DE102008033256C5 - Linear actuator for adjusting construction parts - Google Patents

Abstract

Linear actuator for adjusting structural parts, especially on furniture, such as seating and reclining furniture, with a stationary, rotatable spindle (1) that can be driven by an electric motor with an associated gearbox, with a spindle (1) that cannot rotate in a pipe section (2) and that is adjustable along the pipe section (2) Spindle nut (3) which is in engagement with the spindle (1) and to which a lifting tube is connected which is axially displaceable relative to the tube section (2) and which is connected to a movable structural part, with limit switches (4, 4, which can be actuated by the spindle nut (3)) 5) are provided, which are connected to the motor via connecting lines (6, 17) to control the movement of the lifting tube and are arranged in a receptacle of the pipe section (2), the receptacle through a chamber (2) running along the pipe section (2). 7) of the pipe section (2) is formed, which is open at the front and is open to the pipe interior via a longitudinal slot (8), the spindle nut (3) having a mit having slave (9) which engages in the longitudinal slot (8) and actuates the limit switches (4, 5), characterized in that both limit switches (4, 5) are each inserted into a plastic housing (10, 11) or are each an integral part a plastic housing (10, 11), the plastic housing (10, 11) can be pushed into the chamber (7) of the pipe section (2) from one end face of the pipe section (2), the two plastic housings (10, 11) by a dimensionally stable Rod-shaped connector (12) are connected to one another to form a functional unit, and one of the plastic housings (10), which is positioned near the insertion-side end of the pipe section (2) in the desired installation position, has means (13) for insertion limitation, and that the dimensionally stable, rod-shaped connector (12) is a length of wire.

Description

The invention relates to a linear actuator for adjusting structural parts, in particular furniture, such as seating and furniture, with a drivable via an electric motor with associated gear fixed mounted, rotatable spindle, with a non-rotatable in a piece of pipe, along the pipe piece adjustable spindle nut, with the Spindle is engaged and to which an axially displaceable to the pipe section lifting tube is connected, which is connected to a movable structural member, are provided by the spindle nut operable limit switch, which are connected to control the movement of the lifting tube to the motor via connecting lines and in one Receiving the pipe section are arranged, wherein the receptacle is formed by a length of the pipe section extending chamber of the pipe section, which is open at the front and is open via a longitudinal slot to the pipe interior, wherein the spindle nut has a driver, the engages in the longitudinal slot and actuates the limit switch.

From the DE 8903603 U1 is a generic actuator known. In the known arrangement, it is possible to adapt the positions of the limit switches to different travel paths of the spindle nut or the lifting tube. According to the prior art, a first solution is known, in which for fixing the limit switch in the corresponding chamber of the pipe section a perforated strip is arranged, which has a plurality of juxtaposed with small distances from each other arranged bores. The distances of the holes are kept so that they correspond to the distances of pins of the limit switches, so that these pins can be inserted into the holes. A stepwise change in the limit switch position corresponding to the spacing of the holes is possible.

In such a configuration, a continuous adjustment of the positions of the limit switches is not possible. In addition, the installation effort is significant, since the limit switches must be attached to the bar and individually and the wiring of the limit switch must be made according to the positions.

In the cited document a further embodiment is described in which the receiving chamber of the pipe section has a slot. The limit switches are infinitely adjustable along this receptacle and along the elongated hole, but the limit switches are to be fastened by means of screws in the corresponding position. This in turn results in a high assembly cost, the additional wiring means further effort.

Another known solution is in the DE 295 00 084 U1 described. In this case, the pipe section has a channel, can be inserted into the limit switch, wherein the channel wall has through openings, which are penetrated by actuators of the switch. To secure the switches in the desired position, it is necessary to glue them to the channel or to lock them in a suitable manner on the side walls of the receiving channel.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide an actuator generic type, which is adapted in a simple manner to different travel paths of the spindle nut or the torque tube, the assembly and positioning without additional aids such as screws, glue or the like can take place, and wherein the wiring of the limit switch can already be provided by default, without the desired distance of the limit switch from each other must be taken into account in the corresponding receiving channel.

To solve this problem it is proposed that both limit switches are used in each case a plastic housing or are each an integral part of a plastic housing, the plastic housing from the one end face of the pipe piece are inserted into the chamber of the pipe section, the two plastic housing by a dimensionally stable rod-shaped connector together a functional unit are connected, and one of the plastic housing, which is positioned near the insertion-side front end of the pipe section in mounting target position, means for insertion limiting, and that the dimensionally stable, rod-shaped connector is a wire section.

According to the limit switches are used in plastic housing and attached to this.

These plastic housing with the limit switches located thereon are connected together by a dimensionally stable rod-shaped connector to form a functional unit. The rod-shaped connector can be shortened from each other in length to the desired desired distance of the two limit switches, so that, for example, provided in extreme length available rod-shaped connector can be used, or this connector can be shortened by the Montierenden, thus the desired distance of the limit switches from each other. The rod-shaped connector is suitably connected to the two plastic housings supporting the limit switches. for example, by positive engagement, adhesion, material connection or in any other way. For assembly, the plastic housings equipped with the limit switches are connected to the connector, so that a functional unit exists. This functional unit can then be inserted from one end face of the pipe section into the chamber of the pipe section. So that then the limit switch can be set in the correct position, the plastic housing, which is positioned near the insertion-side front end of the pipe section in assembly target position, means for insertion limit. It is therefore not possible for the assembler to push the functional unit, consisting of the plastic housings with the limit switches and the dimensionally stable connector, further than is determined by the insertion limiting means, so that the setpoint position is maintained in each case. By appropriate measures, care can be taken during installation of the functional unit in the entire actuator that the functional unit can not move against the insertion direction again from the insertion channel.

A wire section constitutes a particularly inexpensive embodiment of a corresponding connector, such a wire section being easily cut to length by the assembler in order to adjust its length to the corresponding desired spacing between the two limit switches.

Particularly preferred is also provided that the dimensionally stable, rod-shaped connector is a wire section whose ends are angled, wherein the angled ends are inserted into insertion openings or pockets of the plastic housing.

Due to the angled ends, it is possible in a simple manner to fasten the wire section serving as a connector to the plastic housings, for which purpose the plastic housings have corresponding insertion openings or insertion pockets for the angled ends, so that a functional functional unit is formed by the insertion of the ends.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the connector is inserted in the form of the wire section in the upper side of the plastic housing provided receptacles and clipped there, wherein the insertion opening or pocket, in which the angled end of the connector is inserted, the receiving channel is adjacent or adjacent thereto is trained.

The wire section runs in this configuration in the desired mounting position between the two plastic housings straight and runs with its ends over the top of the plastic housing, which has female receptacles for these ends, which allow Verclipsung the end portions. At this verclipsten, still rectilinear areas then close the angled ends, which are inserted into the corresponding pockets or insertion openings of the plastic housing. It is formed in this way an easy to install, but firmly assembled in assembly target functional unit.

Particularly preferred is also provided that the limit switches are connected via insulated electrical lines to each other and to the electric motor, which are laid parallel to the connector, wherein the electrical lines are inserted in the plastic housing in this trained clamping webs.

The inventive construction, it is possible to wire the limit switch already standard, the length of the electrical lines is set to the maximum distance of the limit switch from each other. It can also be provided an excess length of the lines, which can be laid without any problems in the receiving channel between the two plastic housings that carry the limit switches. With a shortening of the connector, the corresponding lines can be moved back and forth several times accordingly within the insertion channel, so that the wireless can be easily accommodated in the receiving channel without the cables would have to be separated. For example, after tuning the desired distance, the wireless can be fixed by cable ties or the like, so that the corresponding lines are fixed to each other and do not interfere with insertion into the channel.

At the one end side of the channel or the pipe section a departure for the corresponding electrical lines is provided in order to connect them in a suitable manner with the electric motor.

In order to achieve a secure position of the electrical lines and to ensure a certain strain relief, the electrical lines are each clamped in the plastic housing in trained at this clamping bars and pinched.

Preferably, it is also provided that the insertion opening for the plastic housing is provided with limit switches on the spindle bearing facing front end of the pipe section.

Although a position at the other end of the pipe section is possible, this position preferred, because this is the shortest way to supply the lines to the electric motor.

In order to easily form a means for limiting the insertion of the functional units formed from the plastic housings, including limit switches and connectors, it is provided that a transversely projecting flange edge is formed on the plastic housing positioned in the assembly target position at the front end or near the front end with limit switch as a means for insertion limitation. which rests in desired position on the end face of the chamber of the pipe section.

This ensures that after completion of the insertion process of the two plastic housing together with limit switch and connector, the end of the last inserted plastic housing rests with the protruding flange edge on the end face of the chamber of the pipe section. Thus, the target position of the drawer or the insertion movement is limited. Depending on the distance of the limit switch from the end face of the pipe section, the plastic housing may have a corresponding length, for example, to achieve a greater distance of the limit switch from the front side, in which case the extension of the plastic housing has the corresponding design of the flange edge.

It is preferably provided that the flange edge is formed by a thin plastic skin, which is integrally formed on the plastic housing.

In addition, it is preferably provided that the front end of the pipe section and the chamber is closed by a cap or cover, which is attached to the pipe section and has a passage for the spindle or the lifting tube.

In particular, when the flange is formed by a thin plastic skin, the cap or cover can be added without special measures to the front side of the pipe section and fastened there, as is known in the art by appropriate screws or the like. If the flange is not formed by thin plastic skin, but by a flange thicker wall thickness, it is necessary to provide the cover or cover in the flange with a corresponding recess to achieve a gap-free connection between the cap or cover and end face of the pipe section , In order to avoid this, just said thin plastic skin is preferred.

In the embodiment of the invention, it is assumed that the pipe section is made of metal, for example aluminum, while the limit switch housing made of insulating material, in particular plastic, to achieve electrical insulation between the cable connection points at the limit switch and the pipe section.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail below.

It shows:

1 an essential part of the actuator in a first embodiment in side view, partially cut;

2 likewise in section II-II of 1 seen;

3 a detail of 1 in a 90 ° rotated position;

4 a detail in section IV-IV of 3 seen;

5 the detail according to 3 in the position of use according to 1 shown on an enlarged scale;

6 the detail in section VI-VI of 5 seen;

7 the associated pipe section with receiving chamber in front view;

8th an enlarged view of the left end of the element according to 1 in enlarged view;

9 a variant in the view according to 1 seen;

10 the variant in the view according to 2 seen;

11 a detail of the variant in the view according to 3 seen;

12 a detail of 11 in the view according to 4 seen.

In the drawing, only the components of interest here of a linear actuator for adjusting structural parts, in particular furniture parts, such as seating or lying furniture are shown. The actuator has among others a 1 clarified spindle, which is driven by means of an electric motor via a gear, wherein the spindle is mounted stationary but is rotatable. The spindle is surrounded by a piece of pipe 2 , In the pipe section 2 is a spindle nut 3 non-rotatable, but along the pipe section 2 Adjustable arranged with the spindle 1 is engaged. By turning the spindle 1 the spindle nut is moved out of position 1 left in the position according to 1 right ( 3 ' ) or back to the position according to 1 Left. To the spindle nut 3 can be an axial to the pipe section 2 be displaced lift tube connected, which in turn can be connected to the moving part to be moved. The spindle nut 3 is in the pipe section 2 guided in internal grooves or the like and kept non-rotatable. In the pipe section 2 are also from the spindle nut 3 actuatable limit switches 4 . 5 provided for controlling the movement of the lifting tube with the engine via suitable connecting lines 6 are connected. The limit switches 4 are indirect in a recording 7 of the pipe section 2 arranged, this recording 7 through a length of the pipe section 2 extending chamber of the pipe section 2 is formed. This chamber is frontally open at both ends. Furthermore, the chamber is via a longitudinal slot 8th to the tube interior of the pipe section 2 open. The spindle nut 3 has a driver 9 on, in the longitudinal slot 8th engages and the limit switches 4 . 5 actuated.

Both limit switches 4 . 5 are each in a plastic housing 10 . 11 used. These plastic housings are from one end face of the pipe section 2 into the chamber 7 the pipe section can be inserted. Here are the two plastic housing 10 . 11 by a dimensionally stable, rod-shaped connector 12 connected together to form a functional unit. The plastic housing 10 , which near the insertion-side front end of the pipe section 2 (in the drawing figures 1 respectively. 9 left) is positioned in assembly target position, has means 13 to the insertion limit.

The dimensionally stable rod-shaped connector 12 is formed by a wire section whose ends 14 are angled. These angled ends 14 are in pockets or pockets 15 the plastic housing 10 . 11 plugged in. As in particular from the 3 and 5 can be seen, is the connector 12 in the form of the wire section in the upper side of the plastic housing provided female receptacles 16 inserted and clipped there, with the insertion or insertion pocket 15 into which the angled end 14 of the connector 12 is plugged in, the receiving channel 16 is closely adjacent.

As in particular from 1 it can be seen that the limit switches 4 . 5 over insulated electrical lines 17 interconnected, including at the limit switches 4 . 5 Lötösen are provided on the underside. Likewise, the electric cables leading to the electric motor 6 to corresponding solder pins of the limit switch 4 . 5 connected. The electrical wires 6 . 17 are essentially parallel to the connector 12 laid, being in the field of plastic housing 10 . 11 in trained at this clamping webs 18 are trapped. The wires 6 . 17 such as in 1 apparent, considerable excess length, with the corresponding wireless casual in the chamber 7 can be accommodated. Preferably, the excess lengths are interconnected by cable ties, so that a good manageable during assembly strand is formed. Depending on the length of the connector 12 , which depends on the working distance of the switches 4 . 5 can be set, the wireless can be used more or less or compacted. Preferably, the insertion opening for the plastic housing 10 . 11 including limit switches 4 , San the front end of the pipe section 2 provided, which faces the spindle bearing, ie in 1 Left.

At the plastic housing positioned in the assembly target position on the front side or near the front end 10 including limit switch 4 is as a means 13 designed for insertion limitation a transversely projecting flange edge, which in assembly target position on the front side of the chamber 7 of the pipe section 2 is applied. Preferably, this flange edge ( 13 ) formed by a thin plastic skin on the plastic housing 10 is formed.

The front end of the pipe section 2 with chamber 7 is through a cap or cover 19 closed, in a suitable manner, for example in the prior art, by means of screws on the pipe section 2 is attached and which has a passage for the spindle 1 having. Due to the thin design of the flange ( 13 ) it is not necessary on this cover 19 provide a recess for the flange, but the cover 19 can be attached to the pipe section 2 be screwed on without the flange edge ( 13 ) interferes with it. If the flange edge ( 13 ) thicker, the cover would have in the region of this flange ( 13 ) be excluded.

The embodiment according to 9 to 12 essentially differs from the embodiment according to 1 to 8th that the plastic case 10 considerably longer (seen in the tube longitudinal direction) is formed, so that the limit switch 4 further from the left end of the pipe section 2 is positioned remotely. Such an arrangement may be desirable and by the appropriate sizing and shaping of the plastic housing 10 will be realized.

Claims (8)

Linear actuator for adjusting structural parts, in particular furniture, such as seats and reclining furniture, driven by an electric motor with associated gear fixedly mounted, rotatable spindle ( 1 ), with one in a piece of pipe ( 2 ) non-rotatable, along the pipe section ( 2 ) adjustable spindle nut ( 3 ) with the spindle ( 1 ) is engaged and at the one axial to the pipe section ( 2 ) is connected displaceable lifting tube, which is connected to a movable structural part, wherein of the spindle nut ( 3 ) operable limit switches ( 4 . 5 ) are provided for controlling the movement of the lifting tube with the engine via connecting lines ( 6 . 17 ) are connected and in a receptacle of the pipe section ( 2 ), wherein the receptacle by a along the pipe section ( 2 ) extending chamber ( 7 ) of the pipe section ( 2 ) is formed, which is open at the front and a longitudinal slot ( 8th ) is open to the tube interior, wherein the spindle nut ( 3 ) a driver ( 9 ), which in the longitudinal slot ( 8th ) and the limit switches ( 4 . 5 ), characterized in that both limit switches ( 4 . 5 ) in each case a plastic housing ( 10 . 11 ) are used or in each case an integral part of a plastic housing ( 10 . 11 ), the plastic housings ( 10 . 11 ) from the one end side of the pipe section ( 2 ) into the chamber ( 7 ) of the pipe section ( 2 ) are insertable, the two plastic housing ( 10 . 11 ) by a dimensionally stable rod-shaped connector ( 12 ) are connected together to form a functional unit, and one of the plastic housing ( 10 ), which near the insertion-side front end of the pipe section ( 2 ) is positioned in an assembly target position, means ( 13 ) to the insertion restriction, and that the dimensionally stable, rod-shaped connector ( 12 ) is a wire section. Actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensionally stable, rod-shaped connector ( 12 ) is a wire portion whose ends are angled, wherein the angled ends ( 14 ) in insertion openings or pockets ( 15 ) the plastic housing ( 10 . 11 ) are inserted. Actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that the connector ( 12 ) in the form of the wire section in the upper side of the plastic housing ( 10 . 11 ) ( 16 ) is inserted and clipped there, wherein the insertion opening or pocket ( 15 ) into which the angled end ( 14 ) of the connector ( 12 ), the receiving channel ( 16 ) is adjacent or is formed thereafter. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the limit switches ( 4 . 5 ) via insulated electrical lines ( 6 . 17 ) are connected to each other and to the electric motor which is parallel to the connector ( 12 ) are laid, the electrical lines ( 6 . 17 ) in the field of plastic housing ( 10 . 11 ) in this formed on clamping webs ( 18 ) are inserted. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the insertion opening for the plastic housing ( 10 . 11 ) with limit switches ( 4 . 5 ) on the spindle bearing facing front end of the pipe section ( 2 ) is provided. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the mounted in the assembly target position at the front end or near the front end plastic housing ( 10 ) with limit switch ( 4 ) as a means ( 13 ) is designed to limit the insertion of a transversely projecting flange, which in desired position at the end face of the chamber ( 7 ) of the pipe section ( 2 ) is present. Actuator according to claim 6, characterized in that the flange edge is formed by a thin plastic skin which on the plastic housing ( 10 ) is formed. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the front end of the pipe section ( 2 ) and the chamber ( 7 ) by a cap or cover ( 19 ) is closed on the pipe section ( 2 ) and has a passage for the spindle or the lifting tube.

Images