DE102010040522A1 - Actuator for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is intended to further develop actuators known from the prior art. For this purpose, an actuator comprises in particular an electric motor and a bolt that can be moved with the aid of the electric motor. In addition, the actuator comprises a rotatable lever with which the bolt can be moved back mechanically from its locking position.

Description

The invention relates to an actuator in particular for a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The document DE 102 59 465 A1 discloses an actuator for a fuel tank flap lock of a motor vehicle with an electric motor, which is able to rotate a spindle. A rotational movement of the spindle causes a linear displacement of a bolt. The bolt can thus be moved from a starting position to a locking position and vice versa. The latch is sealed to the outside by a bellows to protect the actuator from moisture and dirt.

From the publication DE 196 42 687 A1 An actuator is known with which the connection of a charging plug and a charging socket for charging the battery of an electric motor vehicle is locked.

The publication DE 102 14 398 A1 discloses a device which can be used for example for locking / unlocking of motor vehicle door locks, wherein the device is equipped with a shape memory element.

It is an object of the invention to provide a more advanced actuator.

To solve the problem, an actuator comprises a movable by means of a drive bolt. The bolt can be moved by means of the drive between a starting position and a locking position back and forth. The drive is in particular an electric drive. However, it may also be, for example, a pneumatic drive or a drive that converts heat into mechanical work, for example with the aid of a shape memory alloy. The drive can also move the latch only electrically in one direction. The movement in the other direction then takes place with the aid of a tensioned spring.

The actuator thus includes, for example, those already in the unpublished German patent application 10 2010 029 446 described prestressed spring, which is able to move the bolt in a given direction due to its bias, so for example in the locking position inside. The latch can then be moved by the spring, for example in its locking position, in particular following a release of a lock. The disclosure content of this German application we include in the disclosure of the present application with a.

If a drive in the sense of the present application is present, it is not necessary to perform a corresponding work for moving the bolt manually. For example, it is in the drive to an electric motor to the bolt, for example, in the document DE 102 59 465 A1 known manner to move into an interlocking position. But a bolt can also be moved electrically in other ways, for example by means of an electromagnet.

In addition, the actuator for solving the problem comprises a rotatably mounted lever, with which the bolt can be moved manually, ie manually operated from its locking position mechanically by a rotary movement to its original position. A person can thus grab the lever, for example, on a handle element and turn it by hand so that the bolt is thereby moved to its non-locking starting position.

In a motor vehicle there is a need to be able to lock components, in particular those components that are accessible from the outside. An example of such a component is a flap for covering a capped tank filler neck to protect the contents of the tank from unauthorized access. Another example is a locking of a connection between a charging socket of an electric vehicle and a charging plug for charging the battery from those in the document DE 196 42 687 A1 known reasons.

With the help of an electric drive, such locking can be carried out conveniently and also automatically. For example, for automatic locking, a charging socket has a sensor that can detect when a charging plug has been completely pushed into the charging socket. The sensor then activates the electric drive, which then moves the latch into its locking position.

However, if the electrical system or electronics of such an actuator disturbed, so can not be unlocked with the help of the electric drive. In the case of a flap that covers a filler neck, but unlocking is necessary to move a vehicle despite appropriately disturbed electrical or electronics can. In the case of a locked connection between a charging socket and a charging plug unlocking must also be reliably independent of electrical or electronic faults to be able to continue with a vehicle after charging briefly. For this reason, the actuator according to the invention comprises a rotatably mounted lever, with which the bolt can be manually moved out of its locking position out. The actuator according to the main claim thus has a Turning mechanism for an emergency release, which can be manually operated.

If the actuator is used according to the main claim in a motor vehicle, then there is the problem that the actuator must be able to cope with extreme environmental conditions. On the one hand, such an actuator is to be designed so that it has grown large temperature differences. It must be constructed in such a way that it is not damaged by splashing water, impacts, dust and falling rocks. In order to meet such requirements, provided for emergency release lever is rotatably mounted. A rotatable bearing can be designed to be especially reliable tight compared to a slidable storage, without moisture or dust can pass through the seal or damage the seal. The rotatable lever is therefore of particular advantage especially when the components of the actuator, which are housed within the housing of the actuator, to be protected from dust and moisture.

The provided for the emergency release rotatable lever can and should be arranged in the case of a motor vehicle, that it can be operated only from the interior of a vehicle either directly or indirectly, for example by means of a Bowden cable to the bolt of the actuator in its non-locking position to move. Since motor vehicles are basically designed such that at least one vehicle door and / or flap can also be opened purely mechanically with the aid of a key, a driver of the motor vehicle can gain access to the interior of his vehicle even if an electrical system provided for locking or Electronics is disturbed. From the inside, the driver can then manually manipulate said rotary lever of the actuator to move the latch out of its locking position. Then, if necessary, a vehicle can be refueled or a charging plug can be removed from a charging socket in order to be able to reliably continue driving with the motor vehicle at short notice.

In a particularly simple embodiment of the invention, the rotatable lever comprises a rotatable inner lever, which is connected via a rotatably mounted axle with a rotatable outer lever. The inner lever is located inside the housing of the actuator and therefore can not be operated manually. The outer lever is located outside the actuator housing and can therefore be manually operated. The rotatably mounted axis passes through the housing of the actuator. If the outer lever is rotated, the rotational movement is transmitted via the axis to the inner lever. The inner lever is able to move the bolt in its initial position by a corresponding rotational movement. Such an embodiment realized in a technically particularly simple and reliable way, the desired emergency release.

In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator comprises a catch which locks the bolt in its initial position. The catch avoids that the bolt moves from its locking position to its starting position and is undesirably moved back a little due to a rebound. The catch avoids technically simple way such an undesirable rebound effect. By the latch is moved with sufficient force in the direction of the locking position, the latch is moved out of its locked position. This releasable latching connection with a catch in an actuator is an independent invention, which can be realized independently of the other features mentioned in the claims.

In one embodiment, the catch comprises a latching nose which engages in a latching groove when the latch is moved to its initial position and reaches it. The detent may be resiliently connected to the latch. Within the housing then a corresponding locking groove is present, in which the spring-mounted locking lug is locked in the starting position. Conversely, however, the locking groove instead of the detent may be resiliently mounted, so for example by a resilient attachment to a housing inner wall. It is also possible that a detent groove is connected to the latch and an associated detent with the housing of the actuator.

In one embodiment, in the locking position, the latch is latched by or through the aforementioned catch to prevent backward movement due to rebound when the latch is moved to the end position. It can then be present two correspondingly arranged locking grooves. In the initial position, the detent latches in one end position. In the locking position, the detent latches in the other detent groove. But it can also be present two correspondingly arranged locking lugs and a groove to effect locking in both the initial position and in the locking position.

In one embodiment of the invention, a bolt of the bolt must be moved by an elastic constriction to be moved from the starting position to the locking position or vice versa from the locking position to the starting position. The elastic constriction may be provided by a U-shaped bent metallic wire, wherein at least one leg of the U is bulged inwardly in the direction of the other U-leg. By this embodiment, rebound movements of the bolt can be particularly reliably avoided.

In one embodiment of the invention, the end of the bolt, which is able to protrude from the housing of the actuator, bevelled as the lock latch of a lock. Preferably, then, the bolt can be moved by means of spring force in the locking position. Such an actuator can be used to close, for example, a fuel filler flap in the same way as in a door with lock latch, which is pushed out by spring, happens: Due to the slope of the bolt is first pushed back by closing the flap to subsequently due to the spring force to jump back into the locking position and so to close the flap. For pushing back the flap may comprise a bolt, behind which the bolt finally returns to the locking position. In order to open the flap, the bolt is usually moved electrically. Alternatively, the bolt can be moved by the rotatable lever to its original position to open the door again.

In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator is used to move, for example via a Bowden cable a latch - especially from the locking position - so that, for example, a latched with the trap door open or a latched with the trap charging plug can be removed , It must then not be provided directly to the flap or the charging socket space for the actuator.

In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator has a sensor, such as a micro-switch, which is able to detect the position of the bolt and in particular in the not pre-published in the German patent application 10 2010 029 446 described way. For this purpose, the latch may be connected to a ramp which is capable of actuating a microswitch when the latch is moved out of its locking position. Conversely, the ramp may also be arranged to actuate the microswitch when the latch is moved into its latching position. The sensor may be connected to a display, which is arranged, for example, inside a vehicle. The driver of a vehicle can thus inform about which position takes the bolt of the actuator.

Overall, such an actuator can be built very small. An actuator according to the invention is in particular part of a lock for a flap, with which a filler neck is covered, or part of a lock for a charging socket of an electrically driven motor vehicle with a charging plug. Serves the actuator in one embodiment of the invention, the locking of a connection between a charging socket of an electric vehicle and a charging plug, so the bar or a remotely operated by means of the actuator latch preferably for locking into a recess or into a hole in a housing wall of the charging plug inside to lock in a simple and compact way. Preferably, the actuator is then attached from the outside to a housing wall of the charging socket. It is also preferable that the charging socket and plug are such that they are connected by a pure translational movement. For a connection is therefore no rotational movement in the from DE 196 42 687 A1 known manner required. This embodiment of the invention requires a relatively small installation space, since no space for a rotational movement in a housing must be provided, which at the same time protects against accidental contact with the electrical contacts.

The housing of the actuator is also generally dustproof and moisture-proof, at least when installed. The latch can be sealed by a bellows. However, it is preferred for such a seal, a flat, on the housing of the actuator fitting sealing sleeve to get along with a small space can. The actuator can be pressed in the installed state with its sealing sleeve against a wall of a component, whereby the connection between the wall of the component and the actuator is sealed to a high degree of moisture and dust. Relevant standards relating to protection against moisture and dust can easily be met.

In one embodiment, the space of the component is or can also be sealed so that it is dustproof and moisture-proof, into which the bolt extends for the purpose of locking. An example of such a component with a moisture- and dust-tight sealable space into which the bolt of an actuator extends extends from the non-prepublished German patent application 102 01 000 3523 out. It is in such a component in particular a charging socket for an electric vehicle, which can be suitably sealed dust and moisture-proof, either by a lid or by a charging plug. We refer the disclosure content of German patent application 102 01 000 3523 in the present application with a. Overall, so is an overall device with an actuator available, which has a particularly small space and is very well protected inter alia against moisture and dust.

The actuator can also have multiple latches, if a component is to be locked particularly secure. In each bar may be a reinforcing pin that is able to stabilize the protruding part of the bar.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. Hereof, further embodiments and advantages of the invention are illustrated.

Show it

1 : Actuator with emergency release device comprising a rotatable lever

2 : Guide the bolt of the actuator

3 : Latch and U-shaped spring of the actuator

4 : Mechanism of emergency release device

5 : Latch with locking lug for locking in locking grooves

6 : Cut through the area of the bolt

7 : Remote control using a Bowden cable

8th : Component with latch for remote control

9 : Exterior view of a body area with charging socket of an electric vehicle

10 Interior view of a body area with charging socket of an electric vehicle

The 1 shows an actuator 1 with a rotatable lever 2 that's outside the case 3 of the actuator 1 is arranged. The actuator 1 includes a latch 4 , the Indian 1 is shown in its locking position. In the locking position, the bolt reaches 4 out of the case 3 out. Will the rotatable lever 2 turned counterclockwise, so is due to a mechanical connection of the bolt 4 in the direction of the housing 3 and thus moved in the direction of its end position. The lever 2 includes an eyelet 5 , in which the end of a Bowden cable can be hung. In addition, there is on the same surface of the case 3 a hanging 6 to hang the outer shell of a Bowden cable here suitable. With the help of the hinged Bowden cable can then the lever 2 remotely operated counterclockwise to be able to operate, for example, the emergency unlocking of the interior of a vehicle can.

The housing 1 is also at the bar 4 with a flat gasket 7 Mistake. In addition, still a sealing ring 8th be provided to press the actuator particularly reliable tight against a wall of another component can.

The actuator 1 includes a socket 9 with electrical contacts therein to connect to an electrical connector. This is the actuator 1 and in particular the drive and - if present - electrical or electronic sensors supplied with power to the bolt 4 move with the help of an electric drive and possibly power sensors. To the actuator 1 To be able to attach, includes the housing 3 laterally protruding tabs 10 , A wall of the tab 10 is parallel to the base of the housing 3 of the actuator 1 1. This is adjoined by a vertical wall, which is perpendicular to the base of the housing 3 runs. Both walls of the tabs 10 comprise a recess or bore in order to fasten the actuator to a further component, for example by means of a screw connection, in different positions depending on the respective requirement.

In the 2 becomes the lead of the bolt 4 clarified within the housing. The area of the bolt 4 , which can be moved out of the housing, is with a rectangular frame 11 connected. Within the frame 11 there is a guide element 12 of the housing or the housing half 13 , The end of the frame 11 which is the protruding part of the bolt 4 is arranged opposite, comprises a perpendicular in the 2 upwardly projecting bolts 14 and a laterally projecting arm 15 with ramped bottom. Depending on the position of the bolt 4 the side arm operates 15 a microswitch 16 , Through the microswitch 16 can the position of the bolt 4 be recorded electronically.

In the field, the leadership of the bolt 4 is used, there is a U-shaped bent spring or a U-shaped bent, elastically behaving wire 17 , The thighs of the wire 17 are dented inwards. The interaction between the bolt 4 and the spring 17 will be in the 3 shown.

In this 3 it becomes clear that there is another bolt 18 of the bolt 4 there, which is towards the spring 17 protrudes and between the legs of the spring 17 extends. Will the bar 4 moved from its initial position to the locking position or vice versa, so must the bolt 18 by bulging or indentation 17a provided constriction of the spring 17 bend against a spring force to get to each other position. By the spring 17 So the bolt is held in the respective position (home position or locking position). A noticeable movement of the bolt due to a rebound effect is caused by the spring 17 avoided.

In the 4 is shown in which way using the rotatable outer lever 2 the latch 4 can be moved from the locking position to the starting position. For this purpose, the outer lever 2 via an axle with an inner lever 19 connected. The inner lever 19 lies on the protruding bolt 14 of the bolt 4 at. Will the outside lever 2 opposite to the clockwise direction as described twisted, so this rotary motion is transmitted to the inner lever 19 , The inner lever 19 captures the bolt 14 and thus moves it together with the bolt 4 in the starting position. The axis 20 that the inner lever 19 with the outside lever 2 connects, includes a sealing ring 21 , Using the sealing ring 21 will reach that axis 20 Dust-tight and moisture-proof against the housing of the actuator is sealed, so along this axis 20 no dust and no moisture inside the case 3 of the actuator 1 can get.

The in the 4 shown embodiment of the bolt 4 includes a latch 22 that have one arm 23 springy on the frame 11 is appropriate. The in the locking position relative to the housing 3 projecting area of the bolt 4 is at its end with a slope 24 provided, which can act like a slope of a trap of a castle.

In the 5 will the functioning of the resilient arm 23 with the latching nose attached to it 22 clarified. The catch 22 can in a recess or locking groove 25 engage in the starting position and in the locking position. This locking connection additionally ensures that the bolt 4 is held very reliably in its locking position or in its initial position. Rebound effects are thus avoided.

The 6 shows a section through the area of the bolt 4 that serves the lock. Inside the gasket 7 So it can be one or two more seals 26 and 27 give. The sealing ring 26 borders - preferably dust and moisture-proof - on the bar 4 and thus ensures a tight connection between the housing 3 and the bar 4 in this area. The further sealing ring 27 Additionally contributes to a tight connection between the gasket 7 and the housing 3 in particular, especially when the gasket against a wall 28 another component is pressed. It will be more so between the wall 28 and the adjacent area of the bolt 4 particularly reliable dust and moisture-proof connection created.

7 shows a use of the actuator, with the over a Bowden cable of a trap 30 is operated remotely. A hook-shaped, attached to the cable of the Bowden cable end is on the one hand in an eye of the bolt of an actuator 1 hooked. On the other hand, the other end of the cable is in a corresponding holder of the case 30 hooked, like the 8th shows.

The 8th shows a section through a component 31 which the trap 30 includes. Using a spring 32 becomes the trap 30 moved to the locking position and held in this position. Using the Bowden cable 29 can the trap 30 from the locking position into the component 31 be moved into it, for example, then to be able to solve a flap or a connection between a charging socket and a charging connector.

In the 9 becomes a charging socket 33 an electric vehicle shown from the outside, which can be driven by an electric motor. About the charging socket 33 a battery can be charged, from which the electric motor of the electric vehicle draws its power.

The charging socket can first with a flap 34 be sealed moisture and dustproof. In addition, there is a flap 35 , which is able to close the area of the body by the charging socket 33 located.

In the 10 the area is out of the 9 shown from the inside. There are two actuators 36 and 37 , The actuator 36 serves to lock a connection between the charging socket and the charging plug. The actuator 37 is used to lock a flap, such as the flap 35 to prevent unauthorized access to the charging socket 33 to prevent.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

actuator

2

rotatable outer lever

3

casing

4

bars

5

eyelet

6

hanging system

7

gasket

8th

seal

9

electrical connection

10

tabs

11

frame

12

guide element

13

housing half

14

bolt

15

poor

16

microswitch

17

U-shaped wire or spring

17a

Dent / bulge

18

bolt

19

internal lever

20

axis

21

seal

22

locking lug

23

resilient arm

24

slope

25

recesses

26

seal

27

seal

28

Wall of another component

29

Bowden

30

Cases

31

component

32

feather

33

charging socket

34

Flap with a small footprint

35

Flap with large footprint

36

actuator

37

actuator

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10259465 A1 [0001, 0007]
• DE 19642687 A1 [0002, 0009, 0022]
• DE 10214398 A1 [0003]
• DE 102010029446 [0006, 0021]
• DE 102010003523 [0024, 0024]

Claims (15)

Actuator especially for a motor vehicle with a bolt ( 4 ) and a drive for moving the bolt between a starting position and a locking position, characterized in that the actuator has a rotatably mounted lever ( 2 . 19 ), with which the bolt ( 4 ) can be moved mechanically from its locking position by a rotary movement into its starting position. Actuator according to claim 1, with a rotatable, located inside the housing of the actuator inner lever ( 19 ) and with a rotatable, outside the housing of the actuator ( 1 ) located outside lever ( 2 ), with the outer lever so over an axis ( 20 ) is connected, that a rotational movement of the outer lever ( 2 ) on the inner lever ( 19 ) for moving the bolt ( 4 ) can be transmitted in the direction of the starting position. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bolt ( 4 ) a protruding bolt ( 14 ), against which the rotatably mounted lever ( 19 ) for moving the bolt ( 4 ) can be pivoted in the direction of the starting position. Actuator in particular according to one of the preceding claims with a bolt ( 4 ) and a drive for moving the bolt between a starting position and a locking position, characterized by a catch, in particular a latching nose ( 22 ) for locking the bolt ( 4 ) in its initial position and / or in its locking position. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims with an elastic constriction ( 19 ) and a bolt ( 18 ) of the bolt ( 4 ) caused by the constriction ( 19 ) is moved through, when the bolt ( 4 ) comes from the starting position in the locking position or vice versa. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims with a water and / or dust-tight sealed housing ( 3 ). Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable lever ( 2 . 19 ) a grip element or an eyelet ( 5 ) located outside the housing ( 3 ) of the actuator ( 1 ) is located. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one with the rotatable lever ( 2 . 19 ) connected axis ( 20 ) at least one circumferential sealing ring ( 21 ). Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator ( 1 ) via a sensor ( 16 ) with which the position of the bolt ( 4 ) can be detected. Actuator according to the preceding claim, wherein the bolt ( 5 ) with one arm ( 15 ) to which the sensor ( 16 ) can be operated. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims with a on the housing ( 3 ) of the actuator ( 1 ) and on the bar ( 4 ) adjacent gasket ( 7 ). Actuator according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing sleeve ( 7 ) against a wall ( 28 ) of a further component, through which the bolt ( 4 ) extends in its locking position. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bolt ( 4 ) can be moved by at least 10 mm. Motor vehicle with at least one actuator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the rotatable lever ( 2 ) is arranged and / or accessible so that it can only be operated from the interior of the motor vehicle. Electrically driven motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which an actuator ( 1 ) is mounted on a wall of a charging socket for locking with a charging plug and in particular by means of a screw connection.

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