Self-adjusting stop means for cushioning
First Claim
1. A self-adjusting stop system for positionally determining a limit stop for a movable element, comprising:
- a housing;
a stop element axially movable within said housing between a first non-limiting position and a second position at which said stop element comprises a limit stop for a movable element;
a clamping element axially movable within said housing between a first position at which said clamping element is disengaged from said stop element so as to permit said stop element to undergo movement within said housing between said first non-limiting position and said second limit stop position, and a second position at which said clamping element is engaged with said stop element so as to fix said stop element at said second position at which said stop element comprises said limit stop for a movable element;
a coupling element rotatably fixed with respect to said clamping element and rotatably mounted upon said housing;
first means defined between said coupling element and said clamping element for causing radially inward movement of a portion of said clamping element; and
second means defined between said clamping element and said housing for causing axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element,whereupon axial movement of said stop element from said first non-limiting position to said second limit stop position, and subsequent rotation of said coupling element, and said clamping element rotatably fixed to said coupling element, with respect to said housing, said second means defined between said clamping element and said housing causes axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element while said first means defined between said coupling element and said clamping element causes radially inward movement of said portion of said clamping element such that said portion of said clamping element engages said stop element so as to fix said stop element at said second limit stop position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a self-adjusting stopper for dampening movable parts, in particular for lids, hoods or the like in automotive vehicles, and comprises a stop element, a casing, a clamping element and a coupling element in cooperative relationship. Initially the stop element projects a maximum distance out of the casing. By closing the part which has to be dampened, for example the hood of an automotive vehicle, the stop element becomes displaced into the casing. After opening the lid, the clamping element is locked to the stop element by rotating the coupling element to axially adjust the stop element within the casing. A further adjustment is not required. According to the invention, the stop element will be automatically adjusted in a proper axial position by just closing and opening the lid.
58 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A self-adjusting stop system for positionally determining a limit stop for a movable element, comprising:
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a housing; a stop element axially movable within said housing between a first non-limiting position and a second position at which said stop element comprises a limit stop for a movable element; a clamping element axially movable within said housing between a first position at which said clamping element is disengaged from said stop element so as to permit said stop element to undergo movement within said housing between said first non-limiting position and said second limit stop position, and a second position at which said clamping element is engaged with said stop element so as to fix said stop element at said second position at which said stop element comprises said limit stop for a movable element; a coupling element rotatably fixed with respect to said clamping element and rotatably mounted upon said housing; first means defined between said coupling element and said clamping element for causing radially inward movement of a portion of said clamping element; and second means defined between said clamping element and said housing for causing axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element, whereupon axial movement of said stop element from said first non-limiting position to said second limit stop position, and subsequent rotation of said coupling element, and said clamping element rotatably fixed to said coupling element, with respect to said housing, said second means defined between said clamping element and said housing causes axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element while said first means defined between said coupling element and said clamping element causes radially inward movement of said portion of said clamping element such that said portion of said clamping element engages said stop element so as to fix said stop element at said second limit stop position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A self-adjusting stop system for positionally determining a limit stop for a movable element, comprising:
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a housing; a stop element axially movable within said housing between a first non-limiting position and a second position at which said stop element comprises a limit stop for a movable element; a coupling element rotatably mounted upon said housing; a clamping element rotatably fixed upon said coupling element and axially movable within said housing between a first position at which said clamping element is disengaged from said stop element so as to permit said stop element to undergo movement within said housing between said first non-limiting position and said second limit stop position, and a second position at which said clamping element is engaged with said stop element so as to fix said stop element at said second position at which said stop element comprises said limit stop for a movable element; first means defined between said clamping element and said housing for causing axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element in response to rotatable movement of said coupling element, and said clamping element rotatably fixed thereto, with respect to said housing; and second means defined between said coupling element and said clamping element for causing radially inward movement of a portion of said clamping element, in response to said axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element, such that said portion of said clamping element clampingly engages said stop element so as to fix said stop element at said second limit stop position when said stop element is moved from said first non-limiting position to said second limit stop position. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of fixing an adjustable limit stop for a movable element, comprising the steps of:
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providing a housing; disposing a clamping element within said housing; mounting a coupling element upon said housing such that said coupling element is rotatable with respect to said housing, and is engaged with said clamping element such that said clamping element is rotatably fixed but axially movable with respect to said coupling element; mounting an axially movable stop element within said housing such that said stop element is disposed at a first non-limiting position with respect to said housing; providing first means upon said clamping element and said housing for causing axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element in response to rotatable movement of said coupling element, and said clamping element rotatably fixed thereto, with respect to said housing; providing second means upon said coupling element and said clamping element for causing radially inward movement of a portion of said clamping element in response to said axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element; moving said stop element within said housing from said first non-limiting position to a second limit stop position at which said stop element comprises a positional limit stop for a movable element; and rotating said coupling element, and said clamping element rotatably fixed thereto, with respect to said housing such that said first means causes axial movement of said clamping element with respect to said coupling element, and said second means causes radially inward movement of said portion of said clamping element whereby said portion of said clamping element clampingly engages said stop element so as to fix said stop element at said second limit stop position. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification