Guide device with locking device

A guide device of a vehicle having a first guide paired with a fixture, a second guide that is paired with a structure of the vehicle and forms a guide track along which the fixture is movably guided in opposite track directions. A locking device has a first lock paired with the fixture and second lock paired with the structure of an X-locking mechanism which is used to releasably lock a movement along the track directions. A primary lock is paired with the fixture and a secondary lock is paired with the structure of a Z-locking mechanism via which a movement in a third direction for a removal out of the second guide can be releasably locked. The locking device has at least a first actuator and a second actuator via which the X-locking mechanism and/or the Z-locking mechanism can be moved between a locking position and a release position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a guide device of a vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a land vehicle, an aircraft, or a watercraft.

Description of the Background Art

A guide device is known from prior public use. A fixture is movably guided on a guide track that is fixed to the vehicle and can be locked in different positions relative to the guide track. For this purpose, the guide device comprises a locking device that can be moved between a locking position and a release position by the means that a first or a second of two handles is actuated. By actuating a third handle, the fixture could be released from the guide track.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a guide device in which handling is improved.

The guide device comprises a first guide that is associated with a fixture and a second guide that is associated with a structure of the vehicle and that form forms a guide track along which the fixture is movably guided in opposite track directions x1, x2. The first guide is composed of slide elements and/or roller elements, for example, that, together with the second guide, form a support such that the fixture is movably guided along the guide track.

The guide track is designed to be linear, for example. Alternatively, the guide track is designed to be curved. The guide track can alternatively also have straight and curved sections, for example.

The guide device comprises a locking device that includes an X-locking mechanism and a Z-locking mechanism. The X-locking mechanism has first lock associated with the fixture and a second lock associated with the vehicle structure, via which a movement of the fixture along the track directions x1, x2can be releasably locked.

The Z-locking mechanism comprises a primary lock associated with the fixture and a secondary lock associated with the vehicle structure, via which a movement in a third direction for removal from the guide track can be releasably locked.

The locking device has at least a first actuator and a second actuator, with which the X-locking mechanism and/or the Z-locking mechanism can be moved between a locking position and a release position. On the basis of an actuation of the first actuator or the second actuator from an unactuated position into an actuated position, the X-locking mechanism can be moved into a release position.

On the basis of the actuation of the first actuator and the second actuator, according to the invention the Z-locking mechanism can be moved into a release position. During this process, the first actuator and the second actuator can be moved from an unactuated position into an actuated position sequentially, for example, in order to move the Z-locking mechanism from a locking position into a release position. Alternatively, the first actuator and the second actuator can be simultaneously actuatable. In the event of a movement of the Z-locking mechanism into the actuated position, the X-locking mechanism is automatically moved into the release position, for example.

In this way, the X-locking mechanism and Z-locking mechanism functions are unlockable without a separate actuator being provided for this purpose.

The second guide comprises, for example, at least one rail, in particular two rails. With a rail, guidance along a straight and/or a bent guide track can be realized. In addition, it is possible with the rail to provide the X-locking mechanism and the Z-locking mechanism with little additional effort.

For the X-locking mechanism, the rail can have slots that are arranged transversely to the course of the guide track, for example, and that interact with a latch of the fixture, which can be moved into engagement with at least one of the slots or out of engagement with the slots.

For the Z-locking mechanism, the rail has a web region that runs horizontally, for example, and that can be interlocked by the latch in order to prevent a movement in the Z-direction.

For example, the first lock interacts with at least one first control surface, and the primary lock interact with at least one second control surface, wherein the first control surface and the second control surface can be moved between a locking position and a release position. The first control surface and the second control surface can be associated with one control element or with different control elements that can be moved separately or together. One or more first control surfaces and/or second control surfaces can be implemented on each control element. An end region of a movable latch, for example, can be controlled by the control surface in such a manner that it can be moved by the control surface into the locking position and/or into the release position when the control element with the control surface moves relative to the latch.

The first control surface and the second control surface are associated with, for example, one control element, which can be moved between a locking position, a first release position, and a second release position. In the first release position, only the X-locking mechanism, for example, is moved into the release position so that the fixture can be moved in both track directions. In the second release position, the Z-locking mechanism and if applicable also the X-locking mechanism, for example, are moved into the release position, so that the fixture can additionally be removed from the guide track.

According to one embodiment, the first control surface and/or the second control surface is/are associated with a gate. The gate has a first guide surface and an opposite second guide surface. If, for example, one region of a latch is accommodated in the gate, then the movement of the latch from the locking position into the release position can be controlled by the first guide surface, and the reverse movement from the release position into the locking position can be controlled by the second guide surface of the gate.

The control element can be moved by a certain amount upon actuation of the first actuator or the second actuator, and the control element is additionally displaced by the same amount upon subsequent actuation of the other respective actuator. In this way, the control element can be shifted upon the successive actuation or alternatively the simultaneous actuation of the first actuator and the second actuator.

The control element can be secured at least in the first release position and/or in the second release position. In this way, it is possible to prevent that a spring-loaded latch, for example, of the first lock or of the primary lock automatically moves back into the locking position when the actuator are returned into the unactuated position.

The fixture comprises, for example, an adjustment mechanism, the actuation of which allows the securing of the control element to be releasable, wherein the adjustment mechanism is arranged such that the adjustment mechanism is actuated when the fixture is placed in the second guide.

The second guide can comprise two guide rails, and the first guide can comprise at least one slide element or roller element interacting with each guide rail.

The first lock and/or the primary lock comprise, for example, at least one latch that can move between the locking position and the release position. The latch can be supported such that it can be pivoted or alternatively can be moved linearly. In the locking position, the latch is engaged with the second lock or the secondary lock. In the release position, the latch is disengaged from the second lock or the secondary lock.

Features that are only described, shown, or disclosed in relation to an exemplary embodiment can, within the scope of the invention, also be provided in any other exemplary embodiment of the invention. Exemplary embodiments that are altered in this manner are included by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

All disclosed features are essential per se for the invention. The disclosure content of the cited documents and the prior art devices described are herewith incorporated in full in terms of content in the disclosure of this application, including for the purpose of incorporating one or more features of the subject matter disclosed there into one or more claims of the present application. All such altered exemplary embodiments are included by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The guide device as a whole is labeled with reference symbol10in the figures.

InFIG.1, a fixture11of a vehicle is shown with the guide device10according to the invention. For the sake of clarity, the fixture is shown only partially. Second guide12of the guide device10is represented only by a dotted-and-dashed line. The second guide12interacts with first guide14of the fixture11.

The first guide is composed of projections15in the present exemplary embodiment. The projections15are held on a base element17of the fixture11and protrude in direction x2with respect to the base element17. The projections15can be brought into engagement with guide rails16aand16bof the second guide12. The guide rails16aand16brun on a structure18of the vehicle, in the present exemplary embodiment on the floor of the vehicle, in a straight line in the direction x1or x2.

By means of the projections15and the guide rails16aand16b, the fixture11is movably guided in the directions x1and x2. A region23of the projection15interacts, as perFIG.6, with the rail16ain such a manner that movement in the direction z2and in the directions y1and y2is not possible, but such that movement in the directions x1and x2as well as in the direction z1is indeed possible.

The guide device10comprises locking devices20aand20bon both sides13aand13bof the base element17. The locking device20ais described in the figures. Even though the locking device20bis not described here, it is in fact designed in the same manner as the locking device20a.

Each of the locking devices20aand20bcomprises an X-locking mechanism21, with which a movement in the directions x1and x2along the guide rails16aand16bformed by the second guide can be locked, as well as a Z-locking mechanism22, with which a movement in the direction z1can be locked, so that the fixture11cannot be removed from the guide rails16aand16b. When the X-locking mechanism21and the Z-locking mechanism22of the locking devices20aand20bare in the locked position (seeFIG.2andFIGS.5to8), the fixture11cannot be moved in any spatial direction.

If the X-locking mechanism21is in the release position, the fixture11can be moved in the directions x1and x2.

If the Z-locking mechanism22is relocated into the release position, the fixture11has an additional degree of freedom in direction z1. The fixture11can be removed from the guide rails16aand16bin direction z1and be put back into the guide rails16aand16bin direction z2.

InFIG.1, latches24aand24bof the Z-locking mechanism22of the locking device20acan be seen that are supported on the base element17so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis a1. The latch24ais implemented as a two-armed lever (seeFIG.6)—corresponding to the latch24b, which is designed in the same manner—and comprises a lever arm25with a hooked end region27as well as a lever arm26. The end region27of the lever arm25engages beneath an overhang28, which extends in the x-direction, of the second guide12, thereby preventing movement in direction z1. Movement in the direction x1and x2is not prevented by the engagement. An end region19of the second lever arm26is in engagement with a control surface52of a gate29aof a control element30a. By means of the control element30a, the latch24acan be moved into engagement with the overhang28or out of engagement with the overhang28. The latch24bis in engagement with a gate29bof the control element30ain a comparable manner to the latch24a.

In the same manner as the latches24aand24bof the locking device20a, the latches24aand24bof the locking device20bare in engagement with gates29aand29bof a control element30b, and can be moved into engagement or out of engagement with the guide rail16bor the overhang28of the secondary lock.

InFIG.7, a backlash compensation device31is shown on the side13aof the base element17. Even though it is not shown, a backlash compensation device31, which is designed in the same manner as the device shown, is likewise present on the side13b. The backlash compensation device31comprises a cylindrical body32, which is provided with anchor elements33aand33bin an end region. The anchor element33ainteracts with the overhang28, and the anchor element33binteracts with an overhang34of the second guide, by which means a backlash compensation is accomplished in the Z-direction.

At an upper region, the body32is held on the base element17about a pivot axis a6. Springs load the anchor elements33aand33bin direction z1against the overhangs28and34, thereby preventing backlash in the Z-direction. The anchor elements33aand33bcan be moved into engagement or out of engagement with the overhangs28and34as a function of the position of the control elements30aand30b.

A latch35of the X-locking mechanism21implemented as a two-armed lever can be seen inFIG.1andFIG.8. The latch35has a lever arm36whose end region37is designed such that it can be brought into engagement with at least one slot38of a multiplicity of slots38that are incorporated in the guide rail16aand extend transversely to the direction of extent x1, x2of the guide rail16a. In this way, a movement of the fixture11in the directions x1and x2can be prevented with the latch35. As perFIG.8, the end region37of the latch35is in engagement with two slots38.

An end region39of a lever arm40of the latch35is in engagement with a control surface41of the control element30a(the control surface41is not visible inFIG.8—seeFIG.5, for example). The latch35is spring-loaded such that it automatically moves into the locking position.

As perFIG.5, end regions19of the two latches24aand24bare located in a region51of a control surface52formed by the respective gate29aand29b. The end region39of the latch35is arranged in a region53of the control surface41. In this position of the control element30a, the latch35is moved by the gate29ainto the locking position as perFIGS.5and8. The latches24aand24bare in engagement with the overhang28. The anchor elements33aand33bof the backlash compensation device31engage beneath the overhangs28and34(seeFIG.7).

According toFIG.1, the locking device20ahas an actuating device42, by means of which the X-locking mechanism21can be relocated separately or together with the Z-locking mechanism22from a locking position into a release position. The actuating device42comprises a handle43, which is held on the base element17such that it can pivot about an axis a4, as well as a handle44, which is likewise held on the base element17such that it can pivot about an axis a5.

By means of a transmission device45, which comprises a lever46that can pivot in a clockwise direction u1and a counterclockwise direction u2about an axis a3as well as an actuating rod47, the control elements30aand30bcan be shifted in direction x2upon actuation of the handle43.

The handle44is connected to a transmission device48so that the control elements30aand30bare moved in direction x2upon actuation of the handle44. The transmission device48comprises control link49and an actuating rod50that interacts with the control elements30aand30b.

If the handle43is now actuated as perFIG.1, the lever46pivots about the pivot axis a3and shifts the actuating rod47in direction x2. The actuating rod47is connected to both control elements30aand30bin such a manner that they are likewise moved in direction x2.

If, alternatively, the handle44is actuated, this causes—through the control link49—the actuating rod50to likewise be shifted in direction x2. During this process, the control elements30aand30bare also shifted in direction x2(seeFIG.13).

On account of the shifting of the control elements30aand30bin the direction x2, the end regions19of the latches24aand24bare shifted relative to the gates29aand29binto the region54. The Z-position of the control surface52has not changed during this process, however, so that the latches24aand24bare not pivoted, which is to say they remain in engagement with the overhang28.

The end region39of the latch35, in contrast, is moved relative to the control element30aor30bonto a region55of the respective control element30aor30b(seeFIG.13), in which the control surface41is elevated by an amount ΔZ in the direction z1in relation to the region53. The end region39of the latch35is therefore likewise shifted by the amount ΔZ in the direction z1, during which process the latch35has moved out of engagement with the second lock, in this case the slot38, into the release position.

If one of the two handles43or44is first actuated and then the other handle, the control elements30aand30bare then shifted. During this movement, the end regions19are moved into contact with a region56of the control surface52, in which the control surface52is elevated by ΔZ in the direction z2in relation to the region51(seeFIG.9). In this process, the latches24aand24bare moved out of engagement with the overhang28. The end region39is shifted into the region57on the control surface41. Its Z-position does not change during this movement of the control elements30aand30b, which is to say the latch35remains out of engagement with the slots38. The fixture11can then be removed from the second guide.

During this movement of the latches24aand24binto the release position, feeler elements58of the locking devices20aand20bare moved out of recesses59of the base element17. If the fixture11is placed back into the second guide12, then the feeler elements58come into contact with the second guide12and in doing so move the latches24aand24b—through the control elements30aand30b—into the position as perFIG.13in which the latches24aand24bare again in engagement with the overhang28.

If the handles43and44are moved back into the rest position, a shifting of the control elements30aand30binto the position as perFIG.5, in which the latch35is also moved back into engagement with the guide rail16aor16b, follows.