Drive assembly for driving a vehicle flap

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drive assembly, particularly a drive assembly for driving a flap (5), comprising: a hinge assembly (2) including a first hinge portion (3) capable of being connected to a vehicle body and a second hinge portion (4) capable of being connected to a vehicle flap (5); a coupling assembly (7) including at least a first coupling portion (8) that hinges the first hinge portion (3) to the second hinge portion (4); and a first actuator (10) for driving the second hinge portion (4) to move between an open position and a closed position during normal operation, the first actuator (10) having a first end (10a) and a second end (10b), the first end being pivotally coupled about a first pivot (P1). The actuator (10) is connected to the vehicle body; a support element (16) is connected to the first actuator (10); a coupling assembly (14) for coupling the first actuator (10) to the hinge assembly (2), the coupling assembly including a first coupling portion (15) having a first end (15a) and a second end (15b), the first end (15a) of the first coupling portion (15) being pivotally coupled about a second pivot (P2) to one of the second hinge portion (4) and the first connecting portion (8), wherein the support element (16) of the first actuator (10) is pivotally coupled about a third pivot (P3) spaced apart from the second pivot (P2) to the second end (15b) of the first coupling portion (15). The drive assembly provides the possibility of drivingly moving the vehicle flap between closed and open positions and also provides reliable pedestrian protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drive assembly, particularly a drive assembly for driving a flap. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a support element, particularly a support element for use in a drive assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In practice, drive assemblies with articulated components are known, which can be fixed to a first articulation on the vehicle body and a second articulation on the vehicle flap. For pivotally connecting the vehicle flap and the vehicle body, the articulated assembly also includes a connecting component disposed between the first and second articulations. In some cases, the connecting component is configured not only to allow the vehicle flap to pivot between open and closed positions, for example for inspecting the engine assembly, but also to allow the vehicle flap to be raised relative to the engine assembly or the vehicle body to provide particular protection for pedestrians in the event of an accident in which a pedestrian may suffer serious or even fatal injury from impacting the hard engine assembly located directly beneath the vehicle flap. Such a drive device for this purpose includes an actuator for driving the flap from a closed position to a raised position to provide pedestrian protection in the event of an accident. The actuators used are mostly configured as pyrotechnic actuators, which provide a rapid lifting movement of the flap to ensure safe and timely protection of pedestrians. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to use an additional actuator to drive the vehicle flap between the open and closed positions, because such an actuator is configured in most cases as a spindle drive, which provides the necessary force to move the flap from the fully closed position to the fully open position and vice versa, but it is not suitable for moving in such a fast way as the pyrotechnic actuators provided for pedestrian protection systems, and it may be damaged in the event of an accident that triggers the pyrotechnic actuator.

[0003] WO 2006 / 086960 A1 discloses a drive assembly for actuating a vehicle flap, comprising an articulation assembly having a first hinge portion connectable to one of a vehicle body and a vehicle flap, and a second hinge portion connectable to the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle flap. The drive assembly also includes a coupling assembly configured as a four-bar linkage pivotally connecting the first and second hinge portions. The drive assembly further includes a first actuator configured as a hydraulic drive coupled to the articulation assembly to move the articulation assembly between an open and closed position, the first actuator being connected between the vehicle body and the articulation assembly. A coupling assembly is disposed between the first actuator and the articulation assembly for coupling the first actuator to the articulation assembly. The coupling assembly includes a first coupling portion configured as a first lever connected at a first end to the first actuator. The first lever is pivotally connected to the first hinge portion and coupled at a second end, remote from the first actuator, to a second coupling portion pivotally connected to the second hinge portion. The second coupling portion is configured as a second lever, the first end of which is pivotally connected to the second hinge portion, and the second end of the second lever is pivotally connected to the second end of the first coupling portion. A disadvantage of the illustrated drive assembly is that it has two levers pivotally connected to each other to couple the first actuator to the hinge assembly. When the hinge assembly is lifted, the first lever is also rotated, thus applying a force to the first actuator. This could potentially damage components of the first actuator or inhibit the lifting motion, thereby failing to provide adequate pedestrian protection.

[0004] DE 10 2018 125 800 A1 describes a drive assembly for actuating a vehicle flap between open and closed positions. This known drive assembly includes a coupling assembly pivotally connecting the vehicle flap to a vehicle body, thereby allowing the flap to be pivotally coupled between open and closed positions and further allowing the flap to be moved to an elevated position to provide pedestrian protection, wherein the flap is spaced apart from the vehicle's engine assembly. The drive assembly also includes a first actuator pivotally coupled between the vehicle body and the vehicle flap for actuating the flap between the open and closed positions. Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a second actuator coupled between the vehicle body and the vehicle flap for actuating the flap to the elevated position to provide pedestrian protection. A first support element is fixedly connected to the vehicle flap, and a first actuator is pivotally connected to the support element for coupling the first actuator to the vehicle flap. The first support element includes a connection region for connecting the support element to the flap and a support region pivotally coupled to the first actuator. The support area includes a rectangular receiver in which a coupling member is arranged, to which a first actuator is pivotally coupled. The coupling member is axially movable within the receiver along the first support element, thereby causing one end of the first actuator coupled to the coupling member to also move axially along the first support element. This ensures that the length of the first actuator is almost unaffected when the second actuator rapidly moves the flap to the raised position, since the first end of the first actuator moves together with the coupling member of the first support element when the flap is activated in the pedestrian protection position. A biasing device is arranged within the receiver of the first support element to determine a first position of the coupling member within the receiver, corresponding to normal operation where the flap rotates between open and closed positions, and a second position corresponding to the active mode where the flap is rapidly moved to the raised position. The biasing device includes a first biasing member and a second biasing member facing each other, which preload a stop member abutting the coupling member, thereby preventing axial movement of the coupling member within the rectangular receiver of the first support element. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a drive assembly that provides the possibility of driving a vehicle flap between closed and open positions, and also provides reliable pedestrian protection.

[0006] The above-mentioned objectives are achieved by the improved drive assembly according to the first and second aspects of the present invention and the improved support element according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a drive assembly, particularly a drive assembly for driving a flap, is provided. The drive assembly includes a hinge assembly comprising a first hinge portion connectable to a vehicle body and a second hinge portion connectable to a vehicle flap, and a coupling assembly comprising at least a first connecting portion hinged to the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion. The drive assembly further includes a first actuator for driving the hinge assembly to move between an open and closed position in a normal operating mode, wherein the first actuator has a second end and a first end pivotally coupled to the vehicle body about a first pivot. Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a first support element connected to the first actuator and a coupling assembly for connecting the first actuator to the hinge assembly. The coupling assembly includes a first coupling portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first coupling portion is pivotally coupled to one of the second hinge portion and the first connecting portion about a second pivot. The drive assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the first support element of the first actuator is pivotally coupled to the second end of the first coupling portion about a third pivot, the third pivot being spaced apart from the second pivot.

[0008] Advantageously, the coupling assembly provides the possibility of changing the position of the first support element connected to the first actuator, such that the length of the first actuator remains unaffected when the hinge assembly moves between the closed position and the raised position driven by the second actuator, because the difference in length is compensated by the pivoting movement of the first coupling portion about the second pivot. Advantageously, the coupling assembly is adapted to reposition the third pivot, so that the first actuator is not forced to change its length when the hinge assembly is moved to the raised position. Therefore, no force exceeding a certain threshold will act on the first actuator, causing damage to the first actuator or restricting the lifting movement of the hinge assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the first actuator and the first coupling are arranged near the dead center position during normal operation, in which the first, second, and third pivots are substantially aligned in a straight line. Advantageously, this arrangement ensures that, at least during normal operation, the flap can be moved between the closed and open positions by the first actuator, and the relative positions of the three pivots are fixed because the force provided by the first actuator is guided along the straight line formed by the first, second, and third pivots.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the second pivot is axially positioned between the first and third pivots during normal operation. This further ensures that the relative positions of the first, second, and third pivots remain fixed when the first actuator drives the flap toward the open or closed position, and in particular, the first coupling portion does not pivot about the second pivot. Conversely, in active operation, the flap is moved by the second actuator to an elevated position to provide pedestrian protection, and the first coupling portion should be driven to rotate about the second pivot.

[0011] Therefore, during active operation, the second hinge can be moved relative to the first hinge to an elevated position to provide pedestrian protection. Preferably, during active operation, the first, second, and third pivots move out of their dead-center positions, forming a triangle. Advantageously, this movement provides compensation that would otherwise require compressing or extending the first actuator to allow lifting movement during active operation. Preferably, during active operation, the first coupling rotates about the second pivot.

[0012] Particularly preferred is that the coupling assembly includes a stop device. Preferably, the stop device includes a first stop element. Preferably, the first stop element abuts against one of the second hinge portion and the first connecting portion, with a first end of the first coupling portion coupled thereto. The stop device advantageously ensures that the first coupling portion cannot pivot further beyond the dead position in at least one direction about the second pivot axis. Therefore, the stop device advantageously restricts the pivoting movement of the first coupling portion. Advantageously, the first pivot, second pivot, and third pivot can extend beyond the dead position in at least one direction to ensure reliable movement of the second hinge portion and the flap between closed and open positions driven by the first actuator.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a drive assembly, particularly a drive assembly for driving a flap, is provided, comprising a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge portion connectable to a vehicle body. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge portion connectable to a vehicle flap. Furthermore, the hinge assembly includes a coupling assembly, which includes at least a first coupling portion pivotally connecting the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion. The drive assembly also includes a first actuator for driving the second hinge portion between an open and closed position during normal operation, wherein the first actuator has a second end and a first end pivotally connected to the vehicle body about a first pivot axis. Additionally, the drive assembly includes a coupling assembly for coupling the first actuator to the hinge assembly. The drive assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the second end of the first actuator is releasably coupled to one of the second hinge portion and the first coupling portion via the coupling assembly. Advantageously, the possibility of decoupling the first actuator from the articulated assembly makes it possible to add a second actuator that moves the articulated assembly between a closed and raised position during active operation without interfering with the first actuator, which would otherwise prevent or at least impede such movement of the articulated assembly. Advantageously, the vehicle flap can be driven by the first actuator between open and closed positions while providing pedestrian protection.

[0014] Preferably, the second hinge is moved to the closed position by driving the first actuator, thereby decoupling the first actuator from one of the second hinge and the first connecting part. Particularly preferred is that the first actuator is decoupled from one of the second hinge and the first connecting part after the second hinge has been moved to the fully closed position. Advantageously, this ensures that the first actuator is decoupled from the second hinge and the first connecting part after the first actuator has moved the second hinge and the flap to the fully closed position, because it is generally expected that the second hinge will move to the raised position under the drive of the second actuator when the flap is fully closed, i.e., during normal vehicle operation and in the event of an accident involving pedestrians.

[0015] Advantageously, a first connecting portion is arranged in the first coupling portion of the coupling assembly. Advantageously, one of the second hinge portion and the first connecting portion has a second connecting portion that can releasably engage with the first connecting portion. Particularly preferred is that the first connecting portion is configured as a tab. In a preferred embodiment, the second connecting portion is integral with one of the second hinge portion and the first connecting portion. Preferably, the second connecting portion is configured as a recess. Advantageously, the first connecting portion configured as a tab can be inserted into the recess to establish a connection between the first actuator and one of the second hinge portion and the first connecting portion. The connection can be disconnected again by removing the first connecting portion from the recess.

[0016] Preferably, the coupling assembly includes a first coupling portion having a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, wherein the first pivot arm of the first coupling portion is coupled to a second end of the first actuator. Preferably, the second pivot arm of the first coupling portion is releasably coupled to one of a second hinge portion and a first connecting portion. Preferably, the first coupling portion is rotatably coupled to the first hinge portion about a second pivot axis.

[0017] Suitablely, any of the above-described connecting components is configured as a four-bar linkage and includes a second connecting portion, wherein both the first and second connecting portions are configured as connecting arms pivotally connected between the first and second hinge portions.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, a support element is created, particularly for use in the aforementioned drive assembly. This support element includes a connecting section extending along a connecting axis for connecting the support element to the actuator of the drive assembly. The support element also includes a support section comprising a strip-shaped receiver extending along a longitudinal axis. The support is characterized in that the connecting axis and the longitudinal axis are radially spaced apart. Advantageously, this support element provides the possibility of repositioning relative to the actuator to compensate for forces acting on the actuator during the unfolding or raising movement of the vehicle flap, and the actuator body can move radially relative to the support section to provide optimal use of available installation space. In particular, the support element can also be mounted, for example, in the middle section of the actuator.

[0019] Preferably, the connecting section and the support section are connected by corner brackets. Preferably, a biasing device is arranged in the receiver. This biasing device preferably includes a first biasing element. According to the invention, this biasing element provides an obstruction to a second support element, connecting it to the support element, thereby defining two positions or configurations of the support element. The first position corresponds to normal operation, wherein the vehicle flap moves between open and closed positions. The second position corresponds to the position after the flap has been moved to the raised position to provide pedestrian protection.

[0020] Other advantages, embodiments, and features of the present invention are derived from the following description of preferred embodiments and the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments thereof.

[0022] Figure 1 A side view of a first preferred embodiment of the drive assembly according to the invention is shown, wherein the hinge assembly is in the closed position;

[0023] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The driving component in which the hinge component is in the open position;

[0024] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The driving component in which the hinge component is in the deployed position;

[0025] Figure 4 A side view of a second preferred embodiment of the drive device according to the invention is shown, wherein the hinge assembly is in the closed position;

[0026] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The driving component in which the hinge component is in the open position;

[0027] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 The drive component and hinge component are in the deployed position.

[0028] Figure 7 A preferred embodiment of the support element according to the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The supporting element in the middle is connected to the ball head pin in the first position;

[0030] Figure 9 The support element is shown, with the ball head pin in the second position. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A first preferred embodiment of the drive assembly 1 according to the invention is shown from the side. The drive assembly 1 includes a hinge assembly 2 having a first hinge portion 3 and a second hinge portion 4 for fixed connection to a vehicle body. The second hinge portion 4 is configured as a metal plate having a hinge section 4a and a fastening section 4b, wherein a vehicle flap 5 is pivotally connected to the fastening section 4b via a rotary joint 6. The rotary joint 6 is arranged on the side of the fastening section 4b away from the hinge section 4a. Figure 1 The hinge assembly 2 is in the closed position, in which the flap 5 completely covers, for example, the engine assembly of a vehicle. The fastening section 4b and the flap 5 are horizontally aligned in this closed position.

[0032] The hinge segment 4a of the second hinge portion 4 is connected to the connecting assembly 7, which pivotally connects the first hinge portion 3 and the second hinge portion 4. The connecting assembly 7 allows the second hinge portion 4 and the flap 5 to... Figure 1 The closing position shown and Figure 2 The vehicle flap moves between the indicated open positions, with the flap rotating around a predetermined angle.

[0033] Furthermore, the connecting assembly 7 allows the second hinge 4 and the vehicle flap 5 to move to... Figure 3 The raised position shown is for providing pedestrian protection. The connecting assembly 7 includes a first connecting portion 8 configured as a connecting arm, with a first end 8a pivotally connected to a first hinge portion 3 and a second end 8b pivotally connected to a second hinge portion 4.

[0034] The connecting assembly 7 also includes a second connecting portion 9 configured as a connecting arm, with a first end 9a pivotally connected to the first hinge portion 3 and a second end 9b pivotally connected to the second hinge portion 4. Therefore, the connecting assembly 7 is configured as a four-bar linkage, capable of providing upward lifting of the second hinge portion 4 and the vehicle flap 5. Figure 3 The raised position shown is possible, and the second hinge 4 and the flap 5 can also be moved normally between the closed and open positions.

[0035] The drive assembly 1 also includes a first actuator 10 configured for spindle drive, which moves the second hinge 4 and the connected vehicle flap 5 between open and closed positions. The first actuator 10 is extendable along its longitudinal axis X to actuate the hinge assembly 2 between closed and open positions. A first support element 11 is connected to a first end 10a of the first actuator 10 for pivotally connecting the first actuator 10 to the vehicle body about a first pivot P1. The first support element 11 is configured as a ball support connectable to a corresponding ball joint pin disposed on the vehicle body.

[0036] The first actuator 10 includes a housing 12 and a rod 13 that extends axially relative to the housing 12, such that the first actuator 10 can extend and retract along its longitudinal axis X. A second end 10b of the first actuator 10 is coupled to the second hinge 4 via a coupling assembly 14 disposed between the second end 10b of the first actuator 10 and the second hinge 4. The coupling assembly 14 is configured to advantageously ensure that the first actuator 10 is rapidly moved from the second hinge 4 to the vehicle flap 5 by the second actuator. Figure 3 The first actuator 10 is not damaged when it reaches the raised position shown. Because the first actuator 10 is configured to drive the main shaft, it cannot follow this rapid movement without being damaged by the high force generated by the second actuator, nor can it follow this rapid movement without significantly hindering the lifting movement driven by the second actuator.

[0037] The coupling assembly 14 includes a first coupling portion 15 configured as a strip-shaped pivot support, with a first end 15a of the first coupling portion pivotally coupled to a second hinge portion 4 about a second pivot P2. The first coupling portion 15 also has a second end 15b opposite to the first end 15a, the second end 15b of the first coupling portion 15 being coupled to a second end 10b of a first actuator 10. A second support element 16 is arranged at the second end 10b of the first actuator 10 such that the second end 15b of the first coupling portion 15 is pivotally coupled to the first actuator 10 about a third pivot P3. The second support element 16 is configured as a ball bearing, which is coupled to a corresponding ball head pin arranged at the second end 15b of the first coupling portion 15.

[0038] The coupling assembly 14 also includes a stop device 17. The stop device 17 includes a stop element 18 disposed at the lower edge of the first coupling portion 15. The stop element 18 is configured as a stop pin protruding from the first coupling portion 15, and abuts against the lower edge 4c of the second hinge portion 4. Therefore, the stop element 18 ensures that the first coupling portion 15 does not rotate about the second pivot P2 during normal operation of the drive assembly 1, during which only the drive movement of the vehicle flap between the open and closed positions should be actuated. In particular, the stop element 18 at least restricts the pivoting movement of the first coupling portion 15 toward the lower edge 4c of the second hinge portion 4.

[0039] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The drive component 1, wherein the hinge component 2 is in the open position. From Figure 2 It can be seen from this that, with Figure 1Compared to the closed position of the hinge assembly 2 shown, the first actuator 10, and particularly the actuator 13, is extended. During movement to the open position, the first coupling portion 15 does not rotate about the second pivot P2 because rotation is locked by a stop element 18 abutting the lower edge 4c of the second hinge portion 4. Therefore, the linear force generated by the extension of the first actuator 10 is fully utilized, moving the second hinge portion 4 and the flap 5 to the open position shown. The first coupling portion 15 rotates about the third pivot P3, thereby causing the second hinge portion 4 and the flap 5 to rotate about a predetermined angle.

[0040] When the rod 13 of the first actuator 10 retracts along its longitudinal axis X, the second hinge 4 and the flap 5 will move due to their weight. Figure 1 The closed position is shown. During the closing movement, the first coupling portion 15 does not rotate about the second pivot P2 because the stop element 18 is in close contact with the lower edge 4c of the second hinge portion. When the lever 13 is almost fully retracted, the first pivot P1, the second pivot P2, and the third pivot P3 will be almost aligned in a straight line. This means that the first coupling portion 15 is in a dead position with the first actuator 10, thus allowing a closing force to be applied to fully close the flap without the first coupling portion 15 rotating about the second pivot P2.

[0041] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The drive assembly 1 and hinge assembly 2 are in the raised or extended position. In this case, the second hinge 4 and the flap 5 are in the raised position relative to the first hinge 3 to provide pedestrian protection. In the raised position, the flap 5 rotates about the rotary joint 6, causing the flap 5 to tilt relative to the second hinge 4. It can be seen that, compared to the closed and open positions, the first coupling portion 15 of the coupling assembly 14 pivots about the second pivot P2, causing the stop element 18 fixed to the first coupling portion 15 to now be spaced apart from the lower edge 4c of the second hinge 4. In this position, the first pivot P1, the second pivot P2, and the third pivot P3 form a triangle. Advantageously, the distance between the first end 10a and the second end 10b of the first actuator 10, or the length of the first actuator 10, is related to... Figure 1 The closed positions shown are the same because the first coupling portion 15 is pivoted when the second support element 16, which is coupled to the second end 15b of the first coupling portion 15, is pivoted away from the second hinge portion 4.

[0042] Figure 4 A side view of a second embodiment of the drive assembly 101 according to a second aspect of the invention is shown, wherein the hinge assembly 102 is in the closed position. Identical or structurally similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, while those with… Figure 1Compared to the first embodiment of the driving component, the part that has undergone significant changes has been indicated by adding 100 reference numerals.

[0043] The drive assembly 101 includes an articulation assembly 102 having a first articulation portion 3 and a second articulation portion 4 that can be fixedly connected to the vehicle body. The second articulation portion 4 is configured as a metal plate having an articulated section 4a and a fastening section 4b, and the vehicle flap 5 is pivotally connected to the fastening section 4b via a rotary joint 6. The drive assembly 101 also includes a coupling assembly 107. The coupling assembly 107 includes a first coupling portion 108 configured as a linkage arm, with a first end 108a pivotally connected to the first articulation portion 3 and a second end 108b pivotally connected to the second articulation portion 4.

[0044] The connecting assembly 107 also includes a second connecting portion 9 configured as a linkage arm, with a first end 9a pivotally connected to the first hinge portion 3 and a second end 9b pivotally connected to the second hinge portion 4. Therefore, the connecting assembly 107 is configured as a four-bar linkage, capable of providing upward lifting of the second hinge portion 4 and the vehicle flap 5. Figure 6 The raised position shown is possible, and the second hinge 4 and the flap 5 can also be moved normally between the closed and open positions.

[0045] The drive assembly 101 also includes a first actuator 10 configured for spindle drive, which moves the second hinge 4 and the connected vehicle flap 5 between open and closed positions. A first support element 11 is connected to a first end 10a of the first actuator 10 for pivotally connecting the first actuator 10 to the vehicle body about a first pivot P1'. The first support element 11 is configured as a ball bearing.

[0046] The first actuator 10 also includes a housing 12 and a rod 13 that can extend axially relative to the housing 12, such that the first actuator 10 is extendable and compressible. The second end 10b of the first actuator 10 is coupled to the second hinge portion 4 via a coupling assembly 114 disposed between the second end 10b of the first actuator 10 and the coupling assembly 107.

[0047] The coupling assembly 114 includes a first coupling portion 115 configured as an L-shaped rotating bracket. The first coupling portion 115 has a first pivot arm 115a and a second pivot arm 115b, wherein the first pivot arm 115a and the second pivot arm 115b surround each other at an angle. The first coupling portion 115 is pivotally coupled to a first hinge portion 3 about a second pivot P2' disposed between the first pivot arm 115a and the second pivot arm 115b. Therefore, the first pivot arm 115a and the second pivot arm 115b can pivot about the second pivot P2'. The second end 10b of the first actuator 10 is pivotally coupled to the first pivot arm 115a about a third pivot P3'.

[0048] The coupling assembly 114 further includes a first connecting portion 19 fixed to the first coupling portion 115. The first connecting portion 19 is disposed at the end of the second pivot arm 115b away from the second pivot P2'. The coupling assembly 114 also includes a second connecting portion 20 disposed on the connecting assembly 107. Figure 4 In the preferred embodiment shown, the second connecting portion 20 is configured as a recess formed on the first connecting portion 108 configured as a connecting arm. Therefore, the second connecting portion 20 is integral with the first connecting portion 108. In the closed position, the first connecting portion 19 is configured as a pin. The first connecting portion 19 or pin is inserted into the recessed second connecting portion 20. Advantageously, when the first actuator 10 extends, the first coupling portion 115 rotates clockwise about the second pivot P2', and due to the insertion of the first connecting portion 19 into the second connecting portion 20, the first coupling portion 115 transmits force to the connecting assembly 107, causing the hinge assembly 102 to move... Figure 5 The opening position is shown.

[0049] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The drive assembly, hinge assembly 102, is in the open position. Due to the extension of the rod 13 of the first actuator 10 coupled to the first pivot arm 115a and the second pivot arm 115b of the first coupling portion 115, the first coupling portion 115 rotates about the second pivot P2'. Due to the connection between the first coupling portion 115 and the connecting assembly 107, especially the first connecting portion 108, and through the connection of the first connecting portion 19 and the second connecting portion 20, the first coupling portion 108 and the second connecting portion 9, together with the second hinge portion 4 and the flap 5, are moved to the open position.

[0050] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 The drive assembly in the middle, wherein the hinge assembly 102 and the connecting assembly 107 are in an elevated position. In this case, the second hinge 4 and the flap 5 are in an elevated position relative to the first hinge 3 to provide pedestrian protection. In the elevated position, the flap 5 rotates about the rotary joint 6, thereby tilting the flap 5 relative to the second hinge 4. It can be seen that, with Figure 4 Compared to the closed position shown, the first coupling portion 115 of the coupling assembly 114 does not rotate about the second pivot P2'. This is because in the closed position, the first connecting portion 19 is allowed to move toward the open end of the second connecting portion 20, which is configured as a recess, and the second connecting portion 20 and the first connecting portion 108 can rotate about the second pivot P2' away from the first connecting portion 19.

[0051] Therefore, when the connecting assembly 107 and the hinge assembly 102 are driven to the raised position as shown by the second actuator, the first connecting portion 108 can rotate about the second pivot P2' without being obstructed by the first coupling portion 115, because the first coupling portion 115 is disengaged from the connecting assembly 107, and in particular from the first coupling portion 108, at least in one direction. Advantageously, the coupling assembly 114 allows the assembly 102 and the connecting assembly 107 to move to the raised position because the first coupling portion 115 is decoupled during the raising movement.

[0052] Figure 7 A preferred embodiment of the support element 211 according to the invention is shown. The support element 211 is configured as a ball support, which includes a connecting segment 240 extending along the connecting axis C, so that the support element 211 can be connected by, for example, a crimping connection method. Figures 1 to 6 Either end 10a, 10b of the first actuator 10 of the drive assembly 1, 101 shown. Furthermore, the support element 211 includes a support section 241 having a strip-shaped receiver 242.

[0053] Receiver 242 extends along a longitudinal axis Y parallel to the connection axis C of connection segment 240. Receiver 242 is configured to receive... Figure 8 The corresponding ball-head pin is shown. A locking device 243 is arranged in the receiver 242 for locking the ball-head pin in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the receiver 242. The locking device 243 includes a clamping element 244 having two clamping legs 244a, 244b.

[0054] The connecting section 240 and the support section 241 are connected by a corner piece 245 arranged between them. The corner piece 245 is integral with the connecting section 240 and the support section 241 of the support element 211. Therefore, the longitudinal axis Y of the receiver 242 is radially spaced from the connecting axis C.

[0055] The support element 211 also includes a biasing device 250 disposed in the receiver 242 of the support section 241. The biasing device 250 includes a preload element 251 configured as a spring. The preload element 251 is disposed in the middle of the receiver 242. Advantageously, the preload element 251 is... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The ball head pin shown provides obstruction, allowing it to... Figure 8 The first position shown and Figure 9 The second position shown changes its position.

[0056] Figure 8A support element 211 connected to a ball joint pin 260 in a first position is shown. The ball joint pin 260 is held in the first position by a preload element 251. If a threshold force is applied to the support element 211 or the ball joint pin 260, particularly if the hinge assembly connected to the support element 211 is moved to an elevated position to provide pedestrian protection, the ball joint pin 260 can move along the longitudinal axis of the receiver 242, past the preload element in the receiver 242, and reach... Figure 9 The second position shown.

[0057] Figure 9 The support element 211 is shown with the ball head pin 260 in the second position. After passing the preload element 251, the ball head pin 260 moves to the second position along the longitudinal axis Y of the receiver 242.

[0058] The above description of the invention is based on one embodiment of the drive assembly, wherein the actuator element is configured to drive the spindle. It must be understood that the actuator can also be any type of extendable and compressible linear actuator.

[0059] The present invention has been described above with reference to various preferred embodiments, which have features, advantages, and details detailed in the accompanying drawings. It must be understood that any feature disclosed in any described embodiment, if technically reasonable, should be considered as also being disclosed in combination with another embodiment described above. In particular, alternatives to the coupling components described above for the first actuator and the hinge assembly can also be provided in combination or in part in the drive assembly according to the invention to achieve the desired technical effects.

[0060] It must be pointed out that normal operation of the hinge refers to regular opening and closing operations, without requiring any raising or partial raising of the flap in the event of a pedestrian impact.

Claims

1. A driving component for driving a flap (5), comprising: Hinged assembly (2; 102), which includes a first hinge (3) that can be connected to the vehicle body and a second hinge (4) that can be connected to the vehicle flap (5); The connecting assembly (7; 107) includes at least a first connecting part (8) that hinges the first hinge part (3) to the second hinge part (4); A first actuator (10) is used to drive the second hinge (4) to move between an open position and a closed position during normal operation. The first actuator (10) has a first end (10a) and a second end (10b), the first end being pivotally coupled to the vehicle body about a first pivot (P1; P1'). Support elements (11; 211) connected to the first actuator (10); A coupling assembly (14; 114) for coupling the first actuator (10) to the hinge assembly (2; 102), the coupling assembly including an integral first coupling portion (15) configured as a pivot support having a first end (15a; 115b) and a second end (15b; 115a), the first end (15a; 115b) of the first coupling portion (15; 115) being pivotally coupled about a second pivot (P2) to one of the second hinge portion (4) and the first connecting portion (8). The support element (11; 211) of the first actuator (10) is pivotally coupled to the second end (15b; 115a) of the first coupling part (15; 115) about a third pivot (P3; P3') spaced apart from the second pivot (P2).

2. The driving component according to claim 1, wherein, The first actuator (10) and the first coupling (15) are arranged to pass through the dead point position during normal operation, at which the first pivot (P1), the second pivot (P2) and the third pivot (P3) are arranged in a straight line.

3. The driving component according to claim 1, wherein, During normal operation, the second pivot (P2) is axially positioned between the first pivot (P1) and the third pivot (P3).

4. The driving component according to claim 1, wherein, During active operation providing pedestrian protection, the second hinge (4) can be moved to an elevated position relative to the first hinge (3).

5. The driving component according to claim 4, wherein, During the active operation, the first pivot (P1), the second pivot (P2), and the third pivot (P3) move past the dead point position, such that the first pivot (P1), the second pivot (P2), and the third pivot (P3) define a triangle.

6. The driving component according to claim 5, wherein, During the active operation, the first coupling portion (15) rotates about the second pivot (P2).

7. The driving component according to claim 1, wherein, The coupling assembly (14) includes a stop device (17).

8. The driving component according to claim 7, wherein, The stopping device (17) includes a stopping element (18) that abuts against one of the second hinge portion (4) and the first connecting portion (8), and a first end (15a) of the first coupling portion (15) is coupled to one of the second hinge portion (4) and the first connecting portion (8).

9. The driving component according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting assembly (7) is configured as a four-bar linkage and includes a second connecting part (9), wherein both the first connecting part (8) and the second connecting part (9) are configured as connecting arms pivotally connected between the first hinge part (3) and the second hinge part (4).

10. The driving component according to claim 1, wherein, The support element (211) includes a connecting section (240) extending along a connecting axis (C) to connect the support element (211) to the first actuator (10). The support element (211) includes a support section (241) including a strip-shaped receiver (242) extending along a longitudinal axis (Y). The connecting axis (C) and the longitudinal axis (Y) are radially spaced apart.

11. The driving component according to claim 1, wherein, The second end (10b) of the first actuator (10) is releasably coupled to one of the second hinge (4) and the first connection (108) via the coupling assembly (114).

12. The driving component according to claim 11, wherein, The first actuator (10) decouples itself from one of the second hinge (4) and the first connecting part (108) by actuating the first actuator (10) to drive the second hinge (4) to move to the closed position.

13. The driving component according to claim 11, wherein, After the second hinge (4) is moved to the fully closed position, the first actuator (10) is decoupled from one of the second hinge (4) and the first connecting part (108).

14. The driving component according to claim 11, wherein, The first connecting part (19) is arranged near the second end (10b) of the first actuator (10).

15. The drive component according to claim 14, wherein, One of the second hinge portion (4) and the first connecting portion (108) has a second connecting portion (20) that can be releasably engaged with the first connecting portion (19).

16. The drive component according to claim 14, wherein, The first connecting part (19) is configured as a pin.

17. The drive assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The second connecting portion (20) is configured as a recess.

18. The drive component according to claim 11, wherein, A support element (211) is connected to the first actuator (10). The support element (211) includes a connecting section (240) extending along a connecting axis (C) to connect the support element (211) to the first actuator (10), and a support section (241) having a strip-shaped receiver (242) extending along a longitudinal axis (Y). The connecting axis (C) and the longitudinal axis (Y) are radially spaced apart.

19. The drive assembly according to claim 18, wherein, The connecting section (240) and the supporting section (241) are connected by a corner piece (245).

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