EP1520952B1 - Bonnet closing device for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a closing unit for a flap of a motor vehicle, in particular a front or tailgate, which is fastened with at least two hinges to the body of the motor vehicle and about a pivot axis between an open and a closed position of an electric motor and in particular a clutch and a drive arranged thereon can be driven in a movable manner, wherein the two hinges each have an actuator which can be pivoted about the pivot axis and the actuators can be driven in a movable manner by transmission elements of a single drive.

In such a closing unit for a front or tailgate of a motor vehicle, it is known that the closing unit comprises an electric motor and a transmission connected to the electric motor. The output shaft of the transmission is directly connected to a member of one of the hinges, so that with the actuation of the drive motor, the hinge member and thus the flap are moved. A disadvantage of this device is the driving of the flap over a single hinge, since the weight of the flap to be moved lead to twisting of the flap with an associated tilting. This must be used as a drive motor, a motor with a correspondingly large power to provide sufficient power to move the flap even when tilting. Such electric motors require a relatively large amount of installation space. Furthermore, these electric motors are characterized by a large power consumption, which is the electrical system of Significantly burden motor vehicle. In addition, the moments occurring due to the unilateral force application lead to increased wear of the hinges.

From the US-A-5 909 921 an opening unit for a flap of a motor vehicle is known, which is fastened with two hinges on the body of the motor vehicle and is movably drivable between an open and a closed position. The drive via hydraulic cylinders, which are arranged between the body and the flap.

From the EP-A-1 134 104 a closing unit for a tailgate of a motor vehicle is known, which is movably driven between an open and a closed position by a drive having an electric motor and a gear arranged thereon.

From the US-A-2,811,348 a closing unit for a flap of a motor vehicle is known, which is fastened with two hinges to the body of the motor vehicle and is movably drivable between an open and a closed position by a drive having an electric motor. The drive consists of a threaded spindle and a spindle nut, of which one part is pivotally mounted on the body and the other part on the flap.

From the US-A-3,022,108 a closure unit for a flap of a motor vehicle is known, which is fastened with two hinges to the body of a motor vehicle and is movable between an open and a closed position by a drive. The drive has an electric motor, by means of which a lever which is articulated on the flap can move the flap along a groove on the body. The object of the invention is to provide a clamping unit of the type mentioned, which avoids these disadvantages and requires only small driving forces for moving the flap in a simple, low installation space requiring structure.

• a)an jedem Stellglied ein radial zur Schwenkachse ausgerichteter Seilsektor angeordnet ist, über dessen Sektorumfang die Seelen zweier Bowdenzüge geführt sind, wobei jeder Seilsektor mit je einem Zugende der Bowdenzüge verbunden ist und die Bowdenzüge mit ihren anderen Enden an einer von dem Antrieb drehbar antreibbaren Seiltrommel befestigt sind; oder
• b)an jedem Stellglied in einem radialen Abstand zur Schwenkachse ein Ende einer Zug- und Druckstange angeordnet ist, deren anderes Ende mit einem um eine quer zur Schwenkachse sich erstreckenden Achse schwenkbaren Seilsektor verbunden ist, über deren Sektorumfang die Seelen zweier Bowdenzüge geführt sind, wobei jeder Seilsektor mit je einem Zugende der Bowdenzüge verbunden ist und die Bowdenzüge mit ihren anderen Enden an einer von dem Antrieb drehbar antreibbaren Seiltrommel befestigt sind; oder c)von dem Antrieb eine Welle drehbar antreibbar und an den Enden er Welle je ein Zahnrad angeordnet ist, wobei die Zahnräder mit je einem Zahnsektor in Eingriff stehen und jeder Zahnsektor an einem Stellglied der Scharniere fest angeordnet ist; oder
• d)an je einem Stellglied in einem radialen Abstand zur Schwenkachse ein Ende einer Zug- und Druckstange angeordnet ist, deren anderes Ende mit einem um eine Achse schwenkbaren Zahnsektor verbunden ist, wobei die Zahnsektoren jeweils mit einem Zahnrad im Eingriff stehen, welches an je an einem Ende der mindestens einen Welle angeordnet ist, die von dem Antrieb drehbar antreibbar ist; oder
• e)von dem Antrieb eine Welle drehbar antreibbar und an den Enden der Welle je ein Zahnrad angeordnet ist, wobei die Zahnräder jeweils mit sich quer zur Schwenkachse erstreckenden Zahnstangen in Eingriff stehen, die um eine zur Schwenkachse parallele Achse schwenkbar je an einem Stellglied der Scharniere angeordnet sind.

The object is achieved in that

• a) on each actuator a radially aligned to the pivot axis rope sector is arranged over the sector circumference the souls of two Bowden cables are guided, each cable sector is connected to one end of the Bowden cables and the Bowden cables with their other ends on a rotatably driven by the drive cable drum are attached; or
• b) on each actuator at a radial distance from the pivot axis one end of a pull and push rod is arranged, the other end is connected to a pivotable about an axis transverse to the pivot axis shaft sector, over the sector circumference of the souls of two Bowden cables are guided each cable sector is connected to one end of each of the Bowden cables and the Bowden cables are fastened at their other ends to a cable drum rotatably driven by the drive; or c) a shaft is rotatably driven by the drive and at the ends of which shaft a gear is arranged, wherein the gears are each in engagement with a tooth sector and each tooth sector is fixedly mounted on an actuator of the hinges; or
• d) is arranged on each an actuator at a radial distance to the pivot axis, one end of a pull and push rod whose other end is connected to a pivotable about an axis tooth sector, wherein the toothed sectors each with a gear engaged, which in each case an end of the at least one shaft is rotatably driven by the drive; or
• e) of the drive a shaft rotatably driven and at the ends of the shaft depending a gear is arranged, wherein the gears are each with extending transversely to the pivot axis racks in engagement, which is about an axis parallel to the pivot axis are each pivotally mounted on an actuator of the hinges.

The arrangement of the transmission elements allows a common movement drive of the two hinges by a single drive, which in turn also allows a symmetrical force entry. The symmetrical force entry avoids twisting of the flap and thus caused moments. As a result, lower forces are required to move the flap so that a lower power drive motor can be used. In addition to the smaller size and the lower cost of such a drive motor, the lower power consumption leads to a reduced load on the power grid, which is particularly advantageous when used in a motor vehicle.

Furthermore, the structure of the closing unit allows a universal use, which is independent of the type of hinges. The hinges can be both single-pivot and multi-joint hinges.

By means of the angle sensor, the end positions of the flap can be detected. Furthermore, the angle sensor can detect changes in the angular velocity caused by the occurrence of an obstacle during the movement of the flap.

The drive may additionally have a coupling.

By arranging each of a gas spring on the hinges, the movement of the flap in the opening direction is supported. The gas springs are mainly used to balance the weight of the flap.

The electric motor of the closing unit has a compact design when it forms a structural unit with the coupling. This is the unit pre-assembled, which simplifies the installation of the clamping unit.

The use of an electromechanical coupling has proved to be particularly reliable. This type of coupling allows the use of a switch, by the operation of the closing unit is activated by the coupling of the drive motor to the transmission is made. When the clutch is not closed, the flap can be moved manually.

To determine the angular velocity and the end positions of the flap, the transmission has an angle sensor. From the change in the angular velocity of the flap, in particular a delay, suggests the presence of obstacles. In these cases, the movement of the flap by the closing unit is stopped immediately or the flap is moved back by reversing the drive direction to the initial position. The reversal of the drive direction can be done by changing the direction of rotation of the drive motor or by switching the gearbox.

In order to allow a manual stop of the closing unit, the closing unit is connected to the switch or another button. As a result, the movement of the flap can be interrupted before the occurrence of an obstacle.

Both the switch for activating the closing unit and the switch for stopping can by means of electrical lines or according to the principle of a remote control in a separate Keypad, for example, in a key to be connected via a radio link with the clamping unit.

With respect to the solution a) but can also be arranged on each actuator a substantially radially to the pivot axis aligned pivot lever, wherein each pivot lever is fixed at a radial distance to the pivot axis depending a Zugende the Bowden cables and the Bowden cables with their other ends to one of the drive rotatably driven cable drum are attached.

The arrangement of the Bowden cables on the cable drum and the rope sectors or the pivoting levers causes, depending on the direction of rotation of the cable drum, the rope sectors or pivot lever are pivoted in one or the other direction. Through the connection with the hinges they are pivotable in both directions to move the flap. Due to the adaptable length of Bowden cables in conjunction with the free installation, such a closing unit is characterized by a great deal of flexibility. The drive with drive motor, clutch, gear and the cable drum can be arranged at any distance from the hinges. This allows an arrangement of the drive motor in places with sufficient space without having to change existing structures. The clamping unit can therefore be adapted to a wide variety of operating conditions. In addition, the rope sectors or pivot lever and the Bowden cables are simply constructed components, resulting in a particularly cost-closing unit.

An assembly of the rope sectors or pivot lever on the hinges is avoided if the rope sectors or pivot lever are formed integrally with one actuator each of the hinges. Due to the simple structure of the rope sectors or pivot lever, the additional effort is negligible.

Moving the rope sectors through the Bowden cables designed in a simple manner, if at the two circumferential ends of the rope sectors each one end of a Bowden cable is attached and the souls of the Bowden cables are guided in opposite directions over the rope sectors.

The rope sectors have at their sector circumference a Bowden cables, in particular the soul, receiving contour. This ensures a safe guidance of the Bowden cables to the rope sectors. The contour is particularly simple if it consists of two grooves extending on the sector circumference, each Bowden cable is taken up by a groove.

The Bowden cables can be laid on a cable sector together in one direction when a Zugende a Bowden cable is attached to a first circumferential end of the cable sector, while the shell in the region of the second circumferential end of the cable sector on a stationary component, preferably the body in a motor vehicle, arranged is. The Zugende of the other Bowden cable is arranged in the region of the first circumferential end of the cable sector on the component and the sheath on the second circumferential end of the cable sector. In this embodiment, the Bowden cables require very little space.

The Bowden cables can also be laid in one direction when a Zugende a Bowden cable is fixed at a radial distance from the pivot axis on the pivot lever, while the sheath of this Bowden cable is arranged on a stationary component, and that a Zugende the other Bowden cable to the stationary component and the sheath is disposed at a radial distance from the pivot axis on the pivot lever.

To further reduce the drive power of the drive motor, it helps if the Bowden cables on the circumference of Rope sectors or are arranged on the pivot levers at a distance from the axis of rotation of the flap. The changing during the opening of the flap torque, with which the flap acts on the hinges, is compensated by a suitable arrangement of the rope sectors by the rope sectors are not perpendicular, but at an angle to the vertical. With this configuration it is achieved that the required drive torque remains constant over the entire pivoting range of the flap. Variable drive torques that would lead to increased wear, are thus avoided.

With regard to the solution b), the Bowden cables are in turn driven via the cable drum to pivot the flap, which effect a pivoting of the cable sectors. By means of the pull and push rods, the pivotal movement of the cable sectors is ultimately transmitted to the actuators of the hinges. The use of the pull and push rods has the advantage that the closing unit can be arranged spaced apart from the hinges of the flap up to the rope sectors, if insufficient space is available in the region of the hinges or for aesthetic reasons.

In order to avoid jamming of the closing unit in the region of the push rods and push rods, these are connected at their ends articulated to the actuators and the cable sectors.

The design of the pull and push rods by means of ball joints for connection to the actuators and the cable sectors leads to a universally applicable closing unit, since the ball joints no longer necessarily an aligned, but now allow a skewed arrangement of the cable sectors to the actuators.

The arrangement and attachment of the Bowden cables to the rope sectors, as well as the formation of the rope sectors designed as in the embodiment of the arranged directly on the actuators rope sectors.

With regard to the solution c, the at least one shaft is driven by the drive motor via the transmission for pivoting the flap. The gears disposed at the ends of the shaft pivot the tooth sectors, which transmit the pivotal movement to the actuators of the hinges. The use of gears and toothed sectors allows one hand, the transmission of greater forces and moments. On the other hand, the closing unit can be made smaller at lower forces and moments to be transmitted, so that less space is required.

Assembly of the tooth sectors on the hinges is avoided if the tooth sectors are integrally formed with the actuators. Due to the simple structure of the dental sectors, the extra effort is negligible. A small design of the tooth sectors is achieved with a configuration in which the tooth sectors have at their periphery a tooth profile whose teeth are directed radially outward.

A protection of the tooth profiles and gears against damage, however, is achieved with toothed sectors whose teeth are directed radially inward, so that the gears are absorbed by the circumference of the teeth sectors and thus covered.

In addition to the drive of the toothed sectors via a single shaft, the drive of each toothed sector has proven itself by means of its own shaft. In particular, during repair this design requires less effort.

A further reduction of the speed of the drive motor is achieved with the arrangement of a further transmission between the at least one shaft and the drive. In addition, the transmission allows a greater spatial separation of the drive motor and the hinges.

Also in this embodiment, it serves to further reduce the drive power of the drive motor when the engagement points of the gears are arranged with the teeth sectors at a radial distance to the axis of rotation of the flap.

With regard to the solution d), the at least one shaft is driven by the drive motor via the transmission for swiveling the flap. The arranged at the ends of the shaft gears pivot the tooth sectors, wherein the pivotal movement is transmitted by means of the pull and push rods on the actuators of the hinges, which ultimately causes the pivoting of the flap. The use of the pull and push rods in turn has the advantage that the closing unit can be arranged spaced apart from the hinges of the flap up to the tooth sectors. In addition, no space for the closing unit must be kept in the hinge area.

The design and arrangement of the tooth sectors, gears, shafts and the arrangement of a further gear designed as in the embodiment of the arranged directly on the actuators tooth sectors.

Analogous to the design of the pull and push rods on the rope sectors whose articulated arrangement on the actuators and toothed sectors has the same advantages.

In the embodiment with toothed sectors lead ball joints on the tension and compression rods due to the now possible Space-skewed arrangement of the tooth sectors to the actuators to a universally applicable closing unit.

Likewise, the arrangement of the pull and push rods on the actuators at a distance to the axis of rotation of the flap leads to a reduction of the drive power of the drive motor.

With regard to the solution e), in turn, the at least one shaft is driven by the drive motor via the transmission for pivoting the flap. The gears located at the ends of the shaft engage the teeth of the racks so as to displace the racks and pivot the actuators. The use of racks also allows the transmission of large forces and moments on the actuators to move the flap.

For rotatable arrangement of the racks on the actuators these are connected to each other with joints.

To support the racks, so that they are held in permanent engagement with the gears of the shaft, the racks can be arranged longitudinally displaceable in sliding guides, which are arranged pivotably about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, in particular on the at least one shaft.

In the embodiment with racks as well as the arrangement of two shafts and another gear and the arrangement of the points of engagement of the racks with the gears at a distance from the axis of rotation of the flap with the known advantages are possible.

A further embodiment is characterized in that on each actuator a radially aligned to the pivot axis tooth sector is arranged, in each of which engages a gear which is rotatably connected coaxially with a rope sector or a pulley, each rope sector or each pulley, each with a Zugende two Bowden cables is connected and the Bowden cables are attached with their other ends to a rotatably driven by the drive cable drum.

But it can just as advantageously be arranged on each actuator at a radial distance from the pivot axis of one end of a pull and push rod, the other end is arranged with a about a transverse axis to the pivot axis extending tooth sector, in each of which a gear engages, the coaxially rotatably connected to a rope sector or a pulley, each rope sector or each pulley is connected to one end of each two Bowden cables and the Bowden cables are attached at their other ends to a rotatably driven by the drive cable drum.

In these embodiments, the drive movement of the motor via the transmission, the cable drum and the Bowden cables is transmitted to the rope sectors or pulleys, which in turn are connected to the gears. The thus driven gears pivot the teeth sectors, which ultimately moves the flap. This embodiment uses both the advantages of the drive by means of Bowden cable and cable sector and the advantages of the drive by means of gear and tooth sector.

The connection between each of a gear and a rope sector is particularly compact, if both components are integrally connected.

The further training and arrangement of the Bowden cables, rope sectors, gears and toothed sectors can according to the already described embodiments to achieve the advantages to be achieved.

In another embodiment, the rope sectors are cylindrical. This allows the formation of the Bowden cables receiving contour over an angular range of more than 360 ° on the circumference of the rope sectors. If the contour is formed as a groove, it can extend spirally on the circumference. Thus, the rope sectors can be formed with a small diameter, so that the closing unit can be made more compact.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Schließeinheit,

Figur 2:

eine Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform der Schließeinheit mit Bowdenzügen und Seilsektoren,

Figur 3:

eine schematische Darstellung eines Seilsektors gemäß Figur 2 mit gleichgerichteter Bowdenzugführung,

Figur 4:

eine Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Schließeinheit mit separaten Seilsektoren,

Figur 5:

eine Darstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform der Schließeinheit mit Zahnsektoren und Zahnrädern,

Figur 6:

eine Darstellung einer vierten Ausführungsform der Schließeinheit mit separaten Zahnsektoren,

Figur 7:

eine Darstellung einer fünften Ausführungsform der Schließeinheit mit Zahnstangen,

Figur 8:

eine Darstellung einer sechsten Ausführungsform der Schließeinheit mit Seilrollen und Zahnsektoren und

Figur 9:

einen Schnitt durch einen Seil- und Zahnsektor nach Figur 8

Figur 10:

eine Darstellung einer siebten Ausführungsform der Schließeinheit mit Seilrollen und Zahnsektoren

Figur 11:

eine Darstellung einer achten Ausführungsform der Schließeinheit mit Bowdenzügen und Schwenkhebel.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

FIG. 1:

a schematic representation of a closing unit according to the invention,

FIG. 2:

a representation of a first embodiment of the clamping unit with Bowden cables and rope sectors,

FIG. 3:

a schematic representation of a rope sector according to FIG. 2 with rectified Bowden cable guide,

FIG. 4:

a representation of a second embodiment of the clamping unit with separate rope sectors,

FIG. 5:

a representation of a third embodiment of the clamping unit with toothed sectors and gears,

FIG. 6:

a representation of a fourth embodiment of the clamping unit with separate tooth sectors,

FIG. 7:

a representation of a fifth embodiment of the clamping unit with racks,

FIG. 8:

a representation of a sixth embodiment of the clamping unit with pulleys and toothed sectors and

FIG. 9:

a section through a rope and tooth sector after FIG. 8

FIG. 10:

a representation of a seventh embodiment of the clamping unit with pulleys and toothed sectors

FIG. 11:

a representation of an eighth embodiment of the clamping unit with Bowden cables and pivot lever.

In the FIG. 1 The flap 3 is rotatably mounted with two hinges 4 on the body 5 of the motor vehicle 2 about a pivot axis transverse to the vehicle longitudinal axis. At each hinge 4, a moving the flap 3 supporting gas spring 6 is arranged.

For pivoting the flap 3, the hinges 4 are connected to transmission elements 7, which are driven by a gear 8 formed by a drive motor 9 designed as an electric motor. About an electromechanical clutch 10, the electric motor 9 is connected to the transmission 8. The activation of the closing unit 1 is effected by a switch 11, which is connected by means of electrical lines 12 to the clamping unit 1. Then, the clutch 10 connects the drive motor 9 to the transmission 8. A button 13 is used for immediate manual interruption of the movement of the flap 3, such as in the event of the occurrence of an obstacle. The button 13 is connected via a radio link with the clamping unit 1. In the transmission 8, an angle sensor 14 is arranged, which determines the angular velocity of the flap 3. The angle sensor 14 is thus able to recognize the end positions of the flap 3. Furthermore, the angle sensor 14 may detect changes in the angular velocity caused by the occurrence of an obstacle during the movement of the flap 3. In these cases, the direction of rotation of the drive motor 9 is reversed immediately, so that the flap 3 moves away from the obstacle.

FIG. 2 shows the closing unit 1 in a perspective view. The drive motor 9 forms with the clutch 10 a structural unit. To the clutch 10, the gear 8 connects. A cable drum 15 is attached to the transmission 8. The cable drum 15 serves to receive the ends of the Bowden cables 16-19, not shown. With their other ends, the Bowden cables 16-19 are arranged on the cable sectors 20, 21.

The rope sectors 20, 21 are integrally connected with actuators 22, 23 of the hinges 4. The circumference 24, 25 of the rope sectors 20, 21 is bounded by two ends 26, 27. At each end one end of the Bowden cables is attached, in which FIG. 2 the Zugende 28 of the Bowden cable 18 and the Zugende 29 of the Bowden cable 17 can be seen. The circumference 24, 25 of the rope sectors 20, 21 is formed with two grooves 30, 31 for receiving the Bowden cables 16-19.

In the illustrated position, the flap, not shown, is closed. When activating the closing unit 1, the cable drum is driven by the drive motor 9, that the trains of the Bowden cables 17, 18 wound and the trains of the Bowden cables 16, 19 are handled. As a result of winding the trains of the Bowden cables 17, 18, the tension ends 29, 28 are pulled, so that the rope sectors 20, 21 are pivoted clockwise and the flap is opened. The unwound trains of the Bowden cables 16, 19 are thereby wound in the grooves 30, 31 of the cable sectors 20, 21.

The point of application of the Zugenden 28, 29 of the Bowden cables 16-19 has a significant distance from the axis of rotation of the hinges 4 and thus the flap 3. Due to the shape of the rope sectors 20, 21, a constant moment is always introduced to the hinge 4, regardless of the position ,

The rope sector 21 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the construction in the FIG. 2 illustrated rope sector. The Bowden cables 18, 19 are in contrast to FIG. 2 not led away opposite, but run, saving space in the same direction. The Zugende 28 of the Bowden cable 18 is attached to the body 5 in the region of the circumferential end 26. The sheath 32 of the Bowden cable 18 is attached to the peripheral end 27 of the cable sector 21. The Zugende 33 of the Bowden cable 19 is attached to the circumferential end 26 on the cable sector 21 and with the sheath 34 in the region of the circumferential end 27 on the body 5.
For pivoting the cable sector 21 in the counterclockwise direction, the Bowden cable 19 is wound onto the cable drum, not shown. Due to the fixed shell 34, only the Zugende 33 can move into the shell 34, wherein the cable sector is pivoted in the direction described. The unwound from the cable drum Bowden 18 sets, however, in the groove, not shown on the circumference of the rope sector 21st

FIG. 4 shows a closing unit 1, which is essentially the closing unit FIG. 2 equivalent. In contrast to FIG. 2 the rope sectors 20, 21 are arranged at a distance from the actuators 22, 23. The connection of the rope sectors 20, 21 with the actuators 22, 23 by means of two pull and push rods 35, 36. The oblivious connection on the tension and compression rods 35, 36 is made possible by ball joints 39, 40 at the ends 37, 38. With the pivoting of the cable sectors 20, 21 are on the pull and push rods 35, 36th the actuators 22, 23 and thus the flap, not shown moves.

FIG. 5 shows a closing unit 1, in which the transmission 8, a further gear 41 is flanged. The gear 41 drives a shaft 42, the ends 43, 44 schematically illustrated gears 45, 46 are arranged. The gears 45, 46 are engaged with toothed sectors 47, 48 which have at their periphery 24, 25 a schematically illustrated tooth profile 49 with radially inwardly facing teeth. The tooth sectors 47, 48 are integrally connected to the actuators 22, 23.

To move the flap, not shown, by the actuators 22, 23 of the hinges, the shaft 42 is driven by the drive motor 9. The gears 45, 46 which rotate with the shaft 42 cause the toothed sectors 47, 48 and thus the actuators 22, 23 to pivot via the engagement in the tooth profile 49.

The closing unit 1 in FIG. 6 corresponds to the structure starting from the drive motor 9 to the toothed sectors 47, 48 of the closing unit according to FIG. 5 , The connection, the spaced apart from the actuators 22, 23 arranged tooth sectors 47, 48, by means of two pull and push rods 35, 36 after FIG. 4 , which at their ends 37, 38 ball joints 39, 40 for the oblique arrangement of the tooth sectors 47, 48 relative to the actuators 22, 23 have.
FIG. 7 shows a closing unit 1, which is substantially the closing unit according to FIG. 5 equivalent. Instead of the tooth profile, toothed racks 50, 51, shown schematically on the toothed sectors 47, 48, are arranged, which are in engagement with the toothed wheels 45, 46 of the shaft 42. In order to follow the pivoting movement of the toothed sectors 47, 48, the toothed racks 50, 51 are rotatably mounted, each with a joint 52.

At the ends 43, 44 of the shaft 42 sliding guides 53, 54 are attached. In the sliding guides 53, 54, the racks 50, 51 are mounted longitudinally displaceable. The sliding guides 53, 54 ensure that the racks 50, 51 are permanently held in engagement with the gears 45, 46. The sliding guides 53, 54 are rotatably mounted.

The closing unit 1 in FIG. 8 shows a combination of pulleys 20,21 with Bowden cables 16-19 and gears 45, 46. The gears 45, 46 and pulleys 20,21 are each combined to form a unit 55, 56, which in the following FIG. 9 is shown in more detail. The units 55, 56 have fixed housings 57, 58 in which the individual components are arranged.

From the construction, the closing unit from the drive motor 9 to the pulleys 20,21 substantially corresponds to the structure according to FIG. 2 while the clamping unit 1 with the subsequent to the pulleys 20,21 gears to the connection with the actuators 22, 23 substantially the structure of the closing unit to FIG. 5 equivalent.

The unit 55 off FIG. 8 is in FIG. 9 shown in section. The unit 55 comprises a housing 57, in the lower part of the pulley 20 is arranged. The pulley 20 is rotatably mounted on a trained as a fixed axis 61 recess of the housing 57. Grooves 30, 31 on the circumference 24 of the pulley 20 serve the defined edition of the Bowden cables, not shown. The grooves 30, 31 extend spirally over an angular range of approximately 720 °. Due to the extent of the grooves 30, 31 over such a large angular range, the pulley 20 can be made with a smaller diameter, so that the unit 55 has small dimensions.

The pulley 20 has a one-piece integrally formed pin 62, which is also rotatably arranged on the axis 61. The pin 62 is formed as a gear 45 which engages in the tooth profile 49 of the toothed sector 47. The tooth sector 47 has a bore 63 in which a shaft 64 is rotatably arranged, which rotatably connects the tooth sector 47 with the actuator 22.

In a drive of the Bowden cables by the drive motor, the pulley 20 is rotated. As a result of the consequent rotation of the gear 45 of the sector gear 47 is pivoted, which moves via the shaft 64, the actuator 22 with the flap, not shown.

In the embodiment of the FIG. 10 The range from the actuator 22, 23 to the tooth sector 47, 48 corresponds to the in FIG. 4 illustrated embodiment, wherein the tooth sector 47, 48 is pivotable about an axis extending transversely to the pivot axis.

The further drive path from the tooth sector 47, 48 to the cable drum 15 in turn corresponds to that in the FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrated training.

Also in this embodiment, the pulley 20 is rotated in a drive of the Bowden cables by the drive motor. As a result of the consequent rotation of the gear 45 of the sector gear 47 is pivoted, which moves via the shaft 64, the actuator 22 with the flap, not shown.

In the embodiment of the FIG. 11 is corresponding to instead of a rope sector 21 FIG. 3 a pivot lever 65 akin, which is also used instead of the rope sector FIG. 2 can be used. The Bowden cables 18, 19 are in contrast to FIG. 2 not led away opposite, but run space-saving in the same direction. The Zugende 28 of the Bowden cable 18 is attached to the body 5. The sheath 32 of the Bowden cable 18 is attached to the pivot lever 65 at a radial distance from the pivot axis. The Zugende 33 of the Bowden cable 19 is fixed at a radial distance from the pivot axis of the pivot lever 65 and the sheath 34 in the body 5.

For pivoting the pivot lever 65 counterclockwise, the Bowden cable 19 is wound onto the cable drum, not shown. Due to the fixed envelope 34, only the Zugende 33 can move into the shell 34, wherein the pivot lever 65 is pivoted in the direction described. The shell 32 of the unwound from the cable drum Bowden 18 moves with the pivot lever 65. For pivoting the pivot lever 65 in a clockwise direction of the Bowden cable 18 is wound onto the cable drum, the shell 32 moves the pivot lever 65 in the clockwise direction and the Zugende 33 of the Bowden cable 19 is pulled into the shell 34.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

closing unit

2

motor vehicle

3

flap

4

hinge

5

body

6

gas spring

7

transmission element

8th

transmission

9

drive motor

10

clutch

11

switch

12

electrical line

13

button

14

angle sensor

15

cable drum

16-19

Bowden

20, 21

cable sector

22, 23

actuator

24, 25

scope

26, 27

peripheral end

28, 29

end of the train

30, 31

grooves

32, 34

shell

33

end of the train

35, 36

Pull / push rod

37, 38

The End

39, 40

ball joint

41

transmission

42

wave

43, 44

The End

45, 46

gear

47, 48

toothed sector

49

tooth profile

50, 51

rack

52

joint

53, 54

slide

55, 56

unit

57, 58

casing

61

axis

62

spigot

63

drilling

64

wave

65

pivoting lever

Claims (46)

1. Closing unit for a flap (3) of a motor vehicle, in particular a front or rear flap, which flap is fastened by means of at least two hinges (4) to the bodywork (5) of the motor vehicle and can be driven in a manner such that it can be moved about a pivot axis between an open and a closed position by a drive, which has an electric motor (9) and, in particular, a clutch (10) and a gear mechanism (8) arranged thereon, wherein the two hinges (4) in each case have an actuator (22, 23) which can be pivoted about the pivot axis, and the actuators (22, 23) can be driven by a single drive in a manner such that they can be moved by means of transmission elements, characterized in that

   a) a cable sector (20, 21) is arranged on each actuator (22, 23), the said cable sector being aligned radially with respect to the pivot axis, and the cores of two Bowden cables (16-19) are guided over its sector circumference (24, 25), each cable sector (20, 21) being connected to one cable end (28, 29) of the Bowden cables (16-19) and the Bowden cables (16-19) being fastened by their other ends to a cable drum (15), which can be driven rotatably by the drive; or

   b) one end (37) of a tension and compression rod (35, 36) is arranged on each actuator (22, 23) at a radial distance from the pivot axis and its other end (38) is connected to a cable sector (20, 21) which can be pivoted about an axis extending transversely with respect to the pivot axis and the cores of two Bowden cables (16-19) are guided over its sector circumference, each cable sector (20, 21) being connected to one cable end (28, 29) of the Bowden cables (16-19) and the Bowden cables (16-19) being fastened by their other ends to a cable drum (15), which can be driven rotatably by the drive; or

   c) a shaft (42) can be driven rotatably by the drive and one toothed wheel (45, 46) is arranged in each case at the ends (43, 44) of the shaft (42), the toothed wheels (45, 46) being in engagement with one toothed sector (47, 48) in each case and each toothed sector (47, 48) being arranged fixedly on one actuator (22, 23) of the hinges (4); or

   d) one end (37) of a tension and compression rod (35, 36) is arranged on each actuator (22, 23) at a radial distance from the pivot axis and its other end (38) is connected to a toothed sector (47, 48) which can be pivoted about an axis, the toothed sectors (47, 48) being in engagement in each case with a toothed wheel (45, 46) which is arranged at one end (43, 44) of the at least one shaft (42), which can be driven rotatably by the drive; or

   e) a shaft (42) can be driven rotatably by the drive and one toothed wheel (45, 46) is arranged in each case at the ends (43, 44) of the shaft (42), the toothed wheels (45, 46) being in engagement in each case with toothed racks (50, 51) which extend transversely with respect to the pivot axis and are arranged on one actuator (22, 23) in each case of the hinges (4) in a manner such that they can pivot about an axis parallel to the pivot axis.
2. Closing unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drive has a clutch (10).
3. Closing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap can be driven in a manner such that it can be moved by means of one or more gas-filled springs (6) assisting the movement in the opening direction.
4. Closing unit according to Claim 2, characterized in that the electric motor (9) and clutch (10) form a constructional unit.
5. Closing unit according to either of Claims 2 and 4, characterized in that the clutch (10) is an electromechanical clutch.
6. Closing unit according to one of Claims 2, 4 or 5, characterized in that the clutch (10) can be closed when a switch (11) for activating the closing unit (1) is actuated.
7. Closing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gear mechanism (8) has an angle sensor (14) for sensing the angular velocity of the flap (3).
8. Closing unit according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that actuation of a switch (11) or push-button switch (13) enables the clutch (10) to be activated in a manner such that it can be opened.
9. Closing unit according to either of Claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the switch (11) for activating the closing unit (1) and the switch (11) or push-button switch (13) for opening the clutch (10) are connected to the closing unit (1) by means of electric lines (12) or by means of a radio connection.
10. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a pivot lever (65) which is aligned approximately radially with respect to the pivot axis is arranged on each actuator (22, 23), one cable end (28, 33) of the Bowden cables (16-19) being fastened to each pivot lever (65) at a radial distance from the pivot axis, and the Bowden cables (16-19) being fastened by their other ends to a cable drum (15), which can be driven rotatably by the drive.
11. Closing unit according to either of Claims 1 and 10, characterized in that the cable sectors (20, 21) or the pivot levers (65) are formed integrally with one actuator (22, 23) in each case of the hinges (4).
12. Closing unit according to either of Claims 1 and 11, characterized in that one cable end (28, 29) of a Bowden cable (16-19) is fastened in each case to the two circumferential ends (26, 27) of the cable sectors (20, 21), and the cores of the Bowden cables (16-19) are guided in opposite directions over the cable sectors (20, 21).
13. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1, 11 and 12, characterized in that the cable sectors (20, 21) have, on their sector circumference (24, 25), a contour (30, 31) receiving the Bowden cables (16-19).
14. Closing unit according to Claim 13, characterized in that the contour comprises at least two grooves (30, 31).
15. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 and 11 to 13, characterized in that one cable end (33) of one Bowden cable (19) is fastened to a first circumferential end (26) of the cable sector (21) while the sheath (34) is arranged on a positionally fixed component (5) in the region of the second circumferential end (27) of the cable sector (21), and in that one cable end (28) of the other Bowden cable (18) is arranged on the component (5) in the region of the first circumferential end (26) of the cable sector (21) and the sheath (32) is arranged at the second circumferential end (27) of the cable sector (21).
16. Closing unit according to either of Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that one cable end (33) of one Bowden cable (19) is fastened to the pivot lever (65) at a radial distance from the pivot axis while the sheath (34) of this Bowden cable (19) is arranged on a positionally fixed component (5), and in that one cable end (28) of the other Bowden cable (18) is arranged on the positionally fixed component (5) and the sheath (32) is arranged on the pivot lever (65) at a radial distance from the pivot axis.
17. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 and 10 to 16, characterized in that the Bowden cables (16-19) are arranged on the circumference of the cable sectors (20, 21) or on the pivot levers (65) at a distance from the pivot axis of the flap (3).
18. Closing unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the tension and compression rods (35, 36) are connected at their ends (37, 38) in an articulated manner to the actuators (22, 23) and the cable sectors (20, 21).
19. Closing unit according to Claim 18, characterized in that the tension and compression rods (35, 36) are connected to the actuators (22, 23) and the cable sectors (20, 21) by means of ball-and-socket joints (39, 40).
20. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 and 17 to 19, characterized in that one cable end (28, 29) of a Bowden cable (16-19) is arranged in each case at one circumferential end (26, 27) of the cable sectors (20, 21).
21. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 and 18 to 19, characterized in that the cable sectors (20, 21) have, on their cable-sector circumference (24, 25), a contour (30, 31) receiving the Bowden cables (16-19).
22. Closing unit according to Claim 21, characterized in that the contour comprises at least two grooves (30, 31).
23. Closing unit according to one of Claims 17 to 22, characterized in that one cable end (33) of one Bowden cable (19) is fastened to a first circumferential end (26) of the cable sector (21) while the sheath (34) is arranged on the positionally fixed component (5) in the region of the second circumferential end (27) of the cable sector (21), and in that one cable end (28) of the other Bowden cable (18) is arranged on the component (5) in the region of the first circumferential end (26) of the cable sector (21) and the sheath (32) is arranged at the second circumferential end (27) of the cable sector (21).
24. Closing unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the toothed sectors (47, 48) are formed integrally with the actuators (22, 23).
25. Closing unit according to either of Claims 1 and 24, characterized in that the toothed sectors (47, 48) have, on their circumference, a toothed profile (49), the teeth of which are directed radially inwards or radially outwards.
26. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 and 24 to 25, characterized in that each toothed sector (47, 48) is connected to a shaft (42), and in that the two shafts (42) can be driven rotatably by the drive.
27. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 and 24 to 26, characterized in that a further gear mechanism (41) is arranged between the drive and the at least one shaft (42).
28. Closing unit according to one of Claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the points at which the toothed wheels (45, 46) engage in the toothed sectors (47, 48) are arranged at a radial distance from the axis of rotation of the flap (3).
29. Closing unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the toothed sectors (47, 48) have, on their circumference, a toothed profile (49), the teeth of which are directed radially inwards or radially outwards.
30. Closing unit according to either of Claims 1 and 29, characterized in that each toothed sector (47, 48) is connected to a shaft (42), and in that the two shafts (42) can be driven rotatably by the drive.
31. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 and 29 to 30, characterized in that a further gear mechanism (41) is arranged between the drive and the at least one shaft (42).
32. Closing unit according to one of Claims 27 to 31, characterized in that the tension and compression rods (35, 36) are connected at their ends (37, 38) in an articulated manner to the actuators (22, 23) and the toothed sectors (47, 48).
33. Closing unit according to Claim 32, characterized in that the tension and compression rods (35, 36) are connected to the actuators (22, 23) and the toothed sectors (47, 48) by means of ball-and-socket joints (39, 40).
34. Closing unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the toothed racks (50, 51) are connected pivotably to the actuators (22, 23) via a joint (52).
35. Closing unit according to either of Claims 1 and 34, characterized in that the toothed racks (50, 51) are arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner in sliding guides (53, 54) which are arranged in particular on the at least one shaft (42) in a manner such that they can pivot about the longitudinal axis of the shaft (42).
36. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 and 34 to 35, characterized in that a further gear mechanism (41) is arranged between the drive and the at least one shaft (42).
37. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a toothed sector (47, 48) is arranged on each actuator (22, 23), the said toothed sector (47, 48) being aligned radially with respect to the pivot axis and a respective toothed wheel (45, 46), which is connected coaxially in a rotationally fixed manner to a cable sector (20, 21) or a cable pulley, engages in the said toothed sector, each cable sector (20, 21) or each cable pulley being connected to one cable end (28, 29) of two Bowden cables (16-19) and the Bowden cables (16-19) being fastened by their other ends to a cable drum (15), which can be driven rotatably by the drive.
38. Closing unit according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that one end (37) of a tension and compression rod (35, 36) is arranged on each actuator (22, 23) at a radial distance from the pivot axis and its other end (38) is connected to a toothed sector (47, 48) which can be pivoted about an axis extending transversely with respect to the pivot axis and a toothed wheel (45, 46), which is connected coaxially in a rotationally fixed manner to a cable sector (20, 21) or a cable pulley, engages in the said toothed sector, each cable sector (20, 21) or each cable pulley being connected to one cable end (28, 29) of two Bowden cables (16-19) and the Bowden cables (16-19) being fastened by their other ends to a cable drum (15), which can be driven rotatably by the drive.
39. Closing unit according to either of Claims 37 and 38, characterized in that the toothed sectors (47, 48) are formed integrally with one actuator (22, 23) in each case of the hinges (4).
40. Closing unit according to one of Claims 37 to 39, characterized in that the toothed sectors (47, 48) have, on their circumference, a toothed profile (49), the teeth of which are directed radially inwards or radially outwards.
41. Closing unit according to one of Claims 36 to 39, characterized in that each toothed wheel (45, 46) is formed integrally with a cable sector (20, 21) or a cable pulley.
42. Closing unit according to one of Claims 37 to 41, characterized in that one cable end (28, 29) of a Bowden cable (16-19) is fastened to the circumference (24, 25) of the cable sectors (20, 21) or the cable pulley and the cores of the Bowden cables (16-19) are guided in opposite directions over the cable sectors (20, 21) or the cable pulley.
43. Closing unit according to one of Claims 38 to 42, characterized in that the cable sectors (20, 21) or the cable pulley have, on their sector circumference (24, 25) or pulley circumference, a contour (30, 31) receiving the Bowden cables (16-19).
44. Closing unit according to Claim 43, characterized in that the contour comprises at least two grooves (30, 31).
45. Closing unit according to one of Claims 37 to 44, characterized in that one cable end (33) of a Bowden cable (19) is fastened to a first circumferential end (26) of the cable sector (21) while the sheath (34) is arranged on a positionally fixed component (5) in the region of the second circumferential end (27) of the cable sector (21), and in that one cable end of the other Bowden cable (18) is arranged with its core on the component (5) in the region of the first circumferential end of the cable sector (21) and the sheath (32) is arranged at the second circumferential end (27) of the cable sector (21).
46. Closing unit according to one of Claims 36 to 44, characterized in that the cable sectors (20, 21) are of cylindrical design, and in that the contour (30, 31) receiving the Bowden cables (16-19) extends over an angular region of more than 360°.

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