Connecting unit

A combination of first and second bowden cables configured for use as brake cables for a parking brake of a vehicle, and a connecting unit for transmitting of pulling movements to an end of the first and second bowden cables, comprising:

• a support for mounting the connecting unit and having a first and second opening;
• a pulling element with first and second receptacles respectively for receiving and engaging enlarged ends of the first and second bowden cables;
• and
• a guiding element arranged between the first and second openings of the support and the first and second receptacles such that upon insertion of the first and second bowden cables respectively through the first and second openings in the direction of the first and second receptacles, the guiding element will cause the enlarged ends of the first and second bowden cables to be laterally deflected for passage to a position beyond the first and second receptacles that enables the enlarged ends of the first and second bowden cables to move into and engage the first and second receptacles, respectively, and wherein the guiding element has first and second groove-like guiding surfaces on opposite sides thereof for guiding and causing the enlarged ends of the first and second bowden cables to deflect laterally upon insertion of the first and second bowden cables through the first and second openings in the direction of the first and second receptacle, respectively, and
• wherein the first and second groove-like guiding surfaces of the guiding element each has a slit-like recess through which the respective bowden cable extends after the enlarged end thereof has engaged the respective receptacle of the pulling element,
• wherein the pulling element being operative as an equalizer between the one and second bowden cables, and
• wherein tension on the one and second bowden cables will move the pulling element into engagement with the guiding element, as when the parking brake is disengaged.

A method for establishing a connection between at least one bowden cable and a pulling element for the transmission of pulling movements from the pulling element to the one bowden cable, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. moving an enlarged end of the one bowden cable in the direction of a receptacle in the pulling element;
• b. causing the enlarged end of the one bowden cable to be laterally deflected by a guiding element during the movement of the enlarged end in the direction of the receptacle and thereby resiliently bending the one bowden cable, the guiding element being separate from and movable relative to the pulling element;
• and
• c. allowing the bowden cable to resiliently spring-back for movement of the enlarged end of the one bowden cable into engagement with the receptacle.