Recessing device for a radiator decorative element

Abstract

A retracting device (10) for a radiator decorative element (76), comprising a first linkage (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 second linkage (36) for transferring a cover element (34) between a covering position at the level of the 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 first rod (14) in an existing coupling; a decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit (18) from the radiator decorative element (76); a first decoupling drive unit (64) connected to the first linkage (14) for transferring the radiator decorative element (76) from the deployed position on the radiator surface (32) to the retracted position below the radiator surface (32) by moving the first linkage (14) upon actuation of the decoupling device; characterized by that the second rod (36) has a decoupleable connection (38) with the drive unit (18) for reversibly changing the position of the cover element (34) by moving the second rod (36) in the case of an existing coupling, and the second rod (36) is connected to a second decoupling drive unit (66) for transferring the cover element (34) from the lowered position below the cooler surface (32) into the covering position at the level of the cooler surface (32) by moving the second rod (36) in response to the actuation of the decoupling device, wherein actuation of the decoupling device indirectly leads to a decoupling between the decoupleable connection (38) and the second rod (36).

Description

The invention relates to a sinking device for a cooler decorative element according to the preamble of claim 1.Such sinking devices can be used in high-quality motor vehicles in order to move a cooler decorative element, such as a cooler figure, between a deployed position above a cooler surface and a sinking position below the cooler surface. In known prior art devices, means are provided, among other things, for operating the movement of the cooler decorative element in two different ways.The first type is generally a reversible change in the position of the cooler decorative element. This is generally accomplished indirectly or directly via an electric motor drive. For example, such a reversible change in position of the cooler decorative element between the deployed position and the retracted position can take place as a function of the operating state of the vehicle, so that the cooler element is transferred into the deployed position when the vehicle drive motor is started and vice versa is transferred into the retracted position when the vehicle drive motor is stopped.The second way of operating the movement of the cooler decoration element is generally for accident prevention and / or for protection against vandalism. Accordingly, in known sinking devices, it is provided that, in the event of a certain force acting on the cooler decorative element in the deployed position, the most immediate and quick possible transfer of the cooler decorative element into the sinking position takes place. It is already known from the prior art to provide a separate drive unit for the second type of position change and, in the case of activation of the second type of position change, to decouple the cooler decorative element from the electromotive drive or the first drive unit in such a way that the displacement of the cooler decorative element or the transfer from the deployed position into the retracted position takes place exclusively via the second drive unit, wherein the latter is designed in such a way that, on the one hand, only the transfer from the deployed position into the retracted position is made possible, but this is carried out with a correspondingly short response time and a correspondingly high speed.Furthermore, sinking devices for cooler decorative elements are known from the prior art, which furthermore comprise a covering element, which in turn can be moved between a sinking position and a covering position in order to cover an opening in the cooler surface when the cooler decorative element is in the sinking position or is transferred into it. In this case, the devices according to the prior art provide that the transfer of the cover element takes place independently of the type of change in position of the cooler decorative element. In other words, this means that the known sinking devices provide only uniform means with respect to the cover element for the movement thereof or for the transfer thereof between the positions, regardless of whether the cooler decorative element is reversibly moved between the positions by means of the drive unit or is irreversibly moved from the deployed position into the sinking position by a second drive unit.This has the result that the resulting movement of the cover element can only be adapted insufficiently to the respective requirements of the two modes of operation or modes of movement of the cooler decorative element.From document DE 10 2007 037 362 A1 a sinking device for sinking a cooler decorative element is known, comprising a carrier plate, a sinking linkage, a drive device, a mechanical energy store, a decoupling device, a triggering device and a closing device. The closure device comprises a closure cover, a first closure lever and a second closure lever. The first locking lever is arranged on the carrier plate so as to be pivotable about a locking pivot axis and is pivotably connected to the second locking lever. The second locking lever comprises a hook-shaped free end which extends in a region of a longitudinal opening which is formed in the carrier plate. When the cooler decorative element is lowered, a housing extension of the release orientation strikes the free end of the second locking lever. As a result, the closure device is actuated by displacing the second closure lever, as a result of which the first closure lever and the closure cover formed on the latter are pivoted in a cover pivot direction.The invention is accordingly based on the object of proposing a sinking device for cooler decorative elements which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.This object is achieved according to the invention by the sinking device for cooler decorative elements having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are evident from the dependent claims.Thus, a sinking device for a cooler decorative element is proposed, which, in addition to a first linkage for transferring the cooler decorative element between an extended position above the cooler surface and a sinking position below the cooler surface, also has a second linkage for transferring a cover element between a covering position at the height of the cooler surface and a sinking position below the cooler surface. In addition, the proposed device comprises a drive unit connected to the cooler decorative element such that it can be decoupled, for reversibly changing the position of the cooler decorative element by moving the first linkage when there is an existing coupling, and a decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit from the cooler decorative element. The sinking device also comprises a first decoupling drive unit connected to the first linkage for transferring the cooler decorative element from the deployed position above the cooler surface into the sinking position below the cooler surface by moving the first linkage when the decoupling device is actuated.According to the invention, it is also provided that the second linkage has a declutchable connection to the drive unit for reversibly changing the position of the cover element by moving the second linkage in the case of an existing coupling, and the second linkage is connected to a second declutch drive unit for transferring the cover element from the retracted position below the cooler surface into the covering position at the level of the cooler surface by moving the second linkage in response to the actuation of the declutch device.This ensures that, in addition to the cooler decorative element, the cover element is also either reversibly moved or moved between the two positions via the second linkage and the drive unit and, on the other hand, when the decoupling device is actuated, the cover element is also transferred from the retracted position into the covering position by a second decoupling drive unit.In order to be able to produce the sinking device as compactly as possible, it is advantageously provided that the second linkage is designed in such a way that the cover element executes a rotational movement and a translational movement during the transition between the covering position and the sinking position.In addition, the transfer of the cover element between the respective positions can be effected particularly advantageously if the second linkage has a stretching joint. It is further advantageous for the movement or transfer of the cover element between the positions if an upper end of an upper extension lever of the extension joint is guided by means of a link.A particularly desirable embodiment additionally provides that the decoupled connection of the drive unit to the second linkage is linked to the stretching joint.A particularly advantageous guidance of the cover element and an advantageous decoupling and re-coupling of the cover element or of the second linkage can be achieved in that the decoupled connection of the drive unit to the second linkage has a decoupling gate for guiding the stretching joint and a releasable securing device for securing the stretching joint in the decoupling gate.In order to ensure that the cover element is transferred quickly and securely into the covering position when the decoupling device is actuated, it is advantageously provided that the second decoupling drive unit engages a lower extension lever of the extension joint.In addition, for the change of position of the cover element via the drive unit as well as via the second decoupling drive unit, it is particularly expedient if the second linkage has a guide lever which supports or guides the movement of the cover element.For this purpose, it can be provided in a particularly advantageous manner that the guide lever engages in a recess of a carrier connected to the cover element. In this way, in particular the translation movement of the cover element can be guided or supported.It is also particularly desirable if the second decoupling drive unit has a spring assembly with a mechanical spring and a guide guiding the spring. Such a mechanical spring package is significantly more advantageous with regard to the size of the structural unit and with regard to the susceptibility to wear than, for example, a gas pressure spring.It can likewise be provided that the second decoupling drive unit has bearing points, wherein the bearing points and, in addition, the guide of the spring assembly can optionally be made of plastic. By using plastic for the bearing elements, it can be achieved that the plastic or the plastic surfaces themselves ensure a bearing function.Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be derived from the description, the drawings and the patent claims.Exemplary embodiments of the proposed recessing device for a cooler decorative element according to the invention are schematically illustrated in simplified form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a recess device for a cooler decorative element in a first position, without showing the cooler decorative element; FIG. 2 shows the sinking device for a cooler decorative element in a second position; FIG. 3 shows the sinking device for a cooler decorative element in a third position; FIG. 4 shows the sinking device for a cooler decorative element in a fourth position; FIG. 5 is a rear view of the sinking device for a cooler decorative element in the first position; FIG. 6 shows a section through a part of a recessing device for a cooler decorative element, comprising a decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit from the cooler decorative element; FIG. 7 shows a decoupling drive unit.FIG. 1 shows a sinking device 10, by means of which a cooler decorative element, in the present case a cooler figure of a vehicle cooler, which figure is not shown, can be adjusted between a sinking position and a deployed position. The essential elements of the sinking device 10 are arranged on a base plate 12. A linkage or a first linkage 14 in the form of a four-bar linkage is arranged on the base plate 12, which linkage is in turn connected to a platform 30 for a cooler decorative element, not shown in FIG. 1.An electromotive drive 16 of a drive unit 18 is likewise arranged on the base plate 12. The end of the connecting link 22 facing away from the electric motor drive 16 is connected to a first drive lever 24 pivotably fastened to 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.At an end of the first drive lever 24 of the drive unit 18, not shown in FIG. 1, there is a decoupling device, which is partially arranged in the housing 28.FIG. 1 shows a situation or a position of the sinking device in which the cooler figure, not shown in FIG. 1, arranged on the platform 30 or the cooler decorative element is arranged in an deployed position above the cooler surface 32, shown in dashed lines.In the event that the cooler decorative element is transferred or brought into the sinking position and the cooler surface has an unsealed opening 33, the sinking device additionally comprises a covering element 34, which can be moved by means of a second linkage 36 between a sinking position shown in FIG. 1 and a covering position not shown in FIG. 1. The second linkage 36 is connected by a declutchable connection 38 to the drive unit 18 for reversibly changing the position of the cover element 34 or for moving the second linkage 36. In other words, the connection 38 is linked to the electromotive drive 16 of the drive unit 18 via the drive link 19 and also the connection coupler 22. As can be seen more clearly from FIG. 5 described below, the drive link 19 of the connection 38 is connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive 16. On the drive link 19 in turn, the connecting link 22 is articulated at the articulation point 20.The declutchable 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 latter has a decoupling gate 42. The decoupling gate 42d is used for guiding a part of the second linkage 36. In addition, the second connection 38 comprises a securing device 44, which has a prestressed latch 46 and a likewise prestressed cam follower 48.In this case, FIG. 1 shows a configuration of the sinking device 10 in which the securing device 44 establishes a coupling between the second linkage 36 and the drive unit 18 via the connection 38 by preventing the extension joint 50 of the second linkage 36 from moving along the decoupling link 42.The second linkage 36 has, in addition to a stretching joint 50 and an upper stretching lever 52 and lower stretching lever 54 articulated thereto, a guide lever 56 which engages in a recess 58 in a carrier 60 connected to the cover element 34. The end of the upper stretching lever 52 facing away from the stretching joint 50 is additionally guided by means of a link 62, so that the cover element 34 can be pivoted and displaced or a rotation and a translation can be carried out with the second linkage 36.In addition, the sinking device 10 has a first decoupling drive unit 64 which is connected to the first linkage 14, and a second decoupling drive unit 66 which is connected to the base plate 12 on the one hand and to the second linkage 36 on the other hand. The two decoupling drive units 64 and 66 each have a first bearing element 68 which is arranged immovably on the spring assembly and which is designed in the form of a bearing eye in the example of FIG. 1. In addition, decoupling drive units 64 and 66 have a second bearing element 70 which is movable along guide or guides 72 parallel to the spring forces generated by mechanical springs 74. In FIG. 1, the first decoupling drive unit 64 is shown in a spring-loaded state in which, in the event of decoupling between the drive unit 18 and the cooler decorative element, it would cause the cooling decorative element to be transferred into the sinking position, since the decoupling device would decouple the drive unit 18 from the cooler decorative element.Likewise, the second decoupling drive unit 66 is in a spring-loaded state, so that in the event that the securing device 44 would release the movement of the stretching joint 50 in the decoupling gate 42, the first decoupling drive unit 64 would transfer the cover element 34 from the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 into a covering position.FIG. 2 shows the sinking device 10 in a second position, which differs from FIG. 1 by the reversed positioning of the cover element 34 in the covering position, which is effected by means of the electric motor drive 16, and the cooler decorative element, which is likewise not shown in FIG. 2, in the sinking position. In this case, the position of the recessing device illustrated in FIG. 2 still protrudes the coupling between the second linkage 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 and the coupling between the cooler decorative element and the drive unit 18, which can be seen in that the first drive lever 24 has been pivoted along the link 62 in the direction of the recess position of the cooler decorative element.The transition between FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and vice versa accordingly illustrates the mode of operation of the recessing device 10, in which the cooler decorative element and the covering element 34 can be reversibly transferred, for example depending on the operating state of a motor vehicle drive, from the respective recess position into the deployed position or into the covering position and back. In contrast, the mode of operation is discussed on the basis of the position of the sinking device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in which an actuation of the decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit 18 from the cooler decorative element and indirectly also a decoupling between the connection 38 and the second linkage 36 leads to the first and the second decoupling drive units 64 and 66 transferring the cooler decorative element from the deployed position into the sinking position and the covering element 34 from the sinking position into the covering position.As can be seen in FIG. 3, the first linkage 14, which comprises the four-bar linkage, is located in a position comparable to FIG. 2, wherein, however, the first drive lever 24 in the link 62 and the connecting link connected to the first drive lever 24 are each located in a position corresponding to 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 cooler decorative element 76 and the first decoupling drive unit 64 then moves the four-bar linkage or first linkage 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 cooler figure or the cooler decorative element 76 connected to the linkage is transferred into the retracted position.It is likewise evident from FIG. 3 that, by actuating the securing device 44 or by rotating the rocker arm 48 counter to the prestress, the latch 46 releases the stretching joint 50 for movement along the decoupling gate 42 so that the second linkage 36 is decoupled from the connection 38 to the drive unit 18. The rotation of the tow bar 48 can be caused by the housing 28 or an object connected thereto during the movement of the cooler decorative element 76 after the coupling between the drive unit 18 and the cooler 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 cooler decorative element is moved after decoupling from the drive unit, it comes to bear against the cam follower 48 in such a way that the cam follower 48 is deflected or rotated counter to its prestress.As a result, the second decoupling drive unit 66, which is articulated on the lower stretching lever 54, can transfer the second linkage 36 and thus the cover element 34 from the retracted position into the covering position in a manner corresponding to the first decoupling drive unit 64. This process still in progress in FIG. 3 is completed in the position of the sinking device 10, as is shown in FIG. 4.FIG. 4 thus shows the result when the cooler decorative element and the cover element have been brought into the cover position or into the sink position by means of the decoupling drive units 64 and 66 alone as a result of the respective decoupling.FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the recessing device corresponding to the arrangement of the individual elements depicted in FIG. 1 for illustrating the decoupling device and for this reason with the base sheet 12 being omitted, as is depicted in FIG. 1. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that the first drive lever 24 of the drive unit 18 at its end facing away from the connecting link 22 comes to rest in a force-fitting manner with a triggering element 80, wherein the triggering element 80 can be pivoted about an axis of rotation 82 running horizontally in the plane of the drawing when the activation elements, which cannot be seen in FIG. 5 and are arranged partially in the housing 28, engage the triggering element 80 and exert a force on it, which causes the triggering element 80 to be tilted with respect to the axis of rotation 82. As a result, the frictional connection between the triggering 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 cooler decorative element 76 into the lowered position, which was explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, caused by the first decoupling drive unit 64 can occur.FIG. 5 also shows a driver 25 arranged on the first drive lever 24, the inner side of which facing the first drive lever 24 comes to rest with a rivet head 15 arranged on the first linkage 14 or the four-bar linkage in the position of the sinking device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 5. When the cooler decorative element is moved into the retracted position by means of the first drive lever 24, the driver 25 acts on the rivet head.FIG. 6 shows a section through a part of the sinking device 10 along the line A-A of FIG. 5, it can be seen that a first activation element is arranged in the housing 28, which activation element has a Bowden cable 84, a sleeve 86 arranged movably in the housing 28, a fastening 88 of the Bowden cable 84 to the cooler decorative element 76, and a first elastic element 90 which acts on 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 cooler decorative element 76. In addition, the sleeve 86 has a nose 94 which projects out of the housing 28 and bears against the release element 80. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows a second activation element which comprises the frame 96 connected to the cooler decorative element 76 and a hollow cylinder 98 projecting into the housing 28, wherein the hollow cylinder 98 acts on the frame 96 against a mount 102 of the cooler decorative element 76 in the interior of the housing 28 by means of a second elastic element 100. Also disposed on the frame 96 of the second activating element is an elbow 104 which has a beveled surface 106 at its lower end and likewise comes to bear against a part of the triggering element 80.As can be seen from FIG. 6, when a tensile force is exerted on the cooler decorative element 76 or when a torque is exerted on the cooler decorative element, which leads to a tilting of the cooler decorative element, a tensile force in the direction F 1 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 movable in the housing 28 upwards or in the direction F 1 counter to 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 triggering element 80 which leads to a pivoting of the triggering element 80 and thereby to the removal of the coupling between the triggering element 80 of the decoupling device and the first drive lever 24 and thereby to a decoupling between the drive unit 18 and the cooler decorative element 76.If, alternatively or in addition, a compressive force is exerted in the direction F 2 on the cooler decorative element, the hollow cylinder 98 and the frame 96 connected thereto are pressed downwards in the housing 28 counter to the restoring force of the second elastic element 100, as a result of which the angle piece 104 in turn causes a tilting of the triggering element 80, such that a decoupling between the first drive lever 24 of the drive unit 18 and the decoupling device and thus a decoupling between the drive unit 18 and the cooler decorative element 76 is effected.Overall, the decoupling device therefore comprises the triggering element 80 in addition to the first and second activation elements and the elements thereof described above.FIG. 7 shows a decoupling drive unit 64 or 66 with a spring assembly, comprising a mechanical spring 74 and a guide 72, and a first bearing element 68 and a second bearing element 70. 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 characters10 Sinking device 12 Base plate 14 First linkage / four-bar linkage 15 Rivet head 16 Electromotive drive 18 Drive unit 19 Drive link 20 Articulation point 22 Connecting link 24 First drive lever 25 Driver 26 Guide 28 Housing 30 Platform 32 Cooler surface 33 Opening 34 Cover element 36 Second linkage 38 Connection 40 Second drive lever 42 Decoupling link 44 Securing device 46 Latch 48 Follower lever 50 Stretching link 52 Upper stretching lever 54 Lower stretching lever 56 Guide lever 58 Recess 60 Carrier 62 Link 64 First decoupling drive unit 66 Second decoupling drive unit 68 First bearing element 70 Second bearing element 72 Guide 74 Mechanical spring 76 Cooler decorative element 80 Trigger element 82 Rotational axis 84 Bowden cable 86 Sleeve 88 Fastening 90 First elastic element 92 Bowden cable end sleeve 94 Nose 96 Frame 98 Hollow cylinder 100 Second elastic member 102 Socket 104 Elbow 106 Tapered surface F 1 direction of pulling force / tilting force F 2 direction of pushing force

Claims

A sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76), comprising a first linkage (14) for transferring the cooler decorative element (76) between an deployed position above a cooler surface (32) and a sinking position below the cooler surface (32); a second linkage (36) for transferring a cover element (34) between a covering position at the height of the cooler surface (32) and a sinking position below the cooler surface (32); a drive unit (18), which is connected to the cooler decorative element (76) in a decoupling manner, for reversibly changing the position of the cooler decorative element (76) by moving the first linkage (14) in the case of an existing coupling; a decoupling device for decoupling the drive unit (18) from the cooler decorative element (76); a first decoupling drive unit (64) connected to the first linkage (14) for transferring the cooler decorative element (76) from the deployed position on the cooler surface (32) into the retracted position below the cooler surface (32) by moving the first linkage (14) when the decoupling device is actuated; characterized in that the second linkage (36) has a declutchable connection (38) to the drive unit (18) for reversibly changing the position of the cover element (34) by moving the second linkage (36) in the case of an existing coupling, and the second linkage (36) is connected to a second declutch drive unit (66) for transferring the cover element (34) from the lowered position below the cooler surface (32) into the covering position at the level of the cooler surface (32) by moving the second linkage (36) in response to the actuation of the declutch device, wherein an actuation of the declutch device indirectly leads to a declutch between the declutchable connection (38) and the second linkage (36).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to claim 1, characterised in that the second linkage (36) is designed in such a way that the covering element (34) performs a rotational movement and a translatory movement during the transition between the covering position and the sinking position.Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the second linkage (36) has an extension joint (50).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to claim 3, characterised in that an upper end of an upper extension lever (52) of the extension joint (50) is guided by means of a link (62).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the declutchable connection (38) of the drive unit (18) to the second linkage (36) is articulated on the stretching joint (50).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to claim 5, characterised in that the declutchable connection (38) of the drive unit (18) to the second linkage (36) has a decoupling gate (42) for guiding the stretching joint (50) and a releasable securing device (44) for securing the stretching joint (50) in the decoupling gate (42).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the second decoupling drive unit (66) acts on a lower extension lever (54) of the extension joint (50).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second linkage (36) has a guide lever (56).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to claim 8, characterised in that the guide lever (56) engages in a recess (58) of a carrier (60) connected to the cover element (34).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second decoupling drive unit (66) has a spring assembly with a mechanical spring (74) and a guide (72).Sinking device (10) for a cooler decorative element (76) according to claim 10, characterised in that the second decoupling drive unit (66) is designed such that the mechanical spring (74) is prestressed in the sinking position.

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