable end sleeve 92. The end of the Bowden cable 84 facing away from the Bowden cable end sleeve 92 is connected to the radiator decorative element 76. In addition, the sleeve 86 has a nose 94 protruding from the housing 28, which rests against the trigger element 80. Furthermore, Fig. 6 shows a second activation element, which comprises the frame 96 connected to the radiator decorative element 76 and a hollow cylinder 98 projecting into the housing 28. The hollow cylinder 98, inside the housing 28, uses a second elastic element 100 to press the frame 96 against a socket 102 of the radiator decorative element 76. Furthermore, an angle piece 104 is arranged on the frame 96 of the second activation element, which has a beveled surface 106 at its lower end and also comes into contact with a part of the trigger element 80.

[0040] As from Fig. 6, when a tensile force acts on the radiator decorative element 76 or when a torque acts on the radiator decorative element, which leads to a tilting of the radiator decorative element, a tensile force in the direction F1 is exerted on the Bowden cable 84, wherein its end sleeve, i.e. the Bowden cable end sleeve 92, in turn moves the sleeve 86, which is movable in the housing 28, upwards or in the direction F1 against the restoring force of the first elastic element 90. The resulting movement of the nose 94 of the movable sleeve 86 leading out of the housing 28 exerts a force on the trigger element 80, which leads to a pivoting of the trigger element 80 and thereby to the cancellation of the coupling between the trigger element 80 of the decoupling device and the first drive lever 24 and thereby to a decoupling between the drive unit 18 and the radiator decorative element 76.

[0041] If, alternatively or in addition, a compressive force is exerted in the direction F2 on the radiator decorative element, the hollow cylinder 98 and the frame 96 connected thereto are pressed downwards in the housing 28 against the restoring force of the second elastic element 100, whereby the angle piece 104 in turn causes a tilting of the trigger element 80, so that a decoupling between the first drive lever 24 of the drive unit 18 and the decoupling device and thereby a decoupling between the drive unit 18 and the radiator decorative element 76 is effected.

[0042] Overall, the decoupling device comprises, in addition to the first and second activation elements and their elements described above, also the triggering element 80.

[0043] Fig.Figure 7 shows a decoupling drive unit 64 or 66 with a spring assembly comprising a mechanical spring 74 and a guide 72, as well as a first bearing element 68 and a second bearing element 70. The first bearing element 68 and the guide 72 are integrally formed. The first bearing element 68, the guide 72, and the second bearing element 70 are also made of plastic, so that the bearing elements can perform a bearing function without moving parts. List of reference symbols 10 Recessing device 12 Base plate 14 First linkage / four-bar linkage 15 rivet head 16 Electric motor drive 18 Drive unit 19 drive links 20 articulation point 22 connecting coupling 24 First drive lever 25 carriers 26 Guide 28 housings 30 Platform 32 Radiator surface 33 Opening 34 Cover element 36 Second rod 38 Connection 40 Second drive lever 42 Decoupling backdrop 44 Safety device 46 Lock latch 48 rocker arms 50 extensor joint 52 Upper extension lever 54 Lower extension lever 56 guide levers 58 recess 60 carriers 62 backdrop 64 First decoupling drive unit 66 Second decoupling drive unit 68 First bearing element 70 Second bearing element 72 leadership 74 Mechanical spring 76 Radiator decorative element 80 trigger element 82 Rotation axis 84 Bowden cable 86 sleeve 88 Fastening 90 First elastic element 92 Bowden cable end sleeve 94 Nose 96 frames 98 hollow cylinders 100 Second elastic element 102 version 104 Angle piece 106 Beveled surface F1 Direction of the pulling force / tilting force F2 Direction of the compressive force

Claims

[1] Retracting device (10) for a radiator decorative element (76), comprising a rod (14) for transferring the radiator decorative element (76) between an extended position above a radiator surface (32) and a retracted position below the radiator surface (32); a drive unit (18) decoupleably connected to the radiator decorative element (76) for reversibly changing the position of the radiator decorative element (76) by moving the rod assembly (14) in the case of an existing coupling; a decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit (18) from the radiator decorative element (76); and a decoupling drive unit (64) connected to the rod (14) for transferring the radiator decorative element (76) from the extended position above the radiator surface (32) to the retracted position below the radiator surface (32) by moving the rod (14) upon actuation of the decoupling device; characterized bythat the decoupling drive unit (64) has a spring assembly which has a mechanical spring (74), a guide (72) for the mechanical spring (74) and a second bearing element (70) which is movable along the guide parallel to the spring force of the spring (74). [2] Recessing device (10) for a radiator decorative element (76) according to claim 1, characterized by that the spring assembly has a first bearing element (68) arranged immovably on the spring assembly. [3] Recessing device (10) for a radiator decorative element (76) according to claim 2, characterized by that the first and / or second bearing element (68, 70) are made of plastic. [4] Countersinking device (10) for a radiator decorative element (76) according to claim 2, characterized by that the first bearing element (68) and the guide (72) are formed in one piece. [5] Countersinking device (10) for a radiator decorative element (76) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized bythat the bearing elements (68, 70) each have bearing eyes or bearing pins which are in rotary engagement with complementary pins and eyes of the rod assembly (14). [6] Recessing device (10) for a radiator decorative element (76) according to claim 2, characterized by that the first and second bearing elements (68, 70) are connected to the rod (14), wherein in the deployed position of the radiator decorative element (76) the spring (74) has a prestressed state.

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