Actuation mechanism for actuating a cover or flap of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuation mechanism for actuating a cover or flap of a vehicle, wherein the cover or flap is reversibly movable between a closed position, in which the cover or flap is arranged flush with the vehicle body and in particular with the vehicle skin and in particular with the side wall, and an open position, in which the cover or flap is at least partially or locally arranged behind the vehicle body and in particular behind the vehicle skin, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a movement mechanism, which is in particular operatively connected to the rear side of the cover or flap, which is configured to first transfer the cover or flap into an intermediate position, in which the cover or flap is at least partially or locally located behind the vehicle body and in particular behind the vehicle skin, when transferring the cover or flap from its closed position into its open position. It is important here that the cover or flap can be manually transferred into the open position, preferably from the closed position and / or from the intermediate position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuation mechanism for actuating a cover or flap of a vehicle, specifically a cover or flap in the form of a flap for charging, maintenance or refueling a vehicle, or a cover or flap in the form of a cover for a sensor system of a vehicle, specifically a LIDAR system.

[0002] According to another aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a component for a vehicle, specifically a sensor, preferably a LIDAR system component, or a charging, maintenance, or refueling component, wherein the component includes an actuation mechanism according to the invention, and other items.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a vehicle having corresponding sensor components, specifically LIDAR system components, or having charging, maintenance, or refueling components. Background Technology

[0004] Movable covers are used in various locations within a vehicle. In principle, these covers are used to conceal or cover openings or surfaces within or on the vehicle that need to be covered. Specifically, such covers are used, for example, for fuel filler flaps, charging flaps, water flaps, or other maintenance flaps. For instance, a fuel filler or charging flap covers a fuel filler inlet (or charging inlet) used for adding fuel or, for example, urea solution to the vehicle, or for charging the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0005] In addition, the corresponding cover covers the vehicle's sensor system, specifically the LIDAR system.

[0006] Vehicles equipped with modern driver assistance systems typically include LIDAR sensors, for example, to detect objects near the vehicle. This involves sending a single pulse of light, or laser beam, from the LIDAR sensor into the environment. Typically, LIDAR sensors used in automotive applications emit laser beams in a wavelength range invisible to the human eye. This is typically infrared radiation with wavelengths from 800 nm to 2500 nm. If the single laser beam is reflected back to the LIDAR sensor from an object in the environment (such as a vehicle), the distance between the LIDAR sensor and the object can be deduced based on the time-of-flight of the single laser beam.

[0007] Various mirror systems are known in the context of existing LIDAR sensors for emitting light pulses or laser beams in different directions, receiving them, and guiding them to a detector. Using such mirror systems, light pulses or laser beams can be guided in a specific direction to the environment. Thus, the environment can be sampled with light or laser beams of several thousand pulses. For this purpose, the mirror system used to receive the laser beam reflected back to the LIDAR sensor must be precisely aligned in the transmission direction.

[0008] Due to the required accuracy of LIDAR sensor components, which are structurally expensive and costly units, the LIDAR components must be kept as protected as possible and not accessible from the outside when the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, when the vehicle is parked, the LIDAR components must be protected from external factors such as temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is desirable to integrate LIDAR sensor technology into a sensor inlet that can be protected by a cover.

[0009] Such covers are typically connected to a hinged arm of an actuation mechanism, which forms a corresponding flap that can pivot between an open position exposing the opening and a closed position covering the opening.

[0010] Known actuation mechanisms can be designed to move the cover between a closed and an open position in various ways. For example, specifically, actuation mechanisms that pivot the cover outward are known.

[0011] Besides the often lower user comfort when covering and releasing, a specific drawback of this type of actuation mechanism is the higher space requirement, such as the higher space requirement of electric vehicles during charging operations. This high space requirement stems from the fact that the cover pivots outwards when the charging connector is released and typically protrudes from the vehicle at a 90° angle when open.

[0012] Vehicle body panels protruding from a vehicle can sometimes be difficult for pedestrians to see, especially since pedestrians may collide with them. In such cases, not only may personal injury occur, but the body panel itself may also be damaged. Furthermore, vehicle body panels protruding from a vehicle are often targets for deliberate vandalism because they are prone to bending from the vehicle due to their unfavorable angle.

[0013] Furthermore, when the vehicle is in motion, such as when the cover is used in conjunction with a LIDAR sensor system, the protruding cover increases the vehicle's air resistance.

[0014] In this regard, an actuation mechanism configured to move the cover behind the vehicle body and thus release the opening is preferred.

[0015] In this context, for example, a mechanism is known from published document DE 20 2021 001 685 U1, which uses a mechanism to first pull a cover to the rear of the vehicle body in a linear movement from a closed position, wherein the cover then pivots to an open position at the rear of the vehicle body. For the actuation mechanism, a gear train with a rack and pinion is used.

[0016] Actuation mechanisms for actuating vehicle covers or flaps, known from the prior art, such as those disclosed in DE20 2021 001 685 U1, typically include an electric actuator that can move the cover or flap from a closed position to an open position (and vice versa). Specifically, the electric actuator is operatively connected to an associated engagement mechanism of the cover or flap.

[0017] The disadvantage of this method is that the electric drive is typically operatively connected to the engagement mechanism via a transmission device.

[0018] These are typically self-locking transmissions. “Self-locking” means that when torque is applied, the drive shaft of the transmission no longer rotates and is therefore blocked. Self-locking also means that the cover or flap can no longer be manually actuated as needed to manually move the cover or flap from the closed position to the open position, for example, in the event of a power failure or malfunction of the electric actuator.

[0019] Specifically, the gearbox associated with the electric actuator, typically located on one side, between the electric actuator and the engagement mechanism of the cover or flap, is not designed to be reversible. This introduces the risk that, in the event of failure or malfunction of the electric actuator or its associated control mechanism, the cover or flap can no longer be manually moved from its open position to its closed position.

[0020] Even if the transmission associated with the electric actuator (which operatively connects the drive shaft of the electric actuator to the engagement mechanism) is not configured as a self-inhibiting transmission and / or a reversible transmission, it is generally unavoidable that the cover or flap cannot be repeatedly moved to the open or closed position due to actuator clearance (which may form over time or vary depending on ambient temperature).

[0021] Furthermore, when the cover or flap is moved inward into the vehicle to open, the motor drive is adversely at risk of getting stuck.

[0022] Based on these considerations, the problem addressed by the present invention is to specify an actuation mechanism for actuating a cover or flap of a vehicle, wherein the actuation mechanism achieves complex movement patterns of the cover or flap with a simple design.

[0023] Specifically, the actuation mechanism is designed to achieve a reproducible movement pattern of the cover or flap. Furthermore, the pivoting mechanism associated with the actuation mechanism should operate in a humid environment with the lowest possible wear. Summary of the Invention

[0024] This fundamental problem of the invention is specifically addressed by the subject matter of independent claim 1, wherein advantageous further developments of the actuation mechanism according to the invention are specified in dependent claims 2 to 14.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention specifically relates to an actuation mechanism for actuating a cover or flap of a vehicle, specifically a cover or flap in the form of a flap for charging, maintenance, or refueling a vehicle, or a cover or flap in the form of a sensor cover for a vehicle, specifically a cover for a LiDAR system, wherein the cover or flap is reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position, and in the closed position, the cover or flap is arranged flush with the vehicle body, specifically with the vehicle shell and specifically with the side panels. (strake-flush) In the open position, the cover or flap is at least partially or partially disposed on the vehicle body and specifically at the rear of the vehicle shell, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a moving mechanism specifically operably connected to the rear side of the cover or flap, the moving mechanism being configured to first move the cover or flap to an intermediate position when the cover or flap is moved from its closed position to its open position, in which the cover or flap is at least partially or partially located on the vehicle body and specifically at the rear of the vehicle shell.

[0026] Importantly, the cover or flap can be manually moved to the open position, preferably from the closed position and / or from the middle position.

[0027] Advantageously, the manual repositioning to the open position ensures safe operation of the cover or flap. By manually opening the cover or flap, limbs are prevented from being pinched, as automatic opening movement is not performed.

[0028] Therefore, manually moving from the closed position to the open position means that the cover or flap can be manually moved from the closed position to the open position. In this case, manually moving from the intermediate position to the open position means that the cover or flap can be manually moved from the intermediate position to the open position, where, for example, the cover or flap is moved from the closed position to the intermediate position by actuating the cover or flap in a spring-assisted manner.

[0029] In this context, "manual" preferably means by applying force, preferably by manually applying force, that is, by the user manually actuating the cover or flap.

[0030] In an alternative development, the moving mechanism may be specified to include a first lever assembly and a second lever assembly, or the moving mechanism may include a first lever assembly and a guide. By means of the double lever assembly or the first lever assembly together with the guide, the cover or flap can be moved into and positioned within the vehicle in a particularly space-saving manner, because not only does rotation about an axis occur, but the cover or flap can also rotate about different axes at its upper and lower ends, or about one axis and the guide, in different ways.

[0031] In an alternative further development, a first lever assembly may be specified as preferably rotatably connected to the housing of the actuating mechanism at a first end about a first axis of rotation, and preferably rotatably connected to a cover or flap at a second end about a third axis of rotation, preferably in a first region of the cover or flap, and preferably in an upper region of the cover or flap, and preferably the first lever assembly comprises a first lever, preferably an L-shaped lever. A first portion of the moving mechanism can be provided by rotatable mounting in the housing and on the cover or flap.

[0032] In an alternative further development, the second lever assembly may be preferably rotatably connected to the housing of the actuating mechanism at a first end about a second rotation axis, and preferably rotatably connected to a cover or flap at a second end about a fourth rotation axis, preferably in a second region of the cover or flap, preferably in a lower region of the cover or flap. Preferably, the second lever assembly comprises two levers, preferably a second lever and a third lever, which are preferably rotatably connected to each other about a fifth rotation axis. A second portion of the moving mechanism can be provided by rotatably mounting it in the housing and on the cover or flap.

[0033] In an alternative further development, it may be specified that the first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth and / or fifth rotation axes are constructed in parallel. Preferably, all rotation axes are constructed to be parallel to each other.

[0034] In an alternative further development, the moving mechanism may be specified to include a multi-joint motion mechanism, wherein the multi-joint motion mechanism is preferably formed by a first lever assembly and a second lever assembly. By means of multi-joint kinematics, a moving mechanism that allows displacement or movement of the flap or flap about two parallel axes can preferably be provided.

[0035] In an alternative further development, the cover or flap may be specified to be rotatably connected to the moving mechanism about a third axis of rotation, preferably to the first lever assembly.

[0036] In an alternative further development, the moving mechanism may be configured to preferably move the cover or flap from a closed position to an intermediate position by rotation about a third axis of rotation, preferably supported by a spring.

[0037] In an alternative further development, the moving mechanism may be specified to include a dead center spring, preferably cooperating with the first lever assembly and preferably configured to hold the cover or flap in the open or closed position.

[0038] In an alternative further development, the moving mechanism may be specified to include a mechanism for holding the cover or flap in a closed position and / or for moving the cover or flap out of the closed position, preferably until an intermediate position, wherein this mechanism is preferably configured as a push-push mechanism. The cover or flap can be opened by simply pushing a specific area of ​​the cover or flap, the push-push mechanism disengaging from the cover or flap on the first push and sliding it to the open position, preferably in a spring-assisted manner. To close the cover or flap, pressure is applied again to the cover or flap in that area, which securely engages the cover with the push-push mechanism, thereby holding the cover or flap in the closed position.

[0039] In an alternative further development, it may be specified that when the cover or flap moves from the closed position to the intermediate position, a pure rotation of the cover or flap occurs, preferably around a third axis.

[0040] In an alternative further development, the moving mechanism may be configured as a superposition of two lever components, preferably used to move the cover or flap from the middle position to the open position.

[0041] In an alternative further development, the guide may be specified to include one or more guide elements, preferably one or more bolts arranged in one or more elongated holes. The guide may be configured as a replacement for or supplement to the second lever assembly. The guide may provide a second part of the moving mechanism, as a replacement for or supplement to the second lever assembly. Preferably, the guide allows the cover or flap to move relative to the second lever assembly in the same manner as described above. It is conceivable that the guide element is formed in a second region of the cover or flap, preferably in the lower region of the cover or flap, preferably replacing the fourth axis of rotation. It may also be specified that the elongated hole is formed in the housing of the actuating mechanism and forms a guide curve.

[0042] In an alternative further development, the moving mechanism may be configured to guide the cover or flap from an intermediate position to an open position in the form of superimposed two curves. These two curves are preferably a first curve for a first region of the cover or flap and a second curve for a second region of the cover or flap, preferably one or two lever arm curves or guide curves, and preferably, in each case, quadratic or cubic Bézier curves. Advantageously, the specific curve guidance of the cover or flap results in a particularly space-saving actuation mechanism. Preferably, the first region may be located in the connection portion between the first lever assembly and the cover or flap, and the second region may be located in the connection portion between the second lever assembly and the cover or flap.

[0043] In an alternative development, it can be specified that the cover or flap can be moved from the middle position to the closed position in a purely manual manner. Attached Figure Description

[0044] These accompanying figures illustrate: Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism according to the invention is illustrated schematically and in cross-sectional view, wherein the cover of the charging, maintenance or refueling assembly or sensor system (and specifically the LIDAR system) is in its closed position; Figure 2 The invention is illustrated schematically and in cross-sectional view. Figure 1 The actuating mechanism is located in the middle position; Figure 3 The invention is illustrated schematically and in cross-sectional view. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The actuating mechanism is in its open position; Figure 4 The invention is illustrated schematically and in front view. Figures 1 to 3 The actuating mechanism is in its closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an actuation mechanism 1 according to the present invention is shown, which actuates a cover or flap 2 of a vehicle, specifically a cover or flap 2 in the form of a flap for charging, maintenance, or refueling the vehicle, or a cover or flap 2 in the form of a cover or flap 2 for covering a sensor system of the vehicle in a closed position, specifically a LIDAR system. The actuation mechanism 1 includes a movement mechanism 3 operatively connected to the rear side of the cover or flap 2.

[0046] Figure 1 The exemplary implementation of the moving mechanism 3 includes two lever components, namely a first lever component 4 and a second lever component 5.

[0047] The first lever assembly 4 is rotatably mounted at its first end within the housing of the actuating mechanism 1 via a first rotation axis 9. The second end of the first lever assembly 4 is mounted on the cover or flap 2 via a third rotation axis 11. The cover or flap 2 can be spring-loaded about the third rotation axis 11. Figure 1 As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the first lever assembly 4 is configured as a first preferred L-shaped lever 6, which guides the cover or flap 2 from the closed position to the open position.

[0048] The second lever assembly 5 is rotatably mounted in the housing of the actuating mechanism 1 at its first end via a second rotation axis 10. The second end of the second lever assembly 5 is mounted on the cover or flap 2 via a fourth rotation axis 12. Figure 1 As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the second lever assembly 5 includes two levers, namely a second lever 7 and a third lever 8, which are rotatably connected to each other via a fifth rotation axis 13. Alternatively or additionally, a guide may be formed as an alternative to or supplement to the second lever assembly 5, the guide preferably having one or more bolts guided into one or more elongated holes, these bolts undertaking or additionally supporting the function of the second lever assembly 5. For example, the bolts may be located at the position of the fourth rotation axis on the cover or flap 2 and may engage with the elongated holes in the housing ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the text)

[0049] The cover or flap 2 can be moved from a closed position to an open position via the first lever assembly 4 and the second lever assembly 5 or the guide, wherein the cover or flap 2 is arranged specifically flush with the vehicle body and specifically flush with the vehicle shell and preferably with the side panel, and in the open position, the cover or flap 2 is arranged at least partially or partially on the vehicle body and specifically behind the vehicle shell.

[0050] also, Figure 1 The actuation mechanism 1 of the exemplary embodiment includes a retaining mechanism, which is preferably capable of simultaneously moving the cover or flap 2 from a closed position to an intermediate position, wherein the retaining mechanism... Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, it is configured as a push-push mechanism 14. The cover or flap 2 can be opened using the push-push mechanism by simply pressing a specific area, wherein the push-push mechanism 14 releases the cover or flap 2 on the first push and moves it to the open position, preferably in a spring-assisted manner. To close the cover or flap 2, pressure is applied again to the cover or flap 2 in that area, which securely connects the cover or flap 2 to the push-push mechanism 14, thereby holding the cover or flap 2 in the closed position.

[0051] If manual force is applied to the cover or flap 2, preferably to the lower region of the push-push mechanism 14, the cover or flap 2 is released and moved from the closed position to the intermediate position by the push-push mechanism 14 and / or the spring action around the third rotation axis, as... Figure 2 As shown, the cover or flap 2 is located at least partially or partially behind the vehicle body (and specifically the vehicle skin).

[0052] from Figure 2 Starting from the middle position, in this embodiment, the user manually opens the cover or flap 2 by sliding it upwards towards the rear of the vehicle body or shell until it reaches the open position. Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0053] During the mechanical opening movement, the cover or flap 2 is guided along a predetermined curve by a specific moving mechanism, wherein the first lever assembly 4 and the second lever assembly 5 or the guide causes the lower and upper regions of the cover or flap 2 to shift along different curves behind the vehicle body or vehicle shell.

[0054] The moving mechanism 3 is preferably configured to guide the cover or flap 2 from the intermediate position to the open position in the form of two superimposed curves. These two curves are preferably a first curve for a first region of the cover or flap 2 and a second curve for a second region of the cover or flap 2, preferably in the upper region, preferably one or two lever arm curves, and preferably in each case, quadratic or cubic Bézier curves. Advantageously, the specific curve guidance of the cover or flap 2 results in a particularly space-saving actuation mechanism 1.

[0055] Preferably, the first region is located in the connection portion between the first lever assembly 4 and the cover or flap 2, and the second region is located in the connection portion between the second lever assembly 5 and the cover or flap 2.

[0056] Figure 4 A schematic front view of the actuation mechanism 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein Figures 1 to 3 The shell is in its closed position.

[0057] List of reference numerals 1. Actuation mechanism 2 Flip-board 3. Mobile mechanism 4 First Lever Component 5 Second lever component 6 First Lever 7 Second Lever 8. Third Lever 9 First axis of rotation 10 Second axis of rotation 11 Third axis of rotation 12 Fourth axis of rotation 13 Fifth axis of rotation 14 Push-Push Mechanism

Claims

1. An actuation mechanism (1) for actuating a cover or flap (2) of a vehicle, specifically a cover or flap in the form of a flap for charging, maintenance or refueling the vehicle, or a cover or flap (2) in the form of a cover or flap for covering a sensor system of the vehicle, specifically a LIDAR system. The cover or flap (2) is reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover or flap (2) is arranged specifically flush with the vehicle body and specifically flush with the vehicle shell, and preferably flush with the side panel. In the open position, the cover or flap (2) is at least partially or partially arranged on the vehicle body and specifically behind the vehicle shell. The actuation mechanism (1) includes a moving mechanism (3) specifically operably connected to the rear side of the cover or flap (2), the moving mechanism being configured such that when the cover or flap (2) is moved from its closed position to its open position, the moving mechanism first moves the cover or flap (2) to an intermediate position, in which the cover or flap (2) is at least partially or partially located behind the vehicle body, specifically behind the vehicle shell. Its features The cover or flap (2) can be manually moved to the open position, preferably from the closed position and / or from the intermediate position.

2. The actuation mechanism according to claim 1, The moving mechanism (3) includes a first lever assembly (4) and a second lever assembly (5), or The moving mechanism (3) includes a first lever assembly (4) and a guide.

3. The actuation mechanism (1) according to claim 2. The first lever assembly (4) is preferably rotatably connected to the housing of the actuating mechanism (1) at a first end about a first rotation axis (9), and preferably rotatably connected to the cover or flap (2) at a second end about a third rotation axis (11), preferably in a first region of the cover or flap (2) and preferably in the upper region of the cover or flap (2), and preferably the first lever assembly (4) includes a first lever (6), preferably an L-shaped lever.

4. The actuation mechanism (1) according to claim 2 or 3. The second lever assembly (5) is preferably rotatably connected to the housing of the actuating mechanism (1) at a first end about a second rotation axis (10), and preferably rotatably connected to the cover or flap (2) at a second end about a fourth rotation axis (12), preferably at a second region of the cover or flap (2), preferably at a lower region of the cover or flap (2), and preferably the second lever assembly (5) includes two levers, preferably a second lever (7) and a third lever (8), which are preferably rotatably connected to each other about a fifth rotation axis.

5. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The moving mechanism (3) includes a multi-joint motion mechanism, wherein the multi-joint motion mechanism is preferably formed by the first lever assembly (4) and the second lever assembly (5).

6. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The cover or flap (2) is rotatably connected to the moving mechanism (3) about the third rotation axis (11), and preferably connected to the first lever assembly (4).

7. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The moving mechanism (3) is configured to preferably move the cover or flap (2) from the closed position to the intermediate position by rotating about the third axis of rotation (11) and preferably by being supported by a spring.

8. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The moving mechanism (3) includes a mechanism for holding the cover or lid in the closed position and / or for moving the cover or flap (2) out of the closed position, preferably until the intermediate position, wherein the mechanism is preferably configured as a push-push mechanism (14).

9. The actuation mechanism (1) according to claim 8. The cover or flap (2) is configured to move from the closed position to the intermediate position by applying manual force on the cover or flap (2), preferably in the lower region, preferably in the region of the mechanism for holding and / or moving the cover or flap (2) out of the closed position.

10. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The moving mechanism (3) is configured as a superposition of two lever components (4, 5), preferably for moving the cover or flap (2) from the intermediate position to the open position.

11. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 10. The guide includes one or more guide elements, preferably one or more bolts arranged in one or more elongated holes.

12. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The moving mechanism (3) is configured to guide the cover or flap (2) from the intermediate position to the open position in the form of two superimposed curves, the two curves preferably being a first curve for a first region of the cover or flap (2) and a second curve for a second region of the cover or flap (2), preferably being one or two lever arm curves, preferably being a quadratic or cubic Bézier curve in each case.

13. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The cover or flap (2) can be manually moved from the intermediate position to the closed position.

14. The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The moving mechanism (3) includes a dead-point spring, which preferably engages with the first lever assembly (4) and is preferably configured to hold the cover or flap (2) in the open or closed position.

15. A component for a vehicle, specifically a sensor, preferably a LIDAR system component, or a charging, maintenance, or refueling component, wherein said component includes the following: - Inlet, specifically sensor inlet, specifically LIDAR system inlet, or charging, maintenance or fuel filling inlet; - A cover or flap (2) for covering the entrance, wherein the cover or flap (2) is reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position and specifically is pivotable, wherein in the closed position the cover or flap (2) is arranged flush with the vehicle body, and in the open position the cover or flap (2) is arranged behind the body; and - The actuation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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