An integrated control unit for an electric tailgate strut of a vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of automobile parts, and specifically discloses an automobile electric tail gate supporting rod of an integrated control unit, which comprises a supporting rod assembly and a control assembly. The supporting rod assembly comprises an outer sleeve, an inner threaded pipe, a motor assembly and a motor end connector. One end of the inner threaded pipe is closed, the other end has an opening, the opening end is coaxially arranged in the outer sleeve, and the inner threaded pipe and the outer sleeve are in sliding connection in the length direction of the outer sleeve. The motor assembly is installed in the outer sleeve and connected with one end of the inner threaded pipe. The control assembly is installed in the outer sleeve and located on the side of the motor assembly away from the inner threaded pipe. The control assembly is used for controlling the operation of the supporting rod assembly. The application improves the stability and service life of the supporting rod, simplifies the installation structure and improves the overall efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to an electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial component commonly used in modern automobiles, the electric tailgate strut plays a vital role in the opening and closing of the tailgate. With the rapid development of the automotive industry and continuous technological advancements, electric tailgate struts not only need to possess basic mechanical support and drive functions but also require the integration of intelligent control systems to achieve a more precise and convenient operating experience. This demand has spurred continuous innovation and optimization of electric tailgate strut technology, resulting in significant improvements in reliability, comfort, and safety.

[0003] Currently, the intelligent tailgate systems used in the automotive industry generally employ two electric tailgate struts or one electric tailgate strut paired with a stabilizer bar. In addition, an independent electric tailgate strut control unit and connecting wiring harness are provided in addition to the electric tailgate struts to realize the control of the electric tailgate struts.

[0004] The aforementioned technologies have the following drawbacks: placing the control unit and connecting harness outside the electric tailgate strut requires separate installation of the control unit and connecting harness during the installation of the electric tailgate strut, making the installation of the electric tailgate strut quite cumbersome. Utility Model Content

[0005] To improve the installation efficiency of electric tailgate struts, this application provides an automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit.

[0006] The technical solution for an integrated control unit automotive electric tailgate strut provided in this application is as follows:

[0007] An integrated control unit for an electric tailgate strut includes a strut assembly and a control assembly. The strut assembly includes an outer tube, an internally threaded tube, a motor assembly, and a motor end connector. One end of the internally threaded tube is closed, and the other end is open, with the open end coaxially disposed within the outer tube. The internally threaded tube is slidably connected to the outer tube along its length. The motor assembly is installed within the outer tube and connected to one end of the internally threaded tube. The control assembly is installed within the outer tube and located on the side of the motor assembly away from the internally threaded tube. The control assembly controls the operation of the strut assembly.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the strut assembly enables smooth opening and closing of the electric tailgate, and the sliding connection between the inner threaded tube and the outer tube ensures smooth operation of the structure. The control assembly can precisely control the operation of the motor, realizing intelligent operation of the tailgate. In this application, the control assembly is located inside the outer tube, integrating the control assembly onto the strut assembly. Consequently, during the installation of the strut assembly, the connecting harness between the control assembly and the strut assembly is also fixed along with the installation of the strut assembly, improving the installation efficiency of the electric tailgate strut.

[0009] Preferably, there is a gap between the motor assembly and the outer sleeve, and the internal threaded tube and the outer sleeve are dynamically sealed together along the length of the outer sleeve.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the dynamic sealing connection between the internal threaded tube and the outer sleeve in the length direction effectively prevents external impurities from entering between the internal threaded tube and the outer sleeve, ensuring the normal operation of the strut assembly. The gap between the motor and the outer sleeve allows the gas between the internal threaded tube and the motor to exchange with the outside, preventing the internal threaded tube from being affected by the gas pressure between the internal threaded tube and the motor during movement.

[0011] Preferably, the inner hole of the outer sleeve is a non-circular hole.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the non-circular hole design of the outer sleeve can enhance the structural stability of the strut assembly, effectively prevent the internal threaded tube from rotating during movement, and ensure the reliability and stability of the electric tailgate strut during operation.

[0013] Preferably, the control assembly includes a control unit and a circuit board, the control unit being disposed on the circuit board, and the circuit board being mounted on the end of the motor assembly away from the internally threaded tube.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, and by setting the control unit on the circuit board and installing it at a specific position on the motor assembly, the control unit can effectively control the operation of the strut assembly, stably transmit electrical signals, ensure the stability and reliability of the strut assembly operation, and meet actual usage requirements.

[0015] Preferably, the motor assembly has a connector strip on the side near the circuit board, and the circuit board has a connector hole, into which the connector strip is inserted.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooperation between the connector strip and the connector hole provides a simple and reliable connection method for the circuit board and the motor assembly.

[0017] Preferably, the connector strip and the connector hole are provided in multiple sets.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solutions, the multiple setups further enhance the stability of the connection, ensuring that the connection between the circuit board and the motor assembly is firm and not easily loosened during the operation of the strut assembly, thus guaranteeing the effective execution of signal transmission and control commands.

[0019] Preferably, a stop block is fixed at one end of the motor assembly near the circuit board, the stop block abuts against the side of the circuit board near the motor assembly, and multiple stop blocks are provided, spaced apart from the plug strip.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the abutment block provides additional support for the circuit board. The spaced arrangement of multiple abutment blocks can disperse the force on the circuit board, preventing damage to the circuit board due to uneven force. In conjunction with the plug strip, it further enhances the stability of the circuit board installed on the motor assembly and improves the overall reliability of the support rod assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the abutment block is arranged in an arc shape.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the arc-shaped abutment block can better fit the shape of the circuit board, increase the contact area with the circuit board, and thus more effectively provide stable support for the circuit board, further ensuring the stable installation of the circuit board on the motor assembly and improving the working stability of the strut assembly.

[0023] Preferably, the motor end connector has a snap-fit ​​block extending from one end near the motor assembly, and the motor assembly has a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove, with the snap-fit ​​block and the snap-fit ​​groove cooperating with each other.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooperation between the snap-fit ​​block and the snap-fit ​​slot achieves the purpose of installing the motor end connector while further restricting the position of the circuit board.

[0025] Preferably, multiple sets of the snap-fit ​​blocks and snap-fit ​​slots are provided and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the motor end connector.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the multiple sets of evenly distributed circumferentially can limit the circuit board from multiple directions, maintain the stability of the circuit board in all directions, reduce the displacement and shaking of the circuit board during the operation of the strut assembly, and improve the overall working performance of the strut assembly.

[0027] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0028] 1. By integrating the control components inside the strut assembly, the installation process of the electric tailgate strut is simplified and the installation efficiency is improved;

[0029] 2. The control component can control the operation of the strut assembly, improving the intelligent control level of the electric tailgate strut and achieving more precise operation. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the electrode assembly and the control assembly in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure label:

[0035] 1. Support rod assembly; 11. Outer sleeve; 12. Internally threaded tube; 13. Motor assembly; 131. Connecting strip; 132. Abutment block; 133. Snap-fit ​​groove; 14. Motor end connector; 141. Connecting wire harness; 142. Snap-fit ​​block;

[0036] 2. Control components; 21. Control unit; 22. Circuit board; 221. Socket. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0038] This application discloses an integrated control unit for an automotive electric tailgate support rod. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3An integrated control unit is disclosed for an electric tailgate strut for automobiles. The strut strut includes a strut assembly 1 and a control assembly 2. The strut assembly 1 includes an outer sleeve 11, an internally threaded tube 12, a motor assembly 13, and a motor end connector 14. One end of the internally threaded tube 12 is closed, and the other end is open, with the open end coaxially disposed within the outer sleeve 11. The internally threaded tube 12 is slidably connected to the outer sleeve 11 along its length. The inner hole of the outer sleeve 11 is a non-circular hole. This non-circular hole design enhances the structural stability of the strut assembly 1 and effectively prevents the internally threaded tube 12 from rotating during movement. The motor assembly 13 is installed within the outer sleeve 11 and located at the end of the outer sleeve 11 closest to the open end of the internally threaded tube 12. The control assembly 2 is installed within the outer sleeve 11 and located at the end of the motor assembly 13 furthest from the internally threaded tube 12; the control assembly 2 is used to control the operation of the strut assembly 1. The motor end connector 14 is installed at the end of the motor assembly 13 near the control component 2, and the motor end connector 14 and the motor assembly 13 form a limit on the control component 2; the end of the motor end connector 14 away from the motor assembly 13 is provided with a connecting wire harness 141, which is used for communication connection to the vehicle control components.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the strut assembly 1 enables smooth opening and closing of the electric tailgate, and the sliding connection between the inner threaded tube 12 and the outer tube 11 ensures smooth operation of the structure. The control assembly 2 can precisely control the operation of the motor assembly 13, realizing intelligent operation of the tailgate. In this application, the control assembly 2 is located inside the outer tube 11, integrating the control assembly 2 onto the strut assembly 1. Consequently, during the installation of the strut assembly 1, the connecting harness between the control assembly 2 and the strut assembly 1 is also fixed along with the installation of the strut assembly 1, improving the installation efficiency of the electric tailgate strut.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A gap exists between the motor assembly 13 and the outer sleeve 11. A dynamic seal connection exists between the internal threaded tube 12 and the outer sleeve 11 along the length of the outer sleeve 11. In this embodiment, the dynamic seal connection along the length of the internal threaded tube 12 and the outer sleeve 11 effectively prevents external impurities from entering between them, ensuring the normal operation of the strut assembly 1. The gap between the motor assembly 13 and the outer sleeve 11 allows gas exchange between the internal threaded tube 12 and the motor assembly 13 with the outside environment, preventing the internal threaded tube 12 from being affected by the gas pressure between it and the motor assembly 13 during movement.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The control component 2 includes a control unit 21 and a circuit board 22. The control unit 21 is mounted on the circuit board 22, and the circuit board 22 is mounted on the end of the motor assembly 13 away from the internal threaded tube 12.

[0042] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 achieves stable transmission of electrical signals for controlling the operation of the strut assembly 1. Specifically, the control unit 21 may include integrated chips and other control components. In practical applications, control software can be written as needed, and then the circuit board 22 is soldered onto the motor assembly 13. The control unit 21 is also connected to the connecting harness 141 to achieve communication with the vehicle's control components.

[0043] A connector strip 131 is provided on the side of the motor assembly 13 near the circuit board 22. The circuit board 22 has connector holes 221. The connector strip 131 is inserted into the connector holes 221, enabling a stable connection between the circuit board 22 and the motor assembly 13. Multiple sets of connector strips 131 and connector holes 221 can be provided; in this embodiment, three sets are provided, and the three sets of connector strips 131 and connector holes 221 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the circuit board. To facilitate identification of the assembly position, the position of one set of connector strips 131 and connector holes 221 can be changed, resulting in a non-uniform distribution of the three sets of connector strips 131 and connector holes 221 along the circumference of the circuit board.

[0044] Furthermore, an abutment block 132 is fixed to one end of the motor assembly 13 near the circuit board 22. The abutment block 132 abuts against the side of the circuit board 22 near the motor assembly 13, providing stable support for the circuit board 22. In this embodiment, three abutment blocks 132 are provided, spaced apart from the connector strip 131; and to make the circuit board 22 more stable, the abutment blocks 132 are arc-shaped.

[0045] A snap-fit ​​block 142 extends from one end of the motor end connector 14 near the motor assembly 13, and a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove 133 is provided on the motor assembly 13. The snap-fit ​​block 142 and the snap-fit ​​groove 133 cooperate with each other to further restrict the position of the circuit board 22 and maintain the stability of the circuit board 22. In this embodiment, multiple sets of snap-fit ​​blocks 142 and snap-fit ​​grooves 133 are provided and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the motor end connector 14.

[0046] During installation, the operator first aligns the connector hole 221 on the circuit board 22 with the connector strip 131, and pushes the circuit board 22 closer to the motor assembly 13 until the circuit board 22 abuts against the abutment block 132. Then, the connecting wire harness 141 is inserted into the interface of the motor end connector 14 and connected to the interface on the circuit board 22. Next, the motor end connector 14 is installed, requiring the snap-fit ​​block 142 to be aligned with the snap-fit ​​slot 133 until the snap-fit ​​block 142 is fully installed in the snap-fit ​​slot 133. At this point, the end face of the motor end connector 14 abuts against the circuit board 22, thereby forming a stable limit on the circuit board 22.

[0047] The implementation principle of the electric tailgate support rod of an integrated control unit in this application embodiment is as follows:

[0048] When installing the electric tailgate strut, the closed end of the internal threaded tube 12 is hinged to the tailgate, and the end of the outer tube 11 away from the internal threaded tube 12 is hinged to the vehicle body.

[0049] When the tailgate opens, the control unit 21 drives the strut assembly 1. While the strut assembly 1 is running, the motor assembly 13 drives the screw 15 to rotate, causing the inner threaded tube 12 to slide within the outer sleeve 11, thereby extending the strut assembly 1 to push the tailgate open. By integrating multiple components such as the tailgate control unit, electric tailgate strut, and connecting wiring harness from a traditional intelligent tailgate system into a single electric tailgate strut product, the normal operation of the electric tailgate strut is ensured.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Above," "below," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0051] The above are all optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A power tailgate strut for automobiles with an integrated control unit, characterized in that: The device includes a strut assembly (1) and a control assembly (2). The strut assembly (1) includes an outer tube (11), an inner threaded tube (12), a motor assembly (13), and a motor end connector (14). One end of the inner threaded tube (12) is closed, and the other end is open. The open end is coaxially disposed inside the outer tube (11), and the inner threaded tube (12) is slidably connected to the outer tube (11) along the length of the outer tube (11). The motor assembly (13) is installed inside the outer tube (11) and connected to one end of the inner threaded tube (12). The control assembly (2) is installed inside the outer tube (11) and is located on the side of the motor assembly (13) away from the inner threaded tube (12). The control assembly (2) is used to control the operation of the strut assembly (1).

2. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is a gap between the motor assembly (13) and the outer sleeve (11), and the inner threaded tube (12) and the outer sleeve (11) are dynamically sealed together along the length of the outer sleeve (11).

3. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner hole of the outer tube (11) is a non-circular hole.

4. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control component (2) includes a control unit (21) and a circuit board (22), wherein the control unit (21) is disposed on the circuit board (22), and the circuit board (22) is mounted on the end of the motor assembly (13) away from the internal threaded tube (12).

5. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The motor assembly (13) has a connector strip (131) on the side near the circuit board (22), and the circuit board (22) has a connector hole (221) and the connector strip (131) is inserted into the connector hole (221).

6. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connector strip (131) and the connector hole (221) are provided in multiple sets.

7. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The motor assembly (13) has a stop block (132) fixed at one end near the circuit board (22). The stop block (132) abuts against the side of the circuit board (22) near the motor assembly (13), and there are multiple stop blocks (132) spaced apart from the plug strip (131).

8. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The abutment block (132) is arranged in an arc shape.

9. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The motor end connector (14) has a snap-fit ​​block (142) extending from one end near the motor assembly (13), and the motor assembly (13) has a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove (133). The snap-fit ​​block (142) and the snap-fit ​​groove (133) cooperate with each other.

10. The automotive electric tailgate strut with an integrated control unit according to claim 9, characterized in that: Multiple sets of the snap-fit ​​blocks (142) and snap-fit ​​slots (133) are provided and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the motor end connector (14).

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