Locking assembly for movable elements of vehicles, such as doors, windows, hoods and the like

Abstract

A locking assembly, for movable elements (101) of vehicles, comprising at least one first female component (10) and at least one second male component (20), which can be coupled respectively to a movable element (101) of the vehicle and to the chassis (102) of the vehicle, with respect to which the element (101) is movable, or vice versa, and are configured for automatic removable mutual coupling upon reaching a specific relative position of the movable element (101) with respect to the chassis (102); the first female component (10) comprises at least one axially symmetric hollow chamber (11), which defines internally a compartment (11a) which is accessible from the outside at an inlet (11b) provided at a first end of the chamber (11), the second male component (20) comprises at least one base (21) for supporting a plurality of elongated arms (22), which extend from the base (21) around a main axis (A) and are elastically movable between a non- deformed configuration, in which they are arranged so as to be mutually divergent with respect to the main axis (A), and a deformed configuration, in which they are closer to the main axis (A) and can be inserted into the chamber (11) through the inlet (11b), along an insertion direction in which the main axis (A) is kept aligned with the longitudinal axis (B) of the chamber (11); each arm (22) is provided, on the opposite end with respect to the base (21), with a tooth (22a) which protrudes externally, configured for engagement with the chamber (11), when the arms (22) are inserted in the chamber (11) and are arranged in the non-deformed configuration, and for hindering the extraction of the arms (22) from the chamber (11).

Description

[0001] LOCKING ASSEMBLY FOR MOVABLE ELEMENTS OF VEHICLES, SUCH AS DOORS, WINDOWS, HOODS AND THE LIKE

[0002] The present invention relates to a locking assembly for movable elements of vehicles, such as doors, windows, hoods and the like.

[0003] As is known, in the driver's cabs of vehicles such as agricultural machines or self-propelled work vehicles, there are movable elements such as doors, sliding doors, windows, hoods, or the like.

[0004] Regulations in the sector require that such vehicles be fitted with devices that ensure such movable elements are locked, even in an open configuration. For example, the door on each side of the cab is normally free to rotate about a vertical axis defined by a hinge located along an edge of the access to the driver's cab which that door closes: the abovementioned device automatically locks the door after, from the closed configuration of the cab, it has described a rotation of approximately 180°, to the fully open configuration. Thus, the locking device prevents subsequent unwanted oscillations of the door, and only the intervention of the user can enable the return to the closed configuration.

[0005] According to methods that are in and of themselves known, such devices comprise a male component and a female component, which are mounted respectively on the movable element of the cab and on its chassis (or vice versa), in positions such that they can automatically engage with each other, using various methods, when the movable element (be it a door or other element) reaches the open configuration in which the locking is intended to be performed.

[0006] The mutual engagement is chosen to be of detachable type, in order to allow the user to decouple the components at the appropriate moment and restore the capacity for movement of the movable element.

[0007] However, the conventional implementation solutions are not devoid of drawbacks, which consist in particular of high structural complexity, which brings difficulty in production and assembly, and which complicates interaction therewith by the user.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to solve the abovementioned problems, by providing a locking assembly for movable elements of vehicles, such as doors, windows, hoods and the like, which is structurally simple.

[0009] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a vehicle, which is provided with simple methods for locking at least one movable element thereof.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that is easily and practically implemented and which enables ease of interaction with the user.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that ensures a high reliability of operation.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose an assembly that adopts a technical and structural architecture which is alternative to those of conventional assemblies.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that can be easily implemented using elements and materials that are readily available on the market.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that is low cost and safely applied.

[0015] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by an assembly according to claim 1 and by a vehicle according to claim 10.

[0016] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the assembly and of the vehicle according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a side view of the assembly according to the invention, with the components coupled to a movable element of the vehicle according to the invention and to the chassis, with the movable element and the chassis shown in cross-section;

[0018] Figure 2 is a side view of the first component of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0019] Figure 3 is a front view of the first component of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3, taken along the line IV- IV;

[0021] Figure 5 is a side view of the second component of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 6 is a front view of the second component of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0023] Figure 7 is a rear view of the second component of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6, taken along the line VIVI;

[0025] Figure 9 is a view of the assembly of Figure 1, with the components shown in cross-section as in Figures 4 and 8.

[0026] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a locking assembly for movable elements 101 of vehicles.

[0027] The vehicle can be of any type and provided in a manner that is in and of itself known (and partly for this reason it is not shown in the accompanying figures), apart from the particularities that will be explained below.

[0028] In the preferred application, cited for the purposes of non-limiting example of the invention, the vehicle is an agricultural machine or a (self- propelled) works vehicle.

[0029] The movable element 101 too may be any; preferably it is part of the cab of the vehicle and so for example it can be a door, a sliding door, a window, or the like. In any case, it could belong to another part of the vehicle, and for example it could be the hood.

[0030] In any case, it can perform a movement with respect to the chassis 102 of the vehicle proper; for example, if it is a door or a window, the movement is to open or close an access entry to the driver's cockpit inside the cab.

[0031] The assembly 1 comprises at least one first component 10 (Figures 2- 4), which is female, and at least one second component 20 (Figures 5-8), which is male, which can be coupled respectively to the movable element 101 and to the chassis 102, or vice versa, and which are configured for (preferably automatic) removable mutual coupling upon reaching a specific relative position of the movable element 101 with respect to the chassis 102.

[0032] One or both of the components 10, 20 can be provided with means for coupling to the element 101 and / or to the chassis 102, and such means can be chosen to be of any type, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein. The specific coupling method described and shown in the accompanying figures is purely illustrative and non-limiting of the invention.

[0033] In any case, when (during its movement with respect to the chassis 102) the movable element 101 reaches the specific position of interest, the two components 10, 20 are automatically coupled, so providing the locking of the movable element 101 and preventing any additional, accidental movement thereof (until a user intervenes).

[0034] In particular, typically the position of interest is constituted by the maximum opening of the movable element 101 (of the door or of the window for example), obtainable following the complete rotation from the closed condition of the driver's cab. The complete rotation can therefore be through 180° and after this the door or the window will be facing and proximate to the chassis of the cab (Figure 1), so that the two components 10, 20, brought together, can engage with each other. According to the invention, the first component 10 comprises at least one axially symmetric hollow chamber 11, which defines internally a compartment Ila which is accessible from the outside at an inlet 11b provided at a first end of the chamber 11.

[0035] The second component 20 in turn comprises at least one base 21 for supporting a plurality of elongated arms 22. The scope of protection claimed herein includes the possibility of there being any number of arms 22, according to the specific requirements.

[0036] The arms 22 extend from the base 21 about a main axis A, and are elastically moveable between a non-deformed configuration (assumed in the absence of stresses) and a deformed configuration (from which they return to the non-deformed configuration when the stresses that caused the deformation disappear).

[0037] In the non-deformed configuration (as in Figure 9), the arms 22 are arranged so as to be mutually divergent with respect to the main axis A, and therefore move progressively away from the main axis A (and from each other) when observed from the base 21 looking toward the other end. Their transverse bulk (transverse to the main axis A) increases progressively from the base 21 toward the other end.

[0038] The arms 22 are made of any material, polymeric or of another kind, conventional or otherwise, which is capable of offering the desired elastic deformability.

[0039] In the deformed configuration, the arms 22 are closer to the main axis A; they can be parallel to the main axis A, divergent or convergent, in any case so as to reduce their transverse bulk with respect to the non-deformed configuration.

[0040] In such deformed configuration, the arms 22 can be inserted (automatically) into the chamber 11 through the inlet 11b, along an introduction direction in which the main axis A is kept substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis (or axis of symmetry) B of the chamber 11. The alignment between the axes A, B can be automatically obtained by conveniently arranging the components 10, 20 and taking account of the movement of the movable element 101 with respect to the chassis 102.

[0041] Each arm 22 is provided (substantially at the opposite end with respect to the base 21), with a tooth 22a which protrudes externally (away from the main axis A), and which is configured for engagement with the chamber 11, when the arms 22 are inserted in the chamber 11 and are arranged in the non-deformed configuration, for hindering the extraction of the arms 22 from the chamber 11. Thus, the arms 22 oppose the uncoupling between the components 10, 20 and implement the locking of the movable element 101.

[0042] Effectively, by conveniently choosing the placement of the components 10, 20 on the movable element A and on the chassis B, it is sufficient for the former to reach the position in which it is desired to execute the locking for the arms 22 to be introduced by force into the inlet 11b.

[0043] The inlet 11b is chosen to have smaller dimensions than the transverse bulk of the arms 22 and of the teeth 22a, in the non-deformed configuration. Thus, by moving the movable element 101 toward the position of interest, and pushing the arms 22 toward the inlet 11b (in the condition of alignment of the axes A, B, as mentioned), the arms 22 will be forced to elastically bend to the deformed configuration, and once this is reached they will enter the chamber 11.

[0044] Once introduced into the chamber 11, the arms 22 will return elastically to the non-deformed configuration and the teeth 22a will engage (in any manner) with the chamber and prevent extraction.

[0045] In order to facilitate the introduction of the teeth 22a, the inlet 11b can have a flared shape, as in the accompanying figures. The teeth 22a can also have an inclined tip, complementary to the flared region of the inlet 11b. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example of the invention, the inlet 11b is delimited by a perimetric lip 11c of the chamber 11, which protrudes internally; each tooth 22a (as shown in Figure 9) is configured to rest against the internal surface of the lip 11c, which is directed toward the compartment Ila, when the arms 22 are inserted in the chamber 11 and arranged in the non-deformed configuration.

[0046] Usefully, the assembly 1 comprises a device 23 for actuating the transition of the arms 22 from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration, which can be activated by a user at least when the arms 22 are inserted in the chamber 11 , in order to allow the extraction of the arms 22 from the chamber 11, and unlock the movable element 101.

[0047] In particular, the device 23 comprises at least one tubular slider 24 arranged along the main axis A and held by a spring 25 (or other elastic system) in a first limit position, in which a first portion of each arm 22 opposite from the teeth 22a is inserted into the slider 24. Furthermore, the device 23 comprises at least one actuation knob 26, which can be activated by a user to cause the translation of the slider 24 along a trajectory for intercepting the arms 22 and for imposing the consequent forced transition of said arms from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration.

[0048] Upon cessation of the stress that caused the translation of the slider 24, the elastic reaction of the spring 25 returns the slider 24 to the first limit position.

[0049] Advantageously, in the preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of the invention, the second component 20 comprises a substantially axially symmetric shell 27, which is arranged along the main axis A and defines externally a flange 27a configured for the coupling of the second component 20 to either the movable element 101 of the vehicle or the chassis 102.

[0050] In this embodiment, the previously-mentioned means for coupling therefore comprise the flange 27a.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 21 and the arms 22 are accommodated inside the shell 27.

[0052] In particular, as can be seen in Figure 8, the base 21 can be coupled to an abutment plane 27b, formed internally by the shell 27, against which, at the opposite end, the spring 25 rests.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the knob 26 is coupled to a first end portion ("end" with respect to the main axis A) of the shell 27, with at least one degree of freedom chosen from translation along the main axis A (as in the accompanying figures) and rotation about the main axis A.

[0054] The degree of freedom makes it possible to actuate the knob 26 in order to cause, directly or indirectly, the movement of the slider 24.

[0055] For example, as in the accompanying figures, the knob 26 is integral with the slider 24; thus, for example, pressing the knob 26 (a compression action directed along the main axis A) causes the desired translation of the slider 24, for the transition of the arms 22 from the non-deformed configuration to the deformed configuration. When the user ceases applying pressure on the knob 26, the spring 25 returns the slider 24 to the nondeformed position.

[0056] In a different embodiment, which does not exhaust the possibilities covered by the scope of protection claimed herein, a cam is interposed between the knob 26 and the slider 24, and the rotation of the knob 26, by virtue of the cam, causes the translation of the slider 24.

[0057] Usefully, the first component 10 can comprise a plate 12 (for example made of polymeric material) which is retained so as to close the inlet 11b by an elastic element 13 (another spring for example) accommodated in the chamber 11. The plate 12 can translate elastically inside the compartment Ila following the introduction of the arms 22 into the chamber 11.

[0058] Thus, for as long as the second component 20 is spaced apart from the first, the plate 12 will keep the chamber 11 closed, so protecting the compartment Ila from dust, dirt and impurities in general. Furthermore, the plate 12 and the elastic element 13 accompany the introduction of the arms 22 into the compartment Ila, cushioning any shocks or impacts.

[0059] As mentioned earlier, each component 10, 20 can be provided with means of any type for coupling to the movable element 101 and / or to the chassis 102.

[0060] In particular, in the embodiment in the accompanying figures, the first component 10 comprises a threaded element 14 (a screw for example) which is inserted into a female thread 15 provided along a wall arranged at a (longitudinal) second end of the chamber 11, which is opposite from the first end (with respect to the longitudinal axis B). The threaded element 14 is configured for the coupling of the first component 10 to either the movable element 101 of the vehicle or the chassis 102. The coupling means of the first component 10 therefore comprise the threaded element 14 and the female thread 15, in this embodiment.

[0061] In addition to the assembly 1, protection is also claimed herein for a vehicle fitted with the assembly 1. As has already been seen, the vehicle is preferably an agricultural machine or a (self-propelled) works vehicle, but the possibility is not ruled out that it is of a different type, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0062] The vehicle comprises at least one chassis 102 and a movable element 101 which can be moved with respect to the chassis 102. Preferably, but not necessarily, the movable element 101 is part of the cab of the vehicle.

[0063] In addition, the vehicle comprises a locking assembly 1 in turn comprising at least one first component 10, which is female, and at least one second component 20, which is male, which are coupled respectively to the movable element 101 and to the chassis 102, or vice versa, and which are configured for (preferably automatic) removable mutual coupling upon reaching a specific relative position of the movable element 101 with respect to the chassis 102. According to the invention, the first component 10 comprises at least one axially symmetric hollow chamber 11, which defines internally a compartment Ila which is accessible from the outside at an inlet 11b provided at a first end of the chamber 11.

[0064] In its turn, the second component 20 comprises at least one base 21 for supporting a plurality of elongated arms 22, which extend from the base 21 around a main axis A and which are elastically movable between a nondeformed configuration, in which they are arranged so as to be mutually divergent with respect to the main axis A, and a deformed configuration, in which they are closer to the main axis A and can be inserted into the chamber 11 through the inlet 11b, along an insertion direction in which the main axis A is kept substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis B of the chamber 11.

[0065] Each arm 22 is provided, on the opposite end with respect to the base 21, with a tooth 22a which protrudes externally and which is configured for engagement with the chamber 11, when the arms 22 are inserted in the chamber 11 and are arranged in the non-deformed configuration, so as to hinder the extraction of the arms 22 from the chamber 11.

[0066] The assembly 1 with which the vehicle according to the invention is fitted can implement one or more of the teachings explained in the foregoing pages.

[0067] The operation of the assembly 1 according to the invention has already been explained, but a brief summary is also given below.

[0068] The components 10, 20 can be mounted on a movable element 101 of the vehicle and on the chassis 102 of that vehicle, so that, when the movable element 101 reaches the position of interest (in which it is desired to obtain the locking of said movable element 101), the second component 20 approaches and intercepts the first (or vice versa) under conditions of mutual alignment of the longitudinal axis B and of the main axis A. In particular, it is the arms 22 that are progressively brought closer to the inlet 11b. Thus, the arms 22, which up until that moment have been kept in the non-deformed configuration, are forced to assume a deformed configuration (because the inlet 11b has smaller dimensions than their transverse bulk) and, continuing and completing the travel of the movable element 101, the arms 22 are introduced into the compartment Ila, where they can return to the non-deformed configuration (automatically).

[0069] The teeth 22a hinder extraction by virtue of the obstacle constituted by the lip 11c (other methods of obtaining the same result are not ruled out), and this is what ensures the locking.

[0070] To unlock the movable element 101, the user can approach the device 23 and then press or rotate the knob 26.

[0071] In an entirely particular and innovative manner, the locking is obtained with a solution that is simple, in terms of both operation and of production and assembly. In fact no complex mechanism is required, and instead the deformation and elastic return of the arms 22 is employed.

[0072] It should likewise be noted that no structural parts made of metal are necessary.

[0073] The device 23 further enables an easy interaction with the user.

[0074] The simplicity is an assurance of reliability and enables production at low cost.

[0075] The invention, thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0076] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0077] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0078] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000009358 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A locking assembly, for movable elements (101) of vehicles, comprising at least one first female component (10), and at least one second male component (20), which can be coupled respectively to a movable element (101) of the vehicle and to the chassis (102) of said vehicle, with respect to which the movable element (101) is movable, or vice versa, and are configured for automatic removable mutual coupling upon reaching a specific relative position of the movable element (101) with respect to the chassis (102), characterized in that:- said first female component (10) comprises at least one axially symmetric hollow chamber (11), which defines internally a compartment(lla) which is accessible from the outside at an inlet (11b) provided at a first end of said chamber (11),- said second male component (20) comprises at least one base (21) for supporting a plurality of elongated arms (22), which extend from said base (21) around a main axis (A) and are elastically movable between a nondeformed configuration, in which they are arranged so as to be mutually divergent with respect to said main axis (A), and a deformed configuration, in which they are closer to said main axis (A) and can be inserted into said chamber (11) through said inlet (11b), along an insertion direction in which said main axis (A) is kept substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis (B) of said chamber (11), each one of said arms (22) being provided, on the opposite end with respect to said base (21), with a tooth (22a) which protrudes externally, configured for engagement with said chamber (11), when said arms (22) are inserted in said chamber (11) and are arranged in said non-deformed configuration, and for hindering the extraction of said arms (22) from said chamber (11).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said inlet(llb) is delimited by a perimetric lip (11c), which protrudes internally, of said chamber (11), each one of said teeth (22a) being configured to restagainst the internal surface of said lip (11c), which is directed toward said compartment (Ila), when said arms (22) are inserted in said chamber (11) and arranged in said non-deformed configuration.

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a device (23) for actuating the transition of said arms (22) from said non-deformed configuration to said deformed configuration, which can be activated by a user at least when said arms (22) are inserted in said chamber (11), in order to allow the extraction of said arms (22) from said chamber (11).

4. The assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that said device (23) comprises at least:- a tubular slider (24), arranged along said main axis (A) and held by a spring (25) in a first limit position, in which a first portion of each one of said arms (22) opposite from said teeth (22a) is inserted into said slider (24),- an actuation knob (26), which can be activated by a user for the translation of said slider (24) along a trajectory for intercepting said arms (22) and for the consequent forced transition of said arms (22) from said non-deformed configuration to said deformed configuration.

5. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second male component (20) comprises a substantially axially symmetric shell (27), which is arranged along said main axis (A) and defines externally a flange (27a) configured for the coupling of said second male component (20) to either the movable element (101) of the vehicle or the chassis (102) of said vehicle, said base (21) and said arms (22) being accommodated inside said shell (27).

6. The assembly according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said knob (26) is coupled to a first end portion of said shell (27), with at least one degree of freedom chosen between translation along said main axis (A) and rotation about said main axis (A).

7. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterized in that said inlet (11b) has a flared shape, for guiding the insertion of said arms (22).

8. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first component (10) comprises a plate (12) which is retained so as to close said inlet (11b) by an elastic element (13) accommodated in said chamber (11), said plate (12) being elastically translatable within said compartment (Ila) as a result of the insertion of said arms (22) into said chamber (11).

9. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first component (10) comprises a threaded element (14) which is inserted into a female thread (15) provided along a wall arranged at a second end of said chamber (11), opposite from said first end, and is configured for the coupling of said first component (10) to either the movable element (101) of the vehicle or the chassis (102) of said vehicle.

10. A vehicle, comprising at least:- a chassis (102),- a movable element (101) which can move with respect to the chassis (102),- a locking assembly (1) comprising at least one first female component (10) and at least one second male component (20), which are coupled to said movable element (101) and to said chassis (102), or vice versa, and are configured for automatic removable mutual coupling upon reaching a specific relative position of said movable element (101) with respect to said chassis (102), characterized in that:- said first female component (10) comprises at least one axially symmetric hollow chamber (11), which defines internally a compartment (Ila) which is accessible from the outside at an inlet (11b) provided at a first end of said chamber (11),- said second male component (20) comprises at least one base (21) for supporting a plurality of elongated arms (22), which extend from saidbase (21) around a main axis (A) and are elastically movable between a nondeformed configuration, in which they are arranged so as to be mutually divergent with respect to said main axis (A), and a deformed configuration, in which they are closer to said main axis (A) and can be inserted into said chamber (11) through said inlet (11b), along an insertion direction in which said main axis (A) is kept substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis (B) of said chamber (11), each one of said arms (22) being provided, on the opposite end with respect to said base (21), with a tooth (22a) which protrudes externally, configured for engagement with said chamber (11), when said arms (22) are inserted in said chamber (11) and are arranged in said non-deformed configuration, and for hindering the extraction of said arms (22) from said chamber (11).

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