Actuating device for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle

Abstract

Actuating device (1) for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, with a locking and / or detent kinematics that interacts with the cover, wherein the actuating device (1) further comprises: - a housing (2) suitable for installation in a vehicle; - an actuating element (3) that is at least partially received in the housing (2) and mounted axially relative to the housing (2) in a manner particularly rotatable and / or translational, wherein the actuating element (3) interacts with the cover in such a way that, when the cover moves between a closed position and an open position, the actuating element (3) moves relative to the housing (2) between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the actuating element (3) is in a locked or latched state; and - an elastically deformable spring system (4) associated with the actuating part (3) for pre-tensioning the actuating part (3) in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3), wherein the locking and / or detent kinematics are configured such that a release of the locking or detent is initiated and / or that the locking or detent of the actuating part (3) is released or can be released when, starting from the first position of the actuating part (3), the actuating part (3) is moved further into the housing (2) relative to the housing (2) to a third position, wherein the spring system (4) is configured to bias the actuating part (3) with a first bias force or a first bias force range in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3) when the actuating part (3) is located between the first and second positions, and to bias the actuating part (3) with a second bias force or a second bias force range in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3) when the actuating part (3) is located between the first and third positions,where the first preload force or the first preload force range is different from the second preload force or the second preload force range, characterized by the fact that wherein the actuating device (1) has a damper or spring assembly (7) that is at least partially encapsulated, wherein the damper or spring assembly (7) is axially movable relative to the housing (2) and has a first force transmission element (8) pointing in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3) and a second force transmission element (9) axially spaced therefrom, wherein the first force transmission element (8) is movable relative to and in the direction of the second force transmission element (9) by overcoming a preload force, wherein the spring system (4) has a spring system (11) for axially preloading the damper or spring assembly (7) in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuating device for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, with a locking and / or arresting kinematics that interacts with the cover.

[0002] Such actuating devices are known, at least in principle, for example from the document DE 10 2008 057 933 B4 or the document DE 10 2009 060 119 A1.

[0003] For example, in the actuating device known from DE 10 2009 060 119 A1, the locking and / or arresting kinematics are combined with a simultaneous rotary movement of the plunger. This is achieved by at least one helical groove in the plunger and the engagement of at least one projection on the inner circumference of a housing of the actuating device in the groove. The known actuating device is characterized by a small number of components and thus a robust and cost-effective design. At the same time, it reliably ensures the required locking and unlocking of, for example, a fuel tank or tailgate flap at all times. Furthermore, it can be combined with a central locking function.

[0004] Further actuating devices or components thereof are known from the following publications: US 2016 / 0 326 780 A1, DE 102 12 783 A1, DE 102 48 420 A1, DE 10 2017 116 230 A1, US 2014 / 0 084 599 A1, DE 10 2008 032 758 A1, US 2014 / 0 042 768 A1, US 2 439 057 A, DE 39 39 118 A1, EP 1 293 632 A2, US 4 693 454 A and DE 10 2013 016 455 A1.

[0005] The known actuating devices of the aforementioned type generally have an axially movable plunger, on the outer circumference of which a control cam is provided to implement the locking and / or arresting kinematics. During operation, the cover, such as a fuel tank flap, interacts with the actuating end of the actuating device protruding from the recess.

[0006] In particular, when closed, the cover rests with its inner side on the actuating end. Due to the locking and / or arresting kinematics, the actuating device can be moved into an unlocked position by pressing the cover toward the vehicle body. In this unlocked position, the actuating end protrudes further from the fuel tank recess and slightly lifts the cover from the body surface. The cover can then be grasped manually, for example, and swung open completely. Upon subsequent closing of the cover and a force exerted on the actuating end of the actuating device, the cover is returned to a locking and / or arresting position.

[0007] A problem with actuating devices with locking and / or arresting kinematics is that the cover can unintentionally unlock and then move into its open position. This is because it is unavoidable that forces act on the cover during vehicle operation, as well as during installation. Examples include car washes, where forces can be exerted on the cover, particularly during the drying process, causing the cover to be moved into its unlocked position and then unintentionally move into its open position.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the problem of reliably preventing unintentional opening of the cover.

[0009] Based on this problem, the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an actuating device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which an unintentional opening of the cover can be reliably prevented in a simple to implement but nevertheless effective manner, without reducing the operating comfort.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the actuating device according to the invention are specified in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0011] The invention is particularly characterized in that the actuating device uses an elastically deformable spring system with a progressive or stepped spring characteristic instead of a preload spring with a linear spring characteristic, so that a sufficiently high preload force must be overcome to transfer the cover into its unlocking position, which reliably prevents unintentional unlocking of the cover.

[0012] In particular, the invention relates to an actuating device for opening and closing a cover, such as a tank or loading flap, in or on a vehicle, with a locking and / or arresting kinematics which cooperates with the cover.

[0013] The actuating device has, in particular, a housing that is suitable for installation in a vehicle. Furthermore, the actuating device has an actuating part, in particular in the form of a plunger, wherein the actuating part is at least partially received in the housing and is mounted so as to be rotatably and / or translatorily movable relative to the housing. The actuating part interacts with the cover and is, in particular, connected or connectable to the cover in such a way that, when the cover moves between a closed position of the cover and an open position of the cover, the actuating part performs a movement relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the actuating part, it is in a locked or arrested state.

[0014] The actuating device further comprises an elastically deformable spring system associated with the actuating part in order to prestress the actuating part in the direction of the second position of the actuating part.

[0015] In the actuating device according to the invention, it is provided in particular that the locking and / or arresting kinematics are designed in such a way that a release of the locking or arresting of the actuating part is initiated, for example with the aid of a sensor and an actuator communicating with the sensor, or that the locking or arresting of the actuating part is released or can be released when, starting from the first position of the actuating part, the actuating part is moved further into the housing relative to the housing to a third position.

[0016] Different designs are possible for the locking and / or locking kinematics. In short, when the locking and / or locking kinematics are in the locked or locked position, the cover is closed. If the locking or locking of the cover is released, pressure on the cover can partially pivot it outward by unlocking the actuating part of the locking and / or locking kinematics. The elastically deformable spring system present in the locking and / or locking kinematics then presses the actuating part and thus the cover outward by a certain angle, so that the cover can be grasped, for example, by hand and pivoted completely open.

[0017] In conceivable designs, the locking and / or arresting kinematics uses a so-called control wire that interacts with a heart curve.

[0018] However, in order to reduce the number of components of the locking and / or arresting kinematics, it is advantageous for the locking and / or arresting kinematics to have a ring surrounding the actuating part, which is axially fixed and rotatably mounted in the housing. Preferably, at least one axially parallel groove is provided on the outer side of the actuating part and at least one projection is provided on the inner circumference of the ring, which engages in the groove over a wide adjustment range of the actuating part, whereby the ring maintains its rotational position in the region of the groove when the actuating part is moved axially.

[0019] In this embodiment of the locking and / or arresting kinematics, a first deflection surface extending obliquely to the axis of the actuating part is preferably also used on the actuating part between the groove and the actuating end of the actuating part, which deflection surface cooperates with the projection of the ring and rotates the ring by a predetermined angular amount when the actuating part is moved into the housing with a predetermined first stroke.

[0020] In order to lock or arrest the actuating part in the first position, which corresponds to the closed position of the cover, the actuating part preferably has a recess facing the actuating end at a circumferential distance from the first articulation surface, which receives the projection when the actuating part is released after the first stroke, whereby the actuating part is locked in a locking position in the housing after a return stroke.

[0021] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a second deflection surface extending obliquely to the axis of the actuating part is provided on the actuating part between the locking recess and the actuating end, which deflection surface cooperates with the projection when the actuating part is pressed further into the housing from the locking position with a second stroke, whereby the ring is rotated by a further angular amount and the projection is aligned with the groove and the actuating part can be moved into its first extended position.

[0022] An alternative locking and / or arresting kinematics is known, for example, from the document DE 10 2018 123 949 A1.

[0023] In order to ensure that starting from the closed position of the cover and thus starting from the first (locked or arrested) position of the actuating part, the actuating part is unintentionally unlocked and the cover moves into its open position, the actuating device according to the invention does not use just one (single) spring with a linear spring characteristic as an elastically deformable spring system, as is the case with the previously described actuating devices or locking and / or arresting kinematics.Rather, in the actuating device according to the invention, the elastically deformable spring system is designed to prestress the actuating part with a first prestressing force or a first prestressing force range in the direction of the second position of the actuating part when the actuating part is located between the first and second positions, and to prestress the actuating part with a second prestressing force or with a second prestressing force range in the direction of the second position of the actuating part when the actuating part is located between the first and third positions.

[0024] In particular, it is provided in this context that the first preload force or the first preload force range of the preload system is different from the second preload force or the second preload force range.

[0025] Preferably, the first preload force or the first preload force range of the preload system is lower than the second preload force or the second preload force range.

[0026] The advantages that can be achieved with the solution according to the invention are obvious: by using an elastically deformable spring system with which - depending on the position of the actuating part - the actuating part is preloaded with different preload forces in the direction of the second position of the actuating part, the sequence of events for unlocking and opening the cover can be individually adapted to the respective application.

[0027] In particular, it is thus possible to ensure that only a relatively low preload force is exerted on the cover or the actuating part in the direction of the second position of the actuating part when the actuating part is located between the first and second positions. In other words, only a relatively low preload force needs to be overcome to move the cover from the open position to the closed position. This enables particularly user-friendly handling when opening and closing the cover.

[0028] Furthermore, this configuration has the advantage that when the cover is opened and closed by means of an actuator, in particular an electric motor actuator, only a relatively small force has to be applied by the actuator in order to manipulate the cover, ie in particular to transfer it from the open position to the closed position.

[0029] This in turn allows the use of actuators that are only small in size.

[0030] On the other hand, the elastically deformable spring system according to the invention offers the decisive advantage that the preload force acting on the actuating part when the actuating part is between the first and third positions is selected or set to be relatively high. This ensures that the actuating part, and thus the cover, can only be moved from the closed and locked / arrested position to the unlocked / released position when a significant force is exerted on the cover or the actuating part. Unintentional unlocking / releasing of the cover, for example, in a car wash, can thus be prevented in a simple yet effective manner.

[0031] Advantageously, the first preload force of the elastically deformable spring system and / or the second preload force of the elastically deformable spring system can be predefined and, in particular, adjustable. This allows the response behavior of the actuating device and thus the sequence of events for unlocking / releasing, opening, closing, and locking / securing the cover to be individually adapted to the respective application.

[0032] In an easy-to-implement but nevertheless effective manner, an elastically deformable spring system with a preferably progressive spring characteristic is used as the elastically deformable spring system, so that with increasing deflection of the elastically deformable spring system, the preload force acting on the actuating part in the direction of the second position of the actuating part increases.

[0033] A progressive spring characteristic of the elastically deformable spring system can be achieved, for example, by the elastically deformable spring system having at least one spring, in particular a metal spring, with a conical or barrel-shaped design.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the elastically deformable spring system can comprise a mixed circuit of several individual springs, wherein the individual springs in the mixed circuit are connected in parallel and / or in series and / or arranged one inside the other. Alternatively or additionally, the individual springs in the mixed circuit can be connected in combination such that the mixed circuit has a combined spring characteristic.

[0035] According to other implementations of the actuating device according to the invention, an air or nitrogen spring is used as the elastically deformable spring system, which also preferably has a progressive spring characteristic.

[0036] According to implementations of the actuating device (not part of the claimed invention), the elastically deformable spring system comprises a first spring system with at least one first spring element and a second spring system with at least one second spring element. The first spring system with the at least one first spring element is designed and configured to preload the actuating part with a (first) preload force in the direction of the second position of the actuating part when the actuating part is located between the first and second positions or when the actuating part is located between the second and third positions.

[0037] In contrast, in this embodiment, the second spring system with the at least one second spring element is preferably designed and configured to preload the actuating part with a (second) preload force in the direction of the second position of the actuating part only when the actuating part is located between the second and third positions. In particular, the second spring system with the at least one second spring element does not exert a preload force on the actuating part in the direction of the second position of the actuating part when the actuating part is located between the first and second positions.

[0038] In this embodiment, a mixed circuit of the first and second spring elements of the first and second spring systems is used.

[0039] In this context, it is advantageously provided that the second spring system with the at least one second spring is designed and accommodated or integrated in the housing in such a way that the at least one second spring of the second spring system is only compressed or compressible with the actuating part or by the actuating part when the actuating part is in its first position or between the first and third positions.

[0040] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the second spring system comprises, as the at least one second spring element, a spring-elastic component and in particular a component made of a spring-elastic elastomer, wherein this component is preferably arranged outside the housing and is designed to come into contact with the cover only when the actuating part is in its first position or between the first and third positions.

[0041] According to the invention, the actuating device comprises a damper or spring device, in particular one that is encapsulated at least in part. This damper or spring device, in particular one that is encapsulated at least in part, can be in the form of a single-tube damper or a twin-tube damper, or a cylinder-piston arrangement, for example, although other embodiments of the damper or spring device are also conceivable.

[0042] In particular, the damper or spring device used in the embodiment of the actuating device comprises a first force transmission element which points in the direction of the second position of the actuating part, and a second force transmission element which is axially spaced therefrom, wherein the first force transmission element is movable relative to and in the direction of the second force transmission element while overcoming a prestressing force.

[0043] In particular, this embodiment provides that the elastically deformable spring system comprises a spring system for axially preloading the damper or spring device, and in particular the second force transmission element of the damper or spring device, in the direction of the second position of the actuating part. Furthermore, the damper or spring device is axially movable relative to the housing—at least over a predetermined or determinable stroke range.

[0044] In this embodiment, the actuating part of the actuating device is formed in particular by the first force transmission element of the damper or spring device.

[0045] In this context, it is advisable to provide a stop, which is preferably formed in the housing, wherein the stop is designed to limit a movement stroke of the damper or spring device into the housing. In particular, the stop is designed to further block a movement of the second force-transmitting element of the damper or spring device into the housing when the actuating part (i.e., the first force-transmitting element) is in the first position.

[0046] Preferably, the spring stiffness of the damper or spring device should be stronger than the spring stiffness of the spring system of the elastically deformable spring system.

[0047] In this embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, it is also possible for the damper or spring device to be designed as a fluid damper, in particular in the form of an air / nitrogen or oil damper.

[0048] According to further developments of the actuating device according to the invention, it is provided that the actuating device further comprises an actuator, in particular an electromotive actuator, in order to move the cover between the closed position and the open position after unlocking the actuating part, as required.

[0049] Furthermore, it is particularly suitable for implementing an autonomous opening or closing of the cover for the actuating device to have a sensor system for detecting the first, second and / or third position of the actuating part.

[0050] The invention also relates to a vehicle cover comprising an actuating device according to the invention. The cover can be a fuel tank and / or loading flap. Accordingly, the invention also relates to a fuel tank and / or loading flap assembly with an actuating device according to the invention.

[0051] Exemplary embodiments of the actuating device according to the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] They show: Fig. 1 schematically and in a sectional view, an exemplary embodiment of an actuating device not belonging to the claimed invention, wherein the actuating part or the cover is in the closed and locked / arrested position (= first position of the actuating part); Fig. 2 schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the actuating device according to Fig. 1, but in a state in which the cover and the actuating part are in the over-pressed state for unlocking the actuating part (= third position of the actuating part); Fig. 3 schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the actuating device, but in a state in which the cover and the actuating part are each in the open state (= second position of the actuating part); Fig. 4 schematically shows the spring characteristic of the elastically deformable spring system used in the exemplary embodiment of the actuating device; Fig. 5 schematically and in a sectional view an exemplary embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, wherein the actuating part is in the closed and locked / arrested position (= first position of the actuating part); Fig. 6 schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention according to Fig. 5, but in a state in which the actuating part is in the over-pressed state for unlocking the actuating part (= third position of the actuating part); Fig. 7 schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, but in a state in which the actuating part is in the open state (= second position of the actuating part); Fig. 8 schematically and in a sectional view an exemplary embodiment of an actuating device not belonging to the claimed invention, wherein the actuating part is in the closed and locked / arrested position (= first position of the actuating part); Fig. 9 schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the actuating device according to Fig. 8, but in a state in which the actuating part is in the over-pressed state for unlocking the actuating part (= third position of the actuating part); and Fig. 10 schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the actuating device according to Fig. 8, but in a state in which the actuating part is in the open state (= second position of the actuating part).

[0053] First, with reference to the illustration in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 a first exemplary embodiment of the actuating device 1 is described.

[0054] The actuating device 1 comprises a housing 2 with an approximately cylindrical, axial cavity in which an actuating part 3, in particular in the form of a plunger, can be accommodated. Also located within the cavity is an elastically deformable spring system 4 in the form of a helical spring with a progressive spring characteristic, which is supported at its lower end on an abutment. At its upper end, it surrounds a pin of the actuating part 3, which is designed in particular as a plunger.

[0055] The actuating part 3 extends depending on its position in the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 different distances upwards in the housing 2.

[0056] In the illustration according to Fig. 1, the actuating part 3 is in its first, locked / arrested position and the cover cooperating with the actuating part 3 (not shown in the drawings) is in its closed position.

[0057] If the actuating part 3 is moved from its first, locked / arrested position according to Fig. 1 is pressed further downwards into the housing 2 by pressure from above, the spring of the elastically deformable spring system 4 is further compressed and the actuating part 3 as well as the corresponding locking and / or arresting kinematics are moved into the Fig. 2 shown over-pressed and actuated state. In the Fig. In the third position of the actuating part 3 shown in Figure 2, the latter is in the unlocked state.

[0058] Subsequently, due to the preload force acting on the actuating part 3 by the elastically deformable spring system 4, the actuating part 3 together with the cover is moved into the Fig. 3 shown open position, in which the actuating part 3 is in its second position.

[0059] In Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, a blocking recess 14 can be seen on the outside of the actuating part 3. A blocking latch 15 can engage in this blocking recess 14 to block the actuating part 3 and thus to block the cover in a locked / arrested position of the actuating part 3 in the housing 2.

[0060] For this purpose, an electric motor 13 is used, which is also preferably accommodated in the housing 2 and which interacts with the blocking bolt 15, for example via a gear wheel, and can thus adjust the latter in its direction running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the actuating part 3 between a blocking position engaging in the blocking recess 14 and a release position retracted from the blocking recess 14.

[0061] For manual unlocking, a toothed rack can also be provided, wherein, for example, a tensile force can be exerted on the toothed rack as required via a Bowden cable (not shown in detail in the drawings), whereby the blocking bolt 15 can be pulled out of the blocking recess 14, for example in the event of a failure of the electric motor 13 or in the event of a failure of the electrical supply.

[0062] As already indicated, the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 shown actuating device 1 for pre-tensioning the actuating part 3 into its second, in Fig. 3, an elastically deformable spring system 4 with a progressive spring characteristic is used. Fig. 4 schematically shows the characteristic curve of the elastically deformable spring system 4 used in the first exemplary embodiment of the actuating device 1.

[0063] Although Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 the spring belonging to the elastically deformable spring system 4 has a cylindrical design, this has a progressive spring characteristic curve due to the material properties not shown in the drawings, which can be seen for example in Fig. 4. According to this progressive spring characteristic, the preload force acting on the actuating part 3 increases with increasing spring deflection.

[0064] Instead of a spring with a cylindrical design and different materials, a spring with a conical spring design or with a mixed circuit of individual springs can also be used as an elastically deformable spring system 4.

[0065] Embodiments of the actuating device 1 according to the invention, in which mixed circuits of individual springs are used as the elastically deformable spring system 4 in order to achieve a progressive spring characteristic, are described below with reference to the illustrations in Fig. 5 to 7 and 8 to 10 respectively.

[0066] In the following, with reference to the illustrations in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 a further (second) exemplary embodiment of the actuating device 1 according to the invention is described in more detail.

[0067] The actuating device 1 has a housing 2 which is suitable for installation in a vehicle.

[0068] In addition, the actuating device 1 has an actuating part 3 which is at least partially accommodated in the housing 2 and mounted to be axially movable relative to the housing 2, wherein the actuating part 3 interacts with a cover (not shown) and in particular is connected or connectable to the cover in such a way that the actuating part 3 performs a movement relative to the housing 2 in the axial direction between a first position and a second position when the cover moves between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the first position the actuating part 3 is in a locked / arrested state.

[0069] In detail, Fig. 5 shows a state of the actuating device 1 in which the actuating part 3 is in the first position, which corresponds to a closed position of the cover.

[0070] However, in Fig. 7 shows the actuating device 1 in a state in which the actuating part 3 is in its second position, which corresponds to the open position of the cover.

[0071] The Fig. The (first) position of the actuating part 3 shown in Figure 5 corresponds in particular to a locked / arrested position of the actuating part 3.

[0072] To release the locking / locking of the operating part 3, so that the operating part 3 can then be released from the Fig. 5 shown first position into the one in Fig. 7, the actuating part 3 must be moved further into the housing 2, and in particular further into the housing 2 to a third position, as shown in Fig. 6 is indicated.

[0073] The associated locking and / or arresting kinematics of the actuating device 1 is shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 not shown. This locking and / or arresting kinematics is preferably a locking and / or arresting kinematics as described, for example, in the document DE 10 2018 123 949 A1 or in the document DE 10 2008 057 933 B4.

[0074] As in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, the exemplary embodiment of the actuating device 1 shown there has an elastically deformable spring system 4 assigned to the actuating part 3 in order to move the actuating part 3 in the direction of the second position of the actuating part 3 (cf. Fig. 7) pre-tension accordingly.

[0075] In detail, the elastically deformable spring system 4 is designed to preload the actuating part 3 with a first (relatively low) preload force in the direction of the second position of the actuating part 3 when the actuating part 3 is located between the first and second positions, and to preload the actuating part 3 with a second (relatively high) preload force in the direction of the second position of the actuating part 3 when the actuating part 3 is located between the second and third positions.

[0076] To implement the pre-tensioning mechanism, the Fig. 5 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, a damper or spring device 7 which is encapsulated in particular at least in regions is used.

[0077] At the Fig. 5 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, this damper or spring device 7 is designed as a cylinder-piston arrangement and has a first force transmission element 8 pointing in the direction of the second position of the actuating part 3 and a second force transmission element 9 axially spaced therefrom. Provision is made for a spring element 10 to be arranged between the first and second force transmission elements 8, 9 in order to prestress the first force transmission element 8 relative to the second force transmission element 9, so that the first force transmission element 8 can only be moved relative to and in the direction of the second force transmission element 9 by overcoming the prestressing force of the spring element 10.

[0078] Furthermore, the Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, an (additional) spring system 11 belonging to the elastically deformable spring system 4 is used to move the damper or spring device 7 in the direction of the second position of the actuating part 3 (cf. Fig. 7) axially preloaded. The damper or spring device 7 is axially movable relative to the housing 2, at least in some areas.

[0079] In detail, in this context it is provided that the actuating part 3 of the actuating device 1 is formed in particular by the first force transmission element of the damper or spring device 7.

[0080] As in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, in this embodiment a stop 12 is also provided, which is preferably formed in the housing 2.

[0081] The stop 12 is designed to limit a movement stroke of the damper or spring device 7 into the housing 2.

[0082] In particular, the stop 12 is designed to block a movement of the second force transmission element of the damper or spring device 7 further into the housing 2 when the first force transmission element 8, which assumes the function of the actuating part 3, is in its first position (cf. Fig. 5). If the actuating part 3 is then pushed further into the housing 2 to unlock the locking and / or arresting kinematics or to unlock the actuating part 3, the preload force exerted by the spring element 10 arranged in the damper or spring device 7 must be overcome.

[0083] The preload force or spring stiffness of the spring element 10 of the damper or spring device 7 is preferably greater than the spring stiffness of the spring system 11 of the elastically deformable spring system 4.

[0084] The following is based on reference to the Fig. 8 to 10 describe a further embodiment of the actuating device 1.

[0085] In structural terms, this embodiment essentially corresponds to the one described above with reference to the illustrations in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, although a different configuration for a mixed circuit of individual springs 5, 6 is now used.

[0086] In detail, the Fig. 8 to Fig. In the embodiment of the actuating device 1 shown in Fig. 10, the elastically deformable spring system 4 comprises a first spring system 5 with at least one first spring element and a second spring system 6 with at least one second spring element.

[0087] The first spring system 5 with the at least one first spring element is designed and constructed to bias the actuating part 3 of the actuating device 1 with a prestressing force in the direction of the second position of the actuating part 3 (cf. Fig. 10) when the actuating part 3 is between the first and second positions or when the actuating part 3 is between the second and third positions.

[0088] In contrast, the second spring system 6 with the at least one second spring element is designed and constructed to preload the actuating part 3 with a preload force in the direction of the second position of the actuating part 3 only when the actuating part 3 is located between the second and third positions, and in particular not to preload the actuating part 3 in the direction of the second position of the actuating part 3 when the actuating part 3 is located between the first and second positions.

[0089] At the Fig. 8 to Fig. 10 schematically shown further embodiment of the actuating device 1 according to the invention, the second spring system 6 with the at least one second spring is designed and received or integrated in the housing 2 in such a way that the at least one second spring of the second spring system 6 is only compressed with the actuating part 3 or is compressed or compressible by the actuating part 3 when the actuating part 3 is in its first position or between the first and third positions.

[0090] Instead of a second spring system 6, which is accommodated or integrated in the housing 2, it is also conceivable that the second spring system has as a second spring element a spring-elastic component and in particular a component made of a spring-elastic elastomer, which is preferably arranged outside the housing 2 and is designed to come into contact with the cover only when the actuating part 3 is in its first position or between the first and third positions.

[0091] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all features disclosed herein. List of reference symbols 1 actuating device 2 housings 3 Actuating part 4 elastically deformable spring system 5 first spring system 6 second spring system 7 Damper or spring device 8 first power transmission element 9 second power transmission element 10 Spring element of the damper or spring device 11 Spring system 12 stops 13 Actuator 14 Blocking recess 15 locking bolts

Claims

[1] Actuating device (1) for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, with a locking and / or arresting kinematics which cooperates with the cover, the actuating device (1) further comprising: - a housing (2) suitable for installation in a vehicle; - an actuating part (3) which is accommodated at least partially in the housing (2) and mounted so as to be axially movable relative to the housing (2), in particular in a rotational and / or translational manner, wherein the actuating part (3) interacts with the cover in such a way that, when the cover moves between a closed position and an open position, the actuating part (3) performs a movement relative to the housing (2) between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the actuating part (3) is in a locked or arrested state; and - an elastically deformable spring system (4) associated with the actuating part (3) for pre-tensioning the actuating part (3) in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3), wherein the locking and / or arresting kinematics are designed such that a release of the locking or arresting is initiated and / or that the locking or arresting of the actuating part (3) is released or can be released when, starting from the first position of the actuating part (3), the actuating part (3) is moved further into the housing (2) relative to the housing (2) to a third position, wherein the spring system (4) is designed to preload the actuating part (3) with a first preloading force or a first preloading force range in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3) when the actuating part (3) is located between the first and second positions, and to preload the actuating part (3) with a second preloading force or a second preloading force range in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3) when the actuating part (3) is located between the first and third positions,wherein the first preload force or the first preload force range is different from the second preload force or the second preload force range, characterized by , that wherein the actuating device (1) has a damper or spring device (7) which is at least partially encapsulated, wherein the damper or spring device (7) is axially movable relative to the housing (2) and has a first force transmission element (8) pointing in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3) and a second force transmission element (9) axially spaced therefrom, wherein the first force transmission element (8) is movable relative to and in the direction of the second force transmission element (9) by overcoming a pretensioning force, wherein the spring system (4) has a spring system (11) for axially pretensioning the damper or spring device (7) in the direction of the second position of the actuating part (3). [2] Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first preload force or the first preload force range and / or the second preload force or the second preload force range can be predetermined. [3] Actuating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spring system (4) has a spring characteristic such that with an increase in deflection of the pre-tensioning system, the pre-tensioning force acting on the actuating part (3) increases. [4] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spring system (4) comprises at least one spring with a conical or barrel-shaped design. [5] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spring system (4) has a mixed circuit of several individual springs (5, 6, 10, 11), wherein in the mixed circuit the individual springs (5, 6, 10, 11) are connected in parallel and / or in series and / or at least partially arranged one inside the other, and / or wherein in the mixed circuit the individual springs (5, 6, 10, 11) are connected in a combined manner such that the mixed circuit has a combined spring characteristic curve. [6] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spring system (4) comprises an air or nitrogen spring. [7] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least partially encapsulated damper or spring device (7) is designed in the form of a single-tube or twin-tube damper or in the form of a cylinder-piston arrangement. [8] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuating part (3) is formed by the first force transmission element of the (8) damper or spring device (7), and wherein a stop (12) is provided, which is preferably formed in the housing (2), wherein the stop (12) is particularly designed to limit a movement stroke of the second force transmission element (9) of the damper or spring device (7) into the housing (2), wherein the stop (12) is particularly designed to block a movement of the second force transmission element of the damper or spring device (7) further into the housing (2) when the actuating part (3) is in its first position. [9] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a spring stiffness of the damper or spring device (7) is stronger than a spring stiffness of the spring system (11) of the spring system (4). [10] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the damper or spring device (7) is designed as a fluid damper. [11] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the actuating device (1) further comprises an actuator (13) for moving the cover between the closed position and the open position as required after unlocking the actuating part (3). [12] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, which further comprises a sensor system for detecting the first, second and / or third position of the actuating part (3).

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