Abstract
An actuation device for a flap mounted pivotably on a compartment, with a push-push kinematic, includes a first actuation part to be fastened on the flap and a second actuation part to be fastened on the component. The first actuation part engages with the second actuation part when the flap is moved from its opened position into its closed position, so that after a first stroke of the first actuation part in the direction of the second actuation part and a subsequent backstroke of the first actuation part, the actuation parts are held on each other in an arresting position. The arresting position is released by a second stroke of the first actuation part in the direction of the second actuation part so that the flap can be moved into its opened position, wherein the first actuation part and the second actuation part are disengaged.
Claims
1. A latch device for a flap pivotably mounted on a compartment of an automobile so as to be movable between a closed position and an opened position with a push-push kinematic, the latch device comprising a first actuation part and a second actuation part, wherein the first actuation part is to be fastened on the flap and is moved in an axial direction when the flap is moved between the closed position and the opened position, and wherein the second actuation part is to be fastened on the component, wherein the first actuation part engages with the second actuation part when the flap is moved from its opened position into its closed position, so that after a predetermined first stroke of the first actuation part in the direction of the second actuation part and a subsequent backstroke of the first actuation part, the actuation parts are held on each other in an arresting position, and wherein the arresting position is released by a predetermined second stroke of the first actuation part in the direction of the second actuation part so that the flap can be moved into its opened position, wherein the first actuation part and the second actuation part are disengaged, wherein one of the first or second actuation parts comprises a tappet with a control curve on its outer circumference and the other of the first or second actuation parts comprises a housing and a control ring mounted in the housing so as to be axially fixed and rotatable in the housing, wherein the control ring comprises at least one control projection on its inner circumference, wherein the tappet enters the control ring when the flap is moved from its opened position to its closed position, wherein the at least one control projection of the control ring engages with the control curve of the tappet so that after the predetermined first stroke and the subsequent backstroke, the tappet is held in the arresting position on the control ring, and wherein the tappet is released from the arresting position on the control ring by the predetermined second stroke, so that the flap can be moved into its opened position, wherein the tappet exits the control ring, so that the at least one control projection of the control ring and the control curve of the tappet disengage, and wherein the control curve of the tappet comprises: at least one axially parallel groove on an outside of the tappet, wherein the at least one control projection of the control ring is engageable with the at least one groove over a large axial adjusting range of the tappet, whereby the control ring keeps its rotational position in the area of the at least one groove when the tappet is moved axially, a first deflection surface between the at least one groove and a proximal end of the tappet, wherein the first deflection surface faces away from the control ring before the tappet enters the control ring, and is inclined relative to an axis of the tappet, and wherein the first deflection surface engages with the at least one control projection of the control ring and rotates the control ring about a predetermined angular value when the tappet is moved into the control ring with the predetermined first stroke, a locking reception, in a circumferential distance to the first deflection surface, faces-towards the proximal end of the tappet, wherein the locking reception receives the at least one control projection]when the tappet carries out the subsequent backstroke, whereby the tappet is held in the arresting position in the control ring after the subsequent backstroke, a second deflection surface between the locking reception and the proximal end of the tappet that is inclined to the axis of the tappet, wherein the second deflection surface engages with the at least one control projection when the tappet is moved further into the control ring by the predetermined second stroke, whereby the control ring is rotated by a predetermined second angular value and the at least one control projection is aligned with a second axial groove and the tappet is moveable into a maximum extended position.
2. The latch device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a spring unit preloaded by the first actuation part upon the predetermined first stroke, wherein the spring unit automatically effects the subsequent backstroke of the first actuation part.
3. The latch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first actuation part comprises the tappet and, the second actuation part comprises the housing and the control ring mounted in the housing so as to be axially fixed and rotatable in the housing.
4. The latch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first actuation part comprises the housing and the control ring mounted in the housing so as to be axially fixed and rotatable in the housing and, in that the second actuation part comprises the tappet.
5. The latch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tappet is surrounded on its circumference by a sealing.
6. The latch device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sealing is a bellows.
7. The latch device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tappet is elastically mounted on the sealing in an axial direction.
8. The latch device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking unit which has a locking state and an unlocking state, wherein in the locking state, releasing of the arresting position of the actuation parts is not possible and wherein in the unlocking state, releasing of the arresting position of the actuation parts is possible.
9. The latch device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the locking unit is actuated between the locking state and the unlocking state by a central locking device of an automobile.
10. The latch device as claimed in claim 8, wherein in the locking state, the locking unit impedes the predetermined second stroke of the first actuation part.
11. The latch device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the locking unit comprises a drive element and at least one locking element which is moveable by the drive element in a radial direction with respect to the axial moving direction of the first actuation part between a locking position, and an unlocking position, wherein in the locking position the locking element engages with the first actuation part or with the second actuation part and thus impedes the predetermined second stroke of the first actuation part.
12. The latch device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first-actuation part comprises a reception, and when in the locking position, the locking element engages the reception, and in the unlocking position, the locking element is retracted from the reception.
13. The latch device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the reception is provided on the outer circumference of the tappet.
14. The latch device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the reception is a reception groove.
15. A latch device for a flap pivotably mounted on a compartment of an automobile so as to be movable between a closed position and an opened position with a push-push kinematic, the latch device comprising a first actuation part and a second actuation part, wherein the first actuation part is to be fastened on the flap and is moved in an axial direction when the flap is moved between the closed position and the opened position, and wherein the second actuation part is to be fastened on the component, wherein the first actuation part engages with the second actuation part when the flap is moved from its opened position into its closed position, so that after a predetermined first stroke of the first actuation part in the direction of the second actuation part and a subsequent backstroke of the first actuation part, the actuation parts are held on each other in an arresting position, and wherein the arresting position is released by a predetermined second stroke of the first actuation part in the direction of the second actuation part so that the flap can be moved into its opened position, wherein the first actuation part and the second actuation part are disengaged, wherein one of the first or second actuation parts comprises a tappet with a control curve on its outer circumference and the other of the first or second actuation parts comprises a housing and a control ring mounted in the housing so as to be axially fixed and rotatable in the housing, wherein the control ring comprises at least one control projection on its inner circumference, wherein the tappet enters the control ring when the flap is moved from its opened position to its closed position, wherein the at least one control projection of the control ring engages with the control curve of the tappet so that after the predetermined first stroke and the subsequent backstroke, the tappet is held in the arresting position on the control ring, and wherein the tappet is released from the arresting position on the control ring by the predetermined second stroke, so that the flap can be moved into its opened position, wherein the tappet exits the control ring, so that the at least one control projection of the control ring and the control curve of the tappet disengage, and wherein the actuation part comprising the control ring further comprises a bolt which is axially mounted so as to be movable in the housing of the one of the first or second actuation parts and which is preloaded by a spring in the direction of the control ring, wherein the tappet of the other one of the first or second actuation parts pushes the bolt against the spring upon the predetermined first stroke and preloads the same thereby such that the spring automatically effects the subsequent backstroke of the first actuation part.
16. The latch device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first actuation part can be fastened on the flap by a locking connection or a bayonet connection and/or the second actuation part can be fastened on the component by a locking connection or a bayonet connection.
17. A compartment of an automobile with the flap pivotably mounted on the compartment, comprising a latch device according to claim 15.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of figures, in which, in each case schematically:
(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective exploded illustration 1 of a first actuation part of an actuation device according to the invention,
(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the first actuation part from FIG. 1 in a pre-assembled state,
(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the first actuation part from FIG. 1 in the assembled state,
(5) FIG. 4 shows a perspective exploded illustration of a second actuation part of an actuation device according to the invention as per a first exemplary embodiment,
(6) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the second actuation part from FIG. 4 in a pre-assembled state,
(7) FIG. 6 shows a perspective illustration of the second actuation part from FIG. 4 in the assembled state,
(8) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an actuation device according to the invention with the first and second actuation parts from FIGS. 1 to 6 in a first operating state,
(9) FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the actuation device from FIG. 7,
(10) FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the actuation device from FIG. 7 in a second operating state,
(11) FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a part of the actuation device from FIG. 7 in a first operating state,
(12) FIG. 11 shows the illustration of FIG. 10, in a second operating state,
(13) FIG. 12 shows the illustration of FIG. 10, in a third operating state,
(14) FIG. 13 shows a perspective exploded illustration of a second actuation part of an actuation device according to the invention as per a second exemplar embodiment,
(15) FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the second actuation part from FIG. 13 in the assembled state,
(16) FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of an actuation device according to the invention with the first actuation part from FIGS. 1 to 3 and with the second actuation part from FIGS. 13 and 14 in a first operating state in a sectional view, and
(17) FIG. 16 shows the actuation device from FIG. 15 in a second operating state in a sectional view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(18) Unless stated otherwise, the same reference numerals are used to denote identical objects in the figures. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the first actuation part 10 as per the first exemplary embodiment has a tappet 12 having a tappet head 16, which is provided with a flange 14, and having a substantially cylindrical tappet shank 18 which extends from the tappet head 16. On the outer circumference of the tappet shank 18 there is provided a control curve 20 for a push-push kinematic. The first actuation part 10 furthermore comprises an elastic sealing 22 in the form of an elastic bellows which, as can be seen in FIG. 2, is fastened on the tappet 12 so as to provide sealing, and in said state seals off the tappet shank 18 over the entire circumference thereof. FIG. 2 also shows that the tappet head 16 has two locking projections 24, 26 situated diametrically opposite one another. On the tappet shank 18 there is also formed an annularly encircling groove 74, the function of which will be explained in more detail on the basis of FIGS. 13 to 16. In particular when the tappet 12 interacts with the second actuation part 40, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the provision of the groove 74 is not imperatively necessary. The first actuation part 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is, in the exemplary embodiment shown, fastened on a flap 28, in the present case a filler-neck flap 28, only a detail of which is shown in FIG. 2 for the sake of clear illustration. The filler-neck flap 28 has a hinge arm via which the filler-neck flap 28 is pivotably mounted on a filler-neck compartment of an automobile. The filler-neck flap 28 has an opening 30 which is circular in cross section and which has openings 32, 34 which correspond to the locking projections 24, 26. As shown in FIG. 2 by the arrow 36, in the rotational position shown in FIG. 2, the first actuation part 10 is inserted with the tappet head 16 into the opening 30 of the filler-neck flap 28. The first actuation part 10 is subsequently rotated, as shown in FIG. 2 by the arrow 38. In this way, the first actuation part 10 is fastened by means of its tappet head 16 on the filler-neck flap 28 in the manner of a bayonet connection. The assembled state is shown in FIG. 3.
(19) FIG. 4 shows an exploded illustration of a second actuation part 40. Said second actuation part 40, together with the first actuation part 10 from FIGS. 1 to 3, forms an actuation device according to the invention as per a first exemplary embodiment. The second actuation part 40 has a housing, said housing having a housing body 42 which has a blind bore of circular cross section and having a housing cover 44 which is to be connected to the housing body 42 and which has a through bore likewise of circular cross section. An elastic spring 46 is arranged in the housing body 42. In the assembled state, the spring 46 is supported with one end thereof against the base, which is arranged at the bottom in FIG. 4, of the housing body 42. With its other end, the spring is supported on an underside of a flange 48 of an otherwise substantially cylindrical bolt 50. In the assembled state, a control ring 52 is provided axially fixed but rotatable between the top side of the flange 48 and a corresponding inner surface of the housing cover 44. The control ring 52 has, on its inner circumference, at least one control projection 54, in the exemplary embodiment shown a plurality of control projections 54. In the assembled state, shown in FIG. 5, of the parts of the second actuation part 40 illustrated in FIG. 4, the spring 46 in the housing body 42 is compressed, such that it preloads the bolt 50 in the direction of the upper opening of the housing cover 44. Furthermore, for the sake of a clear illustration, FIG. 5 shows only a detail of a filler-neck compartment 56 with a receiving opening 58 of circular cross section. In the example shown, two diametrically opposite locking legs 60 extend from the receiving opening 58. Said locking legs have in each case at least one locking projection 61 in the region of their free ends. The second actuation part 40 has, on the outer side of its housing body 42, locking recesses 62 assigned to the locking projections 61 of the locking legs 60. As shown by the arrow 64 in FIG. 5, the second actuation part 40 is inserted into the opening 58 of the filler-neck compartment 56, wherein locking of the locking projections 61 of the locking legs 60 in the associated locking recesses 62 of the housing body 42 occurs. The assembled state is shown in FIG. 6.
(20) Both the first and also the second actuation part 10, 40 can thus be assembled in a particularly simple manner, without additional components, by means of the provided locking and bayonet connections.
(21) The function of the actuation device according to the invention as per the first exemplary embodiment shall now be explained in more detail on the basis of FIGS. 7 to 12. Here, FIGS. 7 and 8 show a first operating state of the actuation device according to the invention having the first actuation part 10 from FIGS. 1 to 3 and the second actuation part 40 from FIGS. 4 to 6. In the operating position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the actuation device according to the invention is not arrested. The filler-neck flap 28 is situated in a partially open position in which it can be manually pivoted open into the fully open position. Here, the first actuation part 10 together with the filler-neck flap 28 moves away, upward in FIGS. 7 and 8, from the second actuation part 40 which remains fastened to the filler-neck compartment 56.
(22) It is also mentioned that FIG. 8 also shows the locking projections 61 arranged on the free end of the locking legs 60 of the filler-neck compartment 56. It can also be seen in FIG. 8 that the flange 14 of the tappet head 16 is received in an annular groove 23 of the sealing 22. Owing to the elasticity of the sealing 22, the tappet 12 is hereby mounted slightly resiliently in the axial direction.
(23) To arrest the actuation device and therefore the filler-neck flap 28 on the filler-neck compartment 56, the filler-neck flap 28 and, together with the latter, the first actuation part 10 are pushed downward from the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, such that the first actuation part 10, in particular the tappet 12, performs a substantially axial movement downward. Here, the tappet shank 18 enters into the housing of the second actuation part 40 and in particular passes through the control ring 52. As the tappet shank 18 protrudes into the housing body 42, the bolt 50 is pushed further into the housing body 42 counter to the spring force of the spring 46. Here, the sealing 22 is compressed in the axial direction, as shown in FIG. 9. Furthermore, as the tappet shank 18 enters into the housing body 42, the at least one control projection 54 of the control ring 52 engages into the control curve 20 of the tappet shank 18. After a first predetermined stroke of the tappet 12 into the housing body 42 and a subsequent backstroke of the tappet 12, the tappet 12 is arrested on the control ring 52 in an arresting position. Said arresting position is shown in FIG. 9. In said state, the first actuation part 10 and therefore also the filler-neck flap 28 are arrested on the second actuation part 40 and therefore also on the filler-neck compartment 56. Opening of the filler-neck flap 28 by the exertion of a force in the opening direction of the filler-neck flap 28 (upward in FIG. 9) is thus not possible. In fact, to release the arresting position, the tappet 12 must be pushed further into the housing body 42 with a predefined second stroke. After the release of the arresting position, the tappet 12, and with it the filler-neck flap 28, are driven by the preload of the spring 46 and moved into the position shown in FIG. 8 again, in which the filler-neck flap 28 is partially open and can be manually pivoted open fully.
(24) The function of the push-push kinematic used in the actuation device according to the invention shall now be explained on the basis of FIGS. 10 to 12. For the sake of clear illustration, only the tappet 12 and the control ring 52 are illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. 10 shows the operating position shown in FIG. 8. At this time, the tappet 12 has not yet entered the control ring 52. It can be seen that the control curve 20 of the tappet shank 18 has a plurality of axially parallel grooves 66. As the tappet shank 18 enters into the control ring 52, the at least one control projection 54 of the control ring 52 passes into an axially parallel groove 66. During the further insertion of the tappet shank 18 into the control ring 52, the control projection 54 correspondingly slides in the axially parallel groove 66, without resulting rotation of the control ring 52. Between the groove 66 and the proximal end, which is the upper end in FIG. 10 and which faces away from the control ring 52, of the tappet 12, there is provided a first deflection surface 68, which runs obliquely with respect to the axis of the tappet 12, of the control curve 20. During the course of the insertion of the tappet shank 18 into the control ring 52, and after the corresponding axial groove 66 has been run through, the deflection surface 68 interacts with the control projection 54 of the control ring 52 such that the control ring 52 is rotated by a predetermined angular value. As viewed in the circumferential direction of the tappet shank 18, a locking reception 70 of the control curve 20 is formed at a distance from the first deflection surface 68 and facing towards the proximal end, which is the upper end in FIG. 10. If the tappet 12 is released after the first predetermined stroke is performed, the tappet is driven by the spring 46 and performs a backstroke out of the housing body 42, wherein the at least one control projection 54 of the control ring 52 is received by the locking reception 70. Said state is shown in FIG. 11. In said position, the tappet 12 cannot be released from the control ring 52, and therefore from the second actuation part 40 and the filler-neck receptacle 56, by the exertion of a force in the opening direction of the flap (upward in FIG. 11). In particular, FIGS. 10 and 11 furthermore show a second deflection surface 72, which runs obliquely with respect to the axis of the tappet 12, of the control curve 20. The second deflection surface 72 is arranged between the locking reception 70 and the proximal end, which is the upper end in FIGS. 10 and 11, of the tappet 12. If the tappet 12 is moved, from the arresting position shown in FIG. 11, further into the control ring 52 with a second stroke, the second deflection surface 72 interacts with the control projection 54 of the control ring 52 such that said control ring is rotated by a predetermined second angular value and the control projection 54 is aligned with a second axial groove 66, such that the tappet 12 can be moved fully out of the control ring 52. The released state of the arresting position can be seen in FIG. 12. In said state, the filler-neck flap 28 can be manually fully opened. The described design of the control cam and the associated push-push kinematic are basically known from DE 10 2008 057 933 A1.
(25) A further exemplary embodiment of an actuation device according to the invention shall now be explained on the basis of FIGS. 13 to 15. FIGS. 13 and 14 show a second actuation part 40 as per a second exemplary embodiment which, together with the first actuation part 10 as per FIGS. 1 to 3, forms an actuation device according to the invention as per a second exemplary embodiment. The second actuation part 40 as per the second exemplary embodiment substantially corresponds in terms of function and design to the second actuation part 40 as per the first exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, however, in the second exemplary embodiment there are also provided locking means 76 which, in the example illustrated, are operatively connected to a central locking device of the automobile which has the filler-neck flap 28. In particular, the locking means 76 serve to prevent a release of the arresting position of the first and second actuation parts 10, 40 when the vehicle is locked by means of the central locking system. The function of the locking means 76 shall now be explained in more detail on the basis of the exploded illustration of FIG. 13.
(26) In FIG. 13, it can be seen that the housing 78, shown in FIG. 14, of the locking means 76 is constructed from a first housing part 80, a second housing part 82, and a housing cover 84. Here, the housing cover 84 is formed in one piece with the housing cover 44, and the housing part 80 is formed in one piece with the housing body 42 of the second actuation part 40. It can also be seen that a housing base 86 is likewise formed in one piece with the first housing part 80 and the housing body 42. In the same way as the second actuation part 40 as per the first exemplary embodiment explained above, the second actuation part 40 as per the second exemplary embodiment also has a spring 46 and a control ring 52 with at least one control projection 54 formed on the inner circumference. In the assembled state of the second actuation part 40, a bolt 50 is again arranged between the spring 46 and the control ring 52, said bolt however having a step 88 instead of a flange 48 in the second exemplary embodiment. In the assembled state, the control ring 52 is held between the step 88 and the associated inner surface of the housing cover 44. The spring 46 bears against the underside of the bolt 50.
(27) The locking means 76 furthermore comprise an electric drive means 90, in the present case an electric motor. The electric drive means 90 has, on its top side shown in FIG. 13, a gearwheel 92 with an external toothing. In the assembled state, the gearwheel 92 engages into an internal toothing of a drive worm gear 94. If the electric motor is driven, the gearwheel 92 performs a rotational movement which is transmitted via the internal toothing to the worm gear 94. The worm gear 94 is operatively connected to a fork-shaped locking element 96 of the locking means 76. A rotation of the electric motor leads, via the gearwheel 92 and the internal toothing of the drive worm gear 94, to a movement of the locking element 96 radially with respect to the axis of the housing body 42. The housing body 42 has a cutout which faces toward the first housing part 80 and through which, in the assembled state, the locking element 96 can be moved by the electric drive means 90 selectively into a locking position, in which said locking element projects into the bore of the housing body 42, or into an unlocking position, in which said locking element is retracted from the bore of the housing body 42.
(28) FIG. 15 shows the actuation device according to the invention as per the second exemplary embodiment, comprising the first actuation part 10 as per FIGS. 1 to 3 and the second actuation part as per FIGS. 13 and 14, in an operating state which corresponds to the operating state of the actuation device according to the invention as per the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8. In said state, the locking element 96 is in its unlocking position in which it is retracted from the housing body 42, and therefore has no influence on an axial movement of the tappet 12 of the first actuation part 10. In the manner explained above with regard to the first exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tappet 12 can be pushed with the predetermined first stroke into the housing body 42 from the position shown in FIG. 15. The tappet 12 subsequently again performs a return stroke, driven by the spring 46, and is arrested in the arresting position shown in FIG. 16. The function of the push-push kinematic corresponds to the function explained above with regard to FIGS. 1 to 12. The tappet 12 and therefore the first actuation part 10 can now be locked in the arresting position shown in FIG. 16 by the locking means 76. For this purpose, in the operating state shown in FIG. 16, the locking element 96 is moved into its locking position. The arrangement of the locking element 96 in the assembled state is precisely such that the locking element 96 engages into the circumferential groove 74 of the tappet 12 or of the shank 18 thereof when the tappet 12 is situated in the arresting position shown in FIG. 16. The locking element 96 then prevents an axial movement of the tappet 12. In the locking position of the locking element 96, the first actuation part 10 thus cannot be released from the arresting position. Correspondingly, in the locking position 96, the filler-neck flap 28 also cannot be opened.
(29) It is also mentioned that the locking means 76 furthermore comprises manual unlocking means in the form of straps 98 which permit manual unlocking of the locking means 76, for example if a battery of the automobile has been completely discharged.
(30) It is also mentioned that, aside from the described exemplary embodiment of a filler-neck flap pivotably mounted on a filler-neck compartment of an automobile, other applications for the actuation device according to the invention are also conceivable, as explained in the introduction. Furthermore, it is mentioned that it is also possible for the second actuation parts 40, 40 to be fastened on the flap and for the first actuation part 10 to be fastened on the component.
