Door drive unit for adjusting doors relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract

A door drive device (2) for adjusting a door (11) relative to a vehicle body (10) includes a motor (20), a gearbox (25), and a spindle (24) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the motor (20) is operably connected to the spindle (24) via the gearbox (25), and the spindle (24) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) by the motor (20). A spindle nut element (27) is threaded to the spindle (24) such that by rotating the spindle (24), the spindle nut element (27) can be moved relative to the spindle (24) in an adjustment direction (V) pointing towards the longitudinal axis (L). A guide rail (23) is used to guide the spindle nut element (27) during movement along the adjustment direction (V). The guide rail (23) is formed by forming in a sheet bending process and has a profile that is circumferentially closed about the adjustment direction (V).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a door drive device for adjusting a vehicle door relative to the vehicle body, as described in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] This door drive mechanism includes a motor, a gearbox, and a spindle rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The motor is operably connected to the spindle via the gearbox, allowing the spindle to be driven to rotate about the longitudinal axis. A spindle nut element is threaded onto the spindle in such a way that, by rotating the spindle, the spindle nut element can be moved relative to the spindle in an adjustment direction pointing towards the longitudinal axis. A guide rail is configured to guide the spindle nut element during movement in the adjustment direction. A push rod is connected to the spindle nut element for transmitting adjustment force between the door and the vehicle body.

[0003] Door drive mechanisms for adjusting doors relative to the vehicle body are known, for example, from DE 10 2018 131 933 A1.

[0004] Another design for a door drive with a main shaft gearbox is known from WO 2021 / 023893 A1.

[0005] In the door drive known in WO 2024 / 193762 A1, a guide rail is formed for guiding the bracket assembly through a circumferentially closed aluminum extrusion profile.

[0006] In door drive systems that generate adjusting forces between the door and the body by moving the main shaft nut element along the guide rail, an advantageous structure is required. It is particularly desirable for the guide rail to have a circumferentially closed profile to protect the interior of the guide rail from environmental influences, such as dust ingress, where possible. However, it should be noted that, if necessary, clearance must be provided on the guide rail for connecting it to the gearbox housing, which involves considerable post-processing costs when the guide rail is manufactured as an (aluminum) extruded profile or a (plastic) extruded profile.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a door drive device for adjusting a vehicle door, which allows for a cost-effective design and also allows for the protection of the track system from environmental impacts.

[0008] This objective is achieved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Therefore, the guide rail is formed by a plate bending process and has a profile that is circumferentially closed around the adjustment direction.

[0010] By forming the guide rails as a single, integral component in a sheet bending process, it becomes possible to manufacture guide rails in a cost-effective manner. Since guide rails are manufactured by forming them in a sheet bending process, sheet metal, particularly steel, can be used to manufacture them, opening up possibilities for producing guide rails in a particularly economical way.

[0011] Specifically, the guide rail can be formed as a stamped and bent portion of a sheet of metal, particularly steel. In particular, manufacturing the guide rail as a stamped and bent portion makes it possible, for example, to create a gap in the guide rail before the sheet of metal is formed to create the guide rail, through which the guide rail can, for example, be connected to the gearbox housing. By stamping the sheet of metal and subsequently forming it during the bending process, the guide rail can be variably adapted to its shape and can also be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0012] The guide rail has a closed profile, at least in those axial regions (viewed along the adjustment direction), where no clearance is provided for connecting the guide rail to the housing assembly, particularly the gearbox housing. Due to the circumferentially closed profile formed in a plate bending process, dust cannot easily enter the interior of the guide rail from the outside, thus protecting the system of guide rail and spindle nut components from environmental influences, thereby achieving, where possible, constant sliding performance throughout the service life of the door drive, and consequently, constant displacement force, low wear, and good acoustics.

[0013] In one design, plate portions of guide rails, which are bent relative to each other in an adjustment direction, are connected to each other at a connection point. The guide rails are formed by bending the plate portions, resulting in a circumferentially closed profile. In this case, the connection of the plate portions bent relative to each other permanently closes the guide rail circumferentially and also prevents dust from entering at the joints of the plate portions.

[0014] In one design, the plate sections are longitudinally connected to each other at the connection point along the adjustment direction. The plate sections are bent relative to each other about the adjustment direction. At the connection point, an approximately linear connection is created between the plate sections, oriented longitudinally along the adjustment direction, through which the plate sections are permanently and loadably connected to each other during operation.

[0015] In one design, the plate parts are connected to each other at the joint points by form-locking, friction-locking, or material-locking methods.

[0016] In principle, any joining method used to connect plate parts to each other at the joint point is conceivable and possible. For example, different joining methods are defined in standard DIN 8593.

[0017] For example, the plate sections can be connected to each other at the joint points by riveting, clipping, rivets or flanges.

[0018] Riveting—also known as pressure joining, insert joining, or stamping joining—is a joining process in manufacturing technology in which sheet metal parts are joined together during cold forming using an insert joining tool. An insert joining tool consists of a punch and a die. The sheet metal parts to be joined (joining components) are pressed into the die by the punch under plastic deformation, similar to deep drawing. The special design of the die produces a button-like shape that joins the sheet metal parts (joining components) together through both form-locking and force-locking mechanisms.

[0019] The plate parts can also be connected to each other by clips, for example by forming clip elements on one plate part for engaging associated clip openings on another plate part.

[0020] Rivet or screw connections between plate sections are also possible.

[0021] During the flanging process, folds are formed on the board portion, which makes it possible to connect the board portions, for example, by inserting the folds into each other.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the plate portions may be joined to each other at the connection points by welding or bonding, thereby forming a shape-locking connection. For example, the plate portions may be joined to each other at the connection points by laser welding, wherein the plate portions are, for example, attached to each other at ground planes and then joined to each other at ground planes by laser welding.

[0023] In one design, the edges of the plate portions are attached to each other at the connection point, and thus are adjacent to each other at the connection point. In this case, the edges of the plate portions can be connected to each other at the connection point, for example by welding (e.g., laser welding) to form a material lock, or by form-locking a suitable shape-locking connection between the edges.

[0024] For example, in a method also known as "rolling and locking," edges can be connected to each other by engaging shape-locking portions in shape-locking openings. The edges are substantially adjacent to each other. Shape-locking portions and shape-locking openings are formed in the plane of the plate portions, wherein the arrangement of shape-locking openings and / or shape-locking portions forms on one edge, and a complementary arrangement forms on the other edge, such that the plate portions are engaged to each other without material thickening due to the engagement of the shape-locking portions with the shape-locking openings.

[0025] The forming of the profile used to manufacture the circumferentially closed profile and the joining at the connection point can be carried out in a common working step, because during the forming process, the form-locking parts and the form-locking openings engage with each other, and thus the plate parts that form the guide rail engage with each other at the connection point.

[0026] In one design, the guide rail is axially closed by a cover element. This cover element can seal the guide rail, particularly at the free end of the housing assembly, such as the gearbox housing, thus preventing dust from entering the interior of the guide rail during operation, even at the axial end.

[0027] In one design, the guide rail has a sliding guide portion for slidingly guiding a spindle nut element along an adjustment direction and a spindle housing portion for accommodating the spindle. The spindle nut element may have a sliding portion for sliding along the sliding guide portion. Thus, the spindle nut element is slidably guided on the sliding guide portion, for example, between legs of the sliding guide portion that extend parallel to each other.

[0028] In the sliding guide section, the spindle nut element is guided on the sliding part, specifically in such a way that the spindle nut element is supported on the guide rail in its rotational position (about the longitudinal axis). Therefore, when the spindle rotates, the spindle nut element does not rotate with it, but is fixed in its rotational position by the guide rail, so that the rotational motion of the spindle is converted into the longitudinal motion of the spindle nut element along the adjustment direction due to the threaded engagement.

[0029] In one design, the connection point is located on the sliding guide section or the spindle housing section.

[0030] The connection point can be formed, for example, on the upper wall of the spindle housing portion away from the sliding guide portion. Providing the connection point in the region of the spindle housing portion has the particular advantage that the sliding guide of the spindle nut element at the sliding guide portion is not impaired by the connection point.

[0031] However, in another design, the connection point can also be formed, for example, on the lower wall of the sliding guide portion away from the spindle housing portion.

[0032] In one design, the spindle nut element has a spindle nut portion that threadedly engages with the spindle. The spindle nut portion is movable within a spindle housing portion in an adjustment direction. The spindle is housed within the spindle housing portion. The spindle housing portion extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis. A threaded opening is formed on the spindle nut portion through which the spindle passes, wherein the spindle is threadedly engaged with an internal thread via an external thread within the threaded opening, such that during spindle rotation, the spindle nut element moves longitudinally relative to the spindle along the longitudinal axis.

[0033] In one design, when viewed along the adjustment direction, the guide rail has a gap in the axial region, in which the guide rail is circumferentially open. Therefore, in the gap region, the guide rail is not closed circumferentially.

[0034] For example, the spindle housing portion may be recessed in the clearance region. However, the sliding guide portion may also extend, for example, into the axial region of the clearance, so that the guide for the spindle nut element also exists in the clearance region of the guide rail.

[0035] In one design, the door drive has a housing assembly that surrounds at least one gear of the gearbox and carries a motor. In another design, a guide rail is attached to the housing assembly in a gap region. Through the gap, specifically, a gear torsionally connected to and coaxially arranged with the spindle can be positioned on the guide rail in a region axially aligned with the spindle housing portion. In the gap region, the housing assembly protrudes into the area aligned with the spindle housing portion of the guide rail, such that the housing assembly, together with the gear supported therein, is aligned with the spindle within the spindle housing portion of the guide rail.

[0036] For example, the gear is torsionally connected to the spindle and can be driven by a motor. For instance, the gear is formed of a spur gear that engages with a drive worm gear disposed on the motor shaft, such that by driving the drive worm gear, the gear can rotate about a longitudinal axis, thereby allowing the spindle to rotate. Both the gear and the drive worm gear are preferably enclosed within a housing assembly, and in an advantageous design, are rotatably supported within the housing assembly.

[0037] In this configuration, when observed, the sliding guide portion of the guide rail can extend in the adjustment direction below the housing assembly, such that the spindle nut element is still guided on the sliding guide portion of the guide rail in the area axially overlapping with the housing assembly.

[0038] For example, the sliding portion of the spindle nut element can have a longer axial length than the spindle nut portion along the adjustment direction. Near the housing assembly, corresponding to the extended position of the push rod, the sliding portion can engage below the gearbox housing, while the spindle nut portion of the spindle nut element is axially arranged beside the housing assembly. This allows for a compact, short axial structure of the door drive, while the spindle nut element has advantageous guiding characteristics on the guide rail.

[0039] In one design, the guide rail has at least one first fastening lug for connection to the housing assembly. Specifically, this fastening lug can create a screw connection with the housing assembly. In this case, at least one first fastening lug is bent, for example, on the guide rail, or on the spindle housing portion, such that at least one first fastening lug extends along a plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction.

[0040] In one design, the housing assembly can move relative to the guide rail about the longitudinal axis in a pre-assembled state.

[0041] In the pre-assembled state where the housing assembly is not yet securely connected to the guide rail, this mobility provides the possibility of aligning the motor shaft of the motor with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spindle at its angular position, allowing the motor to be connected to the guide rail at different angular positions around the longitudinal axis via the housing assembly.

[0042] For this purpose, for example, an elongated, curved hole can be formed on at least one first fastening lug, which allows the housing assembly to be fastened to the guide rail at different angular positions relative to the guide rail.

[0043] In one design, one structural unit in the assembly of housing components and guide rails includes a support element that, in a pre-assembled state, is movably supported about a longitudinal axis on another structural unit in the assembly of housing components and guide rails. The support element is correspondingly arranged on the housing component or guide rail, and in each case supported on the other structural unit. The guide rail and housing component can be axially supported relative to each other, for example, by the support element. However, this support allows the housing component to move about a longitudinal axis relative to the guide rail, at least within a certain angular range, in the pre-assembled state.

[0044] In one design, the support element includes at least a support leg that engages in a slot opening of another structural unit in the assembly of the housing assembly and the guide rail, and is movable within the slot opening about a longitudinal axis. The support leg and the slot opening may extend, for example, along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The support leg engages in the slot opening, thereby providing axial support between the housing assembly and the guide rail. However, in this case, the support leg is movable within the slot opening about the longitudinal axis, allowing the position of the housing assembly relative to the guide rail to be adjustable.

[0045] In one design, the push rod is hinged to the main shaft nut element. The hinge axis on which the rod can pivot relative to the main shaft nut element is specifically oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main shaft. Therefore, the push rod can perform compensating movement relative to the main shaft nut element on an axis perpendicular to the hinge axis to compensate for changes in the door's position relative to the vehicle body during the door's adjustment movement.

[0046] In one design, the door drive includes an adapter element for connecting the door drive to a vehicle door or body. The adapter element has an opening through which a push rod extends in the mounting position. The door drive can be secured in the vehicle via the adapter element, for example, to a door; this adapter element is specifically designed for a particular vehicle model, thus enabling the door drive to connect to relevant vehicle components within that model.

[0047] In one design, the adapter element includes at least one fastening element for securely attaching the adapter element to a door or vehicle body. This fastening element may be formed, for example, by a screw, allowing the adapter element to be screwed onto the vehicle body or door, thus securing it to the vehicle body or door.

[0048] The push rod, preferably hinged to a main shaft nut element, can move relative to an adapter element and can be adjusted, for example, between a retracted and extended position relative to the adapter element. In the retracted position, the end of the push rod away from the main shaft nut element is close to the adapter element. Conversely, in the extended position, the end of the push rod away from the main shaft nut element is away from the adapter element. If the adapter element is connected to the door frame of the vehicle door, the end of the push rod away from the main shaft nut element is connected to the vehicle body, such that the door can be moved relative to the vehicle body by moving the push rod. In this case, the door drive mechanism can preferably be arranged within the door frame, thereby within the door, wherein the push rod extends through an opening in the adapter element and through the inner door panel surrounding the door frame.

[0049] In one design, the guide rail is connected to the fastening interface of the adapter element. Therefore, the guide rail is fixed to the adapter element.

[0050] In one design, the housing assembly is connected to the adapter element. Specifically, the housing assembly can be a gearbox housing, in which gearbox components are enclosed. The housing assembly carries the motor and connects the motor to the adapter element.

[0051] In one design, the guide rail has at least one second fastening lug for connection to the adapter element. A screw connection between the guide rail and the adapter element can be achieved, in particular, through at least one second fastening lug.

[0052] In one design, at least one second fastening lug is bent on the guide rail, for example, on the sliding guide portion of the guide rail, such that at least one second fastening lug extends along a plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction. For example, a screw opening may be formed on the fastening lug through which the guide rail is screwed onto the adapter element.

[0053] Instead of this second fastening lug, the fastening angle can also be arranged as a separate component on the guide rail, for example, securely attached to the guide rail by means of so-called heat treatment, riveting, welding, or rivet connection. The guide rail can be securely attached to the adapter element by the fastening angle, for example, by tightening.

[0054] Typically, the guide rail can be formed, for example, with or without fastening lugs for fastening to the adapter element and housing assembly. If no fastening lugs are integrally formed on the guide rail, the manufacturing of the guide rail can be further simplified because, for example, there is no need for a bending process to bend the fastening lugs. In this case, the guide rail can be fastened to the adapter element, for example, by individual fastening angles, and can be supported to the housing assembly, for example, by support elements.

[0055] In one design, grooves for venting moisture are formed on the bottom wall of the guide rail. The bottom wall of the guide rail is located at the bottom of the predetermined installation position (relative to the direction of gravity) of the vehicle's door drive unit, causing moisture to typically accumulate in the bottom wall area of ​​the guide rail. In this case, the bottom wall can be tilted at the intended installation position, allowing moisture to flow out along channels formed at the bottom warning points, such as drainage openings in the area of ​​the guide rail's front end facing the adapter element.

[0056] The concept of the present invention will now be explained in more detail based on the embodiments shown in the figures. Wherein:

[0057] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the doors on the vehicle body is shown;

[0058] Figure 2 A view is shown of an embodiment of a door drive mechanism for adjusting the vehicle body door in the extended position of the push rod.

[0059] Figure 3 Another view of the door drive mechanism is shown;

[0060] Figure 4 A view of a door drive device without guide rails is shown;

[0061] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 4 Another view of the component;

[0062] Figure 6 A view of a door drive mechanism (without guide rails) in the retracted position of the push rod is shown;

[0063] Figure 7 A view of a door drive device without push rods, spindle nut components, and a motor is shown.

[0064] Figure 8 It shows according to Figure 7 Another view of the component;

[0065] Figure 9 A view showing the housing assembly of the door drive unit shared by the spindle is shown;

[0066] Figure 10 It shows according to Figure 9Another view of the component;

[0067] Figure 11 It shows according to Figure 9 and 10 The front view of the component;

[0068] Figure 12 A view showing the adapter element shared with the spindle, spindle nut element, and push rod is provided.

[0069] Figure 13 A separate view of the adapter element is shown;

[0070] Figure 14 Another view of the adapter components is shown;

[0071] Figure 15 A partially enlarged view of the housing assembly shared by the guide rail is shown;

[0072] Figure 16A A separate view of the guide rail is shown;

[0073] Figure 16B Another view of the guide rail is shown;

[0074] Figure 17 A view is shown of a guide rail with a fastening angle for fastening to the adapter element;

[0075] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the connection point is shown, where the mutually curved plate portions of the guide rails are connected to each other by a so-called "rolling and locking" method to produce a circumferentially closed profile.

[0076] Figure 19 A schematic diagram showing another example of a connection point;

[0077] Figure 20 A schematic diagram showing another example of its connection point;

[0078] Figure 21 A schematic diagram showing another example of a connection point;

[0079] Figure 22 A view of a door drive device with guide rails according to another embodiment is shown;

[0080] Figure 23 A separate view is shown of a guide rail with fastening lugs formed on it for connecting the guide rail to the gearbox housing and adapter elements;

[0081] Figure 24 A view of a door drive device with guide rails according to another embodiment is shown; and

[0082] Figure 25An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the door drive device is shown, illustrating the support elements on the housing assembly used to support the guide rails.

[0083] Figure 1 A portion of vehicle 1 is shown in the schematic diagram, which has a body 10 and a door 11 disposed on the body 10 and pivoting about a hinge axis 114.

[0084] The door 11 is pivotable relative to the vehicle body 10 about a hinge axis 114 to close an opening in the vehicle body 10 in a closed position or to release an opening in an open position, allowing a user to enter or exit the vehicle 1. The door 11 may be, in particular, a front door or a rear door of the vehicle.

[0085] The door 11 has an outer door panel 110 and an inner door panel 113, which together with the door module 111 fastened to the inner door panel 113 define a door frame surrounding the interior 112 of the door.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the door drive device 2 is arranged inside the door 11 and is designed for electric adjustment of the door 11 relative to the vehicle body 10, or at least for electric-assisted manual adjustment of the door 11 relative to the vehicle body 10.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the door drive device 2 has a motor 20 and a push rod 21, which can be adjusted under the drive of the motor 20 to generate an adjusting force between the door 11 and the body 10 in this way.

[0088] Figure 2-15 A view of an embodiment of the door drive device 2 is shown, which is designed to adjust the door 11 relative to the vehicle body 10. The door drive device 2 includes a motor 20, a push rod 21, an adapter element 22, a guide rail 23, a main shaft 24, a gearbox 25, a control device 26, and a housing assembly 28 that realizes the gearbox housing.

[0089] The main shaft 24 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis L and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L relative to the housing assembly 28. For example, from Figure 12 It can be seen that the gear 250 in the form of a spur gear of the gearbox 25 is torsionally connected to the spindle 24. Figure 12 The drive worm 251, which is schematically shown and arranged on the motor shaft 200 of the motor 20, engages with the gear 250, such that by rotating the motor shaft 200 on which the drive worm 251 is arranged, the gear 250 rotates about the longitudinal axis L, thereby enabling the main shaft 24 to rotate about the longitudinal axis L.

[0090] A spindle nut element 27 is disposed on the spindle 24, having a spindle nut portion 271 and a sliding portion 270. The spindle nut element 27 is guided in the guide rail 23 via the sliding portion 270. The spindle nut portion 271 forms a threaded opening through which the spindle 24 engages and is threadedly engaged with the external thread 240 of the spindle 24. In this case, the threaded engagement allows the spindle nut element 27 to be longitudinally adjusted along the longitudinal axis L on the spindle 24 during rotational movement of the spindle 24 about the longitudinal axis L.

[0091] Push rod 21 is hinged to main shaft nut element 27 at one end 211. Conversely, push rod 21 is hinged to connecting element 210 at the end away from end 211, through which push rod 21 (when door drive device 2 is arranged on door 11) can be connected to vehicle body 10, such that push rod 21 in the operational ready state is supported in vehicle 1 between door 11 and vehicle body 10, and door 11 can be moved relative to vehicle body 10 by movement of main shaft nut element 27 and corresponding movement of push rod 21.

[0092] Figure 2-5 The door drive device 2 is shown, wherein the push rod 21 is in the extended position, wherein the spindle nut element 27 is close to the housing assembly 28, and the push rod 21 extends accordingly in the adjustment direction V.

[0093] on the contrary, Figure 6 The push rod 21 is shown in the retracted position, with the spindle nut element 27 removed from the housing assembly 28 in the opposite direction to the adjustment direction V, and the push rod 21 retracted into the guide rail 23 accordingly.

[0094] The push rod 21 extends through the opening 220 in the adapter element 22 and can be moved by moving the spindle nut element 27 relative to the adapter element 22.

[0095] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 13 and 14 As shown, guide rail 23 is connected to adapter element 22 at fastening interface 223. For this purpose, guide rail 23 can be connected via fastening angle 230 (see...). Figure 6 and 7 Tighten, especially screw it onto the adapter element 22, so that the guide rail 23 is fixed relative to the adapter element 22.

[0096] Furthermore, in the assembled position, the housing assembly 28 is fastened to the adapter element 22. The housing assembly 28 forms a motor interface 287, to which the motor 20 is fastened, for example, by screwing the motor 20 onto the housing assembly 28.

[0097] Housing assembly 28 houses and rotatably supports gearbox 25, particularly drive worm 251 and gear 250. For this purpose, housing assembly 280 has a drive worm housing 282 in which drive worm 251 is housed. Shaft opening 284 is formed in housing portion 283, where motor shaft 200 of motor 20 engages. A sensor system, such as a Hall sensor, for detecting the position and / or movement of motor shaft 200 may also be arranged in housing portion 283.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, adapter element 22 is used to connect door drive device 2 to door 11. For this purpose, fastening element 221 in the form of screw is arranged on adapter element 22, through which adapter element 22 can be screwed onto inner door panel 113 inside the door frame surrounded by door 11.

[0099] Although the door drive unit 2 can use the same components as the housing assembly 28 and the guide rail 23 and other functional components (except for the adapter element 22) for different vehicle models, the adapter element 22 represents a vehicle model-specific component suitable for use in a particular vehicle model, thus forming a model-specific interface designed according to the vehicle manufacturer's wishes for fastening the door drive unit 2 to the vehicle, such as fastening it to the door 11 of a particular vehicle model.

[0100] In the pre-assembled state, the housing assembly 28 is separate from the adapter element 22. In this case, the housing assembly 28 forms an attachment portion 280, as specifically from... Figure 8-11 As can be seen, it has a hollow cylindrical shape concentric with the longitudinal axis L. An opening 281 is formed within the attachment portion 280, for example, from... Figure 10 and 11 As can be seen.

[0101] For assembly, housing assembly 28 can be attached to attachment portion 222 of adapter element 22. Figure 12-14 As can be seen, the attachment portion 222 is shaped as a cylindrical pin on the adapter element 22 and is configured to complement the attachment portion 280 of the housing assembly 28, such that the attachment portion 280 can be pushed onto the attachment portion 222 and the attachment portion 222 can thus engage with the opening 281 in the attachment portion 280 of the housing assembly 28.

[0102] By attaching the adapter element 22 and housing assembly 28 to the attachment portions 222 and 280, the adapter element 22 and housing assembly 28 can be positioned relative to each other for mounting the door drive device 2. Due to the cylindrical shape of the attachment portions 222 and 280, after the attachment portions 222 and 280 are connected to each other, the adapter element 22 and housing assembly 28 can rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis L so as to align the position of the motor axis M of the motor 200 relative to the longitudinal axis L, about which the motor shaft 200 can rotate.

[0103] After the motor axis M is aligned, the attachment portions 222 and 280 are securely joined together, for example, by welding or adhesive bonding. Welding can be performed, for example, by laser penetration welding, ultrasonic welding, or friction welding. In other designs, screw connections can also be used, for example, between the attachment portions 222 and 280 to fasten the housing assembly 28 to the adapter element 22.

[0104] In the ready-to-operate position of the assembly, the adapter element 22 and the housing assembly 28 are fixedly connected to each other, particularly torsionally and positionally, so that the position of the motor 20 is also fixed, particularly relative to the adapter element 22.

[0105] During assembly, the guide rail 23 is connected to the adapter element 22 before, during, or after the housing assembly 28 is connected to the adapter element 22. The guide rail 23 can be precisely connected to the adapter element 22 in one position. Due to the adaptability of the rotational position of the housing assembly 28 relative to the adapter element 22, the rotational position of the housing assembly 28 relative to the guide rail 23 is also variable.

[0106] The movement path of the spindle nut element 27 is defined by the guide rail 23. In this case, the movement path of the spindle nut element 27 is independent of the rotational position of the housing assembly 28 relative to the adapter element 22.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, a support element 285 is arranged on the housing assembly 28, thereby providing axial support for the guide rail 23 relative to the housing assembly 28. Figure 15 As can be seen from the enlarged view, the support element 285 forms a support leg 286, which extends arcuately about the longitudinal axis L and engages in an associated slot opening 231 on the guide rail 23. The support leg 286 is movable relative to the guide rail 23 about the longitudinal axis L within the slot opening 231, allowing the housing assembly 28 to present different rotational positions relative to the guide rail 23. Through the engagement of the support leg 286 in the slot opening 231, axial support of the guide rail 23 relative to the housing assembly 28 along the longitudinal axis L is achieved, particularly under load during operation.

[0108] The control device 26 is used to control the door drive device 2 during operation. For example, sensor signals can be processed in the control device 26 to detect motor movement and motor position, thereby detecting the position or movement of the push rod 21, and it can have electronic equipment for this purpose.

[0109] from Figure 2 and Figure 3 And according to Figure 16A and 16B A separate view of guide rail 23 shows that guide rail 23 has a profile that is circumferentially closed about the adjustment direction V. Within the closed profile of guide rail 23, spindle nut element 27 is guided along the adjustment direction V, wherein the sliding portion 270 of spindle nut element 27 is slidably supported in the region of the sliding guide portion 232 of guide rail 23 and guided along the adjustment direction V. Spindle 24 extends along the longitudinal axis L in the region of spindle housing portion 233. Due to the circumferentially closed profile of guide rail 23, spindle nut element 27 is circumferentially surrounded together with spindle 24 along its adjustment path along the adjustment direction V.

[0110] from Figure 17 As can be seen, the fastening angle 230 is arranged in the area of ​​the bottom wall 235 on the guide rail 23, through which the guide rail 23 is connected to the adapter element 22 in a predetermined assembly position. The fastening angle 230 can be connected to the bottom wall 235 of the guide rail 23, for example, by so-called heat treatment, riveting, welding, or rivet connection.

[0111] like Figure 17 As shown, for example, a groove 235A is formed on the bottom wall 235, on which moisture is guided so that it can be discharged from the inside of the guide rail 23 toward the drain opening in the front end region of the guide rail 23 facing the adapter element 22.

[0112] The guide rail 23 is closed at its axial end away from the housing assembly 28 by a cover element 234, as schematically shown in FIG16. This cover element 234 can be formed as a plastic element or a sheet element. The cover element 234 can be connected to the guide rail 23 by material locking, form locking, or force-form locking, for example by adhesive or welding, by screws, by clips, by flanges, or by crimping.

[0113] Due to the circumferentially closed profile of the guide rail 23, the guide rail system of the door drive device 2 is protected from environmental conditions, especially from the ingress of dust from the outside during operation. Because dust is prevented from entering the interior of the guide rail 23, favorable sliding characteristics can be obtained in the sliding guide of the spindle nut element 27 within the guide rail 23 during the service life of the door drive device 2, resulting in low wear and (at least approximately) constant adjustment force.

[0114] The guide rail 23 is formed by forming in a sheet bending process, particularly from a steel sheet. In this case, the guide rail 27 is preferably formed as a stamped and bent portion, because the sheet element is first stamped into the desired shape in a stamping step, and then bent in such a way in a bending step to obtain a circumferentially closed profile of the guide rail 23.

[0115] like Figure 16A , 16B As shown in Figure 17, the plate portions 290 and 291 of the forming plate are bent toward each other by a plate bending process, and are connected to each other at a connection point 29 extending longitudinally along the adjustment direction V in the region of the upper wall 236 of the spindle housing portion 233. In particular, a closed joint is formed at the connection point 29, through which the guide rail 23 is closed in a substantially fluid-tight manner, so that the introduction of dust, especially dust with airflow, cannot reach the interior of the guide rail 23 through the connection point 29.

[0116] At connection point 29, plate portions 290, 291 may be connected to each other by any desired joining method, such as by material locking, such as welding or adhesive joining, or by form locking or force locking, such as by riveting, clipping, rivet or flange.

[0117] In a favorable design, plate portions 290 and 291 are joined together by a so-called "rolling and locking" process, wherein in one working step, plate portions 290 and 291 of the plate forming guide rail 23 are bent toward each other by deformation in a plate bending process and joined together at connection point 29, as shown. Figure 18-21 Different embodiments are shown in the diagram. For this purpose, the edges 292, 293 of the plate portions 290, 291 can be attached to each other in the plane of the wall 236, wherein the form-locking connection between the edges 292, 293 is provided by the engagement of the form-locking portion 295 and its associated form-locking opening 294, as shown in the diagram. Figure 18-21 Different embodiments are shown in the figure.

[0118] According to Figure 18 In the example, the shape-locking portion 295 and its complementary shape-locking opening 294 have substantially rectangular or square shapes.

[0119] On the contrary, according to Figure 19 and 21 In the example, the shape-locking portion 295 and its complementary shape-locking opening 294 have an ω shape.

[0120] According to Figure 20 In the example, the shape-locking portion 295 and its complementary shape-locking opening 294 have a dovetail shape.

[0121] In each case, the shape-locking opening 294 and the shape-locking portion 295 can be formed on each edge 292, 293, such as Figure 18 , 20 As shown in example 21. However, alternatively, the shape-locking opening 294 may also be formed on one edge 292, 293, and the shape-locking portion 295 may be formed on the other edge 293, 292, as shown in the example 21. Figure 19 In the example.

[0122] When plate portions 290 and 291 are engaged, the form-locking opening 294 and the form-locking portion 295 engage with each other. Thus, a strong, permanent, and substantially fluid-tight connection is created between plate portions 290 and 291.

[0123] In addition, according to Figure 18-21 In the example, the plate portions 290 and 291 can also be connected to each other by material locking, such as by adhesive bonding or welding, such as laser welding.

[0124] Figure 22 Or 23 shows another embodiment of the door drive device 2, which differs from the previous reference, particularly in the structure of the guide rail. Figure 2-15 The described embodiment of the door drive device 2 is functionally similar to the reference one in other respects. Figure 2-15 The described embodiments are the same.

[0125] Therefore, according to Figure 22 and 23 In one embodiment, fastening lugs 238 and 239 are formed on the guide rail 23, which are bent on the guide rail 23 such that they extend along a corresponding plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction V. Fastening openings are formed on each fastening lug 238 and 239 such that the guide rail 23 can be connected via the fastening lugs 238 and 239 to the adapter element 22 (via the fastening lug 238) and the housing assembly 28 (via the fastening lug 239).

[0126] In this case, the fastening opening on the fastening lug 239 is formed by an elongated hole bent into an arc, so that the housing assembly 28 can be connected to the guide rail 23 at different positions that rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis L of the main shaft.

[0127] In the described embodiment, a gap 237 is formed on the guide rail 23, through which the spindle housing portion 233 opens in the axial region associated with the housing assembly 28. Therefore, in the axial region of the gap 237, the guide rail 23 is not circumferentially closed.

[0128] In the region of gap 237, housing assembly 28 is connected to guide rail 23, wherein the transition between housing assembly 28 and guide rail 23 may be fluid-sealed, for example by engaging the guide rail 23 into a complementary groove profile provided on housing assembly 28 for this purpose.

[0129] In this case, the sliding guide portion 232 also extends axially into the region of the gap 237, so that in the region of the gap 237, a sliding guide for the spindle nut element 27 is also provided on the guide rail 23. In this way, as... Figure 5 As shown, the spindle nut element 27 can be immersed below the housing assembly 28 in the extended position of the push rod 21. Specifically, in the extended position of the push rod 21, where the spindle nut element 27 is close to the housing assembly 28, the sliding portion 270 of the spindle nut element 27 is at least partially arranged below the housing assembly 28; however, the spindle nut portion 271 of the spindle nut element 27 that engages with the spindle 24 is axially arranged beside the housing assembly 28.

[0130] Therefore, the spindle nut element 27 can overlap axially with the housing assembly 28. This results in the spindle nut element 27 being guided along a relatively long axial displacement path on the guide rail 23, while the axial structure of the door drive device 2 remains relatively compact.

[0131] The gap 237 can be manufactured by stamping on the plate element before forming, so that the guide rail 23 can be formed by forming in the plate bending process after the stamping operation.

[0132] As a result of forming manufacturing through a plate bending process, the guide rail 23 can be constructed in a cost-effective manner, and in particular, the fastening elements for connecting the guide rail 23 to the adapter element 22 and / or the housing assembly 28 can be variably formed on the guide rail 23.

[0133] The guide rail 23 can be formed from steel plate.

[0134] Due to its closed profile, guide rail 23 exhibits high rigidity. The material thickness of the plate of guide rail 23 can be correspondingly thin, which is associated with cost and weight savings.

[0135] Figure 24 and 25 Another embodiment is shown, wherein, according to Figure 15 In a modified embodiment, the support element 288 is securely connected to the housing assembly 28. The support element 288 is, for example, in the form of a molded plastic part, and therefore can be manufactured inexpensively. The support element 288 is securely connected to the housing assembly 28 because the support element 288 is non-removably fastened to the gearbox housing 28, for example, by a welded connection, produced by laser penetration welding and / or ultrasonic welding.

[0136] From the basis Figure 25 As can be seen from the enlarged sectional view, the support element 288 extends in an arc shape in the region of the upper wall 236 of the guide rail 23. For example, on the inner side of the support element 288 facing the guide rail 23, the arc-shaped support legs 289 are formed in the form of inwardly projecting ribs, each rib engaging in a corresponding engagement groove 231 on the guide rail 23.

[0137] Similar to according to Figure 15 In this embodiment, the guide rail 23 is thus supported on the gearbox housing 28 by the support element 288, thereby allowing the housing assembly 28 to present different rotational positions relative to the guide rail 23, and the housing assembly 28 can thus be adjusted to its angular position (about the longitudinal axis L) relative to the adapter element 22 of the guide rail 23 during assembly.

[0138] The ideas upon which this invention is based are not limited to the above embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0139] Basically, the door drive unit can be located on the door or the body. In each case, the push rod is supported on another component, so that relative movement between the door and the body can be achieved by moving the push rod.

[0140] List of reference numerals

[0141] 1 vehicle

[0142] 10 body

[0143] 11 doors

[0144] 110 outer door panel

[0145] 111-gate module

[0146] Inside 112

[0147] 113 inner door panel

[0148] 114 hinge axis

[0149] 2-door drive unit

[0150] 20 motors

[0151] 200 motor shaft

[0152] 21 putter

[0153] 210 Connecting Components

[0154] 211 end

[0155] 22 adapter components

[0156] 220 opening

[0157] 221 Fastening Components

[0158] 222 Attachment

[0159] 223 Fastening Interface

[0160] 23 guide rails

[0161] 230° fastening angle

[0162] 231 slot opening

[0163] 232 Sliding Guide Section

[0164] 233 Spindle Housing Section

[0165] 234 cover element

[0166] 235 wall (bottom wall)

[0167] 235A trench

[0168] 236 wall (top wall)

[0169] 237 gap

[0170] 238, 239 Fastening lugs

[0171] 24 spindles

[0172] 240 thread

[0173] 25 Gearbox

[0174] 250 gears

[0175] 251 drive worm gear

[0176] 26 control units

[0177] 27 Spindle Nut Component

[0178] 270 sliding section

[0179] 271 Spindle Nut Section

[0180] 28 housing components

[0181] 280 Attachment

[0182] 281 opening

[0183] 282 drive worm housing

[0184] 283 Casing Part

[0185] 284 shaft opening

[0186] 285 support element

[0187] 286-leg component

[0188] 287 motor interface

[0189] 288 support elements

[0190] 289 supporting legs

[0191] 29 connection points

[0192] Parts 290 and 291

[0193] 292, 293 edge

[0194] 294 Shape Locking Opening

[0195] 295 Shape Locking Part

[0196] L longitudinal axis

[0197] M motor axis

[0198] V Adjustment Direction

Claims

1. A door drive device (2) for adjusting a door (11) relative to a vehicle body (10), comprising: Motor (20), Gearbox (25) A main shaft (24) that can rotate about a longitudinal axis (L), wherein, The motor (20) is operably connected to the spindle (24) via the gearbox (25), and the spindle (24) can be driven by the motor (20) to rotate about the longitudinal axis (L). A spindle nut element (27) is threaded onto the spindle (24) such that, by rotating the spindle (24), the spindle nut element (27) can move relative to the spindle (24) in an adjustment direction (V) pointing toward the longitudinal axis (L). The guide rail (23) is used to guide the spindle nut element (27) during movement along the adjustment direction (V), and A push rod (21) connected to the main shaft nut element (27) is used to transmit adjustment force between the door (11) and the body (10). The guide rail (23) is characterized by being formed by a plate bending process and having a profile that is circumferentially closed around the adjustment direction (V).

2. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail (23) is formed of a metal plate, particularly a steel plate.

3. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail (23) is formed as a stamped and bent portion of a metal plate.

4. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate portions (290, 291) of the guide rail (23) which are bent relative to each other about the adjustment direction (V) are connected to each other at the connection point (29).

5. The door drive device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plate portions (290, 291) are longitudinally connected to each other at the connection point (29) along the adjustment direction (V).

6. The door drive device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plate portions (290, 291) are connected to each other at the connection point (29) by form-locking, friction-locking or material-locking.

7. The door drive device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plate portions (290, 291) are connected to each other at the connection point (29) by riveting, clipping, rivets or flanges.

8. The door drive device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plate portions (290, 291) are connected to each other at the connection point (29) by welding or bonding.

9. The door drive device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The edges (292, 293) of the plate portions (290, 291) are adjacent to each other at the connection point (29).

10. The door drive device (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The edges (292, 293) of the plate portions (290, 291) are connected to each other at the connection point (29).

11. The door drive device (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The edges (292) are connected to each other by shape-locking portions (295) engaging in shape-locking openings (294).

12. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail (23) is axially closed by the cover element (234).

13. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail (23) has a sliding guide portion (232) for slidingly guiding the spindle nut element (27) along the adjustment direction (V) and a spindle housing portion (233) for accommodating the spindle (24).

14. The door drive device (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The connection point (29) is located on the sliding guide portion (232) or the spindle housing portion (233).

15. The door drive device (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The spindle nut element (27) has a sliding portion (270) for sliding along the sliding guide portion (232).

16. The door drive device (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The spindle nut element (27) has a spindle nut portion (271) that is threadedly engaged with the spindle (24), wherein the spindle nut portion (271) is movable in the spindle housing portion (233) along the adjustment direction (V).

17. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed along the adjustment direction (V), the guide rail (23) has a gap (237) in the axial region, wherein the guide rail (23) is circumferentially open.

18. The door drive device (2) according to claim 17, characterized in that... A housing assembly (28) surrounds at least one gear (250) of the gearbox (25) and carries the motor (20), wherein the guide rail (23) is attached to the housing assembly (28) in the region of the gap (237).

19. The door drive device (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The guide rail (23) has at least one first fastening lug (239) for connection to the housing assembly (28).

20. The door drive device (2) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one first fastening lug (239) is bent on the guide rail (23) such that the at least one first fastening lug (239) extends along a plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction (V).

21. The door drive device (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that, In the pre-assembled state, the housing assembly (28) is movable relative to the guide rail (23) about the longitudinal axis (L).

22. The door drive device according to claim 21, characterized in that, One of the structural units in the assembly of the housing assembly (28) and the guide rail (23) includes a support element (285) which is movably supported on another structural unit in the assembly of the housing assembly (28) and the guide rail (23) about the longitudinal axis (L) in a pre-assembled state.

23. The door drive device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The support element (285) includes a support leg (286) which engages in a slot opening (231) of another structural unit in the assembly of the housing assembly (28) and the guide rail (23) and is movable in the slot opening (231) about the longitudinal axis (L).

24. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push rod (21) is hinged to the spindle nut element (27).

25. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that... An adapter element (22) for connecting the door drive device (2) to the door (11) or the body (10), wherein the adapter element (22) has an opening (220) through which the push rod (21) extends in the assembly position.

26. The door drive device (2) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The guide rail (23) is connected to the fastening interface (223) of the adapter element (22).

27. The door drive device (2) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The guide rail (23) has at least one second fastening lug (238) for connecting to the adapter element (22).

28. The door drive device (2) according to claim 27, characterized in that, The at least one second fastening lug (238) is bent on the guide rail (23) such that the at least one second fastening lug (238) extends along a plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction (V).

29. The door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Grooves (235A) for venting moisture are formed on the bottom wall (235) of the guide rail (23).

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