EP1361325B1 - Actuator for closures of vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The invention is directed to an actuator in the preamble of the claim 1 type. Such actuators are e.g. as pushbutton acting Handling used in the rear of vehicles (as known, for example, from document WO 00/70633). About connected with the handle Pressure pins is acted on a button of a switch, which then by electrical and / or mechanical means, e.g. a lock on the vehicle actuated.

Actuators referred to in the preamble of claim 1 are concerned to the tailgate of vehicles mounted company emblems at Manual pressure exercise deform and thereby act as a handle. On the back of the company emblem is a pressure pin arranged at Operation of the emblem on the button of a fixed behind it Switch encounters and a corresponding reversal of the contacts in the Switch interior causes. The pressure pin consists in this case of a screw, the with its peripheral thread in a on the back of this push-button-like Handle sitting threaded receptacle is screwed.

The screw must namely compared to their threaded receptacle a defined Specified length, with the specified stroke of the probe exactly is tuned. The pin end acting on the button must be in the rest position the handle on the one hand and in their working position on the other layers in which the button certainly both its defined Ausfahrlage and its insertion position can achieve. Otherwise, the required reversal of the contacts in the switch interior not effected. at this known actuator is the Einjustierung the screw to the required Target length is a tedious, time-consuming process. The right switching point will be only found by repeated trial and error.

The invention is based on the object, a cheap actuator in the To develop preamble of claim 1 mentioned type, which is reliable and can be adjusted quickly. This is inventively by the in claim 1 the following particular importance due.

The radially elastic design of the recording allows an automatic, exact Adjustment of the pressure pin. Although the pressure pin friction-increasing Should have circumferential profiles, e.g. made of threads, he leaves itself, without screwing, in the elastic admission by exercise a axially displace sufficiently large actuating force. As a pressure pin can therefore after as used in front of a standard screw. In place of the known Gewindeaufnahme a body of elastomeric material is used, the one Having bore for the clamping receiving such a screw. The Self-adjustment of such a pressure pin takes place at a first actuation of Handle and arises for the following reason.

The invention uses the end stops located inside the switch which, As usual in the art, the button due to a spring load normally position in an extended position relative to the switch housing, but transfer by pressure actuation in a defined insertion position. The Extension and insertion positions determine two switch positions of the Switch interior provided resting and moving contacts. If you join the invention, the pressure pin initially in an excess length in its recording positioned, the pushbutton shifts when it reaches its end stop in the Einschublage attained, the pressure pin in its elastic absorption axially back. If the pressure pin has a peripheral thread, this slips in the bore of the elastomeric body continue until the force stops. This force but lets go just then, when the pressure pin reaches its ideal nominal length Has. As can be seen, sufficient in the invention, a first actuation of the handle, to set the pressure pin in no time to its exact nominal length, which is very fast and is easily executable.

Fig. 1

einen Längsschnitt durch einen als Heckverschluss an einem Kraftfahrzeug fungierenden Betätiger,

Fig. 2

eine partielle Vergrößerung des mit II in Fig. 1 verdeutlichten Bereichs nach der Montage der Bauteile, und zwar in einem Ausgangszustand,

Fig. 3,

in einer der Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung den besonderen Justierfall der Erfindung, wo der Druckstift bei einer Betätigung der zugehörigen Handhabe automatisch auf seine genaue Solllänge eingestellt wird,

Fig. 4,

in einer der Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung, einen Endzustand dieses Verschlusses, wenn die Handhabe wieder in ihre unbetätigte Ruheposition zurückgegangen ist, wobei der Druckstift seine vorausgehend justierte Solllänge beibehält, und

Fig. 5,

in einer zur Fig. 4 analogen Darstellung, den Endzustand eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses.

Further measures and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings. In the drawings, the invention is shown schematically in two embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

a longitudinal section through an acting as a tailgate on a motor vehicle actuator,

Fig. 2

a partial enlargement of the illustrated with II in Fig. 1 area after assembly of the components, in an initial state,

3,

in a representation corresponding to FIG. 2, the special adjustment case of the invention, where the pressure pin is automatically adjusted to its exact desired length upon actuation of the associated handle,

4,

in a representation corresponding to FIG. 2, a final state of this closure, when the handle has returned to its unoperated rest position, wherein the pressure pin maintains its previously adjusted nominal length, and

Fig. 5,

in a representation analogous to FIG. 4, the final state of a second embodiment of the closure according to the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present case the handle 10 consists of a Company emblem attached at 11 to the tailgate of a motor vehicle is. The company emblem is provided with openings, which webs 12, 13 let arise. As a result, the company emblem is flexible compared to his Attachment points 11. If you practice on the show side 14 of the company emblem manually clarified by the force arrow 15 in Fig. 1, so deformed the company emblem looks like a membrane member. In Fig. 1 and 2, the handle 10 shown by the solid lines in their rest position, which marks in Fig. 2 on the handle-back 16 with the designation 10.1 has been. By the pressure actuation 15, the handle deforms, whereby their back in the dash-dotted lines in Fig. 1 and 2 indicated working position is transferred, which has been marked in Fig. 2 with 10.2. In the Actuation 15 thus moves the handle 10 by the distance 17 between the both positions 10.1 and 10.2.

This operation 15 of the handle 10 is intended for the reversal of a switch 25th serve, which, according to FIG. 1, is arranged at 18 stationary at the handle 10. The internal structure and the function can be schematically with reference to FIG. 2 detect. In the housing interior 23 of the switch 25 is a button 20 in one Guide 24 liftable. In the switch interior 23 is at least one movable contact 21, which is mitbeweglich with the button 20, and further at least one resting contact 22 assigned to it. The push-button 20 is two End stops 26, 27 assigned, which determine two end positions of the probe 20, those shown in Figs. 2 and 4 on the one hand and Fig. 3 on the other hand and with the Guides 20.1 and 20.2 are marked. The button 20 is under the Effect of a spring load 28, which strives to the button 20 on the outside End stop 26 to position. This is in Fig. 2 and, in solid lines, in Fig. 4 can be seen. Then the button is in its extended position 20.1.

In the Ausfahrlage 20.1 is a first switching position of the associated contacts 21, 22 in the switch 25 before. The contacts 21, 22 are via electrical and / or mechanical control means connected to a closure. In the present Embodiment, the contacts 21, 22 are opened in Fig. 2, because of the movable contact 21 in its designated in Fig. 2 with 21.1 OFF position located. In the off position 21.1 of Fig. 2 is not on the closure acted; the closure remains in its given position, e.g. its Locking position.

In Fig. 3, the other switching position is shown. Now the button is 27 in his other, already mentioned situation 20.2, which by an inner End stop 27 is determined. Now, the movable contact 21 contacts the resting contact 22. There is now the closed position of the contacts 21, 22, what by the auxiliary line 21.2 of the movable contact 21 in Fig. 3rd is illustrated. Now the control means on the shutter acted, which is then reversed, e.g. in a release position of Closure.

For reversing the switch 25 so a defined switching stroke 29 as shown in FIG. 2 required. Because in the present case, the contacts 21, 22 - without a Intermediate translation - in the ratio 1: 1 from that in Fig. 3 by a movement arrow 42 illustrated hub are acted upon, is in the Fig. 2 to 4 marked stroke 40 from the button 20 the switching stroke 29 of the Contacts 21, 22 same. The lifting movement 42 of the button 20 must be against the Effect of the spring load 28 exercised. Leaves the pressure on the Button 20 after, the spring load 28, the button 20 back in his Exit position 20.1 back.

It may be associated with the switch 25, an intermediate member, to which the Handle 10 for the purpose of actuating the button 20 acts. In the present case such intermediate member consists of a leaf spring 44, at 41 on the housing 43 of the switch 25 is fixed and the spring end engages over the button 20. The leaf spring 44 can in the idle state at the operating end of the button 20th abut, but exercises, by itself, no lifting movement 42 of FIG. 3 on the Button 20 off. The leaf spring 44 rather serves as a transmission means for from the Handle 10 outgoing operations that in the invention via a special pressure pin 30 done.

In the present case, the handle 10 does not have a transmission with one of 1: 1 deviating transmission ratio, but by means of the aforementioned Pressure pin 30 directly on the leaf spring 44 and thus on the button 20 a. The actuating pin 30 is in fact on a special connection 34 at the Rear 19 of the handle 10 attached. To this connection 34 belongs to the rear 19 seated body 35, the elastomeric material 36 is formed and therefore hereinafter "elastomer body" should be referred to. The elastomeric body 35 has a bore 37 which is in the clamping fit the end of the Pressure pin 30 receives. This pin end is preferably with a Provided circumferential profile 38, which engages in the bore 37 frictionally. As a pressure pin 30, a screw can be used, the external thread then generates the perimeter profile 38.

The bore 37 in the elastomeric body 35, however, remains substantially not profiled, in particular it does not have one with the screw thread of the Pressure pin 30 cooperating internal thread. The elastomeric material 36 exercises Rather, an elastically yielding, radially acting on the pressure pin 30 Clamping force off. The bore 37 thus serves as a receptacle for the pressure pin 30, which is frictionally positionable there, but - at least before one First operation of the handle 10 - in by a sufficiently large force 48th this receptacle 37 is axially displaceable, as will be described in more detail becomes.

Of the elastomer body 35 in Fig. 2 bearing portion 45 of the handle can as Be referred to as "pressure outlet" of the handle. The pressure outlet 45 is thus in present case simply the back 19 of the handle. Therefore, the above said actuating path 17 of the handle 10 of the associated route of itself resulting from FIG. 3 by the movement arrow 39 clarified Longitudinal movement of the pressure pin 30 is the same. It is the already mentioned Gear ratio 1: 1 before. Therefore, the pressure member 30 has in the present Case a matching with the actuating path 17 Längsbewegungsweg 47 as shown, could be between the handle 10 and their pressure outlet 45 are a transmission, which is another Translation ratio brings. This ratio would then the Actuation 17 of the handle in a correspondingly different Convert longitudinal motion path 47. All this does not change anything in the Operation of the invention, which proceeds in the following manner.

The actuation path 17 of the pressure outlet 45 is greater, at most equal to the previously described stroke 40 of the probe 20 is formed. Only in this way is it safe to that the actuator 15 of the handle 10 actually the required Switching stroke 29 in the switch 25 causes. Fig. 2 shows' the initial state of Components after their assembly. Based on the above-described pressure outlet 45 the pressure pin 30 protrudes first with a length 31 which is larger than the one mentioned Längsbewegungsweg 47 of FIG. 4 for reversing the switch 25th requires. This length 31 in the initial state of Fig. 2 is intended as the "actual length" of Pressure pin 30 are designated.

Fig. 4 shows the final state of the actuator according to the invention, where the pressure pin 30 with respect to the described pressure outlet 45 of the handle 10 a defined, designated 32 designated length. Because, as already mentioned was, the Längsbewegungsweg 47 from the pressure pin 30, here the Actuating path 17 corresponds to the handle 10, greater than the stroke 40 of the 20 is normally located between the adjusted pressure pin 30 and the button 20 covered with the leaf spring 44 has a defined free gap 46, which is substantially equal to the difference between the actuation path 17 the pressure outlet 45 and the stroke 40 of the probe 20. It is therefore important on, the pressure pin 30 from its local to large actual length 31 to that of FIG. 4th adjustable set length 32 einjustieren. That had to be in the state of the art in following cumbersome way.

As mentioned above, in the prior art, the screw was used trained pressure pin 30 in a threaded receptacle in the area of previously described pressure outlet 45 screwed. For adjustment of the Screw length on the above-described setpoint 32 therefore had the Screw 30 be screwed back accordingly. This is a tedious time-consuming process. On top of that, the gap between the actuating effective end of the screw and the button 20 and the him associated leaf spring 44 is very small, which is the rotation of the screw in the Threading difficult. Whether after several turnbuckles in the state of Technique the correct target length 32 of the screw was reached, had to be tried become. For this you had to the outputs of the switch 25 with appropriate contact electrical displays. The invention solves this adjustment work on very Elegant convenient way, as illustrated by Fig. 3.

3, a first pressure actuation 15 is exerted on the handle 10, whereby in Fig. 3, the handle of her dash-dotted line indicated Resting position transferred to the extended drawn working position 10.2 has been. The pressure outlet 45 at the back of the handle 10 has so (because of the mentioned 1: 1 transfer) to the already mentioned several times Actuation 17 moves. In Fig. 2 but are also apparent from Fig. 4 Ideal conditions illustrated by dash-dotted lines. Only the one in Fig. 2 is needed also drawn desired length 32 already mentioned, but indicates the given Actual length 31 on the other hand with 33 in Fig. 2 clarified excess length. The actuation-effective end of the pressure pin 30, which determines the actual length 31, is in Fig. 2 in a marked with the auxiliary line 30.1 too high Starting position. In the aforementioned first pressing operation 15 of the handle 10th takes the 30.1 too far projecting end of the push pin 30 prematurely over the Leaf spring 44 with the button 20, so that this apparent from that of Fig. 3 inner end stop 27 already before reaching the final working position 10.2 the handle 10 comes to rest. This will be in the final phase on the Actuating path 17 via the resting at the stop 27 button 20 a through the Force arrow 48 in Fig. 3 illustrated actuating force exerted on the pressure pin 30.

This force 48 overcomes the between the recording 37 and her Reference 30 existing frictional engagement and causes the pressure pin in axially retracts its receptacle 37 in the direction of the arrow 50.

This axial displacement 50 ends when the restoring force 48 ends. This is of course, then the case when the pressure pin 30 against the pressure outlet 45th the handle 10 takes exactly the required nominal length 32. Then it is itself, as shown in FIG. 3, the actuating effective pin end in the ideal, through the Auxiliary line 30.2 in Fig. 3 illustrated end position. At this axial displacement 50 slips the circumferential profile of the pressure pin 30 under appropriate elastic radial deformation in the receptacle 27.

The then acting in the final state 30.2 radial clamping force, the Elastomer body 35 exerts on the pressure pin 30, extends from the pressure pin 30th to fix in this ideal desired length 32. After completion of the print operation 15, when the handle 10 has again reached its rest position 10.1 of FIG. 4, the set length 32 remains fixed. It also remains when the handle is attached a later operation again in their dash-dotted lines in Fig. 4 indicated Working position 10.2 is actuated. The force acting on the button 20 restoring force its spring load 28 is not enough to cover the existing one Clamping action of the elastomeric body 35 to overcome the pressure pin 30. Around but to ensure a fixation of the nominal length 32 under all circumstances one could in the initial state of Fig. 2 adhesive in the bore 37th bring, then after completion of the apparent in Fig. 3 adjustment harden and thereby permanently secure the desired length 32 in each case.

Instead of a lifting movement 42, the button 20 could also be another movement between its two layers 20.1 and 20.2, e.g. a Pivoting movement.

While in the first embodiment of Fig. 1 to 4 of the elastomer body 45th sits on the pressure outlet 45 of the handle 10 and then there the pressure pin 30th is positioned in the second embodiment of Fig. 5 is a mirror image Arrangement provided. To denote analog components in Fig. 5 are the the same reference numerals as used in Fig. 1, why in this respect the previous Description applies. It is sufficient here only to enter into the differences.

The deviation from the first embodiment is that in Fig. 5 is an analog pressure pin 49 axially fixed to the button 20 'is connected. The Also here with peripheral profiles 38 'equipped end engages in a bore of a with it frictionally connected elastomer body 35 'a. In this second Embodiment is therefore the pressure pin 49 and its associated Elastomer body 35 'structurally connected to the switch 25. The at the Pressure outlet 45 on the back 19 of the handle 10 is thus free.

Upon actuation of the handle 10 so the pressure outlet 45 'abuts him facing end 51 of the elastomeric body 35 ', which on the one hand in analog Way the adjustment of Fig. 3 is possible. In the analog adjustment process In FIG. 5, the pressure outlet 45 'of FIG. 10 encounters the free end 51 of FIG Elastomer body 35 ', which then acts as a "counter pressure point". In this Case is then the elastomeric body 35 with respect to the with the button 20th connected pressure pin 49 as far as axially displaced, until here, too previously defined gap 46 'between 51 and 45' is present.

List of reference numbers:

10

Handle, company emblem

10.1

Rest position of 10 (FIGS. 2, 4)

10.2

Working position of 10 (Fig. 3)

11

Attachment point of 10

12

first jetty of 10

13

second bridge of 10

14

Show side of 10

15

Force Arrow of the Push Operation of FIG. 10 (FIGS. 1, 3)

17

Distance between 10.1, 10.2, actuation path (Fig. 2)

18

Fixing of 25

19

Back of 10

20

Button (Fig. 1 to 4)

20 '

Button (Fig. 5)

20.1

Extension position of 20 (FIGS. 2, 4)

20.2

Insertion position of 20 (FIG. 3)

21

moving contact

21.1

OFF position of 21 (FIG. 2)

21.2

Switch-on position of 21 (FIG. 3)

22

dormant contact

23

Housing interior, switch interior

24

Leadership for 20 in 23

25

switch

26

outer limit stop from 20 in 25 (Figure 2)

27

inner limit stop from 20 in 25 (Fig. 2)

28

Spring load of 20 (Figure 2)

29

Switching stroke of 21 between 21.1 and 21.2 (Fig. 2), stroke

30

Pressure pin, screw

30.1

Initial position of 30 (Figure 2)

30.2

End position of 30 (FIGS. 3, 4)

31

Length of 30 (Figure 2)

32

Target length of 30 (FIGS. 2, 3, 4)

33

Overlength of 30 (Figure 2)

34

Connection between 30, 35 (FIG. 2)

35

Body, Elastomer Body (Figs. 2 to 4)

35 '

Elastomer body (Fig. 5)

36

elastomeric material of 35 (Figure 2)

37

Pickup for 30, hole in 35 (Fig. 2)

38

Perimeter profile of 30 (Figures 2 to 4)

38 '

Perimeter profile of 49 (Figure 5)

39

Longitudinal movement of 30 (Figure 3)

40

Stroke of 20 (FIGS. 3, 4)

41

Attachment of 19 (Figure 2)

42

Arrow of the lifting movement of 20 (FIG. 3)

43

Housing of 25 (Figure 2)

44

Leaf spring (Fig. 2)

45

Pressure outlet of 10 (Figures 2 to 4)

45 '

Pressure outlet of 10 (Fig. 5)

46

free gap between 30 and 20 (Fig. 4)

46 '

free gap between 45 'and 51 (FIG. 5)

47

Longitudinal travel of 30 (Figure 4)

48

Force Arrow of Force for 20 for 30 (FIG. 3)

49

Pressure pin (Fig. 5)

50

Axial displacement from 30 in 37 (Fig. 3)

51

free end of 35, counter pressure point

Claims (10)

1. Actuator for locks on vehicles
   having a handle (10), which upon manual actuation (15) effects longitudinal movement (39) of a pressure pin (30),
   and the pressure pin (30) via peripheral profiles (38), such as a thread, is in engagement with a receiver (37) and upon actuation (15) of the handle (10) the receiver (37) is simultaneously moved,
   having an electric switch (25), which comprises a lifting momentary-contact pushbutton (20) and acts via electrical and/or mechanical control means upon the lock,
   wherein the lifting movement (42) between an inserted position (20.2) and an extended position (20.1) of the momentary-contact pushbutton (20) is determined by end stops (26, 27) in the switch housing (43) and corresponds to two different operating positions (21.1, 21.2),
   the momentary-contact pushbutton (20) is springloaded (28) in the direction of its extended position (20.1)
   and the longitudinal movement (39) of the pressure pin (30) that arises upon actuation (15) of the handle (10) gives rise to the lifting movement (42) of the momentary-contact pushbutton (20),
   characterized in that the receiver (37) is of a radially elastic design and is pressed in a friction-locking manner against the peripheral profiles (38) of the pressure pin (30),
   that the pressure pin (30) is axially displaceable in the elastic receiver (37) by means of an axial actuating force (48), which exceeds the friction locking,
   that - prior to an initial actuation (15) of the handle (10) - the pressure pin (30) has a projecting length (33) relative to its receiver (37)
   and that - upon the initial actuation (15) of the handle (10) - the pressure pin (30) is axially pushed back (50) and fixed by the momentary-contact pushbutton (20), which in said case is supported against the end stop (27) determining its'axial inserted position (20.2), automatically at that setpoint length (32) in the receiver (37),
   in which - for future actuations (15) of the handle (10) - the path of longitudinal motion (47) of the pressure pin (30) is adapted to the preset lifting travel (29) of the momentary-contact pushbutton (20) needed for the switch reversal (21.1, 21.2).
2. Actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that a pressure point (45) forming part of the handle (10) acts via the pressure pin (30) upon the momentary-contact pushbutton (20),
   that the actuating travel (17) of the pressure point (45) is designed to be greater than/equal to the lifting travel (40) of the momentary-contact pushbutton (20),
   that - after the initial actuation (15) of the handle (10) - a defined free gap (46) is disposed between the adjusted pressure pin (30), on the one hand, and a counterpressure point associated with the pressure pin (30) for the purpose of lifting actuation (42) of the momentary-contact pushbutton (20), on the other hand,
   and that said gap (46) is substantially equal to the difference between the actuating travel (17) of the pressure point (45) and the lifting travel (40) of the momentary-contact pushbutton (20).
3. Actuator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that disposed between the pressure pin (30) and the momentary-contact pushbutton (20) is an intermediate element (44), which converts the longitudinal movement (39) of the pressure pin (30) into a lifting movement (42) of the momentary-contact pushbutton (20).
4. Actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that the intermediate element comprises a leaf spring (44), which is seated (41) on the switch housing (43) and overlaps the momentary-contact pushbutton (20).
5. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pressure pin (30) is axially aligned with the lifting travel (40) of the momentary-contact pushbutton (20).
6. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiver comprises a bore (37) in a body (35) made of elastomer material (36) (elastomer body 35).
7. Actuator according to claim 6, characterized in that the elastomer body (35) is seated on the pressure point (45) of the handle (10) and positions the pressure pin (30) on the pressure point (45).
8. Actuator according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the pressure pin (49) is axially fixed to the momentary-contact pushbutton (20') and on its free pin end carries the elastomer body (35'),
   that the pressure point (45') of the handle (10) is aligned with the elastomer body (35')
   and that the free end of the elastomer body (35') facing the pressure point (45') of the handle (10) forms the counterpressure point (51),
   which - after the initial actuation of the handle (10) - together with the pressure point (45') of the handle (10) encloses the defined gap (46').
9. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the handle (10) is a press button, which is manually actuable (15) at the right side (14) and has the pressure point (45) for the momentary-contact pushbutton (20) at the reverse side (19).
10. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the handle (10) is a diaphragm element, which is manually actuable (15) at the right side (14) and has the pressure point (45) for the momentary-contact pushbutton (20) at the reverse side (19).

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