Actuating device for a flap movably mounted on a component

Abstract

An actuating device. The actuating device has a first actuating element which can be fixedly fastened on a flap and can move with the flap, and a second actuating element which can be fastened on a component and can be rotated relative to the component about a first axis of rotation, the second actuating element having a first end and a second end opposite the first end in the direction of the axis of rotation, the first end being designed to interact with a drive means, the second end having a first locking or unlocking geometry, the first actuating element having a second locking or unlocking geometry, the second actuating element being reversibly rotatable by the first end between a first orientation and a second orientation, the first and second locking or unlocking geometries of the first and second actuating elements interacting such that in the first orientation of the second actuating element the first and second actuating elements are locked with the second actuating element and in the second orientation of the second actuating element the first actuating element is unlocked from the second actuating element.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an actuation device for a flap movably mounted on a member between a closed position and an open position, particularly for an actuation device for a flap movably mounted in a recess of a vehicle; and a member having a flap movably mounted on the member between a closed position and an open position, particularly in a recess of a vehicle, wherein the flap is movably mounted in the recess, and the member having such an actuation device.

[0002] The actuation device for a flip cover movably mounted on a component between an open position and a closed position is generally known from the prior art. In this regard, for example, see reference DE 10 2012 004 071 A1.

[0003] In an actuation device known from document DE 10 2012 004 071 A1, a first actuating member can be fastened to the flip cover, and the first actuating member moves with the flip cover as it moves between a closed position and an open position. The actuation device also includes a second actuating member fastened to a component. The actuation device further includes a locking device having a locking recess on either the first or second actuating member and a locking element on the other of the first or second actuating member, wherein the locking element engages with the locking recess when the first actuating member moves with the flip cover from its open position to its closed position, and wherein the locking element holds the first actuating member in a locked position against a spring bias on the second actuating member. A remote unlocking device is also provided, comprising actuating elements capable of being actuated remotely from the actuating member such that the locking element retracts from the locking recess, thereby releasing the first actuating member from the second actuating member due to the spring bias and moving at least partially with the flip cover to its open position.

[0004] The characteristics of the actuation device known from document DE 10 2012 004 071 A1 are: the actuation device has a simple and compact structure and can be unlocked remotely.

[0005] However, there is a principled need in the prior art for actuating devices capable of collaboratively selecting or switching and performing multiple functions. These functions include, in particular, the routine locking and unlocking of flaps on components, opening and closing flaps against resistance (e.g., ice and seals), and locking and unlocking flaps in emergency situations (e.g., when the actuators used for the routine locking and unlocking process may no longer be functional or have malfunctioned).

[0006] If this is indeed the case, then the various functions in the prior art can only be achieved by an actuation device that is very complex in construction and has many driving components, such as electric actuators, where at least one such individual driving component must be provided for each function to be implemented. However, such a design results in a relatively large structural space occupied by the actuation device. However, since the prior art, in principle, requires a simple and compact, yet stable and reliable construction so that the actuation device can be integrated, for example, into the charging and / or refueling recess of the vehicle, such a complex and space-consuming solution cannot be used in modern vehicle design.

[0007] Therefore, the basic objective of this invention is to further develop an actuation device of the aforementioned type, such that, on the one hand, the actuation device requires relatively little structural space and has fewer, simpler components, while simultaneously being able to reliably and harmoniously perform several of the aforementioned functions without requiring different driving devices to achieve these functions. Furthermore, while a compact actuation device is required, a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the actuation device is also necessary.

[0008] According to the invention, this objective is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent claim 1, wherein advantageous improvements of the invention are described in corresponding dependent claims 2 to 14. In terms of components, the fundamental objective of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of parallel independent claim 15.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention particularly relates to an actuation device for a flip cover movably mounted on a member between a closed position and an open position, especially for an actuation device for a flip cover movably mounted in a recess of a vehicle. The actuation device has a first actuating element, wherein the first actuating element is fixedly fastened to the flip cover to rotate with the flip cover and wherein the first actuating element is movable with the flip cover. The actuation device also has a second actuating element, wherein the second actuating element is fastened to the member and wherein the second actuating element is rotatable relative to the member about a first axis of rotation. The second actuating element has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the direction of the axis of rotation. The first end is designed to interact with a driving mechanism.

[0010] For example, the first end may have at least a partial engagement system designed to interact with a complementary engagement system of the driving device.

[0011] The second end has at least partially a first locking or unlocking geometry. The first actuating element has at least partially a second locking or unlocking geometry, and the second actuating element is reversibly rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation by means of an engagement system at the first end, particularly the first end. The first and second locking or unlocking geometries of the first and second actuating elements are configured to interact such that the first actuating element locks with the second actuating element in the first orientation of the second actuating element and is unlocked from the second actuating element in the second orientation of the second actuating element.

[0012] The device according to the invention is characterized in particular by the ability to achieve different functions, such as conventionally locking and unlocking the flip cover, locking and unlocking against resistance, and locking and unlocking in an emergency, by a single motion or rotational movement initiated by a single driving element toward the actuating device, particularly the second actuating element. The first and second actuating elements have geometric features that interact with each other when a rotational movement is initiated toward the second actuating element by the driving element, so that the flip cover can be locked and unlocked, and this can be done either automatically or manually.

[0013] A further advantageous improvement to the device according to the invention is that the first locking or unlocking geometry has at least one helical groove, preferably two helical grooves, or at least one protrusion, preferably two protrusions. Preferably, the second locking or unlocking geometry has at least one protrusion, preferably two protrusions, or at least one helical groove, preferably two helical grooves. The at least one protrusion is designed to interact with the at least one groove, particularly to slide along the at least one helical groove.

[0014] Since one of the first and second actuating elements has the at least one protrusion, preferably both protrusions, and the other has the at least one helical groove, preferably both helical grooves, an actuation device can be provided in which, due to the rotation of the second actuating element, the first actuating element can move axially relative to the second actuating element along a first axis of rotation of the second actuating element, in which the at least one protrusion slides in the at least one helical groove. Thus, the first actuating element can be fixed or locked to the second actuating element in a first orientation by the operative connection of the at least one protrusion and the at least one helical groove, and can be unlocked or released from the second actuating element in a second orientation.

[0015] This eliminates the need for a push-push mechanism and places the second actuating element under superimposed axial and rotational movements. When the first actuating element is unlocked or detached from the second actuating element, the first actuating element (connected to the flip cover, such as a charging or refueling flip cover) continues to move with the flip cover and completely disengages from the second actuating element, thereby opening or unlocking the vehicle recess, such as a charging or refueling recess. The flip cover can be automatically pivoted to the open position when the first actuating element is unlocked from the second actuating element, for example, by means of spring force, by means of an additional driving mechanism (such as an electric actuator), or also by manual actuation.

[0016] An advantageous improvement to the actuation device according to the invention proposes that the first orientation of the second actuating element is arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the second orientation of the second actuating element. In this regard, for example, it is conceivable that the first orientation of the second actuating element and the second orientation of the second actuating element may differ by an angle of approximately 180°.

[0017] Thus, locking and unlocking of the first and second actuating elements can be achieved through simple rotation of the second actuating element. During rotation of approximately 180°, the at least one protrusion slides along the at least one helical groove. Here, the helical groove is designed such that the protrusion is fixed in the first orientation of the second actuating element by the helical groove and unlocked from the helical groove after approximately 180° rotation in the second orientation of the second actuating element, allowing the first actuating element to move away from the second actuating element with the flip-top movement.

[0018] A further advantageous improvement to the actuation device according to the invention proposes that the first actuating element is designed in a sleeve-like, particularly bolt-like or pot-like, manner, having a neck ring structure and a columnar central pin at least partially surrounded by the neck ring structure. The neck ring structure and the columnar central pin are preferably connected to each other via connecting spokes. Furthermore, the second actuating element is formed as a shaft, which is designed as a solid shaft or a hollow shaft.

[0019] Specifically, the first locking or unlocking geometry is formed on the outer or inner circumferential surface of the shaft. The second locking or unlocking geometry is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the neck ring structure or the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical center pin.

[0020] By employing this specific geometric design of the first and second actuating elements of the actuation device, a very compact yet efficient construction of the actuation device can be achieved. In the locked position, the second actuating element, designed as a shaft, is at least partially received at its second end within the sleeve-shaped first actuating element. The design of the locking or unlocking geometry can be determined corresponding to the outer wall or outer peripheral surface and the inner wall or inner peripheral surface of the actuating element. This is always done in such a way that two surfaces facing each other have the aforementioned geometry and can thus interact with each other.

[0021] Therefore, the at least one protrusion can be located at either the first actuating element or the second actuating element, and the at least one helical groove is correspondingly located at either the second actuating element or the first actuating element. The key point is that the at least one protrusion can always interact with or be guided within the at least one helical groove. In this context, when the second actuating element is designed as a hollow shaft, the corresponding locking or unlocking geometry can be designed either on the outer circumferential surface of the hollow shaft or on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft. Correspondingly, when the first actuating element is designed as a sleeve-shaped element with a collar structure and a columnar center pin at least partially surrounded by the collar structure, the corresponding locking or unlocking geometry can be formed either on the inner circumferential surface of the collar structure or on the outer circumferential surface of the columnar center pin. Thus, the arrangement or design of the locking or unlocking geometry of one actuating element is determined by the arrangement or design of the locking or unlocking geometry of the other actuating element.

[0022] An advantageous design of the actuation device according to the invention proposes that the surface or surface region, particularly the outer peripheral surface or outer peripheral surface region or the inner peripheral surface or inner peripheral surface region, on which the first locking or unlocking geometry or the second locking or unlocking geometry is formed, is at least partially, particularly in the region at the first or second end of the groove extension, in the case of a helical design, and wherein the plane defining the inclined surface region intersects the first rotation axis of the second actuation element.

[0023] Due to the special, angled design of the actuating element's surface in the region of the locking or unlocking geometry, in the case of a helical groove designed as a geometric feature, it is possible to manually lock the first and second actuating elements together in an emergency where the drive mechanism malfunctions. For this purpose, the first actuating element can be moved axially toward the second actuating element in the direction of the first rotation axis of the second actuating element by manually actuating the first actuating element or by a flap connected to the first actuating element. Here, the at least one protrusion can slide (on another actuating element, different from the one with the helical groove) on the angled surface at one end of the groove extension and thus enter the locked position without passing through the groove. Therefore, the second actuating element does not need to rotate to lock the first actuating element. Once the drive mechanism is functional again, the special design of the helical groove extension in the region of the second actuating element compensates for the actual rotation originally required for the locking process, without causing the at least one protrusion to lock in the at least one helical groove. Therefore, the at least one spiral groove is designed such that the at least one protrusion can slide along the other surface at the other end of the groove extension and thus be guided back to its initial position in the spiral groove, so that the subsequent unlocking process can be carried out normally again.

[0024] Another advantageous design of the actuation device according to the invention proposes that the first actuating element is elastically deformable, at least in the region in which the first locking or unlocking geometry is formed.

[0025] This makes it particularly advantageous in emergency situations to allow the locking or unlocking geometry to slide toward each other, because the first actuating element can at least partially avoid outward or inward movement, thereby simplifying the sliding process of the at least one protrusion along the inclined surface.

[0026] A further advantageous improvement to the actuation device according to the invention is proposed that the actuation device has a driving element for moving the second actuation element between a first orientation and a second orientation.

[0027] Specifically, the drive mechanism comprises a plate and a traction cable, particularly a Bowden line, fastened to the plate. The plate is capable of reversibly rotating about a second rotation axis extending parallel to the first rotation axis, resisting or by means of a spring force, between a first orientation and a second orientation. The plate has a meshing system that is complementary to and engages with a meshing system at the first end of the second actuating element. The first orientation of the plate corresponds to the first orientation of the second actuating element, and the second orientation of the plate corresponds to the second orientation of the second actuating element. The plate is capable of rotating between its first and second orientations, at least by means of the traction cable, particularly the Bowden line.

[0028] It is also proposed that the axial movement of the traction cable, especially the Bowden line, by about 10 mm corresponds to the rotation of the plate between its first and second orientations.

[0029] Another advantageous design of the device according to the invention proposes that the driving element has a driver in the form of an electric motor, which is directly connected to the plate and designed to rotate the plate between its first orientation and its second orientation; or the driving element has a driver in the form of an electric motor, which is connected to a traction cable, especially a Bowden line and designed to rotate the plate between its first orientation and its second orientation preferably by axial movement of the traction cable, especially the Bowden line.

[0030] By initiating only an initial movement to the plate of the drive mechanism, all functions of the actuation device can be reliably and coordinately performed sequentially. The initial movement can be initiated either directly by a drive in the form of an electric motor connected to the plate, or by a drive in the form of an electric motor connected to a traction cable and thus located remotely from the actuation device within the vehicle.

[0031] Various functions of the actuation device can be achieved through the different positions of the actuator in the form of an electric motor and / or the different positions of the traction cable. The plate can move between its first and second orientations, thereby initiating the movement of a second actuating element between its first and second orientations. However, it is also possible to stop the disc at any position between its first and second orientations and / or move it to only one of these positions by means of a traction cable or an actuator in the form of an electric motor. The actuator in the form of an electric motor can also be connected to a controller, allowing the different functions of the actuation device to be coordinated with the movement of the flip cover, or these movements to be initiated sequentially according to the movement of the flip cover and the desired function.

[0032] Another advantageous design of the actuation device according to the invention is that the driving element can be manually actuated, in particular by manual axial movement of a traction cable.

[0033] This allows for the following emergency operation if the drive or controller, in the form of an electric motor, fails: the actuation device ensures that, in such an emergency, the first actuating element can be manually locked together with the second actuating element or the first actuating element can be unlocked from the second actuating element. Preferably, such manual actuation is performed by axial movement of a traction cable, particularly a Bowden cable. The vehicle driver can, for example, manually actuate the traction cable or the connecting device or actuating device connected to the traction cable from inside the vehicle, thereby unlocking the first actuating element from the second actuating element. Locking the first actuating element and the second actuating element is accomplished by the inclined design of the locking or unlocking geometry of the surface, by manually initiating axial movement toward the first actuating element or the flip cover, as previously described.

[0034] A further advantageous improvement to the actuation device according to the invention proposes that the actuation device has a housing designed to be fastened to a member, wherein at least a first end of a second actuating element is received in the housing, and a second end of the second actuating element extends out of the housing. The second actuating element is rotatably mounted in the housing about a first rotation axis.

[0035] By using such a housing, the actuator can be secured to adjacent components with exceptional ease. It also reliably protects critical mechanisms from environmental influences such as moisture or dirt, thereby ensuring a longer service life for the actuator.

[0036] A further advantageous improvement to the device according to the invention is proposed in which the components of the actuating device are formed of plastic or metal.

[0037] Therefore, depending on the purpose and load of each component of the actuator, a suitable material can be selected that allows for reliable function and a long service life of the device.

[0038] According to another (second) aspect of the invention, a component having a flap movably mounted between a closed position and an open position, particularly a recess of a vehicle, the flap being movably mounted on the recess, the component having at least one actuating device of the aforementioned type, wherein a first actuating element of the actuating device is fastened to the flap and a second actuating element of the actuating device is fastened to the component.

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the actuation device according to the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] As shown in the attached figure:

[0041] Figure 1 An embodiment of the actuation device according to the invention in the locked position is shown schematically and in isometric view;

[0042] Figure 2 An embodiment of the actuation device according to the invention in the unlocked position is shown schematically and in isometric view;

[0043] Figure 3 Schematic and isometric view showing the situation without any partial housing. Figure 1 Embodiments of the device according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 Schematic and isometric view showing the situation without any partial housing. Figure 2 Embodiments of the device according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 Schematic and isometric view showing the situation without the housing according to Figure 1 and Figure 3 Embodiments of the device according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 Schematic and isometric view showing the situation without the housing according to Figure 2 and Figure 4 Embodiments of the device according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 An embodiment of the device according to the invention, without a housing, is shown schematically and in isometric view in the middle position;

[0048] Figure 8 Schematic and shown in partial view according to Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein a portion of the drive mechanism is shown in the lower housing portion;

[0049] Figure 9 Schematic and shown in partial view according to Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein a portion of the drive mechanism is shown in the lower housing portion;

[0050] Figure 10 Schematic and top view showing according to Figure 1 The bottom side of the actuator; and

[0051] Figure 11 Schematic and top view showing according to Figure 2 The bottom side of the actuation device according to the present invention.

[0052] See below for reference Figures 1 to 11 The illustrations in the figure illustrate an actuation device for a flip cover movably mounted on a component between a closed position and an open position, particularly an actuation device for a flip cover movably mounted in a recess of a vehicle.

[0053] It should be noted in principle that although the actuation device according to the invention is described below with reference to a vehicle or vehicle structure or body, the actuation device according to the invention can also be used with the aid of other systems and components not associated with a vehicle.

[0054] Modern vehicles are powered either by an internal combustion engine, a hybrid drive system, or a pure electric drive system. For this to be possible, the vehicle must be able to be refueled and / or charged from the outside. Therefore, refueling and / or charging connections accessible from the outside of the vehicle body are provided, through which the vehicle can be refueled and / or charged via connections to, for example, gas stations, charging stations, or conventional household electrical outlets.

[0055] These interfaces are typically located in recesses in the vehicle or body, which are generally covered or locked by a flap or cover that serves as a closure element. The flap can be moved or displaced between a closed position where the vehicle's recess is closed and an open position where the vehicle's recess is unlocked.

[0056] In order to unlock or lock such a flip cover to move between a closed position and an open position, an actuation device 1 according to the invention is provided.

[0057] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the actuating device 1 has a housing 2, which is composed of a first lower housing portion 2.1 and a second upper housing portion 2.2. The actuating device 1 can be fastened to or connected to a component via the housing 2. Such a component can be, for example, a recess in a vehicle, or other parts of the vehicle body. In principle, the component can also correspond to a recess or component of another system that is not a vehicle.

[0058] The actuating device 1 also has a first actuating element 3, which can be fastened or connected to a previously described flip cover (not shown in the figures) in such a way that the first actuating element 3 can move with the flip cover. The actuating device 1 also has a second actuating element 4, which can be fastened to a component (not shown in the figures) by means of the housing 2 and is rotatably mounted in the housing 2 about a first rotation axis relative to the component and the housing 2.

[0059] The second actuating element 2 is preferably formed as a shaft, which can be designed as a solid shaft or a hollow shaft. The second actuating element 4 is rotatable within the housing 2 about a first rotation axis between a first orientation and a second orientation. The first actuating element 3 is arranged axially movable relative to the second actuating element 4 along or in the direction of the first rotation axis. As the second actuating element 4 rotates about the first rotation axis between the first and second orientations, the first actuating element 3 moves axially relative to the second actuating element 4 between the first and second orientations along or in the direction of the first rotation axis. The first orientation represents the locked position of the first actuating element 3 and the second actuating element 4, and the second orientation represents the unlocked position of the first actuating element 3 from the second actuating element 4. Figures 1 to 7 The diagram shows two different positions of the first actuating element 3 relative to the second actuating element 4.

[0060] The first moving element 3 is designed in a sleeve-like, especially bolt-like or pot-like, manner, having a neck ring structure 10 and a columnar central pin 11 that is at least partially surrounded by the neck ring structure. The neck ring structure 10 is connected to the columnar central pin 11 via connecting spokes 12.

[0061] The following text elaborates on the function of the actuation device 1 in more detail, and describes other features of the actuation device 1 required to achieve its function. For better understanding, reference is made in particular to this description. Figures 3 to 11 Here, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Actuation device 1 is shown, but the upper housing portion 2.2 is not shown. Figures 5 to 7 An actuator 1 without a housing 2 is shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 A partial view of the actuation device is shown, and Figure 10 and Figure 11 A top view of the bottom side of housing 2 is shown.

[0062] The second actuating element 4 has a first end 5 and a second end 6 opposite to the first end 5 in the direction of the first rotation axis. A meshing system 7 is at least partially formed at the first end 5, or the first end 5 has at least partially a meshing system 7, which is designed to interact with a complementary meshing system 14 of the driving element. The second end 6 of the second actuating element 4 has at least partially a locking or unlocking geometry 8 (a first locking or unlocking geometry). The first end 5 and the second end 6 of the second actuating element 4 are connected to each other by an intermediate member, through which the second actuating element 4 can be mounted in the housing 2.

[0063] The first actuating element 3 also has, at least partially, a locking or unlocking geometry 9 (the second locking or unlocking geometry). The locking or unlocking geometry 9 constitutes a mating part of the locking or unlocking geometry 8 of the second actuating element 4, which corresponds to the aforementioned locking or unlocking geometry 8.

[0064] The second actuating element 4 is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation via a meshing system 7 at its first end 5, or by means of a driving mechanism. Rotation of the second actuating element 4 between the first and second orientations corresponds to approximately 180° of rotation of the second actuating element 4. To convert the rotational motion of the second actuating element 4 into axial movement of the first actuating element 3 along the first rotation axis, the locking or unlocking geometries 8 and 9 of the first and second actuating elements 3 and 4 are designed to interact during rotation of the second actuating element 4 between the first and second orientations and to allow guided axial displacement of the first actuating element 3.

[0065] In the first orientation of the second actuating element 4, the first actuating element 3 is locked to the second actuating element 4 in such a way that the first actuating element 3 cannot move axially away from the second actuating element 4 along the direction of the first rotation axis. In the second orientation of the second actuating element 4, the first actuating element 3 is unlocked from the second actuating element 4 in such a way that the first actuating element 3 can be completely released from the second actuating element 4 and moved away by the movement of the flip cover connected to the first actuating element 3.

[0066] To enable such locking and unlocking processes, the locking or unlocking geometries 8 and 9 of the first and second actuating elements 3, 4 are specifically designed or formed. One of the first and second actuating elements 3, 4 has at least one helical groove. Preferably, the corresponding locking or unlocking geometries 8, 9 have exactly two helical grooves, which are circumferentially formed on the surface of the corresponding actuating element 3, 4, particularly the inner or outer circumferential surface. The other of the first and second actuating elements 3, 4 has at least one protrusion. Preferably, the other of the first and second actuating elements 3, 4 has exactly two protrusions. The protrusions are designed to interact with the helical grooves. In particular, the protrusions can slide along the helical grooves and thus move within them.

[0067] The helical grooves extend along the surfaces of the corresponding actuators 3 and 4 in the direction of the first axis of rotation and each has a first end and a second end. In the case where there are exactly two helical grooves on the surfaces of the corresponding actuators 3 and 4, these grooves are designed to be offset from each other by approximately 180° on the surface and each extends across the surface by approximately 180°. Correspondingly, exactly two protrusions on the other surface of the other actuator 4 and 3 are also designed to be offset from each other by approximately 180° on the surface.

[0068] In the locked position, the second actuating element 4 is in its first orientation, and the first actuating element 3 is fixed to or attached to the second actuating element 4 in the locked position by means of the groove geometry or groove extension. Thus, if the second actuating element 4 moves or shifts in its second orientation, the first actuating element 3 is axially moved away from the second actuating element 4 along the direction of the rotation axis and displaced to the unlocked position by the forced guidance of the locking or unlocking geometry 8, 9. The first actuating element 3 can be released from or unlocked from the second actuating element 4 from approximately a 160° rotation angle (i.e., the first orientation of the second actuating element + 160° rotation angle) from the second actuating element 4's first orientation, such that the first actuating element 3 can be completely released or moved away from the second actuating element 4, for example, by the movement of the flip cover. Preferably, the first actuating element 3 is no longer in contact with the second actuating element 4 during the period between approximately 160° and approximately 180° when the second actuating element 4 rotates from its first orientation. Conversely, the first actuating element 3 does not contact the second actuating element 4, for example, by the movement of the flip cover, until the second actuating element 4 has rotated approximately 20° from its second orientation (i.e., the second orientation of the second actuating element + 20°).

[0069] Through the relatively simple rotational movement of the second actuating element 4, the first actuating element 3 can be either locked to or locked onto the second actuating element 4, or unlocked from the second actuating element 4. Thus, the vehicle's flap can be fixed to the vehicle structure or body in such a way that the flap will not be unintentionally unlocked and expose the vehicle's recess.

[0070] As previously mentioned, the rotational movement of the second actuating element 4 is initiated by a so-called driving device via a meshing system 7. The driving device has a plate 13 with a collar structure, wherein a meshing system 14 corresponding to the meshing system 7 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the collar structure. The plate 13 is rotatably mounted on the lower housing portion 2.1 of the housing 2 and is biased against the lower housing portion 2.2 by a spring 15, especially a support spring. A traction cable 16, especially a Bowden cable, is also fastened to the plate 13.

[0071] Plate 13 is rotatably mounted in housing 2, particularly in lower housing portion 2.2, between a first orientation and a second orientation about a second rotation axis, and can move between the first and second orientations against or by means of a spring force. The driving or rotation of plate 13 between the first and second orientations can be achieved in various ways. On one hand, a drive unit (not shown in the figures), particularly a drive in the form of an electric motor, can be provided at the traction cable 16 away from the actuating device 1, by which the cable 16 can be axially moved. Thus, by a preferred axial movement of approximately 10 mm in the traction cable 16, plate 13 can rotate between its first and second orientations. The first orientation of plate 13 corresponds to the first orientation of the second actuating element 4, and the second orientation of plate 13 corresponds to the second orientation of the second actuating element 4. When plate 13 moves from the first orientation to the second orientation, plate 13 rotates or moves against the force of spring 15, thereby causing the second actuating element 4 to rotate from the first orientation to the second orientation, and the first actuating element 3 to transfer from the locked position to the unlocked position. When plate 13 moves in the opposite direction from the second orientation to the first orientation, plate 13 rotates or moves by means of the force of spring 15, and thereby the second actuating element 4 moves from the second orientation back to the first orientation and the first actuating element 3 moves from the unlocked position back to the locked position.

[0072] According to the second embodiment, the traction cable 15 is not connected to a separate drive unit, but is provided with a drive unit, especially a driver in the form of an electric motor, which is directly connected to the plate 13 in such a way that the plate 13 can be rotated between its first orientation and its second orientation by means of the drive unit.

[0073] The previously described drive unit can be connected to or linked to the controller, allowing the actuator of plate 13 to be controlled fully automatically. For example, the drive unit can be instructed by the controller to move plate 13 (either directly or via traction cable 16) only a portion of its maximum travel path. This enables the various functions described above, such as regular locking and unlocking or movement against resistance (ice barriers or seals). The controller also allows control of the drive unit based on the flip-top movement, ensuring that various movements are coordinated and sequential, and that the actuator 1 or other components in contact with it are not damaged by unintentional movement.

[0074] As previously described, the locked and unlocked positions of the first actuating element 3 and the second actuating element 4 can also be achieved by manual actuation. This is necessary, for example, in cases where the previously described drive unit malfunctions, yet the actuating device 1 still needs to be locked or unlocked. To allow the first actuating element 3 to move from the unlocked position to the locked position in the event of a drive unit failure, the actuating device 1, or the actuating elements 3, 4 with helical grooves, has a surface or surface region 17 (or an outer or inner circumferential surface or region), particularly an inclined surface region located at the first or second end of the groove extension. The surface or surface region 17 is inclined such that the plane defining the inclined surface region 17 intersects the first axis of rotation of the second actuating element 4. This creates a ramp along which the other actuating element 4, 3, particularly the protrusion, can slide without requiring the second actuating element 4 to rotate.

[0075] In order to enable the emergency locking function to be implemented particularly easily and effortlessly, the first actuating element is designed to be at least partially elastically deformable, so that the protrusion can slide laterally along the first axis of rotation across the previously described inclined surface 17 or inclined surface area during manual locking and can therefore be pushed inward or outward.

[0076] On the other hand, the first actuating element 3 can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by manually actuating or moving the traction cable 16. For this purpose, the traction cable 16 can be easily pulled, thereby causing the plate 13 to move against the force of the spring 15 from its first orientation to its second orientation, causing the second actuating element 4 to rotate from the first orientation to the second orientation, and thus the first actuating element 3 is unlocked from the second actuating element 4. Alternatively, it can be proposed that the protrusion can be manually moved inward or outward and then the first actuating element 3 is released from the locked position or from the second actuating element 4 and unlocked by pulling, preferably by pulling the flip cover. Moving the protrusion inward or outward can be achieved, for example, by actuating additional components of the protrusion, in such a way that either the corresponding actuating elements 3, 4 are at least partially elastically deformable, or the protrusion is movably mounted on the structure of the actuating elements 3, 4.

[0077] In principle, protrusions or helical grooves can be provided on each of the first actuating element or the second actuating element 3, 4, wherein a protrusion is always formed on one of the actuating elements 3, 4 and a helical groove is formed on the other of the actuating elements 4, 2. When the second actuating element 4 is designed as a solid shaft, the locking or unlocking geometry 8 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. If the second actuating element 4 is designed as a hollow shaft, then the locking or unlocking geometry 8 can be provided either on the outer circumferential surface of the hollow shaft or on its inner circumferential surface. Similarly, it is possible for the locking or unlocking geometry 9 of the first actuating element 3 to be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the neck ring structure 10 or the outer circumferential surface of the columnar center pin 11. The appropriate design of the actuating elements 3, 4 can be selected according to the design of the surrounding component (such as a vehicle recess or vehicle flap).

[0078] The components of the actuator 1 can be made of either plastic or metal. The choice of material can be made in accordance with the frame conditions to be adopted for the actuator 1, thereby ensuring both high stability and functionality and a long service life.

[0079] The previously described actuation device 1 can be used with a component having a flap movably mounted between a closed position and an open position, particularly a vehicle recess (the recess having a flap movably mounted thereon). In such a case, the first actuating element 3 of the actuation device 1 is fastened to the flap and the second actuating element 4 of the actuation device 1 is fastened to the component.

[0080] In summary, this results in actuation device 1, by means of which the flip cover can be locked onto and unlocked from the component. Multiple functions, such as conventional locking and unlocking, resistance-resistant movement, and emergency operation, can be reliably achieved simply by initiating (outputting) movement to plate 13 or the second actuation element 4, without requiring a large number of complex components and actuators, each of which must be designed to perform its specific function.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to exemplary embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention, but is the result of a comprehensive consideration of all the features disclosed herein.

[0082] List of reference numerals

[0083] 1 Actuation device

[0084] 2. Shell

[0085] 2.1 Lower housing section

[0086] 2.2 Upper Shell Section

[0087] 3 First moving element

[0088] 4 Second Actuating Element

[0089] 5. The first end of the second actuating element

[0090] 6. The second end of the second actuating element

[0091] 7. Gear system

[0092] 8. Locking or unlocking geometry of the second actuating element

[0093] 9. Locking or unlocking geometry of the first moving element

[0094] 10. Neck ring structure

[0095] 11. Center cylindrical pin

[0096] 12 Connecting spokes

[0097] 13 boards

[0098] 14-plate meshing system

[0099] 15 Springs

[0100] 16. Traction cable

[0101] 17. Inclined surface or surface area

Claims

1. An actuation device (1) for a flip cover, the flip cover being mounted on a member such that the flip cover is movable between a closed position and an open position, the actuation device comprising: - A first actuating element (3), wherein the first actuating element (3) is fixedly fastened to the flip cover to rotate with the flip cover, and wherein the first actuating element (3) is movable with the flip cover; as well as - A second actuating element (4), wherein the second actuating element (4) is capable of being fastened to the member, and wherein the second actuating element (4) is capable of rotating relative to the member about a first rotation axis. The second actuating element (4) has a first end (5) and a second end (6) opposite to the first end (5) in the direction of the rotation axis. The first end (5) is configured to interact with the driving mechanism by means of a mechanism having a meshing system (7, 14). The second end (6) has at least partially a first locking or unlocking geometric feature (8). The first actuating element (3) has at least partially a second locking or unlocking geometry (9). The second actuating element (4) is reversibly rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation via the meshing system (7) at the first end (5), and The first locking or unlocking geometry (8) of the first actuating element (3) and the second locking or unlocking geometry (9) of the second actuating element (4) are configured to interact such that the first actuating element (3) locks to the second actuating element (4) in the first orientation of the second actuating element (4), and the first actuating element (3) unlocks from the second actuating element (4) in the second orientation of the second actuating element (4). The first actuating element is sleeve-shaped, having a neck ring structure and a columnar central pin at least partially surrounded by the neck ring, and the second actuating element is configured as a solid shaft or a hollow shaft. The neck ring structure extends axially along the side region of the pin and is radially spaced away from the side region of the pin.

2. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The first locking or unlocking geometry (8) has at least one spiral groove or at least one protrusion. The second locking or unlocking geometry (9) has at least one protrusion or at least one spiral groove, and The at least one protrusion is configured to interact with the at least one helical groove by sliding along the at least one helical groove.

3. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The first orientation of the second actuating element (4) is configured in a point-symmetric manner relative to the second orientation of the second actuating element (4), and the first orientation of the second actuating element (4) differs from the second orientation of the second actuating element (4) by an angle of approximately 180°.

4. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the neck ring structure (10) and the columnar center pin (11) are connected to each other via connecting spokes (12).

5. The actuation device (1) according to claim 4. The first locking or unlocking geometry (8) is configured on the outer or inner circumferential surface of the shaft, and The second locking or unlocking geometry (9) is configured on the inner circumferential surface of the neck ring structure (10) or on the outer circumferential surface of the columnar central pin (11).

6. The actuation device (1) according to claim 2. The surface or surface region (17) on which the first or second actuating element (3, 4) is configured with the first or second locking or unlocking geometry (8, 9) is inclined, and the plane defining the inclined surface region (17) intersects the first axis of rotation of the second actuating element (4).

7. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The first actuating element (3) is elastically deformable at least in the region where the first locking or unlocking geometry (9) is configured.

8. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The actuation device (1) further includes a driving mechanism for moving the second actuation element (4) between the first orientation and the second orientation.

9. The actuation device (1) according to claim 8. The drive unit has a plate (13) and a traction cable (16) fastened to the plate (13). The plate (13) is capable of reversibly rotating between the first and second orientations about a second rotation axis extending parallel to the first rotation axis, either against or by means of a spring force. The plate (13) has a meshing system (14) which is complementary to and engages with the meshing system (7) at the first end (5) of the second actuating element (4). The first orientation of the plate (13) corresponds to the first orientation of the second actuating element (4), and the second orientation of the plate (13) corresponds to the second orientation of the second actuating element (4). The plate (13) is capable of rotating between its first and second orientations at least by means of the traction cable (16).

10. The actuation device (1) according to claim 9. The approximately 10 mm axial movement of the traction cable (16) corresponds to a single rotation of the plate (13) between its first and second orientations.

11. The actuation device (1) according to claim 9. The driving device described therein has a driver in the form of an electric motor, which is directly coupled to the plate (13) and designed to rotate the plate (13) between its first orientation and its second orientation, or The drive device wherein the drive is a drive in the form of an electric motor, the drive being connected to the traction cable (16) and designed to rotate the plate (13) between its first orientation and a second orientation by axial movement of the traction cable (16).

12. The actuation device (1) according to claim 8. The drive mechanism can be manually actuated by the manual axial movement of the traction cable (16).

13. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The actuating device (1) has a housing (2, 2.1, 2.2) configured to be fastened to the member. At least the first end (5) of the second actuating element (4) is received in the housing (2, 2.1, 2.2). The second end (6) of the second actuating element (4) extends from the housing (2, 2.1, 2.2), and The second actuating element (4) is rotatably mounted in the housing (2, 2.1, 2.2) about the first rotation axis.

14. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The components of the actuation device (1) are made of plastic or metal.

15. A recess for a vehicle having a flap movably mounted between a closed position and an open position, and the component having an actuation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a first actuating element (3) of the actuation device (1) is fastened to the flap and a second actuating element (4) of the actuation device (1) is fastened to the component.

16. An actuation device for a flip cover, the flip cover being mounted on a member such that the flip cover is movable between a closed position and an open position, the actuation device comprising: - A first actuating element, the first actuating element being configured to be fixedly fastened to the flip cover to rotate with the flip cover, and wherein the first actuating element is configured to move with the flip cover; as well as - A second actuating element, configured to be fastened to the member and configured to rotate relative to the member about a first rotation axis. The second actuating element has a first end and a second end that is opposite to the first end in the direction of the rotation axis. The first end is configured to interact with the driving mechanism by means of a mechanism having a meshing system. The second end at least partially has a first locking or unlocking geometric feature. The first actuating element at least partially has a second locking or unlocking geometry. The second actuating element is reversibly rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation via the meshing system at the first end, and The first locking or unlocking geometry of the first actuating element and the second locking or unlocking geometry of the second actuating element are configured to interact such that the first actuating element is locked to the second actuating element in the first orientation of the second actuating element, and the first actuating element is unlocked from the second actuating element in the second orientation of the second actuating element. The actuation device further includes a driving device for moving the second actuation element between the first orientation and the second orientation; The drive device includes a plate and a traction cable fixed to the plate. The plate is capable of reversibly rotating about a second rotation axis extending parallel to the first rotation axis between the first and second orientations, resisting or aided by spring force. The plate has a meshing system that is complementary to and engages with the meshing system at the first end of the second actuating element. Wherein, the first orientation of the plate corresponds to the first orientation of the second actuating element, and the second orientation of the plate corresponds to the second orientation of the second actuating element, and The plate is capable of rotating between its first and second orientations, at least by means of the traction cable.

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