Actuator for motor vehicle applications

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator (2) for motor vehicle applications, in particular for a motor vehicle lock (1), comprising an electric motor (3) having: an output shaft (4); a shaft-hub connection (12) fastened to the output shaft (4); a flexible traction means (7) fastened to the shaft-hub connection (12), wherein the traction means (7) can be wound onto the output shaft; and an actuating element (8) which can be actuated by means of the traction means (7), wherein the shaft-hub connection (12) is formed by a holding element (5) which receives the flexible traction means (7), and by a clamping element (6) which can be inserted into the holding element (5).

Description

[0001] P23182WO 1 13 November 2025

[0002] Description

[0003] Actuator for automotive applications

[0004] The invention relates to an actuator for automotive applications, in particular for a motor vehicle lock, comprising an electric motor with an output shaft, a shaft-hub connection attached to the output shaft and a flexible traction element attached to the shaft-hub connection, preferably permanently attached, wherein the traction element is windable on the output shaft and an actuating element that can be operated by means of the traction element.

[0005] Actuators for actuating a control element with an electric motor are frequently used in the automotive industry. Electrical energy is available in almost all sectors and can be used wherever electromechanical control movements need to be initiated or executed. Application areas include automotive locks, fuel filler flaps, cover locks, sliding doors, tailgates, and similar areas. The movement of the actuator can either directly establish a functional position in, for example, a vehicle lock, or the actuator itself can actuate a switching element, such as a microswitch. This list is not exhaustive; actuators can be used anywhere a function or functional position is established by means of an actuator. Fuel filler flap locks are another example.

[0006] The use of an actuator with a traction element that can be wound onto an output shaft is known from EP 2 138 732 Al P23182WO 2, November 13, 2025. This document discloses an actuator for automotive applications in which, for example, a cable can be wound onto the output shaft, and the cable is used, for instance, to wind up a release lever for a vehicle lock. To ensure a secure connection between the cable and the output shaft, the cable is firmly attached to a locking ring. For secure locking, the locking ring is slid over a base ring that is fitted onto the output shaft.The ring-shaped clamping connection between the locking ring and the base ring allows a corresponding force, i.e., clamping force, to be generated, so that the adjusting device can be safely wound up by means of the rope even in extreme situations, i.e., under heavy load on the rope, without the locking ring slipping on the output shaft.

[0007] The known embodiment, however, has disadvantages. The application describes that the base ring can break, but due to the superior locking ring, the base ring can still be securely held on the output shaft. It cannot be ruled out, however, that the locking ring itself might not withstand the clamping forces and could fail immediately or due to cyclical continuous stress. In these cases, reliable operation of the vehicle lock is not possible, which in turn could lead to the replacement of the vehicle lock or to a complete failure of the vehicle lock.

[0008] The invention addresses the problem of improving the connection of the flexible traction element to the output shaft and overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages. P23182WO 3 13 November 2025

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide an improved actuator that also enables easy installation and can reliably withstand continuous loads.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. However, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any number of variations of the features described in the description and the dependent claims are possible.

[0011] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing an actuator for automotive applications, in particular for a vehicle lock, comprising an electric motor with an output shaft, a shaft-hub connection mounted on the output shaft, and a flexible traction element attached to the shaft-hub connection, preferably permanently attached, wherein the traction element is windable on the output shaft, and an actuating element actuated by means of the traction element, wherein the shaft-hub connection is formed from a retaining element receiving the flexible traction element and a clamping element insertable into the retaining element. The design of the actuator according to the invention, and in particular the shaft-hub connection, ensures a secure connection of the traction element to the output shaft.The secure fastening is characterized by the fact that the clamping element provides a clamping connection between the retaining element and the output shaft. After mounting the retaining element onto the output shaft (P23182WO 4, November 13, 2025), the clamping element is inserted into the retaining element, thus creating a clamping connection between the retaining element and the output shaft. The clamping element acts on the retaining element in such a way that it clamps firmly onto the motor's output shaft. However, the secure attachment of the retaining element is not the only advantage of the shaft-hub connection design according to the invention. By inserting the clamping element into the retaining element, the shaft-hub connection can be easily assembled. The clamping element simply needs to be inserted into a corresponding recess in the retaining element. This can be done using very simple design features or even manually.

[0012] When referring to an actuator within the meaning of the invention, the areas of application have already been mentioned in an introductory but not exhaustive manner. Actuators are used where movement in a motor vehicle is required, for example, to ensure locking. Examples of locking mechanisms include fuel filler flaps, covers, hoods, flaps, etc. While the actuator can be used where an actuating element itself serves to lock, it is also conceivable that actuating elements operated by the actuator could be used to engage a function, for example, in a motor vehicle lock. A variety of functions are available in a motor vehicle lock. These include the operating states "locked," "unlocked," "theft-proof," and "child-locked," to name just a few important functions.The actuator can also be used to unlock a vehicle lock or to provide snow load protection in the vehicle lock. In this example, the actuator could, for instance, represent a release lever in the vehicle lock. P23182WO 5 13 November 2025.

[0013] A DC motor is preferably used as the electric drive in the actuator. The DC motor is preferably operated with the DC voltage available in the vehicle, preferably 12 V. Due to their design, these electric motors can be made extremely small, making them easy to install in the vehicle and, for example, easily integrated into a vehicle lock housing. The electric motor has an output shaft that extends beyond the holding element, corresponding to the length of the traction element to be wound. Depending on the length of the output shaft, its end can be supported by a bearing. The holding element, as part of the shaft-hub connection, is preferably located directly at the output of the electric motor's output shaft. The output or winding shaft extends beyond the holding element to the end bearing in the vehicle.

[0014] Any flexible traction element capable of actuating an actuator can be used as a traction element. Preferably, the traction element can be a woven textile, preferably made of synthetic fibers. However, it is also conceivable to manufacture the traction element directly from a plastic. In any case, the traction element must be adapted to the required actuating forces for the actuator, and it must be able to absorb different forces. For example, low forces may be necessary to enable a fuel filler flap lock, whereas high forces may occur when unlocking a locking mechanism, especially if the locking mechanism is under extreme stress, such as contamination or icing.

[0015] The retaining element can be mounted directly onto the output shaft. In other words, the retaining element itself is mounted directly onto the output shaft of the electric drive. For this purpose, the retaining element has a mounting opening that corresponds to the output shaft, allowing it to be used in a form-fitting manner. A fit between the output shaft and the mounting opening can also be present, thus achieving a certain clamping effect between the retaining element and the output shaft. The retaining element itself is preferably made of plastic.

[0016] Advantageously, and in a further development of the invention, the retaining element can be mounted on the output shaft by means of a force-fit, a material-fit, and / or a positive-fit connection. The fastening of the retaining element to the output shaft is therefore not dependent on a specific mounting method, but can itself provide a certain holding force between the retaining element and the output shaft. However, the clamping element provides the secure fastening necessary to ensure continuous load-bearing capacity under cyclic stress. After the retaining element has been mounted, the clamping element is inserted into a recess in the retaining element, thus ensuring a clamping effect and therefore a permanently stable fastening on the output shaft.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be advantageous, and represent an embodiment of the invention, if the clamping element can be inserted into at least one clamping opening of the retaining element. The retaining element has at least one clamping opening formed circumferentially within the retaining element. It is also conceivable that several clamping openings or recesses are arranged circumferentially on the retaining element. Preferably, the clamping openings are arranged symmetrically distributed around the circumference of the retaining element. A symmetrical arrangement of the recesses or clamping openings allows for a uniform force distribution onto or into the shaft-hub connection. Preferably, the clamping element, like the retaining element, is made of plastic, thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing and provision of a shaft-hub connection.

[0018] The clamping openings extend essentially over a range greater than 180°, allowing clamping on both sides of the output shaft to exert a clamping force on the retaining element. The clamping element extends circumferentially over a range greater than 180° and preferably up to a range of 270°. By extending around the circumference and only over a portion of the circumference of the retaining element, the clamping element can maintain a clear mounting area for the tensioning element. The clamping element, retaining element, and tensioning element can thus be combined in an optimal and structurally simple manner. Preferably, two or three clamping openings are incorporated into the retaining element. The number of clamping openings allows the direction of the force on the output shaft to be influenced and thus adjusted.

[0019] It can also be advantageous if the clamping element consists of clamping pieces inserted into the clamping openings and a connector that supports the clamping pieces. Mounting the clamping pieces as a single unit significantly simplifies assembly and can thus lead to a cost-effective overall design. Easy assembly is achieved by providing a connector that aligns and positions the clamping pieces to be inserted into the recesses. In this respect, the clamping element as a whole, i.e., consisting of the connector and clamping pieces, is essentially rigid, allowing for easy positioning and insertion into the clamping openings.The connector also provides a larger surface area for inserting the clamping pieces into the recesses, thus reducing the overall surface pressure on the connector and simultaneously allowing a higher force to be applied to the clamping pieces. The connector extends circumferentially over an angle greater than 180°, and preferably 270°, around the circumference of the retaining element. Inserting the clamping pieces into the recesses creates a clamping connection, i.e., a force-fit connection between the retaining element and the output shaft.

[0020] It can also be advantageous if the connector can be inserted, at least partially, into a surface of the retaining element. An interaction between the connector and the surface of the retaining element can provide additional security during the installation of the clamping element. On the one hand, a raised section on the retaining element can serve as an insertion aid, thus enabling quick assembly; on the other hand, a flat surface can be achieved on the insertion side of the clamping element into the retaining element. For this purpose, the retaining element can, for example, have a recess into which the clamping element or the connector can be inserted, at least partially. P23182WO 9 13 November 2025

[0021] It can also be advantageous if a common surface can be formed by means of the connector and the retaining element, thus creating a contact surface for the traction element. If the connector, in combination with the retaining element, forms a common flat surface, then a contact surface for the traction element is provided by the connector in combination with the retaining element. For example, the retaining element can have a raised section, and the connector can be inserted into the retaining element to such an extent that the surface of the connector coincides with the surface of the retaining element. The matching surface is the surface from which the traction element emerges from the retaining element, that is, the surface that faces the output shaft or winding shaft.

[0022] It is conceivable, and can be implemented in a further embodiment of the invention, if the tensioning element is arranged in the area of ​​the common surface. The tensioning element can also be attached to the clamping element, so that the tensioning element and the clamping element together can be inserted into the retaining element. Depending on the embodiment, the tensioning element can thus be attached to the retaining element or to the clamping element and can advantageously be wound around the output shaft starting from the shaft-hub connection. Overall, the shaft-hub connection according to the invention ensures easy assembly, while at the same time, the one-piece construction of the retaining element, which extends around the output shaft, provides a permanently stable design.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. However, the principle applies that P23182WO 13 November 2025

[0024] In this embodiment, the invention is not limited, but merely represents a combination of features that can be combined with further features of the description as well as the patent claims.

[0025] It shows:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle lock with an integrated actuator.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a holding element designed according to the invention with a clamping element detached from the holding element, and

[0028] Figure 3 shows a clamping element inserted into a holding element.

[0029] Figure 1 schematically depicts a motor vehicle lock 1 with an integrated actuator 2. The actuator 2 comprises an electric motor 3, an output shaft 4 attached to the electric motor 3, a retaining element 5 mounted on the output shaft 4, a clamping element 6 inserted into the retaining element 5, a pull rod 7 mounted on the retaining element 5, and an actuating element 8 that can be operated by means of the pull rod 7. The actuating element 8 can, for example, be pivotably arranged in the motor vehicle lock 1 in the direction of arrow P.

[0030] The actuator 2 is shown in an unactuated position, meaning that the flexible traction element 7 is mounted on the holding element, or firmly connected to the holding element 5.

[0031] The traction element 7 is only partially wound around the output shaft 4, so that Figure 1 shows the beginning of the winding process. When the electric motor 3 is energized, the traction element 7 winds itself along the output shaft 4 until the travel of the actuating device 8 is completely exceeded. The output shaft 4 can, for example, be received at an axial end 9 in a bearing of a motor vehicle lock housing 11.

[0032] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the shaft-hub connection 12, consisting of the retaining element 5 and the clamping element 6. In this embodiment, the clamping element is formed from a connector 13 and three clamping pieces 14, 15, 16. The connector 13 extends over an angle of approximately 270° across the retaining element 5. Corresponding clamping openings 17, 18, 19 are provided in the retaining element 5. The clamping pieces 14, 15, 16 can be inserted into the clamping openings 17, 18, 19.

[0033] The retaining element 5 further features a projection 20 extending towards the output axis, i.e., away from the electric motor 3. The projection 20 corresponds to a recess in the clamping element 6, thus enabling a positive fit between the clamping element 6 and the retaining element 5. The elastic tension member 7 is also mounted in the retaining element 5, with the tension member 7 exiting the retaining element 5 in this embodiment in the region of the projection 20. Preferably, the tension member 7 is bonded to the retaining element 5 by means of a plastic injection molding process. The tension member 7 can, for example, be a cable. The mounting opening 22 on the retaining element is also visible, allowing the retaining element 5 to be slid onto the output shaft 4. P23182WO 12 13 November 2025

[0034] When assembling the shaft-hub connection 12, the retaining element 5 is first pushed onto the output shaft 4 and then the clamping element 6 is inserted into the clamping openings 17, 18, 19, thereby creating a clamping connection between the retaining element 5 and the output shaft 4.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the assembled position of the clamping element 6. It can be seen that the clamping element 6, with its raised section 20, forms a flat surface that serves as a contact surface 23 for the tensioning element 7. The tensioning element 7 thus has a nearly closed, flat surface as a contact surface for winding onto the output shaft 4. The design of the shaft-hub connection according to the invention allows for safe and easy assembly of the shaft-hub connection. The clamping connection simultaneously ensures high long-term stability without placing excessive stress on the material. In this embodiment, the clamping action is offset by 120° and acts symmetrically and completely on the mounting opening 22, and thus uniformly on the material of the retaining element 5.

[0036] P23182WO 13 13 November 2025

[0037] Reference symbol list

[0038] 1 Power vehicle lock

[0039] 2 actuators

[0040] 3 Electric motor

[0041] 4 Output shaft

[0042] 5 retaining element

[0043] 6 clamping element

[0044] 7 Traction devices

[0045] 8 Actuators

[0046] 10 storage locations

[0047] 11 cases

[0048] 12 Shaft-hub connection

[0049] 13 connectors

[0050] 14, 15, 16 clamping piece

[0051] 17, 18, 19 Clamping opening

[0052] 20 Survey

[0053] 21 recess

[0054] 22 Mounting opening

[0055] 23 An anlage area

[0056] P arrow

Claims

P23182WO 14 13 November 2025 Patent claims 1. Actuator (2) for automotive applications, in particular for a motor vehicle lock (1) , comprising an electric motor (3) with an output shaft (4) , a shaft-hub connection (12) attached to the output shaft (4) and a traction element (7) attached to the shaft-hub connection (12), preferably permanently attached, wherein the traction element (7) is windable on the output shaft (4), and an actuating element (8) that can be actuated by means of the traction element (7) , characterized in that the shaft-hub connection (12) is formed from a retaining element (5) receiving the flexible traction element (7) and a clamping element (6) that can be inserted into the retaining element (5).

2. Actuator (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining element (5) can be mounted on the output shaft (4).

3. Actuator (2) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining element (5) can be mounted on the output shaft (4) by means of a force closure and / or a positive closure.

4. Actuator (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping element (6) can be inserted into at least one clamping opening (17, 18, 19) of the holding element (5), in particular by force and / or form locking.

5. Actuating element (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the retaining element (5) has several clamping openings (17, 18, 19) circumferentially. P23182WO 15 13 November 2025 6. Actuator (2) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the clamping openings (17, 18, 19) can be arranged symmetrically distributed around the circumference of the holding element (5).

7. Actuating element (2) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the clamping element (5) is formed by clamping pieces (14, 15, 16) inserted into the clamping openings (17, 18, 19) and a connector (13) supporting the clamping pieces (14, 15, 16).

8. Actuating element (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the connector (13) can be inserted at least partially into a surface of the retaining element (5).

9. Actuating element (2) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that a common surface (23) can be formed by means of the connector (13) and the retaining element (5), so that a contact surface (23) for the traction element (7) can be formed.

10. Adjusting means (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the traction means (7) can be arranged in the area of ​​the common surface (23).

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