DE102014117479A1 - Drive for a closure element of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive for a closure element (3) of a motor vehicle, having a spring arrangement (5) and having a first drive connection (6) and a second drive connection (7) which are adjustable relative to one another along a drive longitudinal axis (8) both drive terminals (6, 7) spring biased towards each other by the spring assembly (5) to a retracted state and wherein the drive terminals (6, 7) are adjustable against the spring bias apart in an extended state. The invention is characterized in that the spring arrangement (5) is designed as a compression spring arrangement whose pressure spring force runs along the drive longitudinal axis (8).

Description

The invention relates to a drive for a closure element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

The term "closure element" is to be understood here comprehensively. These include tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, side doors, sliding doors, lifting roofs, sliding windows etc ..

First and foremost, however, the drive in question finds application in tailgates and bootlids in motor vehicles. He is regularly used in the context of a manual or motorized adjustment of the closure element against its weight. It is equipped with a spring arrangement which provides support for the manual or motorized adjustment of the closure element.

The well-known drive ( EP 2 664 816 A2 ), from which the invention proceeds, is designed as exclusively spring-operated linear drive. The drive is, as mentioned above, associated with a closure element of a motor vehicle. Depending on the kinematics of the closure element and the arrangement of the drive, the spring arrangement causes a bias of the drive in the direction of its retracted state or its extended state. Accordingly, the spring arrangement is designed in the known drive as Schraubenzugfederanordnung or as a helical compression spring arrangement.

The spring preload of the drive in the retracted state is of particular importance in the present case. In the known drive this is a Schraubenzugfederanordnung application, however, brings a number of disadvantages. First of all, the use of a helical tension spring results in a comparatively low material utilization, so that a high weight of the spring arrangement results. Furthermore, it follows from the usually cramped space conditions in the axial direction already the need for a relatively steep spring characteristic of the upcoming helical tension spring. This is exacerbated by the fact that the helical tension spring will be regularly biased at least slightly biased drive in the retracted state. Finally, the mechanical connection of the helical tension spring can be complicated, since any kind of positive connection with the helical tension spring has to be produced. Such a positive connection can go back to a hooking, screwing o. The like. The helical tension spring with the drive in the rest.

The invention is based on the problem, the known drive in such a way and further develop that the spring preload in the retracted state with simple structural means is compact and flexible interpretable.

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

The proposed solution is directed to a linear drive with a first drive connection and a second drive connection, which are adjustable relative to one another along a geometric longitudinal axis. These drive terminals are spring biased toward each other by the spring assembly to a retracted condition, while the drive terminals are adjustable apart from the spring bias to an extended condition.

Essential for the proposed solution is the fundamental consideration that a spring preload of the drive can be realized in the retracted state basically by a compression spring arrangement. With a compression spring arrangement, in particular a helical compression spring arrangement, a spring preload can be achieved even in the fully retracted state, without setting a particularly steep spring characteristic. As a result, such a compression spring arrangement can be used particularly advantageously for a compact design, resulting in particular in a flexible design of the spring arrangement. Next can be achieved with a compression spring arrangement, in particular a helical compression spring arrangement, a high material utilization, so that in addition results in a lower material usage for the spring assembly. This in turn results in a good space utilization and also in a low weight.

Specifically, it is now proposed that the spring arrangement is designed as a compression spring arrangement whose pressure spring force runs along the geometric longitudinal axis. According to the proposal, the spring preload is thus generated in the retracted state by means of a compression spring arrangement.

The term "along the drive longitudinal axis" is to be understood here in a wide sense and means that the direction of the pressure spring force extends next to the drive longitudinal axis. An exactly parallel extension is not required for this purpose.

In the particularly preferred embodiments according to claim 2 and 3, the drive is not a passive drive whose Drive movements are generated exclusively by the spring arrangement. Rather, these preferred embodiments are a motor drive with a drive motor, which is supported or inhibited depending on the drive direction of the spring assembly.

In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 3, wherein the drive is a spindle drive with a spindle-spindle nut gear for generating drive movements. The drive train, the drive motor and spindle-spindle nut transmission comprises, is preferably not self-locking, so retractable, designed. In this way, when the drive motor is switched off, drive movements can be generated by means of the spring arrangement, which are connected to a drive-back of the drive train.

Particularly compact designed the proposed drive according to claim 4, by the spring assembly is positioned between the two drive terminals. For this purpose, it is necessary that the two drive connections are each coupled to the opposite spring connection of the spring arrangement. For this purpose, corresponding coupling elements can be passed through the spring arrangement (claim 8) or be guided past the outside of the spring arrangement (claim 9).

In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 14, the spring arrangement is configured as a helical compression spring arrangement with at least one helical compression spring. Thus, the above-mentioned advantages in terms of material utilization and in particular a simple drive connection technology can be implemented particularly well.

The proposed drive can also take on a damping function in addition to the generation of driving forces. Accordingly, according to a preferred variant, it is provided that, in terms of drive technology, a damping arrangement is provided between the two drive connections. In a particularly preferred variant, this may be a fluid damping arrangement which can be connected in a particularly elegant manner to the above coupling elements.

Another additional function may be directed to an equipment of the drive with a further spring arrangement, which causes in the retracted state or in the extended state, a further spring bias between the two drive terminals. Such a further spring arrangement, for example, lead to an additional spring preload in the fully retracted state. This can be used, for example, to provide a particularly high spring support in the first section of an opening movement of the closure element. This can be advantageous depending on the kinematics and the weight distribution of the closure element.

In principle, it may be advantageous to combine a motor drive with the above-explained, passive variant of the proposed drive. In this case, the passive drive preferably has the function of supporting the motor drive against the weight of the closure element. Thus, a power-reduced and as a result cost-effective design of the motor drive is possible without the assembly and reliability of the drive assembly is reduced overall. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the motor drive is an above-proposed, proposed motor drive and the passive drive to a proposed above, passive drive.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing illustrating only embodiments. In the drawing shows:

1 the rear region of a motor vehicle with a drive assigned to the rear cover there,

2 the drive according to 1 in a first embodiment a) in the retracted state and b) in the extended state, in each case in longitudinal section, and

3 the drive according to 1 in a second embodiment a) in the retracted state and b) in the extended state, in each case in longitudinal section.

In the 1 shown arrangement shows a single drive 1 standing at a hinge hanger 2 a closure element 3 , here a trunk lid, attacks. The drive 1 is here the side of a body opening 4 arranged, which by means of the closure element 3 , here the trunk lid, is lockable. Basically, two drives 1 be provided, which on opposite sides of the body opening 4 are arranged. The drive 1 is here and preferably elongated, so that it can be accommodated for example in a gutter or the like.

The drive 1 serves the motorized adjustment of the closure element 3 of the motor vehicle, which is here as explained above is a boot lid. But there are also all other in the introductory part of the description addressed closure elements, in particular tailgates, advantageously applicable. All The following remarks on a boot lid apply equally to all other conceivable fastener elements.

Here and preferably is the drive 1 with an elongated spring arrangement 5 equipped, which further preferably a support of the closure element 3 provides against its weight.

The drive 1 has a first drive connection 6 and a second drive terminal 7 on, relative to each other along a geometric drive longitudinal axis 8th are adjustable and here and preferably on the geometric drive longitudinal axis 8th are arranged. This can be seen in the synopsis of the different, in the 2 and 3 illustrated states of the drive 1 remove.

The two drive connections 6 . 7 are by the spring arrangement 5 toward each other in a retracted state spring-biased. The retracted state of the drive 1 is in 1 shown. By coupling the drive 1 with the hinge hanger 2 the spring arrangement acts 5 against the weight of the closure element 3 that the closure element 3 in the in 1 shown situation in the closing direction. To make sure the closure element 3 , driven by its weight, does not fall in the closing direction, are the two drive connections 6 . 7 by the spring arrangement 5 each other spring-biased in the retracted state. The drive connections 6 . 7 can be adjusted against the spring bias apart in an extended state, for example, when the closure element 3 manually or motorized in the closing direction. The spring bias in the retracted state is in the drawing by the reference numeral 9 indicated.

The 2 and 3 show that the spring preload in the retracted state by means of the spring arrangement 5 realized by the fact that the spring arrangement 5 is designed as a compression spring arrangement whose pressure spring force 10 along the geometric drive longitudinal axis 8th runs. Accordingly, the views a) in the 2 and 3 each about the relaxed or only slightly tensioned position of the spring assembly 5 while the views b) in the 2 and 3 about the deflected, so sprung, position of the spring assembly 5 is. An extension of the drive 1 in the direction of the extended state is thus with a tensioning of the spring assembly 5 associated. The clamping corresponds to the illustrated, designed as a helical compression spring arrangement spring arrangement 5 a compression of the spring assembly 5 ,

The proposed drive 1 can basically as a above-mentioned, passive drive 1 be configured, the drive movements exclusively on the spring bias of the spring assembly 5 declining. In the illustrated and so far preferred embodiments is the drive 1 However, designed as an active drive whose drive movements not only on the spring bias of the spring assembly 5 go back, but on the driving force or the drive torque of a drive motor 11 , Preferably, the drive motor is used 11 the motorized adjustment of the closure element 3 both in the opening direction from a closed position to an open position and in the closing direction from an open position to a closed position.

It is also conceivable that the drive motor 11 the motorized adjustment of the closure element 3 exclusively in one of the two mentioned adjustment serves. It is also conceivable that the drive motor 11 merely a support of a manual operation of the closure element in normal operation 3 provides. In general, it is preferable that by the drive motor 11 the two drive connections 6 . 7 motor are mutually adjustable.

The drive motor 11 is preferably a feed gear for generating the respective required drive movements downstream. The term "downstream" here means that between the drive motor 11 and the feed gear further components, such as an intermediate gear, may be connected. In the illustrated and so far preferred embodiment, the drive motor 11 To generate drive movements, a spindle-spindle nut transmission 12 downstream of the drive movements, so that it is in the drive 1 total is a spindle drive. Here are the spindle 13 and the spindle nut 14 spindle spindle nut transmission 12 each one drive connection 6 . 7 assigned. This means that of the spindle 13 assigned drive connection 6 relative to the drive longitudinal axis 8th axially fixed, while that of the spindle nut 14 assigned drive connection 7 one related to the drive longitudinal axis 8th axial longitudinal movement of the spindle nut 14 follows. In terms of a particularly compact design of the drive 1 is the spindle 13 with its spindle longitudinal axis 16 on the drive longitudinal axis 8th aligned. The drive movements are in the drawing by the reference numeral 15 merely hinted.

In terms of a particularly compact design, the spring arrangement 5 between the two drive connections 6 . 7 positioned as in the 2 and 3 is shown. The spring arrangement 5 has two spring connections 17 . 18 for discharging pressure spring force 10 on, in the above sense along the drive longitudinal axis 8th runs. Since it is in the spring assembly 5 is a compression spring arrangement, make the spring connections 17 . 18 only contact surfaces for the support of the pressure spring force 10 ready. Any kind of positive fit in the sense of hooking, screwing o. The like. Is not required. The spring connections 17 . 18 are here each end of the elongated spring assembly 5 ,

A special robust arrangement results from the fact that two housing parts 19 . 20 are provided, each with one of the drive terminals 6 . 7 are coupled and telescope into each other. The housing parts 19 . 20 are here and preferably tubular and along the drive longitudinal axis 8th aligned.

For its drive technology coupling with the spring arrangement 5 is the first drive connection 6 a first coupling element 21 assigned during the second drive connection 7 to its drive technology coupling with the spring assembly 5 a second coupling element 22 assigned. The coupling elements 21 . 22 serve the cross-wise coupling of the drive connections 6 . 7 with the spring connections 17 . 18 ,

In both illustrated embodiments, the two coupling elements run 21 . 22 telescopically into each other. As a result, an overall particularly compact design can be achieved.

For the design of the coupling elements 21 . 22 Numerous constructive variants are conceivable. For example, one of the two coupling elements 21 . 22 be designed tubular. Here and preferably, however, it is the case that both the first coupling element 21 as well as the second coupling element 22 are designed tubular.

In particular, in the tubular embodiments of the coupling elements 21 . 22 It can be advantageously provided that at least one coupling element 21 . 22 , an above-mentioned housing part 19 . 20 of the drive 1 forms. It is, as in the 2 and 3 illustrated, preferably so that the two coupling elements 21 . 22 in each case a housing part 19 . 20 of the drive 1 form and join together to form an elongated housing 23 complete. The 2 and 3 show that the double use of the coupling elements 21 . 22 not only for the coupling between the spring assembly 5 and the drive connections 6 . 7 but also for the provision of the housing 23 of the drive 1 , leads to a particularly compact and structurally simple application.

Here and preferably, the spring arrangement extends 5 along the drive longitudinal axis 8th , Accordingly, it is for the above-mentioned cross-wise coupling of the drive terminals 6 . 7 with the spring connections 17 . 18 necessary that the coupling elements 21 . 22 each along the spring arrangement 5 to the respective spring connection 17 . 18 run out. At the in 2 illustrated embodiment, the first coupling element 21 by the spring arrangement 5 passed while the second coupling element 22 on the outside of the spring arrangement 5 passed by. In this way, the cross-wise coupling of the drive connections 6 . 7 and the spring connections 17 . 18 easy to realize. Conversely, it is at the in 3 illustrated embodiment so that the first coupling element 21 on the outside of the spring arrangement 5 is passed while the second coupling element 22 by the spring arrangement 5 passed through. This also allows the cross-wise coupling of the drive connections 6 . 7 with the spring connections 17 . 18 easy to realize.

In principle, it is also conceivable that both coupling elements 21 . 22 by the spring arrangement 5 passed through or both coupling elements 21 . 22 on the outside of the spring arrangement 5 are passed.

For coupling with the respective spring connection 17 . 18 have the coupling elements 21 . 22 each a spring receiver 24 . 25 on, which is more preferably than about the drive longitudinal axis 8th circumferential paragraph is realized. The coupling elements 21 . 22 are each elongated, with the respective associated drive connection 6 . 7 at an end region of the respective coupling element 21 . 22 and the respective spring retainer 24 . 25 at the respective other end region of the respective coupling element 21 . 22 is arranged.

To avoid the drive motor 11 during the motorized adjustment relative to the drive longitudinal axis 8th Torques between the two drive connections 6 . 7 generated, a corresponding torque arm is preferably provided. A preferred variant is that with the drive motor housing 26 rotatably connected a guide tube is provided, in which the spindle nut 14 runs and opposite to the spindle nut 14 is arranged rotationally fixed.

However, a particularly preferred embodiment is based on the consideration, the two coupling elements 21 . 22 to use as part of a torque arm. Specifically, it is preferably such that, as indicated above, one of the coupling elements, here the first coupling element 21 , the drive motor 11 assigned and related to the drive longitudinal axis 8th rotatable with a Drive motor housing 26 is coupled, wherein the respective other coupling element, here the second coupling element 22 , the spindle nut 14 assigned and related to the drive longitudinal axis 8th rotatably with the spindle nut 14 is coupled. The function of a torque arm above results preferably in that the two coupling elements 21 . 22 relative to the drive longitudinal axis 8th axially displaceable, but rotatably engaged with each other. This can be easily realized in the illustrated embodiments, that in cross-section transverse to the drive longitudinal axis 8th seen, some kind of positive fit, in particular a tongue and groove connection, between the two coupling elements 21 . 22 is provided. This shows a further double use of the coupling elements 21 . 22 not only as housing parts, but also as part of a torque arm.

Here and preferably this forms the drive motor 11 associated coupling element, here the first coupling element 21 , A receptacle for at least a portion of the drive motor 11 , Further preferably, this takes the drive motor 11 associated coupling element 21 the drive motor 11 even completely on.

The two in the 2 and 3 illustrated embodiments differ essentially in the arrangement of the spindle nut 14 associated coupling element 22 relative to the drive motor 11 associated coupling element 21 , At the in 2 illustrated embodiment, it is such that the spindle nut 14 associated coupling element 22 on the outside of the drive motor 11 associated coupling element 21 runs along. Thus, it is readily possible that in the retracted state, the second coupling element 22 along the drive longitudinal axis 8th over the entire drive motor 11 push. This results in the possibility of a large drive stroke without the spring arrangement 5 as it is designed as a helical compression spring assembly is excessively compressed.

It is different in the case of 3 illustrated embodiment. Here it is like that of the spindle nut 14 associated coupling element 22 inside of the drive motor 11 associated coupling element 22 runs along. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly compact and in particular with regard to a drive longitudinal axis 8th radial expansion of the drive 1 achieve compact design.

At the in 3 illustrated and so far preferred embodiment is the drive motor 11 , optionally together with an intermediate gear, as mentioned above from the coupling element 21 added. The drive motor housing 26 however, it has a rejuvenation 27 on, so that in a rejuvenation area 28 a circulating, free volume results in that of the spindle nut 14 associated coupling element 22 can dive. This in turn results in the possibility of large travels without excessive compression of the spring assembly 5 ,

In both illustrated embodiments results in a space-optimized arrangement of the spring assembly 5 in particular in that the two coupling elements 21 . 22 related to the drive longitudinal axis 8th a circulating volume 29 include, in which the spring assembly 5 is located. By limited in particular in the radial direction of space for the spring assembly 5 their mobility is limited in the radial direction. This also does not lead to an unwanted noise, which is due to radial movements of the spring assembly 5 decline.

For the structural design of the spring assembly 5 Various advantageous variants are conceivable. For example, the spring arrangement can be 5 designed as elastic band o. The like. Here and preferably, the spring assembly 5 however, as a helical compression spring arrangement with at least one helical compression spring 30 designed. The spring arrangement 5 can also do more than a helical compression spring 30 have, wherein the helical compression springs are then arranged in parallel and / or in series.

In addition to a high degree of robustness is the design of the spring assembly 5 advantageous as a helical compression spring arrangement, since a high material utilization can be achieved with helical compression springs. Furthermore, helical compression springs can be connected easily in terms of drive technology by an above-mentioned, forming a circumferential shoulder spring receptacle 24 . 25 is provided. This has already been explained above.

The at least one helical compression spring 30 is preferably elongated, with the screw longitudinal axis 31 the at least one helical compression spring 30 along the drive longitudinal axis 8th extends and in particular to the drive longitudinal axis 8th is aligned. Due to the similar geometric basic structures is a combination of a spindle drive with a spring arrangement 5 that has at least one helical compression spring 30 has, for generating a high compactness particularly advantageous.

Preferably, but not shown here, is drive technology between the two drive terminals 6 . 7 a damping arrangement for the speed-dependent braking of relative movements between the drive terminals 6 . 7 intended. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the damping arrangement of the braking of relative movements is used at a particularly high speed, in particular to stop loads and noise when reaching one of the end positions of the closure element 3 to avoid.

Finally, it should be pointed out that for the connection of the second coupling element 22 with the second drive connection 7 various options are available. Applicable here are click connections, clamp connections, screw o. The like .. Also conceivable is the second coupling element 22 with the second drive connection 7 caulking, gluing, welding or the like

For additional safety, especially in the retracted state against unintentional breaking up of the drive 1 To achieve, for example, additional discs as a stop for the helical compression spring 30 be provided, which is located on one of the coupling elements 21 . 22 supported.

From the above it follows that the spring arrangement 5 with the proposed solution to any one of the drive longitudinal axis 8th axial position of the drive 1 can be arranged, so that the proposed solution is associated with a particularly high structural freedom.

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 2664816 A2 [0004]

Claims (14)

Drive for a closure element ( 3 ) of a motor vehicle, with a spring arrangement ( 5 ) and with a first drive connection ( 6 ) and a second drive connection ( 7 ), which relative to each other along a drive longitudinal axis ( 8th ) are adjustable, wherein the two drive connections ( 6 . 7 ) by the spring arrangement ( 5 ) are spring biased towards each other to a retracted state and wherein the drive terminals ( 6 . 7 ) are adjustable apart against the spring bias in an extended state, characterized in that the spring arrangement ( 5 ) is designed as a compression spring arrangement whose pressure spring force along the drive longitudinal axis ( 8th ) runs. Drive according to claim 1, characterized in that a drive motor ( 11 ) is provided, through which the two drive connections ( 6 . 7 ) are adjustable against each other by motor. Drive according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a drive motor ( 11 ) downstream spindle spindle nut transmission ( 12 ) is provided for generating drive movements and that the spindle ( 13 ) and the spindle nut ( 14 ) of spindle spindle nut transmission ( 12 ) each have a drive connection ( 6 . 7 ), preferably that the spindle ( 13 ) on the drive longitudinal axis ( 8th ) of the drive ( 1 ) is aligned. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring arrangement ( 5 ) between the two drive connections ( 6 . 7 ) and two spring connections ( 17 . 18 ) for discharging pressure spring force, that the first drive connection ( 6 ) with the second drive connection ( 7 ) facing spring connection ( 18 ) and that the second drive connection ( 7 ) with the first drive connection ( 6 ) facing spring connection ( 17 ) is coupled. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two housing parts ( 19 . 20 ) are provided, each with one of the drive terminals ( 6 . 7 ) are coupled and telescope in a telescope. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first drive connection ( 6 ) to its drive-technical coupling with the spring arrangement ( 5 ) a first coupling element ( 21 ) and that the second drive connection ( 7 ) to its drive-technical coupling with the spring arrangement ( 5 ) a second coupling element ( 22 ), preferably that the two coupling elements ( 21 . 22 ) run telescopically into each other, more preferably, that the first coupling element ( 21 ) and / or the second coupling element ( 22 ) is configured tubular or are. Drive according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that at least one coupling element ( 21 . 22 ) a housing part ( 19 . 20 ) of the drive ( 1 ), preferably that the two coupling elements ( 21 . 22 ) in each case a housing part ( 19 . 20 ) of the drive ( 1 ) and together to form an elongated housing ( 23 ) complete. Drive according to claim 6 and optionally according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one coupling element ( 21 . 22 ) by the spring arrangement ( 5 ) is passed or are. Drive according to claim 6 and optionally according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one coupling element ( 21 . 22 ) on the outside of the spring arrangement ( 5 ) is passed or are. Drive according to claim 6 and optionally according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that one of the coupling elements ( 21 . 22 ) the drive motor ( 11 ) and related to the drive longitudinal axis ( 8th ) rotatably with a drive motor housing ( 26 ) is coupled and the respective other coupling element ( 21 . 22 ) of the spindle nut ( 14 ) and related to the drive longitudinal axis ( 8th ) rotatably with the spindle nut ( 14 ), preferably that the two coupling elements ( 21 . 22 ) relative to the drive longitudinal axis ( 8th ) axially displaceable, but rotationally fixed, are engaged with each other. Drive according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive motor ( 11 ) associated coupling element ( 21 ) the drive motor ( 11 ) at least partially absorbs. Drive according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the spindle nut ( 14 ) associated coupling element ( 22 ) on the outside of the drive motor ( 11 ) associated coupling element ( 21 ) or that of the spindle nut ( 14 ) associated coupling element ( 22 ) inside of the drive motor ( 11 ) associated coupling element ( 21 ) runs along. Drive according to claim 6 and optionally according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the two coupling elements ( 21 . 22 ) with respect to the drive longitudinal axis ( 8th ) circulating volume ( 29 ) in which the spring arrangement ( 5 ) is located. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Spring arrangement ( 5 ) as a helical compression spring arrangement with at least one helical compression spring ( 30 ) is configured.

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