DE10353245A1 - Crash load absorption mechanism for adjustable automotive seat has gear mechanism located in the vicinity of a crash deformation zone - Google Patents

Abstract

A variable-position automotive seat has a spindle drive incorporating a gear mechanism located in the vicinity of a crash-deformation zone. The event of a crash load, the converging movement of the upper seat rail and the gear is dampened.

Description

The The present invention relates to a spindle gear housing for a motor vehicle seat adjustment device according to the generic term of claim 1 and an adjusting device for motor vehicle seats with such a spindle gear receptacle.

A Spindelgetriebeaufnahme according to the preamble of claim 1 is in DE 198 15 238 C2 , corresponding to WO 99/51456. Such a spindle gear receiving serves to receive a spindle gear of a spindle drive for a motor vehicle seat adjusting device, as exemplified in the 13 is shown. According to the 14 is the top rail 3 to which a motor vehicle seat by means not shown mounting bracket can be fastened, relative to the lower rail 4 longitudinally. The drive motor 2 is by means of fastening straps 11a . 11b on a holding plate 1 attached to the top rail 3 is firmly connected.

In the functional position of the upper rail 3 and the bottom rail 4 These are held by respective guide or storage areas so that between them a cavity 16 ( 1 ) is trained. Within this cavity is a threaded spindle 5 arranged, the rotationally fixed between two end brackets 6a . 6b clamped on the bottom rail 4 are fixed, for example by means of fastening nuts.

The threaded spindle 5 works with the gearbox 9 together, which is also arranged in the aforementioned cavity. Like in the 13 Shown are the front and rear end face of the transmission housing 9 directly on the legs of the formed as a U-shaped bracket angle retaining element 8th at. For acoustic decoupling can on the front and rear end of the gear housing 9 damping elements 12 be provided, which are elastically deformable. Overall, the top rail 3 or the holding element 8th relatively rigid with the bottom rail 4 or the threaded spindle 5 coupled.

Of course, in the aforementioned structure, the threaded spindle 5 be rotatably mounted and rotatably in this threaded spindle on the transmission housing 9 engage mounted spindle nut.

For motor vehicle seats Various measures have been proposed in the prior art to the so-called whiplash or cervical spine trauma (whiplash injury) counteract. A whiplash arises when the cervical spine by an acceleration and a whip-like repulse of the head is injured. It can be very different structures of the neck, for example, muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs, Cervical joints and cervical vertebrae. One such measure is the attachment of a headrest at the motor vehicle seat.

at a rear impact or rear crash or a rebound after one Froncrash can lead to the whip-blow phenomenon in which the head accelerated in time to the hull is accelerated. These are measures desirable to the whip phenomenon counteract.

to Avoiding a whiplash injury are also proposed active headrests have been, which are relatively expensive.

task It is the object of the present invention to provide a spindle gear housing according to the generic term of claim 1 to the effect that this in a simple and cheaper Can contribute to the prevention of cervical spine trauma. Furthermore, a corresponding adjustment for motor vehicle seats be provided with such a spindle gear receptacle.

These Task is solved by a Spindelgetriebeaufnahme with the features of claim 1 and by an adjustment device for motor vehicle seats according to claim 31. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the referenced Dependent claims.

A Spindle gear receptacle according to the present Invention is characterized by the fact that in the transmission receiving the spindle gear receiving a deformation region is provided the at a crash load in a given direction plastically is deformable, so that the holding element or the upper rail and the transmission to a distance corresponding to the crash load muted are movable relative to each other to dampen the crash load.

It is advantageous that the deformation region is virtually integrated into the transmission receptacle itself, so that the spindle gear receptacle according to the invention is compatible with a spindle gear receptacle according to the prior art and can be easily exchanged or replaced. At the same time the effort to synchronize the acceleration of the head and trunk of a vehicle occupant and to dampen a relative movement of the vehicle seat and vehicle can be further reduced. Finally, the generation of a trigger signal for the damping mechanism must be completely dispensed with, which offers further cost advantages and contributes to a more reliable continuous operation.

According to the present Invention, the deformation range is designed so that only in the case of Rear impact or rebounds a defined, damped relative movement of the transmission to the holding element or the upper rail by a predetermined distance takes place, however, that in the event of a frontal impact or frontal crash no appreciable relative movement takes place. This is achieved by an asymmetrical design or interpretation of the spindle gear receptacle.

According to the invention Deformation in a crash load plastically deformable, the Deformation area thus essentially remains after a crash load in a deformed state, in which the holding element or the upper rail are shifted relative to the transmission. Preferred are in the area the gear receiving means provided for a movement of the transmission relative to the retaining element or the upper rail to the crash load corresponding distance after a deformation of the deformation range counteract.

Under the term crash load, as used in this application be, be through by suddenly occurring acceleration forces caused stress, which on the elements of the Spindle gear receiving acts while a predetermined threshold range or threshold. In this way, between uncritical loads, for example, caused through a mechanical seat adjustment, and critical loads, which are caused by a rear impact can be distinguished. According to the invention plastic deformation only in case of critical loads caused by A rear impact or rebound, admitted. It will the threshold range or threshold value of the crash load preferably by Material properties of the deformation range itself specified, for example, by the strength, Shaping, materials and the like of the deformation range.

By the plastic deformation of the deformation area becomes the relative movement damped by gear and retaining element or upper rail. Consequently can the temporal course of the acceleration curves of head and Hull of the vehicle occupant by appropriate choice of properties of the deformation region as described above be matched. The deformation area is thereby deformed, in the case of the rear impact, the motor vehicle seat as a whole is one predetermined distance is shifted backwards. Prefers This distance is due to the shaping or design of the deformation area itself, as described above, given. For example the deformation range only until reaching a deformed state longitudinal compressible, with the difference in length between the initial state and the maximum deformed state of the deformation range the predetermined distance substantially corresponds to which the transmission is movable relative to the holding element or the upper rail should be. This distance can basically be set arbitrarily be, is but preferred according to the invention about 40mm.

According to the invention Spindle gear receiving asymmetric formed. To this end For example, the deformation range can be in the longitudinal direction of the transmission mount be arranged on one side of the transmission, but this is the case do not exclude should that the deformation range, viewed in the longitudinal direction, at least sections not overlapped with the gearbox. The transmission can also be included asymmetrically in the transmission receptacle. For example, can a housing the transmission at an end or support portion of the holding element abut or supported be.

Prefers is the retaining element in the area of the gearbox receiving as in Essentially rectangular Bracket formed and includes two longitudinally spaced holding legs and a floor or elongated Area. In a thus formed substantially rectangular receptacle can be a cuboid gearbox be received in a particularly simple manner. Preferably lies while the gear on or on one of the two holding legs this arranged close to the holding leg. Thus, the transmission on one side, in the longitudinal direction considered, essentially on the relatively stiff holding leg supported and on the opposite Side coupled with the plastically deformable deformation range.

Prefers lies the deformation range, in the intended direction of travel of the motor vehicle, in front of the transmission and is the holding leg of the bracket, seen in the intended direction, arranged behind the gearbox.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the deformation region is formed as a reversing tube which surrounds the threaded spindle and which has an inverted or flanged portion at at least one end, which is further everted or crimped in the event of a rear impact, so a temporal Synchronisa tion of movement of the head and thorax in the event of a crash. In the process, the crash energy is reduced by plastic deformation of the inverting tube. Preferably, the everted or crimped portion is guided, so that in the case of a rear impact, the everted or flared portion at a substantially constant bending radius along the Stülprohr migrates until the Stülprohr is deformed into a two- or multi-layer pipe, in which state the plastic deformation is essentially completed.

Of the inverted or beaded Section can be provided at one or at two ends of the tube so that the turnpipe is plastically deformable to a two- or multi-layer pipe. Consequently corresponds to the length the overthrust tube in the event that only one inverted or more violent Section is provided, essentially two times the predetermined Distance and corresponds to the length the overthrust tube in the event that two turned over or beaded Sections are provided, substantially three times the predetermined distance, in the latter case, the bending radii of the everted or beaded Sections are preferably different.

By the wall thickness the overthrust tube can in a simple way the deformation properties are given. The wall thickness the overthrust tube can, in the longitudinal direction considered to be constant or vary, for example at least in sections in the longitudinal direction increase continuously or gradually.

Complementary or alternatively, an inner diameter or an inner dimension of the Stülprohrs longitudinal considered to be constant or vary, in particular at least in sections in the longitudinal direction increase continuously or gradually. By specifying the wall thickness and The geometric design of the Stülprohrs can the deformation characteristics adapted to the crash characteristics of the motor vehicle effectively become.

Prefers is the threaded spindle in point-symmetrical arrangement within arranged the overturn tube. The threaded spindle can substantially without play on an inner peripheral surface of the Stülprohrs abut or there may be an annular gap between the threaded spindle and formed the Stülprohr be. The Stülprohr has a closed profile, preferably with a circular or elliptical cross section.

To the To lead of the inverted or beaded Section of the Stülprohrs a concave recess may be provided, for example a holding leg of the bracket and / or on the gear or gearbox and / or in a separate element, for example, on the Holding leg or the transmission or transmission housing may be appropriate.

According to one second embodiment According to the present invention, the deformation region is a through Upset formed plastically deformable folding tube, which the Threaded spindle surrounds and thus is guided by the threaded spindle, ie can not move laterally in the event of a crash.

Prefers the folding tube has a plurality of nominal deformation areas, where this is to be folded or compressed to plastic to be deformed. Preferably, the desired deformation ranges are in Longitudinally equidistant spaced apart. The nominal deformation ranges can be used as Corrugations, foldable areas, weakenings or the like in be formed of the peripheral wall of the folding tube. Preferred are the Sollverformungsbereiche formed as peripheral target deformation ranges.

The Folding tube can be a circular or elliptical but also a square or rectangular or have differently shaped cross-section.

at the first and second embodiments preferably at least one receptacle for receiving a respective End of the Stülprohrs or Faltrohrs provided so that the overturn tube or Faltrohr stable is stored, especially in the event of a crash load not laterally Dodge or slip out of the recording.

According to one another embodiment According to the present invention, the deformation region is open Deforming element formed with an open profile. The open one Deformation element has a deformation region and at least two section areas in order to engage the gear and the holding element, in particular on a leg of the formed as a bracket Retaining element, supported to be. The deformation region can protrude through an opening of the upper rail.

Of the Deformation area can be curved arcuate and / or nominal deformation areas, for example corrugations, grooves, collapsible areas or weakenings.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the deformation region is formed as a deformable damping element, which couples the transmission with the holding element, for example, also elastically coupled. In this case, a means, for example a relative movement approval device, is preferably provided in order to prevent the Allow relative movement in the predetermined direction only when the crash load exceeds the predetermined threshold. As long as the threshold is not exceeded, the transmission is preferably substantially rigidly coupled to the holding element.

Prefers is the means, in particular the relative movement approval device, designed as a mechanical element, in particular in the form of a breakaway protection, and the mechanical element is only at the predetermined Threshold destroyed, for example, broken or torn apart. For example, can a substantially inelastic retaining element beyond its Tensile strength can be claimed or a kink or Destroyed locking element or be unlocked. By simple choice of mechanical properties of the element may be the threshold from which the relative movement approval device triggers, be varied.

According to one another embodiment the deformation area is integrated in the holding element itself. Thus, the use of additional plastically deformable Elements are omitted. In this case, the retaining element is at least partially plastically deformable and this is in the other areas essentially rigid or inelastic.

In order to the holding element is plastically deformable, this can a plurality from in the longitudinal direction preferably equidistant having spaced apart predetermined deformation ranges, for example Corrugations, folded areas, compressible areas or the like.

According to one another embodiment The present invention is the range of deformation in the transmission or the transmission housing integrated itself, so that by a suitable choice of the transmission or transmission case the spindle gearbox optionally designed according to the prior art or according to the invention can be. This reduces the storage costs.

Prefers the deformation area is a plastically deformable extension formed of the transmission, which is also formed integrally with the transmission housing can be.

Of the plastically deformable extension can thereby a plurality of longitudinally preferably equidistant having spaced apart predetermined deformation ranges, for example in the form of a grid or honeycomb composite structure, corrugations, folded areas or compressible areas.

Prefers is in a spindle gearbox according to the invention a means is provided to prevent movement between the holding element or the upper rail and the transmission after a crash-induced deformation counteract the deformation at least.

Prefers the means is designed as a latching means, with a first latching means and a second latching means, suitably in the range the transmission receptacle are arranged to after a crash conditional Lock the deformation of the deformation area with each other. For this can the locking means, for example on a surface of the transmission, in particular on a base, and on side wall areas in the area the spindle gear receiving be arranged, in particular on the Floor of the aforementioned bracket. The locking means are preferred designed so that these only then in an operative engagement with each other arrive, if due to a crash load and a consequent Deformation of the deformation region, the holding element or the upper rail and the transmission by a predetermined minimum distance relative to each other were moved. This minimum distance, for example, by the Distance from teeth a toothing of the locking means can be specified.

According to one Another aspect of the present invention is also a Adjustment device for Motor vehicle seats provided. This is marked by the use of a spindle gearbox according to the invention.

following become preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings be described, resulting in more features, benefits and expectorant Tasks and in which:

1 in a juxtaposition, illustrates a spindle gearbox according to a first embodiment of the present invention before and after a rear crash;

2a and 2 B represent a turn-up tube according to a variant of the first embodiment;

3a and 3b Two variants of the spindle gear recording according to the 1 in an initial state;

4 a further variant of the spindle gear receptacle according to the 1 in an initial state;

5 a spindle gear housing according to a second embodiment of the present Er represents finding;

6 in a juxtaposition represents a spindle gearbox according to a variant of the second embodiment before and after a rear crash;

7 a spindle gearbox according to a third embodiment of the present invention, together with two possible profiles of an open deformation element;

8th FIG. 10 illustrates a spindle gearbox according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an initial state; FIG.

9 a spindle gearbox according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in an initial state and the deformation region before and after a crash-induced deformation;

10 FIG. 10 illustrates a spindle gearbox according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention in an initial state; FIG.

11 Details of a receptacle for a reversing tube according to the first embodiment represents;

12 Details of a receptacle for an end portion of an everting or folding tube according to the present invention;

13 a preferred variant of the spindle gear housing according to the 1 represents; and

14 in a perspective view represents a spindle drive according to the prior art.

In the figures denote identical reference numerals identical or Substantially equal elements or groups of elements.

The basic construction of a spindle gear housing according to the present invention is identical to that described above with reference to FIGS 14 described structure. The modifications according to the invention take place essentially in the region of the holding element 8th and / or the transmission 9 as described in more detail below.

The holding element 8th is as a substantially U-shaped bracket with a front retaining leg 14a , a rear holding leg 14b and a substantially plate-shaped bottom 15 trained, as in the 1 shown. The holding element 8th is about in the 13 schematically shown mounting holes 30 at the top rail 3 attached. Like in the 1 shown, the gearbox points 9 a substantially square or rectangular housing in which one into the external thread of the threaded spindle 5 engaging spindle nut 19 and with this meshing drive screw 18 is arranged. The drive screw 18 will, as in the 13 shown by a preferably flexible drive shaft 21 . 22 of the drive motor 2 driven.

As in the upper part of the 1 is shown in the initial state of the spindle gearbox 10 the left end of the gear housing 9 on the inside of the rear retaining leg 14b or is located in close proximity to this. In the gap between the holding leg 14b and the transmission housing 9 can, as in the 13 shown a damping element 12 , For example, for acoustic decoupling, be arranged. Like in the 1 shown is that of the bracket 8th educated picture 16 extended in the longitudinal direction and longer than a maximum dimension of the transmission housing 9 viewed in the longitudinal direction. The gear 9 is asymmetrical in the from the bracket 8th formed recording 16 arranged. Between the gearbox 9 and the front retaining leg 14a is a reversing tube 25 provided that the threaded spindle 5 surrounds. The Stülprohr 25 is with a turned up or crimped section 26 on the gearbox 9 supported and is with the other end 27 on the front holding leg 14a supported.

In the inverted or crimped section 26 is the reverse tube 25 reversed with a predetermined bending radius, the further plastic deformation of the Stülprohrs 25 in the case of a rear impact or rebound through the initial shape of the Stülprohrs 25 and by a in the inverted or curved portion 26 provided recording or leadership, as this example in the 11 is shown, is given.

The lower part of the 1 shows the spindle gearbox 10 in a plastically deformed state after a rear impact. Here is the reversing tube 25 completely inverted to a double tube, which is the threaded spindle 5 surrounds and with the bending area 26 , which in the initial state near the middle of the camber tube 25 is arranged on the transmission housing 9 and with its two ends on the front retaining leg 14a is supported. In the state according to the lower part of 1 is the transmission 9 relative to the bracket 8th or the top rail 3 shifted by the distance corresponding to the crash load? L.

The Stülprohr 25 is deformed only when the predefined by a rear impact load a by the material properties and the embodiment of the reversing tube 25 exceeds the given threshold. When the turnpipe 25 in the lower part of the 1 has reached plastically deformed state shown, the overturn tube 25 if necessary, they continue to be compressed under a considerably increased pressure. After a rear impact, the reverse tube remains 25 essentially in the lower part of the 1 illustrated configuration.

In the case of a front impact, however, the impact energy is directly from the transmission housing 9 on the rear support leg 14b derived, so there is essentially no deformation of the overturning tube 25 comes.

In order to prevent that after a crash-induced deformation of the deformation range, the transmission housing 9 in that way in the recording 16 formed longitudinal gap is freely reciprocable, are in the range of the spindle gear receptacle 10 preferably means provided, which counteract such a movement. The 13 shows an example of such inventively preferred variant of the first embodiment.

According to the 13 is on the ground 15 of the bracket 8th a serving as a first locking means rack 92 arranged by spring elements 93 is kept interchangeable. On the underside of the gearbox 9 is a corresponding gearing 91 educated. The two gears act together so as to prevent movement of the transmission housing in the 13 to allow to the right, but a movement of the gearbox in the 13 to lock to the left.

According to the 13 is the reverse tube 25 due to a crash-related load on the on the transmission 9 adjacent section 26 flattened or everted. Due to this crash-induced deformation, the transmission has 9 in the 13 to the right relative to the bracket 8th moves and grips the two gears 91 . 92 into one another to reset the gearbox housing 9 to lock in the starting position. At the same time is another movement of the transmission 9 in the 13 to the right through the Stülprohr 25 prevented.

As the skilled person will readily apparent, comparable Locking means also in all embodiments according to the present Invention be provided.

Again 1 is removable, corresponds in the first embodiment with a turned-up or flared portion at one end of the Stülprohrs 25 the length of the overthrust tube 25 essentially twice the distance to the gearbox 9 between the one in the upper part of the 1 represented undeformed initial state and in the lower part of the 1 shown plastically deformed state is movable.

According to one in the 2a and 2 B variant shown, the reverse tube 25 also two inverted or crimped sections 26 and 28 exhibit. According to the 2a are the radius of curvature r1 of the section 28 and the radius of curvature r2 of the second section 26 different and coordinated so that the overturn tube 25 formed in the plastically deformed state, a substantially three-layer tubular body. According to the 2 B is a step provided between the two flanged portions, so that the radii of curvature r1, r2 of the two flanged portions can also be the same and the Stülprohr is flanged or everted into a substantially two-layer tubular body.

The 3a and 3b show a further modification of the Spindelgetriebeaufnahme according to the first embodiment with a constant wall thickness of the Stülprohrs 25 , According to the 3a expands the reverse tube 25 conical, around a frusto-conical body with a turned-up or flared portion 26 train. Viewed in the direction of travel x forms the Stülprohr 25 thus a wedge-shaped expanding cavity 29 out. According to the 3b is the reverse tube 25 overall wedge-shaped, the lower side wall 33 the overthrust tube 25 essentially parallel to the threaded spindle 5 , preferably adjacent, runs while the upper sidewall 32 in the longitudinal direction obliquely to the threaded spindle 5 runs. The modification according to the 3b is an example of that the profile of the overthrust 25 can also be non-circular.

The 4 shows a further modification of a spindle gearbox according to the first embodiment in an initial state. According to this modification, the wall thickness of the turn-up tube varies 25 in the longitudinal direction at least in sections. According to the 4 widens the sidewall 34 the overthrust tube 25 wedge-shaped to a truncated cone-like body with a flipped or beaded edge region 26 train. By varying the wall thickness of the turn-up tube, the deformation characteristic can be adapted to a desired crash characteristic.

The 5 shows a Spindelgetriebeaufnahme according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the Stülprohr by a compressible by folding deformation element 40 replaced, which is substantially tubular and the threaded spindle 5 surrounds. The deformation element 40 is at one end to the transmission housing 9 and its other end on the front holding leg 14a supported. The deformation element 40 is wavy folded, with a number of equidistant folding areas 70 , which serve as predetermined deformation areas, so that the deformation element 40 can be plastically compressed in a predefined way. The deformation element 40 may in principle have any cross section and is preferably provided with a circular or rectangular cross section.

The 6 shows a comparison of a modification of the spindle gear recording according to the 5 before and after a rear crash. In the undeformed initial state according to the upper part of 6 is the tubular deformation element 40 essentially smooth-walled. However, this can in the longitudinal direction of target deformation ranges, such as weakening in the wall of the deformation element 40 , so that the tubular body can be compressed in a predefined manner, as in the lower part of the 6 shown where the curls 71 are formed so that the troughs on the outer circumference of the threaded spindle 5 which is not absolutely necessary. The wave crests can also touch each other.

The 7 shows a Spindelgetriebeaufnahme according to a third embodiment of the present invention in an undeformed initial state. The deformation element 43 has an open profile, with a curved or dome-shaped curved area 45 and two side walls 44 attached to the gearbox 9 or on the front holding leg 14a are supported. The sidewall sections 44 encompass the threaded spindle 5 so that the deformation element 43 not from the threaded spindle 5 can slip. According to the 7 extends through the arched area 45 of the deformation element 43 an opening 42 the top rail 3 , which is not mandatory.

The upper part of the 7 shows two possible configurations of the deformation element 43 in the plastically deformed state after a rear crash. Here are the side walls 44 compressed to a relatively small distance, because the gearbox 9 to the front holding leg 14a has moved. The arched area 43 In this case, it is essentially deformed into a full circle or on corrugated or serrated regions serving as desired deformation regions 46 on the top of the deformation element 43 bawled.

The 8th shows a Spindelgetriebeaufnahme according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an undeformed initial state. According to the fourth embodiment, the inverting tube or deformation element is replaced by a damping element 47 , which is preferably plastically deformable, but can also be elastically deformable. According to the 8th has the total designed as a tubular body damping element 47 symmetrically formed, convexly outwardly curved sections. So that the damping element 47 is deformed only when the load caused by the rear crash exceeds a predetermined threshold, serving as a relative movement approval device breakaway 48 at the left end of the gearbox 9 intended. Alternatively or additionally, may be used as a relative movement approval device breakaway 49 also on the right end of the gearbox 9 intended. Only when exceeded by the material properties of the breakaway fuses 48 . 49 predetermined tensile or buckling strength are the breakaway 48 . 49 dissolved and then the damping element 47 deformed. In the case of a relatively weak rear impact or a front impact, however, the transmission housing remains 9 essentially rigid with the bracket 8th coupled.

According to the 8th is the breakaway security 48 formed as a rope or cuboidal element with a predetermined tensile strength. The breakaway protection 49 is broken off or sheared off in the event of a relatively hard rear impact.

The 9 shows a Spindelgetriebeaufnahme according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in an undeformed initial state. According to the 9 is the deformation area in the top rail 3 integrated and as in the transmission gearbox 15 trained thickened area 90 formed from the inside of the top rail 3 in the gearbox 15 protrudes. According to the sectional view AA in the lower left part of 9 is the projection as a bead or bulge 96 by suitable deformation of the upper rail 3 educated. In the in the 9 undeformed initial state is the transmission 9 on the back leg 14b of the bracket 8th and the projection sticks out 90 on the right edge of the gearbox 9 in the gearbox 15 into it. According to the 9 is at the bottom of the bracket 8th a rack 92 arranged and is on the bottom of the gearbox 9 a corresponding locking toothing 91 formed as above with reference to the 13 described.

It is assumed that by a crash load the transmission 9 in the 13 to the right relative to the bracket 8th or the top rail 3 is moved. This is the lead 96 deforms and moves the gearbox 9 with its locking teeth 91 at the rack 92 along. The lower right part of the 9 shows the lead 97 after a crash-induced deformation in a section view.

The 10 shows a Spindelgetriebeaufnahme according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention in an undeformed initial state in which the plastically deformable deformation region in the transmission housing 9 is integrated. According to the 10 has the gearbox 9 a plastically deformable extension 51 on top of the gearbox 9 with the front holding leg 14a combines. The extension 51 is preferably integral with the transmission housing 9 educated. According to the 10 lie on the two holding legs 14 . 14b damping elements 12 which serve essentially only an acoustic damping, as in connection with the 14 described. These damping elements 12 however, are not essential.

The extension 51 has a plurality of preferably equidistantly spaced in the longitudinal direction of desired deformation areas in the form of corrugations. Overall, the extension forms 51 according to the 10 thus a lattice or honeycomb-shaped structure, which is the threaded spindle 5 embraces. The cross section of the extension 51 may be circular, elliptical or rectangular.

For even more defined deformation of the substantially tubular deformation regions described above, support areas on the holding element may be used 8th , in particular on the retaining legs 14 . 14b and the transmission housing 9 , Shooting for receiving and guiding end portions of the deformation elements may be provided. This will be described below by way of example with reference to 11 and 12 to be discribed.

According to the 11 is an inverted or crimped section 26 a reversing tube 25 in a concave recording 61 a guide element 60 provided, which is placed on the associated support area or can be integrated in this. The concave section 61 prevents the reverse tube 25 in the case of deformation uncontrolled by the threaded spindle 5 replaces. Rather, the reverse tube 25 with a through the concave recording 61 specified bending radius further everted while guided on the threaded spindle.

According to the 12 is a front end portion of a folding or corrugated pipe 70 with a ring or rectangular approach 72 in a corresponding to this trained recording 81 a pipe receiving element 80 picked up on the gearbox 9 or the associated holding leg 14b set up or integrated into it. The tube intake 81 Prevents the plastically deformable folding or corrugated pipe from slipping uncontrollably in the event of a crash.

As the skilled person will be readily apparent, the Embodiments described above can also be combined with each other. As materials for the deformation areas can Metals or suitable plastics are chosen. Overall, can the Spindelgetriebeaufnahme readily to existing technical Vehicle standards are adapted to a sufficient crash safety to ensure. Preferably, the transmission and the holding element or the move Upper rail in case of a rear impact about 40mm damped relative to each other. As described above, according to the invention, a certain Synchronization of the acceleration of the head and trunk of the vehicle occupant be achieved.

1

Retaining plate

2

drive motor

3

upper rail

4

bottom rail

5

screw

6a, 6b

brackets

6c, 6d

fastening nuts

7

cavity

8th

Holding element / bracket

9

transmission

10

Spindle gearbox mount

11a

mounting tab

11b

mounting tab

12

damping element

14a

holding leg

14b

holding leg

15

ground of the bracket

16

admission

18

drive worm

19

spindle nut

21

drive shaft

22

drive shaft

25

reversing pipe

26

inverted or crimped section of the Stülprohrs 25

27

other end of the tube 25

28

inverted or crimped section of the Stülprohrs 25

29

conical cavity of the tube 25

30

fastening opening

32

oblique to the longitudinal direction extending side wall of the Stülprohrs 25

33

longitudinal side wall of the Stülprohrs 25

34

wedge-shaped widening side wall of the Stülprohrs 25

35

Sidewall of the Stülprohrs 25 with constant wall thickness

40

flexure

41

plastic deformed deformation element

42

Opening in top rail 3

43

Restricted flexure

44

Sidewall of the deformation element 43

45

arcuate region of the deformation element 43

46

corrugated or serrated region of the deformation element 43

47

damping element

48

Losbrechsicherung

49

Losbrechsicherung

50

deformable area of the bracket 8th

51

deformable extension of the gear housing 17

52

Intended deformation region

60

guide element

61

concave recess of the guide element 60

62

slope

70

fold area

71

curl

72

approach

80

Pipe receiving portion

81

tube support

90

above Area of the upper rail

91

first Locking means / rack

92

second Locking means / rack

93

feather

96

head Start before crash-induced deformation

97

head Start after crash-induced deformation

x

Designated direction of travel

.DELTA.L

crash-induced Deformation distance

r1

bending radius

r2

bending radius

Claims (31)

Spindle gear receptacle for a motor vehicle seat adjusting device, wherein the adjusting device in a transmission ( 9 ) arranged spindle nut ( 19 ), one between two end supports ( 6a . 6b ) threaded spindle ( 5 ), which spindle gear receptacle ( 10 ) comprises: a holding element ( 8th ) with a top rail ( 3 ) a seat adjustment is connectable and a transmission receptacle ( 16 ) for receiving the transmission ( 9 ), characterized in that in the region of the transmission mount ( 16 ) a deformation area ( 25 ; 40 ; 43 ; 47 ; 50 ; 51 ) is provided, which is plastically deformable in a given direction during a crash load, so that the holding element ( 8th ) or the upper rail ( 3 ) and the transmission ( 9 ) are damped relative to each other by a distance corresponding to the crash load. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation region in the longitudinal direction (x) of the transmission receptacle ( 16 ) on one side of the transmission ( 9 ) is arranged. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission ( 9 ) asymmetrically in the gearbox mount ( 16 ) is recorded. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 3, characterized in that the retaining element ( 8th ) in the area of the transmission housing ( 16 ) is formed as a substantially U-shaped bracket with two longitudinally spaced retaining legs ( 14a . 14b ) and a floor ( 15 ), whereby the transmission ( 9 ) bears against one of the retaining legs or is arranged close to the one holding leg. Spindle gear receptacle according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the deformation region ( 25 ) as the threaded spindle ( 5 ) surrounding overthrust tube ( 25 ) is formed, which at at least one end an everted or flared portion ( 26 ) having. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 5, wherein the turn-up tube has a substantially circular cross-section and an inverted or crimped portion ( 26 ), wherein the length of the overturning tube ( 25 ) substantially equal to twice a maximum for a crash-related movement distance. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 5, wherein the turn-up tube has a substantially circular cross-section and two everted or flanged portions (Fig. 26 . 28 ), wherein the length of the overturning tube ( 25 ) substantially corresponds to three times the predetermined distance and radii of curvature (r1, r2) of the two everted or flanged portions ( 26 . 28 ) are different. Spindle gear receptacle according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a wall thickness of the Stülprohrs ( 25 ) varies in the longitudinal direction (x) at least in sections (34), preferably increases continuously. Spindle gear housing according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein an inner diameter or an inner dimension of the Stülprohrs ( 25 ) varies in the longitudinal direction, preferably increases at least in sections continuously. Spindle gear receptacle according to one of claims 5 to 9, in which the gear receptacle ( 16 ) at least one concave recess ( 61 ) for guiding a respective everted or flared portion ( 26 . 28 ) of the overturning tube ( 25 ) having. Spindle gear housing according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the deformation region as the threaded spindle ( 5 ) surrounding, plastically deformable folding tube ( 40 ; 41 ) is trained. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 11, wherein the folding tube has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, preferably equidistant, desired deformation ranges (FIG. 70 ; 71 ) having. Spindle gear housing according to claim 11 or 12, in which the folding tube is a circular, elliptical, square or rectangular cross-section having. Spindle gear housing according to one of claims 5 to 13, in which the gear housing ( 16 ) at least one recording ( 80 ) for receiving a respective end of the tube ( 25 ) or the folding tube ( 40 ; 41 ) having. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 4, wherein the deformation region as an open deformation element ( 43 ) is formed with an open profile, which has a deformation area ( 45 ) and two support areas ( 44 ) having. Spindle gear housing according to claim 15, in which the support areas ( 44 ) on the transmission ( 9 ) and a thigh ( 14b ) of the bracket ( 8th ) are supported. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 15 or 16, in which the deformation region ( 45 ) an opening ( 42 ) of the upper rail ( 3 ). Spindle gear receptacle according to one of Claims 15 to 17, in which the deformation region is arched (45) and / or nominal deformation regions (45). 46 ) having. Spindle gear receptacle according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the deformation region as a deformable damping element ( 47 ) is formed, which the transmission ( 9 ) with the retaining element ( 8th ), where means ( 48 . 49 ) are provided to allow the relative movement in the predetermined direction only when the crash load exceeds a predetermined threshold. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 19, in which the means comprise at least one mechanical element, in particular a breakaway fuse ( 48 . 49 ), which is destroyed when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded, in particular breaks or tears. Spindle gear receptacle according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the deformation region ( 50 ) in the holding element ( 8th ) is integrated. Spindle gear housing according to claim 21, when dependent on claim 3 or 4, in which the deformation region ( 50 ) in the ground ( 15 ) of the bracket is integrated. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 22, in which the deformation region is in the gearbox ( 16 protruding projection ( 96 ) which is deformable in order to prevent movement of the transmission ( 9 ) counteract. Spindle gear housing according to claim 23, in which the deformation area is formed by a protrusion ( 96 ) of the upper rail ( 3 ) is trained. Spindle gear housing according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the deformation region in the transmission ( 9 ) is integrated. Spindle gear receptacle according to claim 25, in which the deformation region is in the form of a plastically deformable extension ( 51 ) of the transmission ( 9 ) is trained. Spindle gear housing according to claim 26, when appended to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plastically deformable extension ( 51 ) on a leg ( 14b ) of the bracket is supported. Spindle gear housing according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the plastically deformable extension ( 51 ) a plurality of preferably equidistantly spaced in the longitudinal direction of desired deformation ranges ( 52 ) having. Spindle gear housing according to one of the preceding claims, in which a means ( 91 . 92 ) is provided to a movement between the holding element ( 8th ) or the upper rail ( 3 ) and the transmission ( 9 ) at least counteract after a crash-induced deformation of the deformation region. Spindle gear housing according to claim 29, in which the means ( 91 . 92 ) a first ( 91 ) and a second one ( 92 ) Comprises latching means which lock together after a crash-induced deformation of the deformation region. Adjustment device for motor vehicle seats, characterized by a spindle gear housing ( 10 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.