FASTENING A BOWDEN CABLE ELEMENT TO A FORCE-TRANSMISSION ELEMENT

Abstract

A force-transmission device for an actuation mechanism of a movable vehicle element. The force-transmission device includes a movably held force-transmission element, a Bowden cable element having an end, an end piece fastened to the end of the Bowden cable element, and a stop. The movably held force-transmission element is held in a manner preloaded in a first direction into an end position by a preload force and is movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction in order to transmit an actuating force for the actuation mechanism. The end piece of the Bowden cable element is held against the movably held force-transmission element. The movably held force-transmission element transmits, in the end position, at least a portion of the preload force to the end piece of the Bowden cable element, and the end piece is held so as to be pressed against the stop.

Claims

1. A force transmission device for use in an actuating mechanism of a movable vehicle element, the force transmission device comprising: a movably held force transmission element; a cable pulling element having an end and an end piece attached to the end of the cable pulling element; and a stop, wherein the movably held force transmission element is held biased in a first direction with a preload force to an end position, and is movable in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to transmit a positioning force for the actuating mechanism, wherein the cable pulling element is supported by the end piece on the movably supported force transmission element, and wherein when the movably held force transmission element is in the end position, the movably held force transmission element transmits at least a part of the preload force to the end piece of the cable pulling element and the end piece is held pressed against the stop.

2. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein when the movably held force transmission element is in the end position, the movably held force transmission element abuts the stop in the end position via the end piece of the cable pulling element so that the end piece is held clamped between the movably held force transmission element and the stop.

3. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein the cable pulling element is a core of a Bowden cable hooked to the movably held force transmission element with the end piece.

4. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein the end piece comprises a contact area forming a contact surface facing the first direction and adapted to abut the stop when the movably held force transmission element is in the end position.

5. The force transmission device claim 1, wherein the contact area is formed by a projection, the projection projects in the first direction beyond the force transmission element, and when the movably held force transmission element is in the end position the projection bears against the stop.

6. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein the end piece comprises an attachment projection that protrudes in a direction transverse to a pulling direction and that engages a recess of the force transmission element.

7. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein the end piece is formed as a barrel attached to the end of the cable pulling element, the force transmission element comprises a barrel receptacle for mounting the barrel, and wherein the barrel receptacle is configured to press the barrel against the stop in the end position.

8. The force transmission device of claim 1, further comprising: a biasing element configured to apply the preload force to the force transmission element.

9. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein the cable pulling element is tension-free when the movably held the force transmission element is in the end position.

10. An actuating module for a movable vehicle element, the actuating module comprising: an actuating mechanism for the movable vehicle element; wherein the actuating mechanism is formed as at least one of the group of a lock, a closing aid, and an opening aid; and a force transmission device configured to transmit a positioning force for the actuating mechanism, wherein the force transmission device includes: a movably held force transmission element; a cable pulling element having an end and an end piece attached to the end of the cable pulling element; and a stop; wherein the movably held force transmission element is held biased in a first direction with a preload force to an end position, and is movable in a second direction opposite to the first to transmit a positioning force for the actuating mechanism; wherein the cable pulling element is supported by the end piece on the movably supported force transmission element; and wherein the movably held force transmission element in the end position transmits at least a part of the preload force to the end piece of the cable pulling element and the end piece is held pressed against the stop.

11. The actuating module of claim 10, wherein the actuating mechanism is formed as a lock of a vehicle door, a vehicle tailgate, or a vehicle front hood; wherein the lock comprises a locking and unlocking mechanism for releasably holding a locking bar; wherein the movably held force transmission element is a lever movable into operative connection with the lock locking and unlocking mechanism; and wherein the lock is unlockable by pulling on the cable pulling element.

12. The actuating module of claim 10, wherein said actuating mechanism is motor driven; and wherein the force transmission device is adapted for manual emergency actuation of the motor-driven actuating mechanism.

13. The actuating module of claim 10, wherein the force transmission device is designed for manual or motor-driven actuation of the actuating mechanism.

14. A vehicle opening module comprising: a movable vehicle element formed as at least one of a motor vehicle door, a motor vehicle tailgate, and a motor vehicle front hood; and an actuating module is an actuating module for a movable vehicle element, the actuating module comprising: an actuating mechanism for the movable vehicle element wherein the actuating mechanism is formed as at least one of the group of a lock, a closing aid, and an opening aid; and a force transmission device, with which a positioning force for the actuating mechanism is transmittable; wherein the force transmission device is a force transmission device for an actuating mechanism of a movable vehicle element, the force transmission device comprising: a movably held force transmission element; a cable pulling element having an end and an end piece attached to the end of the cable pulling element; and a stop; wherein the movably held force transmission element is held biased in a first direction with a preload force to an end position, and is movable in a second direction opposite to the first to transmit a positioning force for the actuating mechanism; wherein the cable pulling element is supported by the end piece on the movably supported force transmission element; and wherein the movably held force transmission element in the end position transmits at least a part of the preload force to the end piece of the cable pulling element and the end piece is held pressed against the stop; wherein the actuating mechanism of the actuating module is adapted to actuate the movable vehicle element; and wherein the force transmission element of the force transmission device is adapted to transmit a positioning force for the actuating mechanism of the movable vehicle element.

15. A method of holding a force transmission device for an actuating mechanism of a movable vehicle element, the method comprising: connecting an end piece of a cable pulling element attached to an end of the cable pulling element to a movably held force transmission element; holding the movably held force transmission element with a bias with a preload force in a first direction to an end position, wherein the movably held force transmission element is movable in a second direction opposite the first direction to transmit a positioning force for the actuating mechanism; and transmitting at least a portion of the preload force through the movably held force transmission element to the end piece of the cable pulling element in the end position and urgingly holding the end piece against a stop.

16. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein the force transmission element is movable in a pivoting plane and the contact area is arranged laterally offset relative to the pivoting plane.

17. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein the force transmission element is movable in a pivoting plane, and the stop includes a stop region, the stop region is laterally offset relative to the pivoting plane.

18. The actuating module of claim 11, wherein the lock includes a locking and unlocking mechanism configured to releasably hold a locking bar.

19. The actuating module of claim 18, wherein the lock is unlockable by pulling on the cable pulling element.

20. The actuating module of claim 11, wherein the movably held force transmission element is a lever movable into operative connection with the lock locking and unlocking mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] In the following, examples of embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a force transmission device.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a further example of a force transmission device in connection with an actuating mechanism of an actuating module in the form of a door lock.

[0075] FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of the example in FIG. 2.

[0076] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the force transmission device in FIG. 4A in an end position (as rest position) and in FIG. 4B in an actuation position (as active position).

[0077] FIG. 5 shows an additional example of the attachment of the end piece to the movably held force transmission element.

[0078] FIG. 6 shows another example of the attachment of the end piece to the movably held force transmission element.

[0079] FIG. 7 shows yet another example of the attachment of the end piece to the movably held force transmission element.

[0080] FIG. 8 shows another example of the attachment of the end piece to the movably held force transmission element.

[0081] FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C show the movably held force transmission element provided in FIG. 2 in FIG. 9A in an oblique view from above, in FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C in an oblique view from below. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show the end piece of the wire rope hoist in relation to the force transmission element in an installed state; FIG. 9C shows the end piece of the wire rope hoist in relation to the force transmission element in an assembled state.

[0082] FIG. 10 shows an example of a vehicle opening module in a schematic view.

[0083] FIG. 11 shows steps of an example of a method for holding a force transmission device for an actuating mechanism of a movable vehicle element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a force transmission device 10 for an actuating mechanism of a movable vehicle element. The force transmission device 10 comprises a movably held force transmission element 12. Further, the force transmission device 10 comprises a cable pulling element 14 having an end and an end piece 16 attached to the end of the cable pulling element. The force transmission device 10 also comprises a stop 18. The movably held force transmission element 12 is held preloaded in a first direction R1 with a preload force F.sub.V into an indicated end position P.sub.E. The movably held force transmission element 12 is movable in a second direction R2, which is opposite to the first, to transmit a positioning force F.sub.S for the actuating mechanism (not shown in detail in FIG. 1). The cable pulling element 14 is held, i.e. fixed, to the movably held force transmission element 12 by the end piece 16. In the end position P.sub.E, the movably held force transmission element 12 transmits at least part of the preload force F.sub.V to the end piece 16 of the cable pulling element 14, and the end piece 16 is held pressed against the stop 18.

[0085] The movably held force transmission element 12 is shown as a pivoted lever, i.e. as a rotationally movable element. However, the movably held force transmission element 12 can also be designed as a translationally movable element. The movement of the movably held force transmission element 12 in the first and second directions R1 and R2 is exemplarily indicated as a pivoting movement about a pivot bearing, or pivot point M, but can also be designed as a sliding movement, or as a combination thereof.

[0086] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another example of the force transmission device 10 in connection with an actuating mechanism, configured as a door lock, of an actuating module 100 for a movable vehicle element not shown in more detail, for example a vehicle door or vehicle flap.

[0087] The actuating module 100 comprises an actuating mechanism 102 (also indicated as an option in FIG. 1) for the movable vehicle element. The actuating mechanism 102 is designed, for example, as a lock, e.g. as a lock of a vehicle door, a vehicle tailgate or a vehicle front hood. The lock comprises, for example, a locking and unlocking mechanism to releasably hold a locking bar. The movably held force transmission element 12 of the force transmission device 10 is a lever that is operatively connected to the locking and unlocking mechanism of the lock. The lock can be unlocked by pulling on the cable pulling element 14, for example for emergency opening. The active connection is only temporary, for example, when the cable pulling element 14 is activated.

[0088] The actuating mechanism 102 may also be configured as a closing aid of the movable vehicle element or as an opening aid of the movable vehicle element. The actuating module 100 further comprises an example of the force transmission device 10, which can be used to transmit the Positioning force F.sub.S for the actuating mechanism 102. The Positioning force F.sub.S may be provided, for example, via a manual actuation of the cable pulling element 14. The Positioning force F.sub.S can also be effected, for example, by an actuator 104, which is indicated as an option in dashed lines in FIG. 2 (also indicated as an option in FIG. 1). The actuator 104 can be a handle or lever, for example an emergency handle or emergency lever. The actuator 104 is connected via the cable pulling element 14. The force transmission device 10 is formed according to any of the preceding and following examples.

[0089] The actuator is, for example, an electric actuator, such as a linearly operable electromagnetic actuator (electromagnetic actuator) or a rotationally operable electromagnetic actuator (electric motor).

[0090] In the example indicated in FIG. 2, the actuating mechanism 102 is motor-driven. For example, an electric lock motor is provided, but is not shown in detail in FIG. 2. For example, the force transmission device 10 is configured for manual emergency actuation of the motor-driven actuating mechanism 102, for example, if the electric lock motor is defective or no electrical power is available to open the lock with the electric lock motor.

[0091] In a further option, it is provided that the force transmission device 10 is designed for (so to speak regular) manual or motor-driven actuation of the actuating mechanism 102.

[0092] In FIG. 2, the stop 18 is formed as a projection 106 of a housing structure 108. The movably held force transmission element 12 is formed as a pivotable lever 110, which is rotatably attached to a pivot bearing 112 about the pivot point M and comprises a first lever arm 114 and a second lever arm 116. The end piece 16 of the cable pulling element 14 is held on the first lever arm 114. For example, a projection 118 is formed on the second lever arm 116 for engagement with the actuating mechanism 102.

[0093] According to an example, shown as an option in FIG. 2, a biasing element 120 is provided for applying the preload force F.sub.V to the force transmission element 12. The biasing element 120 is, for example, a spring element.

[0094] According to an example indicated in FIG. 2, the cable pulling element 14 is a core of a Bowden cable, which may optionally comprise a Bowden cable sheath.

[0095] According to an example indicated in FIG. 2, the cable pulling element is held in the end position P.sub.E of the force transmission element 12 without tension.

[0096] According to an example indicated in FIG. 2, in the end position P.sub.E, the movably held force transmission element 12 rests against the stop 18 via the end piece 16 of the cable pulling element 14, so that the end piece 16 is held clamped between the force transmission element 12 and the stop 18.

[0097] According to an example indicated in FIG. 2, it is optionally provided that the cable pulling element 14 is hooked with the end piece 16 to the movably held force transmission element 12.

[0098] According to an example indicated in FIG. 2, the end piece 16 comprises a contact area 122 that forms a contact surface 124 in the first direction R1 and that is configured to abut the stop 18 in the end position P.sub.E.

[0099] According to an example indicated in FIG. 2, the contact area 122 is formed as a projection 125 that protrudes over the force transmission element in the first direction R1 and that abuts the stop 18 in the end position P.sub.E.

[0100] According to an alternative example, the force transmission element 12 is movable in a swivel plane and the contact area is arranged laterally offset to the swivel plane. The stop 18 comprises a stop area laterally offset with respect to the pivot plane. The contact area can be formed as a recess if the stop 18 is arranged next to the force transmission element 12, as it were, and projects laterally past the force transmission element 12.

[0101] FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of the example in FIG. 2.

[0102] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the force transmission device in FIG. 4A in the end position P.sub.E (as rest position) and in FIG. 4B in an actuation position PB (as active position).

[0103] FIG. 5 shows an additional example of the attachment of the end piece 16 to the movably held force transmission element 12. The end piece 16 partially surrounds the force transmission element 12 and rests on a side of the force transmission element 12 facing away from the cable of the cable pulling element with a hook-shaped projection 126 on the force transmission element. The pre-tensioned force transmission element 12 presses the projection 126 against the stop 18. The projection 126 is formed, for example, with a rim segment 128 encompassing the force transmission element 12, resulting in a C-shaped cross-section. This ensures that the projection 126 does not disengage from the force transmission element 12. Optionally, a second encompassing edge segment may be provided. In an example, only a single encompassing edge segment is provided when viewed in cross-section.

[0104] FIG. 6 shows another example of the attachment of the end piece 16 to the movably supported force transmission element 12. The end piece 16 comprises a hook 130 that engages a recess 132 of the force transmission element 12. The hook 130 protrudes through the recess 132 from a first side and protrudes from a second side. The stop 18 engages the end piece at the first side, where the end piece is formed with a stop edge 134 for abutting the stop 18.

[0105] FIG. 7 shows another example of the attachment of the end piece 16 to the movably retained force transmission element 12. The end piece 16 comprises a projection 136 that engages and extends through a recess 138 of the force transmission element 12, where it forms an abutment 140 for the stop 18.

[0106] FIG. 8 shows another example of the attachment of the end piece 16 to the movably retained force transmission element 12. The end piece 16 comprises an attachment projection 142 that protrudes from a lateral tab area 144 in a direction that is transverse to a direction of pull and that engages a recess 146 of the force transmission element 12. The stop 18 engages the side of the force transmission element 12 at a contact area 148 of the side tab region 144. Optionally, a locking projection 150 is formed to allow release of the end piece 16 from the force transmission element 12 only when in a suitably aligned position over a recess 152. The locking projection 150 and the recess 152 form a bayonet lock of the end piece to the force transmission element 12 (see also FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C).

[0107] FIG. 9A shows a section of the force transmission element 12 with the end piece 16 movably attached to it from a first side, which can also be referred to as the front side. FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C show the force transmission element 12 with the end piece 16 movably held thereto from another side, which can also be referred to as the rear side.

[0108] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show the force transmission element 12 with the end piece 16 movably held thereto in an installed position relative to each other. The locking projection 150 is offset from the recess 152. The locking projection 150 prevents the end piece 16 from detaching from the force transmission element 12.

[0109] In FIG. 9C, the locking projection 150 and the recess 152 are aligned with respect to each other to allow assembly (e.g., mounting) or disassembly (e.g., for maintenance, repair, or disassembly) of the end piece 16 from the force transmission element 12.

[0110] According to an example not shown in more detail, it is optionally provided that the end piece of the cable is formed as a barrel that is attached to the end of the cable pulling element. The force transmission element comprises a barrel receptacle for attaching the barrel and the barrel receptacle presses the barrel against the stop in the end position P.sub.E.

[0111] FIG. 10 shows an example vehicle opening module 200 in a schematic view. The vehicle opening module 200 comprises a movable vehicle element 202, which is at least one of a motor vehicle door, a motor vehicle tailgate and a motor vehicle front hood. In FIG. 10, a vehicle door having a window portion 204 and two hinges 206 is schematically indicated. The vehicle opening module 200 further comprises the actuating module 100 according to any of the preceding examples.

[0112] The actuating mechanism 102 of the actuating module 100 is designed for actuating the movable vehicle element 202. The force transmission element 12 of the force transmission device 10 can be used to transmit a positioning force for the actuating mechanism 102 of the movable vehicle element 202. For example, the cable pulling element 14 can be provided for emergency opening in the door area.

[0113] The actuating mechanism 102 is, for example, a lock of a vehicle door.

[0114] In another example, the actuating mechanism 102 is an opening aid or a closing aid of a vehicle door.

[0115] In another example, the actuating mechanism 102 is an opening aid or a closing aid of a vehicle door.

[0116] In still another example, the actuating mechanism 102 is an opening aid or a closing aid of a vehicle tailgate or a vehicle front hatch.

[0117] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the actuating module 100 is arranged in the movable vehicle element 202. In an alternative example, the actuating module 100 is arranged in a frame area (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0118] FIG. 11 shows steps of an example of a method 300 for holding a force transmission device for an actuating mechanism of a movable vehicle element. The method 300 comprises the following steps: In a first step 302, also referred to as step a), an end piece of a cable pulling element attached to an end of the cable pulling element is connected to a movably held force transmission element. In a second step 304, also referred to as step b), the movably held force transmission element is biased with a preload force in a first direction to an end position, the movably held force transmission element being movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to transmit a positioning force for the actuating mechanism. In a third step 306, also referred to as step c), at least a portion of the preload force is transmitted through the movably held force transmission element to the end piece of the cable pulling element in the end position and the end pieces is held pressing against a stop.

[0119] The embodiments described above may be combined in various ways. In particular, aspects of the devices can also be used for the embodiments of the method and vice versa.

[0120] Supplementally, it should be noted that comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and one or a does not exclude a plurality. It should further be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to any of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as a limitation.