Actuation device for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (1) for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, which has a locking and / or latching kinematics which cooperates with the cover. The actuating device has a housing (2) and an actuating part (3) which is received in the housing (2) and is movably supported relative to the housing (2). The actuating part (3) cooperates with the cover in such a way that, when the cover is moved between a closed position and an open position, the actuating part (3) performs a movement between a first position and a second position relative to the housing (2), wherein the actuating part (3) is in a locked state at the first position. The actuating device (1) further has an elastically deformable elastic system (4) which is associated with the actuating part (3), which has in particular a progressive spring characteristic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuation device for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, having a locking and / or stopping mechanism that works in conjunction with the cover. Background Technology

[0002] Such actuation devices are known, at least in principle, for example, from documents DE 10 2008 057 933 B4 or DE 102009 060 119 A1.

[0003] For example, in an actuator known from document DE 10 2009 060 119 A1, the locking and / or stopping motion is combined with the simultaneous rotational motion of a push rod. This is achieved by at least one helical groove on the push rod and by engaging at least one protrusion on the inner circumference of the actuator housing into the groove. The known actuator is characterized by a small number of parts and therefore a stable and inexpensive construction. Simultaneously, the actuator reliably ensures the necessary locking and unlocking of the flip cover, for example, during refueling or charging. Furthermore, the actuator can be combined with a central locking function.

[0004] Known actuating devices of the type described above typically have an axially movable push rod with a control bending portion on its outer periphery to achieve locking and / or stopping motion. During operation, a cover (e.g., a refueling cap) interacts with the actuating end of the actuating device protruding from the fuel tank opening.

[0005] In particular, in the closed state, the cover rests against the actuating end with its inner side. Based on the locking and / or locking motion, the actuating device can be brought to the unlocked position by pushing the cover toward the vehicle body, in which the actuating end further protrudes from the fuel tank opening and the cover is slightly raised from the vehicle body surface. Thus, the cover can be grasped by hand and fully pivoted open, for example. When the cover is subsequently closed and force is applied to the actuating end of the actuating device, the cover is brought back to the locked and / or locked position.

[0006] A drawback of actuators with locking and / or stopping mechanisms is that the cover may unintentionally unlock and then move to its open position. This is because it is unavoidable that forces are applied to the cover during vehicle operation and during assembly. An example of this is a washing system, which may apply force to the cover, particularly during drying or spin-drying, resulting in the cover being brought to its unlocked position and then unintentionally moving to its open position. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the problem upon which this invention is based is to safely prevent the cover from being opened unintentionally.

[0008] Therefore, based on this situation, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuation device of the type described above, in which unintentional opening of the cover can be safely avoided in an easily implemented but still efficient manner without reducing operational comfort.

[0009] According to the invention, this objective is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous improvements to the actuation device according to the invention are given in the dependent patent claims.

[0010] The present invention is particularly characterized in that, instead of a biasing elastic element (spring) with linear elastic characteristics, the actuation device of the present invention uses an elastically deformable elastic system with progressive or stepped elastic characteristics, thereby requiring a sufficiently large biasing force to be overcome to move the cover to its unlocked position. This sufficiently large biasing force safely prevents the cover from being accidentally unlocked.

[0011] In particular, the present invention includes an actuation device for opening and closing a cover (e.g., a refueling or charging cover) in or on a vehicle, having a locking and / or stopping mechanism that works in conjunction with the cover.

[0012] The actuating device particularly has a housing suitable for installation in a vehicle. Furthermore, the actuating device has an actuating component, particularly in the form of a push rod, wherein the actuating component is at least partially received within the housing and supported relative to the housing in a rotatable and / or translational manner. The actuating component interacts with and is particularly connected to or can be connected to the cover such that, when the cover moves between a closed position and an open position, the actuating component moves relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the actuating component is in a locked or locked state.

[0013] The actuation device also has an elastically deformable elastic system associated with the actuation component for biasing the actuation component in a direction toward a second position of the actuation component.

[0014] In particular, in the actuation device according to the invention, the locking and / or locking motion mechanism is designed such that when the actuating member moves further toward a third position relative to the housing from a first position of the actuating member, the locking or locking of the actuating member is released or can be released, or, for example, by means of a sensor and an actuator in communication with the sensor, the locking or locking of the actuating member begins to be released.

[0015] Various implementations have been considered for the locking and / or locking mechanism. In short, in the locked or locked position of the locking and / or locking mechanism, the cover is closed. If the locking or locking element of the cover is released, pressure on the cover can cause it to pivot partially outward (especially by unlocking the actuating element of the locking and / or locking mechanism). Thus, the elastically deformable system present in the locking and / or locking mechanism pushes the actuating element and thereby pushes the cover outward at a certain angle, allowing the cover to be grasped, for example, by hand and fully pivoted.

[0016] In a conceivable design, the locking and / or stopping motion mechanism uses a so-called control line that works in conjunction with a cardioid bend.

[0017] However, to reduce the number of components in the locking and / or locking motion mechanism, it is advantageous that the locking and / or locking motion mechanism has a ring surrounding the actuating member, which is axially fixed and rotatably supported in the housing. It is also preferred that at least one axially parallel groove is provided on the outer side of the actuating member and at least one protrusion is provided on the inner circumference of the ring, which engages with the groove by means of a large adjustment range of the actuating member, thereby maintaining the ring's rotational position in the region of the groove when the actuating member moves axially.

[0018] In this embodiment of the locking and / or locking motion mechanism, preferably, a first deflection surface extending inclined to the axis of the actuating member is also used on the actuating member between the groove of the actuating member and the actuating end. This first deflection surface works in conjunction with the protrusion of the ring and causes the ring to rotate by a predetermined value of angle when the actuating member moves into the housing with a predetermined first stroke.

[0019] In order to lock or lock the actuating component in a first position corresponding to the closed position of the cover, the actuating component preferably includes a recess that faces the actuating end at a certain circumferential distance from the first deflection surface. When the actuating component is released after the first stroke, the recess receives the protrusion, thereby locking the actuating component in the housing in the locked position after the return stroke.

[0020] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a second deflecting surface is provided on the actuating member between the locking recess and the actuating end, extending inclined to the axis of the actuating member. When the actuating member is further pushed into the housing from the locked position with a second stroke, the second deflecting surface works in conjunction with the protrusion, thereby rotating the ring by a further angle and aligning the protrusion with the recess, and enabling the actuating member to move to its first extended position.

[0021] Alternative locking and / or locking motion mechanisms are known, for example, from document DE 10 2018 123 949 A1.

[0022] To ensure that the actuating member is forcibly unlocked from the closed position of the cover and thus from the first (locked or locked) position of the actuating member, and to ensure that the cover is transferred to its open position, the actuating device according to the invention uses a deformable elastic system instead of a (single) elastic element (spring) with linear elastic characteristics, as in the previously described actuating devices or locking and / or locking motion mechanisms. In the actuating device according to the invention, the deformable elastic system is designed such that: when the actuating member is between the first and second positions, the actuating member is biased towards the second position with a first biasing force or a first biasing force range; and when the actuating member is between the first and third positions, the actuating member is biased towards the second position with a second biasing force or a second biasing force range.

[0023] In this context, it is particularly noted that the first bias force or range of the bias system is different from the second bias force or range of the bias system.

[0024] Preferably, the first bias pressure or the first bias pressure range of the bias system is smaller than the second bias pressure or the second bias pressure range.

[0025] Obviously, the advantage that can be obtained by means of the solution according to the invention is that by using an elastically deformable elastic system according to the invention, the actuating component is biased in a direction toward a second position of the actuating component by means of the elastic system (according to the position of the actuating component), and the sequence of events for unlocking and opening the cover can be adjusted in different ways for each application.

[0026] This makes it particularly possible that, when the actuating component is between the first and second positions, only a relatively small biasing force is applied to the cover or the actuating component in the direction of the second position towards the actuating component. In other words, only a relatively small biasing force needs to be overcome to move the cover from the open position to the closed position. This allows for particularly user-friendly operation when opening and closing the cover.

[0027] Furthermore, the advantage of such a structure is that when opening and closing the cover using an actuator, especially an electric motor-type actuator, only a relatively small force needs to be applied by the actuator to operate the cover, specifically to move it from the open position to the closed position. This, in turn, allows for the use of actuators with smaller structural dimensions.

[0028] On the other hand, the elastically deformable system according to the invention offers a decisive advantage: when the actuating member is between the first and third positions, the biasing force acting on the actuating member can be selected or adjusted to be relatively high. This ensures that the actuating member, and thus the cover, can only be moved from a closed and locked / locked position to an unlocked / released position when a considerable force is applied to the cover or the actuating member. This prevents unintentional unlocking / release of the cover, for example, on a washing line, in a simple yet efficient manner.

[0029] Advantageously, the first bias force and / or the second bias force of the elastically deformable elastic system are predetermined and, in particular, adjustable. This allows the response characteristics of the actuator and the resulting sequence of events for unlocking / releasing, opening, closing, and locking / stopping the cover to be adapted to the respective application.

[0030] In an easily implementable yet efficient manner, an elastically deformable elastic system with preferred progressive elastic characteristics is used as the elastically deformable elastic system, such that as the compression of the elastically deformable elastic system increases, the biasing force acting on the actuating component in the direction toward the second position of the actuating component increases.

[0031] For example, the progressive elastic characteristics of an elastically deformable system can be achieved by having at least one elastic element (spring), especially a metallic elastic element (spring), which has a conical or barrel-shaped design.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the elastically deformable elastic system may have a combined circuit of multiple individual elastic elements (springs), wherein these individual elastic elements (springs) are arranged in parallel and / or in series with each other and / or scattered among each other in the combined circuit. Alternatively or additionally, these individual elastic elements (springs) may be combined and connected in the combined circuit, such that the combined circuit has combined elastic characteristics.

[0033] In other implementations of the actuation device according to the invention, an air elastic element (spring) or a nitrogen elastic element (spring) is used as an elastically deformable elastic system, which preferably has progressive elastic characteristics.

[0034] According to the implementation of the actuation device of the present invention, the elastically deformable elastic system includes a first elastic system having at least a first elastic element and a second elastic system having at least a second elastic element. The first elastic system having at least one first elastic element is designed such that when the actuating member is between a first position and a second position, or when the actuating member is between a second position and a third position, the actuating member is biased towards the second position of the actuating member with a (first) biasing force.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second elastic system having at least one second elastic element is designed to bias the actuating member with a (second) biasing force in the direction of the second position of the actuating member only when the actuating member is between the first and third positions. In particular, when the actuating member is between the first and second positions, the second elastic system having at least one second elastic element does not apply a biasing force to the actuating member in the direction of the second position of the actuating member.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, a combined loop of the first elastic element and the second elastic element of the first elastic system and the second elastic system is used.

[0037] In this context, it is advantageously proposed that a second elastic system having at least one second elastic element is incorporated or integrated into the housing in such a way that the at least one second elastic element of the second elastic system is compressed or can be compressed by means of the actuating member only when the actuating member is in its first position or between the first and third positions.

[0038] However, it is also conceivable that the second elastic system has a spring-elastic component, and in particular a component made of a spring-elastic elastomer, as the at least one second elastic element, wherein the component is preferably arranged on the outside of the housing and is designed to contact the cover only when the actuating component is in its first position or between the first and third positions.

[0039] According to an alternative embodiment of the actuation device of the invention, the actuation device has a damper or elastic (spring) device that is at least partially encapsulated. The damper or elastic (spring) device that is at least partially encapsulated may be, for example, in the form of a single-tube damper or a double-tube damper or in the form of a cylinder-piston assembly, wherein other embodiments of the damper or elastic (spring) device are also conceivable.

[0040] In particular, the damper or elastic (spring) device used in the embodiment of the actuation device uses a first force transmission element in the direction toward the second position of the actuation member, and uses a second force transmission element spaced axially from the first force transmission element, wherein the first force transmission element is capable of moving relative to and toward the second force transmission element by overcoming biasing force.

[0041] In particular, this embodiment proposes that the elastically deformable elastic system has an elastic (spring) system for axially biasing the damper or elastic (spring) device, and especially the second force-transmitting element of the damper or elastic (spring) device, in a direction toward the second position of the actuating component. The damper or elastic (spring) device is also capable of axial movement relative to the housing (at least within a predetermined or determinable range of travel).

[0042] In this embodiment, the actuating component of the actuating device is formed, in particular, by a first force-transmitting element of a damper or elastic (spring) device.

[0043] In this context, it can be recognized that a stop is provided, preferably designed within the housing, wherein the stop is designed to limit the travel of the damper or elastic (spring) device toward the housing. The stop is specifically designed to block or prevent further movement of the second force-transmitting element of the damper or elastic (spring) device toward the housing when the actuating element (i.e., the first force-transmitting element) is in the first position.

[0044] Preferably, the elastic stiffness of the damper or elastic (spring) device should be stronger than the elastic stiffness of the elastic (spring) system of the elastically deformable elastic system.

[0045] In this embodiment of the actuation device according to the invention, it is also proposed that the damper or elastic (spring) device is designed as a fluid damper, for example in the form of an air damper / nitrogen damper or an oil damper.

[0046] An improvement to the actuation device according to the invention is proposed that the actuation device further comprises an actuator, particularly an electric motor-type actuator, for moving the cover between a closed position and an open position as needed after the actuation component has been unlocked.

[0047] In order to achieve automatic opening and closing of the cover, it is also recognized that the actuation device has sensors for detecting the first position, second position and / or third position of the actuation component.

[0048] The present invention also relates to a cover for a motor vehicle, the cover including an actuation device according to the invention. The cover may be a refueling and / or charging flip cover. Correspondingly, the present invention also relates to a refueling and / or charging flip cover assembly having an actuation device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the actuation device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the attached diagram:

[0051] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the actuation device according to the invention is shown schematically and in cross-sectional view, wherein the actuating component or cover is in a closed and locked / locked position (= first position of the actuating component).

[0052] Figure 2 Schematic and shown in cross-sectional view according to Figure 1 The first exemplary embodiment of the actuation device of the present invention is in the state in which the cover and the actuation member are in a compressed state for unlocking the actuation member (= the third position of the actuation member).

[0053] Figure 3 A first exemplary embodiment of the actuation device of the present invention is shown schematically and in cross-sectional view, however, in a state in which the cover and the actuation member are each in an open state (= the second position of the actuation member).

[0054] Figure 4 The elastic characteristic curves of an elastically deformable elastic system used in a first exemplary embodiment of the actuator are schematically shown.

[0055] Figure 5 A second exemplary embodiment of the actuation device according to the invention is shown schematically and in cross-sectional view, wherein the actuating component is in a closed and locked / locked position (= the first position of the actuating component).

[0056] Figure 6 Schematic and shown in cross-sectional view according to Figure 5 The second exemplary embodiment of the actuation device of the present invention is in the state in which the actuation member is in a compressed state for unlocking the actuation member (= the third position of the actuation member).

[0057] Figure 7 A second exemplary embodiment of the actuation device of the present invention is shown schematically and in cross-sectional view, however, in a state in which the actuating member is in the open state (= the second position of the actuating member).

[0058] Figure 8 A third exemplary embodiment of the actuation device according to the invention is shown schematically and in cross-sectional view, wherein the actuating component is in a closed and locked / locked position (= the first position of the actuating component);

[0059] Figure 9 Schematic and shown in cross-sectional view according to Figure 8 The third exemplary embodiment of the actuation device of the present invention, however, is in the state in which the actuating member is in a compressed state for unlocking the actuating member (= the third position of the actuating member); and

[0060] Figure 10 A third exemplary embodiment of the actuation device of the present invention is shown schematically and in cross-sectional view, however, in a state in which the actuating member is in the open state (= the second position of the actuating member). Detailed Implementation

[0061] First refer to Figures 1 to 4 The illustrations in the figure depict a first exemplary embodiment of the actuation device 1 according to the present invention.

[0062] The actuating device 1 has a housing 2 with an axial cavity that is nearly cylindrical, in which an actuating component 3, particularly in the form of a push rod, can be accommodated. Within this cavity is also a deformable elastic system 4, which takes the form of a helical spring with progressive elastic characteristics, supported at its lower end by a base. At the upper end of the helical spring, the helical spring surrounds, at its lower end, a peg-shaped element of the actuating component 3, particularly implemented as a push rod.

[0063] According to its Figures 1 to 3 The actuating component 3 extends to different lengths within the housing 2 at different locations.

[0064] According to Figure 1 In the illustration, the actuating component 3 is in its first locked / locked position and the cover (not shown in the figure) that works in conjunction with the actuating component 3 is in its closed position.

[0065] If the actuating component 3 is based on its Figure 1 The first locked / locked position is further pushed downwards into the housing 2 by pressure, then the elastic element (spring) of the elastically deformable elastic system 4 is further compressed and the actuating component 3 and the corresponding locking and / or locking motion mechanism are transferred to... Figure 2 The image shows a compressed and actuated state. In the actuating component 3... Figure 2 The third position shown indicates that the actuating component is in the unlocked state.

[0066] Next, based on the biasing force exerted on the actuating component 3 by the elastically deformable elastic system 4, the actuating component 3 and the cover are transferred together to the... Figure 3 The open position is shown in the figure, in which the actuating component 3 is in its second position.

[0067] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the middle, the blocking recess 14 can be seen on the outside of the actuating member 3. In the position where the actuating member 3 is locked / stopped in the housing 2, the blocking tongue 15 can engage with the blocking recess 14 to block the actuating member 3 and thus block the cover.

[0068] For this purpose, an electric motor 13, preferably housed in the housing 2, is used. This electric motor works with the blocking tongue 15 via gears and thus can adjust the blocking tongue between a blocking position engaged with the blocking recess 14 and a releasing position withdrawn from the blocking recess 14 in a direction that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the actuating member 3.

[0069] For manual unlocking, a rack may also be provided, which can be applied as needed, for example via Bowden wire (not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings), thereby allowing the blocking tongue 15 to be pulled out of the blocking recess 14, for example, in the event of a failure of the electric motor 13 or a power supply failure.

[0070] As already pointed out, in Figures 1 to 3 The actuation device 1 shown uses an elastically deformable system 4 with progressive elasticity (spring) characteristics to bias the actuating component 3 to... Figure 3 The second position shown in the diagram. Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the characteristic curves of the elastically deformable elastic system 4 used in a first exemplary embodiment of the actuation device 1.

[0071] Despite Figures 1 to 3 In the figure, the elastic element (spring) associated with the elastically deformable elastic system 4 has a cylindrical design, but the elastic element (spring) generally has a progressive elastic (spring) characteristic curve due to material properties not shown in the figures. This elastic (spring) characteristic curve is exemplarily shown in Figure 4 As shown in the figure. According to the progressive elastic (spring) characteristic curve, as compression increases, the bias force acting on the actuating component 3 increases.

[0072] Instead of elastic elements (springs) with a basic cylindrical shape and different materials, elastic elements (springs) with a tapered shape or a combination circuit with individual elastic elements (springs) can also be used as elastically deformable elastic systems 4.

[0073] See below for reference Figures 5 to 7 or Figures 8 to 10 The illustration illustrates an embodiment of the actuation device 1 according to the invention, wherein a combination circuit of individual elastic elements (springs) can be used as an elastically deformable elastic system 4 so as to achieve progressive elastic (spring) characteristics.

[0074] The following text will first refer to Figures 5 to 7 The illustrations in the figure provide a detailed description of another (second) exemplary embodiment of the actuation device 1 according to the present invention.

[0075] The actuator 1 has a housing 2, which is suitable for installation in a vehicle.

[0076] Furthermore, the actuating device 1 has an actuating member 3 that is at least partially received in the housing 2 and axially movably supported relative to the housing 2, wherein the actuating member 3 interacts with and is particularly connected to or can be connected to the cover, such that the actuating member 3 performs movement relative to the housing 2 between a first position and a second position when the cover moves axially between a closed position and an open position, wherein the actuating member 3 is in a locked / locked state in the first position.

[0077] exist Figure 5 The image shows the actuator 1 in the following state, in which the actuator 3 is in a first position, which corresponds to the closed position of the cover.

[0078] In comparison, Figure 7 The image shows an actuator 1 in a state in which the actuator 3 is in its second position, which corresponds to the open position of the cover.

[0079] Actuating component 3 in Figure 5 The (first) position shown in the diagram corresponds in particular to the locked / locked position of the actuating component 3.

[0080] In order to release the locking / locking of the actuating component 3, so that the actuating component 3 can then be released from... Figure 5 The first position shown in the middle Figure 7 The second position movement shown in the diagram requires the actuating component 3 to move further into the housing 2, and specifically, to move further into the housing 2 to a third position, such as... Figure 6 As indicated in the document.

[0081] exist Figures 5 to 7The locking and / or locking mechanism associated with the actuating device 1 is not shown. The locking and / or locking mechanism is preferably the locking and / or locking mechanism described, for example, in document DE 10 2018 123 945 A1 or document DE 10 2008 057933 A1.

[0082] As in Figures 5 to 7 As indicated in the document, an exemplary embodiment of the actuation device 1 shown therein has an elastically deformable elastic system 4 associated with the actuation member 3, so as to correspondingly orient the actuation member 3 toward a second position (see [reference]). Figure 7 Bias shift.

[0083] Specifically, the elastically deformable elastic system 4 is designed such that when the actuating member 3 is between the first position and the second position, the actuating member 3 is biased with a first (relatively small) biasing force in the direction toward the second position of the actuating member 3; and when the actuating member 3 is between the second position and the third position, the actuating member 3 is biased with a second (relatively large) biasing force in the direction toward the second position of the actuating member 3.

[0084] To achieve the bias mechanism, Figures 5 to 7 In the embodiments shown, a damper or elastic (spring) device 7, which is at least partially encapsulated, is used.

[0085] exist Figures 5 to 7 In the embodiment shown, the damper or elastic (spring) device 7 is implemented as a cylinder-piston assembly and has a first force transmission element 8 in the direction toward the second position of the actuating member 3 and a second force transmission element 9 spaced axially from the first force transmission element. It is proposed that an elastic (spring) element 10 is arranged between the first force transmission element 8 and the second force transmission element 9 to bias the first force transmission element 8 toward the second force transmission element 9, such that the first force transmission element 8 can only move relative to and toward the second force transmission element 9 if the biasing force of the elastic (spring) element 10 is overcome.

[0086] In addition, Figures 5 to 7 The embodiment shown uses an additional elastic (spring) system 11 associated with the elastically deformable elastic system 4, in order to direct the direction toward the second position of the actuating member 3 (see [link]). Figure 7 The damper or elastic (spring) device 7 is axially biased. Here, the damper or elastic (spring) device 7 is at least partially axially movable relative to the housing 2.

[0087] In this context, it is particularly noted that the actuating component 3 of the actuating device 1 is composed of a first force transmission element of a damper or elastic (spring) device 7.

[0088] As in Figures 5 to 7 As shown in the illustration, this embodiment also includes a stop 12, which is preferably designed into the housing 2. The stop 12 is designed to limit the travel of the damper or elastic (spring) device 7 into the housing 2.

[0089] In particular, the stop member 12 is designed such that when the first force transmission element 8, which performs the function of the actuating component 3, is in its first position (see... Figure 5 This blocks or prevents the second force transmission element of the damper or elastic (spring) device 7 from moving further into the housing 2. When the actuating member 3 is pushed further into the housing 2 to unlock the locking and / or locking mechanism or to unlock the actuating member 3, the biasing force exerted by the elastic (spring) element 10 arranged in the damper or elastic (spring) device 7 must be overcome.

[0090] The biasing force or elastic (spring) stiffness of the elastic (spring) element 10 of the damper or elastic (spring) device 7 is preferably greater than the elastic (spring) stiffness of the elastic (spring) system 11 of the elastically deformable elastic system 4.

[0091] See below for reference Figures 8 to 10 Another embodiment of the actuation device 1 according to the present invention will be described.

[0092] In terms of structure, this implementation is largely the same as the previously referenced Figures 5 to 7 The implementation described in the illustration corresponds to the different design scheme of the combined circuit of individual elastic elements (springs) 5 and 6.

[0093] In the actuator 1 according to the present invention Figures 8 to 10 The embodiment shown in the figure specifically proposes that: the elastically deformable elastic system 4 has a first elastic (spring) system 5 with at least one first elastic (spring) element and a second elastic (spring) system 6 with at least one second elastic (spring) element.

[0094] The first elastic (spring) system 5 has at least one first elastic (spring) element and is designed such that: when the actuating member 3 is between the first position and the second position, or when the actuating member 3 is between the second position and the third position, the direction toward the second position of the actuating member 3 (see...) Figure 10 The actuator 3 of the actuator device 1 is biased by a biasing force.

[0095] In contrast, the second elastic (spring) system 6 has at least one second elastic (spring) element and is designed such that the actuator 3 is biased toward the second position of the actuator 3 only when the actuator 3 is between the first position and the third position, and in particular, the actuator 3 is not biased toward the second position of the actuator 3 when the actuator 3 is between the first position and the second position.

[0096] exist Figures 8 to 10 In another embodiment of the actuation device 1 according to the invention, which is schematically shown in the figure, the second elastic (spring) system 6 is formed with at least one second elastic (spring) and is received or integrated in the housing 2 in such a way that the at least one second elastic element (spring) of the second elastic (spring) system 6 is compressed by means of the actuation member 3 or can be compressed by the actuation member 3 only when the actuation member 3 is in its first position or between the first position and the third position.

[0097] However, instead of the second elastic (spring) system 6 being accepted or integrated into the housing 2, it is also conceivable that the second elastic (spring) system has a spring-elastic component, and in particular a component made of a spring-elastic elastomer, as the second elastic (spring) element, which is preferably arranged on the outside of the housing 2 and is designed to contact the cover only when the actuating component 3 is in its first position or between the first and third positions.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but is derived from an overview of all the features disclosed herein.

[0099] List of reference numerals

[0100] 1 Actuation device

[0101] 2. Shell

[0102] 3 Actuating components

[0103] 4. Elastic systems capable of elastic deformation

[0104] 5. First elastic (spring) system

[0105] 6. Second elastic (spring) system

[0106] 7. Dampers or elastic (spring) devices

[0107] 8 First force transmission element

[0108] 9 Second force transmission element

[0109] 10. Elastic (spring) element of damper or elastic (spring) device

[0110] 11. Elastic (Spring) System

[0111] 12 Stop components

[0112] 13 Electric motors

[0113] 14 blocking recess

[0114] 15. Blocking the bolt

Claims

1. An actuating device (1) for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, the actuating device having a locking motion mechanism that acts in conjunction with the cover, wherein the actuating device (1) comprises: - Housing (2), the housing being adapted to be installed in a vehicle, - An actuating component (3), which is at least partially received in the housing (2) and axially supported relative to the housing (2), wherein the actuating component (3) interacts with the cover in such a way that, as the cover moves between a closed position and an open position, the actuating component (3) moves relative to the housing (2) between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the actuating component (3) is in a locked state; and - An elastically deformable elastic system (4) associated with the actuating component (3), the elastic system being used to bias the actuating component (3) toward the second position of the actuating component (3). The locking mechanism is designed such that when the actuating component (3) moves further into the housing (2) towards a third position from its first position, the lock on the actuating component (3) is released or can be released, and / or the lock on the actuating component (3) begins to be released. The elastic system (4) is designed such that when the actuating component (3) is between the first position and the second position, the actuating component (3) is biased toward the second position of the actuating component (3) with a first biasing force; and when the actuating component (3) is between the first position and the third position, the actuating component (3) is biased toward the second position of the actuating component (3) with a second biasing force, wherein the first biasing force is different from the second biasing force.

2. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The first bias force and / or the second bias force can be predetermined.

3. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The elastic system (4) has such elastic characteristics that as the compression of the elastic system increases, the bias force acting on the actuating component (3) increases.

4. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The elastic system (4) includes at least one elastic element having a conical or barrel-shaped design.

5. The actuation device (1) according to claim 4. The at least one elastic element is a metallic elastic element.

6. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The elastic system (4) includes a combined loop of multiple individual elastic elements, wherein the individual elastic elements are arranged in parallel and / or in series with each other and / or at least partially scattered in the combined loop, and / or wherein the individual elastic elements are connected in a combined manner in the combined loop such that the combined loop has combined elastic characteristics.

7. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The elastic system (4) mentioned therein includes an air elastic element or a nitrogen elastic element.

8. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The elastic system (4) includes a first elastic system (5) having at least a first elastic element and a second elastic system (6) having at least a second elastic element, wherein the first elastic system (5) is formed with the at least one first elastic element and is designed to bias the actuating member (3) toward the second position of the actuating member (3) with a biasing force when the actuating member (3) is between the first position and the second position or when the actuating member (3) is between the second position and the third position, and The second elastic system (6) is formed with at least one second elastic element and is designed such that the actuating member (3) is biased toward the second position of the actuating member (3) only when the actuating member (3) is between the first position and the third position.

9. The actuation device (1) according to claim 8. The second elastic system (6) is designed such that when the actuating component (3) is between the first position and the second position, the actuating component (3) is not biased toward the second position of the actuating component (3).

10. The actuation device (1) according to claim 8. The second elastic system (6) is formed with the at least one second elastic element and is received or integrated in the housing (2) in such a way that the at least one second elastic element of the second elastic system (6) is compressed by the actuating member (3) only when the actuating member (3) is in its first position or between the first position and the third position.

11. The actuation device (1) according to claim 8. The second elastic system (6) is formed with the at least one second elastic element and is received or integrated in the housing (2) in such a way that the at least one second elastic element of the second elastic system (6) can be compressed only when the actuating member (3) is in its first position or between the first position and the third position.

12. The actuation device (1) according to claim 8. The second elastic system (6) includes a spring-elastic component as the second elastic element, the component being arranged outside the housing (2) and designed to contact the cover only when the actuating component (3) is in its first position or between the first position and the third position.

13. The actuation device (1) according to claim 12. The component described therein is made of a spring-elastic body.

14. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The actuating device (1) includes a damper or elastic device (7) that encapsulates an elastic element of the elastic system. The damper or elastic device (7) is axially movable relative to the housing (2) and includes a first force transmission element (8) toward the second position of the actuating member (3) and a second force transmission element (9) spaced axially from the first force transmission element. The first force transmission element (8) is movable relative to and toward the second force transmission element (9) in the event of overcoming biasing force. The elastic system (4) includes an additional elastic system (11) for axially biasing the damper or elastic device (7) toward the second position of the actuating member (3).

15. The actuation device (1) according to claim 14. The damper or elastic device (7) is a damper, which is in the form of a single-tube or double-tube damper or a cylinder-piston assembly, and / or The elastic system described herein comprises a combined loop formed by connecting the elastic element and at least one other elastic element in series.

16. The actuation device (1) according to claim 14. The actuating component (3) is formed by the first force-transmitting element (8) of the damper or elastic device (7), and wherein, A stop (12) is provided, wherein the stop (12) is configured to limit the travel of the second force transmission element (9) of the damper or elastic device (7) toward the housing (2).

17. The actuation device (1) according to claim 16. The stop member is formed in the housing (2), and / or The stop (12) is configured to prevent further movement of the second force transmission element of the damper or elastic device (7) into the housing (2) when the actuating member (3) is in its first position.

18. The actuation device (1) according to claim 14. The damper or elastic device (7) is an elastic device whose elastic stiffness is stronger than that of the additional elastic system (11) of the elastic system (4).

19. The actuation device (1) according to claim 18. The damper or elastic device (7) therein is a damper, which is configured as a fluid damper.

20. The actuation device (1) according to claim 19. The fluid damper is in the form of an air damper, a nitrogen damper, or an oil damper.

21. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The actuation device (1) further includes an actuator for moving the cover between the closed position and the open position as needed after the actuation component (3) is unlocked.

22. The actuation device (1) according to claim 21. The actuator mentioned above is an electric motor type actuator.

23. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The actuation device further includes a sensor for detecting the first position, the second position and / or the third position of the actuation component (3).

24. The actuation device (1) according to claim 1. The actuating component (3) is axially supported relative to the housing (2) in a manner that allows for rotatable and / or translational movement, and / or The actuating component (3) is in the form of a push rod, and / or The actuating component (3) is connected to or can be connected to the cover, and / or The elastic system (4) is used to axially bias the actuating component (3), and / or The first bias pressure is less than the second bias pressure.

25. The actuation device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating component is connected to or can be connected to the cover, and The actuation device includes a damper or elastic device, wherein the damper or elastic device is axially movable relative to the housing and includes a first force-transmitting element toward the second position of the actuation member and a second force-transmitting element spaced axially from the first force-transmitting element, wherein the elastic system is configured to provide an internal elastic force between the first force-transmitting element and the second force-transmitting element, wherein the first force-transmitting element is movable relative to and toward the second force-transmitting element against a biasing force, wherein the elastic system axially biases the damper or elastic device toward the second position of the actuation member.

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