Side-opening device for vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a side-opening device for a vehicle. The side-opening device is arranged on a functional component inside the vehicle, and comprises: a base adapted to be attached to the functional component; a cover body attached to the base; and a locking assembly attached to the cover body and switchable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the locking assembly and the base are in a locked state, and in the second position, the locking assembly and the base are in an unlocked state, and in response to the unlocked state of the locking assembly, the cover body pivots relative to the base to be in an opened state, wherein the locking assembly is configured to move from the first position through a preset additional stroke to reach the second position. By providing an additional stroke for the movement of the locking assembly between the first position and the second position, the side-opening device of the present disclosure can prevent scratching between the locking assembly and the base during opening and closing of the cover body, and reduce the force required for opening and closing the cover body, thereby ensuring stable operation during use while providing good appearance quality, and improving user comfort.

Description

Side opening device for vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of accessories for vehicles, and more particularly to a side opening device for vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the increasing requirements of consumers on the functionality and comfort of vehicles, as an extension of the interior space of vehicles, it is necessary to provide separate spaces for consumers to store personal items, so as to meet the requirements and use of consumers for personal space. For example, as shown in the vehicle V schematically shown in FIG. 1, a handrail assembly AS is usually provided on the auxiliary instrument panel between the driver side and the front passenger side, which provides elbow support for the driver and passenger and also provides a storage space for placing personal items. In order to facilitate the requirements of the driver side, the front passenger side and the rear passengers to take things conveniently, the function requirement of the side opening of the handrail assembly is increasing.

[0003] For the handrail assembly AS with the side opening function, it is desirable to stably and reliably realize the locking closing and unlocking opening. However, the existing handrail assembly components are more, the structure is complex, which leads to poor reliability and high cost, and there is a situation of interference with adjacent vehicle components during use, for example, the components providing locking function will scratch the adjacent components, which increases the locking or unlocking force and reduces the appearance quality, affecting the use comfort of the driver and passenger.

[0004] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a side opening device to solve the problems in the prior art. The side opening device is simple in structure, reliable in operation, easy to operate and low in cost.

[0005] To this end, according to the present disclosure, a side opening device for a vehicle is provided, which is arranged on a functional component in the vehicle and comprises: a base adapted to be attached to the functional component; a cover attached to the base; a locking assembly attached to the cover and capable of being switched between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the locking assembly is in a locked state with the base, in the second position, the locking assembly is in an unlocked state with the base, in response to the unlocked state of the locking assembly, the cover is pivoted relative to the base to be in an open state, wherein the locking assembly is configured to move through a preset additional stroke from the first position to the second position.

[0006] According to the above technical concept, the present disclosure can further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0007] In some examples, the locking assembly comprises a driving plate and a latch assembly attached to the driving plate, movement of the driving plate in a first direction causes movement of the latch assembly in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; wherein the locking assembly further comprises a locking rod configured to be in an overlapping state with the driving plate in the first position, and to cause movement of the driving plate through an additional stroke until the latch assembly reaches the second position after the driving plate is moved in the first direction to disengage from the overlapping state with the locking rod.

[0008] In some examples, the locking rod is attached with a spring, and the locking rod rotates around the first direction or the second direction under the elastic force of the spring after the driving plate is moved to disengage from the overlapping state with the locking rod.

[0009] In some examples, the driving plate is provided with a boosting slope, and the locking rod rotates around the first direction or the second direction while abutting against the boosting slope to push the driving plate to continue moving in the first direction through the additional stroke.

[0010] In some examples, the latch assembly comprises a main latch attached to the driving plate, and a driven latch attached to the main latch via a rotating disc, movement of the main latch in the second direction drives the driven latch to move towards or away from the main latch.

[0011] In some examples, the main latch or the driving plate is provided with a slanted groove and attached to each other through the slanted groove, such that movement of the driving plate in the first direction causes movement of the main latch in the second direction.

[0012] In some examples, the driving plate is attached with a spring, and the driving plate is movable to an initial position under the elastic force of the spring.

[0013] In some examples, the latch assembly is attached with a spring, and the latch assembly is movable to an initial position under the elastic force of the spring.

[0014] In some examples, the cover defines a cavity to accommodate the locking assembly, and the side opening device further comprises a button arranged outside the cover, and the locking assembly is switched from the first position to the second position in response to an external force applied on the button.

[0015] In some optional forms, the locking assembly comprises a first locking assembly attached to one side of the cover, and a second locking assembly attached to the opposite side of the cover, the cover pivots relative to the base about a second rotation axis on the side where the second locking assembly is located in response to the unlocking state of the first locking assembly, and the cover pivots relative to the base about a first rotation axis on the side where the first locking assembly is located in response to the unlocking state of the second locking assembly.

[0016] The side opening device of the present disclosure can further drive the locking assembly to move in the unlocking direction during the opening and closing of the cover by providing an additional stroke of the locking assembly moving between the first position and the second position, so that an increased gap or distance is formed in the switching process from the locked state to the unlocked state between the locking assembly and the base by means of the additional stroke, preventing the locking assembly from scratching the base, reducing the force of opening and closing the cover, providing good appearance quality while ensuring stability during use, and improving user comfort. The structure of the disclosed side opening device is compact, simple and reliable, low in cost, and can be applied to various occasions to meet the diversified needs of users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description of optional embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like or similar components, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the interior of a vehicle, showing a handrail assembly arranged on the sub-instrument panel between the driver's side and the front passenger's side;

[0019] FIG. 2A is an external schematic view of a side opening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the cover of the side opening device of FIG. 2A opened from the first side, FIG. 2C is an external schematic view of the other side of the side opening device of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2D is a schematic view of the cover of the side opening device of FIG. 2A opened from the second side;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a locking assembly and a base of a side opening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a locked state;

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic view of the locking assembly of FIG. 3, and shows the base;

[0022] FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a locking assembly in a locked state, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged schematic view of portion E1 in FIG. 5A;

[0023] Fig. 6A is a schematic view of a first locking assembly of the locking assembly in an unlocked state, Fig. 6B is a schematic view of the operation of switching the first locking assembly from a locked state to an unlocked state, Fig. 6C is an enlarged view of a portion E3 in Fig. 6B, Fig. 6D-1 is a sectional view along A-A in Fig. 6A and shows the first locking rod in the locked state, Fig. 6D-2 is a sectional view along A-A in Fig. 6A and shows the first locking rod in the unlocked state, Fig. 6E-1 is a sectional view along B-B in Fig. 6A and shows the first locking rod and the first driving plate in the locked state, Fig. 6E-2 is a sectional view along B-B in Fig. 6A and shows the first locking rod and the first driving plate in the unlocked state, Fig. 6F-1 is a sectional view along C-C in Fig. 6A and shows the first active latch in the locked state, Fig. 6F-2 is a sectional view along C-C in Fig. 6A and shows the first active latch in the unlocked state, and Fig. 6G is an enlarged view of a portion E2 in Fig. 6A;

[0024] Fig. 7A is a schematic view of a second locking assembly of the locking assembly in an unlocked state, Fig. 7B-1 is a sectional view along D-D in Fig. 7A and shows the second locking rod in the locked state, Fig. 7B-2 is a sectional view along D-D in Fig. 7A and shows the second locking rod in the unlocked state, Fig. 7C-1 is a sectional view along E-E in Fig. 7A and shows the second locking rod and the second driving plate in the locked state, Fig. 7C-2 is a sectional view along E-E in Fig. 7A and shows the second locking rod and the second driving plate in the unlocked state, Fig. 7D-1 is a sectional view along F-F in Fig. 7A and shows the second active latch in the locked state, Fig. 7D-2 is a sectional view along F-F in Fig. 7A and shows the second active latch in the unlocked state, and Fig. 7E is an enlarged view of a portion E4 in Fig. 7A;

[0025] Fig. 8A is a schematic view of a locking assembly of a side-hinged door according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion E5 in Fig. 8A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following discussion of the embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant to be exemplary of the methods and embodiments of the present disclosure. The following discussion and accompanying drawings should not be taken to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "indented," "forward," "rearward," and the like as can be used herein, are made with reference to the drawings and are not intended to be absolute. Such terms are used to describe the relative positioning of the various components as they are arranged in the drawings, but would change accordingly if the components were arranged differently in the drawings.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," and the like are open-ended terms that mean "including, but not limited to."

[0028] In this document, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to denote different components, unless otherwise specified. These terms are not used to denote a sequential order or a quantity.

[0029] In this document, unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms "connect", "attach", etc. are to be construed broadly, for example, as fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrated; directly connected, or indirectly connected via an intermediate medium; or an internal connection between two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this document according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] It should be understood that although the embodiments of the side opening device of the present disclosure described in conjunction with the drawings are described for application to vehicles, the term "vehicle" mentioned herein includes but is not limited to vehicles, ships, aircraft, etc., wherein "vehicles" include fuel vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, etc., and can be various vehicle types, without being limited to the illustrations.

[0031] It has been realized that the reliability of the armrest assembly with side opening function used in existing vehicles is poor, and there are cases of interference with adjacent vehicle interior components during use, for example, when opening and closing the cover of the armrest assembly, the locking tongue for realizing the locking function will frequently scratch the armrest base, resulting in poor appearance, and a large force is required to open and close the cover, affecting the use comfort of the driver and passenger. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a side opening device to prevent the cover from scratching the base during opening and closing, thereby reducing the operating force for opening and closing the cover, improving the operation comfort and appearance quality. It should be understood that the side opening device is described exemplarily in the form of double side opening, and the side opening device based on the concept of the present disclosure includes but is not limited to application to single side opening, double side opening, etc.

[0032] In addition, due to poor reliability, the existing double side opening armrest assembly can even have the case of the cover being opened on both sides at the same time. In addition, the present disclosure also proposes a side opening device with double side opening function, which restricts the unlocking of the locking structure on the other side when the locking structure on one side is unlocked to open the cover, preventing the cover from falling off.

[0033] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a side opening device for a vehicle is provided, which is arranged on a functional component in the vehicle. When the side opening device is applied to a vehicle, the functional component includes but is not limited to an armrest between the driver side and the co-driver side, an interior storage box of the vehicle, and other suitable interior components of the vehicle.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, a side opening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The side opening device mainly comprises a base 10 and a cover 50. The base 10 can be attached to a functional component by, for example, fasteners or clamps, and can be provided with an opening 11 for providing access to a storage space in, for example, a storage application. The cover 50 can be attached to the base 10 and can be opened or closed relative to the base 10, i.e., the cover 50 is opened to expose the storage space and the cover 50 is closed to enclose the storage space. It should be understood that the cover 50 and the base 10 are shown as generally rectangular structures with four sides, however, other suitable shapes are possible depending on the application, such as circular or other polygonal shapes.

[0035] The side opening device further comprises a locking assembly attached to the cover 50 and switchable between a first position in which the locking assembly is in a locked state with the base 10 and a second position in which the locking assembly is in an unlocked state with the base 10, in response to which the cover 50 can be pivoted relative to the base 10 to an open state. In some embodiments, the cover 50 can comprise an upper cover 51 and a lower cover 52 to define a cavity in which the locking assembly is housed, the upper cover 51 and the lower cover 52 being detachably connected to each other so that the locking assembly is not visible from the outside of the cover 50 and the overall appearance is aesthetically pleasing. A button can be provided on the outside of the cover 50, in response to an external force applied to the button, the locking assembly is switched from the first position to the second position.

[0036] The side opening device shown in FIGS. 2A-2D has the button facing, for example, the driver side in the vehicle in the orientation shown in FIG. 2A, in response to an external force applied to the button, the cover 50 is rotated upward relative to the base 10 about the other side (passenger side) to an open state as shown in FIG. 2B. Similarly, the side opening device has the button facing, for example, the passenger side in the vehicle in the orientation shown in FIG. 2C, in response to an external force applied to the button, the cover 50 is rotated upward relative to the base 10 about the other side (driver side) to an open state as shown in FIG. 2D.

[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a locking assembly according to an embodiment, which comprises a first locking assembly 20 attached to one side (first side) of the cover and a second locking assembly 30 attached to the opposite side (second side) of the cover, in response to the unlocked state of the first locking assembly 20, the cover is pivoted relative to the base 10 about a second pivot axis S2 of the side on which the second locking assembly 30 is located, and in response to the unlocked state of the second locking assembly 30, the cover is pivoted relative to the base 10 about a first pivot axis S1 of the side on which the first locking assembly 20 is located.

[0038] In the shown embodiment, the first locking assembly 20 and the second locking assembly 30 are substantially symmetrical in structure. Specifically, the first locking assembly 20 comprises a first driving plate 23 and a first bolt assembly attached to the first driving plate 23, and the second locking assembly 30 comprises a second driving plate 33 and a second bolt assembly attached to the second driving plate 33. In response to an external force applied on the first button 21 or the second button 31, the movement of the first driving plate 23 or the second driving plate 33 in a first direction D1 causes the first bolt assembly or the second bolt assembly to move in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, so that the first bolt assembly or the second bolt assembly can be disengaged from the lock hole on the base 10 to achieve unlocking. FIG. 4 exemplarily shows the first lock hole 13 and the second lock hole 14 on the side close to the first button 21 and the second button 31. When the side opening device is applied to the armrest between the driver side and the co-driver side in a vehicle, the first direction D1 can be the width direction of the vehicle, and the second direction D2 can be the length direction of the vehicle. It should be understood that when the side opening device is applied to other parts in the vehicle, the extension directions of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be changed accordingly.

[0039] In some embodiments, a spring is attached to the driving plate. Specifically, as shown in the figures, the first driving plate 23 and the second driving plate 33 can each be provided with a spring, and the first driving plate 23 and the second driving plate 33 can be moved to the initial position under the elastic force of the spring, that is, when the external force applied on the first button 21 or the second button 31 is removed, the first driving plate 23 or the second driving plate 33 can be moved to the position where the first bolt assembly or the second bolt assembly is in the locked state.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first lock tongue assembly can include a first active lock tongue 24 attached to the first driving plate 23, and a first passive lock tongue 26 attached to the first active lock tongue 24 via a first rotating disc 25, wherein the movement of the first active lock tongue 24 in the second direction D2 can drive the first passive lock tongue 26 to move towards or away from the first active lock tongue 24. A connecting rod 12 can be provided on the base 10, and in the locked state, the first passive lock tongue 26 can be locked in a lock hole on the base 10 via the connecting rod 12. A spring can be attached to the connecting rod 12 to enable the cover to rotate around the corresponding rotating shaft in the unlocked state. A spring 27 corresponding to the first rotating shaft S1 is shown in the figure as an example. Similarly, the second lock tongue assembly can include a second active lock tongue 34 attached to the second driving plate 33, and a second passive lock tongue 36 attached to the second active lock tongue 34 via a second rotating disc 35, wherein the movement of the second active lock tongue 34 in the second direction D2 drives the second passive lock tongue 36 to move towards or away from the second active lock tongue 34, and the second passive lock tongue 36 can be locked in a lock hole on the base 10 via the connecting rod 12. In some embodiments, the lock tongue assembly can also be attached with a spring, specifically, the first active lock tongue 24 and the second active lock tongue 34 can be provided with a spring, and under the elastic force, the first active lock tongue 24 and the second active lock tongue 34 can be moved to the initial position, thereby driving the first passive lock tongue 26 and the second passive lock tongue 36 to move to the initial position, that is, when the external force applied on the first button 21 or the second button 31 is removed, the first active lock tongue 24 and the first passive lock tongue 26 or the second active lock tongue 34 and the second passive lock tongue 36 move to the position where the first lock tongue assembly or the second lock tongue assembly is in the locked state.

[0041] Advantageously, in the side opening device of the present disclosure, the locking assembly is configured to move from the first position through a preset additional stroke to reach the second position, specifically, in the additional stroke, in addition to the external force applied on the button, the driving plate is simultaneously driven to move in the unlocking direction by providing a locking rod. In this way, during the switching process of the lock tongue assembly from the locked state to the unlocked state, the gap or distance between the lock tongue and the base and the connecting rod is increased by the assisting unlocking action of the locking rod in the additional stroke, effectively avoiding the scratching of the lock tongue on the base and the connecting rod.

[0042] In some embodiments, the locking assembly further comprises a locking rod configured to be in an overlapping state with the driving plate in the first position, and to drive the driving plate to move through an additional stroke until the bolt assembly reaches the second position after the driving plate is moved in the first direction to be out of the overlapping state with the locking rod. Taking the first locking assembly 20 as an example, the first locking rod 22 and the first driving plate 23 are in the overlapping state in the first position, and the “overlapping” here means that the first locking rod 22 and the first driving plate 23 abut each other and the movement of the first locking rod 22 is limited by the first driving plate 23. The overlapping amount of the first locking rod 22 and the first driving plate 23 can be set according to different actual needs, which is not limited here.

[0043] Advantageously, the locking rod is attached with a spring. Also taking the first locking assembly 20 as an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first locking rod 22 is attached with a spring, and after the first driving plate 23 is moved to be out of the overlapping state with the first locking rod 22, the first locking rod 22 can rotate around the first direction D1 under the elastic force of the spring. In turn, the first driving plate 23 is driven to move through an additional stroke by the force exerted by the rotation of the first locking rod 22.

[0044] In some embodiments, the driving plate can be provided with a boosting slope, and the locking rod rotates around the first direction and abuts against the boosting slope to move to push the driving plate to continue to move in the first direction through an additional stroke. In this way, by combining the spring and the slope, the gap or distance between the bolt and the base and the connecting rod can be effectively increased by the cooperation of the locking rod and the driving plate in a compact space layout, which will be further described below in combination with the operation process.

[0045] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the side opening device of the present disclosure is provided with a protection piece 40 arranged between the first locking assembly 20 and the second locking assembly 30 and configured to limit one of the first locking assembly 20 and the second locking assembly 30 from being in the unlocked state when the other one of the first locking assembly 20 and the second locking assembly 30 is in the unlocked state.

[0046] Depending on different needs, the protection piece 40 can be configured to be driven to move by the first driving plate 23 and / or the second driving plate 33. The protection piece 40 can be fixed to the lower cover body 52, and advantageously, the protection piece 40 is attached with a spring, and the protection piece 40 can move to the initial position under the elastic force. The operation process will be further described below.

[0047] FIG. 5A shows a schematic view of the locking assembly in the locked state. At this time, the first locking assembly and the second locking assembly are both in the locked state of the first position to lock the cover body on the base in the closed state, and the protection piece 40 is not driven to move by the first driving plate 23 or the second driving plate 33, as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0048] Fig. 6A shows a schematic view of the first locking assembly in an unlocked state, and Fig. 6B shows a schematic view of the operation of switching the first locking assembly from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0049] Specifically, in the orientation shown in Fig. 6B, when the first button 21 is pressed to drive the first driving plate 23, the first driving plate 23 moves to the right upper corner along the first direction D1, and thereby drives the first active latch 24 to move to the right lower corner along the second direction D2. This can be achieved by a bevel groove provided on the first active latch 24 or the first driving plate 23. In combination with Fig. 6C, the bevel groove 242 can be provided on the first active latch 24, and the first active latch 24 and the first driving plate 23 are attached to each other through the bevel groove 242, for example, the first driving plate 23 can be provided with an engaging part (not labeled) embedded in the bevel groove 242, so that the movement of the first driving plate 23 along the first direction D1 promotes the movement of the first active latch 24 along the second direction D2. As an example, the bevel groove 242 is inclined by, for example, 45 degrees relative to the main body part of the first active latch 24 or the first driving plate 23, to achieve a vertical change in the movement direction of the associated components.

[0050] Since the first active latch 24 and the first passive latch 26 are connected via the first rotating disc 25, when the first active latch 24 moves along the second direction D2, it drives the first rotating disc 25 to rotate, for example, clockwise along the arrow direction, and thereby drives the first passive latch 26 to move along the second direction D2 towards the first active latch 24, i.e., to move to the left upper corner along the arrow direction in the orientation shown in Fig. 6B. Conversely, when the external force applied to the first button 21 is removed, the first active latch 24 can move to the initial position under the action of the elastic force, and thereby drives the first passive latch 26 to move away to the initial position. The first rotating disc 25 can be fixed to the lower cover body 52. This design further achieves stable and reliable movement of the associated components through simple structure and fewer components in a compact space layout.

[0051] During the movement of the first driving plate 23, since the first locking rod 22 and the first driving plate 23 are provided with a certain overlap in the movement direction of the first driving plate 23, as shown in FIGS. 6D-1 to 6F-2, at the first position P1, the first locking rod 22 and the first driving plate 23 are in an overlapping state, the first driving plate 23 limits the movement of the first locking rod 22, the first locking rod 22 can abut on the base 10 through the first contact surface 221, as shown in FIG. 6D-1, and the first end surface 241 of the first active locking tongue 24 is inserted into the first lock hole 13 of the base 10, so that the first active locking tongue 24 is fixed with the base 10, as shown in FIG. 6F-1, and the first driven locking tongue 26 is also fixed with the base 10. Once the first driving plate 23 moves to the first locking rod 22 in the arrow direction as shown in FIG. 6E-1, the first locking rod 22 will rotate around the first direction D1. For example, the first direction D1 is counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 6B. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 6E-1 and 6E-2, under the action of the elastic force of the spring of the first locking rod 22, the part of the first locking rod 22 abutting against the first driving plate 23 will continue to push the first driving plate 23 to move along the first direction through the movement of the abutting first driving plate 23 through the boost slope 233 during the upward movement, until the first locking surface 222 provided on the first locking rod 22 fully abuts against the first stop surface 231 provided on the first driving plate 23 and reaches the second position P2, thereby achieving the effect of boosting the first driving plate 23 to continue to move the additional stroke and stopping the first driving plate 23. This boosting effect can drive the first active locking tongue 24 to continue to move away from the base 10 to the first front end surface 241 fully separated from the base 10 and reach the second position P2, and at this position, there is a certain distance from the base 10, as shown in FIG. 6F-2, and under the driving of the first rotating disc 25, the first driven locking tongue 26 moves towards the first active locking tongue 24, so that the first driven locking tongue 26 is fully separated from the connecting rod 12 and has a certain distance, so that the first locking assembly is separated from the base 10 and has a certain distance, and the cover body 50 can be opened from the first side where the first locking assembly is located. Because of the additional stroke, within the additional stroke, the elastic force of the spring of the first locking rod 22 helps the first driving plate 23 to move in the unlocking direction through the boost slope 233, increases the gap or distance between the locking tongue and the base and the connecting rod, effectively avoids the problem of friction and scratching between the locking tongue and the base and the connecting rod when the unlocking external force is insufficient or the unlocking stroke applied to the first driving plate 23 is insufficient, improves the appearance quality, and correspondingly, the force for opening and closing the cover body is obviously reduced, and the use comfort is improved. It should be understood that the design of the boost slope and the distance of the additional stroke achieved thereby can be set according to different actual needs, and is associated with the size of the elastic force of the spring of the locking rod, and a person skilled in the art can change or adjust as needed, which is not limited herein.

[0052] Figure 6G shows the state of the protection piece 40 when the first locking assembly is in the unlocked state. In the embodiment shown, the protection piece 40 is configured to be driven to rotate when the first driving plate 23 moves, and is provided with a first driven surface 411 abutting the first driving plate 23, and the first driving plate 23 is correspondingly provided with a first driving surface 232. Under the elastic force of the spring of the protection piece 40, the first driven surface 411 is always in contact with the first driving surface 232 on the first driving plate 23. The protection piece 40 is also provided with a first limiting surface 412 adapted to abut the second driving plate 33, so as to limit the movement of the second driving plate 33 in the first direction D1 after rotation. When the first driving plate 23 is driven by force, the protection piece 40 rotates to a second position, so that the first limiting surface 412 is opposite to the direction of the second driving plate 33, for example, opposite to the second driving surface 332 provided on the second driving plate 33, so as to limit the movement of the second driving plate 33, thereby achieving the effect of limiting the opening of the cover body 50 from the second side where the second locking assembly is located.

[0053] Figure 7A is a schematic view of the second locking assembly of the locking assembly in the unlocked state. Similarly, in combination with Figures 7B-1 to 7D-2, in the first position, the second locking assembly is in the locked state, and the second front end surface 341 of the second active lock tongue 34 is inserted into the base 10, as shown in Figure 7D-1, so that the second active lock tongue 34 is fixed with the base 10, and the second driven lock tongue 36 is fixed with the base 10. When the second button 31 is pressed to drive the second driving plate 33, the second driving plate 33 moves in the first direction D1, and thereby drives the second active lock tongue 34 to move in the second direction D2, and the movement of the second active lock tongue 34 in the second direction D2 drives the second rotating disc 35 to rotate, and thereby drives the second driven lock tongue 36 to move in the second direction D2 and move towards the second active lock tongue 34.

[0054] In the first position P1, the second locking rod 32 and the second driving plate 33 are in the lapping state, the second driving plate 33 limits the movement of the second locking rod 32, and the second locking rod 32 can abut on the base 10 through the second contact surface 321, as shown in FIG. 7B-1. During the movement of the second driving plate 33, when the second driving plate 33 is out of the lapping state with the second locking rod 32 in the moving direction of the second driving plate 33, the second locking rod 32 will rotate under the action of the spring. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7C-1 and FIG. 7C-2, under the action of the elastic force of the spring of the second locking rod 32, the part of the second locking rod 32 abutting on the second driving plate 33 will continue to push the second driving plate 33 to move an additional stroke in the first direction through the movement of the boost inclined surface 334 of the second driving plate 33 in the process of upward movement, until the second locking surface 322 provided on the second locking rod 32 completely fits and fixes with the second stop surface 331 provided on the second driving plate 33 and reaches the second position P2, thereby realizing the effect of boosting the second driving plate 33 to continue to move an additional stroke and stopping the second driving plate 33. In this way, the second main driving bolt 34 will be driven to continue to move away from the base 10 to the second front end surface 341 completely out of the base 10 and reach the second position P2, and at this position, there is a certain distance from the base 10, as shown in FIG. 7D-2, and at the same time, under the driving of the second rotating disc 35, the second driven bolt 36 can also move to completely out of the connecting rod 12 and exist a certain distance, so that the second locking assembly is disconnected with the base 10 and the connecting rod 12 and moves away a certain distance, and the cover body 50 can be opened from the second side where the second locking assembly is located.

[0055] FIG. 7E shows the state of the protection piece 40 when the second locking assembly is in the unlocked state. In the shown embodiment, the protection piece 40 is configured to be limited to rotate when the second driving plate 33 moves, and is provided with a second limiting surface 413 adapted to abut on the second driving plate 33, and the second driving plate 33 is correspondingly provided with a third limiting surface 333. When the second driving plate 33 moves under the driving of the second button 31, the third limiting surface 333 of the second driving plate 33 and the second limiting surface 413 of the protection piece 40 form lapping in the moving direction of the second driving plate 33, thereby limiting the rotation of the protection piece 40, and further limiting the movement of the first driving plate 23 through the fit of the first driven surface 411 of the protection piece 40 and the first driving surface 232 on the first driving plate 23, thereby realizing the effect of limiting the opening of the cover body 50 from the first side where the first locking assembly is located.

[0056] By providing the protector 40, when the cover 50 is unlocked from the first side where the first locking assembly is located, the first limiting surface 412 limits the movement of the second driving plate 33, thereby limiting the cover 50 from being unlocked from the second side where the second locking assembly is located; when the cover 50 is unlocked from the second side, the second limiting surface 413 and the third limiting surface 333 limit the rotation of the protector 40, thereby limiting the movement of the first driving plate 23, and further limiting the cover 50 from being unlocked from the first side. In this way, the protector 40 as an interlocking turntable can limit the unlocking of the other side after unlocking of one side, preventing the cover 50 from being unlocked on both sides at the same time and falling off, and improving the comfort of use. In this way, the protector only needs to rotate a small angle (for example, 2 degrees or 5 degrees) to make the first limiting surface 412 abut against the second driving plate 33, thereby limiting the movement of the second driving plate 33; similarly, the second driving plate 33 only needs to move a small distance (for example, 2 mm) to make the third limiting surface 333 of the second driving plate 33 block the second limiting surface 413, thereby limiting the rotation of the protector 40. In addition, the protector of the present disclosure does not need to consider the production tolerance, assembly tolerance and other problems of the components, and can also ensure the interlocking of the two locking assemblies, improve the reliability, and ensure the use under various working conditions. It should be understood that the movement mode and configuration of the protector can be changed or adjusted according to different needs, and in some embodiments, the protector can also be configured in a form that can be driven by the first driving plate and the second driving plate to move. For example, the protector can be driven by the first driving plate to rotate, and can also be driven by the second driving plate to rotate, which is not limited herein.

[0057] Optionally, each spring described above can be attached to the lower cover 52 to achieve relative fixation and pivoting connection of the corresponding components.

[0058] FIGS. 8A and 8B show schematic views of the locking assembly of the side opening device according to another embodiment. Components same as or similar to those in the above embodiments will not be described again. Compared with the above embodiments, the difference lies in the rotation direction of the locking rod. Taking the first locking assembly as an example, when the first driving plate 23a moves to the disengaged state from the first locking rod 22a, the first locking rod 22a can rotate around the second direction D2 under the action of the elastic force. In other words, the rotation axis direction of the locking rod is perpendicular to the movement direction of the driving plate, which is beneficial to avoid the situation that the locking rod is pushed and deflected when the driving plate is forced to move, and can effectively ensure the reliable implementation of the boosting and locking functions.

[0059] Regardless of the arrangement, the side opening device of the present disclosure stably and reliably implements the smooth implementation of the cover opening and closing process with fewer components and a compact structure, and can effectively solve the problem of the existing scheme that the lock tongue scratches the base and / or the cover is opened on both sides at the same time and falls off.

[0060] It should be appreciated that the embodiments shown in the figures merely show alternative architectures, shapes, sizes, and arrangements of the various optional components of the side opening device according to the present disclosure, and are merely illustrative and not limiting, as other shapes, sizes, and arrangements can also be taken without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] It is noted that the present disclosure (e.g., the disclosed concepts, etc.) has been described in the specification of the patent document and / or illustrated in the figures in accordance with exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present disclosure are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the disclosed concepts as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures are merely illustrative. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail in the specification of the patent document, it is readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possible and are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. It is also noted that various / other modifications, variations, alternatives, equivalents, changes, omissions, etc. can be made in the configurations and / or arrangements of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in terms of concepts, designs, structures, devices, forms, assemblies, constructions, means, functions, systems, processes / methods, steps, sequences of process / method steps, operations, operating conditions, performances, materials, compositions, combinations, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, acts, steps, sequences, systems, results, etc.) described in the specification of the patent document and / or illustrated in the figures. It is contemplated that the claims of the patent document will be appropriately interpreted to encompass the full scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure (e.g., including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it is to be understood that the terminology used in the patent document is intended to provide a description of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting of the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] It is further noted that, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure can include conventional technology (e.g., technology implemented and / or integrated in the exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) or can include any other applicable technology (present and / or future), having the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All such technology (e.g., technology implemented in the embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure of the patent document.

Claims

1. A side opening device for a vehicle, characterized in that, The side opening device is arranged on a functional component in a vehicle and comprises: a base adapted to be attached to the functional component; a cover attached to the base; a locking assembly attached to the cover and switchable between a first position in which the locking assembly is in a locked state with the base and a second position in which the locking assembly is in an unlocked state with the base, in response to the unlocked state of the locking assembly, the cover is pivoted relative to the base to an open state, wherein the locking assembly is configured to move through a preset additional stroke from the first position to the second position.

2. The side opening apparatus of claim 1, wherein The locking assembly comprises a driving plate and a lock bolt assembly attached to the driving plate, movement of the driving plate in a first direction drives the lock bolt assembly to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; wherein the locking assembly further comprises a locking rod configured to be in a lapping state with the driving plate in the first position, and to drive the driving plate to move through the additional stroke until the lock bolt assembly reaches the second position after the driving plate is moved in the first direction to be out of the lapping state with the locking rod.

3. The side opening apparatus of claim 2, wherein The locking rod is attached with a spring, and after the driving plate is moved to be out of the lapping state with the locking rod, the locking rod rotates around the first direction or the second direction under the elastic force of the spring.

4. The side opening apparatus of claim 3, wherein The driving plate is provided with a boosting slope, and the locking rod rotates around the first direction or the second direction while abutting against the boosting slope to move to push the driving plate to continue moving in the first direction through the additional stroke.

5. The side opening apparatus of claim 2, wherein The lock bolt assembly comprises a main lock bolt attached to the driving plate, and a driven lock bolt attached to the main lock bolt via a rotating disc, movement of the main lock bolt in the second direction drives the driven lock bolt to move towards or away from the main lock bolt.

6. The side opening apparatus of claim 5, wherein The main lock bolt or the driving plate is provided with a slanted groove and attached to each other through the slanted groove, so that movement of the driving plate in the first direction drives the main lock bolt to move in the second direction.

7. The side opening apparatus of claim 2, wherein The driving plate is attached with a spring, and the driving plate can move to an initial position under the elastic force of the spring.

8. The side opening apparatus of claim 2, wherein The lock bolt assembly is attached with a spring, and the lock bolt assembly can move to an initial position under the elastic force of the spring.

9. The side opening apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by The cover defines a cavity accommodating the locking assembly, and the side opening device further comprises a button arranged outside the cover, in response to an external force applied on the button, the locking assembly is switched from the first position to the second position.

10. The side opening apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by The locking assembly comprises a first locking assembly attached to one side of the cover, and a second locking assembly attached to the opposite side of the cover, in response to the unlocked state of the first locking assembly, the cover is pivoted relative to the base around a second rotation axis on the side where the second locking assembly is located, and in response to the unlocked state of the second locking assembly, the cover is pivoted relative to the base around a first rotation axis on the side where the first locking assembly is located.

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