DE102020208851A1 - Actuator device for an adjustable roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Actuator device (2) for an adjustable roll stabilizer (1) of a motor vehicle, having a housing (6) and an output element (9) mounted rotatably in relation thereto about an axis of rotation (11) for actuating a stabilizer section (3b) of the roll stabilizer (1), the The output element (9) is assigned a seal (12) for sealing an interior (24) of the housing (6) from an external environment (25), which comprises a raceway (13) resting on the output element (9) and a radial shaft sealing ring (14). , which contacts the bearing race (13) radially on the inside in a sealing area (16, 17) and radially on the outside the housing (6) in order to seal off an annular space formed between the bearing ring (13) and the housing (6), with the radial shaft seal (14 ) a circumferential axial lip (19) is formed which cooperates with a radially extending, disk-like portion (26) of the raceway (13) to prevent ingress of water r in the sealing area (16, 17), with several axial projections (20) distributed over the circumference of the axial lip (19) being formed, which prevent the axial lip (19) from coming into full contact with the disk-like area (26). .

Description

The invention relates to an actuator device for an adjustable roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a seal for such an actuator device according to the preamble of claim 12.

It is known from motor vehicle technology, in particular chassis technology, to influence the roll or roll behavior of motor vehicles by means of so-called roll stabilizers. The basic structure is an essentially C-shaped torsion bar, which is mounted in the central area so that it can rotate relative to the vehicle body and whose outer, opposite ends are each coupled to a wheel suspension by means of coupling elements, so-called pendulum supports. With this construction, the roll stabilizer ensures that the body of the vehicle not only deflects on the outside of the curve when cornering (caused by centrifugal force), but also that the inside wheel is lowered slightly. Roll stabilizers improve the vehicle's directional stability and reduce the lateral inclination of the vehicle body (roll), making cornering safer and more comfortable.

In order to further increase vehicle stability and driving comfort, it is known to make roll stabilizers of this type adjustable. The roll stabilizer then includes an actuator device and is divided, for example, into two stabilizer sections that can be rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation with the aid of the actuator device. By twisting the stabilizer sections relative to each other, a rolling movement of the vehicle body is generated in a targeted manner or a rolling movement of the vehicle body caused by external influences is counteracted in a targeted manner. Adjustable roll stabilizers are known from the prior art, the actuator device of which has an electric motor which is drive-connected to a mechanical gear, in particular in the form of a multi-stage planetary gear, in order to achieve suitable speeds or torques. In this context, an example is DE 10 2016 219 399 A1 referred.

Actuator devices that are used can be exposed to damp weather such as rain or generally wet conditions when the vehicle is in operation. For a mechatronic system such as an actuator device, there is a risk of moisture penetrating the housing of the actuator device and impairing the function of components or damaging them permanently. Accordingly, reliable and long-lasting sealing of the interior of the housing from the external environment of the actuator device is of great importance.

Out DE 10 2016 222 769 A1 an actuator device according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known. The axial lip used therein (reference number 17 there, see there 2 ) rests on a radially extending, disk-like area of the raceway (there called “radial centrifugal profile leg”) in a sealing manner around the entire circumference. As long as no water penetrates through this sealing area, the design seems unproblematic. However, if water has penetrated through this sealing area - for example due to the sealing forces decreasing over time or due to external influences such as dirt - the full-surface axial lip ensures that the water that has penetrated cannot or can hardly leave the affected area again. As a result, the water can cause impairments or damage to the actuator device.

It is an object of the present invention to specify an actuator device that achieves an improved function in relation to this in terms of tightness. A corresponding seal should also be specified.

The stated object is achieved by an actuator device with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, this is an actuator device for an adjustable roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle, having a housing and an output element, mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation, for setting a stabilizer section of the roll stabilizer. The output element is assigned a seal for sealing an interior of the housing from the external environment, with the seal comprising a bearing ring on the output element and a radial shaft sealing ring which contacts the bearing ring radially on the inside in a sealing area and the housing radially on the outside in order to create a gap between the bearing ring and Housing formed annular space to close sealingly. A circumferential axial lip is formed on the radial shaft sealing ring, which cooperates with a radially extending, disk-like area of the bearing ring in order to at least reduce the ingress of water into the sealing area. According to the invention, the actuator device is characterized in that a plurality of axial projections distributed over its circumference are formed on the axial lip, which prevent the axial lip from coming into full contact with the disk-like area. This measure ensures that once water has penetrated, the sealing area can be easily and reliably cleaned again sig can leave. This is achieved in that the axial projections create a minimum axial distance between the axial lip and the disk-like area due to their axial extent, so that it is always ensured that the axial lip does not contact the disk-like area over the entire circumference (sealing).

The axial projections are advantageously designed and arranged in such a way that (at least) a drainage gap for water remains between the axial lip and the disk-like area of the bearing ring. Due to the force of gravity, the water can always flow outwards from the sealing area in a lower part of the seal.

Depending on the design, there can be one or more drainage columns. A drainage gap for water preferably remains at least in a partial peripheral space between two adjacent axial projections.

According to a particularly preferred development, a plurality of, in particular eight, axial projections distributed equidistantly over the circumference are formed on the axial lip. This results in a sufficient number, in particular eight, of the same size drainage gaps for the water.

An advantageous design provides that the axial lip protrudes obliquely in the axial and radial directions from the radial shaft seal ring in order to form a trough-like collecting area for water that, in certain operating situations, enters a sealing area from the outside, in particular between the disk-like area of the raceway and the radial shaft seal ring threatens.

The drainage gap can advantageously also be offset in the axial direction in relation to a radially outer edge of the disk-like area such that water penetrating from the outside due to gravity - assuming a substantially horizontal orientation of the axis of rotation of the actuator device - runs into the trough-like collection area.

Various configurations of the seal are conceivable. According to an expedient embodiment, the radial shaft sealing ring contacts the bearing race at at least two sealing areas, each forming a radial seal. In this context, a radial seal is to be understood as a seal whose sealing forces act essentially in the radial direction.

A chamber is preferably formed between the at least two sealing areas, in particular for accommodating sealant and/or lubricant.

Basically, the radial shaft seal can be made of different materials. A preferred embodiment provides that the radial shaft sealing ring is made from a rubber, in particular from a hydrogenated nitrile rubber.

An advantageous design results from the fact that the radial shaft sealing ring is reinforced by a preferably metallic insert. In particular, an approximately “S”, “C” or “?”-shaped cross section of the insert of the radial shaft seal proves to be suitable for applying sufficient sealing forces with the radial shaft seal over a long period of time.

In addition to the axial projections provided according to the invention, several spacer cams distributed over the circumference can advantageously be formed in a substantially radially extending area of the radial shaft seal, which ensure a minimum axial distance between the radial shaft seal and the race. This measure can be used to ensure that the radial shaft sealing ring and the raceway do not come into circumferential sealing contact in other radial areas either, but rather that water in the collection area, for example, can always run off to the outside. In addition, the spacer cams can facilitate the assembly of the race and radial shaft seal by specifying the minimum distance.

The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a seal according to the features of claim 12. It is a seal for an actuator device, in particular of the type explained above Contacted sealing area and can be brought into contact radially on the outside with a housing of the actuator device in order to close an annular space formed between the raceway and the housing in a sealing manner. A circumferential axial lip is formed on the radial shaft sealing ring, which cooperates with a radially extending, disk-like area of the bearing ring in order to at least reduce the ingress of water into the sealing area. According to the invention, the seal is characterized in that a plurality of axial projections distributed over its circumference are formed on the axial lip, which prevent the axial lip from coming into contact with the disk-like area over the entire circumference. It goes without saying that the seal can advantageously have features that have already been described in connection with the actuator device. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the corresponding explanations.

• 1 einen verstellbaren Wankstabilisator in schematischer perspektivischer Ansicht,
• 2 eine Aktuatoreinrichtung eines verstellbaren Wankstabilisators in vereinfachter Schnittdarstellung,
• 3 eine Dichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• 4 eine Schnittdarstellung der Dichtung aus 3.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. It shows:

• 1 an adjustable roll stabilizer in a schematic perspective view,
• 2 an actuator device of an adjustable roll stabilizer in a simplified sectional view,
• 3 a seal according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view,
• 4 a sectional view of the seal 3 .

In 1 an adjustable roll stabilizer 1 known per se is shown in a schematic, perspective representation. The adjustable roll stabilizer 1 is part of a chassis, not shown in full, of a motor vehicle (not shown). The roll stabilizer 1 is also part of an axle of the motor vehicle, for example the front axle and/or rear axle of the motor vehicle can be equipped with the adjustable roll stabilizer 1 .

As 1 12, a left wheel 4a and a right wheel 4b located on the opposite side of the vehicle are connected to a vehicle body (not shown) via wheel suspensions 5a and 5b, respectively. Wheel 4a and wheel suspension 5a or wheel 4b and wheel suspension 5b thus each form a unit and are each coupled to one end of an associated stabilizer section 3a or 3b of adjustable roll stabilizer 1 . The left-hand stabilizer section 3a and the right-hand stabilizer section 3b are connected to one another in the center of the vehicle via an actuator device 2, which is shown as a substantially cylindrical body.

In a way that is known per se, the adjustable roll stabilizer 1 is mounted so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation 11 with respect to the vehicle body. In the 1 The actuator device 2 shown in simplified form as a cylindrical body comprises a housing which is essentially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation 11 and in which an electric motor and a multi-stage planetary gear drive connected thereto are arranged. The stabilizer sections 3a and 3b are drive-connected to one another via the electric motor and the multi-stage planetary gear. When the electric motor is stationary, the two stabilizer sections 3a, 3b are rigidly connected to one another via the stationary electric motor and the multi-stage planetary gear drive connected to it. The operation of the electric motor allows the stabilizer sections 3a, 3b to rotate relative to one another about the axis of rotation 11, depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor. The roll stabilizer 1 can thus be adjusted in a way that is known per se.

2 shows an actuator device 2 in a simplified sectional view, which is part of a device such as that shown in 1 shown adjustable roll stabilizer can be. The actuator device 2 comprises an essentially cylindrical housing 6 which extends along an axis of rotation 11 . A left stabilizer section 3a and a right stabilizer section 3b are arranged at each end, the left stabilizer section 3a being non-rotatably connected to the housing 6 , while the right stabilizer section 3b is rotatably mounted relative to the housing 6 . For this purpose, the right-hand stabilizer section 3b is fastened to an output element 9 , for example welded or screwed to it, which is mounted in the housing 6 via a roller bearing 10 such that it can rotate about the axis of rotation 11 .

In the housing 6 of the actuator device 2, an electric motor 7 and a multi-stage, here three-stage planetary gear 8 are also arranged. The electric motor 7 is drive-connected to the three-stage planetary gear 8 and drives a sun wheel of the three-stage planetary gear 8 assigned to the first planetary stage via a motor output shaft (not specified). The three-stage planetary gear 8 translates a drive speed provided by the electric motor 7 to a much lower output speed at the output element 9, which is a planet carrier of the third stage of the three-stage planetary gear 8 - or at least is drivingly connected to it. From the structure described it can be seen that depending on the operating state of the electric motor 7 the stabilizer sections 3a and 3b can be rotated relative to one another about the axis of rotation 11 in order in this way to adjust a roll stabilizer equipped with the actuator device 2 .

During operation of the vehicle equipped with it, the actuator device 2 can be exposed to damp weather such as rain or generally wet conditions. For a mechatronic system such as the actuator device 2 there is then the risk of moisture penetrating the housing of the actuator device 2 and impairing the function of components or damaging them permanently. Correspondingly, reliable and long-lasting sealing of an interior 24 of the housing 6 from an external environment 25 of the actuator device 2 is of great importance for a long service life and reliable functioning of the actuator device 2 . The actuator device 2 is accordingly equipped with a seal 12 .

In the 2 The seal 12 indicated by the reference number 12 and not shown in detail seals the interior space 24 of the actuator device 2 from the external environment 25 . For this purpose, the seal 12 is located axially outside of the roller bearing 10 and extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation 11 in an annular space running between the output element 9 and the housing 6 .

the 3 and 4 show a seal 12 according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective overall view ( 3 ) and in a partial section through the profile of the seal 12 ( 4 ). The following description applies equally to 3 and 4 to explain the same seal 12.

The seal 12 consists essentially of two components: a bearing ring 13 and a radial shaft sealing ring 14. The radial shaft sealing ring 14 is preferably made of rubber, in particular a hydrogenated nitrile rubber, and is reinforced by a metal insert 15. The bearing ring and radial shaft sealing ring 14 with metal inserts 15 are arranged coaxially to one another in relation to the axis of rotation 11 . The radial shaft sealing ring 14 has two sealing areas radially on the inside, an inner sealing area 16 and an outer sealing area 17, at which the radial shaft sealing ring 14 contacts the bearing ring 13 to form a circumferential radial seal (with radially acting sealing forces). Between the two sealing areas 16, 17 there is an annular chamber 22 for receiving sealant and/or lubricant.

In addition, the radial shaft seal 14 has a housing sealing area 21 on which the radial shaft seal 14 in the installed state on an actuator device 2, as shown in FIG 2 shown, rests radially on the outside against an inner surface of the housing 6 .

At least in the sealing areas 16 and 21, a wave-shaped profile is formed on the radial shaft seal 14 in each case. The profiles form peripheral sealing lips which, in contact with a respective mating surface on the raceway 13 or on the housing 6, produce annular peripheral sealing zones in each case.

In the vicinity of the sealing areas 16, 17, the radial shaft sealing ring 14 has an approximately “Y”-shaped profile, of which two legs each lead to one of the sealing areas 16, 17. A third leg points outwards in the radial direction, a “?” shape adjoining this leg in simplified form, which extends as far as the housing sealing area 21 . The metal insert 15 that reinforces the radial shaft seal 14 also assumes this "?" shape and thus increases the radial rigidity of the radial shaft seal 14 in particular.

The radial shaft sealing ring 14 contacts the race 13 radially on the inside in the sealing regions 16, 17 and contacts the housing 6 radially on the outside in order to close an annular space formed between the race 13 and the housing 6 in a sealing manner

The race 13 has in section according to 4 an L-shaped profile. A first leg of the L runs parallel to the axial direction and thus forms contact surfaces for the inner sealing area 16 and the outer sealing area 17 with respect to the radial shaft sealing ring 14. In the installed state on an as in FIG 2 In the actuator device 2 shown, the raceway 13 is pressed onto the driven element 9 and thus rests with the first leg on the circumference of the latter. A second leg of the L of the raceway 13 is angled radially outward, extending outward in a radial plane to form a disc-like portion 26 of the raceway 13 . The disk-like area 26 of the bearing ring 13 assumes, among other things, the function of keeping out water acting on the bearing area from the outside in the sense of a splash guard.

A circumferential axial lip 19 is formed on the radial shaft seal ring 14, which protrudes obliquely in the axial and radial direction from the radial shaft seal ring 14 in order to form a trough-like collecting area 27 for water, which in certain operating situations can collect from the outside 25, in particular between the disk-like area 26 of the bearing ring 13 and the radial shaft sealing ring 14 threatens to run into one of the sealing areas 16, 17.

The axial lip interacts with the radially extending, disk-like area 26 of the bearing ring 13 in order to at least reduce the ingress of water into the sealing area 16, 17. A plurality of axial projections 20 distributed over its circumference are formed on the axial lip 19 and prevent the axial lip 19 from coming into contact with the disk-like region 26 of the bearing ring 13 over the entire circumference. This ensures that water that has already penetrated in the vicinity of the sealing areas 16, 17 can easily drain off again, namely through a drainage gap 23 formed between the axial lip 19 and the disk-like area 26 of the bearing ring 13.

The projections 20 can be distributed equidistantly over the circumference, for example eight projections 20 are involved gene 20 always remains a drainage gap 23 for water, even if the raceway 13 and radial shaft seal 14 touch areas. It is always possible for water that has penetrated to run off.

4 It can also be seen that the drainage gap 23 is offset in the axial direction in relation to a radially outer edge of the disk-like area 26 in such a way that water penetrating from the outside 25 due to the force of gravity - assuming a substantially horizontal orientation of the axis of rotation 11 - runs into the trough-like collecting area 27 . In normal operation, ie with the usual orientation of the seal 12, it is therefore ensured that water acting on the seal 12 from the external environment 25 does not flow into the inner areas of the seal—and possibly into the inner area 24 of the housing 6—at all via the drainage gap 23 , but that this water collects in the collecting area 27 and runs down in the circumferential direction, in order then to run further down through the run-off gap 23 (thus to the outside).

As a further feature, a plurality of spacer cams 18 distributed over the circumference are additionally formed on the seal 12 in a substantially radially extending region of the radial shaft seal 14 , which ensure a minimum axial distance between the radial shaft seal 14 and the raceway 13 . The spacer cams 18 ensure, in particular during the assembly of the seal 12, that a minimum distance required for the function of the seal 12 is maintained between the radial shaft sealing ring 14 and the raceway 13.

Reference List

1

adjustable roll stabilizer

2

actuator device

3a, 3b

stabilizer section

4a, 4b

wheel

5a, 5b

suspension

6

casing

7

electric motor

8th

multi-stage planetary gear

9

output element

10

roller bearing

11

axis of rotation

12

poetry

13

Barrel sleeve with slinger

14

Radial shaft seal

15

metal insert

16

inner sealing area

17

outer sealing area

18

spacer cam

19

axial lip

20

nub

21

housing sealing area

22

fat pocket

23

drainage gap (water)

24

inner space

25

external environment

26

disk-like area

27

containment area

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102016219399 A1 [0003]
• DE 102016222769 A1 [0005]

Claims (12)

Actuator device (2) for an adjustable roll stabilizer (1) of a motor vehicle, having a housing (6) and an output element (9) mounted rotatably in relation thereto about an axis of rotation (11) for actuating a stabilizer section (3b) of the roll stabilizer (1), the The output element (9) is assigned a seal (12) for sealing an interior (24) of the housing (6) from an external environment (25), which comprises a raceway (13) resting on the output element (9) and a radial shaft sealing ring (14). , which contacts the race (13) radially on the inside in a sealing area (16, 17) and radially on the outside with the housing (6) in order to seal off an annular space formed between the race (13) and the housing (6), with the radial shaft seal (14 ) a circumferential axial lip (19) is formed which cooperates with a radially extending, disk-like portion (26) of the raceway (13) to prevent ingress of water r in the sealing area (16, 17), characterized in that a plurality of axial projections (20) distributed over its circumference are formed on the axial lip (19), which allow the axial lip (19) to bear against the disk-like area ( 26) avoid. actuator device claim 1 , characterized in that the axial projections (20) are designed and arranged so that between the axial lip (19) and the disk-like area (26) of the raceway (13) remains a drainage gap (23) for water. actuator device claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a drainage gap (23) for water remains at least in a part-circumferential space between two adjacent axial projections. Actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in particular eight axial projections (20) distributed equidistantly over the circumference are formed on the axial lip (19). Actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axial lip (19) protrudes obliquely in the axial and radial direction from the radial shaft sealing ring (14) in order to form a trough-like catchment area (27) for water which in certain operating situations from the outside (25) , in particular between the disc-like area (26) of the bearing ring (13) and the radial shaft seal (14), threatens to run into a sealing area (16, 17). actuator device claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the drainage gap (23) is offset in the axial direction in relation to a radially outer edge of the disk-like area (26) in such a way that water penetrating from the outside (25) due to gravity - assuming a substantially horizontal orientation of the axis of rotation (11) - Runs into the trough-like collection area (27). Actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial shaft sealing ring (14) contacts the bearing ring (13) in at least two sealing areas (16, 17), each forming a radial seal. actuator device claim 7 , characterized in that between the at least two sealing areas (16, 17) a chamber (22), in particular for receiving sealant and / or lubricant is formed. Actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial shaft sealing ring (14) is made from a rubber, in particular from a hydrogenated nitrile rubber. Actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial shaft sealing ring (14) is reinforced by a preferably metallic insert (15) which in particular has an approximately "S", "C" or "?-shaped" cross section. Actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a substantially radially extending area of the radial shaft seal (14) a plurality of spacer cams (18) distributed over the circumference are additionally formed, which between the radial shaft seal (14) and race (13) an axial Ensure minimum distance. Seal (12) for an actuator device (2), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a bearing ring (13) and a radial shaft sealing ring (14) which contacts the bearing ring (13) radially on the inside in a sealing region (16, 17) and radially can be brought into contact on the outside with a housing (6) of the actuator device (2) in order to seal off an annular space formed between the bearing ring (13) and the housing (6), an axial lip (19) running circumferentially being formed on the radial shaft sealing ring (14). , which cooperates with a radially extending, disk-like area (26) of the raceway (13) in order to at least reduce the penetration of water into the sealing area (16, 17), characterized in that A plurality of axial projections (20) distributed over the circumference of the axial lip (19) are formed on the axial lip (19) and prevent the axial lip (19) from coming into full contact with the disk-like area (26).

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