Device for automatically adjusting cover or door of motor vehicle, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (3a) for automatically adjusting a flap or door of a motor vehicle, comprising an outer tube (30) and an inner tube (31) arranged in the outer tube (30), a drive train (A) for a spindle drive (38) having an electric motor (35) and a transmission (36) being provided. The outer tube (30) and the inner tube (31) can be moved relative to each other in a telescopic manner by means of a screw drive (38). According to the invention, a component having a base body and at least one wing-like element projecting radially from the base body is additionally integrated into the drive train (A), the component being supported in a container (37) having a viscous fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for automatically adjusting a cover or door of a motor vehicle, having an outer tube and an inner tube arranged in the outer tube, wherein a drive system of a screw drive mechanism is provided, the drive system having an electric motor and a transmission device, wherein the outer tube and the inner tube are capable of telescopically moving relative to each other by means of the screw drive mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] To enhance comfort, modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with devices for automatically adjusting covers, especially tailgates. This significantly facilitates the opening and closing of the cover. Conventional devices for automatically adjusting covers are equipped with permanent brakes to ensure the cover remains securely in place if needed, regardless of its open position.

[0003] The device for automatically adjusting the cover also features a spindeltrieb mechanism, in which the desired braking torque is generated by friction pads pressed together by spring force. A disadvantage of this type of spindeltrieb mechanism is the resulting operating noise, high manufacturing tolerances, and high temperature sensitivity.

[0004] An adjusting device for an automatically operated tailgate of a motor vehicle is known from EP 2 543 808 A1, comprising an assembly of a motor drive and a tubular housing component. The tubular housing component can extend and retract telescopically via the motor drive, wherein the motor drive includes a motor and a transmission mechanism driven by the motor. The transmission mechanism further has a swing mechanism. Additionally, a braking device is present in the adjusting device. The braking device has a support member fastened to the motor, in which an annular hysteresis element is held. A disc having alternating magnetic poles and a defined radial distance from the hysteresis element is arranged within the hysteresis element.

[0005] Finally, a rotational damper for adjusting braking torque is known from EP 3 467 336 A1. The rotational damper has a separating member and first and second adjusting bolts. The separating member has first and second flow paths connecting regions of cylindrical chambers separated by the separating member. Furthermore, there are a first inlet hole and a second inlet hole; the first inlet hole connects to the first flow path and to a threaded hole of a first adjusting bolt in the housing, and the second inlet hole connects to a second flow path and to a threaded hole of a second adjusting bolt in the housing. The first adjusting bolt is screwed into the threaded hole of the first adjusting bolt and thus introduced into the first inlet hole. This allows adjustment of the length of the first adjusting bolt extending into the first flow path. The second adjusting bolt is screwed into the threaded hole of the second adjusting bolt and thus introduced into the second inlet hole. This similarly allows adjustment of the length of the second adjusting bolt extending into the second flow path. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a device for automatically adjusting the cover or door of a motor vehicle, which operates without noise and without wear.

[0007] This task is accomplished by a device according to the invention for automatically adjusting a cover or door of a motor vehicle. Advantageous embodiments or improvements of the invention can be found in other embodiments according to the invention.

[0008] This invention is based on a device for automatically adjusting the cover or door of a motor vehicle, having an outer tube and an inner tube arranged within the outer tube. A drive system for a screw drive mechanism is provided, which includes an electric motor and a transmission device. The screw drive mechanism allows the outer and inner tubes to move relative to each other in a telescopic manner, i.e., towards and away from each other.

[0009] The present invention proposes to additionally embed a component having a base and at least one wing-shaped element projecting radially from the base into a drive system. In other words, the component is kinematically connected to the electric motor and transmission, and thus moves along with the electric motor or transmission when it moves. Here, the component is supported in a container containing a viscous fluid.

[0010] These features enable the development of a device for automatically adjusting the cover or door of a motor vehicle, which operates silently and without wear. In particular, a braking effect is generated silently by applying a braking force to the wing-shaped element using a viscous fluid.

[0011] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that the wing-shaped element has an asymmetrical cross-section. This allows for the generation of varying braking torques depending on the rotation direction of the drive system.

[0012] According to another construction scheme, the asymmetrical cross-section is formed by a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. Here, the first side is constructed such that it has higher flow resistance than the second side. Preferably, for example, it is conceivable that the first side is constructed flat and the second side is constructed to be outwardly arched. This geometry is easy to manufacture on the one hand, and on the other hand, the desired braking torque can be easily adjusted based on this geometry. Thus, when the member rotates in the direction pointed to by the flat side of the wing element, a greater braking effect can be achieved than when the member rotates in the direction pointed to by the outwardly arched side of the wing element.

[0013] If the wing element has at least one through-hole, it also creates the possibility of adjusting the desired braking torque. In particular, the through-hole reduces the drag of the wing element against the viscous fluid. This, in turn, reduces the braking torque.

[0014] Here, according to an improved design, it is advantageous that the wing-shaped element has two through openings. These two through openings create the possibility of more precise adjustment of the braking action.

[0015] This can be further enhanced by having through openings of varying diameters. This makes it easier to adjust the desired braking torque even in wing-shaped elements that do not have a rectangular profile.

[0016] Alternatively, it is conceivable to construct one or more through-opening conical structures. Thus, when the component rotates in the direction of decreasing diameter, the wing-shaped element exhibits greater flow resistance than when the component rotates in the direction of increasing diameter.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least two wing-like elements are present, which protrude radially from the base and are evenly distributed around the periphery of the base. In the case of two wing-like elements, they are thus arranged at approximately 180 degrees around the periphery of the base. This embodiment facilitates uniform loading of the base as the wing-like elements move through a viscous fluid. This contributes to the noiseless and reliable operation of the device.

[0018] Particularly preferably, at least one wing-shaped element is present at each of the four locations on the periphery of the substrate. Here, the locations where one or more wing-shaped elements are arranged are offset from each other by 90 degrees. This ensures a particularly uniform load on the substrate, which is associated with the low noise and reliable operation of the device.

[0019] In terms of high structural space utilization, it may be advantageous for a wing element to have a shoulder in its profile, or for the length of a wing element that protrudes radially from the base to be reduced relative to the corresponding length of another wing element, wherein the shoulder or the wing element with the reduced length faces the lid of the container.

[0020] According to an improved embodiment, the elongated substrate has a connecting element at one end with an inner contour that achieves a shape fit, and at the opposite end with a connecting element with an outer contour that also achieves a shape fit. This creates a simple possibility for connecting the component having the substrate to the corresponding connecting elements of the motor and transmission device with matching contour shapes, and thus embedding it into the drive system.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting element with an inner contour is arranged on the driving side of the base, and the connecting element with an outer contour is arranged on the driven side of the base.

[0022] Regarding embedding into the drive system, it is conceivable that the container with the component is arranged on the driven side of the transmission within the drive system. Alternatively, the container with the component can also be arranged on the driving side of the transmission within the drive system. Both possibilities contribute to a safe and reliable functioning of the device.

[0023] Furthermore, in the case of this invention, a motor vehicle equipped with at least one device according to the invention for automatically adjusting a cover plate of the motor vehicle is also protected. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Other features and advantages of the invention will then become clear. The same reference numerals, even in different drawings, refer to the same, similar, or functionally identical components. Corresponding or similar features and advantages are implemented herein, even without repeated description or reference. The drawings are not drawn to scale or at least not always to scale. In some drawings, the scale or spacing may be exaggerated to more clearly highlight the features of the embodiments.

[0025] Specifically, the following are illustrated: Figure 1 The image shows a rear view of a motor vehicle with its tailgate open. Figure 2 A device for automatically adjusting the tail cover plate according to a first embodiment is shown. Figure 3 A device for automatically adjusting the tail cover plate according to a second embodiment is shown. Figure 4 A longitudinal section is shown passing through a container containing a viscous fluid, which is part of the drive system of the device. Figure 5 The support is shown according to Figure 4 Individual perspective views of the components within the container. Figure 6 The second embodiment is shown according to Figure 4 A separate perspective view of the component supported in the container. Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a wing-shaped element of the component. Figure 8 It shows that according to Figure 6 A top view of the multiple wing-shaped elements of the component, and Figure 9 The support in the third embodiment is shown according to Figure 4 Individual perspective views of the components within the container. Detailed Implementation

[0026] exist Figure 1 The vehicle body 1 of motor vehicle K is visible. Motor vehicle K has a cover 2 configured as a tailgate, which is in an open state. The cover 2 is connected to the vehicle body 1 of motor vehicle K via a device 3a for automatically adjusting the cover 2. Specifically, the device 2 is connected to the cover side via a connecting end 32 and to the vehicle body side via a connecting end 33. Therefore, the device 3a is used to automatically raise and lower the cover 2. To trigger the adjustment movement of the cover 2, a push-button switch (not shown) integrated into the cover 2 can be used; this switch can also be used to stop the adjustment movement in any open position.

[0027] exist Figure 2 The device 3a is shown in detail. It has an outer tube 30, within which an inner tube 31 is guided in a longitudinally movable manner. A circuit board 34 and an electric motor 35, operable by the circuit board 34, are housed within the outer tube 30. Downstream of the electric motor 35 is a transmission device 36 configured as a speed reduction transmission. Downstream of the transmission device 36 is a container 37. The container 37 houses a component that functions as a fluid permanent brake, the structure and function of which will be described in detail later. Both the transmission device 36 and the component that functions as a fluid permanent brake in the container 37 are kinematically interconnected with the electric motor 35 via mechanical coupling elements not shown in detail.

[0028] Furthermore, a lead screw drive mechanism 38, consisting of a threaded lead screw 38a and a lead screw nut 38b, is housed within the inner tube 31. When the threaded lead screw 38a, driven by the motor 35, is rotated, the lead screw nut 38b is placed in linear motion. The lead screw nut 38b is kinematically connected to the inner tube 31. Thus, the linear motion of the lead screw nut 38b is also transmitted to the inner tube 31. In this way, the inner tube 31 can perform an adjusting motion V, which, depending on the rotation direction of the motor 35 or the threaded lead screw 38a, causes opposing movements of the outer tube 30 and the inner tube 31 until the stop 41 or opposing movements. The rotational movement of the threaded lead screw 38a is constantly braked by a component acting as a fluid permanent brake within the container 37. In this way, when needed, the cover 2, connected to the vehicle body 1 via the device 3a, is ensured to stop safely in its corresponding position. The drive system A for the screw drive mechanism 38 is constructed by an electric motor 35, a transmission device 36, and a component housed in a container 37 that acts as a fluid permanent brake. Furthermore, a spring element 40 configured as a pressure spring may be present in the inner tube 31, by which the opposing movements of the outer tube 30 and the inner tube 31 are supported.

[0029] exist Figure 3 Another embodiment of device 3b is shown in the image. The only difference from device 3a is that the container 37, which has a component that functions as a fluid permanent brake, is arranged in the drive system A between the motor 35 and the transmission device 36.

[0030] Now we need to base our judgment on... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The component 42a, housed in container 37 and functioning as a fluid permanent brake, will be described in more detail. Container 37 is constructed with rotational symmetry. It has a rotationally symmetrical shell 37b and an end cap 37a. The cap 37a is provided with a surrounding locking protrusion 50 that projects radially outward from an axially projecting, surrounding wall portion 52 of the cap 37a. The surrounding locking protrusion 50 engages in a locking manner with a surrounding inner groove 51 of the shell 37b. Therefore, the cap 37a is preferably snapped onto the shell 37b from the inside. However, other fastening methods for the cap 37a are also conceivable, such as external snapping or screwing.

[0031] Furthermore, a component 42a is supported within the container 37. It has an elongated cylindrical base 43 from which wing-shaped elements 47 project radially. Circumferential shoulders 49 are formed at the ends of the base 43. These shoulders 49 allow the base 43 to be sealed against the bottom of the cover 37a and / or the housing 37b, thereby preventing the viscous fluid F contained within the container 37 from escaping.

[0032] The base 43 extends from the opening 37c in the bottom of the housing 37b via a drive-side connecting element 46. Here, the drive-side connecting element 46 is part of the recess 45, and the transmission device 36 (see...) Figure 2 ) or electric motor 35 (see Figure 3 The driven-side connecting element (not shown) is form-fitted into the recess. On the other side, the base 43 extends from the opening 37d of the cover 37a via the driven-side connecting element 44. The driven-side connecting element 44 engages with the lead screw drive mechanism 38 (see figure) in a form-fit configuration. Figure 2 ) or transmission device 36 (see Figure 3 In the drive-side connecting element (not shown), the drive-side connecting element 46 is preferably constructed as an internal tooth, and the driven-side connecting element 44 is preferably constructed as an external tooth.

[0033] The structural space for the wing-shaped element 47 is limited by the wall portion 52 extending into the interior space of the container 37. On the other side, the space requirement of the container 37 is reduced by the cover 37a being fastened inside the shell 37b. In order to still make good use of the available structural space in the container 37, the wing-shaped element 47 is provided with a shoulder 47c in the area of ​​the cover 37a. The wall portion 52 can extend into the shoulder 47c. This achieves the following: the wing-shaped element 47 can be directed up to the cover 37a. Due to the shoulder 47c, the wing-shaped element 47 does not have a rectangular profile. Therefore, two through openings 48a, 48b are introduced in each wing-shaped element 47. The through openings 48a, 48b are preferably constructed in a circular shape. However, other profiles of the through openings 48a, 48b are conceivable.

[0034] Through the through openings 48a and 48b, the resistance of the viscous fluid F against the wing element 47 and the resulting braking effect when the wing element 47 rotates about the axis of rotation R can be precisely adjusted. To achieve the most uniform resistance possible across the entire surface of the wing element 47, in this embodiment, the through openings 48a and 48b have different diameters. Thus, the diameter of the through opening 48a, which is closer to the shoulder 47c than the through opening 48b, is chosen to be smaller than the diameter of the through opening 48b. This increases the resistance in the region of the through opening 48a. In this way, the resistance loss caused by the shoulder 47c can be compensated.

[0035] In the described embodiment, four wing-shaped elements 47 are preferably used, which are evenly distributed around the periphery of the base 43.

[0036] Now based on Figures 6 to 8 Another embodiment of component 42b is described, which can be housed in container 37. Unlike component 42a, component 42b contains twelve wing-shaped elements 47. Here, at a location on the periphery of the base 43, three corresponding wing-shaped elements 47 are arranged vertically and horizontally with spacing between them. The wing-shaped elements 47 are evenly distributed on the periphery of the base 43 in groups of three. Furthermore, the wing-shaped elements 47 preferably have a cross-section with an outwardly arched side 47a that transitions to a flat side 47b (see [link]). Figure 7 Therefore, the cross-section of the wing-shaped element 47 is preferably constructed asymmetrically. This asymmetrical construction allows for varying braking forces depending on the rotation direction of the member 42b. Thus, in the case of rotation direction D1 about the axis of rotation R (where the outwardly arched side 47a points in the rotation direction), the braking force is less than in the case of rotation direction D2 (where the flat side 47b points in the rotation direction). Rotation direction D1, for example, can support the opening of the cover plate 2 (see...). Figure 1 The rotation direction D2 can close the cover plate 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the wing-shaped element 47, positioned closest to the driven-side connecting element 44, has a profile with a length l and a width b, which is smaller than the profiles of the other two wing-shaped elements. In particular, the length l protruding radially from the base 43 is shorter than the corresponding lengths of the other two wing-shaped elements (see...). Figure 8 This is used in conjunction with... Figure 4 The shoulder 47c described herein serves the same purpose.

[0038] Finally, Figure 9 The image shows component 42c, which is related to... Figure 4 The component 42a differs in that it has a wing-shaped element 47 without a through opening or a shoulder. The wing-shaped element 47 is rectangular in shape. As another difference, the distance a between the wing-shaped element 47 and the shoulder 49 facing the driven-side connecting element 44 is greater than that in the component 42a. The distance a is chosen such that in the mounting position of the component 42c in the container 37 (similar to...) Figure 4 The wing-shaped element 47 is positioned below the surrounding wall 52 of the cover 37a. Since the wing-shaped element 47 does not have a through opening with a different diameter and only has a rectangular outline, simplified manufacturing of the component 42c is possible.

[0039] List of reference numerals 1. Body 2. Cover plate, tail cover plate Devices 3a and 3b 30 outer tube 31 Inner tube 32 Connection End 33 Connection End 34 Circuit Boards 35 Electric Motor 36. Transmission device 37 Containers 37a cover 37b Housing 37c Opening 37d opening 37e Protruding shoulder 38. Lead screw transmission mechanism 38a threaded screw 38b lead screw nut 40 Spring elements 41 Stop section Components 42a,b,c 43 Matrix 44 Driven-side connecting element 45 recess 46 Drive-side connecting elements 47. Wing-shaped element 47a Outwardly arched side 47b Flat side 47c protruding shoulder 48a,b Through opening 49. Surrounding shoulder 50 surrounding locking protrusions 51. Surrounding inner groove 52. Surrounding wall A drive system a Spacing b width Rotation direction of D1, D2 F Viscous fluid K Motor Vehicles l is the length.

Claims

1. A device (3a, 3b) for automatically adjusting a cover (2) or door of a motor vehicle (K), comprising an outer tube (30) and an inner tube (31) disposed within the outer tube (30), wherein, A drive system (A) having a lead screw drive mechanism (38), the drive system having an electric motor (35) and a transmission device (36), wherein the outer tube (30) and the inner tube (31) are able to move relative to each other in a telescopic manner by means of the lead screw drive mechanism (38), characterized in that components (42a, 42b, 42c) having a base (43) and at least one wing-shaped element (47) protruding radially from the base are additionally embedded in the drive system (A), wherein the components (42a, 42b, 42c) are supported in a container (37) having a viscous fluid (F).

2. The apparatus (3a, 3b) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wing-shaped element (47) has an asymmetrical cross-section.

3. The apparatus (3a, 3b) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The asymmetric cross section is formed by a first side surface (47b) and a second side surface (47a) opposite to the first side surface (47b), wherein the first side surface (47b) is constructed such that it has a higher flow resistance than the second side surface (47a).

4. The apparatus (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The wing-shaped element (47) has at least one through opening (48a, 48b).

5. The apparatus (3a, 3b) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wing-shaped element (47) has two through openings (48a, 48b).

6. The apparatus (3a, 3b) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The through openings (48a, 48b) have different diameters.

7. The apparatus (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, There are at least two wing-shaped elements (47) that protrude radially from the substrate (43) and are evenly distributed around the periphery of the substrate (43).

8. The apparatus (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, One wing element (47) has a shoulder (47c) in the profile, or the length (l) of the wing element (47) protruding radially from the base (43) of one wing element (47) is reduced relative to the corresponding length of the other wing element (47), wherein the shoulder (47c) or the wing element (47) with the reduced length (l) faces the cap (37a) of the container (37).

9. The apparatus (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elongated substrate (43) has a connecting element (46) with an inner contour for achieving shape fit at one end side, and a connecting element (44) with an outer contour for achieving shape fit at the opposite side side.

10. The apparatus (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The container (37) having the components (42a, 42b, 42c) is arranged in the drive system (A) on the driven side of the transmission device (36).

11. The apparatus (3b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The container (37) having the components (42a, 42b, 42c) is arranged in the drive system (A) on the drive side of the transmission device (36).

12. A motor vehicle (K), characterized in that... At least one device (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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