Badge actuator for motor vehicle doors or motor vehicle flaps

Abstract

Badge actuator (1), in particular for motor vehicle doors (20) or motor vehicle flaps (30), comprising: at least one compensation means (2) having a compensation element (2.1) and a stroke adjustment element (3), wherein the stroke adjustment element (3) is located at least in part inside the compensation element (2.1), wherein the stroke adjustment element (3) is transferrable into a basic position and a final position; a carrier (4) for installation on a motor vehicle (10), having a receptacle (5), in which the compensation means (2) can be received, wherein the compensation means (2) is arranged axially movably in the receptacle (5); an actuation element (6), which is attachable to the carrier (4); and a sensor arrangement (7) for triggering a vehicle function, wherein the sensor arrangement (7) is actuatable by the actuation element (6), wherein the compensation means (2), with the stroke adjustment element (3) in the basic position, is translationally movable up to the stop on the actuation element (6), wherein after the stop on the actuation element (6) has been reached, the stroke adjustment element (3) is transferrable from the basic position into the final position.

Description

[0001] Emblem actuator for vehicle doors or vehicle flaps.

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an emblem actuator, in particular for motor vehicle doors or motor vehicle flaps according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] Emblem actuators for vehicles are known from the prior art. These are typically mounted on a movable part, such as a tailgate or hood, to allow a user to open the movable part. An actuator with an emblem is moved relative to a fixed support mounted on the vehicle, which has a sensor. The opening is triggered by an electrical switch or sensor, which emits an electrical switching signal depending on the user's actuation.

[0005] Typically, an electrical switch or sensor is also mounted on the vehicle-mounted support for such emblem actuators. It is desirable that the movable actuating element used to activate the respective emblem actuator be at a predetermined distance from the sensor.

[0006] In some designs, an actuator, equipped with an emblem, is first attached to the vehicle, and the carrier with a sensor is subsequently joined to the actuator. A disadvantage of such known solutions is that consistent spacing is difficult to achieve due to the existing tolerances regarding the alignment of the carrier or the actuator on the vehicle.

[0007] This problem is particularly relevant when using inductive or capacitive sensors, as relatively small deviations from the specified distance between the actuator and the sensor can lead to false triggering. This is due to the relatively small travel distance of such sensors compared to microswitches, for example, and can be less than one millimeter.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the object of the present invention is to ensure a predefined stroke for components of an emblem actuator subject to tolerances.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by an emblem actuator, in particular for motor vehicle doors or motor vehicle flaps, having the features of claim 1. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] According to the invention, it is provided that the compensating means with the stroke adjustment element arranged in the basic position can be moved translationally up to the stop on the actuating element, wherein after reaching the stop on the actuating element, the stroke adjustment element can be transferred from the basic position into the end position.

[0011] The translational movement of the compensation device by a user with the stroke adjustment element in the home position until it reaches the stop on the actuating element ensures that the existing tolerances regarding the alignment of the carrier or the actuating element on the vehicle are compensated. Furthermore, the subsequent transfer of the stroke adjustment element from the home position to the end position ensures that a uniform distance or stroke is set between the actuating element and the sensor assembly.

[0012] The essential advantage of this emblem actuator according to the invention is that the arrangement according to the invention has improved security against false triggering of the sensor arrangement.

[0013] A measure improving the invention provides for a freewheel to be arranged between the compensating means and the receptacle formed in the carrier. The freewheel has a toothed structure on the compensating element, and the receptacle formed in the carrier has a fastening spring for interacting with the toothed structure on the compensating element. This ensures that the compensating element does not reverse rotation, thus allowing the set stroke to be changed.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the invention, the compensating means can comprise a return element for the actuating element, which is designed, in particular, as a coil spring or a closed-cell foam. This has the advantage that the actuating element can be returned to its non-actuated position after being actuated by a user.

[0015] Advantageously, the compensating element can be designed as an elongated cylinder with an external thread for screwing into the support's receptacle. This allows the compensating element to move translationally until it reaches the stop on the actuating element, allowing for continuous adjustment of the stroke.

[0016] A measure improving the invention provides that the stroke adjustment element is designed as an elongated cylindrical body having a rib oriented outward in the circumferential direction at one end, with a stop, in particular a plate-shaped stop, formed at the same end. The rib allows the stroke adjustment element to be held in a form-fitting manner in its longitudinal direction on the compensating element when the stroke adjustment element is in the home position.

[0017] The construction is very cost-effective and simple if a loss prevention device is formed at an opposite end of the stroke adjustment element, in particular in the form of a spring lip.

[0018] Conveniently, the compensating element can have a cylindrical opening in the longitudinal direction for accommodating the stroke adjustment element, wherein a complementary outwardly directed groove can be formed in the opening for interaction with the rib of the stroke adjustment element. This arrangement results in the stroke adjustment element being able to perform a translational movement after the stroke adjustment element has been moved into the end position, since the rib of the stroke adjustment element can engage over the groove formed in the compensating element.

[0019] Advantageously, a block surface can be formed on one end face of the compensating element to support the rib of the stroke adjustment element during rotation from the home position to the end position. The rib on the stroke adjustment element allows the stroke adjustment element to be held in its longitudinal direction by means of the block surface in a form-fitting manner on the compensating element when the stroke adjustment element is in the home position.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention, it can be provided that in the basic position of the stroke adjustment element, the rib is arranged on the block surface, so that a translational movement of the stroke adjustment element within the compensation element is blocked. Upon rotation of the stroke adjustment element into the end position, in which the rib of the stroke adjustment element is arranged over the groove, a translational movement of the stroke adjustment element within the compensation element is released. This arrangement has the advantage that the actuating element can be actuated, whereby only a predetermined maximum stroke can occur, and the sensor arrangement can be protected from damage by an excessively large stroke.

[0021] A measure improving the invention provides that, in the end position, the captive device, particularly in the form of a spring lip, can be inserted into a recess arranged in the compensating element, so that rotation of the stroke adjustment element can be blocked. This has the advantage that the captive device solves two problems simultaneously. In addition to preventing unwanted falling out of the compensating element, it also ensures that the stroke adjustment element leaves the end position as desired.

[0022] Advantageously, the stroke adjustment element can have a stroke of 0.1 to 5 mm in the end position. The stroke in the specified range enables, for example, the use of inductive sensors, which detect actuation even at relatively small strokes compared to microswitches, so that the actuating element can be designed to be stationary. In this case, actuation can occur through deflection of the actuating element in the area of ​​the sensor arrangement. Such a design has many advantages with regard to a simple and cost-effective design of the emblem actuator. Advantageously, the compensating element can have at least one wrench flat. Thanks to the wrench flats arranged on the compensating element, the tolerance compensation can be easily and continuously adjusted using a tool.

[0023] The construction is very cost-effective and simple if the sensor arrangement is designed as an inductive or a capacitive one.

[0024] The sensor arrangement can comprise a housing with an actuating surface, which can be actuated by the actuating element. A circuit board can be provided within the housing. The capacitive or inductive sensor can be arranged on the circuit board. A target is arranged on the inner surface of the actuating surface when using an inductive sensor, and a counter electrode is arranged on the inner surface of the actuating surface when using a capacitive sensor. By moving the actuating surface toward the circuit board, the change in inductance or capacitance is detected in order to recognize a valid actuation signal. Furthermore, the sensor arrangement can comprise a connector for signal transmission to the motor vehicle and for power supply.

[0025] It is also conceivable that the sensor arrangement is arranged on a sensor carrier plate.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the invention, it can be provided that the compensating element has a fastening section for fastening the sensor arrangement or a sensor carrier plate, in particular in the form of a clip connection. In addition to the advantages of tolerance compensation and stroke adjustment, the fastening section offers the further advantage that the sensor arrangement is also displaced during translational displacement of the compensating element due to the fastening of the sensor or the sensor carrier plate to the compensating element. This allows the distance between the actuating element and the sensor arrangement to be reduced. By reducing the distance between the actuating element and the sensor arrangement, the performance of the inductive sensor can be improved or a more cost-effective inductive sensor with a small operating range can be used.

[0027] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

[0028] Further details, features, and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawing, which illustrates exemplary preferred embodiments of the invention. The drawing shows:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle with the emblem actuator according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the emblem actuator according to the invention, Fig. 3a is an at least partially sectioned perspective view of the unactuated emblem actuator,

[0031] Fig. 3b the actuated emblem actuator in at least partially sectioned perspective view,

[0032] Fig. 4 the compensating means in at least partially sectioned perspective view (basic position),

[0033] Fig. 5 the compensating means in at least partially sectioned perspective view (end position), Fig. 6 a detailed view of the freewheel,

[0034] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the compensating means and the compensating means in at least partially sectioned perspective view,

[0035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle 10 with the emblem actuator 1 according to the invention, which is designed for mounting on a preferably movable vehicle part 30, in particular in the form of a door 20 or flap 30.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the emblem actuator 1 according to the invention. The emblem actuator 1 has a carrier 4, to which an actuating element 6 is fastened, which is provided with an emblem. The carrier 4 is fixedly mounted on a stationary body part of the motor vehicle 10, wherein the actuating element 6 is displaceable or deflectable relative to the carrier 4. The carrier 4 and the actuating element 6 form a housing interior in which a sensor arrangement 7 and at least one compensating means 2 are at least partially arranged. The sensor arrangement 7 is preferably designed as an inductive or a capacitive sensor. The sensor arrangement 7 can have a housing with an actuating surface, wherein the actuating surface can be actuated by the actuating element 6. A printed circuit board can be provided within the housing. The capacitive or inductive sensor can be arranged on the printed circuit board.A target is arranged on the inner surface of the actuating surface when using an inductive sensor, and a counter electrode is arranged on the inner surface of the actuating surface when using a capacitive sensor. Moving the actuating surface toward the circuit board causes a change in inductance or capacitance to detect a valid actuation signal. Furthermore, the sensor arrangement can include a connector for signal transmission to the motor vehicle 10 and for power supply.

[0037] The sensor arrangement 7 is fastened to the carrier 4. Optionally, the housing interior can comprise a sensor carrier plate 23, which serves to fasten the sensor arrangement 7. This sensor carrier plate 23 can be fastened to the compensating means 2. Furthermore, the carrier 4 has at least one threaded receptacle 5 into which the compensating means 2 can be screwed. In addition, the sensor carrier plate 23 can have, on a surface facing the actuating element 6, at least one return means 12 (not shown) in the form of a leaf spring, spiral spring, or closed-cell foam for returning the actuating element to a non-actuated position.

[0038] Figure 3a shows the unactuated emblem actuator 1 in an at least partially sectioned perspective view. The compensating means 2 is in contact with the actuating element 6. Furthermore, the actuating element 6 has an actuating plunger (not shown) positioned above the sensor arrangement 7 and in contact with it.

[0039] Figure 3b shows the actuated emblem actuator 1 in an at least partially sectioned perspective view. The user applies a pressure force to the actuating element 6, causing the actuating element 6 to trigger the sensor arrangement 7. The switching signal generated in this way is forwarded to a control unit of the motor vehicle 10 to trigger a vehicle function. The vehicle function can be opening or unlocking the preferably movable vehicle part 30, in particular in the form of a door 20 or flap 30.

[0040] The stroke adjustment element 3 has a home position and an end position. Figure 4 shows the compensating element 2 with the stroke adjustment element 3 arranged in the home position in an at least partially sectioned perspective view. The compensating means 2 comprises a compensating element 2.1 and a stroke adjustment element 3. The compensating element 2.1 is designed as an elongated cylinder with an external thread for screwing into the receptacle 5 of the carrier 4.

[0041] Furthermore, the compensating element 2.1 has a cylindrical opening 16 in the longitudinal direction for arranging the stroke adjustment element 3. The stroke adjustment element 3 is designed as an elongated cylindrical body, which has a rib 13 oriented outward in the circumferential direction at one end, with a stop 14, in particular a plate-shaped stop, being formed at the same end. Furthermore, a complementary outwardly directed groove 17 for interacting with the rib 13 of the stroke adjustment element 3 is formed in the opening 16.

[0042] Furthermore, the compensating means 2 can be provided with a return element 12 for the actuating element 6, which is designed in particular as a spiral spring, a leaf spring, or a closed-cell foam. Furthermore, a block surface 18 is formed on one end face of the compensating element 2.1 for the rib 13 of the stroke adjustment element. By determining the length of the rib 13 based on the block surface 18, the required stroke can be adjusted.

[0043] In the basic position of the stroke adjustment element 3, the rib 13 is arranged on the block surface 18, so that a translational movement of the stroke adjustment element 3 within the compensation element 2.1 is blocked.

[0044] At an opposite end of the stroke adjustment element 3, a captive device is formed, particularly in the form of a spring lip 15. In the home position, the spring lip 15 rests on the support surface 24, so that the stroke adjustment element 3 cannot fall out within the compensating element 2.1. The spring lip 15 exerts a compressive force on a collar 25 arranged on the compensating element 2.1.

[0045] Figure 5 shows the compensating element 2 with the stroke adjustment element 3 arranged in the end position. When the stroke adjustment element 3 rotates from the basic position to the end position in which the rib 13 of the stroke adjustment element 3 is arranged above the groove 17, a translational movement of the stroke adjustment element 3 within the compensating element 2.1 is released.

[0046] Furthermore, the spring lip 15 blocks the rotation of the stroke adjustment element 3 in the end position. This occurs when the spring lip 15, tensioned against the collar 25, engages the recess 19 arranged in the compensating element 2.1. Figure 6 shows the freewheel 8, which is arranged between the compensating means 2 and the receptacle 5 formed in the carrier 4. The freewheel 8 has a toothed structure 9 on the compensating element 2.1, and the receptacle 5 formed in the carrier 4 has a fastening spring 11 for interacting with the toothed structure 9 on the compensating element 2.1.

[0047] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the compensating means 2 and the compensating means 2 in an at least partially sectioned perspective view. The stroke adjustment element 3 has a stroke of 0.1 to 5 mm in the end position.

[0048] The invention described above is, of course, not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. It is clear that numerous modifications to the embodiments illustrated in the figure may be made according to the intended application, without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention encompasses everything contained in the description and / or illustrated in the drawings, including anything that deviates from the specific embodiments and is obvious to one skilled in the art.

[0049] List of reference symbols Emblem actuator Compensating means Compensating element Stroke adjustment element Carrier Receptacle Actuating element Sensor arrangement Freewheel Toothed structure Motor vehicle Fastening spring Return element Rib Plate-shaped stop Spring lip Opening Groove Block surface Recess Motor vehicle doors Fastening section Key surface Sensor carrier plate Support surface Collar Motor vehicle flaps

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Emblem actuator (1), in particular for motor vehicle doors (20) or motor vehicle flaps (30), comprising: at least one compensating means (2) comprising a compensating element (2.1) and a stroke adjustment element (3), wherein the stroke adjustment element (3) is at least partially arranged within the compensating element (2.1), wherein the stroke adjustment element (3) can be transferred into a basic position and an end position, a carrier (4) for mounting on a motor vehicle (10) with a receptacle (5) in which the compensating means (2) can be received, wherein the compensating means (2) is arranged such that it can be moved axially in the receptacle (5), an actuating element (6) which can be fastened to the carrier (4), a sensor arrangement (7) for triggering a vehicle function, wherein the sensor arrangement (7) can be actuated by the actuating element (6), characterized in that the compensating means (2) with the stroke adjustment element (3) arranged in the basic position can be moved in a translational manner up to the stop on the actuating element (6), wherein after reaching the stop on the actuating element (6), the stroke adjustment element (3) can be transferred from the basic position into the end position.

2. Emblem actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a freewheel (8) is arranged between the compensating means (2) and the receptacle (5) formed in the carrier (4), wherein a toothed structure (9) is provided on the compensating element (2.1) in the freewheel (8) and the receptacle (5) formed in the carrier (4) has a fastening spring (11) for interacting with the toothed structure (9) on the compensating element (2.1).

3. Emblem actuator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compensating means (2) has a return element (12) for the actuating element (6), which is designed in particular as a spiral spring or a closed-cell foam.

4. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compensating element (2.1) is designed as an elongated cylinder which has an external thread for screwing into the receptacle (5) of the carrier (4).

5. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stroke adjustment element (3) is designed as an elongated cylindrical body which has at one end a rib (13) directed outwards in the circumferential direction, wherein a stop (14), in particular a plate-shaped stop, is formed at the same end.

6. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a loss prevention device is formed at an opposite end of the stroke adjustment element (3), in particular in the form of a spring lip (15).

7. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compensating element (2.1) has a cylindrical opening (16) in the longitudinal direction for arranging the stroke adjustment element (3), wherein a complementary outwardly directed groove (17) is formed in the opening (16) for interacting with the rib (13) of the stroke adjustment element (3).

8. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a block surface (18) is formed on an end face of the compensating element (2.1) for supporting the rib (13) of the stroke adjustment element (3) when rotating from the basic position to the end position.

9. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the basic position of the stroke adjustment element (3) the rib (13) is arranged on the block surface (18) so that a translational Movement of the stroke adjustment element (3) within the compensating element (2.1) is blocked, wherein upon rotation of the stroke adjustment element (3) into the end position in which the rib (13) of the stroke adjustment element (3) is arranged above the groove (17), a translational movement of the stroke adjustment element (3) within the compensating element (2.1) is released.

10. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the end position the loss prevention device, in particular in the form of a spring lip (15) dips into a recess (19) arranged in the compensating element (2.1) in such a way that the stroke adjustment element (3) so that a rotation of the stroke adjustment element (3) can be blocked.

11. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the end position the stroke adjustment element (3) has a stroke of 0.1 to 5 mm.

12. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compensating element (2.1) has at least one key surface (22).

13. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (7) is designed as an inductive or a capacitive sensor.

14. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (7) is arranged on a sensor carrier plate (23).

15. Emblem actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compensating element (2.1) has a fastening section (21) for fastening the sensor arrangement (7) or a sensor carrier plate, in particular in the form of a clip connection.

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