Integrated unlocking actuator

Abstract

Disclosed is an integrated unlocking actuator, comprising an insertion rod inserted into the actuator. The actuator further comprises an insertion rod having an insertion port on one side, a latch mechanism, a coaxial transmission member, and an electric drive mechanism, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to be inserted into and withdrawn from the insertion port from one side of the insertion rod under the drive of the electric drive mechanism via the coaxial transmission member, so as to achieve a plug-in locking function and unlocking function on the insertion rod. The integrated unlocking actuator provided by the present disclosure can improve transmission efficiency and improve the volume of the actuator.

Description

An integrated unlocking actuator Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle cover locking actuators, and in particular to an integrated unlocking actuator. Background Technology

[0002] US Patent Publication No. 11235659B2 discloses an actuation device for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, comprising a housing, a rotatable plunger, a spring for preloading the plunger to a discharge position, and at least one actuation groove in an actuation sleeve into which the plunger can be introduced. During axial relative movement between the actuation sleeve and the plunger, a blocking device prevents the plunger from moving to the discharge position to hold the plunger in a locked position, and an actuator disengages the blocking device, causing it to leave the blocking position. This mechanism implements electric locking based on the labyrinthine motion structure of the rotating plunger, and has the disadvantages of a large number of parts, complex features of individual parts, and low modularity of functional parts.

[0003] Chinese invention patent publication number CN104145070A discloses an actuation device that uses a crank-connecting rod driven locking mechanism to individually lock a pin. While this solution modularly achieves electric locking, the turbine-groove crank-connecting rod structure suffers energy loss during transmission, affecting transmission efficiency. Furthermore, its reciprocating motion can impact durability and reliability due to inertia. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an integrated unlocking actuator to improve transmission efficiency and further miniaturize the actuator.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this disclosure is as follows:

[0006] An integrated unlocking actuator includes a rod inserted into the actuator, characterized in that the actuator further includes a rod with an insertion port on one side, a latch mechanism, a coaxial transmission member, and an electric drive mechanism, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to insert into and withdraw from the insertion port from one side of the rod under the drive of the electric drive mechanism via the coaxial transmission member, thereby performing a plug-in locking function and an unlocking function for the rod.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the coaxial transmission member is further connected to a pull rope configured to manually drive the latch mechanism to withdraw the insertion port via the coaxial transmission member, thereby performing the unlocking function.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the insertion port is a locking pin groove, the latch mechanism has a latch body and a locking pin, wherein the locking pin is configured to fit the locking pin groove, the latch body engages with the output end of the coaxial transmission member, thereby enabling the locking pin to be shifted and inserted into and withdrawn from the locking pin groove by the output end of the coaxial transmission member.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the direction of movement of the locking pin displacement insertion and withdrawal from the locking pin groove is perpendicular to the axis of the output end of the coaxial transmission member, and the coaxial transmission member is a transmission member with a planetary gear structure.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the coaxial transmission component includes a ring-shaped fixed frame with an internal gear ring, a transmission frame that serves as a planetary carrier and can pivot coaxially relative to the fixed frame, and a first transmission wheel that serves as a planetary gear connecting the transmission frame and the internal gear ring. A second transmission wheel for driving the locking pin to shift is fixedly disposed on the transmission frame, so that the second transmission wheel pivots synchronously with the transmission frame.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the pull rope is disposed on the transmission frame and circumferentially connected to the transmission frame for manually rotating the transmission frame;

[0012] A torsion spring-type second elastic element is also connected between the fixed frame and the transmission frame. The second elastic element is configured to be loaded when the transmission frame is manually rotated by the pull rope, and to be reset after the locking pin is displaced and pulled out of the locking pin slot to unlock.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the coaxial transmission component further includes a motor gear, which is coaxial with the second transmission wheel and extends from one side of the fixed frame into the internal gear ring of the fixed frame and meshes with the first transmission wheel, thereby enabling the electric drive mechanism to electrically drive the first transmission wheel to pivot via the motor gear.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the electric drive mechanism and the insertion rod are closely fitted along a first direction, and the output shaft of the electric drive mechanism and the extension direction of the insertion rod are parallel to each other along a second direction. The central axis of the latch mechanism and the movement direction of the locking pin displacement insertion and withdrawal from the locking pin groove both extend along the first direction.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the dimensions of the latch mechanism along the first direction are the same as the dimensions of the closely fitted electric drive mechanism and the insertion rod along the first direction.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of slots are arranged on the outer periphery of the transmission frame, and a plurality of upwardly extending buckles are arranged on the fixing frame for opposing the plurality of slots, wherein the buckles are pre-fixed during the assembly of the fixing frame and the transmission frame.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a push rod and a first elastic element are provided at the bottom of the insert rod, and the first elastic element is loaded when the push rod is pushed into the actuator by the insert rod.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a maze lock is also provided on the side of the insertion rod. The maze lock enables manual locking / unlocking of the insertion rod when the latch mechanism is unlocked. The maze lock includes a maze shaft and a maze housing with a split structure.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a protruding pin is provided on the outer surface of the insertion rod, and an arc-shaped opening is provided on the side of the labyrinth housing adjacent to the insertion rod. The protruding pin is placed in the labyrinth space between the arc-shaped opening and the protruding structure provided on the circumferential surface of the labyrinth axis, and the labyrinth space is used to guide / limit the protruding pin to perform locking / unlocking operations.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusion structure includes a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion. The first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion form a plurality of grooves parallel to the extension direction of the insertion rod axis and an inclined groove connecting the plurality of grooves. When the insertion rod is inserted into the actuator according to a preset stroke, the protruding pin moves in the grooves and the inclined groove and enters a locking position located below the third protrusion. When the insertion rod is further inserted into the actuator, the protruding pin returns to the initial position through the grooves and the inclined groove.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0022] The integrated unlocking actuator disclosed herein can improve transmission efficiency and reduce actuator size. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an integrated unlocking actuator according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a coaxial transmission component included in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the other side of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insertion rod included in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 is a partial schematic diagram of a maze lock included in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the plug and the maze lock in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8 is a plan view of the maze space included in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. The above description is for the purpose of simplifying the description of this disclosure and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on this disclosure.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this application can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical elements.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, the electric drive mechanism 100 and the insertion rod mechanism 200 are closely fitted and extend vertically, forming a compact spatial structure. A latch mechanism 300 is arranged on top of the electric drive mechanism 100. This mechanism has a planetary gear transmission structure inside, and moves towards the insertion rod mechanism 200 under the drive of the electric drive mechanism 100 to lock / unlock it.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, the insertion rod mechanism 200 has a push rod 212 and a first elastic member 211 disposed at the lower part. The insertion rod 221 pushes the push rod 212 from above into the first cavity 111, and the first elastic member 211 is subjected to force. The latch mechanism 300 includes a planetary gear transmission mechanism composed of a transmission frame 320 and its upper second transmission wheel 321; its lower first transmission wheel 340; a fixed frame 350 and its inner toothed ring 351; and a motor gear 131 extending from the bottom of the fixed frame 350; and a strip-shaped latch 310 that is inserted into the insertion rod 221 by lateral movement to lock. One end of the latch 310 is provided with a locking pin 311 that is directly inserted into the locking pin groove 222. The latch 310 has a transverse groove 312 extending in the same direction as its long side and having a rack on its inner surface. The axis of the transverse groove 312 intersects perpendicularly with the axis of the second transmission wheel 321. By inserting the second transmission wheel 321 into the transverse groove 312 and engaging with the rack, the latch 310 is driven. The motor gear 131 is mounted on the motor 130 and, together with the latch mechanism 300, is encapsulated in the second cavity 112 by the upper cover 120.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, the transmission frame 320 acts as a planetary carrier, outputting torque outwards. The second transmission wheel 321 is fixed to the upper part of the transmission frame 320 and rotates with it. The first transmission wheel 340, as a planetary gear, is pivotally connected below the transmission frame 320 and meshes with the internal gear ring 351. The motor gear 131, coaxial with the second transmission wheel 321, extends from the bottom into the fixed frame 350 and meshes with the first transmission wheel 340. On the one hand, the vertical arrangement of the motor and the coaxial input / output in the transmission structure make the transmission structure more compact and the actuator smaller. On the other hand, the structure with multiple planetary gears within a given space has the advantages of stable operation and low noise under high transmission ratio and high torque conditions, and can be applied to high-power transmission and high-density transmission scenarios.

[0037] In one embodiment, a second elastic element 330 is connected between the transmission frame 320 and the fixed frame 350. The second elastic element 330 is loaded during the unidirectional rotation of the transmission frame 320. A pull rope 322 is also connected to the transmission frame 320, which serves as a manual drive end to rotate the transmission frame 320. After the locking pin 311 moves and unlocks, the elastic force of the second elastic element 330 is used to achieve a return to locking. Furthermore, several slots 323 are arranged on the radial outer periphery of the transmission frame 320, and several upwardly protruding buckles 352 are correspondingly arranged on the fixed frame 350. During assembly, the buckles 352 engage with the slots 323 for pre-fixation, ensuring that the torsion spring-type second elastic element 330 does not automatically reset. After the first assembly step is completed, a latch 310 is used to press down from the top, pushing the transmission frame 320 in and pressing it tightly against the fixed frame 350.

[0038] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, a maze lock 400 is also fixed on the upper cover 120. When the latch mechanism 300 is in the unlocked state, it can be manually unlocked by pushing the insertion rod 221. A protruding pin 223 that mates with the maze lock 400 is provided on the outer surface of the insertion rod 221. The maze lock 400 is mounted on the upper cover 120 through a semi-open maze housing 420. An arc-shaped opening 421 is provided on the side of the maze housing 420 adjacent to the insertion rod 221. A maze shaft 410 parallel to the axis of the insertion rod 221 is provided inside the maze housing 420. Several protruding structures are provided on the circumferential surface of the maze shaft 410. The protruding structures and the arc-shaped opening 421 form a maze space 407 for the movement of the protruding pin 223. The locking function is realized by guiding / restricting the position of the protruding pin 223. By separately mounting the maze lock on the side of the insertion rod, the functional parts are modularized and miniaturized to facilitate the promotion of platform-type designs.

[0039] Referring specifically to Figures 7 and 8, the protruding structure includes a first protrusion 411, a second protrusion 412, and a third protrusion 413. In reality, the maze space 407 is composed of several grooves 405 extending along the axis of the insertion rod 221 and inclined slots 406 connecting these grooves 405. The protruding pin 223 moves downwards between the first sidewall 422 and the third protrusion 413. After contacting the first protrusion 411, it moves obliquely between the first protrusion 411 and the second protrusion 412, thus completing the first stroke 402. As the insertion rod 221 is released, under the reverse thrust of the first elastic element 211, the protruding pin 223 moves in the opposite direction to the locking position 401 below the third protrusion 413, where it engages to achieve locking. Continue pressing the insertion rod 221 to move the protrusion 223 downward. After contacting the second protrusion 412, it moves obliquely between the second protrusion 412 and the second side wall 423 to complete the second stroke 403. As the insertion rod 221 is released, it moves along the third protrusion 413 and the second side wall 423 to the initial position 404 under the reverse thrust of the first elastic member 211, completing one locking / unlocking cycle.

[0040] In one embodiment, the maze shaft 410 and the maze housing 420 are separate structures, meaning that when the maze-style manual unlocking function is not required, the maze shaft 410 can be removed, simplifying the structure and facilitating assembly.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0042] In the specification, when an element is described as being "on," "fixed" to, "connected" to, or "joined" to another element, the element may be directly located on, fixed to, connected to, joined to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be an intermediate element present. In the specification, the description of a feature being arranged "adjacent" to another feature may refer to a feature having a portion that overlaps with the adjacent feature or a portion located above or below the adjacent feature.

[0043] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of this application.

Claims

1. An integrated unlocking actuator, comprising a rod inserted into the actuator, characterized in that, The actuator also includes a plug rod with an insertion port on one side, a latch mechanism, a coaxial transmission member, and an electric drive mechanism, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to insert into and withdraw from the insertion port from one side of the plug rod under the drive of the electric drive mechanism via the coaxial transmission member, thereby performing a plug-in locking function and an unlocking function for the plug rod.

2. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coaxial transmission component is also connected to a pull rope, which is configured to manually drive the latch mechanism to pull out the insertion port via the coaxial transmission component, thereby performing the unlocking function.

3. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The insertion port is a locking pin groove, and the latch mechanism has a latch body and a locking pin, wherein the locking pin is configured to fit the locking pin groove, and the latch body engages with the output end of the coaxial transmission member, so that the output end of the coaxial transmission member can drive the locking pin to shift and insert into and withdraw from the locking pin groove.

4. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The direction of movement of the locking pin shifting into and out of the locking pin groove is perpendicular to the axis of the output end of the coaxial transmission component, and the coaxial transmission component is a transmission component with a planetary gear structure.

5. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The coaxial transmission component includes a ring-shaped fixed frame with an internal gear ring, a transmission frame that serves as a planetary carrier and can pivot coaxially relative to the fixed frame, and a first transmission wheel that serves as a planetary gear connecting the transmission frame and the internal gear ring. A second transmission wheel for driving the locking pin to shift is fixedly mounted on the transmission frame, so that the second transmission wheel pivots synchronously with the transmission frame.

6. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The pull rope is mounted on the transmission frame and circumferentially connected to the transmission frame for manual rotation of the transmission frame; A torsion spring-type second elastic element is also connected between the fixed frame and the transmission frame. The second elastic element is configured to be loaded when the transmission frame is manually rotated by the pull rope, and to be reset after the locking pin is displaced and pulled out of the locking pin slot to unlock.

7. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The coaxial transmission component further includes a motor gear, which is coaxial with the second transmission wheel and extends from one side of the fixed frame into the internal gear ring of the fixed frame and meshes with the first transmission wheel, thereby enabling the electric drive mechanism to electrically drive the first transmission wheel to pivot via the motor gear.

8. An integrated unlocking actuator as described in any one of claims 3-7, characterized in that, The electric drive mechanism and the insertion rod are closely fitted together in the first direction, and the output shaft of the electric drive mechanism and the extension direction of the insertion rod are parallel to each other in the second direction. The central axis of the latch mechanism and the movement direction of the locking pin displacement insertion and withdrawal from the locking pin groove both extend in the first direction.

9. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The dimensions of the latch mechanism along the first direction are the same as those of the closely fitted electric drive mechanism and the plug along the first direction.

10. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A plurality of slots are arranged on the outer periphery of the transmission frame, and a plurality of upwardly extending buckles are arranged on the fixed frame for opposing the plurality of slots. The buckles are pre-fixed during the assembly of the fixed frame and the transmission frame.

11. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A push rod and a first elastic element are provided at the bottom of the insertion rod. The first elastic element is loaded when the push rod is pushed into the actuator by the insertion rod.

12. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 11, characterized in that, A labyrinth lock is also provided on the side of the insertion rod. The labyrinth lock enables manual locking / unlocking of the insertion rod when the latch mechanism is unlocked. The labyrinth lock includes a labyrinth shaft and a labyrinth housing with a split structure.

13. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 12, characterized in that, A protruding pin is provided on the outer surface of the insertion rod. An arc-shaped opening is provided on the side of the labyrinth housing adjacent to the insertion rod. The protruding pin is placed in the labyrinth space between the arc-shaped opening and the protruding structure provided on the circumferential surface of the labyrinth axis. The labyrinth space guides / limits the protruding pin to perform locking / unlocking operations.

14. The integrated unlocking actuator as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The protruding structure includes a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion. The first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion form several grooves parallel to the extension direction of the insertion rod axis and inclined grooves connecting the grooves. When the insertion rod is inserted into the actuator according to a preset stroke, the protruding pin moves in the grooves and the inclined grooves and enters the locking position located below the third protrusion. When the insertion rod is further inserted into the actuator, the protruding pin returns to the initial position through the grooves and the inclined grooves.

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