EP2078127B1 - Device for pivoting a mobile part - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for pivoting a mobile part (10) of a motor vehicle, especially a door, a tailgate, a trunk lid or the like. The invention is characterized by a planar activation unit (20) that can be brought into a closed position and in an open position, and a housing unit (30) on which said activation unit (20) is arranged so as to be pivoted about an axis of rotation (31). For emergencies, a closing cylinder (40), rotatably received in the housing unit (30), is provided for manually opening a lock of a locking system arranged on the mobile part (10). For standard cases, a switching element (32) for electrically opening the lock is arranged in the housing unit (30), the switching element (32) being connected to the locking system via signals and being activated to the open position by displacing the activation unit (20).

Description

The invention relates to a device for pivoting a movable part of a motor vehicle, in particular a door, a tailgate, a trunk lid or the like.

In the DE 38 35 265 A1 a device for pivoting a movable body part of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which a handle assembly is located in the region of the rear wall of a luggage compartment lid and consists essentially of an open towards the rear wall recessed grip and a cover. This cover in turn consists of a cover plate and two, at the rear and at a distance from each other arranged pivoting arms. The bottom of the recessed grip has at its overhead area serving for performing the pivot arms passage opening.

Further, the pivot arms are each articulated on a projecting from the back of the floor pivot bearing.

For pivoting the cover between a closed position and an open position is a positioning cylinder, which is articulated via a piston rod to the pivot arm. In the area of the bottom of the recessed grip an actuating element of a lock for locking the movable body part is provided. It has disadvantageously been shown that the kinematics used in this device is very complicated, in particular to move the cover in its respective position. Furthermore, the user must grasp the recessed grip to activate the actuator, which is not easily accessible.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for pivoting a movable part of a motor vehicle, which avoids the disadvantages mentioned above, in particular has a greater functionality and is simple, while at the same time providing the user with a comfortable device.

To solve this problem, a device having the features of claim 1 is proposed. In the dependent claims preferred developments are carried out.

For this purpose, the invention provides that the device has a planar activation unit, which can be brought into a closed position and into an open position. Furthermore, a housing unit is provided, on which the activation unit is pivotably arranged about an axis of rotation, wherein for an emergency situation a lock cylinder, which is rotatably mounted in the housing unit, is provided for manually opening a lock arranged on the movable part of a locking device, and for a Normally a case provided on the housing unit switching element is arranged, which can be activated by a manual movement of the activation unit in the open position and triggers a signal for electrically opening the lock.

Advantageously, the activation unit serves in its closed position as a protective element for the arranged on or in the housing unit elements, for example for the lock cylinder. Furthermore, in the normal situation, the switching element is activated via the movement of the activation unit from its closed position into its open position, which emits a signal for electrically opening the lock. The normal case situation describes in the present invention in this case the state in which the locking device - for example, a central locking - is in the unlocked state, at the same time the respective lock is closed on the movable body part. By the movement of the activation unit, which is well accessible to the user, in the open position, the lock of the movable part is electrically opened, so that the user can manually pivot the unlocked and opened movable part. The switching element can be addressed via a direct contact. Of course, switching elements can be used, which can be activated without contact, for example via sensors, optical elements, etc. by the movement of the activation unit.

The emergency situation, on the other hand, describes the condition in which the vehicle electronics have completely failed so that an electrical opening of the lock can not take place. This means that an electric opening operation of the lock can not be effected by a movement of the activation unit with a simultaneous activation of the switching element. In this emergency situation, the user can manually move the activation unit into the open position, the lock cylinder being freely accessible in the open position. The user can insert his emergency key into the lock cylinder and actuate the lock cylinder accordingly, so that the lock arranged on the movable part is manually opened.

According to the invention, the activation unit is designed as a cover which has a swivel arm which is mounted on the axis of rotation, wherein the housing unit has an opening on the side facing the activation unit, through which the swivel arm extends at least in the open position of the activation unit. Expediently, the swivel arm has a receiving region on which the activation unit is attached. The receiving area can be designed, for example, plan, wherein the pivot arm has a curved course.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a camming with the pivoting arm cams is arranged on the axis of rotation, which activates the switching element in the open position of the activation unit. The switching element may be a microswitch which, upon contact with the cam, triggers the signal to electrically open the lock. In one possible embodiment, the swivel arm forms a unitary component with the cam. The swivel arm can be made of either a plastic material or metal. Preferably, activation unit and pivot arm are spring loaded.

Advantageously, a pusher element is attached to the housing unit, which faces the activation unit. By manually moving the activation unit in the direction of the opening of the housing unit, the pusher element is actuated, which subsequently presses the activation unit in the opposite direction, whereby the pivot arm moves the activation unit in the direction of the open position. The pusher element can be, for example, a type of "push-push" element which is first pressed in by the activation unit and then exerts a force directly on the activation unit and presses it in the direction of the open position. The force that is exerted by the pusher element on the activation unit, for example, emanate from a spring. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the pusher element is located laterally of the housing opening.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a motor is arranged on the housing unit which drives the swivel arm in the normal situation, whereby the activation unit can be moved. In this case, the motor can act directly on the swivel arm, wherein it is also possible that the activation unit is moved via a corresponding kinematics within the housing unit, which acts on the swivel arm.

In an alternative embodiment, a proximity sensor arranged on the activation unit is provided, which in the normal case situation detects an approach of a user, whereby a signal of the proximity sensor is triggered, which is used to move the activation unit from the closed position to the open position. The proximity sensor can be, for example, a capacitive sensor which is attached to the activation unit. In order to achieve a satisfactory detection, the proximity sensor is arranged on the activation unit facing side of the receiving region of the pivot arm. If the motor vehicle is in an unlocked state and the user approaches the activation unit, the proximity sensor detects such an approach at a defined distance. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the proximity sensor sends a signal to a control unit, which is mounted on the vehicle side, which activates the motor, which in turn drives the pivot arm, whereby the activation unit is moved from its closed position to the open position. Preferably, by a further, manual pivoting of the activation unit to the outside, the switching element can be activated, which causes an opening of the lock.

The activation unit can be moved for example in a first and in a second open position, wherein the cam is arranged on the axis of rotation, that only during the movement of the activation unit in the second open position, the switching element is activated by the cam. The angular range between the closed position and the first open position is preferably in an angular range between 5 ° and 25 °. The angle between the closed position and the second open position is advantageously between 15 ° and 45 °.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that a cam is located directly on the pivot arm, which activates the switching element during the movement of the activation unit in the direction of the opening of the housing unit. In this embodiment, the user exerts a slight pressure on the activation unit, which is moved in the direction of the housing unit, wherein at the same time arranged on the pivot arm cam, which is spaced from the axis of rotation of the pivot arm is moved and contacting and activating the switching element in a defined stroke of the activation unit.

In a possible variant of the invention, the activation unit is rotatably mounted on the receiving region of the swivel arm. Preferably, the axis of rotation is located centrally on the activation unit and has a defined distance from the axis of rotation of the pivot arm. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switching element can be actuated directly by the movement of the activation unit about the axis of rotation.

In a further alternative embodiment, the activation unit has a base part facing the pivot arm and an outboard, planar activation element, wherein the activation element is rotatable relative to the base part. In a rotational position of the activation element there is a distance between the base part and the activation element. If the activation unit is in its closed position without the user acting on it, the activation element rests directly on the base part. Advantageously, a sliding guide is provided on the activation unit, which allows rotation of the activation element to the fixed base part. In the emergency situation, the user exerts a rotational movement on the activation element, whereby the activating element moves away from the stationary base part via the slotted guide and at the same time performs a rotational movement. This creates a distance between the activation element and the fixed base part. The user can intervene in this gap between the base part and the activation element and manually guide the activation unit into an open position.

Advantageously, an image acquisition unit can be rotatably mounted within the housing unit, which is pivotable in the open position of the activation unit via a motor to the outside. Advantageously, after engaging the reverse gear of the motor vehicle, the motor is actuated, which effects a movement of the activation unit from the closed position to the open position and a movement of the image acquisition unit out of the housing unit to the outside. The Image capture unit is used for vehicle environment detection, whereby a good overview is made possible, which is particularly useful in rearward parking for the detection of approaching people or objects of great use. The activation unit serves at the same time to protect the image capture unit in its rest position from contamination.

Fig. 1a

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum bidirektionalen Verschwenken einer Heckklappe mit einer Aktivierungseinheit, die in einer Schließstellung sich befindet,

Fig. 1b

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1a, wobei die Aktivierungseinheit in einer Offenstellung sich befindet,

Fig. 1c

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1b, wobei eine Kamera aus der Vorrichtung ausgefahren ist,

Fig. 2a

eine Schnittansicht gemäß der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1a,

Fig. 2b

eine Schnittansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1b,

Fig. 2c

eine Schnittansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1c,

Fig. 3a

eine weitere Alternative der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer Schnittansicht, wobei die Aktivierungseinheit sich in der Schließstellung befindet,

Fig. 3b

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 3a, wobei die Aktivierungseinheit sich in einer Offenstellung befindet,

Fig. 4a

eine zusätzliche Alternative der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, wobei die Aktivierungseinheit sich in einer Schließstellung befindet,

Fig. 4b

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 4a, wobei sich die Aktivierungseinheit in eine Offenstellung befindet,

Fig. 4c

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 4b in Draufsicht,

Fig. 5

die Aktivierungseinheit gemäß Fig. 4a und

Fig. 6

die Aktivierungseinheit gemäß Fig. 5 in einer Explosionsdarstellung.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. Show it:

Fig. 1a

an inventive device for bi-directional pivoting of a tailgate with an activation unit, which is in a closed position,

Fig. 1b

the device according to Fig. 1a wherein the activation unit is in an open position,

Fig. 1c

the device according to Fig. 1b with a camera extended out of the device,

Fig. 2a

a sectional view according to the device according to the invention Fig. 1a .

Fig. 2b

a sectional view of the device according to Fig. 1b .

Fig. 2c

a sectional view of the device according to Fig. 1c .

Fig. 3a

a further alternative of the device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the activation unit is in the closed position,

Fig. 3b

the device according to Fig. 3a wherein the activation unit is in an open position,

Fig. 4a

an additional alternative of the device according to the invention, wherein the activation unit is in a closed position,

Fig. 4b

the device according to Fig. 4a , wherein the activation unit is in an open position,

Fig. 4c

the device according to Fig. 4b in plan view,

Fig. 5

the activation unit according to Fig. 4a and

Fig. 6

the activation unit according to Fig. 5 in an exploded view.

In Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c is an inventive device for bidirectional pivoting of a movable part, in the present case a tailgate 10, shown. In this case, the device has a planar activation unit 20, which from its closed position in Fig. 1a in an open position according to Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c is movable. For example, a logo, in particular an emblem, may be arranged on the activation unit 20.

The device according to the invention is arranged on the tailgate 10, the example in Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c is indicated. In this case, the device has a housing unit 30, on which the activation unit 20 is arranged pivotable about a rotation axis 31. Furthermore, a lock cylinder 40 is provided, which is rotatably mounted in the housing unit 30. Inside the housing unit 30, a switching element 32 is attached. As can be seen, the activation unit 20 is designed as a lid, which is connected to a pivoting arm 21. The pivot arm 21 is mounted on a rotation axis 31. The housing unit 30 has an opening 33, through which the pivot arm 21, at least in the open position of the activation unit 20 according to FIG FIG. 2 B and Fig. 2c erststreckt. In the present exemplary embodiment, the swivel arm 21 has a substantially planar receiving region 22, to which the activation unit 20 is fastened. Between the receiving area 22 and the activation unit 20, a capacitive sensor is arranged as a proximity sensor 24. In the present embodiment, the sensor 24 is injected within a plastic material to ect from soiling, moisture ect. to be protected. The encapsulated proximity sensor 24 is clipped on the receiving area 22. Other mounting alternatives are of course conceivable. The cable guide from the proximity sensor 24 extends along the pivot arm 21 in the direction of the motor vehicle.

On the axis of rotation 31 is a with the pivot arm 21 mitbewegender cam 23, which has a distance from the switching element 32 in the closed position of the activation unit 20, which in Fig. 2a is clarified. In an open position of the activation unit 20, the cam 23 contacts the switching element 32, which emits a signal for electrically opening the lock, not shown (see Fig. 2b ). This signal can be sent directly to the locking device. It is also conceivable that the switching element 32 transmits the signal to a control unit, which then causes an electrical opening of the lock.

Furthermore, a pusher element 34 facing the activation unit 20 is provided on the housing unit 30, which in FIG Fig. 1b and 1c is indicated. An unillustrated motor is fixed to the housing unit 30 which can drive the swing arm 21 with the activation unit 20. The motor in the present exemplary embodiment is a stepper motor.

In the normal case situation in which the user approaches the motor vehicle and unlocks the central locking system, for example via an ID transmitter, the user can address the proximity sensor 24 by a corresponding approach or contact of the activation unit 20, which detects such an approach. Subsequently, a signal from the proximity sensor 24 is triggered, whereby the motor is activated and causes a movement of the pivot arm 21 counterclockwise. By merely approaching the activation unit 20, an electrical opening thus takes place the activation unit 20. The activation unit 20 is in a first open position, which in Fig. 2b is shown. In this first open position, which may also be referred to as standby position, the cam 23 still has a distance from the switching element 32. In order to effect an electrical opening of the lock, the activation unit 20 must be manually pivoted by the user from the first open position to the second open position counterclockwise to the outside, which in Fig. 2b is shown. In the second open position of the activation unit 20, the cam 23 contacts the switching element 32, whereby the electric opening operation of the lock is effected. The user can further raise the activation unit 20, whereby the trunk lid 10 can be opened or pivoted into an open position. Since high forces are exerted during the movement of the trunk lid 10, the activation unit 20 and the pivot arm 21 is carried out correspondingly reinforced and can accommodate loads of more than 500 N.

In an emergency situation in which the entire vehicle electronics has failed, the user can press the trigger unit 34 by pressing on the activation unit 20 in the direction of the motor vehicle, which is equipped with a "push-push" function and subsequently the activation unit 20 again presses outside. Thus, in the emergency situation, the user can manually first move the activation unit 20 from the closed position to an open position. Opening and unlocking the lock of the trunk lid 10 can be done only via the lock cylinder 40, which is accessible to the user in the open position of the activation unit 20. Fig. 2b shows an example of an emergency key 41, which is located within the lock cylinder 40. After the lock is opened via the lock cylinder 40, the user can open the trunk lid 10, in which he raises the activation unit 20 further.

The device according to the invention is further equipped with a camera 60 which is arranged mounted within the housing unit 30 on a rotation axis 61. The Fig. 2a and 2b show here the camera 60 in its rest position, which is located within the housing unit 30. When the user engages reverse gear, the camera 60 and the activation unit 20 are turned outward via an unillustrated motor pivoted. In this case, a movement of the activation unit 20 from its closed position to an open position is effected via a kinematics within the housing unit 30 in addition to a movement of the camera 60. Of course, it is possible to activate swinging of the camera 60 manually by the user.

In Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b a further embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the activation unit 20 is rotatably mounted on the receiving region 22 of the pivot arm 21 about an axis 25. In the normal situation, the user must exert a compressive force on the activation unit 20, which is exemplified in Fig. 3b is indicated. The activation unit 20 rotates about the axis 25 after the user has actuated the lower portion of the activation unit 20 with his thumb. In contrast to the first embodiment, the switching element 32 is fixed in the lower region of the housing unit 30, which is actuated directly by a contacting of the activation unit 20, which in Fig. 3b is shown. Subsequently, after activation of the switching element 32, the electrical opening of the castle. The user can then engage in the grip 11 and lift the tailgate 10.

In the emergency situation, the user reaches into the forming gap 42 after the activation unit 20 has pivoted about the axis 25 by an operation of the user. The user can pull the activation unit 20 in the region of the gap 42, whereby the activation unit 20 moves with the pivot arm 21 about the rotation axis 31 outwardly counterclockwise to an open position, which is not shown. If the activation unit 20 is in this open position, a manual opening of the tailgate 10 can take place via the lock cylinder 40. Finally, the user can attack on the recessed grip 11 and thus lift the tailgate 10.

In the Fig. 4a . 4b . 4c . 5 and 6 a third alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. In this case, the activation unit 20 has a base part 26 facing the swivel arm 21 and an external activation element 27. In the closed position, the base part 26 contacts the activation element 27, which in Fig. 4a is shown. Via a tension spring 29, the activation unit 20 is held on the base part 26. In the normal case, the user exerts pressure on the activation unit 20, whereby a Overpressure of the activation unit 20 in the direction of the motor vehicle arises. This means that the activation unit 20 performs an overstroke in the direction of the housing unit 30. Instead of a "push-push" element from the first embodiment, a hollow, rigid seal between the activation unit 20 and the outer housing unit 30 is arranged. While the activation unit 20 drives an overstroke in the direction of the motor vehicle, this seal is pressed in, at the same time the switching element 32 via a cam 28 which is arranged on the pivot arm 21, is activated. As in the first embodiment, thereby an electronic opening of the lock is triggered. After the activation unit 20 has been actuated by the user, the seal pushes the activation unit 20 back to its original position. The user can engage in the recessed grip 11 and lift the tailgate 10 of the motor vehicle.

In the emergency situation, the user can bring the activation unit 20 from its closed position into an open position, by first effecting a movement of the activating element 27 outwards to the stationary base part 26 by pressure on the activating element 27 and by a simultaneous left or right rotation. The activation element 27 is thus rotated out of the base part 26 by a defined angular range. For this purpose, a slide guide 50 is provided on the activation unit 20, which allows a rotation of the activation element 27 away from the fixed base part 26, which in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is shown explicitly. In the present embodiment, the slide guide 50 has a pin 51 which is guided in a cavity 52 open on one side. The pin 51 is protrusion-like, arranged on the inside of the activation element 27 and the base member 26 facing. The base part 26 is designed with the cavity 52 open to the activation element 27. The base part 26 and the activation element 27 are connected to one another via the tension spring 29. While the user twists the activation element 27 to the base part 26, the pin 51 slides inside the cavity 52. The cavity 52 is in this case designed such that during the movement of the pin 51, this is pushed out by the corresponding geometry of the cavity 52. In the in Fig. 4c shown rotational position of the activation element 27, there is a gap between the base part 26 and the activation element 27. The forming gap 43rd between the base part 26 and the activation element 27 is in Fig. 4b clarified. Now, the user can engage in the gap 43 of the activation unit 20, which is still in its closed position, and pivot the activation unit 20 outwardly into an open position about the rotation axis 31. Subsequently, the user can grasp and grip below the base part 26 to cause further movement of the activation unit 20 to the outside, which in Fig. 4b is shown. If no force is exerted on the activation element 27, the tension spring 29 pulls the activation element 27 to the base part 26, at the same time the activation element 27 rotates back via the slotted guide 50 in its initial position. This return movement of the activation element 27 is characterized by the in Fig. 4b indicated arrow shown. The user can now manually open the lock on the lock cylinder 40.

The second and the third embodiment further include a camera 60 which can be pivoted out of the opening 33 of the housing unit 30, which is already described in the first embodiment. The invention described, of course, also relates to a device for bi-directional pivoting of a movable part 10, in particular a tailgate, in which no camera is provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Moving part, tailgate

11

grip

20

activation unit

21

swivel arm

22

reception area

23

cam

24

Proximity sensor

25

axis

26

base

27

energizer

28

cam

29

mainspring

30

housing unit

31

axis of rotation

32

switching element

33

opening

34

pusher element

40

lock cylinder

41

emergency

42

Gap, gap

43

gap

50

link guide

51

spigot

52

cavity

60

Image capture unit

61

axis of rotation

Claims (15)

1. A device for pivoting a mobile part (10) of a motor vehicle, in particular a door, a tallgate, a trunk lid or the like,
   characterised by
   a surface-like activation unit (20) that can be brought into a closed position and Into an open position,
   a housing unit (30) at which the activation unit (20) is arranged so as to be able to be pivoted about an axle of rotation (31), whereby for an emergency situation, a locking cylinder (40) rotatably borne in the housing unit (30) is provided for manually opening a locking device's lock arranged at the mobile part (10) and can be completely covered by the activation unit (20), and
   for a standard situation, there is arranged a switch member (32), which is provided at the housing unit (30) and which can be activated by manually moving the activation unit (20) into the open position and triggers a signal to electrically open the lock.
2. The device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the activation unit (20) is designed as a lid and has a pivot arm (21), which is borne at the axle of rotation (31), whereby the housing unit (30) has an aperture (33) at the side facing the activation unit (20) through which the pivot arm (21) extends at least when the activation unit (20) is in the open position.
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the pivot arm (21) has a receiving region (22) to which the activation unit (20) is attached.
4. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   there is arranged at the axle of rotation (31) a dog (23) which moves with the pivot arm (21) and activates the switch member (32) when the activation unit (20) is in the open position.
5. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   there is attached to the housing unit (30) a pusher member (34), which faces the activation unit (20), whereby, by means of manually moving the activation unit (20) towards the aperture (33) in the housing unit (30), the pusher member (34) is actuable, which then pushes the activation unit (20) in the opposite direction, as a result of which the activation unit (20) moves in the direction of the open position.
6. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   there is arranged at the housing unit (30) a motor which in the standard situation drives the pivot arm (21), as a result of which the activation unit (20) is moved.
7. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   at the activation unit (20) there is provided a proximity sensor (24), which in the standard situation detects an approach of a user, as a result of which a signal of the proximity sensor (24) Is triggered, such that the activation unit (20) is moved from the closed position into the open position.
8. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the activation unit (20) can be moved into a first and into a second open position, whereby the dog (23) is arranged at the axle of rotation (31), such that the switch member (32) is activated by the dog (23) only during the movement of the activation unit (20) into the second open position.
9. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the pivot arm (21) has a dog (28), which activates the switch member (32) during the movement of the activation unit (20) towards the aperture (33) in the housing unit (30).
10. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the activation unit (20) is rotatably borne around an axle (25).
11. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the activation unit (20) has a base part (26) facing the pivot arm (21) and an outwardly situated activation member (27), whereby the activation member (27) can be rotated relative to the base part (26), whereby, in particular when the activation member (27) is in a rotated state, there is a space between the base part (26) and the activation member (27).
12. The device according to claim 11,
    characterised in that
    a link guide (50) is provided at the activation unit (20), which makes possible a rotation of the activation member (27) to the stationary base part (26), whereby in particular the link guide (50) has a pin (51), which Is guided in a cavity (52) open at one side.
13. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    an Image acquisition unit (60) is arranged Inside the housing unit (30), borne at an axle of rotation (61), which, in the open position of the activation unit (20), can be pivoted outwards via a motor.
14. The device according to claim 1,3,
    characterised in that,
    after the motor vehicle Is put into reverse gear, the motor Is energised, which brings about a movement of the activation unit (20) from the closed position into the open position and a movement of the Image acquisition unit (60) outwards out of the housing unit (30).
15. The device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    a company logo is arranged on the activation unit (20).

Images