DE102014222269A1 - motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

From DE 10 2006 030 140 A1 a shape memory metal actuator for opening and / or closing flaps of a motor vehicle is already known. The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle in which an unlocking and locking device is used with an electrically controllable shape memory metal actuator for unlocking and locking of motor vehicle flaps, which has a simple structure. This is achieved in that at a front end of a flap, a lockable component is arranged, that the lockable component in a closed position of the flap in a housing portion of a device via a locking bolt which is acted upon in a housing portion of the device by a compression spring in a Recess is pressed, which is formed in the lockable member, that at a side facing away from the lockable end of the locking bolt, a rod-shaped shape memory metal actuator is arranged with its front end that the actuator is connected to a circuit that a switching mechanism or electronics is installed with a switch for opening and shooting of the circuit in the circuit that the switch of the switching mechanism or the electronics can be activated by a Hall sensor, so that in the closed state of the circuit current flows through the actuator, that in a current flowing through the shape memory metal, the shape memory metal of the actuator is shortened by the heating so far that the locking bolt is moved from the locking position to an unlocked position.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 10 2006 030 140 A1 already an actuator is known, which consists of a shape memory alloy or a shape memory metal. The actuator is used to adjust the flaps, which are arranged on a motor vehicle. The activation of the shape memory alloy actuator takes place by the application of an electrical voltage. Due to the current flowing in the actuator current results in a warming of the shape memory alloy and the actuator shortens from a certain limit temperature. After cooling, the shape memory alloy of the actuator resumes its original length.

The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle in which an unlocking and locking device is used with an electrically controllable shape memory metal actuator for unlocking and locking of motor vehicle flaps, which has a simple structure.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

A motor vehicle according to the invention has a body in which openings are formed which can be closed by flaps or covers. The respective flaps is pivotable from a locked position to an unlocked position and back. The respective flap is pivotable from a locked position to an unlocked position and back. An unlocking and locking device is provided with a movable locking bolt. The unlocking and locking device has a housing which is formed in a cavity of the body. In the housing engages an unlockable and lockable component of the flap in the closed position of the flap and can be locked by the locking bolt. Furthermore, a drive is provided to move the locking bolt from a locking position to an unlocking position. The return of the locking bolt is supported by at least one return spring.

Advantageously, a lockable component is arranged at a front end of a flap. The lockable component is locked in a closed position of the flap via a locking bolt of an unlocking and locking device in a locking position. On the locking bolt, a shape memory metal actuator is arranged. The shape memory metal actuator is connected to a circuit.

A switching mechanism or electronics with a switch for opening and closing the circuit is built into the circuit. The switch of the switching mechanism or the electronics can be activated by a Hall sensor, so that in the closed state of the circuit, a current flows through the actuator.

The shape memory metal of the actuator shortens in a current flowing through the shape memory metal stream by the heating so far that the locking pin is moved from the locking position to an unlocked position.

In an advantageous embodiment, the shape memory metal actuator is rod-shaped.

The unlocking and locking device has a housing portion, in which advantageously the lockable component of the flap is guided longitudinally displaceable. In a Verrieglungsposition of the lockable component in the housing portion of the unlocking and locking device, the lockable component of the flap is acted upon by a compression spring which presses the lockable component of the flap in the direction of an opening position of the flap.

The unlocking and locking device has, in an advantageous embodiment, a housing section which is aligned perpendicular to the housing section and which is integrally connected to the housing section.

Advantageously, a (return) spring or compression spring is arranged in the housing portion of the unlocking and locking device. The spring is supported with its one end on a bottom portion of the housing portion. At an opposite to the bottom portion of the housing portion end of the spring, a locking bolt is arranged. At least one front end of the locking bolt is arranged in a guide of a passage opening of the housing portion and presses on an outer surface of the lockable component.

In an advantageous embodiment, the outer surface of the lockable component has a recess. In the locking position of the flap is the recess of the lockable component of the flap at the level of the passage opening of the housing portion, so that the front end of the locking pin presses into the recess and thus locks the lockable component of the flap.

A length of the recess in the lockable component of the flap is advantageously greater than a corresponding length or thickness of the front end of the locking bolt, so that the lockable component of the flap is displaceable by an adjustment.

In an advantageous embodiment, the Hall sensor has a first Hall sensor component in the form of a magnet. The first Hall sensor component is arranged on an outer surface of the lockable component. On an outer surface of the housing section, a second Hall sensor component is arranged in the form of a magnetic field sensor. The first Hall sensor component on the outer surface of the lockable component is at least partially opposite the second Hall sensor component on the outer surface of the housing section in the closed position of the flap.

The two opposite Hall sensor components are advantageously in a closed position of the flap so opposite that cover only partial areas.

The two opposing Hall sensor components are advantageously in a lower intermediate position of the closed position of the flap against so that a maximum overlap of the two opposite surfaces is present. The maximum overlap of the two opposite surfaces causes a closure of the circuit via the switch of the switching mechanism or the electronics, so that there is a heating of the actuator by the flowing current and thus to a shortening of the length of the actuator. The shortening of the length of the actuator leads to an unlocking of the locking bolt and thus to an unlocking of the lockable component.

In an advantageous embodiment, the circuit remains closed and thus the actuator is shortened when the flap from the lower intermediate position of the closed position of the flap in the upper intermediate position of the closed position of the flap, then from the upper intermediate position of the closed position of the flap in the open position of the flap and then moved from the open position to the lower intermediate position of the closed position.

Advantageously, overlap after swinging back the flap from the open position of the flap in the closed position of the flap, the two Hall sensor components so far in a position that cover only partial areas, so that a signal is triggered, the switch of the switching mechanism or the Electronics opens, so that the circuit is open.

In an advantageous embodiment, the circuit is open and thus the actuator is unabridged when the flap has left the lower intermediate position of the closed position of the flap and in the upper intermediate position of the closed position of the flap, and then from the upper intermediate position of the closed position of the flap in the opened position of the flap and then moved from the open position to the lower intermediate position of the closed position.

An end facing away from the locking bolt of the actuator is passed in an advantageous embodiment through a through hole of a body component and provided with a stop. The stop abuts on the body component, so that the actuator can exert a tensile force against the return spring.

At the end of the actuator, which faces away from the locking bolt, advantageously a Bowden cable or the like is arranged, via which the locking bolt is manually displaceable from the locking position in the recess in the unlocking position, so that the flap is movable to the open position.

In an advantageous embodiment, the flap is a gas cap, a tailgate or a hood.

An embodiment of the invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the figures. Showing:

1 a schematic representation of a device for unlocking a flap of a motor vehicle, wherein a locking member made of a shape memory metal is in a locked position in a recess of a lockable member which is disposed on a flap of a motor vehicle, wherein the flap is in a closed position, wherein a switch of a switching mechanism, which can be controlled via a Hall sensor, is opened, so that a circuit for energizing the locking component is open,

1a a schematic representation of a device for unlocking a flap of a motor vehicle according to the 1 in which a switch of an electronic unit, which can be activated via a Hall sensor, is open, so that a circuit for energizing the locking component is open,

2 a schematic representation according to the 1 wherein the flap has been pressed toward the housing of the device so that the locking member abuts a surface of the recess, a Hall sensor has come to an activation position and thereby the circuit for heating the shape memory metal locking member is closed,

3 a schematic representation according to the 2 wherein the shape memory metal locking member has been heated by the passing current so far that the shape memory metal locking member shortens by a predetermined amount such that the shape memory metal locking member is withdrawn from the recess of the flap follower;

4 a schematic representation according to the 3 in which, after the locking component has been pulled out of the plunger recess, the flap plunger is pushed outward due to a compression spring so that the motor vehicle flap is in a partially open position,

5 a schematic representation according to the 4 , wherein the flap is in an open position and the locking member is also in an unlocking position due to the still closed circuit, and

6 a schematic representation according to the 5 , the the 1 equivalent.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of a front end 5 a flap 4 a motor vehicle 1 at which a lockable component 6 is attached. In the in the 1 The embodiment shown is the lockable component 6 designed as a plunger. The flap 4 closes in the in the 1 shown closed position 7 one in a body 2 of the motor vehicle 1 trained opening 3 ,

The pestle 6 the flap 4 is in an open at the top housing section 9 a device 10 for unlocking and locking the plunger 6 arranged. The pestle 6 is in a locking position 8a , In the in the 1 embodiment shown, the plunger 6 a recess 11 with a length z ₁₁ and a depth x ₁₁ .

Furthermore, another housing section 12 the device 10 provided, which is integral with the housing portion 9 connected is. In the in the 1 Shown embodiment, the housing portion 12 perpendicular to the housing section 9 at the level of one in the housing section 9 existing passage opening 16 educated. The housing section 12 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and is at one of the housing portion 9 opposite end 13 through a bottom section 14 locked. At an opposite end 15 of the housing section 12 is the passage opening 16 in the housing section 9 educated.

In the housing section 12 is a return spring 17 , For example, a compression spring 17 arranged. The compression spring 17 lies with her one end 18 at the bottom section 14 of the housing section 12 on. At an opposite end 19 the feather 17 is a locking bolt 20 arranged. The inner surface of the housing section 12 serves next to the passage opening 16 as a longitudinal guide of the locking bolt 20 , In the 1 is the locking bolt 20 in a locking position 20a ,

A front end 21 of the locking bolt 20 pushes on a floor 22 the recess 11 , Like from the 1 shows, is a diameter d ₂₀ and a length z _{20 of} the locking bolt 20 shorter than the length z _{11 of} the recess 11 in the pestle 6 , The difference z ₁₁ - z ₂₀ (d ₂₀ ) results in an adjustment z ₄₄ , z ₁₁ - z ₂₀ (d ₂₀ ) = z ₄₄ , to which the lockable component 6 the flap 4 in the housing section 9 is displaceable.

At a spring-side end 23 of the locking bolt 20 is a rod-shaped shape memory metal actuator 24 with its one end 25 arranged. For passing the actuator 24 is in the bottom section 14 of the housing section 12 a passage opening 28 educated. An end 26 of the actuator 24 is through a passage opening 52 in a body part 2a passed. At the end 26 of the actuator 24 is a stop 51 provided on the bodywork component 2a is applied.

At one to the locking bolt 20 opposite end 26 of the actuator 24 is about a fastener 27a an end 27b an actuating component 27 , For example, a Bowden cable, provided for an emergency release. The operating component 27 for an emergency release is manually operable.

At a lower end 29 of the plunger 6 is on a peripheral surface 30 of the plunger 6 a recess 31 formed in which a first Hall sensor component 32 with an area F _{32 is} arranged. The first Hall sensor component 32 is formed in the form of a magnet.

On an outer surface 33 of the housing section 9 is a second Hall sensor component 34 arranged in the form of a magnetic field sensor. The second Hall sensor component 34 has an area F ₃₄ which is the same size as the area F ₃₂ .

The Hall sensor component 34 is associated with a switching mechanism or electronics 35 for opening and closing a circuit 36 for energizing the shape memory metal actuator 24 , The switching mechanism 35 is for example an on / off switch.

The in the 1a symbolically represented electronics 35 has electronic components that the control signal of the Hall sensor 32 . 34 to amplify a switching signal and activate a switching device to the circuit 36 to open or close. The Hall sensor component 34 is over a power line 36a with the electronics 35 connected.

Both the switching mechanism and the electronics 35 have a switch 35a for opening and closing the circuit 36 for energizing the shape memory metal actuator 24 ,

At one end 38 of the plunger 6 is an upper end 39 a (pressure) spring 40 on. An opposite end 41 the compression spring 40 lies on a ground section 42 of the housing section 9 on. The compression spring 40 pushes the pestle 6 up.

In the 1 are the two surfaces F ₃₂ and F _{34 of} the Hall sensor component 32 and the Hall sensor component 34 shifted to each other, so that only faces face each other. In the in the 1 shown position of the two Hall sensor components 32 and 34 with only a partial overlap of the two surfaces F ₃₂ and F _{34 of} the Hall sensor component 32 and the Hall sensor component 34 is the switch 35a in an open position 37 , In the open position 37 of the switch 35a is the circuit 36 open and thus no current flows through the shape memory metal actuator 24 ,

Like this by an arrow 43 in the 2 shown was the flap 4 by a distance z ₄₄ from the in the 1 shown closed position 7 down to a lower intermediate position 44 emotional.

In the lower intermediate position 44 the flap 4 are the two surfaces F ₃₂ , F _{34 of} the Hall sensor components 32 . 34 congruent one above the other. This will be via the Hall sensor components 32 . 34 the desk 35a in the closed position 45 moved, so the circuit 36 is closed and thereby energization of the shape memory metal actuator 24 he follows.

The 2 shows a state of the shape memory metal actuator 24 in which the shape memory metal actuator 24 still has its original length x _{24, max} . The shape memory metal actuator 24 is thus still in a cold state with a temperature T _cold according to the ambient temperature.

The 3 shows the moment in which the shape memory metal actuator 24 was heated _hot by the current flowing through to a temperature T, the length that, for _{24 min,} the shape memory metal actuator 24 so far has shortened that the locking bolt 20 from the recess 11 of the plunger 6 is pulled out and the locking bolt 20 in an unlocked position 20b located. Accordingly, the plunger is located 6 in an unlocked position 8b ,

The 4 shows a location of the flap 4 in an upper intermediate position 47 in the flap 4 , For example, a bonnet or a fuel cap or a tailgate, manually in the in the 5 shown opening position 48 is pivotable.

Lifting the flap 4 from the in the 3 shown lower intermediate position 44 in the in the 4 shown upper intermediate position 47 done by the force of the compression spring 40 as indicated by an arrow 49 is shown symbolically. A way z _{47 of} the flap 4 from the lower intermediate position 44 in the upper intermediate position 47 is for example 10 mm ≦ z ₄₇ ≦ 40 mm.

In the 2 . 3 . 4 and 5 is the switch 35a and thus the circuit 36 closed so that the shape memory metal actuator 24 by the heat generated by the current in a shortened state with length z _{24, min} remains when the flap 4 from the lower intermediate position 44 the closed position 7 the flap 4 in the upper intermediate position 47 the closed position 7 the flap 4 , and then from the upper intermediate position 47 the closed position 7 the flap 4 in the open position 48 the flap 4 and then from the open position 48 in the lower intermediate position 44 the closed position 7 emotional.

After swinging the flap back out of the open position 48 the flap 4 in the closed position 7 the flap 4 overlap the two Hall sensor components 32 . 34 so far in a position that cover only partial areas, so that a signal is triggered, which is the switching mechanism 35 opens, so that too the circuit 36 is open.

In another embodiment, the switch 35a and thus the circuit 36 open, leaving the actuator 24 its maximum length has when the flap 4 the lower intermediate position 44 the closed position 7 the flap 4 has left and moved to the upper intermediate position 47 the closed position 7 the flap 4 , and then from the upper intermediate position 47 the closed position 7 the flap 4 in the open position 48 the flap 4 and then from the open position 48 in the lower intermediate position 44 the closed position 7 emotional.

A front end 21 of the locking bolt 20 is then in the through hole 16 of the housing section 9 arranged. By at the bottom 38 of the plunger 6 trained bevel 6b becomes the front end 21 of the locking bolt 20 pushed back when the bevel 6b on the front end 21 of the locking bolt 20 meets.

By a double arrow 50 in the 5 is the pivotal movement of the flap 4 both in the open position 48 as well as in the closed position 7 symbolically represented.

After manually closing the flap 4 in the closed position 7 according to the 6 , the switch becomes 35a in the open position 37 emotional. The shape memory metal actuator 24 cools and expands to its maximum length x _{24, max} .

Together with the compression spring or return spring 17 becomes the locking bolt 20 in the locking position 20b in the recess 11 of the plunger 6 moved so that the ram 6 in the locking position 8a located.

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 102006030140 A1 [0002]

Claims (16)

Motor vehicle with a body, in which openings are formed, which are closed by flaps or covers, wherein the respective flap from a locked position to an unlocked position and back is pivotable, wherein an unlocking and locking device is provided with a movable locking bolt, wherein the unlocking and locking device comprises a housing which is formed in a cavity of the body, wherein in the housing engages an unlockable and lockable component of the flap in the closed position of the flap and lockable by the locking bolt, wherein a drive is provided to the Locking bolt to move from a locking position to an unlocking position, wherein the provision of the locking bolt is at least supported by a return spring, characterized in that at a front end ( 5 ) a flap ( 4 ) a lockable component ( 6 ) is arranged, that the lockable component ( 6 ) in a closed position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) via a locking bolt ( 20 ) an unlocking and locking device ( 10 ) in a locking position ( 8a ) is locked on the locking bolt ( 20 ) a shape memory metal actuator ( 24 ) is arranged such that the actuator ( 24 ) to a circuit ( 36 . 36a ), that a switching mechanism or electronics ( 35 ) with a switch ( 35a ) for opening and closing the circuit ( 36 ) in the circuit ( 36 . 36a ) is installed, that the switch ( 35a ) of the switching mechanism or the electronics ( 35 ) by a Hall sensor ( 32 . 34 ) is activatable, so that in the closed state ( 45 ) of the circuit ( 36 . 36a ) a current through the actuator ( 24 ) that the shape memory metal of the actuator ( 24 ) is shortened so far in a current flowing through the shape memory metal stream by the heating, that the locking bolt ( 20 ) from the locking position ( 20a ) in an unlocked position ( 20b ) is moved. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape memory metal actuator ( 24 ) is rod-shaped. Motor vehicle according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the unlocking and locking device ( 10 ) a housing section ( 9 ), in which the lockable component ( 6 ) the flap ( 4 ) is longitudinally displaceable that in a Verrieglungsposition ( 8a ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) in the housing section ( 9 ) of the unlocking and locking device ( 10 ) the lockable component ( 6 ) the flap ( 4 ) by a compression spring ( 40 ) is applied, the lockable component ( 6 ) the flap ( 4 ) in the direction of an opening position ( 48 ) the flap ( 4 ) presses. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unlocking and locking device ( 10 ) a housing section ( 12 ), which is perpendicular to the housing portion ( 9 ) is aligned and the one-piece with the housing portion ( 9 ) connected is. Motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that in the housing section ( 12 ) of the unlocking and locking device ( 10 ) a (return) spring or compression spring ( 17 ) is arranged, that the spring ( 17 ) with one end ( 18 ) at a bottom section ( 14 ) of the housing section ( 12 ) that at an opposite end ( 19 ) the feather ( 17 ) a locking bolt ( 20 ) is arranged such that at least one front end ( 21 ) of the locking bolt ( 20 ) in a passage opening ( 16 ) of the housing section ( 9 ) and on an outer surface ( 30 ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) presses. Motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer surface ( 6a ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) a recess ( 11 ), that in the locking position ( 8a ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) the flap ( 4 ) the recess ( 11 ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) the flap ( 4 ) at the level of the passage opening ( 16 ) of the housing section ( 9 ), so that the front end ( 21 ) of the locking bolt ( 20 ) in the recess ( 11 ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) and thus the lockable component ( 6 ) the flap ( 4 ). Motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that a length z _{11 of} the recess ( 11 ) in the lockable component ( 6 ) the flap ( 4 ) greater than a corresponding length or thickness of the front end ( 21 ) of the locking bolt ( 20 ), so that the lockable component ( 6 ) the flap ( 4 ) by an adjustment z ₄₄ and thus the flap ( 4 ) in a lower intermediate position ( 44 ) the closing position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) is displaceable. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Hall sensor ( 32 . 34 ) a first Hall sensor component in the form of a magnet ( 32 ), which on an outer surface ( 30 ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) is arranged that on an outer surface ( 30 ) of the housing section ( 9 ) a second Hall sensor component in the form of a magnetic field sensor ( 34 ) is arranged such that the first Hall sensor component ( 32 ) on the outer surface ( 30 ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) in the closed position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) in the locking position ( 8a ) of the lockable component ( 6 ) the second Hall sensor component ( 34 ) on the outer surface ( 30 ) of the housing section ( 9 ) is at least partially opposite. Motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the two opposite Hall sensor components ( 32 . 34 ) in a closed position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) so that only partial surfaces overlap. Motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the two opposite Hall sensor components ( 32 . 34 ) in a lower intermediate position ( 44 ) the closing position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) corresponding to the adjustment z _{44 of} the lockable component ( 6 ), so that there is a maximum overlap of the two opposite surfaces F ₃₂ , F ₃₄ , the closing of the circuit ( 36 . 36a ) via the switch ( 35a ) of the switching mechanism or the electronics ( 35 ) causes, so that it to a heating of the actuator ( 24 ) by the flowing current and thus to a shortening of the shape memory metal of the actuator ( 24 ), which leads to an unlocking of the locking bolt ( 20 ) and thus to an unlocking of the lockable component ( 6 ) leads. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit ( 36 . 36a ) and thus the actuator ( 24 ) remains shortened when the flap ( 4 ) from the lower intermediate position ( 44 ) the closing position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) in the upper intermediate position ( 47 ) the closing position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ), and then from the upper intermediate position ( 47 ) the closing position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) in the open position ( 48 ) the flap ( 4 ) and then from the open position ( 48 ) in the lower intermediate position ( 44 ) the closing position ( 7 ) emotional. Motor vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that after the pivoting back of the flap ( 4 ) from the open position ( 48 ) the flap ( 4 ) in the closed position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) the two Hall sensor components ( 32 . 34 ) so far in a position overlap that only partial areas, so that a signal is triggered, the switch ( 35a ) of the switching mechanism or the electronics ( 35 ) opens so that the circuit ( 36 . 36a ) is open. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10, that the circuit ( 36 . 36a ) is open and thus the actuator ( 24 ) is unabridged when the flap ( 4 ) the lower intermediate position ( 44 ) the closing position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) and has moved to the upper intermediate position ( 47 ) the closing position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ), and then from the upper intermediate position ( 47 ) the closing position ( 7 ) the flap ( 4 ) in the open position ( 48 ) the flap ( 4 ) and then from the open position ( 48 ) in the lower intermediate position ( 44 ) the closing position ( 7 ) emotional. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking bolt ( 20 ) opposite end ( 26 ) of the actuator ( 24 ) through a passage opening ( 52 ) of a body component ( 2a ) and with a stop ( 51 ), that the stop ( 51 ) on the bodywork component ( 2a ), so that the actuator ( 24 ) a tensile force against the return spring ( 17 ) exercise. Motor vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that at the end ( 26 ) of the actuator ( 24 ), the locking bolt ( 20 ) facing away, an actuating component ( 27 ) is arranged for an emergency release, via which the locking bolt ( 20 ) manually from the locking position ( 20a ) in the recess ( 11 ) in the unlocking position ( 20b ) is displaceable, so that the flap ( 4 ) in the opening position ( 48 ) is movable. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap ( 4 ) is a gas cap, a tailgate or a hood.

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