Locking actuator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a locking actuator which comprises an actuator shell, the actuator shell is provided with a lock opening for a lock catch to enter and exit, and a circuit board electrically connected with a trip computer is connected in the actuator shell. The driving motor is connected in the actuator shell and electrically connected with the circuit board, and the output gear is rotatably connected in the actuator shell; the lock pin is movably connected to the interior of the actuator shell, and the free end of the lock pin can stretch into or be separated from the lock opening and is used for closing or opening the lock opening; the lock pin is connected with a rack in the axial direction, and the rack is meshed with the output gear. The clutch mechanism is connected into the actuator shell, and the clutch mechanism is in transmission connection with the driving motor and the output gear. The locking actuator is simple in structure, convenient to install and labor-saving in operation, and meets the requirement for product miniaturization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of automobile parts, and in particular to a locking actuator used on a fuel tank cap or a charging port cap of an automobile. Background Art

[0002] The fuel filler cap or charging port cover of a car is a component used to be installed on the body of the car and to cover the fuel filler port or charging interface. A rotating shaft is provided at one end of the fuel filler cap or charging port cover, which is rotatably connected to the body, and a lock buckle is connected to the other end of the fuel filler cap or charging port cover, and the lock buckle is used to lock with a mechanical lock fixed on the body. When the car needs to be refueled or charged, the lock buckle is first unlocked from the mechanical lock, and then the fuel filler cap or charging port cover can be rotated and opened relative to the body; when refueling or charging is completed, the fuel filler cap or charging port cover can be rotated to allow the fuel filler cap or charging port cover to be re-closed on the body, and after the fuel filler cap or charging port cover is closed on the body, the lock buckle can be re-locked with the mechanical lock; however, the unlocking and locking of the fuel filler cap or charging port cover are currently completed by relying on a mechanical lock, which has the disadvantage of low intelligence, and the opening structure of the lock buckle is easily affected by external factors and causes misoperation.

[0003] With the development of automobile technology, people have configured a locking actuator on the fuel filler cap or charging port cover of the automobile to make the opening and closing of the fuel filler cap or charging port cover more intelligent and prevent misoperation caused by external factors. For example, the patent application for a locking actuator with publication number CN217804957U previously applied by the applicant of this case, the locking actuator includes a housing assembly, a motor, a transmission mechanism and a latch, the motor and the transmission mechanism are both arranged inside the housing assembly, the motor is electrically connected to the controller in the automobile through a control bus, a concave cavity is arranged on the outer wall of the housing assembly, the concave cavity is used for the lock fixed on the charging port cover to enter and exit, the latch is arranged inside the housing assembly and slidably connected to the housing assembly, a through hole is arranged on one side of the concave cavity, one end of the latch is movably inserted into the through hole, the input end of the transmission mechanism is transmission-connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the output end of the transmission mechanism is transmission-connected to the latch; through the forward and reverse rotation of the motor, one end of the latch can be driven to enter or disengage from the lock to lock or unlock the charging port cover. Moreover, the locking actuator also has the function of manual unlocking, that is, when the car's power is completely exhausted or the software program failure or line failure of the on-board driving computer causes the motor to be unable to start, the charging port cover is manually opened; the pin and gear used are flexibly connected by a coil spring, so when the motor cannot rotate, the pull wire can be pulled to drive the pin to move to achieve the unlocking function.

[0004] The locking actuator of the above-mentioned related technology has the following defects during actual use: one end of the coil spring of the locking actuator of the related technology is connected to the gear, and the other end is connected to the pin. The coil spring itself is elastic, which is troublesome to install, and the elastic force of the coil spring is not constant, resulting in the user having to exert greater force when pulling the pin to unlock. The greater the pulling force, the more difficult it is to unlock. In addition, the coil spring is accommodated in the gear, resulting in a larger overall volume of the gear, which results in a larger volume of the locking actuator housing, which cannot meet the demand for product miniaturization. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to overcome the defects of the above-mentioned related technologies and provide a locking actuator with a simple structure, convenient installation, labor-saving operation and meeting the requirements of product miniaturization.

[0006] The technical solution of the present application is to provide a locking actuator having the following structure:

[0007] An actuator housing having a lock opening for the lock buckle to enter and exit, wherein a circuit board electrically connected to the vehicle computer is connected inside the actuator housing;

[0008] A drive motor is connected in the actuator housing and is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0009] an output gear rotatably connected in the actuator housing;

[0010] A lock pin is movably connected in the actuator housing, and the free end of the lock pin can extend into or out of the lock port, so as to close or open the lock port; the lock pin is axially connected to a rack, and the rack is meshed with the output gear;

[0011] The clutch mechanism is connected in the actuator housing, and the clutch mechanism is respectively connected to the drive motor and the output gear; the clutch mechanism has an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the drive motor drives the output gear to rotate to drive the lock pin to move; when an external force is applied to the lock pin to switch the clutch mechanism from the engaged state to the disengaged state, the lock pin can be moved and unlocked.

[0012] In some embodiments, a pull rope is connected to the tail end of the locking pin.

[0013] In some embodiments, the clutch mechanism is disposed on one side of the output gear, and a rotation axis of the clutch mechanism is parallel to a rotation axis of the output gear.

[0014] In some embodiments, the clutch mechanism includes a main shaft and a first gear and a second gear rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first gear is drivingly connected to the drive motor, and a conical accommodating portion is provided on the first gear; the second gear is drivingly connected to the output gear, and the second gear has a conical engaging portion that is clearance-fitted in the accommodating portion and matches the shape of the accommodating portion; the clutch mechanism also includes an elastic member connected to the main shaft, and the elastic member makes the accommodating portion of the first gear always have a movement tendency to counteract the engaging portion of the second gear; when the clutch mechanism is in an engaged state, the friction force between the accommodating portion and the engaging portion makes the first gear drive the second gear to rotate synchronously; when the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged state, the engaging portion is rotatable relative to the accommodating portion so that the second gear rotates relative to the first gear.

[0015] In some embodiments, the accommodating portion is a cone with a small inner end and a large outer end, a baffle is connected to the main shaft, the lower end of the elastic member abuts against the baffle, and the upper end of the elastic member abuts against the bottom of the first gear.

[0016] In some embodiments, the output gear is a duplex gear, and has a first tooth portion and a second tooth portion coaxially arranged, the first tooth portion meshes with the second gear, and the second tooth portion meshes with the rack.

[0017] In some embodiments, a worm is connected to the driving shaft of the driving motor, and the first gear is a worm wheel meshing with the worm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the tail end of the locking pin extends out of the actuator housing, and a sealing body is provided between the tail end of the locking pin and the actuator housing.

[0019] To sum up, compared with the related technology, the locking actuator of the present application has the following advantages: when the locking actuator is locked, the driving motor drives the output gear to rotate through the clutch mechanism, and the output gear drives the rack to move, so that the free end of the locking pin extends into or out of the lock mouth, so that the lock mouth is closed or opened; when the car's power is completely exhausted or the software program failure or line failure of the on-board driving computer causes the motor to fail to start, the user manually drives the locking pin to move away from the lock mouth, and the rack drives the output gear to rotate. When the torque of the output gear rotation is greater than the limit torque of the clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state, and the self-locking of the output gear is unlocked. At this time, the locking pin can be pulled to unlock, and the output gear is passively rotated during the process of the locking pin being driven to unlock; thereby, the lock buckle in the lock mouth can be opened, so that the fuel filler cap or the charging port cover can be manually opened. The clutch mechanism provided in the locking actuator has a constant pulling force for pulling the locking pin when the torque at which the output gear is driven to rotate by the locking pin is greater than the limit torque of the clutch mechanism, so that the user saves effort when pulling the latch to unlock the lock. Moreover, the independent setting of the clutch mechanism makes full use of the space in the actuator housing, which is not only convenient and quick to install, but also avoids the increase in the volume of the output gear, thereby effectively reducing the overall size of the output gear and making the overall volume of the locking actuator smaller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a locking actuator in some embodiments of the present application.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a locking actuator in some embodiments of the present application.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a locking actuator in some embodiments of the present application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a locking actuator from another angle in some embodiments of the present application.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of a clutch mechanism of a locking actuator in some embodiments of the present application.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a clutch mechanism of a locking actuator in some embodiments of the present application.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a clutch mechanism of a locking actuator in some embodiments of the present application.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 1. Actuator housing, 100. Locking mouth, 2. Lock pin, 200. Rack, 3. Circuit board, 4. Driving motor, 400. Worm, 5. Output gear, 500. First gear portion, 501. Second gear portion, 6. Clutch mechanism, 600. Main shaft, 601. First gear, 602. Second gear, 603. Elastic member, 604. Baffle, 605. Accommodating portion, 606. Engaging portion, 7. Pull rope, 8. Sealing body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these implementations are only used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments to them as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0031] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0032] The present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] See also Figure 1 to Figure 7As shown; an embodiment of the present application discloses a locking actuator, which is connected to a car and is used to lock or unlock the lock of the car's gas tank cover or charging box cover. The structure of the locking actuator includes an actuator housing 1 and a circuit board 3 and a drive motor 4 arranged in the actuator housing 1. A lock opening 100 is recessed in the actuator housing 1, and the lock opening 100 is used for the lock of the car's gas tank cover or charging box cover to enter and exit; the circuit board 3 is electrically connected to the on-board driving computer or the central control through a signal line or an electrical connection line; an output gear 5 is rotatably connected in the actuator housing 1, and a lock pin 2 is connected in the actuator housing 1, and the lock pin 2 is axially movably connected in the actuator housing 1, and the free end of the lock pin 2 can extend into or out of the lock opening 100, which is used to close or open the lock opening 100, and the lock pin 2 is axially connected to a rack 200, which meshes with the output gear 5.

[0034] In this embodiment, the drive motor 4 is a DC motor, which is electrically connected to the circuit board 3, and the drive motor 4 is transmission-connected to the output gear 5, and is used to drive the output gear 5 to rotate, thereby driving the lock pin 2 to move through the rack 200, so that the free end of the lock pin 2 extends into the lock port 100, closes the lock port 100, and thereby locks the lock of the car fuel tank cover or charging box cover in the lock port 100. When it is necessary to open the lock of the car fuel tank cover or charging box cover, the drive motor 4 rotates in the opposite direction, so that the free end of the lock pin 2 is disengaged from the lock port 100, and the lock of the car fuel tank cover or charging box cover can be disengaged from the lock port 100.

[0035] It is not difficult to understand that if the car's battery is completely exhausted or the on-board driving computer has a software program failure or a circuit failure, the motor cannot be started, and the lock pin 2 cannot be driven, resulting in the lock of the fuel tank cap or the charging box cap being unable to be unlocked; in order to avoid this situation, in the embodiment of the present application, the locking actuator is also equipped with a clutch mechanism 6, see Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the clutch mechanism 6 is arranged on one side of the output gear 5, and the rotation axis of the clutch mechanism 6 is parallel to the rotation axis of the output gear 5; that is, the clutch mechanism 6 is independently arranged between the drive motor 4 and the output gear 5, and the torque of the drive motor 4 is transmitted to the output gear 5 through the clutch mechanism 6; the independent arrangement of the clutch mechanism 6 makes full use of the space in the actuator housing 1, which is not only convenient and quick to install, but also avoids the output gear 5 from becoming larger in size, thereby effectively reducing the overall size of the output gear 5, and making the overall volume design of the locking actuator smaller.

[0036] It is not difficult to understand that the clutch mechanism 6 has an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the drive motor 4 drives the output gear 5 to rotate through the clutch mechanism 6, thereby transmitting the output torque of the drive motor 4 to the output gear 5, so that the output gear 5 drives the rack 200 to translate, thereby causing the lock pin 2 to move axially to open or close the lock port 100; that is, when the above-mentioned fault occurs and the drive motor 4 cannot be started, the user can manually pull the lock pin 2 to move away from the lock port 100, and the rack 200 drives the output gear 5 to rotate. When the torque of the output gear 5 rotation is greater than the limit torque of the clutch mechanism 6, the clutch mechanism 6 switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state, and the self-locking of the output gear 5 is unlocked. At this time, the lock pin 2 can be pulled to unlock, and the output gear 5 is passively rotated during the process of the lock pin 2 being driven to unlock; thereby, the lock buckle in the lock port 100 can be opened, so that the fuel filler cap or the charging port cap can be manually opened. The clutch mechanism 6 provided in the locking actuator is such that when the torque of the output gear 5 driven to rotate by the lock pin 2 is greater than the limit torque of the clutch mechanism 6, the pulling force of pulling the lock pin 2 is a constant force, and the user saves effort when pulling the latch to unlock.

[0037] In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the user to drive the locking pin 2, a pull rope 7 is connected to the tail end of the locking pin 2, and the user can pull the locking pin 2 through the pull rope 7; it is not difficult to understand that the pull rope 7 is generally hidden in the car, such as being set in the trunk of the car, or stored as an accessory, and then connected to the locking pin 2 when in use.

[0038] Further in this embodiment, Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the clutch mechanism 6 includes a main shaft 600 and a first gear 601 and a second gear 602 rotatably connected to the main shaft 600. The upper and lower ends of the main shaft 600 are respectively connected to the upper and lower walls in the actuator housing 1, and the first gear 601 and the second gear 602 are distributed in sequence from bottom to top along the axial direction of the main shaft 600; the first gear 601 is transmission-connected to the drive motor 4, and a conical accommodating portion 605 is provided on the first gear 601; the second gear 602 is transmission-connected to the output gear 5, and the second gear 602 has a conical engaging portion 606 that is clearance-fitted in the accommodating portion 605 and matches the shape of the accommodating portion 605; the accommodating portion 605 is a cone with a small inner end and a large outer end, and the engaging portion 606 is a cone that matches and fits therewith; the clutch mechanism 6 also includes an elastic member 603 connected to the main shaft 600, and the elastic member 603 makes the accommodating portion of the first gear 601 The part 605 always has a movement tendency to resist the engaging part 606 of the second gear 602; under the elastic force of the elastic member 603, the accommodating part 605 of the first gear 601 and the engaging part 606 of the second gear 602 cooperate or fit together, so that there is friction between the inner wall of the accommodating part 605 and the outer wall of the engaging part 606; therefore, when the clutch mechanism 6 is in the engaged state, the friction between the accommodating part 605 and the engaging part 606 causes the first gear 601 to drive the second gear 602 to rotate synchronously; when the output gear 5 is rotated passively by the force of the rack 200, when its rotation torque is greater than the maximum torque or limit torque generated by the friction between the inner wall of the accommodating part 605 and the outer wall of the engaging part 606, the clutch mechanism 6 is in a disengaged state, that is, the engaging part 606 can rotate relative to the accommodating part 605 to cause the second gear 602 to rotate relative to the first gear 601.

[0039] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a worm 400 is connected to the driving shaft of the driving motor 4 , and the first gear 601 is a worm wheel meshing with the worm 400 .

[0040] Further in this embodiment, a baffle 604 is connected to the main shaft 600, and the baffle 604 is a snap spring, and the elastic member 603 is a compression spring, whose lower end abuts against the baffle 604, and the upper end of the elastic member 603 abuts against the bottom of the first gear 601. When the clutch mechanism 6 is in the disengaged state, the first gear 601 applies an axial downward force to the elastic member 603, so that the engaging portion 606 of the second gear 602 overcomes the friction force and can rotate relative to the accommodating portion 605 of the first gear 601.

[0041] In other embodiments, the clutch mechanism 6 may also be other structures, for example, the accommodating portion 605 and the coupling portion 606 are both cylindrical, the accommodating portion 605 is provided with a plurality of slots along the circumferential direction, and the coupling portion 606 is connected with a plurality of elastic pins along the circumferential direction, and the elastic pins are arranged in the slots one by one, and under a torque lower than the limit torque between the accommodating portion 605 and the coupling portion 606, the accommodating portion 605 can drive the coupling portion 606 to rotate synchronously through the elastic pins; but when the torque between the accommodating portion 605 and the coupling portion 606 is greater than the limit torque of the two, the coupling portion 606 can rotate relative to the accommodating portion 605, and the elastic pins bounce from one slot to another along the rotation direction.

[0042] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the output gear 5 is configured as a double gear, and the output gear 5 has a first tooth portion 500 and a second tooth portion 501 that are coaxially arranged, the first tooth portion 500 meshes with the second gear 602, and the second tooth portion 501 meshes with the rack 200. The configuration of the double gear can make the transmission structure between the clutch mechanism 6 and the lock pin 2 simpler and more compact, and can further reduce the overall volume of the locking actuator.

[0043] In the embodiment of the present application, since the tail end of the lock pin 2 extends out of the actuator housing 1, a sealing body 8 is provided between the tail end of the lock pin 2 and the actuator housing 1. Figure 3 As shown, the sealing body 8 can prevent water or dust from entering the actuator housing 1 .

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that in the description of the present application, terms such as "inside" and "outside" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0045] In the description of the present application, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "in the present embodiment", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, mechanisms, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, mechanisms, materials or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0046] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A locking actuator, characterized in that: include An actuator housing having a lock opening for the lock buckle to enter and exit, wherein a circuit board electrically connected to the vehicle computer is connected inside the actuator housing; A drive motor is connected in the actuator housing and is electrically connected to the circuit board. an output gear rotatably connected in the actuator housing; A lock pin is movably connected in the actuator housing, and the free end of the lock pin can extend into or out of the lock port, so as to close or open the lock port; the lock pin is axially connected to a rack, and the rack is meshed with the output gear; The clutch mechanism is connected in the actuator housing, and the clutch mechanism is respectively connected to the drive motor and the output gear; the clutch mechanism has an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the drive motor drives the output gear to rotate to drive the lock pin to move; when an external force is applied to the lock pin to switch the clutch mechanism from the engaged state to the disengaged state, the lock pin can be moved and unlocked.

2. The locking actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tail end of the locking pin is connected with a pull rope.

3. The locking actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clutch mechanism is arranged on one side of the output gear, and the rotation axis of the clutch mechanism is parallel to the rotation axis of the output gear.

4. The locking actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clutch mechanism comprises a main shaft and a first gear and a second gear rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first gear is transmission-connected to the driving motor, and a conical receiving portion is provided on the first gear; The second gear is drivingly connected to the output gear, and the second gear has a conical engaging portion which is loosely fitted in the accommodating portion and matches the shape of the accommodating portion; the clutch mechanism further comprises an elastic member connected to the main shaft, and the elastic member enables the accommodating portion of the first gear to always have a movement tendency to abut against the engaging portion of the second gear; when the clutch mechanism is in an engaged state, the friction force between the accommodating portion and the engaging portion enables the first gear to drive the second gear to rotate synchronously; When the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged state, the engaging portion is rotatable relative to the accommodating portion to cause the second gear to rotate relative to the first gear.

5. The locking actuator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The accommodating portion is in a cone shape with a small inner end and a large outer end. A blocking piece is connected to the main shaft. The lower end of the elastic member abuts against the blocking piece, and the upper end of the elastic member abuts against the bottom of the first gear.

6. The locking actuator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The output gear is a double gear, and has a first tooth portion and a second tooth portion coaxially arranged, the first tooth portion meshes with the second gear, and the second tooth portion meshes with the rack.

7. The locking actuator according to claim 4, characterized in that: A worm is connected to the driving shaft of the driving motor, and the first gear is a worm wheel meshing with the worm.

8. The locking actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tail end of the lock pin extends out of the actuator housing, and a sealing body is provided between the tail end of the lock pin and the actuator housing.

Images