Device for electrically actuating a door

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for electrically actuating a door, in particular a vehicle door, comprising an electric motor (1), the electric motor (1) driving a spindle (4) which is provided with an external thread and which engages with a spindle nut (6) which is provided with an internal thread, a tappet (7) being fastened to the spindle nut (6). The axis of rotation of the electric motor (1) forming the drive axis (a) is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the spindle (4) forming the output axis (b), and the electric motor (1) is arranged on the longitudinal side of the spindle (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for electrically operating a door, particularly a vehicle door, the device comprising an electric motor, wherein the electric motor drives a lead screw having external threads and the lead screw is engaged with a lead screw nut having internal threads, wherein a push rod is fastened at the lead screw nut. Background Technology

[0002] Normally, vehicle doors are opened and closed manually by the user without support. However, devices are also known that allow for the electric operation of vehicle doors. Such devices are used, for example, in luxury vehicles or in armored vehicles. This type of device is known in particular from DE 10 2019 121 638 A1.

[0003] This device, also known as an actuator, has an electric drive to enable electrically driven pivoting of the vehicle door. The device includes an electric motor and a rotary-linear conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into the translational motion of an extendable coupling element or push rod. The device is mounted at the vehicle door, and the distal end of the push rod is movably supported against the vehicle body.

[0004] The device includes a lead screw driven by an electric motor. The rotation axis of the electric motor is parallel to the rotation axis of the lead screw. Here, the electric motor is positioned after the lead screw when viewed longitudinally from the device. The lead screw has external threads and includes a lead screw nut with internal threads, the nut being engaged with the lead screw. A push rod is fastened at the lead screw nut. Thus, the rotational motion of the electric actuator is converted into linear motion of the push rod. A controllable braking device is provided to brake the rotational motion.

[0005] The known equipment requires a relatively large structural space because the lead screw, electric motor and braking device are installed in a sequential arrangement in the longitudinal direction of the equipment. This structural space is usually not present in vehicle doors because other components are installed in the doors, such as motors and mechanisms for raising and lowering windows, locking technology equipment, etc.

[0006] To avoid this drawback, a door drive device is known from DE 10 2018 131 933 A1, in which the longitudinal axes of the drive unit and the driven unit are oriented parallel to each other, thereby reducing the structural space required in the longitudinal direction of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on existing technology, the objective of this invention is to provide a device for electrically operating doors, particularly vehicle doors, which is compact in design and thus requires less space. According to the invention, this objective is achieved using the features of claim 1.

[0008] This invention provides a device for electrically operating doors, particularly vehicle doors, with a compact design and minimal space requirements. By eliminating braking devices commonly found in the prior art, the required structural space is reduced. Consequently, the overall length of the device is further reduced compared to devices known in the prior art.

[0009] Advantageously, the drive shaft is connected to the driven shaft via a transmission mechanism. This transmission mechanism enables force transmission from the drive shaft to the driven shaft. Furthermore, the speed of the door's opening and closing process can be influenced by selecting the transmission ratio. Additionally, the transmission ratio allows for a more compact electric motor design, thereby saving additional structural space.

[0010] A braking device may be provided, which is arranged coaxially with the electric motor.

[0011] Preferably, the braking device is a magnetorheological brake. This type of braking device enables stepless adjustment of the braking effect. Furthermore, it has an extremely short response time within milliseconds, allowing for immediate cessation of movement in emergency situations. It can also generate a large braking torque.

[0012] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the push rod is oriented parallel to both the drive axis and the driven axis. The parallelism of all three axes supports the compact structural form of the device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Other improvements and designs of the present invention are described in the remaining dependent claims. Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail below. Wherein: Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A three-dimensional drawing of a device according to the present invention with another design is shown; Figure 3 A three-dimensional drawing of the device of the present invention showing an alternative design scheme; Figure 4 It shows a housing. Figure 3 The equipment in; Figures 5 to 6 It shows Figure 4 equipment and Figure 3A partial cross-sectional view of the equipment, showing the structural space dimensions; Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram of the device without a motor, braking device, transmission mechanism, and holding element is shown; Figure 8 It shows Figure 3 The end-side view of the device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The device selected as an embodiment is used for electrically operating doors, particularly vehicle doors. The device includes an electric motor 1. In this embodiment, the device also includes a braking device 2, which is arranged coaxially with the electric motor 1. The rotation axes of the electric motor 1 and the braking device 2 form a drive axis a. A connector 3 is arranged between the electric motor 1 and the braking device 2. In this embodiment, the connector 3 provides an electrical connection between the electric motor 1 and the braking device 2.

[0015] Braking device 2 is used to slow down or stop the door's movement, for example, when a sensor installed at the door detects an obstacle. In this case, the sensor sends a signal to software configured to control the door, which in turn manipulates the braking device. The braking device then allows the movement to be slowed down and then stopped to avoid a collision.

[0016] In this embodiment, the braking device 2 is formed by a magnetorheological brake. This brake itself operates a magnetorheological fluid. Here, the magnetorheological fluid is a variable or controllable liquid, which may consist of, for example, a fluid, particularly mineral oil, synthetic oil, or silicone oil, but may also consist of other neutral liquids containing magnetically active particles. Powder may also be used instead of liquid. These magnetically active particles may, for example, consist of iron carbonyl. If the liquid is placed in a magnetic field, the magnetic particles in the liquid will connect together. This causes the liquid to become a semi-solid. If the magnetic field is removed, the liquid returns to its liquid state. To generate the magnetic field required for the function of the brake, the braking device...

[0017] To generate the magnetic field required to influence the magnetic particles, an electric coil is arranged in the braking device 2. By changing the magnetic field, the solidity of the liquid can be affected. When the coil is powered, a braking effect is generated, thereby increasing the solidity of the liquid. If the power supply is interrupted, the particles loosen their connection, and the semi-solid state is released again. This braking device design allows for stepless adjustment of the braking effect.

[0018] Using magnetorheological brakes offers the advantage of a compact design. Furthermore, compared to brakes typically found in devices used for electrically actuating doors, such as drum brakes, motor brakes, or band brakes, or even permanent magnets, this type of braking device can generate a greater braking torque.

[0019] In a modified embodiment, the braking device can be eliminated, thereby further reducing structural space. In this brakeless design, the function of the braking device is performed by the electric motor. In this case, the braking effect is achieved by the electric motor changing its rotation direction when the movement of the door needs to be braked or stopped. Here, the braking effect is further supported by the inertia of the entire drive system. In this case, the reversal of the electric motor's rotation direction is programmed into the software used to control the door. Once the door sensor detects an obstacle, the door sensor sends a signal to the software, and then the software sends a signal to the electric motor to change its rotation direction.

[0020] An electric motor 1 drives a lead screw 4 with external threads via a drive shaft a. The rotation axis of the lead screw 4 forms the driven shaft b of the device. The drive shaft a is connected to the driven shaft b via a transmission mechanism 5. According to... Figure 1 In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 5 is a combination of a planetary transmission mechanism and a synchronous belt transmission mechanism, according to... Figure 2 In one embodiment, it is a cylindrical gear transmission mechanism. Other types of transmission mechanisms can also be used, such as worm gear transmission mechanisms or double worm gear transmission mechanisms, as in [the embodiment described]. Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments, or using a combination of transmission mechanisms consisting of planetary transmission mechanisms and bevel gear transmission mechanisms.

[0021] exist Figure 3 In the transmission mechanism 5 shown, which is configured as a double worm gear transmission mechanism, the drive shaft a is configured according to the type of worm shaft and therefore has a segmented helical tooth portion 51. The helical tooth portion 51 meshes with a first worm gear 52 arranged at the shaft 53. The shaft 53 has a helical tooth portion 54 at the end away from the worm gear 52. The helical tooth portion 54 meshes with a second worm gear 55 arranged at the driven shaft b.

[0022] The correspondence between the helical gear 51 and the worm gear 52 constitutes a first transmission stage or a first worm gear stage. In an embodiment, the helical gear 51 has an angle β = 52°, and the worm gear 52 has an angle β = 13.1°. The helical gear 54 and the worm gear 55 form a second transmission stage or a second worm gear stage. The angle β of the helical gear 54 is 45°, and the angle β of the worm gear 55 is 17.6°. Of course, other angles up to 90° are also possible for each transmission stage.

[0023] It can be seen that shaft 53 is tilted. In this embodiment, the shaft forms a 65° angle with the horizontal orientation of the drive axis a and the driven axis b. Simultaneously, in this embodiment, shaft 53 forms a 15° angle with the vertical line, as shown below. Figure 5 As can be seen, the angles of the teeth in the two transmission stages or worm gear stages, as well as the angles of the shaft selected in the implementation, result in significantly smoother operation because this causes rolling rather than meshing on the tooth surface. Furthermore, it allows for very high transmission ratios to be achieved with very limited structural space requirements.

[0024] The lead screw 4 is engaged with the lead screw nut 6, which has internal threads. A push rod 7 is fastened to the lead screw nut 6. The push rod 7 has an eyelet 8 at its end away from the lead screw nut 6, through which the push rod 7 is hinged to a vehicle component (not shown). In the area of ​​the push rod adjacent to the eyelet 8, the push rod 7 is surrounded by a moisture-proof protection device 9.

[0025] The device according to the invention includes retaining elements that enable fastening of the device within a vehicle door. In the drawings, only the retaining element 10, arranged towards the eyelet 8, is shown. The motor 1 can be seen fastened to the retaining element 10. Furthermore, the lead screw 4 is rotatably supported within the retaining element 10 on the driven shaft b. Additionally, the push rod 7 passes through the retaining element 10 and is guided within it in an axially movable manner. In the retaining element (not shown) arranged on the side away from the eyelet 8, the lead screw 4 is also rotatably supported on the driven shaft b, as is the drive shaft a. The device is surrounded by a housing (not shown) in the area between the two retaining elements. In the assembled state of the device, the retaining elements form the ends of the housing.

[0026] A circuit board, or printed circuit board 11, is arranged on the longitudinal side of the device. The printed circuit board 11 has a guide frame 12 on its bottom-facing longitudinal side, within which a slider 13 is guided. In an embodiment, the slider 13 is equipped with a magnet. The slider 13 is connected to a lead screw nut 6. For this purpose, a guide portion 14 with a vertically oriented elongated hole is arranged at the slider 13, guiding a horizontally oriented pin arranged at the lead screw nut 6. Therefore, this relates to a floating support.

[0027] In the area of ​​the guide frame 12, a sensor is arranged on the printed circuit board 11; in this embodiment, the sensor is a Hall sensor. Other sensors may be used. The positioning of the slider 13, and consequently the positioning of the lead screw nut 6, can be determined via the sensor. This allows the determination of the positioning of the eyelet 8, and thus the position of the vehicle door.

[0028] In the device described herein, according to the invention, the drive axis a, which forms the rotation axis of the electric motor 1 and the braking device 2, is oriented parallel to the driven axis b, which forms the rotation axis of the lead screw 4. Similarly, the longitudinal axis of the push rod 7 is oriented parallel to both the drive axis a and the driven axis b. It can be seen that the electric motor 1 and the braking device 2 are arranged on the longitudinal side of the lead screw 4. Therefore, the electric motor 1 and the braking device 2 are laterally positioned next to the lead screw 4.

[0029] In the axial direction, the electric motor 1 and the braking device 2, along with their necessary accessories, such as the connector 3, have a structural length comparable to that of the lead screw 4. Therefore, the device according to the invention is very compact compared to prior art devices for electrically operating doors, in which the electric motor and / or braking device are arranged on the rotation axis of the lead screw. The solution according to the invention makes the length of the device significantly smaller than that of prior art devices.

[0030] When the device is used to open the door, the electric motor 1 is activated, thereby causing the drive shaft a to rotate. Through the transmission mechanism 5, the lead screw 4 is rotated, causing the lead screw nut 6 to travel axially on the lead screw 4. This results in the axial movement of the push rod 7, in which the push rod 7 moves out. Manual assistance from the user is possible when opening the door, but it is not mandatory. The process stops when the push rod 7 reaches its maximum stroke preset by the device's control unit or when the braking device 2 is activated. Then, the electric motor 1 is deactivated.

[0031] To close the door, electric motor 1 is also activated, but drive shaft a rotates in the opposite direction. As a result, lead screw 4 also rotates in the opposite direction, causing lead screw nut 6 to move in its initial positioning direction, thereby pulling push rod 7 back and closing the door.

[0032] In both directions of motion, the movement is damped by the intervention of the braking device 2 before reaching the final position, thereby further improving comfort. For example, in the event of an accident, the braking device can also be automatically de-energized, allowing the door to be opened without motor support. This ensures that rescuers can open the vehicle door under any circumstances. For this reason, the lead screw 4 and the transmission mechanism 5 are implemented as non-self-locking.

[0033] The electric motor 1 or braking device 2 may have an adjustable tactile mechanism that allows the user to actively perceive the corresponding open or closed position when the vehicle door is manually opened or closed. For example, this could simulate the resistance or tiered locking function that the user feels and must overcome to further open or close the door. This conveys to the user that upon reaching this locked position, the door remains in that position and will not continue to open or close automatically.

[0034] The equipment can also be equipped with an emergency stop function. When the vehicle door encounters resistance while opening or closing, the emergency stop function activates. This resistance is then detected by a suitable sensor mechanism, causing the opening or closing process to be immediately interrupted by operating the braking device. Simultaneously, the electric motor can be shut off.

[0035] The device for electrically operating a door according to the invention is constructed in an extremely compact manner. Particularly in the case where, as in the embodiment, the braking device 2 is integrated into the device and arranged coaxially with the electric motor 1 on the drive axis a, an extremely space-saving design is achieved. Therefore, reference is made again... Figure 3 and Figures 4 to 6 ,in, Figure 4 and Figure 5 A device with a housing 15 is shown. The structural space of the structural assembly consisting of the component electric motor 1, braking device 2, transmission mechanism 5, and lead screw 4 is less than 2,645,500 mm³, wherein the structural space is composed of the length L, width B, and height H of the structural assembly. With appropriate selection of components and their external dimensions, a structural space of less than 1,224,000 mm³ or 1,436,500 mm³ can also be achieved, and 1,036,000 mm³ is entirely possible.

[0036] The structural assembly consisting of the electric motor 1, braking device 2, transmission mechanism 5, and lead screw 4 has a length L, i.e., its length in the longitudinal direction, of less than 290 mm. If the external dimensions of the components are smaller or the braking device 2 is absent, the longitudinal extension of the structural assembly may even be as low as 270 mm or 250 mm. The width H of the structural assembly, depending on the structural size of the components or in the absence of the braking device 2, is less than 100 mm or at most 90 mm or 80 mm, while the width B of the structural assembly (also depending on the size of the components or in the absence of the braking device 2) is less than 80 mm or at most 70 mm or 60 mm. A length L of 250 mm, a height H of 74 mm, and a width B of 56 mm are entirely achievable. This results in the device according to the invention requiring only 40% or less of the common structural space compared to competing products from, for example, Mercedes-Benz AG, BMW AG, Zhizhi Automotive, or Geely Automotive. This results in a significantly increased usable space in the design structure of vehicle doors. Because the space within a door is extremely limited. Furthermore, in addition to the technical equipment for opening and closing the door, there is room to install equipment for operating the windows, as well as actuators for the windows themselves, and technical equipment for locking and unlocking. Add to that the structural space required for the door airbag, which contains the triggering mechanism and its propellant. Therefore, the more compact structure of the equipment for electrically operating the door provides more structural space for the rest of the unit.

Claims

1. A device for electrically operating a door, particularly a vehicle door, said device comprising an electric motor (1), wherein, The electric motor (1) drives the lead screw (4), the lead screw is provided with external thread, and the lead screw is engaged with the lead screw nut (6) provided with internal thread, wherein a push rod (7) is fastened at the lead screw nut (6), characterized in that the rotation axis of the electric motor (1) forming the drive axis (a) is oriented parallel to the rotation axis of the lead screw (4) forming the driven axis (b), and the electric motor (1) is arranged on the longitudinal side of the lead screw (4).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive shaft (a) is connected to the driven shaft (b) via a transmission mechanism (5).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (5) is a combination of a planetary transmission mechanism and a synchronous belt transmission mechanism.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (5) is a cylindrical gear transmission mechanism.

5. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (5) is formed by at least one worm gear stage.

6. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (5) is a combination of a planetary transmission mechanism and a bevel gear transmission mechanism.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A braking device (2) is provided, which is arranged coaxially with the electric motor (1).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The braking device (2) is a magnetorheological brake.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, A plug-in clamp (3) is arranged between the electric motor (1) and the braking device (2).

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis of the push rod (7) is oriented parallel to the drive axis (a) and the driven axis (b).

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It is equipped with a printed circuit board (11).

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The printed circuit board (11) has a guide frame (12) in which a slider (13) is guided.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The slider (13) is connected to the lead screw nut (6).

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, A guide portion (14) with a vertically oriented elongated hole is arranged at the slider (13), and a shaft pin arranged at the lead screw nut (6) and oriented horizontally is guided in the guide portion.

15. The device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, In the region of the guide frame (12), a sensor is arranged on the printed circuit board (11).

16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It consists of two worm gear stages.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The worm gear stages are connected to each other via shaft (53).

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The shaft (53) is tilted.

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The axis (53) is oriented at a 65° angle to the horizontal line and at a 15° angle to the vertical line.

20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Software is provided to control the door.

21. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The structural space of the structural assembly consisting of component electric motor 1, braking device 2, transmission mechanism 5 and lead screw 4 is less than 2,645,500 mm³, wherein the structural space is composed of the length L, width B and height H of the structural assembly.

22. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The structural space of the structural assembly consisting of component electric motor 1, transmission mechanism 5 and lead screw 4 is less than 2,645,500 mm³, wherein the structural space is composed of the length L, width B and height H of the structural assembly.

23. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The structural component has a length L of less than 290 mm, a height H of less than 100 mm, and a width B of less than 80 mm.

24. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The structural component has a length L of less than 290 mm, a height H of less than 100 mm, and a width B of less than 80 mm.

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