Patent Description:
The present invention is additionally directed to a lid assembly for a vehicle. The lid assembly comprises such a positioning mechanism. The lid assembly is especially suitable for a charging port assembly of a vehicle.

Lid assemblies or simply lids are omnipresent in vehicles. Examples of lids include lids for protecting a refueling port of a vehicle or for protecting a charging port of the vehicle. In these examples, the lids may be selectively opened in order to access the refueling port or the charging port. In a closed position, the lids protect the refueling port or the charging port from environmental influences.

In some situations, it may be desirable that the lid is able to assume an intermediate position, i.e. a position which is located between a fully open position and a fully closed position. In the context of a lid being used in combination with a charging port, the intermediate position may be chosen in order to block a charging gun from being withdrawn from the charging port and/or in order to protect the charging port and its surroundings from adverse weather conditions during a charging procedure.

In this context, it should be possible to bring the lid into the intermediate position in a simple and precise manner. Once the lid has reached this intermediate position, it should stay there with high reliability.

It is an objective of the present invention to improve known lid assemblies in this respect. Thus, the intermediate position should be reachable in a simple and precise manner and the lid should be held in the intermediate position with high reliability.

The problem is solved or alleviated by the subject matter of the independent claim of the present disclosure, wherein further examples are incorporated in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a positioning mechanism for holding a lid SE:TOP element of a vehicle in an intermediate position between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The positioning mechanism comprises a base component, a first friction block carrying a first friction surface, a counter surface and an engagement element. The first friction block is supported on the base component via two pivotable first lever arms. The first lever arms are arranged in parallel and have the same length such that the first friction block, the two first lever arms and a portion of the base component form a first parallelogram. Additionally, the counter surface faces the first friction surface and is arranged in parallel to the first friction surface such that the first friction surface and the counter surface define a movement channel extending along a movement channel direction. The engagement element is receivable in the movement channel such that it contacts the first friction surface and the counter surface. Also, the first lever arms are inclined with respect to the movement channel direction. This means that the first lever arms extend neither perpendicular nor parallel to the movement channel direction. In a situation in which the engagement element is received in the movement channel, at least the contact between the first friction surface and the engagement element is subject to friction. Consequently, if the engagement element is subject to a movement being oriented into the same direction as a direction of inclination of the lever arms, due to the inclination of the lever arms, this movement tends to increase a distance between the first friction surface and the counter surface, i.e. a width of the movement channel. Consequently, the first friction surface and the counter surface restrict the movement of the engagement element to a small, especially negligible, extent only. In simplified words, the engagement element can freely move through the movement channel if it moves into the direction of inclination. In this context, the direction of inclination of the lever arms may be determined by splitting an extension of the lever arms into a first component of extension being oriented perpendicular to the first friction surface and a second component of extension being oriented in parallel to the first friction surface. The second component of extension defines the direction of inclination. Otherwise, if the engagement element moves against the direction of inclination, due to the inclination of the lever arms and the frictional contact between the engagement element and the first friction surface, this movement causes the first friction surface to approach the counter surface. In other words, the movement channel tends to be narrowed. This provides a noticeable resistance against the movement of the engagement element. In simplified words, the movement of the engagement element against the direction of inclination is blocked or inhibited. Consequently, a movement of the engagement element is allowed in one direction and blocked in an opposite direction. Furthermore, a movement of the engagement element against the direction of inclination may cause the first friction surface and the counter surface to clamp the engagement element there between. This means that the engagement element is immobilized. If the engagement element is connected to a lid element, the positioning mechanism allows the engagement element and the lid element to be brought into an intermediate position and securely held there. In other words, the engagement element and the lid element may be brought into the intermediate position in a simple manner. The absence of high resistance also has the effect that the intermediate position can be reached precisely. Once the intermediate position has been reached, a movement out of the intermediate position is blocked or inhibited. This may apply to both directions of movement. This means that a movement of the engagement element is either not possible or only possible if a comparatively high force is applied to the engagement element or the lid element. In other words, the engagement element and the lid element are held in the intermediate position in a reliable manner.

In an example, the engagement element and the first friction block are designed such that the engagement element is always movable by the force of a human hand, also in a direction against the direction of inclination. In other words, the immobilization of the engagement element may be overridden.

In an example, the engagement element is pin-shaped or block-shaped. Such an engagement element is structurally simple and may be reliably received in the movement channel and held between the friction surface and the counter surface.

In a further example, the first friction surface may be formed on a friction lining of the first friction block. In this context, the friction lining may be formed as a separate component and may be connected to the first friction block. Alternatively, the friction lining may be directly formed by a surface of the first friction block being the first friction surface. In the latter alternative, the surface of the friction block may have undergone a surface treatment which increases a friction coefficient between the surface and the engagement element. For example, the surface may have been roughened. Consequently, the engagement element may be securely held by the first friction block.

In an example, the counter surface is formed by a second friction surface of a second friction block. The second friction block is supported on the base component via two pivotable second lever arms. The second lever arms are arranged in parallel and have the same length such that the second friction block, the two second lever arms and a portion of the base component form a second parallelogram. Also, the second lever arms are inclined with respect to the movement channel direction. Consequently, the engagement element is receivable between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. The same effects and advantages that have already been explained in connection with the first friction block also apply to the second friction block. Reference is made to the above explanations.

In a further example, the second friction surface may be formed on a friction lining of the second friction block. In this context, the friction lining may be formed as a separate component and may be connected to the second friction block. Alternatively, the friction lining may be directly formed by a surface of the second friction block being the second friction surface. In the latter alternative, the surface of the second friction block may have undergone a surface treatment which increases a friction coefficient between the surface and the engagement element. For example, the surface may have been roughened. Consequently, the engagement element may be securely held by the second friction block.

In an example, an inclination direction of the first lever arms and an inclination direction of the second lever arms are the same. Additionally or alternatively, an inclination angle of the first lever arms and an inclination angle of the second lever arms are substantially equal in absolute values. At the same time, the first lever arms and the second lever arms are arranged on opposite sides of the movement channel. Consequently, both the first friction block and the second friction block block or inhibit a movement of the engagement element being located in a movement channel into the same direction. Consequently, the movement may be blocked or inhibited with particularly high reliability.

In an example, the engagement element may comprise an elastically deformable sleeve. The sleeve may be arranged such that the engagement element contacts the first friction surface and the counter surface which may be formed by the second friction surface, via the sleeve. The sleeve may enhance the friction between the first friction surface and the engagement element and/or between the counter surface and the engagement element. Consequently, the engagement element may be reliably clamped between the first friction surface and the counter surface or the second friction surface. Moreover, due to the elastic deformability of the sleeve, withdrawing the engagement element from the movement channel in a direction being opposed to the direction of inclination of the lever arms may be facilitated. In simplified words, when pulling out the engagement element from the movement channel against the direction of inclination, the sleeve may be deformed such that a force for pulling out the engagement element is reduced.

In an example, the elastically deformable sleeve may be made from a rubber material.

In an example, at least one of the first lever arms and the second lever arms is resiliently biased into a position in which the respective lever arm extends perpendicular to the movement channel direction. This means that at least one of the first lever arms and the second lever arms is biased into a position that corresponds to a narrowed movement channel. Consequently, the engagement element may be held in the movement channel in a reliable manner.

In an example, the positioning mechanism comprises a first abutment means defining a closest position of the first friction block with respect to a middle axis of the movement channel. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning mechanism comprises a second abutment means defining a closest position of the second friction block with respect to a middle axis of the movement channel. Consequently, a minimal width of the movement channel may be defined by the first abutment means and/or the second abutment means. Using such abutment means, a resistance which is provided by the first friction block and/or the second friction block against a movement of the engagement element against a direction of inclination may be limited. In this context, the resistance may be adjusted such that the engagement element and a lid element being possibly connected thereto is securely held in the intermediate position. At the same time, the resistance may be limited such that the engagement element may still be pulled out of the movement channel against the direction of inclination by hand.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a lid assembly for a vehicle. The lid assembly is especially suitable for a charging port assembly of a vehicle. The lid assembly comprises a support structure and a lid element. The lid element is movably supported on the support structure such that the lid element may assume a fully open position and a fully closed position. Moreover, the lid assembly comprises a positioning mechanism according to the present invention. The base component is connected to the support structure or formed by the support structure and the engagement element is coupled to the lid element. Consequently, the lid element may be easily brought into an intermediate position being located between the fully open position and the fully closed position. Additionally, the lid element may be securely held in this intermediate position via the engagement element.

In an example, the lid element is biased towards the fully open position or the fully closed position. For example, the lid element is spring biased. Consequently, in both alternatives, the lid element will always assume a well-defined position.

In an example, the engagement element is arranged on a carriage. The carriage is coupled to a linear guide which is located on the support structure such that the carriage is translatorily movable on the support structure. This configuration leads to the fact that the engagement element, the first friction surface and the counter surface which may be formed by a second friction service, are precisely located with respect to each other and are able to move in a precise manner with respect to each other.

In an example, the carriage is coupled to the lid element via a connection rod. Consequently, a movement of the lid element, which may be a fully pivotal movement or which may at least comprise a pivotal movement component, may be easily and reliably transformed into a purely translational movement of the carriage. Consequently, the movement of the engagement element on the carriage and the lid element is reliably coupled.

In an example, the engagement element is located in the movement channel if the lid element is in an intermediate positon. The intermediate position is arranged between the fully open position and the fully closed position. Consequently, the lid element may be reliably held in the intermediate position. Optionally, the lid element may be reliably withdrawn from the intermediate position by applying a predefined force to the lid element which is sufficient for withdrawing the engagement element from the movement channel against the direction of inclination.

In an example, the engagement element is located in a first reception space being provided outside the movement channel on a first side of the movement channel if the lid element is in the fully closed position. In other words, in the fully closed position of the lid element, the engagement element is located outside the movement channel.

In an example, the engagement element is located in a second reception space being provided outside the movement channel on a second side of the movement channel if the lid element is in the fully open position. Thus, if the lid element is in the fully open position, the engagement element is also located outside the movement channel. At the same time, the engagement element is positioned on a side of the movement channel which may be opposed to the side on which the engagement element is located if the lid element is in the fully closed position. Consequently, the engagement element needs to traverse the movement channel, if the lid element is moved from the fully closed position into the fully open position or from the fully open position into the fully closed position.

In an example, the first lever arms and/or the second lever arms are inclined into an opening direction of the engagement element. The opening direction extends from the first side towards the second side. Consequently, the engagement element can move along the opening direction without any resistance or with a comparatively small resistance. The movement into an opposite direction may be blocked or inhibited by the positioning mechanism. Moreover, the engagement element may be immobilized following a movement in a direction opposite to the opening direction.

In another example, the first lever arms and/or the second lever arms are inclined into a closing direction of the engagement element. The closing direction extends from the second side towards the first side. Consequently, the engagement element can move along the closing direction without any resistance or with a comparatively small resistance. The movement into an opposite direction is blocked or inhibited by the positioning mechanism. Moreover, the engagement element may be immobilized following a movement in a direction opposite to the closing direction.

In the intermediate position, the lid element may be used as a weather protection, e.g. against snow or hail. Alternatively or additionally the lid element may be used in order to protect a charging gun from being pulled out. Due to the positioning mechanism, the engagement element and the lid element are securely held in the intermediate position.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.

Examples of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the following drawings.

The Figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate examples of the invention.

<FIG> show a lid assembly <NUM> for a vehicle.

In the present example, the lid assembly <NUM> forms part of a charging port assembly <NUM> of the vehicle.

Besides the lid assembly <NUM>, the charging port assembly <NUM> comprises a charging port <NUM> which is arranged in a cavity <NUM> of a body <NUM> of the vehicle.

It is noted that the charging port <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> and the body <NUM> are only represented in a schematic manner.

If the lid assembly <NUM> or more precisely, a lid element <NUM> of the lid assembly <NUM>, is in a fully closed position as shown in <FIG>, the charging port <NUM> is separated from an environment <NUM> by the lid assembly <NUM> or more precisely the lid element <NUM>.

As will be explained in more detail further below, the lid assembly <NUM> may as well assume a fully open position. More precisely, the lid element <NUM> may be moved into a fully open position. In this case, the charging port <NUM> is accessible from the environment <NUM> (cf.

The lid assembly <NUM> comprises a support structure <NUM>.

The lid element <NUM> is pivotably supported on the support structure <NUM>. The lid element <NUM> is, thus, able to pivot around an axis A with respect to the support structure <NUM>.

By pivoting around the axis A, the lid element <NUM> may assume the fully closed position, as shown in <FIG>, the fully open position as shown in <FIG> and an intermediate position as shown in <FIG>. The intermediate positon of the lid element <NUM> is arranged between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

In the present example, the lid element <NUM> is biased towards its fully open position by a spring element <NUM>. The spring element <NUM> is connected to the lid element <NUM> and the support structure <NUM>.

Moreover, the lid assembly <NUM> comprises a locking means <NUM> which is able to selectively protrude through an opening <NUM> at the lid element <NUM>.

Consequently, using the locking means <NUM>, the lid element <NUM> may be held in the fully closed position against the biasing force of the spring element <NUM>.

If the locking means <NUM> is disengaged from the opening <NUM>, the spring element <NUM> moves the lid element <NUM> into the fully open position.

The lid element <NUM> may also be held in the intermediate position (cf.

To this end, a positioning mechanism <NUM> is provided.

The lid element <NUM> is coupled to the positioning mechanism <NUM> by a connection rod <NUM> and a carriage <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> is linearly guided on the support structure <NUM> by a linear guide <NUM>. In the present example, the linear guide <NUM> comprises a guiding channel <NUM> in which the carriage <NUM> is received.

The connection rod <NUM> is pivotably connected to the carriage <NUM> and to the lid element <NUM>.

Using the connection rod <NUM>, a pivotal movement of the lid element <NUM> around axis A is transformed into a translatory movement of the carriage <NUM> within the guiding channel <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG> and <FIG>, the carriage <NUM> is located at an upper end of the guiding channel <NUM> if the lid element <NUM> is in the fully closed position. If the lid element <NUM> is in the fully open position, the carriage <NUM> is arranged at a lower end of the guiding channel <NUM>. If the lid element <NUM> is in an intermediate position, the carriage <NUM> is arranged between the lower end and the upper end of the guiding channel <NUM>.

The positioning mechanism <NUM> comprises a base component <NUM> which in the present example is formed by the support structure <NUM>. In other words, the support structure <NUM> and the base component <NUM> are formed by the same part.

Moreover, an engagement element <NUM> of the positioning mechanism <NUM> is arranged on the carriage <NUM>.

In the present example, the engagement element <NUM> is pin-shaped. It is arranged in the lower half of the carriage <NUM> and extends into the drawing plane in <FIG> and <FIG>. More precisely, the engagement element <NUM> extends into a groove <NUM> which is provided in the guiding channel <NUM>.

It is noted that in <FIG> and <FIG>, the carriage <NUM> is represented as a transparent part.

Consequently, the engagement element <NUM> is coupled to the lid element <NUM>. This means that the engagement element <NUM> moves in a translatory manner if the lid element <NUM> is pivoted between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

The engagement element <NUM> comprises an elastically deformable sleeve <NUM> which is made from a rubber material.

Beyond that, the positioning mechanism <NUM> comprises a first friction block <NUM> carrying a first friction surface <NUM>.

The first friction block <NUM> is supported on the base component <NUM> by two pivotable first lever arms 54a, 54b (see especially <FIG>, <FIG>).

The first lever arms 54a, 54b are arranged in parallel and have the same length such that the first friction block <NUM>, the two first lever arms 54a, 54b and a portion of the base component <NUM> form a first parallelogram P1.

The first friction surface <NUM> is arranged on the friction block <NUM> such that it faces the engagement element <NUM>.

Consequently, by pivoting around the first lever arms 54a, 54b, the first friction surface <NUM> is movable, wherein it always stays in the same orientation.

As can be seen from <FIG>, a portion of the first friction block <NUM> which comprises the friction surface <NUM> protrudes through a first opening <NUM> in the base component <NUM> such that the first friction surface <NUM> limits a section of the groove <NUM>.

The positioning mechanism <NUM> also comprises a counter surface <NUM> which is arranged in parallel to the first friction surface <NUM> and faces the first friction surface <NUM>.

In the present example, the counter surface <NUM> is formed by a second friction block <NUM>, more precisely by a second friction surface <NUM> of the second friction block <NUM>.

Similar to the first friction block <NUM>, the second friction block <NUM> is supported on the base component <NUM> by two pivotable second lever arms 64a, 64b (see especially <FIG>, <FIG>).

The second lever arms 56a, 56b are arranged in parallel and have the same length such that the second friction block <NUM>, the two second lever arms 56a, 56b and a portion of the base component <NUM> form a second parallelogram P2.

The second friction surface <NUM> is arranged on the second friction block <NUM> such that it faces the engagement element <NUM>.

Consequently, by pivoting around the second lever arms 64a, 64b, the second friction surface <NUM> is movable, wherein it always stays in the same orientation.

As can be seen from <FIG>, a portion of the second friction block <NUM> which comprises the second friction surface <NUM> protrudes through a second opening <NUM> in the base component <NUM> such that the second friction surface <NUM> limits a section of the groove <NUM> on a side being opposed to the first friction surface <NUM>.

The first friction surface <NUM> and the counter surface <NUM>, i.e. the second friction surface <NUM>, are arranged in parallel.

Moreover, the first friction surface <NUM> and the counter surface <NUM>, i.e. the second friction surface <NUM>, define a movement channel <NUM> there between.

The movement channel <NUM> extends along a movement channel direction D.

The movement channel direction D corresponds to a direction of the translatory movement of the carriage <NUM> within the guiding channel <NUM>.

Thereby, a middle axis of the groove <NUM> coincides with a middle axis M of the movement channel <NUM>.

In between the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>, a portion of a base of the groove <NUM> is arranged. This portion has the form of a web <NUM>.

The size of the first opening <NUM> and the size of the second opening <NUM>, especially in a horizontal direction in the Figures, define a range of motion for the first friction block <NUM> and the second friction block <NUM> respectively.

In this context, the web <NUM> additionally acts as a first abutment means <NUM> defining a closest position of the first friction block <NUM> with respect to the middle axis M of the movement channel <NUM>.

Additionally, the web <NUM> acts as a second abutment means <NUM> defining a closest position of the friction block <NUM> with respect to the middle axis M of the movement channel <NUM>.

The ends of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> which are arranged opposite to the web <NUM> respectively define a most remote position of the first friction block <NUM> and the second friction block <NUM> from the middle axis M of the movement channel <NUM> respectively.

In the present example, both first lever arms 54a, 54b and both lever arms 64a, 64b are inclined with respect to the movement channel direction D.

This means that a direction of extension of both first lever arms 54a, 54b and both second lever arms 64a, 64b is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the movement channel direction D.

In the present example, both first lever arms 54a, 54b and both second lever arms 64a, 64b are inclined into the same inclination direction I. In the Figures, the inclination direction I corresponds to a downward direction.

Moreover, an inclination angle α of all first lever arms 54a, 54b and all second lever arms 64a, 64b is substantially equal in absolute values. In the examples shown in the Figures, the inclination angle α is roughly <NUM>°.

Furthermore, the first lever arms 54a, 54b and the second lever arms 64a, 64b are resiliently biased into a position in which the lever arms 54a, 54b, 64a, 64b extend perpendicular to the movement channel direction D. To this end, the first lever arms 54a, 54b are coupled with first biasing elements <NUM> and the second lever arms 64a, 64b are coupled with second biasing elements <NUM>.

The first biasing elements <NUM> and the second biasing elements <NUM> are formed as springs.

Due to the corresponding spring forces, the first friction block <NUM> and the second friction block <NUM> are biased towards the web <NUM> respectively.

As has been mentioned before, the engagement element <NUM> may be received in the movement channel <NUM>.

In this position, the engagement element <NUM>, more precisely its sleeve <NUM>, contacts the first friction surface <NUM> and the counter surface <NUM>, i.e. the second friction surface <NUM>.

Consequently, the engagement element <NUM>, more precisely its sleeve <NUM>, is in frictional engagement with each of the first friction surface <NUM> and the second friction surface <NUM>.

Due to this configuration, the positioning mechanism <NUM> has different effects on the movement of the engagement element <NUM> depending on a direction of movement of the engagement element <NUM>.

If the engagement element <NUM> is moved along the direction of inclination I, the frictional engagement acts on the first friction block <NUM> and the second friction block <NUM> in a way that the first friction block <NUM> and the second friction block <NUM> tend to pivot against the bias of the first biasing elements <NUM> and the bias of the second biasing elements <NUM> respectively. In other words, both the first friction block <NUM> and the second friction block <NUM> tend to move away from the web <NUM> and away from each other.

Thus, in this case, the frictional engagement of the engagement element <NUM> with the first friction block <NUM> and the second friction block <NUM> only provides a comparatively small resistance to the movement of the engagement element <NUM>. The resistance may be so small that it is negligible.

However, if the engagement element <NUM> is moved in a direction opposite to the inclination direction I, the frictional engagement between the engagement element <NUM>, more precisely the sleeve <NUM>, and the first friction surface <NUM> and the second friction surface <NUM> tends to pivot the first friction block <NUM> and the second friction block <NUM> towards the web <NUM>. This means that that the movement channel <NUM> is narrowed. This has the consequence that a resistance against the movement of the engagement element <NUM> is generated. Consequently, such a movement of the engagement element <NUM> is blocked or inhibited.

In other words, the engagement element <NUM> is clamped between the first friction surface <NUM> and the counter surface <NUM>, i.e. the second friction surface.

It is noted that this effect is self-reinforcing since the movement channel <NUM> is even further narrowed if the engagement element <NUM> is moved further against the inclination direction.

Depending on the force which is used for moving the engagement element <NUM> against the inclination direction I, i.e. depending on the force which is used for clamping the engagement element <NUM> between the first friction surface <NUM> and the second friction surface <NUM>, the engagement element <NUM> may be immobilized in this position.

This is especially the case if the forces acting on the engagement element <NUM> due to the frictional engagement of the engagement element <NUM> with the first friction surface <NUM> and the second friction surface <NUM> exceed a force resulting from the spring element <NUM> biasing the lid element <NUM> towards the fully open position.

Consequently, the lid element <NUM> is securely held in the intermediate position.

It is noted that in order to allow this functionality, a width of the web <NUM> needs to be smaller than a diameter of the engagement element <NUM>.

Moreover, the clamping of the engagement element <NUM> between the first friction surface <NUM> and the second friction surface <NUM> is especially facilitated by the sleeve <NUM> being made from rubber material.

The lid assembly <NUM> may thus be used as follows.

It is assumed that initially, the lid element <NUM> is in the fully closed position and is locked using the locking means <NUM>.

In this position of the lid element <NUM>, the engagement element <NUM> is located in a first reception space <NUM> being provided outside the movement channel <NUM> on a first side <NUM> of the movement channel <NUM> (cf.

If the locking means is withdrawn from the opening <NUM>, the lid element <NUM> moves into the fully open position due to the bias of the spring element <NUM>.

In this position of the lid element <NUM>, the engagement element <NUM> is located in a second reception space <NUM> being provided outside the movement channel <NUM> on a second side <NUM> of the movement channel <NUM> (cf.

When the lid element <NUM> moves from the fully closed position into the fully open position, the engagement element <NUM> moves from the first reception space <NUM> into the second reception space <NUM> thereby travelling through the movement channel <NUM>.

This movement is designated as a movement in an opening direction, wherein the opening direction extends from the first side <NUM> towards the second side <NUM>.

This movement is oriented in the inclination direction I. In other words, the first lever arms 54a, 54b and the second lever arms 56a, 56b are inclined into the oening direction. Consequently, the positioning mechanism <NUM> only provides a negligible resistance to this movement, when the engagement element travels through the movement channel <NUM>.

When the lid element <NUM> is in the fully open positon, a charge gun (not shown) may be plugged into the charging port <NUM>.

Subsequently, a user may push the lid element <NUM> into an intermediate position which is for example a halfway closed position.

When doing so, the engagement <NUM> first travels within the second reception space <NUM> and then enters the movement channel <NUM>.

This movement is designated as a movement in a closing direction, wherein the closing direction extends from the second side <NUM> towards the first side <NUM>.

This movement is oriented against the inclination direction I. In other words, the first lever arms 54a, 54b and the second lever arms 56a, 56b are inclined in a direction opposite to the closing direction. Consequently, the engagement element will be clamped between the first friction surface <NUM> and the second friction surface <NUM>.

This has two effects. First, the movement into the closing direction needs to be performed against a noticeable resistance when the engagement element <NUM> has entered the movement channel <NUM>. This resistance results from the frictional engagement of the engagement element <NUM> and the first friction surface <NUM> and the second friction surface <NUM>.

If the engagement element <NUM> is pushed far enough into the movement channel <NUM>, the forces resulting from clamping the engagement element <NUM> between the first friction surface and the second friction surface will be bigger than a force acting on the engagement element <NUM> as a result of the biasing by the spring element <NUM>.

Thus, the engagement element <NUM> is securely held in the movement channel <NUM>.

If the lid element <NUM> shall be moved from the intermediate positon into the fully open position, it needs to be subject to a force, e.g. by a human hand, which is big enough to overcome the forces resulting from the clamping of the engagement element <NUM> between the first friction surface <NUM> and the second friction surface <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A positioning mechanism (<NUM>) for holding a lid element (<NUM>) of a vehicle in an intermediate position between a fully open position and a fully closed position, the positioning mechanism (<NUM>) comprising
a base component (<NUM>), a first friction block (<NUM>) carrying a first friction surface (<NUM>), a counter surface (<NUM>) and an engagement element (<NUM>),
the first friction block (<NUM>) being supported on the base component (<NUM>) via two pivotable first lever arms (54a, 54b), wherein the first lever arms (54a, 54b) are arranged in parallel and have the same length such that the first friction block (<NUM>), the two first lever arms (54a, 54b) and a portion of the base component (<NUM>) form a first parallelogram (P1),
the counter surface (<NUM>) facing the first friction surface (<NUM>) and being arranged in parallel to the first friction surface (<NUM>) such that the first friction surface (<NUM>) and the counter surface (<NUM>) define a movement channel (<NUM>) extending along a movement channel direction (D),
the engagement element (<NUM>) being receivable in the movement channel (<NUM>) such that it contacts the first friction surface (<NUM>) and the counter surface (<NUM>), and
the first lever arms (54a, 54b) being inclined with respect to the movement channel direction (D).