Device for an actuating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for an actuating device (20) for opening and closing a flap or a door (D) of a vehicle, comprising a housing part (30), which has a cable feedthrough (31), and a built-in socket (40), wherein the built-in socket (40) is provided in the cable feedthrough (31). According to the invention, a device which provides a simple and intuitive electrical connection option for an actuating device and which can be quickly and easily assembled and is reliable and safe is provided in that the built-in socket (40) has at least one universal serial bus interface.

Description

[0001] Device for an adjusting device

[0002] The invention relates to a device for an adjusting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Actuating devices, particularly spindle drives, are known from practical experience and are used, for example, for the driven pivoting of vehicle flaps, especially tailgates or vehicle doors. These actuators comprise, for example, an electric motor with a control unit, wherein the control unit includes at least one circuit board with at least one cable, which is designed, for example, as a power supply, control, measurement, and / or data cable.

[0004] DE 102017 130301 A1 describes an actuating device for movable wings of opening closures of buildings, comprising a USB interface.

[0005] A disadvantage is that existing actuators known from practice consistently have different cable harness configurations and electrical interfaces regarding power and voltage supply, making assembly of the actuator time-consuming and expensive, with certain cables, cable harnesses and electrical connections only available from certain suppliers and manufacturers, which could lead to bottlenecks in the supply chain.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a simple and intuitive electrical connection option for an actuator which can be assembled quickly and easily, and which is reliable and safe.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a device having the features of independent claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, a device for an actuator for opening and closing a flap or door of a vehicle is provided. The device comprises a housing part, which has a cable gland, and a mounting socket, the mounting socket being arranged in the cable gland. The device is characterized in that the mounting socket has at least one USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. In order to make manufacturing processes faster, more economical, and more efficient, it is intended to eliminate the need for the individual production and assembly of individual cable harnesses and their individual connectors, and advantageously to introduce a standardized interface—namely, the USB interface—as a standard element. Furthermore, the previously existing individual electrical connections and connectors are thus replaced by the USB interface.Furthermore, actuators are very compact units installed in a vehicle, and these actuators are often visible after opening, for example, a tailgate, hood, or vehicle door. Therefore, it is essential that each actuator has a clearly organized electrical connection, ensuring that the electrical connections and cables cannot become tangled when opening or closing a hatch or door, or when loading or unloading luggage and cargo. Additionally, the electrical connection or interface should feature an aesthetically pleasing design (clean architecture). A USB interface advantageously improves and simplifies maintenance and the replacement of defective components, such as a cable with a USB connector, as well as the testability and adaptability of the actuator.

[0009] The mounting socket is expediently injection-molded, inserted, cast, and / or screwed into the cable gland. Advantageously, the mounting socket can be installed in the device either detachably or permanently, with the option of integrating it as a component during the device's manufacture or mounting it as a retrofit component, for example, via a screw connection.

[0010] Preferably, the USB interface is a USB Type-C. A USB-C interface is advantageously small, compact, and robust. Furthermore, the USB-C contacts are advantageously arranged symmetrically, allowing the plug to be inserted in either direction. The orientation of the plug in the corresponding element of the socket is therefore irrelevant for a reliable connection. In addition, USB-C can handle currents up to 5 amps at 48 volts DC, corresponding to a power output of 240 watts, thus ensuring a reliable power supply for the actuator's electric motor. Moreover, no special protection against direct contact is necessary because the voltage of 48 volts is below the safety extra-low voltage of 60 volts, meaning that a USB-C interface offers protection against electric shock.

[0011] The USB interface is preferably female. It is advantageous that nothing protrudes from the mounting socket that could bend, thus ensuring increased product durability.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment, the USB interface is male. Depending on the installation situation, the USB interface can be advantageously customized.

[0013] It is advantageous that at least one cable from the circuit board can be connected to the panel-mount socket. The circuit board serves, among other things, to control and supply power and voltage to an electric motor of the actuator. Therefore, it is beneficial that an electrical connection can be established between the circuit board and the panel-mount socket via a cable.

[0014] The connection between the circuit board and the mounting socket can also be made via a USB interface. Alternatively, the electric motor or the drive unit of the actuator can be powered directly via a USB interface, provided the electric motor has a USB interface.

[0015] Preferably, the circuit board cable includes at least one USB interface. The mounting socket advantageously has an internal USB interface, which, when installed, faces an interior area of ​​the device. This internal USB interface can thus be easily and quickly connected to a cable on the circuit board of the device. Furthermore, the circuit board of the actuator can have its own USB interface, allowing the circuit board and the mounting socket to be connected via a USB cable.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the mounting socket is designed horizontally or at an angle. Depending on the installation situation, the mounting socket can be individually adjusted so that, for example, a USB cable connected to the device is not unnecessarily kinked. This advantageously increases the product lifespan of the USB cable. Alternatively, a mounting socket with adjustable joints can be inserted into the device to ensure optimal alignment of the USB interface. The USB cable connected to the device can thus always be aligned without kinks during the opening or closing of a flap or door, minimizing tensile, torsional, and compressive forces acting on the USB cable. This advantageously reduces the risk of cable breakage and intermittent contact due to an unstable electrical connection.

[0017] The mounting socket is advantageously designed to be waterproof. The device, the mounting socket itself, and the electrical connection via a USB cable are all protected from moisture, splashing water, rain, dust, and dirt. For this purpose, the mounting socket features, for example, a coupling for housing mounting and a coupling for connecting to a USB cable. The coupling can be, for example, a screw connection with a sealing element or a bayonet connection with a sealing element.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting socket includes a cable strain relief. Advantageously, a cable strain relief is provided at least on one inner side and on one outer side of the mounting socket, so that the cables connected to the mounting socket maintain a consistently stable electrical contact without any wobbling. Furthermore, the cable strain relief protects against damage to the cable and the contact points, thus reducing the risk of cable breakage or broken solder joints.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the housing part comprises a connecting element, which is designed as a ball socket or a ball head. The connecting element advantageously allows for a hinged connection between the actuator and a flap or frame of a vehicle.

[0020] Advantageously, the flush-mount socket incorporates LED elements. These light elements, such as LEDs, can function as indicators. For example, a flashing LED on a tailgate that is about to close can serve as a safety warning to the user, helping to prevent head injuries. Furthermore, an illuminated flush-mount socket makes it easier to locate the connector, thus simplifying the insertion of a USB plug.

[0021] Advantageously, the panel-mount socket has a first locking element. For example, the socket has a recess, which serves as the first locking element. The USB cable, which connects to the panel-mount socket, has a spring-loaded, adjustable locking tab, which serves as a second locking element. Advantageously, the first and second locking elements can be engaged with each other, similar to a quick-release coupling. This advantageously ensures that the USB cable is connected to the panel-mount socket in a defined position, preventing it from moving back and forth.

[0022] Advantageously, the mounting socket includes a protective cap. This cap effectively protects the mounting socket from moisture, rain and splashing water, as well as from dirt and dust, particularly during installation or transport of the device.

[0023] The USB interface is conveniently designed to be rotatable. Depending on the position of the mounting device in a vehicle, the USB interface can advantageously rotate along with the cable connected to it. This reduces the risk of cable breakage and intermittent contact due to an unstable electrical connection. Alternatively, a combination of a rotatable USB interface and a swiveling, maneuverable mounting socket is provided, allowing the connected USB cable to move in all directions.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, an actuating device, in particular a spindle drive, for opening and closing a pivoting flap or a pivoting door of a vehicle is provided, comprising a drive device comprising a drive housing and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing, a lifting device driven by the drive device comprising a lifting housing and at least one lifting element arranged in the lifting housing, and a control unit comprising at least one printed circuit board, wherein the drive unit is an electric motor, wherein the lifting element is a spindle nut, which spindle nut has an internal thread, wherein the spindle nut is always in meshing engagement with a rotatably mounted spindle rod, which spindle rod has an external thread, via a threaded connection, wherein the spindle rod can be coupled to the drive unit via a coupling, in particular a magnetic coupling.wherein, upon rotation of the spindle rod about its longitudinal axis, a rotationally secured displacement of the spindle nut occurs, and wherein an actuating element rigidly connected to the spindle nut can be telescopically extended and retracted from the lifting housing. The actuating device is characterized in that it has at least one of the aforementioned features, properties, and further developments, and that the USB interface can supply power to the electric motor and / or data to the control unit. Advantageously, it is provided that the power supply for the entire actuating device, as well as the data input for the control and regulation of the electric motor, is provided via a single USB interface, thus making a compact and easily manufactured actuating device available.

[0025] Further advantages, developments and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the dependent claims.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a perspective front view of the mounting socket of the device.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a perspective rear view of the mounting socket from Fig. 1.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an adjusting device from Fig. 1.

[0030] Figures 1 to 3 show a perspective view of an actuating device 20 designed as a spindle drive, comprising a device 10, wherein the device 10 is rigidly connected to a cylindrical base body 21 of the actuating device 20. Furthermore, the actuating device 20 serves to open and close a flap or a door D of a vehicle. In Figure 1, the openable door D is indicated by a dashed line. A vehicle is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0031] In this respect, the actuating device 20 is articulated to the vehicle frame and to the door D via a first connecting element 33 and via an opposing second connecting element (not shown here), the first connecting element 33 being designed here as a ball socket.

[0032] The device 10 comprises a housing part 30, which housing part 30 has a cable gland 31, wherein the cable gland 31 is designed, at least partially, as a pipe section 32 extending outwards from the housing part 30. Furthermore, the device 10 has the first connection element 33.

[0033] Furthermore, the device 10 includes a mounting socket 40, wherein the mounting socket 40 is arranged in the cable gland 31 or in the tube section 32 of the housing part 30. In addition, the mounting socket 40 has an outwardly facing female Universal Serial Bus Type C interface 41 (abbreviated: USB-C), to which a male counterpart of a USB-C cable 50 can be connected for a power supply to the actuator 20.

[0034] In this embodiment, the mounting socket 40 is inserted into the tube section 32 of the housing part 30 of the device 10 via a snap connection and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner, so that the mounting socket 40 sits firmly and immovably in the tube section 32 of the housing part 30.

[0035] The mounting socket 40 has a front surface 40a and an inner surface opposite the front surface 40a, which inner surface faces an interior of the housing part 30 of the device 10, the inner surface of the mounting socket 40 not shown here. The front surface 40a of the mounting socket 40 is provided for the connection of an external USB-C cable 50, the inner surface of the mounting socket 40 being provided for an internal electrical connection to a circuit board or to an electric motor of the actuator 20.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows in a perspective rear view the tube section 32 of the housing part 30 of the device 10 and the male counterpart of the USB-C cable 50, with the USB-C cable 50 now being more clearly visible.

[0037] The invention works as follows:

[0038] The actuator 20, comprising the device 10, is mounted in a vehicle in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. However, the spindle-driven actuator 20 still requires a power supply. This power supply is now easily provided via a USB-C cable 50 that can be connected to the mounting socket 40. Furthermore, the orientation in which the USB-C cable 50 is inserted into the USB-C interface 41 of the mounting socket 40 is irrelevant, since a USB-C interface is point-symmetrical.

[0039] The invention has been explained above with reference to an exemplary embodiment in which the mounting bushing 40 is arranged in the housing part 30 of the device 10. It is understood that the mounting bushing 40 can also be arranged at another position on the actuating device 20, for example on the cylindrical base body 21 of the actuating device 20.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device (10) for an actuating device (20) for opening and closing a flap or a door (D) of a vehicle, comprising a housing part (30) which has a cable entry (31), and a mounting socket (40), wherein the mounting socket (40) is arranged in the cable entry (31), characterized by that the mounting socket (40) has at least one universal serial bus interface (41).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting socket (40) is injected, inserted, cast and / or screwed into the cable passage (31).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the Universal Serial Bus interface (41) is a USB Type C.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting socket (40) is designed horizontally or at an angle.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting socket (40) is designed to be watertight.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting socket (40) includes a cable strain relief.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (30) includes a connection element (33), which connection element (33) is designed as a ball socket or as a ball head.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting socket (40) has a first locking element.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the universal serial bus interface (41) is rotatably designed.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the universal serial bus interface (41) is female.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the universal serial bus interface (41) is male.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one cable of a circuit board can be connected to the mounting socket (40).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the cable of the circuit board comprises at least one universal serial bus interface.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting socket (40) comprises LED elements.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting socket (40) comprises a cover cap.

16. Actuating device (20) for opening and closing a pivoting flap or a pivoting door (D) of a vehicle, comprising a drive device, comprising a drive housing and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing, a lifting device driven by the drive device, comprising a lifting housing and at least one lifting element arranged in the lifting housing, and a control unit comprising at least a printed circuit board, wherein the drive unit is an electric motor, wherein the lifting element is a spindle nut, which spindle nut has an internal thread, wherein the spindle nut is always in meshing engagement with a rotatably mounted spindle rod, which spindle rod has an external thread, via a threaded connection, wherein the spindle rod can be coupled to the drive unit via a coupling, wherein, when the spindle rod is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the spindle nut is displaced in a rotationally secured manner, and wherein an actuating element fixedly connected to the spindle nut is telescopically extendable from and retractable from the lifting housing, characterized in that that the actuating device (20) comprises a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 15, and that the USB interface (41) can be used to supply power to the electric motor and / or data to the control system.

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