Damping supporting rod mechanism with locking function for automobile side opening tail door

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automobile parts, in particular to an automobile side opening tail door damping supporting rod mechanism with a locking function. One end of the inner supporting pipe is embedded in the outer sleeve, and the inner supporting pipe is freely arranged on the outer sleeve in a telescopic mode; and the transmission unit is used for guiding the inner supporting tube to move so as to change the elongation of the inner supporting tube on the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve and the inner supporting pipe are arranged to be of a telescopic structure, the inner supporting pipe can stretch out and retract on the outer sleeve, then the inner supporting pipe is guided to move through the transmission unit, the connecting mode of all the parts is improved, and therefore the number of the parts can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automobile parts, and more particularly to a damping strut mechanism with a locking function for a side-opening tailgate of an automobile. Background Art

[0002] The car strut is an indispensable part of the car. The extension and contraction of the strut drive the opening and closing of the car tailgate (rear cover).

[0003] At present, the tailgates of some cars all use electric struts to open and close the tailgates. However, the cost of electric struts is relatively high, so manually controlled struts also have a large market prospect. The Chinese invention patent application with publication number CN120100277A discloses a strut assembly, a tailgate assembly and a car, which include a sleeve, a telescopic member and an elastic member; wherein the telescopic member includes a cylinder and a piston rod; at least part of the structure of the cylinder is passed through the sleeve through an opening; one end of the piston rod is slidably connected to the cylinder, and the other end is passed through the sleeve through the opening and connected to the sleeve; the elastic member is arranged on at least part of the structure of the cylinder passed through the sleeve, and is slidably connected to the sleeve along the axial direction; wherein matching recesses and protrusions are provided between the mating surfaces of the elastic member and the sleeve; one of the recesses and protrusions is provided on the inner wall of the sleeve, and multiple recesses and protrusions are provided in sequence along the axial direction; the other is provided on the outer wall of the elastic member; the elastic member has a locking state that restricts the sleeve from sliding axially; in the locked state, at least part of the structure of the protrusion is embedded in the recess; when the piston rod is extended or shortened, it is suitable for driving the sleeve to slide axially and releasing the locking state of the elastic member.

[0004] However, the stability of this strut during the extension and retraction process is not ideal. The sleeve and cylinder are connected by a sleeve. After a long time, the two are prone to shaking during extension and retraction, affecting the user experience. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a damping strut mechanism with locking for a side-opening tailgate of an automobile, so as to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background technology.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention proposes a damping strut mechanism with locking for a side-opening tailgate of an automobile, comprising: outer sleeve; An inner support tube, one end of which is embedded in the outer sleeve, and the inner support tube is freely telescopically arranged on the outer sleeve; and a transmission unit for guiding the inner support tube to move so as to change the elongation of the inner support tube on the outer sleeve.

[0007] In the above technical solution, further, the transmission unit includes: A screw rod, one end of which passes through the outer sleeve and extends into the inner support tube; The screw nut is provided on the screw and is limited in the circumferential direction by the outer sleeve; The screw nut is connected to the inner support tube, and one end of the screw extends into the inner support tube and is slidably arranged with the inner support tube.

[0008] In any of the above technical solutions, further, the transmission unit further includes: shell; The end of the outer sleeve is arranged on the outer shell; the end of the screw rod is rotatably arranged in the outer shell through a bearing.

[0009] In any of the above technical solutions, further, the transmission unit further includes: The damper is arranged on the screw rod and is located in the shell.

[0010] In any of the above technical solutions, further, the protruding end of the inner support tube has a port connected to the outside world; When the transmission unit guides the inner support tube to move, the gas in the inner support tube is squeezed outward through the port or the external gas is sucked into the inner support tube through the port.

[0011] In any of the above technical solutions, further comprising: The locking unit is provided on the port and is used to open and close the port.

[0012] In any of the above technical solutions, further, the locking unit includes: Air valve, used to open and close the port.

[0013] In any of the above technical solutions, further, a connecting portion is provided at the end opening of the inner support tube, and the port is located at a side end of the connecting portion; The locking unit also includes: The switch handle is sleeve-shaped and sleeved on the inner support tube and the connecting portion, and the switch handle can rotate circumferentially relative to the inner support tube and the connecting portion; The gas valve is arranged on the switch handle, and a notch is also arranged on the switch handle; Turn the switch handle. When the air valve is turned to face the port, the port is closed. When the notch faces the port, the port is opened.

[0014] In any of the above technical solutions, further, a grip portion is provided on the switch handle.

[0015] Beneficial effect: Compared with the existing technology, the outer sleeve and the inner support tube are set as a telescopic structure, the inner support tube can be extended and retracted on the outer sleeve, and then the inner support tube is guided and moved by the transmission unit. By improving the connection method of each component, the use of components can be reduced.

[0016] By providing a locking unit, the support rod can be suspended at any position, thereby improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking unit of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the locking unit of the present invention.

[0019] The following are the descriptions of the reference numerals: 1. Outer sleeve; 2. Inner support tube; 21. Port; 22. Connecting part; 3. Transmission unit; 31. Screw; 311. Sealing rubber ring; 32. Screw nut; 33. Housing; 34. Damper; 4. Locking unit; 41. Air valve; 42. Switch handle; 421. Notch; 422. Ear plate; 423. Grip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Below, example embodiments according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the example embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that, as shown in this application and the claims, unless the context clearly indicates an exception, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not refer to the singular and may include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprise" and "include" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements specifically identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. A method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0022] If the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), such directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0023] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0024] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing throughout the text includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0025] Currently, some car tailgates use electric props to open and close the tailgate. However, electric props are relatively expensive. Therefore, manually controlled props have a greater market prospect. Therefore, this application proposes a manually controlled prop to open and close the tailgate. The prop of this application is described in detail below through the following examples.

[0026] Example 1: like Figures 1-4As shown, this embodiment proposes a damping strut mechanism with a lock for a side-opening tailgate of an automobile, comprising: an outer sleeve 1; an inner support tube 2, one end of which is embedded in the outer sleeve 1, and the inner support tube 2 is freely telescopically arranged on the outer sleeve 1; and a transmission unit 3, used to guide the movement of the inner support tube 2 to change the elongation of the inner support tube 2 on the outer sleeve 1.

[0027] In the existing solution, the presence of the piston rod leads to increased production costs. Based on this, the present embodiment improves the connection method of the various components, thereby reducing the use of components.

[0028] Specifically, the outer sleeve 1 and inner support tube 2 are telescopic structures, allowing the inner support tube 2 to extend and retract on the outer sleeve 1. The inner support tube 2 is then guided by a transmission unit 3. The transmission unit 3 includes a screw 31, one end of which passes through the outer sleeve 1 and extends into the inner support tube 2; a screw nut 32, which is mounted on the screw 31 and is circumferentially limited by the outer sleeve 1. The screw nut 32 is connected to the inner support tube 2, and the end of the screw 31 that extends into the inner support tube 2 slides therewith.

[0029] Under normal circumstances, by driving the screw rod 31 to rotate, the rotation of the screw rod 31 will cause the screw nut 32 to move. Since the screw nut 32 is circumferentially limited, the screw nut 32 is caused to perform linear motion. Since the inner support tube 2 and the screw nut 32 are connected, when the screw nut 32 performs linear motion, the inner support tube 2 also moves synchronously and extends or retracts from the outer sleeve 1, thereby achieving the telescopic motion of the entire strut. Of course, since no driver is provided in this application, manual control is required, that is, manually applying an outward pulling force or an inward pushing force to the inner support tube 2. Under the action of this external force, the inner support tube 32 is extended and retracted. During this period, the transmission method of the transmission unit 3 is that the screw nut 32 performs linear motion, thereby driving the screw rod 31 to rotate, achieving reverse transmission of the screw mechanism.

[0030] It should be noted that by opening a sliding groove on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 1 along its axial direction, and then providing a protrusion on the screw nut 32 that is compatible with the sliding groove, the circumferential limitation of the screw nut 32 can be achieved so that it can only move along the axial direction (the length direction of the screw 31).

[0031] In this embodiment, the transmission unit 3 is optimized and includes: a housing 33; an end portion of the outer sleeve 1 is disposed on the housing 33; and an end portion of the screw rod 31 is rotatably disposed in the housing 33 via a bearing.

[0032] It should be noted that as a support rod, its entire structure also has two ball sockets, which are respectively installed at one end of the outer shell 33 and one end of the inner support tube 2, and are used to connect with the outside world. When the support rod is extended and retracted, the external object can be opened and closed.

[0033] Example 2: This embodiment is a further improvement based on the first embodiment.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the transmission unit 3 further includes: a damper 34 , which is provided on the screw rod 31 and located in the housing 33 .

[0035] By providing the damper 34, the resistance during the rotation of the screw rod is increased, thereby making the support rod more stable and more steady during the extension and retraction.

[0036] Example 3: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0037] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the protruding end of the inner support tube 2 has a port 21 connected to the outside world; When the transmission unit 3 guides the inner support tube 2 to move, the gas in the inner support tube 2 is squeezed outward through the port 21 or the external gas is sucked into the inner support tube 2 through the port 21; The support rod further includes a locking unit 4 , which is provided on the port 21 and is used to open and close the port 21 .

[0038] Regarding the strut, in order to achieve locking thereof so as to restrict movement of the strut when the strut is extended to the farthest point or to a certain length, a locking unit 4 is provided to achieve locking by controlling pressure.

[0039] It should be noted that a sliding seal is adopted between the end of the screw rod 31 extending into the inner support tube 2 and the inner support tube 2. Specifically, a sealing rubber ring 311 is provided at the end of the screw rod 31 to ensure the sealing between the screw rod 31 and the inner support tube 2.

[0040] Regarding the locking unit 4 , it includes: an air valve 41 for opening and closing the port 21 .

[0041] When the inner support tube 2 needs to be moved, that is, when it needs to be extended or contracted, the air valve 41 is opened, and the interior of the inner support tube 2 is connected to the outside air through its port 21. By applying a certain external force to the inner support tube 2, the inner support tube 2 can be moved. During this period, when the inner support tube 2 extends, the outside air will flow into the inner support tube 2 through the port 21; when the inner support tube 2 contracts, the air inside the inner support tube 2 may be discharged to the outside through the port 21, thereby achieving air pressure balance and allowing the inner support tube 2 to expand and contract smoothly.

[0042] When it is necessary to restrict the movement of the inner support tube 2, that is, to limit its extension or contraction, the air valve 41 is closed, and the interior of the inner support tube 2 is now isolated from the outside air. At this time, even if a large external force is applied to the inner support tube 2, the inner support tube 2 will not move much. Specifically, due to the sliding seal between the screw nut 32 and the inner support tube 2, the external force will cause the gas in the inner support tube 2 to compress or expand. The external force of the gas compression and expansion is greater than the external force applied, so the inner support tube 2 cannot freely extend or contract, thereby achieving a fixed-point locking of the entire strut.

[0043] In this embodiment, it should be noted that a connection portion 22 is provided at the end opening of the inner support tube 2, and the port 21 is located at the side end of the connection portion 22. The connection portion 22 is a component for connecting to the ball socket, and the port 21 is located at the side end of the connection portion 22 to facilitate control of the air valve 41.

[0044] In this embodiment, the locking unit 4 is optimized to further include: a switch handle 42, which is sleeve-shaped and sleeved on the inner support tube 2 and the connecting portion 22, and the switch handle 42 can rotate circumferentially relative to the inner support tube 2 and the connecting portion 22; The air valve 41 is arranged on the switch handle 42, and a notch 421 is also provided on the switch handle 42; when the switch handle 42 is rotated, when the air valve 41 is rotated to face the port 21, the port 21 is closed, and when the notch 421 faces the port 21, the port 21 is opened.

[0045] In order to facilitate the control of the air valve 41, a switch handle 42 is also provided. The switch handle 42 is sleeve-shaped and is mounted on the inner support tube 2. It can be rotated, and the air valve 41 is installed on the switch handle 42. By rotating the switch handle 42, the air valve 41 can be disengaged from the port 21 or covered on the port 21.

[0046] It should be noted that the air valve 41 is a threaded exhaust valve 41 , which is installed on the switch handle 42 in a threaded connection manner.

[0047] It should be noted that the end of the switch handle 42 is a U-shaped structure, the opening of the U-shaped structure is a notch 421 , and the two sides of the U-shaped structure form ear plates 422 , and the air valve 41 is installed on one of the ear plates 422 .

[0048] It should be noted that to prevent the switch handle 42 from moving axially on the inner support tube 2, causing the air valve 41 to separate from the port 21 and preventing the air valve 41 from closing on the port 21 even when the switch handle 42 is rotated, the switch handle 42 needs to be axially limited. Specifically, the end of the switch handle 42 is axially limited on the connecting portion 22, and the middle portion of the switch handle 42 is then reduced in diameter inward so that the inner wall of the switch handle 42 abuts against the outer wall of the inner support tube 2, preventing the switch handle 42 from shaking.

[0049] In this embodiment, the switch handle 42 is optimized to include a grip portion 423. The inner diameter of the switch handle 42 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner support tube 2. A strip-shaped groove is defined through the middle of the switch handle 42. Grip portions 423 are formed on both sides of the switch handle 42 for convenient gripping. By grasping the grip portion 423, the user can apply a rotational force to the switch handle 42, causing it to rotate, thereby opening and closing the port 21.

[0050] Example 4: This embodiment provides a tailgate drive device that uses the support rod of any of the above embodiments to guide the tailgate to open and close. The two ball sockets at the ends of the support rod are connected to the tailgate and the vehicle body respectively, and the tailgate is opened and closed by the support rod.

[0051] Specifically, when the tailgate needs to be opened, an upward external force is applied to the tailgate, which is then pushed upward by the inner support tube 2. After the tailgate is opened to its maximum angle, the switch handle 42 can be manually rotated to lock the tailgate, preventing it from changing position. Of course, after the tailgate is opened to a certain angle, the operator can manually rotate the switch handle 42 to lock the tailgate in a specific position. This operating mode primarily addresses the issue of the tailgate being unable to fully close (with items protruding from the trunk) when the trunk is loaded with items. Locking unit 4 allows the tailgate to hover at a certain angle, preventing it from opening and closing freely and potentially causing a safety accident.

[0052] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the above descriptions are illustrative, non-exhaustive, and not intended to be limiting of the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or improvements to existing technologies, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A damping strut mechanism with locking for a side-opening tailgate of an automobile, characterized in that: include: outer sleeve (1); An inner support tube (2), one end of which is embedded in the outer sleeve (1), and the inner support tube (2) is freely telescopically arranged on the outer sleeve (1); and a transmission unit (3) for guiding the inner support tube (2) to move so as to change the elongation of the inner support tube (2) on the outer sleeve (1).

2. The brace according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission unit (3) comprises: A screw rod (31), one end of which passes through the outer sleeve (1) and extends into the inner support tube (2); A screw nut (32) is provided on the screw (31), and the screw nut (32) is limited in the circumferential direction by the outer sleeve (1); The screw nut (32) is connected to the inner support tube (2), and one end of the screw (31) extends into the inner support tube (2) and is slidably arranged with the inner support tube (2).

3. The brace according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission unit (3) further comprises: Shell (33); The end of the outer sleeve (1) is arranged on the outer shell (33); and the end of the screw rod (31) is rotatably arranged in the outer shell (33) via a bearing.

4. The brace according to claim 3, wherein: The transmission unit (3) further comprises: The damper (34) is arranged on the screw rod (31) and is located in the housing (33).

5. The brace according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The inner support tube (2) has a port (21) on the protruding end thereof, which is connected to the outside world; When the transmission unit (3) guides the inner support tube (2) to move, the gas in the inner support tube (2) is squeezed outward through the port (21), or the external gas is sucked into the inner support tube (2) through the port (21).

6. The brace according to claim 5, wherein: Also includes: A locking unit (4) is provided on the port (21) and is used for opening and closing the port (21).

7. The brace according to claim 6, wherein: The locking unit (4) comprises: The air valve (41) is used to open and close the port (21).

8. The brace according to claim 7, wherein: A connecting portion (22) is provided at the end opening of the inner support tube (2), and the port (21) is located at a side end of the connecting portion (22); The locking unit (4) further comprises: a switch handle (42) which is sleeve-shaped and sleeved on the inner support tube (2) and the connecting portion (22), and the switch handle (42) is capable of circumferential rotation relative to the inner support tube (2) and the connecting portion (22); Wherein, the air valve (41) is provided on the switch handle (42), and the switch handle (42) is further provided with a notch (421); The switch handle (42) is rotated, and when the air valve (41) is rotated to face the port (21), the port (21) is closed, and when the notch (421) faces the port (21), the port (21) is opened.

9. The brace according to claim 8, wherein: The switch handle (42) is provided with a hand grip (423).

10. A tailgate driving device, characterized in that: The support rod according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is used to guide the tailgate to open and close.

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