Path-controlled adjustment device with a multipart carrier assembly

The invention relates to a path-controlled adjustment device for a window pane of a motor vehicle, with a carrier assembly, with at least two guideways provided at the carrier assembly, which define an adjustment path for an adjustable window pane and which are spaced from each other transversely to the adjustment path, and with a driver which on the one hand includes means for connection of the window pane to be adjusted and which on the other hand is in engagement with the guideways so as to be longitudinally movable. The carrier assembly consists of at least two carrier elements which are connected with each other at a plurality of fixing points. On at least one carrier element fixing points, via which that carrier element is to be fixed at a further carrier element of the carrier assembly, are connected with each other by reinforcement paths.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase Patent Application of International Patent Application Number PCT/EP2012/004563, filed on Nov. 2, 2012, which claims priority of German Patent Application Number 10 2011 085 742.7, filed on Nov. 4, 2011, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a path-controlled adjustment device for a window pane of a motor vehicle.

Such path-controlled adjustment device, also called path-controlled window lifter, comprises a carrier assembly on which at least three guideways are provided, which define an adjustment path for an adjustable window pane and which are spaced from each other transversely to the adjustment path. The carrier assembly in principle can have a one-part or multipart design and in particular be equipped for incorporation into a motor vehicle door which contains a window pane to be adjusted by means of a window lifter.

For guiding an adjustable window pane along the adjustment path defined by the guideways, a driver is used here, which on the one hand includes means for connection of the window pane to be adjusted and which on the other hand is provided with guiding elements, such that with each of the at least three carrier-side guideways at least one guiding element each of the driver—movable along the associated guideway—is in engagement.

By coupling such driver, as known, with a window lifter drive, e.g.—in the case of a so-called cable window lifter—via a flexible pulling means which is connected with the driver, with a manual or motorized drive, the driver—guided by the carrier-side guideways—can be moved along the adjustment path defined by those guideways. The window pane to be adjusted, which is connected to the driver, is entrained thereby, in order to clear or close an associated window opening, depending on the direction of movement of the pane.

Path-controlled window lifters are used for example for adjusting window panes for frameless doors of a motor vehicle, e.g. in convertible cars. Beside the definition of a main adjustment direction in pull-off direction of the window pane, i.e. substantially the vertical vehicle axis (z-axis), the guideways usually serve for guiding the driver and the window pane connected thereto with a component of movement along the horizontal transverse vehicle axis (y-axis), i.e. vertically both to the vertical vehicle axis (z-axis) and to the longitudinal vehicle axis (x-axis). The guidance of the window pane with a component along the horizontal transverse vehicle axis (and hence vertically to the plane which is defined by the door into which the window lifter is to be incorporated) can be utilized, in order to press the window pane to the inside against a body-side seal, when closing the window opening, and thus ensure a safe closing of the window opening. In addition, the guideways also can force components of movement along the longitudinal vehicle axis (x-axis) on the driver and the window pane connected thereto, so that complex adjusting movements can be realized, which provide for an adaptation to a variety of different types of motor vehicle doors.

The associated carrier assembly here has a multipart, i.e. at least two-part design and comprises at least two carrier elements which are connected with each other at a plurality of fixing points. The adaptation to different designs of motor vehicle doors thereby is facilitated in that individual elements of the carrier assembly selectively can be adapted to different door surroundings. The carrier assembly, however, at the same time should be able to absorb and dissipate large forces which can act at the carrier assembly in operation of the adjustment device.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is a problem underlying the invention to create an adjustment device as mentioned above with a multipart carrier assembly, which with simple means ensures a sufficient strength or rigidity of the carrier assembly.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a generic adjustment device it is furthermore provided that on at least one of the carrier elements the fixing points, via which that carrier element is connected with a further carrier element of the carrier assembly, are connected with each other by reinforcement paths.

The reinforcement paths are formed by longitudinally extending formations or continuous profilings of the corresponding carrier element, which connect individual fixing points with each other. For example, this can be material retractions, such as e.g. beads, material bulges, such as e.g. ribs, or also more complex profilings of said carrier element, which also can comprise a combination of material retractions and material bulges.

That two fixing points of the guiding element are connected with each other via a reinforcement path, in particular can be effected such that the respective reinforcement path merges into the corresponding fixing point or adjoins the same, so that it touches the fixing point. The fixing points thus can form in particular nodal points in the entirety of the reinforcement paths.

In the carrier element observed, the fixing points can comprise e.g. mounting openings through which associated fixing means can extend; and they can also comprise suitable reinforcement regions, e.g. in the form of (pot-like) material retractions or bulges. In this case, the reinforcement paths each merge into the reinforcement regions belonging to the fixing points or adjoin the same.

Furthermore, the fixing points in particular can be arranged such that they are spaced from each other along the main adjustment direction of the window pane or the associated driver (pull-off direction). Furthermore, the fixing points each can be spaced from each other transversely to that direction, in particular alternately each be located closer to a first and a second guideway which is provided on the carrier element.

The carrier element can be a so-called guide plate, which includes at least two guideways and which is connected with a further carrier element in the form of a module carrier, which (together with the guide plate) is to be mounted in a motor vehicle door and for example can cover there a large-surface cutout of the door structure, in particular of the door inner skin. At the module carrier there can also be provided (at least) one guideway.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention the carrier element serving as guiding element or guide plate is made of a stronger material, e.g. of metal or fiber-reinforced plastic material, than the carrier element serving as module carrier, which in particular can be fabricated of plastic material.

On the carrier element formed as guiding element or guide plate in particular those guideways are provided at which particularly large forces or moments can act in operation of the adjustment device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1Bshow a front view (FIG. 1A) and a rear view (FIG. 1B) of a carrier assembly1,2which is formed and provided for accommodating a path-controlled device for adjusting a window pane of a motor vehicle. The carrier assembly1,2comprises a module carrier1with a (plate-like) base body10. The same for example can be made of plastics or also of light metal and is equipped for incorporation into a motor vehicle door, so that in its condition properly mounted in a motor vehicle door the module carrier1forms a part of the door body, in particular a part of the so-called door inner skin. For this purpose the vehicle door, in particular in its door inner skin, can include a large-surface cutout which is covered by the module carrier1when the same is properly mounted in the motor vehicle door (and attached to the same).

What is connected with and attached to the module carrier1is a guide component2of the carrier assembly1,2, at which two guideways21,22are provided, integrally molded in the exemplary embodiment, which serve for guiding a driver3, here in the form of a lifting rail, which in turn carries a window pane to be adjusted along the guideways. A third guideway13for guiding the driver3is provided at the module carrier1or integrally molded thereto.

The guide component2of the carrier assembly1,2is arranged and fixed at the module carrier1such that the guide component2rests on the module carrier1. In the present case, however, the guide component2—as compared with the module carrier1—has a substantially smaller expansion (along the door plane, based on the condition of the module carrier1mounted in a motor vehicle door). As a result, the guide component2only partly covers the module carrier1; and the guideway13on the side of the module carrier is provided at a region of the module carrier1not covered by the guide component2.

The guide component2, which here includes a plate-like base body20, can be made of a stronger, stiffer material—as compared to the material of the module carrier1—, in particular of metal or a (fiber-)reinforced plastic material. Therefore, those guideways21,22advantageously are arranged or integrally molded at the guide plate2, which in operation of the adjustment device can be exposed to particularly great loads.

The guide component2(in the form of a guide plate) and the module carrier1are connected with each other at several fixing points121,122,123, whose design will yet be described in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, the connection is such that a substantially rigid carrier assembly1,2is formed. Due to the plate-like design both of the module carrier1and of the guide component2and due to their overlapping arrangement, the same likewise extends in a substantially plate-like manner, namely—when properly mounted in a motor vehicle door—substantially along a door plane, e.g. a plane defined by the door inner skin.

The driver3is guided on the carrier assembly1,2or more exactly on the guideways21,22,13provided at the carrier assembly. In the exemplary embodiment, guiding elements in the form of sliders4.1,4.2,4.3attached to the driver3each engage in one of the guideways21,22,13, namely such that the respective slider can be moved or shifted in the associated guideway along its respective (local) direction of extension. For the sake of simplicity, the guiding elements subsequently each are referred to as sliders, which however should not involve a limitation to the design of the guiding elements as sliders. Rather, the following designs apply, which are described by way of example for guiding elements in the form of sliders, each also for arbitrary guiding elements in general, via which the driver3can be in engagement with the guideways21,22,13.

The guideways21,22,13, which each are provided, in particular integrally molded, at the guide component2or the module carrier1, do not extend straight and in particular not parallel to each other. Rather, the individual guideways21,22,13are (at least slightly) curved in different ways, namely not only in the plane (door plane or xz plane) along which the carrier assembly1,2extends and which is defined by the longitudinal vehicle axis x and the vertical vehicle axis z, but also with a component vertical to that plane, i.e. along the horizontal transverse vehicle axis y.

For lifting or lowering a window pane to be connected with the driver3in the usual way, the driver3thereby cannot only simply be moved linearly along a direction in space, in particular the vertical vehicle axis z, but can be moved or shifted along more complex paths. On the one hand, this provides for an adaptation of the adjustment operation of a window pane to complex door structures and on the other hand in particular for approaching a body-side seal in a defined way in the case of frameless vehicle doors.

In the case of a window pane to be lifted or lowered in the usual way by shifting the driver3, in order to herewith close or clear a window opening, the vertical vehicle axis z forms the so-called main adjustment direction, i.e. the main component of the adjusting movement of the driver3and hence also of the window pane attached thereto. However, the same is superimposed by components of movement both along the longitudinal vehicle axis x and along the horizontal transverse vehicle axis y, in order to provide for the above-described more complex movements of the driver3during an adjustment of the window pane.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1A to 4B, the guideways21,22,13are formed as guide profiles, which each comprise a guide leg (substantially vertically) protruding from the carrier assembly1,2, which by its extension along the carrier assembly1,2defines a respective guideway21,22,13.

The sliders4.1,4.2,4.3enclose the longitudinally extending guide leg of the respective guideway21,22,13. This can be recognized more clearly in particular with reference toFIGS. 3,4A and4B, according to which the guideways21,22,13each comprise an angled guide leg210,220,130protruding from the carrier assembly1,2, whose respective angled end portion212,222,132is enclosed by the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3, for which purpose each of the sliders4.1,4.2,4.3includes a base body40with an enclosing region41which defines a recess for accommodating the angled end portion212,222,132of the respective guide leg. With a proper arrangement of the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3on the associated guideway or its guide profile, the angled end portion212,222,132of the respective guide leg210,220,130engages into the slot-shaped receptacle42of the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3and in the process is reached under by its enclosing region41. The enclosing regions41here are formed identically on each of the sliders4.1,4.2,4.3.

As a result, the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3is longitudinally shiftably mounted on the guide profile or more exactly the guide leg of the respective guideway21,22,13, wherein a positive engagement exists between the respective slider and the associated guide profile. The concrete realization of the positive connection of course can differ from the cooperation of the enclosing region42of a respective slider with the angled end portion212,222,132of the associated guide profile, which has been described above by way of example.

To shift the driver3along the guideway21,22,13, in particular to lift or lower the same, an adjustment drive5is provided at the carrier assembly1,2, in the present case concretely at the module carrier1. In the exemplary embodiment, the same comprises a drive motor50, an associated control unit51, e.g. in the form of an electronic module, and an adjusting gear unit52arranged after the drive motor50. The adjusting gear unit serves for converting a driving torque produced by the drive motor50into an adjusting movement, in order to be able to shift the driver3along the guideways21,22,13. In the exemplary embodiment, the adjusting gear unit52is formed as so-called cable drum transmission. This means that on its output side the adjusting gear unit52includes a cable drum which is driven by means of the drive motor50(so that it rotates about an axis) and around which a flexible pulling means Z is wound, which in turn is connected with the driver3.

To guide the flexible pulling means Z coming from the adjustment drive5such that it extends in the usual way with an adjustment portion (not shown here) along the adjustment direction of the driver3, deflection elements55,56are provided at the carrier assembly1,2, concretely at the module carrier1.

In operation of the drive motor50, the output-side cable drum of the adjusting gear unit52—depending on the activation direction of the motor—is rotated along the one or other direction, wherein the adjustment portion of the flexible pulling means Z wound around the cable drum substantially moves up or down along the vertical vehicle axis z and in doing so entrains the driver3connected to the adjustment portion of the flexible pulling means, so that a window pane fixed at the driver3is lifted or lowered.

InFIG. 2B, the sliders4.1,4.2and4.3, via which the driver3is in engagement with the guideways21,22,13, each are shown in an upper adjustment position—as seen along the respective guideway—and in addition in a lower adjustment position, there provided with the reference numerals4.1′,4.2′ and4.3′.

The fixation of the above-described carrier assembly1,2at a vehicle door is effected via fixing means B1, B2, B3, which are indicated inFIGS. 1A to 3. For this purpose, the fixing methods known from the prior art can be employed, wherein on at least one fixing point (B2) an adjustable fixation at the vehicle door or door body can be provided, for example in order to compensate tolerances.

According to a module construction, the carrier assembly1,2initially can be equipped with the above-described elements of a window lifter, before it is properly mounted in a motor vehicle door and fixed there.

Due to the guidance of the driver3(here in the form of a lifting rail) on for example a total of three guideways21,22,13spaced from each other, wherein a spacing is provided in particular transversely to the main adjustment direction z of the driver3, an overdetermination of the system does exist here. This means that even minimum tolerances already might lead to a jamming of the driver3or more exactly of the associated sliders4.1,4.2,4.3in the guideways21,22,13or the associated guide profiles.

To avoid strain or even jamming of the system as a result of an overdetermination, the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3, which serves for guiding the driver3in the guideways21,22,13, pivotally is in engagement with the driver3. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1A to 4B, a ball head bearing is provided for supporting the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3, of which one is shown inFIG. 4Bby way of example. The enclosing regions41of the sliders4.1,4.2,4.3thereby can remain free from means for tolerance compensation.

In the exemplary embodiment, the respective slider concretely is connected with the driver3via a bearing element45which for forming a joint includes a bearing head46, e.g. in the form of a ball head which is mounted in an associated bearing region43. The bearing region selectively can be associated to the driver3or the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3or be arranged thereon. According to the variant shown in the Figures, the bearing region43provided for accommodating the bearing head46each is formed at the slider4.1,4.2,4.3.

The bearing region43is designed such that the bearing head46can be pivoted therein in all directions in space, in order to be able to compensate tolerances along arbitrary directions and thereby avoid strain. In the present case, the bearing head46only partly is formed spherical and for example includes a flattened top surface46a. With a further bearing portion49pin-like in the exemplary embodiment, the bearing element45is mounted at the driver3, more exactly in a (circular) opening31of the driver3.

The bearing advantageously is such that a rotary movement of the bearing element45in the associated bearing region43by up to 5°, in particular by up to 7.5° or 10°, is possible along any direction in space.

In addition, a securing element6(here a securing clip) is associated to the bearing element45, which in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 4aand4bfor example engages a taper or cutout47of the bearing element45, which here for example is located between the bearing head46and a collar48of the bearing element45. More details can be taken fromFIGS. 5A to 5D. Accordingly, the securing element is designed substantially U-shaped with a base60and two legs61,62protruding therefrom, cf.FIG. 5B, which each positively (on opposite sides) engage into the (circumferential) cutout47of the bearing element45, when the securing element6is properly inserted into the bearing region43of the corresponding slider.

According toFIG. 5A, the bearing element45initially is inserted with its bearing head46(in the form of a ball head with flattened top surface46a) into the bearing region43of the associated slider, so that the bearing head46is accommodated in a receptacle43adefined by the bearing region43, as shown inFIG. 5A.

According toFIGS. 5C and 5D, the U-shaped securing element6(with its two legs61,62) shown inFIG. 5Bsubsequently is introduced into the receptacle43A of the bearing region43such that the two legs41,42of the securing element positively engage into the circumferential cutout47of the bearing element45and thereby (captively) hold the bearing element45in the bearing region43. The securing element6or both legs61,62are guided by guiding portions431,432in the form of guide openings of the bearing region43and thereby also are accommodated at the bearing region43.

Due to the positive engagement of the securing element6into the bearing element45, especially in that the legs61,62of the securing element6engage into the cutout47of the bearing element45, the bearing element45is safely held in the bearing region43even under the influence of large forces. For removing the bearing element45from the bearing region43it is required to move the securing element6out of the securing position shown inFIGS. 5C and 5D, in which it holds the bearing element45inside the bearing region43.

As indicated inFIG. 5Bin broken lines, the legs61,62of the securing element6can slightly be bent to the outside at their free ends, in order to facilitate an introduction of the securing element. Alternatively or in addition, a lead-in chamfer or another inclined surface or rounding for example can also be formed at the legs61,62for this purpose.

With reference toFIGS. 3,4A and4B it is furthermore shown that the bearing element45, via which the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3is connected with the driver3, is arranged above the guiding leg210,220,130of the respective guideway21,22,13. Expressed in other words, a vertical projection P of the guiding element45onto the carrier assembly1,2, i.e. a projection P directed vertically to the main plane of extension of the carrier assembly1,2, intersects the guiding leg210,220,130of the respective guiding profile. The latter means that an axis A, along which the respective guiding leg210,220,130proceeds from the carrier assembly1,2and which extends in the guiding leg itself, lies within a region B which—in a cross-section along the xy-plane, as shown in FIGS.4A and4B—is defined by two lines which in each cross-sectional plane (xy-plane) in turn laterally define the bearing body46. The xy-plane is that plane which extends vertically to the vertical vehicle axis z.

Due to the fact that the bearing element45, which connects the driver3with the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3, is arranged above the guiding leg210,220,130of the respectively associated guiding profile (guideways21,22,13), forces occurring at the driver3, which are transmitted to the associated guiding profile via the respective bearing element45and the respective slider4.1,4.2,4.3, directly act on its respective guiding leg210,220,130, without substantial lever forces being produced (which would occur in particular when the respective bearing element45was spaced from the associated guiding leg210,220,130along the x-axis). Tilting moments during the cooperation of the driver3with the guideways21,22,13should be reduced thereby.

In particular, with the described arrangement of the axis A of the respective guiding leg inside the region B defined by the bearing head46, the lateral lever arm cannot exceed the radius (0.5*B) of the bearing head46when the driver3cooperates with the respective guiding profile in terms of force.

As becomes clear with reference toFIGS. 6A to 8B, which show further representations of the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1A to 4B, the module carrier1and the guide plate2, as each shown individually inFIGS. 7B,8A and8B, are connected with each other at several fastening points120,121,122,123for forming a carrier assembly1,2, as shown inFIGS. 6A to 7A. At the guide plate2, the fastening points120,121,122,123each are formed by mounting openings which in the present case are provided in (pot-like) material retractions according to the exemplary embodiment. To these fastening points usual fastening means, e.g. in the form of screws or rivets, then can be associated.

Among other things, a fixing element B1for example each is indicated in the Figures, which provides for a connection of the module carrier1and the guide plate2adjustable along the y-axis, i.e. vertically to the (xz-) plane defined by the carrier assembly1,2.

The fixing points120,121,122,123are connected with each other at the guide plate2via connecting and reinforcement regions25,26,27,28,29, which each are molded out of the guide plate2or its base body20as connecting or reinforcing profiles and form reinforcement paths in the form of longitudinally extending profiles. The reinforcement paths25to29for example can be formed by beads, ribs, material bulges, material doublings and the like.

It is important that the reinforcement paths each are connecting or reinforcing regions extending along the guide plate2or its base body20, which locally each are formed by formations at the guide plate2or its base body20.

That the reinforcement paths25to29connect the fixing points120to123with each other means that into the fixing points120to123or their material retraction one of the reinforcement paths25to29each merges or adjoins thereto. Adjoin here should mean in particular that the respective reinforcement path touches the material retraction of the associated fixing point.

In particular with reference toFIGS. 6A,7A and8A it can be seen that several reinforcement paths26,27,28,29each merge into the material retractions of fixing points120,121,122,123, while a further reinforcement path25directly adjoins the material retractions of two fixing points120,122, so that it touches the same.

The fixing points120to123or their material retractions form nodal points in a network of reinforcement paths25to29. Expressed in other words, the reinforcement paths25to29connect the fixing points120to123by forming a net-like structure (reinforcing net). The fixing points120to123, via which the guide plate2and the module carrier1are connected with each other, advantageously are arranged such that they ensure an optimum power transmission in all positions of the driver3along the associated guideways21,22,13.

The fixing points120to123therefore are arranged one behind the other along the main adjustment direction z of the driver3and at the same time arranged spaced from each other along the direction x transversely to the main adjustment direction z, namely in the exemplary embodiment such that the fixing points120to123alternately are located close to the first guideway21and close to the second guideway22of the guide plate2.

Advantageously, all fixing points120to123are connected with at least one each of the reinforcement paths25to29, wherein in the exemplary embodiment at least two reinforcement paths25to29each merge into each fixing point120to123or touch the same. In the case of the two edge-side fixing points120and123which, as seen along the main adjustment direction z, form the upper and lower end of the reinforcing net, these concretely are two reinforcement paths each and in the case of the fixing points121,122arranged inbetween along the z-direction these are three reinforcement paths each.

By such a structure a maximum rigidity both of the guide plate2itself and of the carrier assembly comprising module carrier1and guide plate2can be achieved with minimum weight.

With reference toFIGS. 10A to 21Bdifferent exemplary embodiments will be explained below, as to how the bearing element45can reliably be secured inside the bearing region43, wherein at the same time a rather easy assembly of the securing means required for this purpose should be possible.

The arrangement ofFIGS. 9A to 11Bshows a development of the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5D, by using a U-shaped securing element6(preferably made of metal or plastics) with a base60and two legs61,62protruding therefrom, which conforms in terms of its basic structure, wherein in the present case, however, the securing element6is arranged at the bearing region43such that it is spread apart during the insertion of the bearing element45into the bearing region43.

For this purpose, the securing element6, cf.FIG. 9C, is inserted into the bearing region43, before the bearing element45is incorporated there according toFIGS. 9A to 9B. The securing element6in turn is held in a defined way at the bearing region by means of guides431,432.

In the present case, the material of the securing element6and/or its cross-section are chosen such that the securing element6already properly positioned at the bearing region43can be spread apart by the bearing head46of the bearing element45, when the latter is introduced into the interior43aof the bearing region43, as is shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B.

After the complete insertion of the bearing element45into the interior43aof the bearing region43, the securing element6with its legs61,62snaps into the (circumferential) cutout47of the bearing element45, in order to hold the same inside the bearing region43.

In this condition, spreading apart of the securing element6to the outside is prevented by an additional, secondary securing element (locking element)65, which here by way of example is designed as locking spring. According toFIGS. 11A and 11B, it furthermore is designed U-shaped in the exemplary embodiment, with a base66and two legs67,68protruding therefrom, which rest against the outside of the legs61,62of the securing element6and thereby prevent them from being spread apart. The legs67,68of the secondary securing element or locking element65are supported on wall portions of the bearing region43.

As becomes clear with reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B, the secondary securing element/locking element65already is arranged in the interior43aof the bearing region43, before the bearing element45is introduced there. In this condition, however, the locking legs67,68of the locking element65still are located below the legs61,62of the securing element6, so that spreading apart of the same is not blocked, when the bearing element45is introduced according toFIGS. 10A and 10B. The locking legs67,68of the locking element65are oriented vertically to the legs61,62of the securing element6, the latter being located in the insertion path of the bearing element45into the bearing region43as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B.

On its base66serving as bottom, the locking element in the form of a locking spring includes an actuating portion69in the form of a formation which points into the interior space43aof the bearing region43and in doing so concretely in direction of the insertion path of the bearing element45into that bearing region43. During insertion of the bearing element45into the bearing region43by spreading apart the securing element6, as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the bearing element45finally gets in contact with the actuating portion69of the locking element or secondary securing element65via its bearing head46or its flattened top surface46aand presses onto the actuating portion69such that the formation is eliminated and the base66of the locking element65assumes a substantially straight shape, as can be seen inFIG. 11B. The locking legs67,68inside the bearing region43thereby are slightly shifted to the top, so that the locking legs67,68come to lie beside the legs61,62of the securing element6and fix the same inside the bearing region43, in particular secure their engagement into the cutout47of the bearing element4.

InFIGS. 12A to 14Ba modification of the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 9A to 11Bis shown, wherein the essential difference consists in the design of the secondary securing element/locking element165, which in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 12A to 14Bin turn includes a base166and legs167,168protruding therefrom. The legs167,168of the locking element165, however, each include an inwardly directed recess167a,168ain their region adjacent to the base166, in which recess the securing element6is accommodated when the same already is arranged in the bearing region43together with the locking element165, before the bearing element45is inserted, cf.FIGS. 12A and 12B.

During the subsequent insertion of the bearing element45into the bearing region43, as shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the recesses167a,168apermit spreading apart of the securing element6or its legs61,62and at the same time act as connecting link guide for each leg61,62, as can be seen with reference to the insertion movement E of the bearing element45into the bearing region43as shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B.

When during insertion into the bearing region43the bearing element45finally hits the base166of the locking element165with its bearing head46or its flattened top surface46a, the same initially is entrained to some extent during the further insertion movement E, until it finally, as shown inFIG. 13B, has taken its proper position in the bearing region43, which is shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B. The legs61,62of the securing element6in turn snap into the cutout47of the bearing element45and in doing so come to lie beside the regions of the locking legs167,168of the locking element165not provided with a recess, whereby the securing element6or its legs61,62are positively held in the respective cutout47, so that the bearing element45does not get out of the bearing region43even under the influence of great pull-off forces, as long as it is blocked by the contact surfaces167b,168bof the locking legs167,168.

FIGS. 15A to 15Cshow a modification of the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 5A to 5C, which is based on the use of a securing element8without additional locking element, but where the securing element8, which has a drawer-like structure with a base80and two legs81,82protruding therefrom, already can be inserted into the bearing region43in a drawer-like manner, before the bearing element45is introduced. It is held there by a holder85, e.g. in the form of a snap-in hook.

In the region of its legs81,82and possibly also in the region of its base80, the securing element8includes elastic tongues83,84obliquely protruding to the inside, which during insertion of the bearing element45into the bearing region43are spread off by its bearing head46and subsequently snap into its cutout47and engage behind the same, wherein the elastic tongues83,84obliquely press against the wall of the cutout47such that its holding effect still is amplified when pull-off forces act on the bearing element45, which have the tendency to lift the same out of the bearing region.

FIGS. 16A to 16Cshow an arrangement according toFIGS. 15A to 15Bwith a modified, two-part securing element108, which consists of two substantially semicircular securing portions181,182arranged opposite each other, which each include elastic tongues183,184protruding to the inside. The securing element108is integrated into the bearing region43with its two securing portions181,182, as shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B.

During insertion of the bearing element45into the bearing region43, the securing element108with its elastic tongues183,184acts in a way corresponding to the securing element8ofFIGS. 15A,15B with the tongues83,84shown there.

As material for the securing elements8,108ofFIGS. 15A to 15Cand16A to16C plastic material and metal can be used, for example, wherein for the securing element8ofFIG. 15Cin particular plastic material is advantageous and for the securing element108ofFIG. 16Cin particular metal. The latter can be injected during the manufacture of the guiding element/slider which defines the bearing region43.

FIGS. 17A to 17Cshow a modification of the arrangement ofFIGS. 5A to 5C, according to which the securing element106only is pushed into the bearing region43after the bearing element45already has been inserted there.

The securing element160is formed U-shaped (and therefore drawer-like) and comprises a base160with legs161,162protruding therefrom, wherein both from the base160and from the legs161,162securing regions163,164,165protrude to the inside, which engage into the cutout47of the bearing element45, cf.FIGS. 17A and 17B, when the securing element106is pushed into the bearing region43after insertion of the bearing element45. By means of an angled portion168the securing element106rests against the outer wall of the bearing region43, when it has properly been inserted laterally such that its securing portions163to165engage into the cutout47of the bearing element45.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 18A to 21Bseveral resilient latching hooks or latching tongues91to94are integrally molded to the bearing region43as securing element9, which according toFIGS. 18A,18B and19A,19B can be spread apart by the bearing head46during insertion of the bearing element45into the bearing region43, and which according toFIGS. 20A to 21Bsubsequently snap into the cutout47of the bearing element45and positively engage in the same.

To this securing element9with elastic latching hooks or latching tongues91to94a crown is associated as secondary securing element or locking element95, which according toFIG. 18Cis designed ring-shaped and which according toFIGS. 18A,18B,19A is arranged at the bearing region43such that it encloses the latching hooks or tongues of the securing element9.

On its inside, the locking element95includes cutouts96, into which the latching hooks or tongues91to94can move when they are spread apart during insertion of the bearing element43, as can be seen inFIGS. 18A,18B and19A, whereinFIG. 19Bis an additional exploded representation for illustration of the details.

When after the complete insertion of the bearing element45into the bearing region43the latching hooks or tongues of the securing element9engage into the cutout47of the bearing element45, the (ring-shaped) locking element95is rotated (by means of an actuating portion99), e.g. by 45°, so that now no longer the cutouts96, but rather blocking portions98are located opposite the latching hooks or tongues91to94. The same thereby are firmly held in the position in which they engage into the cutout47of the bearing element45, as is shown inFIGS. 20A,20B and21A and is illustrated in addition with reference to the exploded representation according toFIG. 21B.

InFIGS. 21A and 21Ba latching nose N furthermore is schematically indicated, which can serve to hold the crown-shaped locking element95in its locked position and which for this purpose for example can cooperate with the actuating element99of the locking element95. The latching nose N can be designed elastic, so that it can be crossed over by applying a sufficient force, in order to be able to again transfer the locking element99into its unlocked position. Furthermore, the latching nose N can include an inclined surface, e.g. in the form of a ramp, in order to facilitate the cross-over by applying a force.