DE102011117857A1 - Spindle drive for motorized adjustment of adjustment element of motor vehicle, has dampening assembly, which is switched in drive train, where dampening container partially filled with dampening material is assigned to dampening assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The spindle drive has a tubular spindle drive housing (3) along a geometric spindle drive axis (2) and two connectors (4,5) to deflect axial drive movements. A dampening assembly is switched in a drive train, where a dampening container partially filled with dampening material is assigned to a dampening assembly. One of the connectors extends into the dampening container with a holding section, where the dampening assembly allows slight deflection of one connector against the spindle drive incidentally in the axial direction, particularly in each spatial directions. An independent claim is included for a manufacturing method for a spindle drive.

Description

The present invention relates to a spindle drive for the motorized adjustment of an adjusting element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for producing such a spindle drive according to the preamble of claim 12.

The spindle drive in question can be used for all possible adjusting elements in a motor vehicle application. Examples include a tailgate, a trunk lid, an engine hood, a side door, a cargo compartment lid, a lifting roof or the like. Of a motor vehicle.

The known spindle drive ( EP 1 862 628 A1 ), from which the invention proceeds, is used to adjust a tailgate of a motor vehicle. The spindle drive is arranged in the region of a rain gutter associated with the tailgate opening and has a two-part spindle drive housing. The two housing parts run telescopically in an adjustment of the spindle drive. The housing parts are designed correspondingly tubular.

The known spindle drive has two connections for discharging drive movements, which are in each case coupled to the drive via a connection bearing. The connections each provide a ball socket of a ball-and-socket bearing. Accordingly, the terminals have a ball socket receiving the connection head, which is mounted on a thinner relative to the terminal head connecting neck in the respective terminal storage.

The vibration and noise damping during the motor adjustment is of particular importance in terms of user comfort. The focus is on the vibration control decoupling of the spindle drive of the vehicle body and the tailgate. The interposition of conventional damping elements between the terminals and the spindle drive by the way is not practical, since such damping elements usually do not guarantee sufficient stability in case of overload, especially in an overload in the pull-out. Furthermore, no space-optimized arrangement can be realized with such damping elements.

The invention is based on the problem to design the known Spindelantreb such and further, that the guided by the spindle drive to the motor vehicle vibrations are effectively damped.

The above problem is solved in a spindle drive according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

Essential is the equipment of the drive train with a damping arrangement of very special design. In this case, the damping arrangement is associated with an at least partially filled with damping material damping box, projects into one of the terminals of the spindle drive with a holding portion. In this case, the holding portion is engaged with the damping material such that a slight deflection of the connection with respect to the spindle drive is otherwise possible under deformation of the damping material.

The design of the damping arrangement as filled with a damping material damping can, in which the holding portion of one of the terminals protrudes, on the one hand allows a largely arbitrary parameterization of the damping arrangement, in particular with regard to their stability in case of overload. Furthermore, a damping box can readily be integrated into an existing spindle drive, in particular into the spindle drive housing, so that a space-optimized arrangement can be readily realized.

The particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 4 relates to the stabilization of the damping arrangement with a deflection of the connection relative to the spindle drive, moreover, in the axial pull-out direction. For this purpose, the damping arrangement is associated with a rigid, axial securing element, which limits the deflection in the axial direction of withdrawal accordingly.

For the limitation of the deflection of the terminal, it is provided in the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 4, that the damping box has a securing element providing the cover portion with an opening for the passage of the terminal to the outside. Hereby, the fuse element can be realized in a particularly simple manner.

With a suitable design of the damping material of the connection can be embedded in the damping material. This ensures damping in all directions.

A space-optimized arrangement is the subject of claim 10, according to which the damping box is an integral part of the spindle drive housing. Due to the simple construction of the damping arrangement, integration into existing spindle drives is possible with few design changes.

According to another teaching according to claim 12, which has independent significance, a method for producing the above spindle drive is claimed.

It is essential according to this further teaching that in the damping box, a holding portion of one of the terminals is introduced and that the damping box is then filled in a casting at least partially with the damping material. The method is designed so that the damping material can meet the proposed damping function.

According to the proposed method, it is possible to adapt the desired damping arrangement exactly to the respective constructive boundary conditions. For the implementation of the proposed method, it is only necessary to provide a damping box in or on the spindle drive, which can then be filled accordingly with damping material after the holding portion of one of the terminals has been introduced into the damping box.

In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 13, the lid portion of the damping box is formed by bending over a side wall of the damping box. This can be completely dispensed with a separate cover, which is particularly advantageous from a cost point of view.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment. In the drawing shows

1 in a schematic side view of the rear area of a motor vehicle with a proposed spindle drive,

2 in a sectional side view of the upper connection region of the spindle drive according to 1a) before casting the damping box with damping material and b) after casting the damping box with damping material and

3 in a sectional side view of the upper connection region of the spindle drive according to 1 after casting the damping can with damping material in another embodiment.

The spindle drive shown in the drawing serves for the motorized adjustment of an adjusting element designed as a tailgate 1 of a motor vehicle. However, the proposed spindle drive is for all possible adjustment 1 a motor vehicle applicable. By way of example, mention may be made here of a boot lid, an engine hood, a side door, a luggage compartment flap, a lifting roof or the like of a motor vehicle.

The spindle drive points along a geometrical spindle drive axis 2 a substantially tubular spindle drive housing 3 and two connections 4 . 5 for discharging axial drive movements. The term "axial" is present always with regard to the geometric spindle drive axis 2 to understand.

The spindle drive housing 3 is here and preferably designed in two parts and consists of an upper housing part 3a and a lower housing part 3b together. The two housing parts 3a . 3b are configured tubular with a substantially circular cross-section. The two housing parts 3a . 3b run in a conventional manner in the adjustment of the spindle drive telescopically into each other. The generation of linear drive movements, via the connections 4 . 5 are discharged, goes back to a spindle drive motor, not shown, and a spindle spindle motor downstream of the spindle drive motor, also not shown, spindle. Regarding the basic structure of the spindle drive may be so far on the EP 1 862 682 A1 referred to by the Applicant, the content of which is hereby incorporated in full to the subject of this application.

It is essential now that in the powertrain 6 a damping arrangement 7 is switched, which at least partly with damping material 8th filled damping box 9 assigned. The damping arrangement 7 is arranged in the illustrated and so far preferred embodiment end of the spindle drive. Here and preferably, the damping box 9 completely with damping material 8th filled.

The term "damping box" is to be understood in the present case. These include volume defining arrangements which are suitable damping material 8th take. Here and preferably, the damping box 9 equipped with flat walls. In principle, it can also be provided that the damping box 9 in the above sense composed only of a frame structure.

The damping box 9 can also take any forms. Here and preferably shows the damping box 9 a substantially cylindrical cross-section, wherein the cylinder axis preferably on the spindle drive axis 2 is aligned.

Also with regard to the material of the damping box 9 are different configurations conceivable. Preferably, there is the damping box 9 from a metal material. It is also conceivable, the damping box 9 to design from a plastic.

It can be according to the representation 2 B) in the finished state, the relevant connection 4 with a holding section 10 in the damping box 9 , in particular in the damping material 8th , protrudes. This has the effect of having the damping arrangement 7 Overall, a slight deflection of the connection 4 with respect to the spindle drive, moreover, with deformation of the damping material 8th allowed.

In the following, there is always talk of just one connection 4 to which a damping arrangement 7 assigned. In principle, it is conceivable that the other connection 5 equipped with a corresponding damping arrangement. All versions for one connection 4 apply to the other connection 5 corresponding.

Due to the fact that the damping arrangement 7 a slight deflection of the connection 4 with respect to the spindle drive, moreover, with deformation of the damping material 8th allowed, is an attenuation of the vibrations generated by the spindle drive with regard to their forwarding via the terminal 4 possible. This is especially the case when it comes to the damping material 8th is a yet to be explained, elastic damping material. With the proposed damping arrangement 7 can be in a particularly simple way a vibration control decoupling between the connection 4 and realize the spindle drive by the way.

The degrees of freedom of the proposed deflectability of the connection 4 can vary depending on the design constraints. In a preferred embodiment, the damping arrangement allows 7 a slight deflection of the connection 4 in any case in the axial direction relative to the spindle drive. Basically, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, a slight deflectability of the terminal 4 be provided in all directions in relation to the spindle drive, moreover.

In the illustrated and so far preferred embodiments is not only an above, linear deflectability, but also a pivot-deflectability of the terminal 4 provided around all spatial directions. It is conceivable, however, that the deflectability is provided at least one spatial direction and in particular at least about a pivot axis transverse to the spindle drive axis.

Of particular importance in the present case is the fact that the damping arrangement 7 shows no mechanical instability even with overload in the axial pull-out direction. This is the damping arrangement 7 with a rigid, axial securing element 11 equipped that the deflection of the connection 4 with respect to the spindle drive, moreover, in the axial withdrawal direction 12 limited. For this purpose, in an especially preferred embodiment, an undercut between the holding portion 10 and the fuse element 11 relative to the axial withdrawal direction 12 intended.

Constructively, the above undercut can be realized most simply by the fact that the damping box 9 a the fuse element 11 providing cover section 13 with an opening 14 for the implementation of the connection 4 towards the outside. In the lid section 13 it may, as exemplified in the drawing, act as a screw cap, which on the spindle drive housing 3 otherwise screwed on. In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, it is the case that the lid section 13 from to be explained, bent side walls 15 the damping box 9 is formed ( 3 ).

With the proposed solution can be easily ensure that in the finished state any driving forces on the damping material 8th run and a certain compression or decompression of the damping material 8th cause. Here and preferably, it is such that in normal operation of the connection 4 exclusively via the damping material 8th Incidentally, it is coupled with the spindle drive. In detail, it is even so that the connection 4 in normal operation free from the walls of the damping box 9 is arranged. This can ensure that a certain deflection of the connection 4 is possible in all spatial directions, so that correspondingly also results in an attenuation in all spatial directions.

Based on the axial deflectability is particularly advantageous in the illustrated and so far preferred embodiments that on axially opposite sides of the holding portion 10 damping material 8th is provided of sufficient axial thickness to achieve the proposed deflectability.

In terms of good mechanical stability, it is preferably provided that the holding section 10 together with a neck section 16 of the connection 4 an anchor-like shape within the damping box 9 , here inside the damping material 8th , forms. The neck section 16 flows here in the usual way in a head section 17 which provides a ball socket for a ball-socket bearing in a manner known per se.

It can be according to the representation 2 Take that out of the holding section 10 forms a substantially plate-like portion which is at least partially substantially perpendicular to the spindle drive axis 2 extends. In this case, the holding section 10 on its outer side claw-like formations on the one hand an anti-rotation within the damping material 8th and on the other hand a support against the base 19 the damping box 9 provide. In principle, it may be provided that the holding section 10 only frictionally with the damping material 8th interacts. Here and preferably is the connection 4 in sections, here the holding section 10 , in the damping material 8th the damping box 9 admitted. So there is an ideal fit and possibly also a material connection between damping material 8th and holding section 10 ,

The connection 4 can basically consist of several parts, or be configured completely in one piece. Here and preferably, the neck portion 16 and the head section 17 of the connection 4 integrally formed as an integral part, while the holding section 10 via a connecting element 20 with the connection 4 otherwise connected.

It has already been noted that with the damping arrangement 7 a space-optimized overall arrangement can be realized. For this purpose, it is proposed that the damping box 9 as an integral part of the spindle drive housing 3 is designed. Here and preferably, it is such that the damping box 9 rigid over a guide tube 21 with the spindle nut, not shown, of the spindle drive on the one hand and with the spindle drive housing 3 , here with the upper housing part 3a , on the other hand. With regard to the structural design of the spindle drive with guide tube and spindle nut may also again the explanations in the EP 1 862 628 A1 to get expelled.

Ultimately, the connecting part 22 between guide tube 21 and upper housing part 3a so used twice, namely on the one hand as a connecting part 22 and on the other hand as a damping can 9 , 2 shows that hereby an optimal space utilization is possible.

For the design of the damping material 8th Many variants are conceivable. As a particularly preferred embodiment, it is in the damping material 8th an elastomeric material or a rubber material. Advantageously, it is such that the damping material 8th at least in its normal state in its elastic state in order to fulfill its damping function. Preferably, the damping material is a NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) rubber material having a Shore A hardness between 50 and 70, in particular 60.

It may also be noted that the damping material 8th in the present sense may also comprise a combination of several damping materials. In that regard, the term "damping material" is not limited to a single material.

According to another teaching, which also has independent significance, a method for producing a proposed spindle drive is claimed.

Essential according to the proposed method is that in the damping box 9 first a holding section 10 one of the connections 4 . 5 , here's the connection 4 , is introduced ( 2a) ) and that the damping box 9 then in a casting at least partially with the damping material 8th is filled ( 2 B) ). The casting process can be followed by various post-treatment steps. This includes heat treatment steps, vulcanization steps or the like. It has already been pointed out that the realization of damping arrangements by the proposed method 7 in a very limited space is possible.

The realization of a security element 11 providing cover section 13 plays a special role in the proposed procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the lid portion 13 by bending a side wall 15 the damping box 9 formed, this bending over the side wall 15 here and preferably by rolling is made. At the in 3 illustrated embodiment, the lid portion 13 realized accordingly by bending the side walls. By this process step, a similar lid shape can be realized, as in 2 shown. Advantageous in the 3 However, the embodiment shown is the fact that the side walls 15 and the lid section 13 are integrally formed, resulting in a mechanically stable structure.

In principle, it may be provided that the damping box 9 with the damping material 8th and the associated port 4 and that this preassembled unit is then mounted to the spindle drive. Accordingly, the connecting part 22 that the damping box 9 provides, first with the connection 4 stocked by the holding section 10 of the connection 4 in the damping box 9 is introduced.

In the illustrated and in so far preferred embodiments is subsequently or at the same time the lid section 13 as a separate part on the spindle drive housing 3 otherwise screwed on ( 2 ) or by bending the side wall 15 shaped ( 3 ). This state shows 2a) , Now the connection will be 4 preferably positioned so that it is free from the walls of the damping box 9 is arranged. Subsequently, through inlet openings 23 in the lid section 13 In the described casting method damping material 8th in the damping box 9 filled until the state according to 2 B) is reached. It may be noted that the above potting the damping material 8th also before the application of the lid section 13 can be done.

The unit preassembled as described above can then be mounted in the spindle drive by the way. In principle, it is of course conceivable that the above method steps on a mounted on the spindle drive connection part 22 be made.

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

• EP 1862628 A1 [0003, 0041]
• EP 1862682 A1 [0024]

Claims (14)

Spindle drive for the motorized adjustment of an adjusting element ( 1 ) of a motor vehicle, wherein the spindle drive along a geometric spindle drive axis ( 2 ) a substantially tubular spindle drive housing ( 3 ) and two connections ( 4 . 5 ) for discharging axial drive movements, characterized in that in the drive train ( 6 ) a damping arrangement ( 7 ), that the damping arrangement ( 7 ) at least partially with damping material ( 8th ) filled damping box ( 9 ) into which one of the connections ( 4 . 5 ) with a holding section ( 10 protrudes) and that the damping arrangement ( 7 ) a slight deflection of the terminal ( 4 ) with respect to the spindle drive, moreover, with deformation of the damping material ( 9 ) allowed. Spindle drive according to claim 1, characterized in that the damping arrangement ( 7 ) a slight deflection of the terminal ( 4 Otherwise, in any case in the axial direction, and / or that the damping arrangement (FIG. 7 ) a slight deflection of the terminal ( 4 ) relative to the spindle drive, moreover, allowed in all spatial directions. Spindle drive according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the damping arrangement ( 7 ) a slight deflection of the terminal ( 4 ) relative to the spindle drive, moreover, by at least one spatial direction, in particular at least about a pivot axis transverse to the spindle drive axis, preferably around all directions allowed. Spindle drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping arrangement ( 7 ) a rigid, axial securing element ( 11 ), the deflection of the terminal ( 4 ) relative to the spindle drive, moreover, in the axial withdrawal direction ( 12 ) limited. Spindle drive according to claim 4, characterized in that the holding section ( 10 ) of the connection ( 4 ) and the security element ( 11 ) in the axial pull-out direction ( 12 ) of the connection ( 4 ) for limiting the axial deflection of the terminal ( 4 ) form an undercut. Spindle drive according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the damping box ( 9 ) a fuse element ( 11 ) providing cover section ( 13 ) with an opening ( 14 ) for the implementation of the connection ( 4 ) to the outside, preferably that the lid portion ( 13 ) of bent side walls ( 15 ) of the damping box ( 9 ) is formed. Spindle drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in normal operation the connection ( 4 ) exclusively via the damping material ( 8th ) is coupled to the spindle drive, moreover, and / or that the connection ( 4 ) in normal operation free from the walls of the damping box ( 9 ) is arranged. Spindle drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding section ( 10 ) together with a neck portion ( 16 ) of the connection ( 4 ) an anchor-like shape within the damping box ( 9 ), preferably that the holding section ( 10 ) forms a substantially plate-like portion, at least in part substantially. perpendicular to the spindle drive axis ( 2 ). Spindle drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection ( 4 ) in sections, in particular with its holding section ( 10 ), in the damping material ( 8th ) in the damping box ( 9 ) is admitted. Spindle drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping box ( 9 ) integral part of the spindle drive housing ( 3 ), and / or that the damping box ( 9 ) rigidly with the spindle nut of the spindle drive on the one hand and with the spindle drive housing ( 3 ) on the other hand. Spindle drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping material ( 8th ) is an elastomer material or a rubber material, preferably that the damping material ( 8th ) is in any case in normal operation in its elastic state. Method for producing a spindle drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the damping box ( 9 ) a holding section ( 10 ) one of the connections ( 4 ) and that the damping box ( 9 ) subsequently in a casting process at least partially with the damping material ( 8th ) is filled. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the damping box ( 9 ) a lid portion ( 13 ) with an opening ( 14 ) for the implementation of the connection ( 4 ) and that the lid portion ( 13 ) by bending over a side wall ( 15 ) of the damping box ( 9 ) is formed, preferably, that the bending of the side wall ( 15 ) is done by rolling. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the damping box ( 9 ) with damping material ( 8th ) and associated port ( 4 ) are mounted on the spindle drive.

Images