Adjustment device

Abstract

To provide an improved adjustment device for sealing movable vehicle components with respect to the vehicle body, and to identify vehicles equipped with such an adjustment device. [Solution] The adjustment device (10) comprises a housing (16) disposed on a movable vehicle part or body, a drive assembly (12) having a drive unit (14), and an adjustment element (18) designed to be displaceable along a displacement axis relative to the drive assembly (12) by the drive unit (14), and having a joint bearing (19) at its free end designed to be disposed on the vehicle body or a movable vehicle part, wherein the adjustment element (18) extends through an opening (44) between the vehicle cavity (40) and the cavity (42) of the movable vehicle part housing the adjustment device (10), The system includes a sealing element (38) which is sealed and positioned within the adjustment element (18) and is designed to seal the opening (44).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] As described in the preamble of claim 1, the present invention relates to an adjusting device for vehicle parts that are movable relative to the vehicle body, particularly for vehicle doors or vehicle flaps. The present invention further relates to a vehicle having such an adjusting device.

[0002] Adjusting devices of the above type are known, for example, from International Patent No. 2024 / 193761 (A1). The adjusting device described herein comprises a sealing element for sealing an opening connecting two cavities.

[0003] In order to reliably prevent water from passing between the cavities, it is necessary that the overlap of the opening is minimized, at least when the movable vehicle part is closed. Tolerances that occur during the manufacture and installation of the adjusting device must be taken into account. At the same time, the possible sealing area around the opening is limited. This is because the fastening elements required for the adjusting device are arranged in the area of the opening, and at least a part of the fastening elements (for example, studs and associated nuts) protrude into the vehicle cavity. Therefore, if the tolerance chain is poor, there is a possibility of overlap of the fastening elements, which means that reliable sealing can no longer be ensured. Over time, the overlap can also cause damage to the sealing element.

[0004] In view of such a background, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved adjusting device for sealing for vehicle parts that are movable relative to the vehicle body. An object of the present invention is also to specify a vehicle provided with such an adjusting device.

[0005] According to the present invention, this object is achieved with respect to the adjusting device according to the subject matter of claim 1 and with respect to the vehicle according to the subject matter of claim 10.

[0006] In particular, this objective is achieved by an adjustment device for a vehicle component that is movable relative to the body of a vehicle, especially a vehicle door or vehicle flap, comprising: a housing disposed on the movable vehicle component or body; a drive assembly having a drive unit; and an adjustment element designed to be displaceable by the drive unit relative to the drive assembly along a displacement axis, with a joint bearing end at its free end designed to be disposed on the body of a vehicle or movable vehicle component.

[0007] The adjustment element protrudes through an opening between the vehicle cavity and the cavity of the movable vehicle component that houses the adjustment device.

[0008] Furthermore, the adjustment device includes a sealing element that is sealed and positioned within the adjustment element and designed to seal the opening.

[0009] According to the present invention, the sealing element comprises at least a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion via an inner portion, wherein the first portion is designed so that the sealing element can be centered on the housing of the adjustment device, at least in the closed position of the movable vehicle component, and the second portion is designed to be sealed and fastened to the adjustment element.

[0010] Centering the sealing element allows for precise positioning of the sealing surface relative to the opening, thereby eliminating offset of the sealing element and corresponding overlap with the fastening element.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element has a centering collar on the outside of the first portion for sealing the side of the vehicle cavity facing away from the adjustment device. The centering collar is positioned in particular on the end of the first portion facing away from the adjustment device, allowing the sealing element fastened to the adjustment device to be easily installed through the opening. By designing the centering collar as a sealing lip, a secure seal of the sealing surface formed around the opening can be ensured.

[0012] At the same time, the centering collar prevents the sealing element from being turned inside out during the movement of the adjustment element.

[0013] Preferably, the first portion is formed in a cup shape, and the end of the portion facing the adjustment device is insertable into a pocket-shaped recess of the housing and seatable at the bottom of the recess. This means that the sealing element protrudes only partially into the vehicle cavity, at least when the movable vehicle component is in the closed position. In this way, the required installation space can be reduced.

[0014] The pocket-like recess also allows for very easy guidance and centering of the sealing element.

[0015] Preferably, the pocket-like recess can be formed in the housing cover. The cover can be formed from a plastic material in particular, and as a result, the recess can be easily manufactured. This makes it possible to standardize the sealing element for different embodiments of the regulated drive unit, as only the cover needs to be adapted to the vehicle and the corresponding regulated drive unit.

[0016] Improved tolerance compensation in the x, y, and z directions can be achieved by forming the inner body in a disc spring-like manner and connecting the end of the sub-body facing the adjustment device to the second sub-body. This allows the first sub-body and the centering collar to always contact with the same preload as soon as the end of the sub-body contacts the bottom of the pocket-shaped recess.

[0017] The fastening of the sealing element can be configured in a simple manner, such that the sealing element completely encloses the adjustment element and can be fastened to the adjustment element using a latch coupling. Other fastening types are conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] Preferably, the adjustment device is designed as an electric spindle drive device.

[0019] The adjustment device may have a slide assembly that is movable between a first position and a second position along the rotation axis of the spindle by a drive unit, and the adjustment element is connected to the slide assembly at one end. Furthermore, the slide assembly may include a spindle nut that is screwed to the spindle.

[0020] Equivalent aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle equipped with the adjustment device described above. The present invention relates to an adjustment device for a vehicle component that is movable relative to the vehicle body, particularly for a vehicle door or a vehicle flap. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments. The drawings are as follows. [Figure 1] A spatial diagram of the adjustment device according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a spatial diagram of the adjustment element of the adjustment device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a spatial diagram of the adjustment element with an attached sealing element. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a spatial diagram of the sealing element. [Figure 5] Figures 3 and 4 show spatial cross-sectional views of the sealing element. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a spatial diagram of the cover of the adjustment device. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a spatial cross-sectional view of the cover. [Figure 8] This shows a cross-sectional view of an adjustment element with a mounted sealing element in the closed position of a movable vehicle component.

[0022] In Figure 1, the adjustment device according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The adjustment device 10 is designed, for example, as an electrical spindle drive device. Such an adjustment device is disclosed in the applicant’s aforementioned prior application, International Patent No. 2024 / 193761(A1), and is fully incorporated into the disclosures of this application.

[0023] The adjusting device comprises a drive assembly 12 having a drive unit 14 and a drive element (not shown) driven by the drive unit 14. The drive element is rotationally driven, for example, by a drive unit 14 implemented as an electric motor and can be implemented as a worm meshing with a worm wheel. The worm wheel is fixedly arranged on the spindle such that the rotation of the drive element causes the rotation of the worm wheel and thus the rotation of the spindle. The drive element can be integrally formed with the motor shaft of the drive unit 14 or alternatively can be connected thereto.

[0024] The spindle is screwed with a spindle nut, and the spindle nut is arranged in a manner of being rotationally fixed with respect to the housing 16 of the adjusting device 10. Therefore, it is axially displaceable along the rotation axis of the spindle when the spindle rotates.

[0025] Preferably, the spindle nut is a part of a slide assembly that is displaceable along the rotation axis of the spindle together with the spindle nut when the spindle rotates. The slide assembly is shown in perspective views in FIGS. 2 and 3 and is here connected to an adjusting element 18 designed as an S-shaped door check strap. The S-shape is aligned parallel to the rotation axis R of the spindle 20 and substantially extends in a plane orthogonal to the plane of the sheet in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the adjusting element 18 can also be linear.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting element 18 has a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the adjusting element can also be circular or substantially elliptical.

[0027] The adjusting element 18 is connected at its free end (shown on the right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) to a movable vehicle part such as a side door of the vehicle (not shown) or alternatively to the vehicle body (not shown).

[0028] For this purpose, the adjustment element 18 has a joint bearing 19 having an integrated or multi-part joint bearing insert 20, and the joint bearing is connected to the retaining plate 24 by a joint bolt 22.

[0029] For fastening, the retaining plate 24 (also called an angle plate) is fastened to the vehicle (vehicle door or body). Twisted fastening of the retaining plate 22 affects the geometry of coordinated movement and causes misalignment of the system. To avoid the complex mounting of the retaining plate 24 by template, angular errors in the area of ​​the joint bearing 19 can be compensated so that this error does not have any further effect on the subsequent system.

[0030] At the end opposite the free end shown on the left side of Figures 2 and 3, the adjustment element 18 is articulated to the slide assembly by the joint head 21, allowing the adjustment element 18 to pivot relative to the slide assembly.

[0031] When the drive unit 14 is activated, the spindle begins to rotate, and the adjustment element 18 is displaced along the displacement axis via the slide assembly, the displacement axis coinciding with the central axis of the linear adjustment element 18 in the neutral position of the adjustment element 18 and the slide assembly.

[0032] To allow some vertical movement of the free end of the adjustment element 18, the slide assembly and spindle nut are tiltable relative to each other or rotatable within a limited range.

[0033] The adjustment device 10 shown in particular is intended to be mounted on a movable vehicle component. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drive assembly 12 is positioned in front of the adjustment device 10, where front is understood to be the side of the adjustment device 10 facing the free end of the adjustment element 18. However, due to limited installation space on the movable vehicle component, it may be advantageous to provide a reversed arrangement of the drive assembly 12. In other words, due to space constraints, it may be advantageous to position the drive assembly 12 behind the adjustment device 10, facing away from the free end of the adjustment element 18. A further advantage of this reversed arrangement of the drive assembly 12 is the possibility of designing the adjustment device 10 on both sides of the vehicle, i.e., the left and right sides of the vehicle, in a simple manner with the same structure. It is sufficient to simply rotate the assembly by 180°.

[0034] The basic structure and function of these two embodiments, which differ in the arrangement of the drive unit 12, are essentially the same.

[0035] Preferred markings can be provided for the adjustment device 10 so that it can be clearly identified even when installed, without the need to remove it from the vehicle or side door, for example, by a factory employee. However, since these markings should not be visible to the vehicle's end customer / driver, the adjustment element 18 can be advantageously labeled on the side wall facing away from the vehicle's passenger compartment when installed. When installed, this side wall of the adjustment element 18 faces, for example, the side door and is not visible to the vehicle's end customer. If the adjustment device 10 is tilted 180° and positioned on the other side of the vehicle, the markings will also be located on the side wall of the adjustment element 18 facing away from the passenger compartment.

[0036] As an alternative labeling method, the adjustment element 18 can be labeled with a suitable lacquer, which can only be visualized when a suitable light source is used. For example, a UV varnish that is only visible when a UV lamp is used can be used.

[0037] The housing 16 of the adjustment device 10 is composed of multiple parts, and includes a first housing part 26 and a second housing part 28. The first housing part 26 is, for example, an aluminum profile tube having an open profile structure and a plurality of longitudinal grooves 28 distributed around it.

[0038] The longitudinal groove 30 functions to facilitate fastening of the first cover 32 that seals the profile tube. Furthermore, the fastening element 34 is attached to the profile tube by the longitudinal groove 30 and provides an additional fastening point for the adjustment device 10. The fastening element 34 can be fastened to the first housing component 26 at a variable position along the longitudinal groove 30 by friction connection and / or shape connection, allowing for an additional fastening point that can be flexibly adapted to the installation space.

[0039] As can be seen in Figure 1, the drive unit 14, preferably designed as an electric motor, is flange-connected to a second housing component 28, and a gear unit consisting of at least a worm and a worm wheel is housed within the second housing component 28. The second housing component 28 is preferably formed from a plastic material and is closed by a second cover 36, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The adjustment element 18 protrudes through the second cover 36 to adjust a movable vehicle component, such as a vehicle door. Figure 1 shows the adjustment device 10 in the end position with the adjustment element 18 fully retracted and the vehicle door closed. Covers 32 and 36 are similarly formed from a plastic material.

[0040] The adjustment device 10 is fastened to the hinge carrier plate 46 of the vehicle door by the second cover 36. The fastening elements 47, shown only by dashed lines, protrude through the hinge carrier plate 46 toward the vehicle cavity 40 that houses the joint bearing 19, and the vehicle cavity is connected by an opening 44 to the cavity 42 of the vehicle door that houses the adjustment device 10.

[0041] The size of the opening 44 representing the door opening is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and is based on retaining plates, which are common in the automotive industry. The spacing of the fastening elements 47 is generally specified as a standard dimension.

[0042] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of a sealing element 38 sealed on an adjustment element 18. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the adjustment element 18, on which the sealing element 38 is sealed. The sealing element preferably completely surrounds the adjustment element 18 and is fastened to the adjustment element 18, for example, by a latch connection. For fastening, the adjustment element 18 may have two lateral engagement grooves 48, and the sealing element 38 engages in a latch manner for fastening. Alternative fastening methods can be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0043] The sealing element 38 functions to seal the opening 44 between the two cavities 40 and 42, which is traversed by the adjustment element 18 during the movement of the adjustment element. In particular, at the retracted end position of the adjustment device 10, sealing between the cavities 40 and 42 is desirable to prevent water from entering.

[0044] To improve sealing, the sealing element 38 includes at least a first portion 50 and a second portion 54 connected to the first portion via an inner component 52. The first portion 50 is designed so that the sealing element 38 can be centered in the housing 16 of the adjuster 10 or the second cover 36, at least in the closed position of the movable vehicle portion.

[0045] The second component 54, clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5, is designed to be securely fastened to the adjustment element 18 and, for example, can be latched into the engagement groove 48 of the adjustment element 18.

[0046] Centering of the sealing element 38 is achieved, in particular, by a cup-shaped first portion 50, the first portion 50 being insertable into a pocket-shaped recess 58 of the housing 16 or second cover 36 at one end 56 facing the adjustment device 10, and seatable at the rear end position of the adjustment device 10 with a predetermined preload at the bottom 60 of the recess 58. In this position, the sealing element 38 protrudes at least partially into the vehicle cavity 40. In this way, the required installation space can be reduced.

[0047] The guidance and centering of the sealing element 38, which can be achieved particularly easily by the pocket-shaped recess 58, makes it possible to precisely position the sealing element 38 on the sealing surface relative to the opening, thereby eliminating the offset of the sealing element 38 and the corresponding overlap with the fastening element 47 (in particular, the nut, not shown) extending into the vehicle cavity 40.

[0048] Furthermore, the sealing element 38 has a centering collar 62 on the outside of the first portion 50, which is specifically designed as a sealing lip and seals against the hinge carrier plate 46 at the retracted end position of the adjustment device 10. The centering collar 62 is positioned in particular at the portion end 64 of the first portion 50 facing away from the adjustment device 10, allowing the sealing element 38, fastened to the adjustment element 18, to be easily installed through the opening 44. By designing the centering collar 62 as a sealing lip, a secure seal of the sealing surface formed around the opening can be ensured. Since the portion end 56 facing the adjustment device 10 is always in contact with the bottom 60 with a predetermined preload, the sealing contact pressure is independent of vehicle tolerances and the retracted position of the adjustment element 18. The centering collar 62 also always contacts with the same preload.

[0049] Since the inner body 52 is formed in a disc spring-like manner and the end portion 56 facing the adjustment device 10 is connected to the second portion 54, the pocket-like recess 58 of the sealing element 38 and cover 36 allows for improved tolerance compensation, particularly in the x, y, and z directions. This ensures that the centering collar 62 always contacts the hinge support plate 46 with the same preload as soon as it contacts the bottom 60 of the pocket-like recess 48.

[0050] The adjustment device 10 is described as an electric spindle drive device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be similarly applied to other adjustment devices for movable vehicle components.

Claims

1. An adjustment device (10) for a vehicle component that is movable relative to the vehicle body, particularly for a vehicle door or vehicle flap, A housing (16) arranged on the movable vehicle component or the main body, A drive assembly (12) having a drive unit (14), An adjustment element (18) is designed to be displaceable along a displacement axis relative to the drive assembly (12) by the drive unit (14), and has a joint bearing (19) at its free end, which is designed to be positioned on the body of the vehicle or on the movable vehicle component, wherein the adjustment element (18) extends through an opening (44) between the vehicle cavity (40) and the cavity (42) of the movable vehicle component housing the adjustment device (10), The adjustment element (18) includes a sealing element (38) which is sealed and positioned on the adjustment element (18) and is designed to seal the opening (44), Adjustment device, wherein the sealing element (38) comprises at least a first portion (50) and a second portion (54) connected to the first portion via an inner body (52), the first portion (50) being designed such that the sealing element (38) is centerable on the housing (16) of the adjustment device (10) at least in the closed position of the movable vehicle part, and the second portion (54) being designed for a sealing fastening to the adjustment element (28).

2. The adjustment device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing element (38) has a centering collar (62) on the outside of the first portion (50) for sealing the side of the vehicle cavity (40) that faces away from the adjustment device (10).

3. The adjustment device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion (50) is formed in a cup shape, and the portion end (56) facing the adjustment device (10) is insertable into a pocket-shaped recess (58) of the housing (16) and is seatable at the bottom (60) of the recess (58).

4. The adjustment device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the pocket-shaped recess (58) is formed in the cover (36) of the housing (16).

5. The adjustment device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inner body (52) is formed in the shape of a disc spring, and the end portion (56) of the portion facing the adjustment device (10) is connected to the second portion (54).

6. The adjustment device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sealing element (38) completely surrounds the adjustment element (18) and can be fastened to the adjustment element (18) by a latch connection.

7. The adjustment device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the adjustment device (10) is designed as an electric spindle drive device.

8. The adjustment device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that a drive unit (14) provides a slide assembly that is movable between a first position and a second position along the rotation axis of a spindle, and the adjustment element (18) is connected to the slide assembly at one end.

9. The adjustment device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the slide assembly (26) comprises a spindle nut (22) that screws into the spindle (20).

10. A vehicle (200) having an adjustment device (10) for a vehicle component that is movable relative to the body of the vehicle, particularly for a vehicle door or a vehicle flap, according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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