DE10034025A1 - Height adjustment device for car seat, comprising drive unit acting on spindle and linear movable spindle nut - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) is assembled of a swivel mounted lever (8), an electric drive (2), a rotating spindle (4) and a spindle nut (5) moving along the spindle (4). The spindle (4) is provided with a spherical outer surface, matching the inner surface of the pushing element (6). The pushing element (6) and the spindle nut (5) are enveloped by a securing sleeve (7). The torque created by the forces resulting from the motion of the spindle (4) is compensated by the specific arrangement of the spindle nut (5) and the pushing element (6).

Description

The invention relates to an adjusting device for actuating an articulated lever that can be pivoted about an axis according to the preamble of claim 1.

Spindle drives for adjustment devices consist of one with a drive motor - possibly via a Worm gear - connected spindle with an external gear winch, the one with the internal thread on the spindle arranged spindle nut combs. By a suitable one  Connection of the spindle nut with the one to be adjusted The component is activated when the spindle rotates of the drive motor depending on the spindle nut the direction of rotation of the spindle in one way or another Direction moved linearly on the spindle.

When redirecting the linear movement on the spindle moving spindle nut in a circular path one with the Spindle nut connected and pivotable about an axis Articulated lever must therefore compensate for the implementation of the linear movement can be provided in the swivel movement to tension between the individual components of the Avoid adjustment device. Such a redirection of Forces from a linear movement of the spindle nut a circular path of an articulated arm pivotable about an axis bels and the resulting deflection is exemplary wise with a spindle drive for height adjustment gene required for motor vehicle seats in which the Seat shell compared to a longitudinal seat adjustment by means of one or more swivel levers raised or lowered becomes.

The balance in the redirection of forces from a linea ren movement of the spindle nut in a circular movement of a Articulated lever pivotable about an axis takes place at known devices over complex auxiliary construction for which, among other things, the complete drive unit is rotatably mounted and thus during the pivoting movement is moved.  

In other embodiments, the corresponding is done Compensation when redirecting the forces from the linear Movement of the spindle nut on the circular path one by one Axis pivotable articulated lever through one direction force flow, which increases the efficiency of the adjuster l device is reduced and also a complex auxiliary construction is required.

Another problem in the manufacture and assembly of such adjusters is that manufacturing tolerances either through high accuracy and thus through minimized a considerable effort or through elaborate Constructions must be balanced. alternative this requires an appropriate game between the individual Components of the adjustment device and thus a correspond appropriate noise development when operating the adjustment device are accepted.

The object of the present invention is an adjuster to create direction of the type mentioned at of the forces from a linear movement of the spindle nut ter of a spindle drive on a circular path one by one Axis swiveling articulated lever without tension between the components are redirected, a compensation of the ferti tolerance and assembly tolerances and thus a backlash-free System even with rough manufacturing and manufacturing tolerances zen is guaranteed, and the easy assembly ensures light and high efficiency.

This object is achieved by the features of Claim 1 solved.  

The solution according to the invention creates a backlash-free Ver adjusting device with a spindle drive, in which the Forces from a linear movement of the spindle nut a circular path of an articulated arm pivotable about an axis bels without tension between the components with high Efficiency can be redirected. At the same time, the solution according to the invention balancing the manufacturing and Assembly tolerances and thus a backlash-free system rough manufacturing and manufacturing tolerances and a easy assembly.

The solution according to the invention is based on the knowledge that that with a gimbal joint of the spindle nut ter with a thrust element, which in turn has a bolt steer with the articulated lever that can be swiveled around an axis that is, the forces from the spindle of the spindle drive be introduced into the articulated lever almost without torque can and at the same time the deflection of the articulated lever is balanced. With the cardan joint the prerequisite is also created with simple means a backlash-free system with a spindle drive with tolerance compensation in all levels of To create adjustment without this major manufacturing or assembly work required is.

In a preferred embodiment there is the cardan cal joint from a spherical outer surface of the Spindle nut and one of the spindle nut at least partially comprehensive area of the thrust element.  

This special form of a cardan joint allows the linear movement of the spindle nut in implement a deflection of the articulated lever while doing the Articulated lever at a slight angle to the axis move the spindle without causing system tension th.

In particular, the area surrounding the spindle nut is of the thrust element of the contour of the spherical outer surface adapted to the spindle nut and includes the spindle nut with surface contact.

The combination of a spherical spindle nut with one corresponding bearing shell of the thrust element allows an angle compensation in all planes, so that none Tensions occur in the system of the adjustment device can. In addition, the adjustment forces with minimal surface pressure, so that at high Lifetime of the adjustment device no special requirement changes in manufacturing and manufacturing tolerances as well as the choice of materials.

The outer surface of the spindle nut is preferably spherical mig trained and the Be range of the thrust element includes the spindle nut according to Art a ball joint with surface contact.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention Solution is characterized in that the thrust element consists of two half shells, the one at one end the spindle nut encompassing area and at her other  End have an articulation and that the half-shells at least in their area surrounding the spindle nut are connected to each other via a clamp connection.

This embodiment of the invention makes it possible to easier assembly to create a storage area where Tolerances due to the connection of the half shells by means of a clamp connection can be removed, the necessary functional play of the individual parts of the articulation bond is maintained and thus a movement of all Parts is possible.

In particular, the clamp connection by a Half shells in the area surrounding the spindle nut encompassing and with predetermined force on the half shells pressed circlip.

By pressing the half shells with the locking ring the existing manufacturing and assembly tolerances removed and as a result of the springing back of the individual Parts after pressing becomes the necessary function maintain play and thus the movement of the individual Components of the adjustment device allows.

A particularly simple one and for pressing into the Installation of a particularly suitable form of the circlip consists of a bowl-shaped design of the fuse ringes, which is used to make the clamp connection on the Half shells in the area surrounding the spindle nut can be pressed on. In one embodiment, the bowl shaped locking ring essentially axially extending  Have slots and part-cylindrical webs, which for Establish the clamp connection on the half shells in the the area surrounding the spindle nut can be pressed on.

After connecting the spherical or spherical Spindle nut with the half shells of the thrust element the locking ring designed in this way via the articulated connection moved and by bending the webs with predetermined Contact force while maintaining the requisite freedom from play and mobility of the joint parts removed.

In order to rotate the spindle nut when the To prevent the spindle from gripping the spindle nut de area of the half-shell in connection with pegs that form-fitting in openings in the half-shells for twisting of the spindle nut.

The pins are preferably in the openings of the half-barrel len until flush with the outer surface of the Half shells can be inserted and the position of the pins is in assembled condition by the at the outer ends of the Pins of the webs surrounding the half-shells Circlip secured.

This embodiment ensures security against rotation the spindle nut with simple manufacturing, according to a modular system.

To create a positive connection between the pins and the spindle nut has the spindle nut grooves for receiving me the cones on.  

Are preferably between the lower edge of the pin and the grooves of the spindle nut are provided, so that an additional rotary movement of the thrust element around the Pivot point of the spindle nut or the half shells of the thrust elements is possible. This allows manufacturing tolerances in the direction of the axis through the housing structure screwing level and due to welding tolerances of the articulated lever and the articulation can arise, balanced become.

The adjustment device according to the invention is by a Articulated connection between the articulated lever and the pusher ment completes that from a one-sided or fork shaped pin joint.

In order to optimally connect this joint with one made of half shells To combine assembled thrust element, have the half form holes in the area of the articulation Inclusion of the articulated axis that connects the articulated lever with the Thrust element connects, comprehensive spacer sleeve.

To limit the adjustment of the Ver invention The adjusting device is the spindle with an adjustment path the stop element limiting the spindle nut, so that the adjustment limit is already in the range of Force is applied.

Based on an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing The idea on which the invention is based is intended to play are explained in more detail. Show it:  

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a Verstellein direction for a seat height adjustment by means of a spindle drive.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the deflection of the linear adjustment movement of a spindle nut in a pivoting movement of an articulated lever pivotable about an axis.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the individual parts of the spindle drive;

Fig. 4 is a partial section through the adjustment device according to FIG. 1 and

Fig. 5 shows a 90 ° to the view according to Fig. 4 rotated partial section through the Ver actuator of FIG. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjusting device 1 for the height adjustment of a Fahrzeugsi tzes, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction on a seat slide ne 15 and is connected by means of a joint fitting 14 to the movable part of the seat rail 15 . To adjust the seat height, the adjusting device 1 engages on an articulated lever 8 and, via the rear axle 13, on a similar articulated lever arranged on the opposite side of the vehicle seat. The force application he follows via an articulated connection 9 , which contains an articulated axis 10 , on which the articulated lever 8 and a lever 12 connected to the rear axis 13 and a thrust element 6 are mounted.

The drive device 1 contains a drive motor 2 and a gear 3 which transmits the rotation of the motor axis to a spindle 4 of a spindle drive and which preferably consists of a worm gear with a worm and a worm wheel. The spindle 4 has an external thread which meshes with the internal thread of a spindle nut 5 arranged on the spindle 4 . If the Spindelmut ter 5 prevented from rotating with the rotating spindle 4 , the spindle nut 5, depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle 4 in one direction or the other moves linearly on the spindle 4 . This movement is transmitted via the push element 6 to the articulated connection 9 and leads to a pivoting movement of the articulated levers 8 and 12 . The spindle nut 5 is secured against rotating with the spindle 4 , among other things, by means of a retaining ring 7 , which is described in more detail below and is pushed over the push element 6 and pressed with the outer circumference of the push element 6 with a predetermined force.

The deflection of the linear movement of the spindle nut 5 on the articulated lever 8 , 12 moving on a circular path about the axis 13 is illustrated in FIG. 2.

The meshing with the external thread of the rotating spindle 4 internal thread of the spindle nut 5 leads to rotation of the spindle 4 and secured against rotation Spindelmut ter 5 to a longitudinal adjustment of the spindle nut 5 via an adjustment path. This adjustment path s leads due to the mounting of the articulated lever 8 on the axis 13 to a pivoting movement of the articulated lever 8 by an angle α and thus to a corresponding height adjustment of the vehicle seat.

At the same time, the pivoting movement of the articulated lever 8 about the axis 13 also leads to a displacement of the articulated axis 10 , via which the articulated lever 8 is connected to the thrust element 6 connected to the spin del nut 5 , relative to the spindle axis by an angle β.

In a first position 5 ', the hinge axis 10 is in the imaginary extension of the spindle axis, while in the two end positions 5 ", 5 ""of the spindle nut 5 , that is, in the lowest position 5 " or the top position 5 '''of the seat height adjustment, the connection between the thrust element 6 and the articulated lever 8 deviates by the angle β relative to the spindle axis 40 .

In order to avoid distortion of the components of the adjusting device, a corresponding compensation of the deflection of the thrust element 6 when deflecting the forces of the linear movement of the spindle nut 5 on the circular path of the articulated lever 8 around the axis 13 is required and is subsequently based on the exploded view explained in FIG. 3 and with reference to the longitudinal section by the spindle drive of FIG. 4 and 90 ° relative to the longitudinal section of FIG. 4 rotated section according to Fig. 5.

In Fig. 3 is a perspective view of Antriebsmo gate 2 and the drive motor 2 connected Verstellge gear 3 , which preferably consists of a worm gear, shown. The drive unit from Antriebsmo tor 2 and adjusting gear 3 is fixed to the frame of the vehicle seat. The adjustment gear 3 is connected to a part 41 of the spindle 4 and drives the spindle 4 in one or the other direction of rotation, depending on the direction of rotation of the drive motor 2 .

The provided with an external thread 42 of the spindle 4 carries a spindle nut 5, the inner thread 50 is meshed with the male thread 42 of the spindle 4, so that in consequence of a rotation of the nut 5, the spindle nut 5 in the longitudinal direction on the spindle 4 in dependence on the rotational direction the spindle 4 is adjusted linearly.

The anti-rotation of the spindle nut 5 and transmission of the linear movement of the spindle nut 5 to the articulation 9 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 takes place by means of a thrust element 6 , which consists of two half-shells 61 , 62 , which comprise the spindle nut 5 with an area 63 , 64 ,

The connection of the thrust element 6 with the articulated joint 9 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 takes place via a joint section 65 , 66 of the half-shells 61 , 62 which are provided with bores 65 , 70 for receiving the joint axis 10 . To secure the distance between the half-shells 61 , 62 , a spacer sleeve 11 is provided, which also surrounds the joint axis 10 .

The deflection of the thrust element 6 as a result of the pivoting of the articulated levers 8 , 12 about the axis 13 is compensated for by a special design of the spindle nut 5 and the regions 63 , 64 of the half-shells 61 , 62 comprising the spindle nut 5 . According to the invention, the spindle nut 5 has a spherical outer surface, preferably a spherical surface, which corresponds to a corresponding shaping of the regions 63 , 64 of the half-shells 61 , 62 comprising the spindle nut 5 . The areas 63 , 64 of the half-shells 61 , 62 lie with surface contact on the spherical or spherical outer surface of the spindle nut ter 5 . To prevent rotation, bores 67 , 68 of the areas 63 , 64 of the half-shells 61 , 62 comprising the outer surface 50 of the spindle nut 5 , pins 16 , 17 are inserted from the outside of the areas 63 , 64 , which engage in grooves 51 of the spindle nut 5 and thus the Secure the nut 5 against rotation.

The pins 16 , 17 preferably each have a pin head which is received by a corresponding recess in the bores 67 , 68 , so that the heads of the pins 16 , 17 are flush with the outer surface of the areas 63 comprising the spindle nut 5 , 64 of the half-shells 61 , 62 is given.

An indicated by arrows additional rotary movement of the thrust element 6 about the pivot point A entered in Fig. 4 is made possible by the fact that 5 spaces B, B 'are provided between the lower edge of the pin 16 , 17 and the depth of the grooves 51 of the Spindelmut ter. This allows manufacturing tolerances in the direction of the axis 13 , which can arise due to the housing structure to the screwing level and welding tolerances of the articulated lever 8 and the articulated connection 9 , can be compensated.

To secure the connection between the spindle nut 5 and the outer surface 50 of the spindle nut 5 adapted areas 63 , 64 of the half-shells 61 , 62 is a hedging ring 7 , which in the manner of a crown with a cylindrical area 70 and webs 72 with intermediate, axially extending Slits 71 is constructed. Before the assembly of the spindle 4 on the spindle 4 Si securing ring 70 is pushed over the connection of the Spindelmut ter 5 with the areas 63 , 64 of the half-shells 61 , 62 and with a corresponding tool, the webs 72 around the connection of the spindle nut 5th and areas 63 , 64 bent with a given contact pressure, so that there is a firm connection between the spindle nut 5 and half-shells 61 , 62 , but which is sufficient rotation of the spindle nut 5 within the half-shells 61 , 62 to compensate for the deflections of the thrust element 6 and of the half-shells 61 , 62 .

By pressing the locking ring 7 around the connection of the spindle nut 5 and half-shells 61 , 62 , all manufacturing and assembly tolerances are compensated for, so that both the individual components and the assembly itself can be provided with large tolerances and the fully assembled adjusting device nevertheless ensures freedom from play , By springing back of the retaining ring after pressing with a suitable pressing force, the necessary functional play between the spindle nut 5 and the half-shells 61 , 62 is maintained, so that the movement of the functional parts required to compensate for the deflection is ensured.

To limit the adjustment path of the spindle nut 5 , a stop element 18 is provided on the opposite end of the adjusting gear 3 opposite the spindle 4 , which, for example, consists of a screw fastened with a screw end at the spindle end.

In addition to the various possibilities for the surface design of the spindle nut and the corresponding design of the regions 63 , 64 of the thrust element 6 encompassing the spindle nut 5 , the solution according to the invention also allows various embodiments of the securing ring securing the connection between the spindle nut 5 and the thrust element 6 and the further transmission of force from the thrust element to Articulated lever too.

Claims (14)

1. Adjusting device for actuating an articulated lever ( 8 ) which can be pivoted about an axis ( 13 ) with a spindle drive which has a drive motor ( 2 ), a rotating spindle ( 4 ) and a spindle nut ( 5 ) which can move linearly on the spindle ( 4 ) has, in particular for height adjustment devices of motor vehicle seats, characterized in that the spindle nut ( 5 ) is connected via a cardanic articulated connection to a thrust element ( 6 ) and the thrust element ( 6 ) via a pin joint ( 9 ) to the articulated lever ( 8 ). 2. Adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cardanic joint connection from a spherical outer surface ( 50 ) of the spindle nut ter ( 5 ) and a spindle nut ( 5 ) at least partially encompassing region ( 63 , 64 ) of the pusher element ( 6 ) consists. 3. Adjusting device according to claim 2, characterized in that the spindle nut ( 5 ) comprising the area ( 63 , 64 ) of the thrust element ( 6 ) of the contour of the spherical outer surface of the spindle nut ( 5 ) is fitted and the spindle nut ( 5 ) with Area coverage includes. 4. Adjusting device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer surface ( 50 ) of the spindle nut ( 5 ) is spherical and that the spindle nut ( 5 ) encompassing the region ( 63 , 64 ) of the thrust element ( 6 ) the spindle nut ( 5 ) in the manner of a ball joint with surface contact. 5. Adjusting device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thrust element ( 6 ) consists of two half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) be, the ter the spindle nut ( 5 ) encompassing area ( 63 , 64 ) at one end and at its other end ( 65 , 66 ) have an articulated receptacle ( 69 , 70 ) and that the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) are connected to one another via a clamping connection at least on their area ( 63 , 64 ) comprising the spindle nut ( 5 ). 6. Adjusting device according to claim 5, characterized by a clamping connection effecting the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) in the area surrounding the spindle nut ( 5 ) ( 63 , 64 ) and pressing against the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) with a given force ten circlip ( 7 ). 7. Adjusting device according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking ring ( 7 ) is cup-shaped and has essentially axially extending slots ( 71 ) and part-cylindrical webs ( 72 ) which for producing the clamp connection to the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) in which the area ( 63 , 64 ) comprising the spindle nut ( 5 ) can be pressed on. 8. Adjusting device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the region of the spindle nut ( 5 ) ( 63 , 64 ) of the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) with pins ( 16 , 17 ) is connected, which form-fit in openings ( 67 , 68 ) of the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) to prevent the spindle nut ( 5 ) from rotating. 9. Adjusting device according to claim 8, characterized in that the pins ( 16 , 17 ) in the openings ( 67 , 68 ) of the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) can be inserted until flush with the outer surface of the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) and that the position of the pins ( 16 , 17 ) in the assembled state by the at the outer ends of the pins ( 16 , 17 ) adjacent webs ( 72 ) of the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) comprising securing ring ( 7 ) is secured. 10. Adjusting device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the spindle nut ( 5 ) has grooves ( 51 ) for receiving the pin ( 16 , 17 ). 11. Adjusting device according to one of claim 10, characterized in that between the lower edge of the pin ( 16 , 17 ) and the grooves ( 51 ) of the spindle nut ( 5 ) such free spaces (B, B ') are provided that an additional rotary movement of the thrust element ( 6 ) around the pivot point (A) of the spindle nut ( 5 ) or the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) of the thrust element ( 6 ) is possible. 12. Adjusting device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated connection ( 9 ) between the articulated lever ( 8 ) and the thrust element ( 6 ) consists of a one-sided or fork-shaped pin joint. 13. Adjusting device according to claim 13, characterized in that the half-shells ( 61 , 62 ) in the region of the articulated connection ( 9 ) have bores ( 69 , 70 ) for receiving a spacer sleeve ( 11 ) comprising the articulated axis ( 10 ). 14. Adjusting device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle ( 4 ) with a the adjustment of the spindle nut ter ( 5 ) limiting stop element ( 18 ) is connected.