# US 12,214,742 B2 · Drive device having a coupling device for a vehicle flap > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,214,742 B2 - Document ID: US12214742B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/634,982 - Filed: 2024-04-14 - Published: 2024-10-24 - Granted: 2025-02-04 - Earliest claimed: 2023-04-19 - Assignees: Edscha Engineering GmbH - Applicants: Edscha Engineering GmbH - Inventors: Christian Bartschies - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12214742B2 ## CPC - B60R 21/38: using means for lifting bonnets - B62D 25/12: Parts or details thereof (locks E05B, {E05B83/16; devices for holding open E05C17/00, e.g. while carrying oversize objects E05C17/042}; hinges E05D; counterbalancing means E05F; {checks, stops, buffers E05F5/00; } springs, {e.g. pneumatic springs} F16F) - B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M) ## Abstract A drive device for a pivotable vehicle flap includes a flap part associated with the vehicle flap, a body part associated with a vehicle body and a hinge arrangement which hingedly connects the flap part and the body part, the hinge arrangement allowing the flap part to be pivoted about a first axis of rotation for opening and closing the vehicle flap and about a second axis of rotation for raising the vehicle flap into a pedestrian protection position. The device drive also includes a first actuator for opening and closing the vehicle flap during normal operation, a second actuator for raising the vehicle flap into a pedestrian protection position and a coupling device for coupling the first actuator to one of the flap part and the vehicle flap. The coupling device includes a fastening part and a first coupling element coupled to the first actuator. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A drive device for a pivotable vehicle flap comprising: a flap part associated with the vehicle flap; a body part associated with a vehicle body; a hinge arrangement which hingedly connects the flap part and the body part, the hinge arrangement allowing the flap part to be pivoted about a first axis of rotation for opening and closing the vehicle flap and about a second axis of rotation for raising the vehicle flap into a pedestrian protection position; a first actuator for opening and closing the vehicle flap during normal operation; a second actuator for raising the vehicle flap into the pedestrian protection position; and a coupling device for coupling the first actuator to one of the flap part and the vehicle flap, comprising a fastening part which is fixedly connected to the one of the flap part and the vehicle flap and a first coupling element coupled to the first actuator, wherein the first coupling element is moveable from a locking position to a release position by moving in a translational manner relative to the fastening part, wherein it is possible for the first coupling element to rotate about a third axis of rotation relative to the fastening part in the release position. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening part comprises a holding device which locks the first coupling element in the locking position in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the fastening part. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The drive device according to claim 2, wherein the holding device comprises at least a first holding element and a second holding element, which engage around the first coupling element in the locking position. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The drive device according to claim 1, wherein a mechanical securing element secures the first coupling element in the locking position against moving in a translational manner relative to the fastening part. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The drive device according to claim 4, wherein the mechanical securing element is released when the second actuator is actuated, by breaking a predetermined breaking point, so that the first coupling element can move in a translation manner relative to the fastening part. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling element has an inner recess for guiding the first coupling element relative to the fastening part. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The drive device according to claim 6, wherein the inner recess extends longitudinally so that the first coupling element is guided at least in a first portion of its translational movement. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The drive device according to claim 6, wherein the inner recess is an elongated hole. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The drive device according to claim 6, wherein a bearing element which is fixedly arranged on the fastening part passes through the inner recess. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The drive device according to claim 9, wherein the bearing element is arranged in the locking position at a first end of the inner recess and, in the locking position, is arranged at a second end of the inner recess opposite the first end. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The drive device according to claim 10, wherein the third axis of rotation is formed by the bearing element. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The drive device according to claim 9, wherein the third axis of rotation is formed by the bearing element.