DE102011120231A1 - Energy storage device pivotally attached to tailgate in motor car, has fastening elements provided at axial end of housing or piston rod, so that axial distance from housing or piston rod is variable by length compensating arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The energy storage device (20) has cylindrical housing (30) in which a piston rod (32) is axially displaceable under releasing and/or by application of forces acting in the axial direction. The fastening elements are provided at the axial end portion of the housing or at the axial end portion of the piston rod. The axial distance from the housing or piston rod is variable by rotatably operable length compensating arrangement. The length compensating arrangement is arranged on piston rod remote from the end portion of the housing.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to an energy storage device for a flap arranged pivotably on the body of a motor vehicle. In particular, the force storage device has a gas pressure spring provided with an opening limiting function.

background

Motor vehicle tailgates, but also hoods of motor vehicle bodies are typically pivotally mounted on the supporting structure of the body. In particular, to facilitate the opening of a hood or a tailgate and to keep the corresponding flap in an open position, common tailgate assemblies and hoods with an energy storage device, such as provided in the form of a gas spring.

In common tailgate arrangements, in which the tailgate is articulated approximately pivotally on a, relative to the direction of travel rear portion of the roof structure of the body, the tailgate reaches reaching their maximum open position in a lying above the roof structure of the vehicle body area. However, if the vehicle is in a relatively low-build garage or under a comparable shelter, the tailgate may strike when opening, for example, to the garage ceiling and damaged accordingly. In particular, in the case of electrically actuatable tailgate arrangements, if no suitable opening limitation is provided or configured, the tailgate can collide with the garage ceiling virtually unrestrained.

Thus exist in the prior art various opening limiting devices, such as those in the DE 10 2007 012 630 A1 are described. Thus, there is disclosed a gas spring with a jacket tube and a piston rod axially displaceable therein. In this case, a sliding guide is formed on the casing tube, in which engages a radially projecting from the piston rod bolt. The slotted guide also has in an axially central region on a Y-shaped branching, wherein one leg of the branch leads to a latching recess and the other leg, bypassing the latching recess to an axial end portion of the slotted guide. Such a mechanically implemented opening limiting device requires the comparatively complex interaction of a plurality of individual components.

The present invention is based on the object, as simple as possible, robust, inexpensive to implement and mounting technology comparatively easy and speedy to be mounted on the motor vehicle to provide force storage device. This should also be characterized by an intuitive and easy handling and by a low-maintenance and trouble-free long-term operation.

Advantageous embodiments

This object is achieved with an energy storage device according to claim 1, with a tailgate assembly according to claim 13 and with a motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

The power storage element provided in this respect is designed for a flap which can be fastened pivotably to the body of a motor vehicle, in particular for a tailgate or for a bonnet. In this case, the force storage device has a substantially cylindrical housing in which a piston rod can be displaced axially with the use and / or release of a force acting in the axial direction. Advantageously, the force storage device has a gas pressure spring, in the substantially cylindrical housing of which a piston connected to the piston rod and sealingly arranged on an inner housing wall is movable.

Here, at least one fastening element is provided on at least one free end portion of the housing and / or the piston rod, by means of which the energy storage device to the vehicle body, respectively on the pivotally mounted thereto flap can be fastened. The axial distance of the at least one fastening element to the housing and / or the piston rod is in this case variable by means of a rotatably operable length compensation arrangement.

By means of the length compensation arrangement, the length, d. H. the axial extension of the energy storage device, especially after installation on the vehicle body subsequently changed and modified as needed. The length compensation arrangement can equally influence and change the basic configuration as well as an extended configuration of the energy storage device.

For example, with the rotatably actuable length compensation arrangement, a maximum axial extent of an energy storage device located in the extended position can be changed and for the purposes of opening limitation of a flap, in particular with respect to a basic configuration are shortened. An end stop limiting the relative movement of the piston rod and the housing of the force storage element thus provides an end stop or an opening limit for the flap coupled to the motor vehicle body by means of the force storage element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the length compensation arrangement is arranged on an end portion of the housing facing away from the piston rod. Alternatively or additionally, however, the length compensation arrangement can also be arranged on an end portion of the piston rod facing away from the housing. By means of a housing provided on the length compensation arrangement, the effective length of the housing can be changed, in particular shortened. However, if the length compensation arrangement is provided on the piston rod, then it can correspondingly change, preferably shorten, its effective axial extent, wherein in the present context the axial direction substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing.

Regardless of whether the length compensation arrangement is coupled to the housing or to the piston rod, it can bring about a required change in length of the force storage device, in particular with regard to its maximum extension position.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening element is connected via the length compensation arrangement with the housing or with the piston rod. Thus, the length compensating assembly provides an axial length change between opposed fasteners coupled to the housing and to the piston rod, however, only one of the fasteners is to be coupled via the length compensating assembly to either the housing or the piston rod.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the piston rod and / or connected to it and sealingly guided in the housing in the axial direction pistons rotatably mounted in the housing. The axis of rotation of that rotational movement preferably coincides with the axial direction or with the cylinder longitudinal axis of the housing. By the rotatable receiving the piston rod in the housing can be achieved, for example, that the housing via the length compensation assembly against a fixedly connected to the body fastener for changing the relative axial position of the housing and fastener is rotatable.

Although the other end provided on the piston rod fastener is fixedly connected to the body or a hinged thereto flap, the rotatable mounting of the piston rod in the housing provides a corresponding compensation for the rotation of the housing relative to the body or against the fixed fasteners.

Thus, it can be provided according to a further embodiment, in particular, that the length compensation assembly is rotatably connected to a fastener and is rotatably in a threaded engagement with the housing or with the piston rod. The threaded engagement of the length compensation assembly and piston rod or housing is such that rotation relative to the cylinder longitudinal axis results in an axial displacement dictated by the pitch of the threaded engagement.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the length compensation arrangement has a sleeve provided with an internal thread, which can be screwed onto an end portion of the housing facing away from the piston rod and provided with a corresponding external thread. The axial length of the mutually corresponding threads, internal threads of the sleeve and external threads of the end portion of the housing provide a maximum axial displacement of the sleeve and housing. By means of such or other types of threaded engagement, a stepless change in the axial extent of the energy storage device can be achieved, for example, when the tailgate of the motor vehicle is opened in accordance with the predetermined external conditions by the end user comparatively simple, speedy and intuitive and infinitely adjustable.

In a modification thereof, it can further be provided that the length compensation arrangement has a threaded bolt provided with an external thread, which can be screwed into a threaded shaft provided with a corresponding internal thread. The threaded shaft is in this case preferably located on an end portion of the piston rod receiving, substantially cylindrical housing facing away from the piston rod. By the bolt or the housing end portion receiving sleeve fixed, in particular rotatably connected to a fastener, can be made by an over the mutually corresponding threaded portions to be achieved twisting of bolt or sleeve with the housing corresponding to the pitch of the thread axial length adjustment of the force storage device ,

The rotational movement of the housing relative to the screw bolt or relative to the housing enclosing the housing at least partially, is also made possible by the rotatable mounting of the piston rod in the housing. Alternatively or additionally, however, it would also be conceivable to fasten a fastening element provided on the piston rod rotatably thereto.

According to a further embodiment, it can further be provided that the length compensating arrangement comprises a housing accommodating the housing at least partially in the axial direction, which engages over a slot extending in the axial direction with a sliding block slidably mounted on the housing in the direction of rotation or circumferential direction. The sliding block is preferably axially fixed relative to the housing, so that a rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the housing leads to a relative displacement of the sliding block and slot in the axial direction. The interlocking engagement of the sliding block and slot may provide a limit to the length compensation arrangement and also indicate to the end user the instantaneous configuration of the force storage device.

According to a development thereof, the sliding block is arranged in a circumferential direction of rotation groove of a rotatably coupled to the housing extension, which is preferably completely enclosed by the sleeve. By the sleeve in particular encloses the radially outwardly open and circumferential groove of the extension, it prevents falling out of the sliding block out of the groove and provides a corresponding positive guidance of the sliding block in the same.

Advantageously, it is further provided that the sleeve is rotatably connected to a projecting into the interior of the sleeve bolt, which is screwed into a threaded shank of the extension. The threaded shank of the extension is preferably accessible from an end section of the housing facing away from the free end of the piston rod, in particular from its end face.

By the sleeve rotatably connected to the bolt and the bolt is screwed into the threaded shaft provided at the free end of the extension, the axial position of the sleeve can be changed relative to the housing. However, by the slot of the sleeve passing through the sliding block is fixed in the axial direction on the extension or on the housing, the axial relative displacement of sleeve and fastener relative to the housing, for example, be read on a provided along the slot scale.

Finally, according to a development of the slot engaged with and axially fixed to the extension nut block an axial displacement of the sleeve and housing. Thus, the mutual and radial engagement of slot nut and slot prevent a disassembly of the length compensation assembly. As soon as the sliding block comes into abutment at one end of the oblong hole, a further relative axial movement of the sleeve and the fastening element connected thereto beyond that stop position can be effectively prevented with respect to the housing of the force accumulator device. A mutual axial stop of sliding block and slot thus characterizes the minimum as well as the maximum axial extension of the length-compensating arrangement of variable length designed force storage device.

According to a further independent aspect, a tailgate assembly is further provided for a motor vehicle, which has a tailgate pivotally arranged on a rear opening of a motor vehicle body having spaced from its pivot axis at least one flap and the body mutually coupling, previously described force storage device. The articulation point or the fastening element of the force storage device, which is fastened to the pivotally mounted flap, is preferably located closer to the pivot axis of the flap than at the free end of the flap, so that a change in length of the force storing device in the range of a few millimeters or centimeters corresponds to the geometric lever ratios Changing the opening position of the tailgate, in the centimeter or decimeter range provides.

According to a further independent aspect, a motor vehicle is further provided, which has a previously described tailgate arrangement and / or at least one previously described force storage element.

Brief description of the figures

Other objects, features and applications are explained in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Hereby show:

1 a schematic side view of an open tailgate of a motor vehicle,

2 a schematic representation of an energy storage device according to a first embodiment,

3 a schematic representation of an energy storage device according to a second embodiment,

4 a sectional view of another force storage device and

5 a side view of in 4 shown in cross section power storage device.

Detailed description

This in 1 shown motor vehicle 10 has a tailgate assembly 22 on which a tailgate 18 and an energy storage device 20 to open and close it. The tailgate 18 is at one behind the rear wheel 12 lying area of a stern 16 at one in the roof structure 14 lying pivot axis 21 stored. In the 1 Tailgate shown in its maximum open position 18 protrudes into one above the roof structure 14 lying area. Depending on the location of the vehicle 10 can the tailgate 18 In this case, for example, abut obstacles, such as a garage ceiling or the like, and there experience a corresponding damage.

The tailgate gives in the in 1 opening position shown a cargo space 17 at the stern 16 of the motor vehicle 10 free. It is also via a typically designed as a gas spring force storage device 20 with a stern column 24 of the motor vehicle 10 connected. The energy storage device 20 can in particular a the opening movement of the tailgate 18 supportive as well as the flap 18 in the open position holding force 26 provide.

When closing the tailgate 18 in a not explicitly shown here closed state is in the 2 to 5 slightly more detailed piston rod shown 32 the energy storage device 20 with the expenditure of a force 28 in a substantially cylindrical housing 30 the energy storage device 20 pushed.

The in the 2 to 5 In various embodiments, shown power storage device 20 has a substantially cylindrical housing 30 and a piston rod 32 on, with one in the case 30 in the axial direction 27 sliding piston 34 connected is. At a free and the housing 30 opposite end portion 33 the piston rod 32 is a fastener 36 provided by means of which the force storage device 20 for example, on the tailgate 18 is fastened. Other ends is at an opposite end portion 31 of the housing 30 another fastener 40 provided by means of which the force storage device at an opening boundary, such as a rear pillar 24 the body of the motor vehicle 10 is fastened. In the present embodiment, the fastening elements 36 . 40 in each case one passage opening 38 . 42 on, for example, a screw the power storage device with the tailgate 18 as well as with the rear pillar 24 enable.

In the 2 isolated and only schematically illustrated force storage device 20 has a length compensation arrangement 41 on, by means of which the extension of the force storage device 20 in the axial direction 72 can be variably and steplessly changed. The length compensation arrangement 41 here has a with the body-side fastener 40 connected sleeve 44 on, which has an internal thread 48 with a threaded section 46 of the housing 30 in threaded engagement. A twisting of the sleeve 44 relative to the housing 30 allows axial displacement between the fastener 40 and the housing 30 , respectively between fastener 40 and the opposite fastener 36 , For example, the sleeve 44 until reaching an end stop on the end section 31 of the housing 30 screwed, so may be an axially shortened configuration of the energy storage element 20 be achieved, which with an opening limit of the tailgate 18 accompanied.

Because the sleeve 44 preferably rotatably with the body-side fastener 40 For changing the opening limit, the cylindrical housing can be connected 30 opposite the rotatably mounted on the body sleeve 44 twisted or screwed. If also rotatably with the opposite fastener 36 connected piston rod 32 preferably around the cylinder longitudinal axis of the housing 30 rotatable in the housing 30 is stored, can also be the piston rod 32 rotatably on the tailgate 18 be attached.

Another length compensation arrangement 51 is also in 3 shown, further wherein in the housing 30 sliding piston 34 is shown schematically. The in 3 shown piston 34 is near an end stop. The interior of the housing 30 in which the piston 34 in the axial direction 72 is displaceable, is further by a seal 58 to the end section 51 of the housing 30 demarcated. On one of the piston rod 32 opposite end portion 31 of the housing 30 provided extension 56 is a threaded shaft 55 with an internal thread 54 formed, in which one with a corresponding external thread 52 provided bolt 50 can be screwed.

At his the housing 30 remote end portion has the bolt 50 that with a through hole 42 provided fastener 40 on.

An axial length compensation between the fastener 40 and the housing 30 can by screwing in and unscrewing the bolt 50 in the threaded shaft 55 of the end section 31 of the housing 30 forming extension 56 to be provided.

In the embodiment according to 3 is different from the embodiment according to 2 no over the outer circumference of the housing 30 extending sleeve 44 required so that the in 3 shown force storage device 20 in comparison to the configuration according to 2 has a smaller footprint.

In the 4 and 5 Finally, another embodiment of the energy storage device 20 shown which on one of the piston rod 32 remote end portion of the housing 30 one with the housing 30 firmly connected extension 56 having. The extension 56 is similar to the embodiment according to FIG 3 with a centric threaded shaft 55 provided, in which one with a fastener 40 connected bolt 50 can be screwed in variably. The one with the case 30 connected extension 56 also has a circumferential, radially outwardly open groove 62 on, in which a sliding block 64 in the circumferential direction 70 slidably guided.

Furthermore, the fastening element 40 or the bolt 50 with a sleeve 60 connected to one in 5 shown, substantially in the axial direction 72 extending slot 66 having. The nut 64 stands with the slot 66 engaged and thereby an axial displacement of sleeve 60 and housing 30 limit relative to each other. At the in 5 shown outside of the sleeve 60 is along the long hole 66 a scale 68 provided, depending on the axial position of the sliding block 64 the maximum extension and thus the maximum opening position of the tailgate 18 indicates and this shows the end user accordingly.

The at the opposite end portions of the energy storage device 20 provided fasteners 40 . 36 are preferred with the tailgate 18 and bolt to the vehicle body.

Is the tailgate 18 in a for example in 1 shown opening position, the housing 30 approximately in the circumferential direction 70 opposite the piston rod 32 as well as towards the sleeve 60 and the associated bolt 50 in the circumferential direction 70 to be twisted. A corresponding rotation has the consequence that the rotationally fixed to the housing 30 connected extension 56 either continue on the bolt 50 screwed or unscrewed from this. Any rotational movement has due to the threaded engagement of bolts 50 and extension 56 an axial displacement of bolts 50 and extension 56 result.

According to the axial displacement of extension 56 and bolts 50 also changes the axial position of the screw with the bolt 50 connected sleeve 60 and the axially on the extension 56 fixed sliding block 64 , Will the bolt 50 for example, from the threaded shaft 55 unscrewed, this causes the slot 66 in the illustration according to 5 moves upward, causing the axial extent of the energy storage device 20 is extended in total.

So that in the 4 and 5 illustrated length compensation arrangement 61 as well as in the 2 and 3 shown length compensation arrangements 41 . 51 a shortening of the energy storage device 20 can provide for the arrangement of the energy storage device 20 , which is typically designed as a gas spring, to provide that in the cylindrical housing 30 guided pistons 34 with reaching a closed position of the tailgate 18 not yet an end stop position of the force storage device 20 reached. So is a zero position of the piston 34 with closed tailgate 18 to choose such that the tailgate 18 even at maximum length change of the energy storage device 20 properly opens and closes.

The illustrated embodiments show only possible embodiment of the invention to which further numerous variants are conceivable and within the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments shown are in no way to be construed as limiting the scope, applicability or configuration possibilities of the invention. The present description merely shows the person skilled in the art a possible implementation of an exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Thus, the most varied modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of elements described without departing from the scope of protection or its equivalents as defined by the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

motor vehicle

12

rear wheel

14

roof structure

16

Rear

17

hold

18

tailgate

20

Power storage device

21

swivel axis

22

Hatch structure

24

rear pillar

26

force

28

force

30

casing

31

end

32

piston rod

33

end

34

piston

36

fastener

38

Through opening

40

fastener

42

Through opening

44

shell

46

threaded portion

48

threaded portion

50

bolts

52

thread

54

thread

55

threaded shaft

56

extension

58

poetry

60

shell

62

groove

64

sliding block

66

Long hole

68

scale

70

circumferentially

72

axially

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007012630 A1 [0004]

Claims (14)

Power storage device for a flap fastened to the body of a motor vehicle (US Pat. 18 ), with a substantially cylindrical housing ( 30 ), in which a piston rod ( 32 ) with release and / or by using an axial direction ( 72 ) acting force ( 26 . 28 ) is axially displaceable, wherein at least one axial end portion ( 31 ) of the housing or at an axial end portion ( 33 ) of the piston rod ( 32 ) at least one fastening element ( 36 . 40 ) is provided whose axial distance to the housing ( 30 ) or to the piston rod ( 32 ) by means of a rotatably operable length compensation arrangement ( 41 ; 51 ; 61 ) is changeable. A force storage device according to claim 1, wherein the length compensation arrangement ( 41 ; 51 ; 61 ) on one of the piston rod ( 32 ) facing away end portion ( 31 ) of the housing ( 30 ) is arranged. Power storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the length compensation arrangement on a housing ( 30 ) facing away end portion ( 33 ) of the piston rod ( 32 ) is arranged. Power storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element ( 36 . 40 ) via the length compensation arrangement ( 41 ; 51 ; 61 ) with the housing ( 30 ) or with the piston rod ( 32 ) connected is. Power storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston rod ( 32 ) rotatable in the housing ( 30 ) is stored. Force storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the length compensation arrangement ( 41 ; 51 ; 61 ) with a fastening element ( 36 . 40 ) rotatably connected and with the housing ( 30 ) or with the piston rod ( 32 ) is rotatably in a threaded engagement. Force storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the length compensation arrangement ( 41 ) one with an internal thread ( 48 ) provided sleeve ( 44 ), which on one of the piston rod ( 32 ) facing away and with a corresponding external thread ( 46 ) provided end portion ( 31 ) of the housing ( 30 ) can be screwed on. Power storage device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the length compensation arrangement ( 51 ) one with an external thread ( 52 ) provided bolt ( 50 ), which in one with a corresponding internal thread ( 54 ) provided threaded shaft ( 50 ) on one of the piston rod ( 32 ) facing away end portion ( 31 ) of the housing ( 30 ) can be screwed. Force storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the length compensation arrangement ( 61 ) a the housing ( 30 ) at least in regions in the axial direction ( 72 ) receiving sleeve ( 60 ) which extends over an axial direction ( 72 ) extending slot ( 66 ) with one in the direction of rotation ( 70 ) displaceable on the housing ( 30 ) mounted sliding block ( 64 ) is engaged. Power storage device according to claim 9, wherein the sliding block ( 64 ) in a circumferential direction ( 70 ) circumferential groove ( 62 ) of a rotationally fixed to the housing ( 30 ) coupled extension ( 56 ), which completely from the sleeve ( 60 ) is enclosed. A force storage device according to claim 10, wherein the sleeve ( 60 ) rotatably with a in the interior of the sleeve ( 60 ) projecting bolts ( 50 ), which in a threaded shaft ( 55 ) of the extension ( 56 ) can be screwed. Force storage device according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, wherein the with the slot ( 66 ) and axially on the extension ( 56 ) fixed nut ( 64 ) an axial displacement of sleeve ( 60 ) and housing ( 30 ) are limited to each other. Tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle with a tailgate pivotally mounted at a rear of the vehicle body ( 18 ), which from its pivot axis ( 21 ) spaced at least one the flap ( 18 ) and the vehicle body mutually coupling force storage device ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle with a tailgate arrangement according to claim 13 or with at least one power storage device ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

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