Cover device for a side window of a vehicle

Abstract

Cover device (1) for a side window (2) of a vehicle (3) with a cover (4) which can be attached to a frame (6), wherein the frame (6) can be attached to a vehicle area receiving the side window (2) and the cover (4) can be connected to the frame (6) via a locking device (8) which is automatically activated during assembly of the cover (4) on the frame (6), wherein the connection of the locking device (8) between the cover (4) and the frame (6) can be released for disassembly of the cover (4) via a manually operable release device (15), characterized in that the release device (15) comprises an actuating area (16) which is flush with an outer surface (17) of the frame (6) and which can be adjusted into a position deactivating the locking device (8) for disassembly of the cover (4) into an interior space (18) bounded by the frame (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a covering device for a side window of a vehicle according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a covering device.

[0002] Practical retrofit solutions for covering vehicle side windows, particularly rear side windows, include covers with louvers, typically attached to the side of the vehicle or the fixed side window facing away from the passenger compartment. These solutions often incorporate adhesive bonds between the covers and the fixed side windows of existing vehicle systems to ensure a secure connection.

[0003] The problem, however, is that the trim pieces must be removed to clean the fixed side windows. During removal, the existing adhesive bonds are loosened and irreversibly damaged, meaning that re-attaching the trim pieces is only possible with new adhesive bonds, which is undesirable from an economic standpoint. Furthermore, adhesive residue from the old bonds must be removed from both the side windows and the trim pieces themselves before re-attaching them, further complicating the process.

[0004] US Patent 4,601,319 A discloses a blind with an upper and a lower rail, intended for installation in a window frame of a van.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective covering device for a preferably fixed side window of a vehicle with a cover, which can be installed and removed with minimal effort.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved with a covering device having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The cover device according to the invention for a preferably fixed side window of a vehicle comprises a cover that can be attached to a frame. The frame can be attached to a vehicle area that accommodates the side window. The cover can be connected to the frame via a locking mechanism that activates automatically during installation of the cover. The connection of the locking device between the cover and the frame can be designed to be detachable for removal of the cover via a manually operated release device.

[0008] The detachable connection of the locking mechanism allows the cover to be easily removed and reinstalled without permanently and irreversibly damaging the connection between the cover and the frame. This simple removal process enables an operator to easily detach the cover from the side window and then clean the window or replace a damaged one.

[0009] The release mechanism of the manually operated and aesthetically pleasing cover device comprises an actuation area that is flush with an outer surface of the frame. The actuation area may be designed to allow removal of the cover by being adjustable into an interior space bounded by the frame, preferably against the spring force of a spring unit, and into a position that deactivates the locking mechanism.

[0010] In a space-saving and structurally simple further development of the cover device, a sliding element can be connected to the actuating area. The sliding element can be mounted on the frame inside the cover so that it can be moved in the direction of actuation. This allows the actuating force applied to the actuating area to be transferred to or applied to a section of the cover located away from the actuating area during disassembly in a structurally simple manner.

[0011] The aperture can be designed with at least one ramp area on its inner surface facing the interior, with which the sliding element interacts during the positioning movement towards the position that deactivates the locking device. An actuating force applied to the actuating area can be deflected in a structurally simple manner via the two ramp areas, and the aperture can be disengaged from the frame with minimal structural effort, preferably perpendicular to the frame.

[0012] The ramp sections can be arranged relative to each other in the direction of movement of the sliding element such that, when the cover is mounted on the frame, the actuating area is subjected to a force by the adjacent ramp sections. This force can act on the actuating area in the direction of its position where it is flush with the outer surface of the frame. In this position, the actuating area is held in its initial position without any additional structural effort. From this initial position, the connection of the locking mechanism between the cover and the frame can be released by sliding the element over the release mechanism.

[0013] In a further development of the cover device, the sliding element engages with at least one guide element in at least one cam track, which is preferably formed in the frame. This provides a simple guide for the sliding element, within which the sliding element can be supported on the frame to the required extent.

[0014] The cam track can comprise an assembly area and a guide track section, with the opening cross-section of the assembly area being larger than the width of the guide track section. This allows the guide element to be first inserted into the assembly section with a holding section during the assembly of the cover device. The guide element can then be guided longitudinally within the cam track by a guide section running between the holding section and a side of the sliding element facing the cam track. To prevent the sliding element from unintentionally detaching from the frame, the width of the holding section can be greater than the width of the guide track section.

[0015] The length of the guide track section can correspond to the travel distance of the sliding element between the position of the sliding element where the actuating area is flush with the outside of the frame and the position of the sliding element where the sliding element releases the connection of the locking device.

[0016] This ensures in a simple way that the sliding element does not come back into contact with the mounting section with its holding section during the release of the locking device, and that the functional connection between the sliding element and the frame in the area of ​​the cam track releases automatically.

[0017] The locking mechanism can include at least one ball-and-socket connection. In this case, an outer ball of the ball-and-socket connection can be located on the inside of the aperture or on an inner surface of the frame facing the inside of the aperture, while an inner ball of the ball-and-socket connection is located on the inside of the frame or on the inside of the aperture. Such a ball-and-socket connection allows the aperture to be easily attached to the frame. Furthermore, the connection between the aperture and the frame can be released with relatively low release forces, and the aperture can be detached from the frame without irreversibly damaging the connection or the locking mechanism between the aperture and the frame during disassembly.

[0018] In front of an opening in the outer sphere, through which the inner sphere can be inserted into the interior enclosed by the outer sphere, an essentially funnel-shaped insertion area can be arranged, which can be integral to the outer sphere. This allows the inner sphere to be guided towards the opening of the outer sphere during assembly without having to precisely align the aperture with the frame beforehand. This simplifies the connection of the locking mechanism or the ball-snap connection.

[0019] The cover can also have at least one centering pin. This centering pin allows the cover to engage positively with the frame when mounted. One longitudinal axis of the centering pin can run essentially perpendicular to the direction of the ball-and-snap connection. This allows for the desired positioning of the cover on the vehicle with minimal design effort.

[0020] Furthermore, it may also be provided that the locking device is designed with so-called omega springs instead of or in addition to the ball-type snap connections, which allow for detachable clamping connections between the aperture and the frame.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle which is equipped with a covering device described in more detail above on a side of a rear, preferably fixed, side window facing the vehicle interior.

[0022] Further advantages and beneficial developments of the invention result from the patent claims and the exemplary embodiment described in principle with reference to the drawing.

[0023] It shows: Fig. 1 a partial representation of a vehicle with a side window that is covered in a rear area by a covering device opposite an interior of the vehicle; Fig. 2a a Fig. 1 corresponding interior view of a frame; Fig. 2b an exterior view of the frame; Fig. 3. A view of the frame and cover device from the outside; Fig. 4 an enlarged representation of a in Fig. 3 more precisely marked area IV of the frame and the cover device; Fig. 5 an enlarged view of one in Fig. 4 more precisely marked area V; Fig. 6 a three-dimensional partial representation of a locking device of the cover device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 7 a sectional view of the locking device according to Fig. 6; Fig. 8a a Fig. 7 corresponding illustration of a further embodiment of the locking device in the released operating state; Fig. 8b a Fig. 7 corresponding illustration of a further embodiment of the locking device in a partially locked operating state; Fig. 9 an enlarged representation of one in Fig. 4 more precisely marked area IX of the cover device, in which a sliding element is arranged; Fig. 10 den in Fig. 9 shown area IX of the cover device without the sliding element and without the cover; Fig. 11a a three-dimensional single view of the sliding element from a first view; Fig. 11b a Fig. 11a corresponding representation of the sliding element from a second view; Fig. 12 a partial sectional view of the cover device along a in Fig. 9 more precisely marked section line XII-XII; Fig. 13a another enlarged view of the in Fig. 4 more precisely marked area IX in the detented state of the aperture; Fig. 13b a Fig. 13a corresponding representation of area IX in the unlocked state of the aperture; Fig. 14 an enlarged view of one in Fig. 4 more specifically designated area XIV; and Fig. 15a to Fig. 15d different partial representations of the covering device starting from a disassembled state of the aperture to its fully assembled final position.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a covering device 1 for a side window 2 of a vehicle 3 with a cover 4, which in this case comprises several louvers 5 extending in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z of the vehicle. The cover 4 is attached to a frame 6, which consists of several frame parts 6A to 6D. The frame 6 is attached to a side window 2 that is supported and in Fig. 1. Can be attached to the vehicle area not shown in detail.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2a shows frame part 6B and frame part 6D from a view looking outwards in the transverse direction X of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 2b shows the frame part 6D in the vehicle transverse direction X from the outside. Additionally, in Fig. 3 of the frame 6 and the aperture 4 connected to the frame 6 shown from the outside in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle.

[0026] Fig. 4 shows one in Fig. 3. Area IV, which is more precisely marked, is shown in an enlarged view, and aperture 4 is shown in its mounted state. Additionally, in Fig. 5 in Fig. The area V, which is shown in greater detail, is enlarged. Within area V, an inner ball 7C of a snap-fit ​​ball connection is arranged. This snap-fit ​​mechanism 8 activates automatically during assembly of the cover 4 on the frame 6. The inner ball 7C is spaced apart or projecting from an inner surface 9 of the cover 4, which faces an outer surface of the vehicle, and is firmly connected to the cover 4 via a rib-like support area 10.

[0027] Fig. Figure 6 shows an enlarged three-dimensional view of the locking device 8 in a locked operating state, in which the inner ball 7C is in the Fig. The inner ball 7C is arranged in a manner shown in more detail in section 7 and is latched in an outer ball 11C of the latching device 8. The outer ball 11C of the latching device 8 is attached to an inner surface 27 of the frame part 6D. The inner ball 7C is inserted through an opening 12 of the outer ball 11C into the interior of the outer ball 11C and is held in place by the outer ball 11C by a latching mechanism. A funnel-shaped insertion area 13 is provided on the side of the opening 12 facing away from the interior of the outer ball 11C. During assembly of the cover 4 on the frame 6, the inner ball 7C can be guided through the insertion area 13 towards the opening 12 and inserted into the outer ball 11C without complex centering measures. In order to create the strongest possible connection between the aperture 4 and the frame 6, the locking device 8 comprises four inner balls 7A to 7D and four corresponding outer balls 11A to 11D, each of which is oriented in the longitudinal direction X or X of the vehicle.are arranged at intervals between each other in the vehicle's vertical direction Z on the aperture 4 or on the frame 6.

[0028] Fig. 8a and Fig. Figures 8b show sectional views of different embodiments of the locking device 8. The locking device 8 is shown according to Fig. 8a is released or deactivated, while the locking device 8 is in accordance with Fig. 8b exhibits a partially latched operating state.

[0029] Basically, all inner balls 7A to 7D of the versions of the locking device 8 shown in the drawing are in the Fig. The inner spheres 7A to 7D are inserted into the interior of the outer spheres 11A to 11D in the manner shown in more detail below. As soon as the inner spheres 7A to 7D are completely guided through the openings 12, the locking device 8 automatically engages during the assembly of the aperture 4 on the frame 6.

[0030] In order to engage the locking device 8 with low locking force while simultaneously providing a sufficiently high release force, the inner ball 11C has a Fig. In the embodiment of the locking device 8 shown in 8a, a rotation 111 of approximately 1° is formed, while the inner ball 11C of the embodiment of the locking device 8 according to Fig. 8b is formed only with a 0.5° turnout 1105.

[0031] Fig. 9 shows an enlarged view of one in Fig. 4 in the more precisely defined area IX, in which a sliding element 14 of a manually operated release device 15 of the cover device 1 is arranged. The sliding element 14 is designed as an injection-molded plastic part and is formed integrally with an actuating area 16. In the mounted state of the cover 4, the actuating area 16 is flush with an outer surface 17 of the frame part 6B. To remove the cover 4, the actuating area 16 can be adjusted into an interior space 18, which is bounded, among other things, by the frame part 6B, into a position that deactivates the locking device 8.

[0032] Additionally shows Fig. 10 the area IX without the sliding element 14 and without the aperture. From the illustration according to Fig. Figure 10 shows that the frame part 6B is designed on its side facing the interior 18 with two cam tracks 19, 20 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. The cam tracks 19, 20 each have a mounting area 19A, 20A and adjoining guide track sections 19B, 20B.

[0033] Furthermore, the sliding element 14 is in Fig. 11a and Fig. Figure 11b shows the sliding element 14 in isolation from various views. The sliding element 14 comprises two guide elements 21 and 22, each of which can be inserted into one of the assembly sections 19A and 20A of the cam tracks 19 and 20, respectively, via a retaining section 21A and 22A, respectively. Furthermore, the guide elements 21 and 22 are each longitudinally displaceable in the guide track sections 19B and 20B of the cam tracks 19 and 20, respectively, via guide sections 21B and 22B running between the retaining sections 21A and 22A and a side 23 of the sliding element. The opening cross-section of the assembly areas 19A and 20A is each larger than the width of the guide track sections 19B and 20B. At the same time, the diameter of the holding sections 21A and 22A is larger than the width of the guide sections 21B and 22B.

[0034] Furthermore, the dimensions of the retaining sections 21A and 22A are adapted to the opening cross-sections of the mounting areas 19A and 20A, and also to the width of the guide track sections 19B and 20B, such that the retaining sections 21A and 22A can be inserted through the mounting areas 19A and 20A into the guide tracks 19 and 20. Once the guide sections 21B and 22B are positioned in the area of ​​the guide track sections 19B and 20B, the sliding element 14 is moved in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle in the Fig. 12 in more detail shown in the manner which provides a sectional view through the unlocking device 15 along a Fig. 9, more precisely marked section line XII-XII, is shown, positively locked in the cam tracks 19 and 20.

[0035] Fig. 13a and Fig. Figure 13b shows an enlarged view of area IX and the locking device 8 in the activated and deactivated operating states, respectively. For the disassembly of the aperture 4, the sliding element 14 and the aperture 4 comprise, in this case, interacting ramp areas 4B, 4C and 14A, 14B, respectively. The ramps of ramp areas 4B and 4C of the aperture 4 and the ramps of ramp areas 14A and 14B of the sliding element 14 are arranged in opposite directions to each other. This means that a release force F acting on the actuation area 16 of the sliding element 14 in the direction of arrow 26, which is generated by an operator by pressing the actuation area 16, is deflected by the ramp areas 14A, 14B of the sliding element 14 and by the ramp areas 4B, 4C of the aperture 4, essentially by 90° relative to the direction of arrow 26 in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle.This causes the sliding element 14 to move the aperture 4 from its position flush with the outer surface 17 of the frame part 6B into the position in . Fig. The position shown in 13b is adjusted.

[0036] During this adjustment of the aperture 4, the connection of the locking device 8 between the aperture 4 and the frame 6 is released by the inner balls 7A to 7D being pushed out through the openings 12 from inside the outer balls 11A to 11D of the locking device 8. Following this, the aperture 4 can be completely disengaged from the frame 6 or removed.

[0037] To simplify the mounting of the cover 4 on the frame 6, the cover 4 is positioned in the Fig. The lower end of the cover 4, facing frame part 6A, is designed in the manner shown in more detail in the area of ​​its lower end. When the cover 4 is mounted on the frame 6, the centering pins 28, 29 engage in corresponding receiving openings 30 of the lower frame part 6A. The centering pins 28, 29 thus provide additional centering of the cover 4 in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle.

[0038] Fig. 15a to Fig. Figure 15d shows the aperture 4 in various operating states. The aperture 4 is shown in... Fig.Figure 15a shows the position before the centering pins 28 and 29 are inserted into the lower frame part 6A. To mount the cover 4, the cover 4 is inserted from an oblique angle above into the receiving openings 30 of the lower frame part 6A using the centering pins 28 and 29. The cover 4 is then pivoted with its upper surface, or upper area 4A, towards the frame part 6B until its ramp areas 4B and 4C come into contact with the ramp areas 14A and 14B of the sliding element 14. By applying a corresponding clamping force to the upper area 4A of the cover 4, the sliding element 14 is moved into its position, where the actuating area 16 is flush with the outer surface 17 of the frame part 6B. At the same time, the locking device 8 also enters its locked state, as the inner balls 7A to 7D are pressed through the openings 12 of the outer balls 11A to 11D.In this state of the locking device 8 and the unlocking device 15, the cover 4 is fully mounted on the frame 6.

[0039] To remove the cover 4, the sliding element 14 is moved by the operator by pressing and adjusting the actuation area 16 in the interior 18. The locking device 8 is then released, and the cover 4 can be guided diagonally upwards with the centering pins 28, 29 out of engagement with the lower frame part 6A, in order to clean the side window 2 behind the cover. Reference symbol list 1 Cover device 2 side windows 3 vehicles 4 aperture 4A upper area of ​​the aperture 4B, 4C Ramp area of ​​the aperture 5 aperture blades 6 frames 6A to 6D frame part 7A to 7D inner sphere 8 Locking device 9 Inside 10 Carrier area 11A to 11D Outer sphere 12 Opening of the outer sphere 13 funnel-shaped area 14 sliding element 14A, 14B Ramp area of ​​the sliding element 15 Unlocking device 16 Actuation range of the sliding element 17 Outside of frame part 6B 18 Interior 19 scenery railway 19A Assembly area of ​​the scenery railway 19 19B Guide track section of the stage track 19 20 scenery railway 20A Assembly area of ​​the scenery track 20 20B Guide track section of the scenery track 20 21 Guide element 21A Holding section of the guide element 21 21B Guide section of the guide element 21 22 Guide element 22A Holding section of the guide element 22 22B Guide section of the guide element 22 23 Page of the sliding element 26 Arrow 27 Inside of frame part 6D 28, 29 Centering pin 30 Mounting opening of frame part 6A F Actuating force X Vehicle longitudinal direction Y Vehicle transverse direction Z Vehicle lifting direction

Claims

[1] Covering device (1) for a side window (2) of a vehicle (3) with a cover (4) which can be attached to a frame (6), wherein the frame (6) can be attached to a vehicle area receiving the side window (2) and the cover (4) can be connected to the frame (6) via a locking device (8) which is automatically activated during assembly of the cover (4) on the frame (6), wherein the connection of the locking device (8) between the cover (4) and the frame (6) can be released for removal of the cover (4) via a manually operable release device (15), characterized by , that the unlocking device (15) comprises an actuation area (16) that is flush with an outer surface (17) of the frame (6) and which is adjustable to a position that deactivates the locking device (8) for the purpose of disassembling the cover (4) into an interior space (18) bounded by the frame (6). [2] Covering device according to claim 1, characterized by, that a sliding element (14) is connected to the actuation area (16), which is slidably mounted in the interior (18) on the frame (6) in the direction of actuation of the actuation area (16). [3] Covering device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the aperture (4) is provided on its inner side (9) facing the interior (18) with at least one ramp area (4B, 4C) with which the sliding element (14) with a ramp area (14A, 14B) interacts during the positioning movement in the direction of the position deactivating the locking device (8). [4] Covering device according to claim 3, characterized by, that the ramp areas (4B, 4C) are arranged in the direction of movement of the sliding element (14) such that the actuating area (16) in the mounted state of the cover (4) on the frame (6) is subjected to a force by the adjacent ramp areas (4B, 4C, 14A, 14B) which acts in the direction of the position of the actuating area (16) on it, in which the actuating area (16) is flush with the outside (17) of the frame (6). [5] Covering device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the sliding element (14) engages with at least one guide element (21, 22) in at least one cam track (19, 20) of the frame. [6] Covering device according to claim 5, characterized by, that the cam track (19, 20) comprises an assembly area (19A, 20A) and a guide track section (19B, 20B) which has a narrower width than the assembly area (19A, 20A), wherein the guide element (21, 22) can be inserted into the assembly section (19A, 20A) with a holding section (21A, 22A) and is guided longitudinally displaceably in the cam track (19, 20) via a guide section (21B, 22B) running between the holding section (19A, 20A) and a side of the slide element (23) facing the cam track (19, 20), wherein the width of the holding section (21A, 22A) is greater than the width of the guide track section (19B, 20B). [7] Covering device according to claim 6, characterized by, that the length of the guide track section (19B, 20B) corresponds to the travel of the sliding element (14) between the position of the sliding element (14) where the actuating area (16) is flush with the outside (17) of the frame (6) and the position of the sliding element (14) where the sliding element (14) releases the connection of the locking device (8). [8] Covering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking device (8) comprises at least one ball snap connection, wherein an outer ball (11A to 11D) of the ball snap connection (8) is arranged in the area of ​​the inside (9) of the aperture (4) or in the area of ​​an inside (27) of the frame (6) facing the inside (9) of the aperture (4), while an inner ball (7A to 7D) of the ball snap connection (8) is formed on the inside (27) of the frame (6) or on the inside (9) of the aperture (4). [9] Covering device according to claim 8, characterized by, that in front of an opening (12) of the outer sphere (11A to 11D) a substantially funnel-shaped insertion area (13) is arranged, which is integral with the outer sphere (11A to 11D). [10] Covering device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the aperture (4) has at least one centering pin (28, 29) with which the aperture (4) engages in the frame (6) in a form-fitting manner when mounted and whose longitudinal axis is essentially orthogonal to the joining direction of the ball snap connection (8). [11] Vehicle which is equipped with a cover device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 on a side of a rear side window (2) facing the interior of the vehicle.

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