CA2840280A1 - Locking device for a motor vehicle and assembly - Google Patents
Locking device for a motor vehicle and assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2840280A1 CA2840280A1 CA2840280A CA2840280A CA2840280A1 CA 2840280 A1 CA2840280 A1 CA 2840280A1 CA 2840280 A CA2840280 A CA 2840280A CA 2840280 A CA2840280 A CA 2840280A CA 2840280 A1 CA2840280 A1 CA 2840280A1
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- Prior art keywords
- locking
- flap
- recess
- actuator
- arm
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/04—Tank inlets
- B60K15/05—Inlet covers
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
The aim of the invention is to provide a locking device for a motor vehicle and an assembly method. Said aim is achieved by a locking device for a flap, wherein the flap is pivotably fastened directly or indirectly to a body having a recess. The locking device comprises an actuator, which is preferably attached to the body having the recess. The locking element comprises preferably a locking arm for locking the flap and an actuating arm that is preferably short compared to the locking arm, wherein the locking arm and the actuating arm can be pivoted about a common axis. The actuator can pivot the actuating arm in order to lock and/or unlock the flap.
Description
Locking device for a motor vehicle and assembly The invention refers to a locking device for locking a flap with the characteristics of the generic term of claim 1. The locking device comprises an actuator and a bolt moveable by the actuator. The locking device is used, in particular, for locking a flap of a motor vehicle.
The invention also relates to a method for assembling the locking device.
An actuator according to the present invention includes a locking bar moveable to and fro between two different positions with the aid of a drive and, in particular, an electric drive.
The locking bar can, for instance, be moved along its longitudinal axis, i.e.
on one hand in the direction of the housing of the actuator and, on the other hand, out of the actuator housing. An electric motor can be provided as a drive for moving the locking bar. It can be a differently designed electro-magnetic drive. The drive can, however, also be based on a memory alloy.
In a motor vehicle it is of particular importance that the used components or assemblies are compact, especially as the number of components used in a motor vehicle is constantly increasing.
Publication EP 1 935 702 B1 discloses a fuel flap module for a motor vehicle.
The module comprises a recessed body and a flap attached to it by means of a hinged arm.
A locking element, used for locking the flap, embraces the recessed body and extends up to a servomotor, i.e. an actuator arranged in the area of the pivotable mounting of the flap. The flap can be locked or unlocked with the aid of the actuator.
Publication DE 10 2008 057 860 A1 discloses a fuel flap module for a motor vehicle. The fuel flap module comprises a recessed body and a fuel flap, pivotably mounted on the recessed body by means of a hinge. An actuator with the aid of which a locking element can be actuated for locking the flap, is arranged on the recessed body.
The invention has the task of providing a further developed locking unit for a motor vehicle.
To solve this task, a locking device contains, in particular, the characteristics of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in the independent claims. A
preferred method for assembling the locking device includes the characteristic of one of the independent claims.
The task is solved by a locking device for a flap with the flap being directly or indirectly pivotably mounted on a body with a recess. The locking device comprises an actuator, preferably mounted on the body with the recess. The locking element preferably comprises a locking arm for locking the flap and a comparably shorter actuating arm, pivotable around a common axis. The actuating arm is thus shorter than the locking arm. The actuator can pivot the actuating arm for locking or unlocking.
As according to the claim, the locking element is designed as a lever, a short stroke of the locking bar of the actuator suffices for locking or unlocking. This allows the compact design of an assembly, embracing the recessed body on which a flap is directly or indirectly pivotably mounted for closing a recess of the recessed body as well as the locking element and the actuator. The flap can be locked by means of the locking arm. Once the flap has been locked it can no longer be opened until it is unlocked. The actuating arm serves to transfer a rotary movement onto the locking arm for locking or unlocking.
In one embodiment of the invention, the locking arm has the shape of a hook.
The free end of the locking arm thus contains a hook for locking the flap. For locking, the hook is moved towards a locking element of the flap in such a way that it is locked. The flap can, for instance, contain a bar, which in the closed state of the recess extends from the base of the flap in the direction of the locking arm. When the recess of the recessed body is closed by a flap, the hook of the locking arm can, for instance, engage in a recess of the bar in such a way that the flap is locked. For locking, the bar can also be hook-shaped or contains a recess, as this prevents the hook from sliding off the side. Vice versa the bar can also contain a hook-shaped end engaging in a recess in the locking arm for locking.
In one embodiment of the invention, the hook of the locking arm contains an indentation in which a projection of the flap or a projection on the bar of the flap can engage.
Preferably the locking arm can engage and thus lock. The engaging can occur against a sealing pressure of a seal of the flap. Once the locking arm is engaged and the flap is locked, the locking arm is positively locked.
In one embodiment of the invention the locking arm is spring loaded in the direction of its locking position. In this arrangement a pretensioned spring acts on the locking arm pushing it into the direction of its locked position. In this arrangement, the actuating arm does not have to be actuated by the actuator for locking, provided that the tension of the spring suffices. Preferably the spring is then sufficiently pretensioned for the locking to take place solely due to the pretensioning.
Preferably the spring is a leg spring, i.e. a coiled flexible spring with at least one leg but generally with two legs. The coiled part of the leg spring preferably extends around the axis, providing the pivotable mounting of the actuating arm and of the locking arm.
One end of the leg of the pretensioned leg spring abuts against the locking arm in such a way that the locking arm is pushed in the direction of its locked position. Another leg of the leg spring can be supported in such a way and in particular at the body containing the recess, that this produces the desired pretensioning of the leg spring, pushing the locking arm in the direction of its locked position.
In one embodiment of the invention, the end of the hook of the locking arm has the shape of a ramp. As a result, the locking of the flap causes the locking arm to be first pushed back starting from its locked position or locked state and then be moved back into the locked position for being locked by the force of the spring. Alternatively or in addition, the end of the bar, which is in particularly connected to the flap as a single piece can have the shape of a ramp in order to achieve the aforementioned effect. The flap with the bar is preferably made of plastic, as this allows it to be made of a single piece and has a low weight.
The invention also relates to a method for assembling the locking device.
An actuator according to the present invention includes a locking bar moveable to and fro between two different positions with the aid of a drive and, in particular, an electric drive.
The locking bar can, for instance, be moved along its longitudinal axis, i.e.
on one hand in the direction of the housing of the actuator and, on the other hand, out of the actuator housing. An electric motor can be provided as a drive for moving the locking bar. It can be a differently designed electro-magnetic drive. The drive can, however, also be based on a memory alloy.
In a motor vehicle it is of particular importance that the used components or assemblies are compact, especially as the number of components used in a motor vehicle is constantly increasing.
Publication EP 1 935 702 B1 discloses a fuel flap module for a motor vehicle.
The module comprises a recessed body and a flap attached to it by means of a hinged arm.
A locking element, used for locking the flap, embraces the recessed body and extends up to a servomotor, i.e. an actuator arranged in the area of the pivotable mounting of the flap. The flap can be locked or unlocked with the aid of the actuator.
Publication DE 10 2008 057 860 A1 discloses a fuel flap module for a motor vehicle. The fuel flap module comprises a recessed body and a fuel flap, pivotably mounted on the recessed body by means of a hinge. An actuator with the aid of which a locking element can be actuated for locking the flap, is arranged on the recessed body.
The invention has the task of providing a further developed locking unit for a motor vehicle.
To solve this task, a locking device contains, in particular, the characteristics of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in the independent claims. A
preferred method for assembling the locking device includes the characteristic of one of the independent claims.
The task is solved by a locking device for a flap with the flap being directly or indirectly pivotably mounted on a body with a recess. The locking device comprises an actuator, preferably mounted on the body with the recess. The locking element preferably comprises a locking arm for locking the flap and a comparably shorter actuating arm, pivotable around a common axis. The actuating arm is thus shorter than the locking arm. The actuator can pivot the actuating arm for locking or unlocking.
As according to the claim, the locking element is designed as a lever, a short stroke of the locking bar of the actuator suffices for locking or unlocking. This allows the compact design of an assembly, embracing the recessed body on which a flap is directly or indirectly pivotably mounted for closing a recess of the recessed body as well as the locking element and the actuator. The flap can be locked by means of the locking arm. Once the flap has been locked it can no longer be opened until it is unlocked. The actuating arm serves to transfer a rotary movement onto the locking arm for locking or unlocking.
In one embodiment of the invention, the locking arm has the shape of a hook.
The free end of the locking arm thus contains a hook for locking the flap. For locking, the hook is moved towards a locking element of the flap in such a way that it is locked. The flap can, for instance, contain a bar, which in the closed state of the recess extends from the base of the flap in the direction of the locking arm. When the recess of the recessed body is closed by a flap, the hook of the locking arm can, for instance, engage in a recess of the bar in such a way that the flap is locked. For locking, the bar can also be hook-shaped or contains a recess, as this prevents the hook from sliding off the side. Vice versa the bar can also contain a hook-shaped end engaging in a recess in the locking arm for locking.
In one embodiment of the invention, the hook of the locking arm contains an indentation in which a projection of the flap or a projection on the bar of the flap can engage.
Preferably the locking arm can engage and thus lock. The engaging can occur against a sealing pressure of a seal of the flap. Once the locking arm is engaged and the flap is locked, the locking arm is positively locked.
In one embodiment of the invention the locking arm is spring loaded in the direction of its locking position. In this arrangement a pretensioned spring acts on the locking arm pushing it into the direction of its locked position. In this arrangement, the actuating arm does not have to be actuated by the actuator for locking, provided that the tension of the spring suffices. Preferably the spring is then sufficiently pretensioned for the locking to take place solely due to the pretensioning.
Preferably the spring is a leg spring, i.e. a coiled flexible spring with at least one leg but generally with two legs. The coiled part of the leg spring preferably extends around the axis, providing the pivotable mounting of the actuating arm and of the locking arm.
One end of the leg of the pretensioned leg spring abuts against the locking arm in such a way that the locking arm is pushed in the direction of its locked position. Another leg of the leg spring can be supported in such a way and in particular at the body containing the recess, that this produces the desired pretensioning of the leg spring, pushing the locking arm in the direction of its locked position.
In one embodiment of the invention, the end of the hook of the locking arm has the shape of a ramp. As a result, the locking of the flap causes the locking arm to be first pushed back starting from its locked position or locked state and then be moved back into the locked position for being locked by the force of the spring. Alternatively or in addition, the end of the bar, which is in particularly connected to the flap as a single piece can have the shape of a ramp in order to achieve the aforementioned effect. The flap with the bar is preferably made of plastic, as this allows it to be made of a single piece and has a low weight.
One embodiment of the invention contains a rod made, in particular of metal or plastic, connected on one hand to the free or open end of the actuating arm with the connection being, in particular, moveable. The other end of the rod is connected to the free end of the locking bar of the actuator with the connection being, in particular, moveable and for instance pivotable. The provision of the rod allows the actuator to be mounted in a particularly suitable manner at a particularly suitable point, such as the part of the housing protruding from the recess. The housing part can embrace an area pivotably connecting the flap with the body of the recess. As a result of the moveable mounting of the rod, the flexibility as regards mounting the actuator is increased further.
In one embodiment of the invention, the locking element contains an axis. with the locking arm being arranged at one end of the axis and the activation arm at the other end of the axis. This embodiment also allows the actuator to be positioned at a distance from the area used for locking. This embodiment also allows section of a particularly suitable mounting for the actuator. Where, when viewed from the top, the recessed body contains a base area.
the actuator is preferably mounted at the edge of this base area. Viewed from the top the actuator is preferably arranged above this base surface. All in all this provides a compact and not very long design, allowing easy handling and assembly.
In one embodiment of the invention the actuator is connected to the body with the recess by a screw connection and preferably a bayonet connection. In this case a rotary movement of the actuator in relation to the body with the recess suffices to attach the actuator to the body with the recess. Where a bayonet connection is used, a rotary movement of not more than 45 suffices. The actuator can embrace the wings of such a bayonet connection and the body with the recess, a corresponding recess in a wall, which is then part of the bayonet connection. Such a wall is preferably connected as a single part to the body with the recess in order to minimise the number of parts. The assembly of the module is thus simplified.
The locking bar of the actuator extends, in particular, through the wings of such a bayonet connection in order to provide a compact design.. In this embodiment, no additional space is required for fixing the actuator to the body with the recess.
In one embodiment of the invention the locking bar of the actuator is designed in such a way that it is connected to the locking element and, in particular, to the actuating arm by a rotary movement carried out for connecting the actuator to the body with the recess. In particular in combination with this embodiment a bayonet connection is of special advantage for connecting the actuator to the body with the recess, simplifying and speeding up assembly. This technical solution represents a separate invention independent from the object of the main claim.
In one embodiment of the invention the locking bar of the actuator contains a bolt, laterally extending from its free end and extending, for instance, vertically from the locking bar, thus producing a right angle with the locking bar. This embodiment allows the locking bar to be connected to the actuating arm by the actuator being connected to the body with the recess by a rotary motion. The bolt is connected to the locking bar in particular as a single piece, in order to minimise the number of parts.
In one embodiment of the invention, the actuating arm contains a recess at its free end for connection to the locking bar. This embodiment allows the locking bar to be connected to the actuating arm by the actuator being connected to the body with the recess by a rotary motion.
In one embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the recess are such that a movement of the locking arm from is locked position into its unlocked position does not mean that also the locking bar of then actuator has to be moved. Within the recess there is thus sufficient free movement for the bolt, laterally protruding from the locking bar. Once the flap is closed and the locking arm is moved, in particular against the spring force, out of its locked position, the locking bar is not moved as well in this embodiment. This minimises the force required for closing the recess by a flap. A heart-shaped recess is particularly advantageous for obtaining the desired free movement.
In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator does not contain a spring inside the actuator housing, moving the locking bar from one position to another position. This helps to achieve a particular compact design of the actuator and thus the module.
The body with the recess can contain latching elements, allowing particularly simple and quick installation of the body with the recess in a motor vehicle by latching.
In one embodiment, the recess contains a filler neck for filling the vehicle with fuel. In one embodiment, the recess contains instead or in addition a charging means comprising, in particular, a charging socket and/or a charging connector for charging a motor vehicle battery. The charging means can be mechanically and electrically connected to a charging means of a charging station in order to charge the battery of such a vehicle.
In this case the vehicle is, in particular, a vehicle with an electric drive.
The body with the recess is preferably made of plastic. The locking element with the two locking arms and one axis are preferably made of a single piece and are also preferably made of plastic. The locking bar of the actuator is preferably made of plastic or of metal. A
plastic design minimises the weight. Also, relative complex geometries can be produced as a single part without considerable technical effort.
Below, the invention is explained in detail with reference to figures and a respective description.
In which Figure 1: Shows a locking means containing a body with a recess and an actuator Figure 2: Shows a section of the locking means in its unlocked state Figure 3: Shows a section of the locking means during closing of a flap = CA 02840280 2013-12-23 Figure 4: Shows a side view of a locking arm in the closed state of the locking means Figure 1 shows a locking device for a flap. The flap, not visible in Figure 1, is pivotably mounted on a body with a recess. An actuator 2 is mounted on the recessed body 1. The locking means comprises a locking element 3, 4, 5, with which the flap can be locked. The locking element contains a locking arm 3 for locking the flap and a comparatively shorter activation arm 4 mounted on both ends of a common axis 5. The axis 5 is pivotably mounted. A locking bar 6 of the actuator 2 is connected to the short actuating arm 4 in such a way that the actuator 2 can pivot the actuating arm for unlocking.
At its free end, the locking bar 6 of the actuator 2 contains a laterally protruding bolt 7 extending vertically from the locking bar 6. At its free end, the actuating arm 4 contains a heart-shaped recess 8 into which the laterally protruding bolt 7 extends. The free end of the locking bar 6 is thus connected to the free end of the actuation arm 7.
The heart-shaped recess 8 contains a base and a first indentation starting from this base and arranged next to the actuator 2, as well as a second indentation, which compared to the first indentation, is arranged further away from the actuator 2. The first recess is therefore arranged between the actuator 2 and the second indentation.
The actuator 2 contains wings 9 of a bayonet connecting means in order to be able to connect the actuator to the body 1 with a rotary movement of, for instance, 45 . The recessed body 1 comprises a wall 10, which is part of this bayonet connection.
The wall 10 comprises a recess, containing two recess elongations in the edge area, corresponding with the two wings 9. The wings 9 are pushed through these recess elongations.
The actuator 2 is then turned into the position shown in Figure 1. This not only connects the actuator 2 to the recessed body 1 but also the locking bar 6 to the actuation arm 4.
Consequently no separate work step is required to connect the locking bar 6 to the actuation arm 4.
Axis 5 contains a leg spring 11 and extends through the coiled area of the leg spring 11.
With the aid of the leg spring 11 the locking arm 3 is pressed through the recess 12 to the body 1 and thus into the recess and in the locked position shown in Figure 1.
The body 1 shown in Figure 1 contains latching elements la for connecting the module shown in Figure 1 to the motor vehicle by latching. An area 1B of the body 1 embraces the pivotable fixing of the flap on the body 1. The flap can comprise an arm pivotably connected with body 1 at its respective end by means of, for instance, a hinge. The arm then extends into the envelopment lb. Preferably, such an arm is connected to the flap as a single piece.
Figure 2 shows a section of Figure 1 during closure of the recess by the flap.
The closing initially pushes the locking lever 3 out of its locked position and thus partly through opening 12. This movement occurs against the force of the spring 11 with its legs lla and 11b. This is caused by a ramp-shaped end of the locking arm 3 and a ramp-shaped end of a bar of the flap. Due to the ramp-shaped ends, the bar causes the locking arm 3 to be pushed out = CA 02840280 2013-12-23 of its locking position. As a result, the laterally protruding bolt 7 enters the rounded second indentation of the heart-shaped recess 8 as shown in Figure 2. This movement is not associated with a movement of the locking bar 6.
When the recess with the flap is finally closed completely, the locking arm can return to its locked position as a result of the force of the spring 11 and lock the cover in this way.
Again, movement of the locking bar 6 is not associated with this movement.
Where a locked flap is to be released, the bolt 6 is moved in the direction of the housing of the actuator 2. The locking bar 6 then finally reaches the position shown in Figure 3. The laterally protruding bolt 7 then enters another rounded indentation of the heart-shaped recess 8. The locking arm 3 is moved out of the locked position and partially through the opening 12 and against the force of the spring 11. The flap has now been released and can be opened. No electric drive is required to move the locking bar 6 further out of the housing of the actuator 2 than shown in Figure 3. Instead the force provided by spring 11 suffices.
After opening of the flap the locking bar 6 does thus return automatically into its position shown in Figures 1 and 2 as a result of the pretensioned spring 11.
Figure 4 shows part of a section through body 1, containing a recess 13. The recess 13 can be closed off by a cover or flap 14. In its closed state, the flap 14 is locked as shown in Figure 4 by the hook-shaped end 3a of the locking arm 3. A bar 15 extends from the base of the cover or flap 14 towards the locking arm 3. The bar 15 is connected to flap 14 to form a single piece. For locking, the hook-shaped end 3a enters into a recess 15a of the bar 15.
The hook 3a contains a recess 3b into which a projection 15b of the bar 15 engages when the flap 14 is locked. A sealing ring which provides a tight connection between the flap 14 and the edge 1 C of the body with the recess 13, is not shown in Figure 4. The sealing ring can be securely fixed to the edge 1C of the body 1 or with the respective edge areas of the flap 14. Such a sealing ring made from elastic material can produce a resilient movement of the flap 14 for latching the locking mechanism. Such a sealing ring also causes the flap 14 to be moved in the opening direction by the spring force of the sealing ring after unlocking.
The sealing ring thus ensures that the flap 14 is spring-loaded in the direction of opening. In order for a spring to act upon the flap in the desired manner, the sealing ring, is however, not required. Instead, a pretensioned spring can also be provided which is, for instance, mounted in the area of the pivotable connection and which pushes the flap in the direction of opening. Such a spring can, however, also be provided in addition to the sealing ring.
The open end of the locking arm 3 and the open end of the bar 15 are ramp-shaped (ramps 15c or 3c), as shown in Figure 4 in such a way that the closure of the flap 14, initially presses back the locking arm starting from the locked position or locked arrangement shown in Figure 4 in order to be finally moved back by the spring 11 into the locked position for locking.
Opening and closing of the flap does thus occur as follows: if the flap 14 is closed and locked, the bolt 7 is at the base of the heart-shaped recess 8. To open the flap 7, the locking bar 6 moves due the force exerted on the locking bar 6 by an electric drive of the actuator from the position shown in Figure 1 in the direction of the actuator 2 until it finally reaches the position shown in Figure 3. As a result, the bolt 7 moves from the base of the heart-shaped recess 8 into the first heart-shaped indentation positioned adjacent to the actuator 2. The locking arm 3 is consequently moved out of the locked position shown in Figures 1 and 4. As a result, the flap 14 is unlocked. The spring loading caused, for instance, by said sealing ring causes the flap 14 to open at least a bit in the direction of the open position. A sudden force produced by the drive of the actuator therefore suffices to move the locking bar 6 into the position shown in Figure 3, as after this the flap immediately jumps into the direction of the open position. Where the force is no longer provided by the drive of the actuator 2 the pretensioning of the spring ensures that the locking bar 6 is moved back and into the position shown in Figure 1. The bolt 7 thus returns to the base of the heart-shaped recess 8.
If the flap 14 is then closed again, the locking arm 3 is initially pushed out of its locked position by the bar 15. As a result, the bolt 7 is moved from the base of the heart-shaped recess 8 into the second indentation as shown in Figure 2 and without moving the locking bar 6. Where, as a result, the flap 14 reaches the closed position, the locking arm 3 returns to its locking position as a result of the force of the spring 11. The bolt 7 consequently returns to the base of the heart-shaped recess 8, as shown in Figure 1.
A heart-shaped recess 8 has proven to be particularly suitable for carrying out the desired sequence without problem.
List of reference numbers:
1 Body with a recess la Latch 1B Envelopment lc Upper edge area of body around recess 2 Actuator 3 Locking arm 3a Hook-shaped end of locking arm 3b Recess for latched connection 3c Ramp-shaped end of locking arm 4 Actuating arm 4 Axis 6 Locking bar 7 Laterally protruding bolt 8 Recess at free end of actuating arm 9 Wing of a bayonet connection Wall with recess for bayonet connection 11 Leg spring 11 a Leg of leg spring abutting locking arm 11 b Leg of leg spring abutting body with recess 12 Recess for locking arm in a wall next to the side of the recess 13 Recess 14 Flap 15 Bar 15a Recess in bar for accommodating a hook of the locking arm 15b Projection of bar for a latched connection 15c Ramp-shaped end of bar
In one embodiment of the invention, the locking element contains an axis. with the locking arm being arranged at one end of the axis and the activation arm at the other end of the axis. This embodiment also allows the actuator to be positioned at a distance from the area used for locking. This embodiment also allows section of a particularly suitable mounting for the actuator. Where, when viewed from the top, the recessed body contains a base area.
the actuator is preferably mounted at the edge of this base area. Viewed from the top the actuator is preferably arranged above this base surface. All in all this provides a compact and not very long design, allowing easy handling and assembly.
In one embodiment of the invention the actuator is connected to the body with the recess by a screw connection and preferably a bayonet connection. In this case a rotary movement of the actuator in relation to the body with the recess suffices to attach the actuator to the body with the recess. Where a bayonet connection is used, a rotary movement of not more than 45 suffices. The actuator can embrace the wings of such a bayonet connection and the body with the recess, a corresponding recess in a wall, which is then part of the bayonet connection. Such a wall is preferably connected as a single part to the body with the recess in order to minimise the number of parts. The assembly of the module is thus simplified.
The locking bar of the actuator extends, in particular, through the wings of such a bayonet connection in order to provide a compact design.. In this embodiment, no additional space is required for fixing the actuator to the body with the recess.
In one embodiment of the invention the locking bar of the actuator is designed in such a way that it is connected to the locking element and, in particular, to the actuating arm by a rotary movement carried out for connecting the actuator to the body with the recess. In particular in combination with this embodiment a bayonet connection is of special advantage for connecting the actuator to the body with the recess, simplifying and speeding up assembly. This technical solution represents a separate invention independent from the object of the main claim.
In one embodiment of the invention the locking bar of the actuator contains a bolt, laterally extending from its free end and extending, for instance, vertically from the locking bar, thus producing a right angle with the locking bar. This embodiment allows the locking bar to be connected to the actuating arm by the actuator being connected to the body with the recess by a rotary motion. The bolt is connected to the locking bar in particular as a single piece, in order to minimise the number of parts.
In one embodiment of the invention, the actuating arm contains a recess at its free end for connection to the locking bar. This embodiment allows the locking bar to be connected to the actuating arm by the actuator being connected to the body with the recess by a rotary motion.
In one embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the recess are such that a movement of the locking arm from is locked position into its unlocked position does not mean that also the locking bar of then actuator has to be moved. Within the recess there is thus sufficient free movement for the bolt, laterally protruding from the locking bar. Once the flap is closed and the locking arm is moved, in particular against the spring force, out of its locked position, the locking bar is not moved as well in this embodiment. This minimises the force required for closing the recess by a flap. A heart-shaped recess is particularly advantageous for obtaining the desired free movement.
In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator does not contain a spring inside the actuator housing, moving the locking bar from one position to another position. This helps to achieve a particular compact design of the actuator and thus the module.
The body with the recess can contain latching elements, allowing particularly simple and quick installation of the body with the recess in a motor vehicle by latching.
In one embodiment, the recess contains a filler neck for filling the vehicle with fuel. In one embodiment, the recess contains instead or in addition a charging means comprising, in particular, a charging socket and/or a charging connector for charging a motor vehicle battery. The charging means can be mechanically and electrically connected to a charging means of a charging station in order to charge the battery of such a vehicle.
In this case the vehicle is, in particular, a vehicle with an electric drive.
The body with the recess is preferably made of plastic. The locking element with the two locking arms and one axis are preferably made of a single piece and are also preferably made of plastic. The locking bar of the actuator is preferably made of plastic or of metal. A
plastic design minimises the weight. Also, relative complex geometries can be produced as a single part without considerable technical effort.
Below, the invention is explained in detail with reference to figures and a respective description.
In which Figure 1: Shows a locking means containing a body with a recess and an actuator Figure 2: Shows a section of the locking means in its unlocked state Figure 3: Shows a section of the locking means during closing of a flap = CA 02840280 2013-12-23 Figure 4: Shows a side view of a locking arm in the closed state of the locking means Figure 1 shows a locking device for a flap. The flap, not visible in Figure 1, is pivotably mounted on a body with a recess. An actuator 2 is mounted on the recessed body 1. The locking means comprises a locking element 3, 4, 5, with which the flap can be locked. The locking element contains a locking arm 3 for locking the flap and a comparatively shorter activation arm 4 mounted on both ends of a common axis 5. The axis 5 is pivotably mounted. A locking bar 6 of the actuator 2 is connected to the short actuating arm 4 in such a way that the actuator 2 can pivot the actuating arm for unlocking.
At its free end, the locking bar 6 of the actuator 2 contains a laterally protruding bolt 7 extending vertically from the locking bar 6. At its free end, the actuating arm 4 contains a heart-shaped recess 8 into which the laterally protruding bolt 7 extends. The free end of the locking bar 6 is thus connected to the free end of the actuation arm 7.
The heart-shaped recess 8 contains a base and a first indentation starting from this base and arranged next to the actuator 2, as well as a second indentation, which compared to the first indentation, is arranged further away from the actuator 2. The first recess is therefore arranged between the actuator 2 and the second indentation.
The actuator 2 contains wings 9 of a bayonet connecting means in order to be able to connect the actuator to the body 1 with a rotary movement of, for instance, 45 . The recessed body 1 comprises a wall 10, which is part of this bayonet connection.
The wall 10 comprises a recess, containing two recess elongations in the edge area, corresponding with the two wings 9. The wings 9 are pushed through these recess elongations.
The actuator 2 is then turned into the position shown in Figure 1. This not only connects the actuator 2 to the recessed body 1 but also the locking bar 6 to the actuation arm 4.
Consequently no separate work step is required to connect the locking bar 6 to the actuation arm 4.
Axis 5 contains a leg spring 11 and extends through the coiled area of the leg spring 11.
With the aid of the leg spring 11 the locking arm 3 is pressed through the recess 12 to the body 1 and thus into the recess and in the locked position shown in Figure 1.
The body 1 shown in Figure 1 contains latching elements la for connecting the module shown in Figure 1 to the motor vehicle by latching. An area 1B of the body 1 embraces the pivotable fixing of the flap on the body 1. The flap can comprise an arm pivotably connected with body 1 at its respective end by means of, for instance, a hinge. The arm then extends into the envelopment lb. Preferably, such an arm is connected to the flap as a single piece.
Figure 2 shows a section of Figure 1 during closure of the recess by the flap.
The closing initially pushes the locking lever 3 out of its locked position and thus partly through opening 12. This movement occurs against the force of the spring 11 with its legs lla and 11b. This is caused by a ramp-shaped end of the locking arm 3 and a ramp-shaped end of a bar of the flap. Due to the ramp-shaped ends, the bar causes the locking arm 3 to be pushed out = CA 02840280 2013-12-23 of its locking position. As a result, the laterally protruding bolt 7 enters the rounded second indentation of the heart-shaped recess 8 as shown in Figure 2. This movement is not associated with a movement of the locking bar 6.
When the recess with the flap is finally closed completely, the locking arm can return to its locked position as a result of the force of the spring 11 and lock the cover in this way.
Again, movement of the locking bar 6 is not associated with this movement.
Where a locked flap is to be released, the bolt 6 is moved in the direction of the housing of the actuator 2. The locking bar 6 then finally reaches the position shown in Figure 3. The laterally protruding bolt 7 then enters another rounded indentation of the heart-shaped recess 8. The locking arm 3 is moved out of the locked position and partially through the opening 12 and against the force of the spring 11. The flap has now been released and can be opened. No electric drive is required to move the locking bar 6 further out of the housing of the actuator 2 than shown in Figure 3. Instead the force provided by spring 11 suffices.
After opening of the flap the locking bar 6 does thus return automatically into its position shown in Figures 1 and 2 as a result of the pretensioned spring 11.
Figure 4 shows part of a section through body 1, containing a recess 13. The recess 13 can be closed off by a cover or flap 14. In its closed state, the flap 14 is locked as shown in Figure 4 by the hook-shaped end 3a of the locking arm 3. A bar 15 extends from the base of the cover or flap 14 towards the locking arm 3. The bar 15 is connected to flap 14 to form a single piece. For locking, the hook-shaped end 3a enters into a recess 15a of the bar 15.
The hook 3a contains a recess 3b into which a projection 15b of the bar 15 engages when the flap 14 is locked. A sealing ring which provides a tight connection between the flap 14 and the edge 1 C of the body with the recess 13, is not shown in Figure 4. The sealing ring can be securely fixed to the edge 1C of the body 1 or with the respective edge areas of the flap 14. Such a sealing ring made from elastic material can produce a resilient movement of the flap 14 for latching the locking mechanism. Such a sealing ring also causes the flap 14 to be moved in the opening direction by the spring force of the sealing ring after unlocking.
The sealing ring thus ensures that the flap 14 is spring-loaded in the direction of opening. In order for a spring to act upon the flap in the desired manner, the sealing ring, is however, not required. Instead, a pretensioned spring can also be provided which is, for instance, mounted in the area of the pivotable connection and which pushes the flap in the direction of opening. Such a spring can, however, also be provided in addition to the sealing ring.
The open end of the locking arm 3 and the open end of the bar 15 are ramp-shaped (ramps 15c or 3c), as shown in Figure 4 in such a way that the closure of the flap 14, initially presses back the locking arm starting from the locked position or locked arrangement shown in Figure 4 in order to be finally moved back by the spring 11 into the locked position for locking.
Opening and closing of the flap does thus occur as follows: if the flap 14 is closed and locked, the bolt 7 is at the base of the heart-shaped recess 8. To open the flap 7, the locking bar 6 moves due the force exerted on the locking bar 6 by an electric drive of the actuator from the position shown in Figure 1 in the direction of the actuator 2 until it finally reaches the position shown in Figure 3. As a result, the bolt 7 moves from the base of the heart-shaped recess 8 into the first heart-shaped indentation positioned adjacent to the actuator 2. The locking arm 3 is consequently moved out of the locked position shown in Figures 1 and 4. As a result, the flap 14 is unlocked. The spring loading caused, for instance, by said sealing ring causes the flap 14 to open at least a bit in the direction of the open position. A sudden force produced by the drive of the actuator therefore suffices to move the locking bar 6 into the position shown in Figure 3, as after this the flap immediately jumps into the direction of the open position. Where the force is no longer provided by the drive of the actuator 2 the pretensioning of the spring ensures that the locking bar 6 is moved back and into the position shown in Figure 1. The bolt 7 thus returns to the base of the heart-shaped recess 8.
If the flap 14 is then closed again, the locking arm 3 is initially pushed out of its locked position by the bar 15. As a result, the bolt 7 is moved from the base of the heart-shaped recess 8 into the second indentation as shown in Figure 2 and without moving the locking bar 6. Where, as a result, the flap 14 reaches the closed position, the locking arm 3 returns to its locking position as a result of the force of the spring 11. The bolt 7 consequently returns to the base of the heart-shaped recess 8, as shown in Figure 1.
A heart-shaped recess 8 has proven to be particularly suitable for carrying out the desired sequence without problem.
List of reference numbers:
1 Body with a recess la Latch 1B Envelopment lc Upper edge area of body around recess 2 Actuator 3 Locking arm 3a Hook-shaped end of locking arm 3b Recess for latched connection 3c Ramp-shaped end of locking arm 4 Actuating arm 4 Axis 6 Locking bar 7 Laterally protruding bolt 8 Recess at free end of actuating arm 9 Wing of a bayonet connection Wall with recess for bayonet connection 11 Leg spring 11 a Leg of leg spring abutting locking arm 11 b Leg of leg spring abutting body with recess 12 Recess for locking arm in a wall next to the side of the recess 13 Recess 14 Flap 15 Bar 15a Recess in bar for accommodating a hook of the locking arm 15b Projection of bar for a latched connection 15c Ramp-shaped end of bar
Claims (14)
1. Locking device for a flap (14), in which the flap (14) is pivotably fastened to a body (1) having a recess (3) with an actuator (2) preferably attached to the body (1) with a locking element (3, 4, 5) for locking the flap (14), characterised in that the locking element (3, 4, 5) contains a locking arm (3) for locking the flap (14) and a comparatively shorter actuating arm (4), which can be pivoted around a common axis and the actuator (2) being able to pivot the actuating arm (4) for locking and/or unlocking.
2. Locking device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the free end of the locking arms (31) contains a hook (30) for locking the flap (14).
3 Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the end of the locking arm (3) can engage in a component connected to the flap for locking the flap (14) and, in particular in a recess (15a) of a bolt (15), extending from the flap (14) in the direction of the locking arm (13).
4. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking arm (3) contains a recess (3b) for latching and the bar (15) a projection (15b) for latching.
5. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a pretensioned spring (11) pushing the locking arm (3) in the direction of its locked position.
6. Locking device for a flap (14), in which the flap (14) is pivotably attached to a body (1) with a recess (13) with an actuator (2) preferably attached to the body (1), a locking element (3, 4, 5) for locking the flap (14), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuator (2) is connected to the body (1) by means of a screw connection and, in particular, a bayonet connection (9, 10), in which the locking bar (6) of the actuator (2) is connected to the locking element (3, 4, 5) in such a way that this connection can be created by connecting the actuator (2) to the body (1)
7. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking bar (6) of the actuator (2) contains a laterally protruding bolt (7) extending, in order to form a connection, into a recess (8) of the locking element and, in particular, into a recess (8) of the actuating arm (4) of the locking element, with the locking element in particular containing a locking arm (3) for locking the flap which can be pivoted by actuating the actuation arm.
8. Locking device for a flap, in which the flap is pivotably connected to a body (14) with a recess (13) with an actuator (2) preferably attached to body (1), a locking element (3, 4, 5) for locking the flap (14) comprising an actuating arm (4) and a locking arm (3) for locking the flap, with a connection between the actuator (2) and the actuating arm for actuation of the actuating arm by the actuator, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a free movement within the connection between the actuator (2) and the actuating arm (4) and which is designed in such a way that a movement of the locking arm (4) from its locked position is not necessarily associated with a movement of the locking bar (6) of the actuator (2)
9. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection contains a recess and, in particular, a heart-shaped recess (8) as well as a bolt (7), extending into the recess (8).
10. Locking device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the bolt (7) projects, in particular, vertically from a locking bar (6) and/or that the recess [8) is arranged at the free end of the actuating arm (4).
11. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that for opening the locking device of the flap (14), the bolt (7) enters a rounded first indentation of the heart-shaped recess (8) located adjacent to the locking bar (6) and/or which enters a second indentation of the heart-shaped recess by closing of the flap (14), which compared to the first indentation is located further away from the locking bar (6) and/or which in the locked and/or open state of the flap (14) is located in the base of the heart-shaped recess (8).
12. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flap in its closed state is spring loaded in order to move the flap in the opening direction and, in particular, by a sealing ring, sealing the connection between flap (14) and an edge (1c) of the body (1).
13. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the recess (13) contains a filler neck and/or a charging means
14. Method for assembling a locking device for a flap (14), characterised in that an actuator (2) is connected to a body (1) by a rotary movement, with the body (1) containing a recess (13) that can be closed by the flap (14) pivotably attached to the body (1) and in which a locking bar (6) of the actuator (2) is connected to a locking element (3, 4, 5) by a rotary movement and in which the locking element can lock the flap (1) ,
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE201110076810 DE102011076810A1 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2011-05-31 | Locking device for a motor vehicle and assembly |
| DE102011076810.6 | 2011-05-31 | ||
| PCT/DE2012/000287 WO2012163316A1 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2012-03-16 | Locking device for a motor vehicle and assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2840280A1 true CA2840280A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
Family
ID=46026583
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2840280A Abandoned CA2840280A1 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2012-03-16 | Locking device for a motor vehicle and assembly |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2718133B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN103732435B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2840280A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102011076810A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2012163316A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102011116068A1 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2013-01-24 | Kiekert Ag | Fuel filler door lock |
| DE102013015335A1 (en) | 2013-09-14 | 2014-05-08 | Daimler Ag | Drive device for moving wing element e.g. flap of open passenger car, from open position into close position, has one-piece moving element made from shape memory alloy and for moving wing element |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR0114066Y1 (en) * | 1994-08-23 | 1998-04-11 | Hyundai Motor Co Ltd | Fuel filler door catch for a motor vehicle |
| US8393652B2 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2013-03-12 | Alfmeier Prazision Baugruppen Und Systemlosungen | Shape-memory alloy actuator and latches including same |
| DE102006061218A1 (en) * | 2006-12-20 | 2008-06-26 | GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit | Tank flap module |
| DE102008024584A1 (en) * | 2008-05-21 | 2009-11-26 | Daimler Ag | Tank flap locking mechanism for tank flap of motor vehicle, has locking element for selectively locking and unlocking tank flap of motor vehicle, and locking units for fixing mechanism in tank body |
| DE102008057860A1 (en) | 2008-11-18 | 2010-07-22 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Fuel filler door module for tank module for assembly in motor vehicle, has hollow body with through-hole opening and frame joint |
-
2011
- 2011-05-31 DE DE201110076810 patent/DE102011076810A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2012
- 2012-03-16 CN CN201280038086.6A patent/CN103732435B/en active Active
- 2012-03-16 CA CA2840280A patent/CA2840280A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-03-16 EP EP12718572.6A patent/EP2718133B1/en active Active
- 2012-03-16 WO PCT/DE2012/000287 patent/WO2012163316A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2012163316A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
| EP2718133A1 (en) | 2014-04-16 |
| CN103732435A (en) | 2014-04-16 |
| CN103732435B (en) | 2017-02-15 |
| DE102011076810A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
| EP2718133B1 (en) | 2015-05-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20180316 |