Actuator of a vehicle lock

Abstract

Actuator of a vehicle lock, comprising an electric motor (11) arranged in a housing and having an output shaft (12) with a worm gear which engages with a gear wheel (42) of the actuator (41), wherein it is rotatably mounted in the housing of the actuator (41) for coupling to actuating elements of the lock, characterized in that a housing of the electric motor (11) is arranged in the housing of the actuator (41), which consists of a trough (37) and a cover (38), the housing of the electric motor being formed from two longitudinally extending housing parts (14, 15) which abut each other in a division plane β, wherein the housing of the electric motor is mounted in the housing of the actuator (41) by means of at least one elastic connecting element (21, 21a, 21b) which is between the cover (38) and the first housing part (14) and between the trough (37) and the second housing part (15). is arranged, wherein the elastic connecting elements (21,21a, 21b) are subjected to the clamping forces of the basin (37) and the cover (38) in the direction of an axis α, which runs perpendicular to the parting plane β of the housing parts (14, 15), wherein the basin (37) and the cover (38) of the housing of the actuator (41) are connected to each other by means of fastening screws (46) and are provided with tubular projections (35, 36) to generate the clamping forces of the basin (37) and the cover (38) on the elastic connecting elements (21, 21a, 21b).

Description

field of technology

[0001] The invention relates to an actuator for a vehicle lock, comprising an electric motor arranged in a housing and having an output shaft with a worm gear which engages with a gear wheel of the actuator, wherein it is rotatably mounted in the housing of the actuator for coupling to actuating elements of the lock. State of the art

[0002] Electric actuators are primarily used to operate seat and door locks. These actuators are typically housed in casings that are secured to the vehicle body openings with two or more mounting screws to actuate the rotating or sliding components of the locks. The electric motor rotates at high speed, and the speed of the output shaft is reduced by a high-ratio gearbox, most commonly a worm gear. High-ratio gearboxes are generally associated with increased noise and vibration, which is transmitted to the vehicle body via the mounting screws. This is perceived as disruptive and reduces comfort for the driver and vehicle occupants.Numerous technical solutions therefore aim to reduce the noise generated by an actuator while maintaining its functionality.

[0003] From publication EP 0 884 436 A2, a technical solution is known in which a two-part housing of an actuator for a central locking system is attached to the vehicle body by means of at least one fastening screw. This screw passes through coaxially arranged through-holes in the housing and projects with its end into an opening in the vehicle body in which it is fastened. Between the through-holes, a hollow cylindrical chamber is formed in the housing. A silencer is arranged in this chamber at the fastening screw. The silencer is formed by a hollow, cylindrical sleeve with circumferential circular projections that have flattened ends and project radially beyond the through-holes of the housing.Elastic O-rings are arranged on the outer circumference of the hollow sleeve between the flattened ends and the housing walls, creating an elastic connection between the two parts of the two-part housing. However, this does not achieve a sufficient reduction in the vibrations transmitted from the actuator to the vehicle body, as the main source of the vibrations – the electric motor of the electric drive – continues to generate undiminished vibrations within the actuator housing. These vibrations are not sufficiently dampened by the elastic mounting of the two-part housing and are therefore still transmitted to the vehicle body. The disadvantage of the solution according to EP 0 884 436 A2 is thus the insufficient damping of the vibrations generated by the electric motor and transmitted to the vehicle body via the mounting screws. Subject matter of the invention

[0004] The aim of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an actuator for a vehicle lock that better dampens the transmission of vibrations from the electric motor to the body.

[0005] The shortcomings of the prior art are substantially eliminated, and the object of the invention is solved by an actuator for a vehicle lock, comprising an electric motor arranged in a housing and having an output shaft with worm gearing that engages with a gear wheel of the actuator, wherein the gear wheel is rotatably mounted in the housing of the actuator for coupling to actuating elements of the lock, wherein the solution according to the invention is characterized in that a housing for the electric motor is arranged in the housing of the actuator, which consists of a trough and a cover, the housing of the electric motor being formed from two longitudinally extending housing parts that abut each other in a plane of division, wherein the housing of the electric motor is mounted in the housing of the actuator by means of at least one elastic connecting element.which is arranged between the lid and the first housing part and between the tub and the second housing part, wherein the elastic connecting elements are subjected to the force-acting contact forces of the tub and the lid in the direction of an axis α, which runs perpendicular to the parting plane β of the housing parts.

[0006] Advantageously, the housing of the actuator and its cover can be connected to each other by means of fastening screws and provided with tubular extensions to generate the contact pressure of the housing and cover on the elastic connecting elements. Advantageously, the elastic connecting elements can be provided with projections or ends that extend into the tubular extensions, and with projections or a central section that extend into connecting openings formed in projections of the housing parts. Advantageously, the connecting elements can be free legs of a spring-loaded clamping element in a U-shape. Advantageously, the connecting element can be formed from a single piece of elastic material, the central section of which extends through the connecting openings of the projections, and the connecting element has conically shaped support sections between the central section and the ends.Advantageously, the support elements of the connecting element can taper in the direction of axis α from the connecting openings to the tubular extensions, and the housing and the cover can be provided with circular projections that are in force-fit contact with the tapered support elements in the direction of the axis of the connecting openings. Advantageously, an electric motor can be arranged between the housing parts, which is provided with an output shaft having a worm gear that engages with the gear wheel of the actuator, wherein the first housing part and the cover of the outer housing or the second housing part and the housing of the outer housing have tubular extensions in the area of ​​the worm gear with an opening into which the gear wheel of the actuator projects.

[0007] The advantages of the electric motor housing according to the invention are that the electric motor, including the output shaft, is arranged in a housing that is cantilevered within the outer housing of the actuator by means of elastic connecting elements. These elastic connecting elements are located between the cover and the housing of the actuator and pass through connecting openings formed in the housing parts of the electric motor housing. Thanks to the cantilevered mounting of the electric motor housing within the outer housing of the actuator, the vibrations emanating from the electric motor are dampened to a high degree. The elastic connecting elements are compressible along their longitudinal axis. This compression of the elastic connecting elements is achieved by the force exerted on them by the cover and the housing.Increasing the force exerted by the cover and housing on the connecting elements results, on the one hand, in an increase in the contact pressure of the support elements against the longitudinal projections of the housing parts, and on the other hand, in an increase in the stiffness of the connecting elements. The elasticity of the rubber-elastic connecting elements can thus be adjusted by changing the force exerted by the cover and housing of the actuator on the connecting elements. Advantageously, a specific preload can be generated in the connecting element by making its central section shorter along the longitudinal axis than the sum of the heights of the connecting openings. In such a case, a preload is created in the connecting element after its insertion into the connecting openings.There is no rigid connection between the housing of the electric motor and the outer housing of the actuator, which consists of the housing and the lid, that could transmit vibrations from the electric motor. A further advantage of the electric motor housing of the actuator according to the invention lies in its structural simplicity and ease of assembly and disassembly. Explanation of the drawings

[0008] The housing of the electric motor according to the invention is shown in the drawings, wherein Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of the tub, the connecting element, the electric motor and the gear wheel of the actuator, Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the electric motor and the housing, Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the housing of the actuator, the housing and the connecting element, Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the housing and the connecting element, Fig. 5 shows the actuator in its disassembled state, Fig. Figure 6 shows an oblique view of the actuator without the cover and without the first housing part. Exemplary embodiment of the invention

[0009] According to Fig. In the second housing part 15, the electric motor 11 with the output shaft 12 and the cylindrical extension 12a with worm gearing is arranged. The second housing part 15 is arranged in the housing 37 of the actuator 41 of a vehicle lock (not shown) by means of the connecting elements 21. The worm gearing of the cylindrical extension 12a of the output shaft 12 engages with a spur gear of the gear wheel 42 of the actuator 41.

[0010] According to Fig. Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section of the electric motor 11 and the output shaft 12, which are arranged in a housing consisting of the upper first housing part 14 and the lower second housing part 15, which abut each other in a longitudinal dividing plane β. A first projection 16 and a second projection 17 protrude longitudinally from the longitudinally extending housing parts 14, 15. Coaxially arranged, perpendicular to the longitudinal dividing plane β, concentric connecting openings 18, 19 with axis α are arranged in the flat projections 16, 17. The connecting element 21 extends through the connecting openings 18, 19 with its central part 22. An upper end 25 of the connecting element 21 projects into the cover 38, and a second, lower end 26 of the connecting element 21 projects into the housing 37 of the actuator 41.

[0011] According to Fig. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section of the housing parts 14 and 15, which abut each other in the longitudinal division plane β. A hollow cylindrical recess is formed in the housing parts 14 and 15, the axis of which lies in the division plane β of the housing parts 14 and 15. The output shaft 12 of the electric motor projects into the cylindrical recess of the housing parts 14 and 15 and is provided with the cylindrical extension 12a, which is rotatably arranged in the cylindrical recess of the housing parts 14 and 15. Flat projections 16 and 17 protrude from the housing parts 14 and 15, in which coaxial connecting openings 18 and 19 are formed. The housing parts 14 and 15 abut each other in the division plane β. The housing of the actuator is formed by the cover 38 and the housing 37.The cover 38 of the housing is provided with a first tubular extension 35, and the housing basin 37 is provided with a second tubular extension 36, which face each other and are arranged coaxially along the axis α, which is perpendicular to the division plane β. The housing of the electric motor is arranged in the actuator housing, formed from the basin 37 and the cover 38. The housing consists of two longitudinally extending housing parts 14, 15, which abut each other in the division plane β.The housing of the electric motor is mounted in the housing of the actuator by means of a first elastic connecting element 21a, arranged between the cover 38 and the first housing part 14, and by means of a second elastic connecting element 21b, arranged between the basin 37 and the second housing part 15, wherein the elastic connecting elements 21a, 21b are subjected to the clamping forces of the basin 37 and the cover 38 in direction α, which is perpendicular to the parting plane β of the housing parts 14, 15. The connecting elements 21a, 21b are shown as free legs of an elastic clamping element 21c, which is formed in one piece in a U-shape. The basin 37 and the cover 38 of the housing of the actuator 41 are connected to each other by fastening screws 46, as shown in . Fig. Figure 3 shows the tub 37 and the lid 38, and they are provided with tubular projections 35, 36 for generating the force-acting contact effects of the tub 37 and the lid 38 on the elastic connecting elements 21a, 21b. The elastic connecting elements 21a, 21b are provided with cylindrical projections 21d, 21e that extend into the tubular projections 35, 36, and with cylindrical projections 21f, 21g that extend into the connecting openings 18, 19 formed in the projections 16, 17 of the housing parts 14, 15. The first tubular projection 35 and the second tubular projection 36 are adjustable to the connecting elements 21a, 21b, which are arranged between the projections 16, 17 of the housing parts 14, 15. The material for the elastic connecting elements 21a, 21b can advantageously be an elastomer, a TPM thermoplastic, a thermoplastic rubber or an elastic plastic.The elasticity of the connecting elements 21a, 21b is advantageous, particularly in the direction of the axis α of the connecting openings 18, 19. The connecting elements 21a, 21b are free legs of a U-shaped elastic clamping element 21c. The basin 37 and the cover 38 of the actuator housing 41 are connected to each other by fastening screws 46 and are provided with tubular projections 35, 36 to generate clamping forces of the basin 37 and the cover 38 on the elastic connecting elements 21a, 21b. The elastic connecting element 21a is provided with cylindrical projections 21d, 21f on its opposite sides, and the elastic connecting element 21b is provided with cylindrical projections 21e, 21g on its opposite sides.The elastic connecting elements 21a, 21b are provided with cylindrical projections 21d, 21e that extend into the tubular projections 35, 36, and with cylindrical projections 21f, 21g that extend into the connecting openings 18, 19 formed in the projections 16, 17 of the housing parts 14, 15.

[0012] According to Fig. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of the housing parts 14, 15, which abut each other in the longitudinal division plane β. A hollow cylindrical recess 12b is formed in the housing parts 14, 15, the axis of which lies in the division plane β of the housing parts 14, 15. The output shaft 12 is arranged in the cylindrical recess 12b of the housing parts 14, 15 and is provided with the cylindrical extension 12a with worm gearing. Flat projections 16, 17 protrude from the housing parts 14, 15, in which coaxial connecting openings 18, 19 are formed. The connecting element 21 extends with its central part 22 through the first connecting opening 18, which is formed in the first projection 16 of the first housing part 14, and through the second connecting opening 19, which is formed in the second projection 17 of the second housing part 15.The central section 22 of the connecting element 21 is adjoined by a first support section 23 from an upper side and a second support section 24 from a lower side. The support sections 23, 24 have a radial projection on their side facing the connecting openings 18, 19. The ends 25, 26 of the connecting element 21 adjoin the support sections 23, 24. The ends 25, 26 of the connecting element 21 project into the tubular extensions 35, 36 of the outer housing, which is formed by the tub 37 and the cover 38. The free ends of the tubular projections 35, 36 are provided with circular projections 31, 32 or are advantageously formed in one piece with the circular projections 31, 32, which are in force-fit contact with the support parts 23, 24 in the direction of the axis α of the connecting openings 18, 19.The support elements 23, 24 are in force-fit contact with the circular projections 31, 32 of the outer housing of the actuator 41, which can be moved into position by applying a force in the direction of the axis α of the connecting openings 18, 19 to the support elements 23, 24. The force is advantageously generated by a screw connection (not shown) between the cover 38 of the outer housing and the basin 37 of the outer housing. The support elements 23, 24 can be designed as circular projections that abut the projections 16, 17 of the housing 13, or they can advantageously taper in the direction of the axis α from the connecting openings 18, 19, and the inner edges 33, 34 of the circular projections 31, 32 that abut the tapered support elements 23, 24 can advantageously be rounded or chamfered.The housing 13 of the electric motor 11, formed from the first housing part 14 and the second housing part 15, is arranged inside the two-part outer housing of the actuator 41, which is formed from the tub 37 and the cover 38. The connecting element 21 is advantageously formed in one piece from an elastic material. The material of the elastic connecting element can advantageously be an elastomer, a TPM thermoplastic, a thermoplastic rubber, or an elastic plastic. The elasticity of the connecting element 21 is particularly advantageous in the direction of the axis α of the connecting openings 18, 19.The connecting elements 21 can be assembled by first extending the connecting element 21 by pulling it in the direction of its longitudinal axis, then passing it through the connecting openings 18, 19, then releasing the tension and allowing the connecting element to return to its original shape, and the support parts 23, 24 exerting pressure on the flat projections 16, 17 of the housing parts 14, 15. Alternatively, the connecting elements 21 can be assembled by inserting their second cylindrical ends 26 into the second tubular projections 36 of the tub 37, pushing the second housing part 15 together with the first housing part 14 onto the central part 22 of the connecting elements 21 by applying force in the direction of axis α, and then pushing the first tubular projections 35 of the cover 38 onto the first cylindrical ends 25 of the connecting elements 21.The force exerted by the circular projections 31, 32 on the support parts 23, 24 of the connecting element 21 in the direction of the axis α of the connecting openings 18, 19 causes the connecting element 21 to be compressed and a force-fit connection to be formed between the projections 16, 17 of the housing parts 14, 15.

[0013] According to Fig. Figure 5 shows the housing of the electric motor and the outer housing of the actuator in a disassembled state. The outer housing of the actuator is formed by the housing 37, to which the cover 38 is connected by means of fastening screws 46. The fastening screws 46 pass through the first fastening lugs 44 of the cover 38 and project into the second fastening lugs 45 of the housing 37. Inside the outer housing, formed by the housing 37 and the cover 38, the housing of the electric motor 11 is elastically mounted. The housing consists of the second housing part 15 and the first housing part 14, which are elastically connected to each other by means of connecting elements (not shown). The force exerted by the fastening screws 46 closes the cover 38 towards the housing 37.By closing the lid 38 against the tub 37, the connecting elements are compressed from one upper side by the first tubular projections 35 and from an opposite side by the second tubular projections 36. This compression of the connecting elements causes the first support parts 23 and the second support parts 24 to move towards each other, resulting in a forceful pressing of the housing part 14 against the housing part 15.

[0014] According to Fig.The electric motor 11 with the output shaft 12 and the cylindrical extension 12a with worm gearing is arranged in the second housing part 15. The second housing part 15 is elastically connected between the tub 37 and a cover of the actuator 41 (not shown) by means of connecting elements 21. The first housing part (not shown) and the cover of the outer housing of the actuator 41, or the second housing part 15 and the tub 37 of the outer housing of the actuator 41, have an opening 40 in the area of ​​the output shaft 12 for a gear wheel of the actuator 41 (not shown) of a vehicle lock (not shown). Reference sign 11 Electric motor 12 Output shaft 12a Cylindrical approach 12a (with worm gearing) 12b Cylindrical recess (of the electric motor housing) 13 Housing (of the electric motor) 14 First housing part 15 Second housing part 16 First advantage 17 Second lead 18 First connecting opening 19 Second connecting opening 21 Connecting element 21a First connecting element 21b Second connecting element 21c clamping element 21d Cylindrical projection 21e Cylindrical projection 21f Cylindrical projection 21g Cylindrical Protrusion 22 Middle part (of the connecting element) 23 First support part (of the connecting element) 24 Second support part (of the connecting element) 25 First end (of the connecting element) 26 Second end (of the connecting element) 31 First lead 32 Second circle lead 33 First inner edge 34 Second inner edge 35 first tubular approach 36 Second tubular approach 37 bathtub 38 lids 40 Opening 41 Actuator 42 Gear wheel 44 First fastening approach 45 Second fastening approach 46 Fastening screw α axis of the connecting openings β Division plane QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 884 436 A2

[0003]

Claims

[1] Actuator of a vehicle lock, comprising an electric motor (11) arranged in a housing and having an output shaft (12) with a worm gear which engages with a gear wheel (42) of the actuator (41), wherein it is rotatably mounted in the housing of the actuator (41) for coupling to actuating elements of the lock, characterized by, that in the housing of the actuator (41), which consists of a trough (37) and a cover (38), a housing of the electric motor (11) is arranged, which is formed from two longitudinally extending housing parts (14, 15) which abut each other in a division plane β, wherein the housing of the electric motor is mounted in the housing of the actuator (41) by means of at least one elastic connecting element (21, 21a, 21b) which is arranged between the cover (38) and the first housing part (14) and between the trough (37) and the second housing part (15), wherein the elastic connecting elements (21, 21a, 21b) are subjected to clamping forces of the trough (37) and the cover (38) in the direction of an axis α which is perpendicular to the division plane β of the housing parts (14, 15), wherein the trough (37) and the cover (38) of the housing of the actuator (41) are connected to each other by means of fastening screws (46) and with tubular extensions (35,36) are provided to generate the contact effects of the tub (37) and the lid (38) on the elastic connecting elements (21, 21a, 21b). [2] Actuator of a vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized by , that the elastic connecting elements (21, 21a, 21b) are provided with projections (21d, 21e) or ends (25, 26) that extend into the tubular projections (35, 36), and with projections (21f, 21g) or a central part (22) that extend into connecting openings (18, 19) which are formed in projections (16, 17) of the housing parts (14, 15). [3] Actuator of a vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the connecting elements (21a, 21b) are free legs of a spring clamping element (21c) in a U-shape. [4] Actuator of a vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the connecting element (21) is formed from a single piece of elastic part, the middle part (22) of which is passed through the connecting openings (18, 19) of the projections (16, 17), wherein the connecting element (21) has conically formed support parts (23, 24) between the middle part (22) and the ends (25, 26). [5] Actuator of a vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized by , that the support parts (23, 24) of the connecting element (21) taper in the direction of the axis α from the connecting openings (18, 19) to the tubular extensions (35, 36) and the tub (37) and the lid (38) are provided with circular projections (31, 32) which are in force-fit contact with the tapered support parts (23, 24) in the direction of the axis α of the connecting openings (18, 19).

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