Actuator for a vehicle flap

Abstract

Actuator (1), in particular for a vehicle flap (VF), comprising a housing (2) which can be telescopically extended along a drive axis (D), comprising at least a first housing part (3) and a second housing part (4) which can be telescopically displaced relative to the first housing part (3), a first connection element (5) coupled to a first end (2a) of the housing (2) for connection to one of the vehicle flap (VF) and the vehicle body (VB), a second connection element (6) coupled to a second end (2b) of the housing (2) opposite the first end (2a) for connection to the other of the vehicle flap (VF) and the vehicle body (VB), a drive device (15) arranged in the housing (2) for adjusting the second housing part (4) relative to the first housing part (3), wherein a coupling device (7) is arranged between the first connection element (5) and the housing (2), wherein the coupling device (7) comprises a locking device (9) with at least one first locking element (11) which locks the position of the coupling device (7) relative to the housing (2), characterized in that the first locking element (11) has a predetermined breaking point (11c) between a first partial section (11a) and a second partial section (11b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuator for a vehicle flap, comprising a telescopic housing, a first connection element for connection to one of the vehicle flap and the vehicle body, a second connection element for connection to the other of the vehicle flap and the vehicle body, and a drive device arranged in the housing for motorized adjustment of the housing between a retracted and an extended position.

[0002] Linear actuators for vehicle doors or flaps are known from practice. These actuators enable the automatic opening and closing of a vehicle flap or door between a closed and an open position during normal operation. The maximum opening angle of the vehicle flap is determined by the maximum stroke of the actuators, which are usually designed as linear drives. However, it is sometimes desirable to adjust a vehicle flap beyond this predefined opening angle, for example to carry out servicing. Opening angles of around 60° are typical, particularly in the area of ​​engine hoods, and are generally sufficient for regular maintenance. However, this maximum opening angle is sometimes not sufficient for more extensive servicing.In addition, it is sometimes necessary to allow additional freedom of movement of the vehicle lid in the event of an accident, for example to cushion an impact on the bonnet.

[0003] DE 10 2021 120 210 A1 shows an actuator for a vehicle flap, comprising a telescopically extendable housing, wherein the housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part telescopically movable relative to the first housing part. The actuator further comprises a first connection element coupled to a first end of the housing for connection to one of the vehicle flap and the vehicle body, and a second connection element coupled to a second end of the housing opposite the first end for connection to the other of the vehicle flap and the vehicle body. Finally, the actuator comprises a drive device arranged in the housing and designed as a spindle drive for adjusting the second housing part relative to the first housing part, wherein the drive device extends along a drive axis.By actuating the drive device, the vehicle flap is pivoted between a closed position and an open position by increasing the distance between the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0004] DE 10 2023 114 287 B3 shows an actuator for a vehicle flap, comprising a housing, comprising a first housing part and a second housing part telescopically displaceable relative to the first housing part, wherein a first connection element is coupled to a first end of the housing and a second connection element is coupled to a second end of the housing. A coupling device is arranged between the first connection element and the housing, which coupling device, together with the first connection element, is displaceable relative to the housing along a drive axis of the actuator.

[0005] It is the object of the invention to provide an actuator for a vehicle flap which enables flexible displacement of the vehicle flap, in particular in the event of an accident.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by an actuator having the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, an actuator, in particular for a vehicle flap, is provided, comprising a housing that can be telescopically extended along a drive axis, wherein the housing comprises at least a first housing part and a second housing part that can be telescopically displaced relative to the first housing part. The actuator further comprises a first connection element coupled to a first end of the housing for connection to one of the vehicle flap and the vehicle body, and a second connection element coupled to a second end of the housing opposite the first end for connection to the other of the vehicle flap and the vehicle body. The actuator can thus advantageously be connected in an articulated manner between the vehicle flap and the vehicle body.The actuator further comprises a drive device arranged in the housing for adjusting the second housing part relative to the first housing part, wherein the drive device extends along the drive axis, wherein a coupling device is arranged between the first connection element and the housing, wherein the coupling device comprises a locking device with at least one first locking element which locks the position of the coupling device relative to the housing. Advantageously, a subsequent extension or shortening of the actuator can thus be provided without the overall length of the drive device located in the housing or the stroke provided by the drive device having to be increased. The actuator according to the invention is characterized in that the first locking element has a predetermined breaking point between a first partial section and a second partial section.

[0008] In the event of an accident in which a large force is applied to the vehicle tailgate, the force is transferred to the predetermined breaking point between the first section and the second section, which then breaks and allows the coupling device or the first connecting element to be moved relative to the housing. Advantageously, the distance between the first connecting element and the second connecting element is automatically increased or decreased by the displacement of the coupling device after the predetermined breaking point has broken, while the housing of the actuator itself does not need to be extended or retracted any further. Another advantage is that the actuator is designed to be compact and yet still allows a larger adjustment range and evasive positions for a vehicle tailgate in the event of an accident.

[0009] Particularly preferably, the predetermined breaking point is configured to extend longitudinally transversely to the drive axis. It is advantageous to only break the narrower side of the predetermined breaking point to break the predetermined breaking point. Thus, the axial force required for this is at least low enough that the predetermined breaking point breaks quickly and quickly releases the displacement of the coupling device or the first connecting element. This is particularly important in the event of an accident, as a separate drive can also be provided to raise the vehicle tailgate into a pedestrian protection position, which then no longer has to work against the resistance of the drive device.

[0010] In an advantageous development of the actuator, the coupling device comprises a coupling housing that can be telescopically displaced relative to the housing. Particularly advantageously, the coupling housing is hollow-cylindrical and is arranged axially at a first end of the housing between the first connecting element and the housing. The coupling housing can advantageously be used to break off the predetermined breaking point relative to the housing, thus enabling the first connecting element to be displaced. The coupling housing preferably extends radially around the first end of the housing. Advantageously, the displacement of the coupling housing is thus guided by the housing, so that the actuator is effectively lengthened or shortened, which allows more flexible adjustment of the vehicle tailgate. Advantageously, the coupling housing is also accessible from the outside and is also easily replaceable.Further advantageously, the first connection element is firmly connected to one end of the coupling housing.

[0011] To enable the shearing or breaking off of the second partial section of the first locking element, it is preferably provided that the second partial section of the first locking element radially penetrates the coupling housing in a locking position. The first locking element thus preferably provides a positive connection between the coupling housing and the housing of the actuator, which prevents axial displacement of the coupling housing along the drive axis. The first locking element is expediently displaceable between the locking position and a release position, wherein displacement of the coupling device relative to the housing is permitted in the release position.

[0012] Further preferably, the second subsection partially protrudes beyond the outer side of the coupling housing in the locking position. The second subsection of the first locking element expediently extends through a first recess of the coupling housing in the locking position. Advantageously, the second subsection is automatically detached from the first subsection upon rupture of the predetermined breaking point when a high axial load is applied between the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0013] In a preferred development, the first locking element has a slot-shaped recess between the first sub-section and the second sub-section, wherein the slot-shaped recess is arranged at the level of the predetermined breaking point. Advantageously, the first sub-section can move relative to the second sub-section such that the predetermined breaking point can actually be broken. Preferably, the slot-shaped recess is designed to be part-circular, wherein the radius of the slot-shaped recess corresponds approximately to the mean radius of the hollow cylindrical coupling housing. Expediently, the predetermined breaking point is arranged radially at the level of the inside of the coupling housing in the locking position. Corresponding to the shape of the slot-shaped recess, the predetermined breaking point is designed to be part-circular along its longitudinal extent.The mean radius of the predetermined breaking point along its longitudinal extent corresponds approximately to the inner radius of the coupling housing. Advantageously, the second section of the first locking element can be sheared off or broken by the displacement of the coupling housing relative to the housing.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device is displaceable at least between a first position intended for normal operation and a second position intended for servicing purposes. In this context, normal operation means that the actuator, as usual, performs a motorized adjustment of the vehicle tailgate between the fully closed position and an open position intended for maintenance purposes. Service purposes are understood to mean those purposes for which it is necessary to pivot the vehicle tailgate beyond the opening angle customary during normal operation. For example, it can be provided that an opening angle of the vehicle tailgate of up to 60° is provided during normal operation, whereas an opening angle of 90° or even more should be provided for servicing purposes.

[0015] Further preferably, the locking device comprises a base housing in which the first locking element is arranged. Advantageously, the base housing has a bore in which the first locking element can be displaced between the locking position and the release position. The bore advantageously serves as a guide for the first locking element. Particularly preferably, the bore runs perpendicular to the drive axis of the drive device or a longitudinal axis of the housing. Further preferably, the base housing is firmly connected to the first housing part. Advantageously, a positive locking of the coupling housing can be achieved by the radial overlap of the first locking element with the coupling housing and the first housing part.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the locking device comprises a preloading means that preloads the first locking element into the locking position. Unlocking or displacement of the first locking element into the release position can advantageously be achieved by applying an external force, whereas locking occurs automatically due to the preloading means. The first locking element expediently has an upper side that protrudes from the coupling housing in the locking position. Advantageously, the first locking element can be pressed from the outside inward to effect unlocking.

[0017] Further advantages, properties, features and developments of the claimed invention emerge from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the dependent claims.

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an actuator 1 in a cross-sectional view. Fig. 2 shows the locking device 9 in a cross-sectional view. Fig. 3 shows the first locking element 11 in a perspective view Fig. 4 shows actuator 1 from Fig. 1 with the coupling housing 8 of the coupling device 7 partially displaced in the extension direction. Fig. 5 shows the actuator 1 from Fig. 1 with the coupling housing 8 of the coupling device 7 partially displaced in the retraction direction.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an actuator 1 in a cross-sectional view. The actuator 1 comprises a housing 2 which extends longitudinally along a drive axis D and is telescopically extendable and retractable. The housing 2 comprises a first housing part 3 and a second housing part 4, wherein the second housing part 4 is arranged telescopically movable in the first housing part 3. At a first end 2a of the housing 2, a first connection element 5 is fastened for connection to a vehicle body VB, shown here in dashed lines. In the embodiment shown here, the first connection element 5 is designed as a ball socket. This advantageously allows an articulated coupling between the actuator 1 and the vehicle body VB to be established.

[0020] A second connection element 6 for connection to a vehicle flap VF, shown here in dashed lines, is fastened to a second end 2b of the housing 2. The second connection element 6 is also designed as a ball socket. Advantageously, the actuator 1 can be connected in an articulated manner between the vehicle body VB and the vehicle flap VF via the first connection element 5 and the second connection element 6, wherein extending the actuator 1 or the telescopic housing 2 drives a pivoting of the vehicle flap VF into an open position, or retracting the actuator 1 or the telescopic housing 2 drives a pivoting of the vehicle flap VF into a closed position.

[0021] A coupling device 7 is arranged axially between the first connection element 5 and the housing 2, wherein the first connection element 5 is firmly connected to the coupling device 7. The coupling device 7 comprises a coupling housing 8, which can be moved between a first locking position shown here and in Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, is axially displaceable relative to the housing 2 along the drive axis D. The coupling housing 8 is designed as a hollow cylinder which radially surrounds the first end 2a, specifically the first housing part 3 here. Accordingly, the coupling housing 8 is designed as a telescopically extendable extension of the housing 2 relative to the first housing part 3.

[0022] The coupling device 7 further comprises a locking device 9, which locks the axial position of the coupling device 7 or the coupling housing 8 relative to the housing 2 during normal operation. The locking device 9 comprises a base housing 10, wherein a first locking element 11, which is designed as a locking bolt, is received in the base housing 10. The locking device 9 further comprises a preloading means 12, which preloads the first locking element 11 radially outward into the locking position shown here. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the preloading means 12 is designed as a helical compression spring.

[0023] The locking device 9 further comprises a second locking element 13, which is arranged opposite the first locking element 11. The pretensioning means 12 is arranged between the first locking element 11 and the second locking element 13, so that both locking elements 11, 13 are simultaneously pretensioned into the locking position by the pretensioning means 12. In this locking position, the first locking element 11 passes through a first recess 8a provided in the coupling housing 8, and the second locking element 13 passes through a second recess 8b in the coupling housing 8, radially opposite the first recess 8a. Since the base housing 10 is firmly connected to the first housing part 3, a first axial position of the first connection element 5 relative to the housing 2 is thus determined.

[0024] To define a second axial position of the first connecting element 5 relative to the housing 2, the coupling housing 8 has a third recess 8c and a fourth recess 8d radially opposite the third recess 8c. The third recess 8c and the fourth recess 8d are arranged axially below the first recess 8a and the second recess 8b. Advantageously, the maximum distance between the first connecting element 5 and the second connecting element 6 is increased in the second axial position of the first connecting element 5. Advantageously, the vehicle flap VF can be pivoted relative to the vehicle body VB by an increased opening angle, for example by up to 90° instead of just 60°.

[0025] The actuator 1 further comprises a drive device 15 arranged in the housing 2, wherein the drive device 15 is designed as a spindle drive in the embodiment shown here. The drive device 15 comprises a motor 16 designed as an electric motor, a gear 18, a torque limiting device 19, and a braking device 20, which are arranged axially between the motor 16 and a spindle rod 21 to be driven by the motor 16.

[0026] The spindle rod 21 is rotatably mounted in the housing 2 via a ball bearing 22. A spindle nut 24, which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in a guide tube 23, is threadedly engaged with the spindle rod 21, so that upon a driven rotation of the spindle rod 21 about the drive axis D, an axial displacement of the guide tube 23 occurs together with the spindle nut 24. The guide tube 23 is firmly connected to the second connecting element 6 via a screw connection, wherein the second connecting element 6 is in turn connected to the second housing part 4 via a press fit. The actuator 1 further comprises a helical compression spring 25 arranged between the first housing part 3 and the second housing part 4, which supports the actuating movement of the vehicle flap VF.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows the locking device 9 in a cross-sectional view. The base housing 10 comprises a coupling section 10a, which is designed for coupling to the housing 2 or, in the present embodiment, to the first housing part 3 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1). The coupling section 10a is hollow-cylindrical, with the outer diameter approximately corresponding to the inner diameter of the first housing part 3. Advantageously, the base housing 10 of the locking device 9 can be connected to the first housing part 3 via a press fit, a screw connection, and / or other fastening methods, in particular gluing or welding. The base housing 10 is made of plastic and is manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0028] The base housing 10 further comprises a locking section 10b, in which the first locking element 11, the pretensioning means 12, and the second locking element 13 are received. For this purpose, a bore B is provided in the locking section 10b, which is tapered in the center, wherein the inner diameter in the tapered section corresponds to the outer diameter of the pretensioning means 12. At its opposite ends, the bore B has an inner diameter that corresponds to the outer diameter of the first locking element 11 and the second locking element 13, respectively.

[0029] The first locking element 11 has a first section 11a facing the prestressing means 12 and a second section 11b, which is connected to the first section 11a via a predetermined breaking point 11c. The first section 11a has an annular stop surface 30 on the inside, which is delimited by an outer wall 31 and an inner wall 32 concentrically surrounded by the outer wall 31. The prestressing means 12, designed as a helical compression spring, is supported with a first end on the stop surface 30, wherein the outer wall 31 and the inner wall 32 simultaneously form guide surfaces for the prestressing means 12. This advantageously ensures that the prestressing means 12 cannot slip relative to the first locking element 11. The second section 11b projects radially out of the locking section 10b of the base housing 10 and penetrates the Fig. 1 shown recess 8a of the coupling housing 8.

[0030] Due to the predetermined breaking point 8c between the first sub-section 11a and the second sub-section 11b, the second sub-section 11b can be sheared off or broken off in the event of a strong external axial load on the actuator, particularly in the event of an accident. The coupling housing 8 is then automatically decoupled from the housing 2, so that the first coupling element 5 can be freely displaced relative to the second coupling element 6, allowing the vehicle flap VF to either be submerged below the vehicle body VF or lifted upwards. Advantageously, the predetermined breaking point 11c is elongated perpendicular to the drive axis D. Accordingly, a break occurs due to a load occurring parallel to the significantly narrower side of the predetermined breaking point 11c, which load occurs along the drive axis D in the event of an accident with force acting on the vehicle flap.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows the first locking element 11 in a perspective view. The first locking element 11 is made of plastic and is designed as an injection-molded part. The first section 11a forms the lower end of the first locking element 11, and the second section 11b forms the upper end of the first locking element 11. Between the first section 11a and the second section 11b is the predetermined breaking point 11c, which connects the first section 11a and the second section 11b during normal operation of the actuator. At the level of the predetermined breaking point 11c, the locking element has a slot-shaped recess 11d, which is provided to form the predetermined breaking point 11c. The slot-shaped recess 11d allows the second section 11b to be bent along a predetermined breaking edge running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the predetermined breaking point 11c.The slot-shaped recess 11d has a partially circular contour, and the predetermined breaking point 11c also has this correspondingly partially circular contour. This is due to the fact that the predetermined breaking point runs along the hollow cylindrical inner side of the coupling housing.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows actuator 1 from Fig. 1 with the coupling housing 8 of the coupling device 7 partially displaced in the extension direction. Due to a strong external force in the direction of the drive axis D, the second section 11b of the first locking element 11 was sheared off or broken off from the first section 11a. Analogously, the second section 13b of the second locking element 13 was sheared off or broken off from the first section 13a. As a result, the first locking element 11 no longer penetrates the first radial recess 8a of the coupling housing 8 and the second locking element 13 no longer penetrates the second recess 8b of the coupling housing, so that the coupling housing 8 and the first connection element 5 connected to the coupling housing 8 were displaced into the extended position relative to the second connection element 6.

[0033] Advantageously, by releasing the coupling housing 8 or the first coupling element 5 from the housing 2, it is possible for the vehicle flap VF to be displaced into a raised position in the state shown here without the actuator 1 offering significant resistance to this displacement movement. The base housing 10 was displaced in the direction of the third recess 8c and the fourth recess 8d, with the locking section 10b being arranged axially between the first recess 8a or second recess 8b and the third recess 8c or fourth recess 8d.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows the actuator 1 from Fig.1 with the coupling housing 8 of the coupling device 7 partially displaced in the retraction direction. Due to a strong external force in the direction of the drive axis D, the second section 11b of the first locking element 11 was sheared off or broken off from the first section 11a. Analogously, the second section 13b of the second locking element 13 was sheared off or broken off from the first section 13a. As a result, the first locking element 11 no longer penetrates the first radial recess 8a of the coupling housing 8 and the second locking element 13 no longer penetrates the second recess 8b of the coupling housing 8, so that the coupling housing 8 and the first connection element 5 connected to the coupling housing 8 have been displaced into the retracted position relative to the second connection element 6.In this case, the base housing 10 was displaced in the direction of the first connecting element 5, with the locking portion 10b being arranged axially between the first recess 8a or second recess 8b and the first connecting element 5. In the state shown here, the vehicle flap VF was displaced into a position submerged relative to the vehicle body VB.

[0035] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which two locking elements are arranged opposite one another in a base housing. This advantageously provides locking symmetrically relative to the drive axis; however, it is understood that only one locking element or more than two locking elements may be provided.

[0036] Furthermore, the above explanation was based on an embodiment in which the coupling housing is connected to the first connection element, which is coupled to the vehicle body. It is understood, however, that the coupling housing can also be connected to the second connection element, which is coupled to the vehicle flap. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 120 210 A1

[0003] DE 10 2023 114 287 B3

[0004]

Claims

[1] Actuator (1), in particular for a vehicle flap (VF), comprising a housing (2) which can be telescopically extended along a drive axis (D), comprising at least a first housing part (3) and a second housing part (4) which can be telescopically displaced relative to the first housing part (3), a first connection element (5) coupled to a first end (2a) of the housing (2) for connection to one of the vehicle flap (VF) and the vehicle body (VB), a second connection element (6) coupled to a second end (2b) of the housing (2) opposite the first end (2a) for connection to the other of the vehicle flap (VF) and the vehicle body (VB), a drive device (15) arranged in the housing (2) for adjusting the second housing part (4) relative to the first housing part (3), wherein a coupling device (7) is arranged between the first connection element (5) and the housing (2), wherein the coupling device (7) comprises a locking device (9) with at least one first locking element (11) which locks the position of the coupling device (7) relative to the housing (2), characterized by that the first locking element (11) has a predetermined breaking point (11c) between a first partial section (11a) and a second partial section (11b). [2] Actuator according to claim 1, characterized by that the predetermined breaking point (11c) is longitudinally extended transversely to the drive axis (D). [3] Actuator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the coupling device (7) comprises a coupling housing (8) which can be telescopically displaced relative to the housing (2). [4] Actuator according to claim 3, characterized by that the coupling housing (8) radially surrounds the first end (2a) of the housing (2). [5] Actuator according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the first connecting element (5) is firmly connected to one end of the coupling housing (8). [6] Actuator (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that the second partial section (11b) of the first locking element (11) radially penetrates the coupling housing (8) in a locking position. [7] Actuator according to claim 6, characterized by that the second section (11b) partially projects beyond the outside of the coupling housing (8) in the locking position. [8] Actuator according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by that the second partial section (11b) of the first locking element (11) passes through a first recess (8a) of the coupling housing (8) in the locking position. [9] Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first locking element (8) has a slot-shaped recess (11d) between the first partial section (11a) and the second partial section (11b), wherein the slot-shaped recess (11d) is arranged at the level of the predetermined breaking point (11c). [10] Actuator according to claim 9, characterized by that the slot-shaped recess (11d) is partially circular, the radius of the slot-shaped recess (11d) corresponding approximately to the mean radius of the coupling housing (8). [11] Actuator according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized by that the predetermined breaking point (11c) is arranged radially at the level of the inside of the coupling housing (8) in the locking position. [12] Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the predetermined breaking point (11c) is partially circular along its longitudinal extent. [13] Actuator according to claim 12, characterized by that the mean radius of the predetermined breaking point along its longitudinal extent corresponds approximately to the inner radius of the coupling housing (8). [14] Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking device (9) comprises a base housing (10) in which the first locking element (11) is arranged. [15] Actuator according to claim 14, characterized by that the base housing (10) has a bore (B) in which the first locking element can be displaced between the locking position and the release position. [16] Actuator according to claim 15, characterized by that the bore (B) runs perpendicular to the drive axis (D) of the drive device (15) or a longitudinal axis of the housing (2). [17] Actuator (1) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized bythat the base housing (10) is firmly connected to the first housing part (3). [18] Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking device (9) comprises a biasing means (12) which biases the first locking element (11) into the locking position.

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