Adjusting device

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device, comprising a drive device (20), comprising a drive housing (21) and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing (21), and a lifting device (30) drivable by the drive device (20), comprising a lifting housing (31) and a lifting element (32) arranged in the lifting housing (31), wherein the drive housing (21) comprises a coupling section (23), wherein the lifting housing (31) comprises a counter-coupling section (36), wherein the drive housing (21) and the lifting housing (31) are firmly connected to one another via the coupling section (23) and the counter-coupling section (36), wherein the coupling section (23) of the drive housing (21) has a thread (24) and the counter-coupling section (36) of the lifting housing (31) has a counter-thread (37), which are in threaded engagement with one another at least in sections.An actuating device which is flexibly adaptable and reliable is created in that the coupling section (23) of the drive housing (21) comprises at least one first securing element (40), and in that the counter-coupling section (36) of the lifting housing (31) comprises at least one second securing element (50) engaging with the first securing element (40).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjusting device, in particular a spindle drive, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Active actuating devices that can automatically open and close vehicle doors and hatches are known in practice. In particular, so-called spindle drives are used, for example, to electrically drive tailgates and side doors of vehicles. The spindle drives are designed in such a way that they each comprise a drive device and a lifting device. The drive device and the lifting device are arranged within a one-piece housing of the spindle drive. A disadvantage is that a combination or construction of a spindle drive in a modular design from different drive devices and lifting devices is not possible. Furthermore, a quick replacement of a drive device or a lifting device of the actuating device due to repairs is not possible.Furthermore, the spindle drive with a one-piece housing cannot be quickly and easily adapted with regard to the connection points on the body and tailgate of a vehicle.

[0003] DE 11 2022 004 579 T5 shows an actuating device for opening and closing a tailgate of a vehicle, comprising a drive device, comprising a drive housing and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing, and a lifting device drivable by the drive device, comprising a lifting housing and a lifting element arranged in the lifting housing, wherein the drive housing comprises a coupling section and the lifting housing comprises a counter-coupling section, wherein the drive housing and the lifting housing are firmly connected to one another via the coupling section and the counter-coupling section, wherein the coupling section of the drive housing has a thread and the counter-coupling section of the lifting housing has a counter-thread, which are in threaded engagement with one another.A disadvantage is that the threaded connection has no anti-rotation lock, so there is a risk that the drive housing will at least partially loosen from the lifting housing, which will then change the adjustment path of the actuator for opening and / or closing the tailgate. As a result of a change in the adjustment path, safe opening and / or closing of the tailgate is no longer possible.

[0004] DE 10 2021 107 376 A1 shows an actuating device designed as a spindle drive for opening and closing a flap or a door of a vehicle, comprising a drive device comprising a drive housing and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing, and a lifting device drivable by the drive device, comprising a lifting housing and a lifting element arranged in the lifting housing, wherein the drive housing comprises a coupling section, wherein the lifting housing comprises a counter-coupling section, wherein the drive housing and the lifting housing are firmly connected to one another via the coupling section and the counter-coupling section, wherein the coupling section of the drive housing and the counter-coupling section of the lifting housing are connected via a bayonet connection, wherein the coupling section of the drive housing comprises at least one first securing element,and wherein the counter-coupling portion of the lifting housing comprises at least one second securing element engaging with the first securing element.,

[0005] DE 10 2019 102 288 A1 shows an actuating device designed as a spindle drive for opening and closing a flap or a door of a vehicle, comprising a drive device, comprising a drive housing and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing as well as a housing cap, and a lifting device drivable by the drive device, comprising a lifting housing and a lifting element arranged in the lifting housing, wherein the drive housing comprises a coupling section, wherein the housing cap comprises a counter-coupling section, wherein the coupling section of the drive housing has a thread and the counter-coupling section of the housing cap has a counter-thread, which are at least partially in threaded engagement with one another, wherein the coupling section of the drive housing comprises at least one first securing element,and wherein the counter-coupling portion of the housing cap comprises at least one second securing element engaging with the first securing element.,

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an adjusting device which is flexibly adaptable and reliable.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by an adjusting device having the features of claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, an actuating device, in particular a spindle drive, is provided for opening and closing a flap or a door of a vehicle, comprising a drive device, comprising a drive housing and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing, and a lifting device drivable by the drive device, comprising a lifting housing and a lifting element arranged in the lifting housing, wherein the drive housing comprises a coupling section and the lifting housing comprises a counter-coupling section, wherein the drive housing and the lifting housing are firmly connected to one another via the coupling section and the counter-coupling section, wherein the coupling section of the drive housing has a thread, and the counter-coupling section of the lifting housing has a counter-thread, which are at least partially in threaded engagement with one another,wherein the coupling section of the drive housing comprises at least one first securing element, and wherein the counter-coupling section of the lifting housing comprises at least one second securing element engaging with the first securing element. The actuating device is characterized in that the first securing element has a first projection comprising a first anti-rotation surface, and expediently the second securing element has a second projection comprising a second anti-rotation surface, wherein the first anti-rotation surface and the second anti-rotation surface prevent the drive housing from rotating loose from the lifting housing. Advantageously, the first securing element and the second securing element engage with each other via the first projection or via the second projection in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.to reliably prevent the screw connection from loosening. The first anti-rotation surface engages the second anti-rotation surface, reliably preventing any screw movement of the drive housing from the lifting housing in a direction that would otherwise be disassembled. Advantageously, the drive housing and the lifting housing can thus be connected to one another in a modular design, allowing individual combinations of different drive devices and lifting devices to be created. A screw connection can advantageously be screwed together quickly, easily, and intuitively, with different torques being able to be used to achieve individual connection strengths. The first locking element and the second locking element advantageously form at least part of an anti-rotation device for a screw connection, whereby this anti-rotation device reliably preventsthat the screw connection between the drive housing and the lifting housing becomes undesirably loose. Consequently, the anti-loosening device, comprising the first locking element and the second locking element, is an important safety system for a reliable and robust actuator that functions for a long time.

[0009] Preferably, the first securing element has a plurality of first projections. Through a plurality of first projections, forces or torques acting on the drive housing or the lifting housing can be evenly distributed across a plurality of first projections, thus reliably preventing unwanted loosening.

[0010] The second securing element preferably has a plurality of second projections. Through a plurality of second projections, forces or torques acting on the drive housing or the lifting housing can be evenly distributed across a plurality of second projections, thus reliably preventing unwanted loosening.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first securing element is fan-shaped, and that the second securing element is fan-shaped. A fan-shaped positioning of the first projections or the second projections offers the advantage that the first projections and the second projections can be arranged both on an outer diameter and on an inner diameter, as well as on the front side of the first securing element or the second securing element, whereby individual positioning of the first projections and the second projections is ensured, so that other components of the actuating device are not adversely affected by the first projections and the second projections.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the first projection is wedge-shaped, and the second projection is wedge-shaped. A wedge shape advantageously has a simple geometric shape that is easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0013] Conveniently, the first projection has a first inclined surface, and the second projection expediently has a second inclined surface, wherein, upon connection of the coupling section to the counter-coupling section, one of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can be easily guided past the other of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. The anti-rotation device is advantageously only activated upon complete assembly of the actuating device, wherein the first securing element and the second securing element undergo elastic deformation during connection, wherein the first inclined surface of the first projection and the second inclined surface of the second projection are guided slidingly past one another.Accordingly, the first securing element and the second securing element generate no or only slight resistance in the screwing direction when assembling the adjusting device, after which assembly of the adjusting device can be carried out simply and smoothly.

[0014] Preferably, the first projections are arranged along a circumferential direction of a first circumferential surface of the coupling section, and preferably, the second projections are arranged along a second circumferential direction of a second circumferential surface of the counter-coupling section. Advantageously, the first projections and the second projections are arranged in a space-saving manner, wherein the first anti-rotation surface and the second anti-rotation surface are arranged facing each other in a loosening direction, so that the first anti-rotation surface and the second anti-rotation surface always abut each other in the loosening direction to reliably maintain the connection between the drive housing and the lifting housing.

[0015] Conveniently, the first projections extend from the first circumferential surface in an inward direction toward the longitudinal axis. The first projections are advantageously arranged such that the first projections extend in a direction toward the second projections, so that the first projections and the second projections can be brought into contact with one another.

[0016] Conveniently, the second projections extend from the second circumferential surface in an outward direction away from the longitudinal axis. The second projections are advantageously arranged such that the second projections extend in a direction toward the first projections, so that the first projections and the second projections can be brought into contact with one another.

[0017] Further advantages, developments and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the dependent claims.

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a) a plan view of an embodiment of an adjusting device in an assembled state as well as b) a sectional view and c) an exploded view. Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of Fig. 1b. Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of Fig. 1a. Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the adjusting device from Fig. 1a in a disassembled state. Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of Fig. 5 Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 1a shows an actuating device 10 designed as a spindle drive with a cylindrical base body G having a longitudinal axis L, comprising a first connecting element 11 designed as a first ball socket and a second connecting element 12 designed as a second ball socket.

[0020] In this exemplary embodiment, the first connection element 11 is coupled to a vehicle frame 13 of a vehicle, and the second connection element 12 is coupled to a vehicle flap 14 or vehicle door of the vehicle. For clarity, the vehicle frame 13 and the vehicle flap 14 are schematically illustrated as dashed lines. The actuating device 10 serves to open and close the vehicle flap 14 or vehicle door of the vehicle. For reasons of clarity, a vehicle has not been illustrated.

[0021] Furthermore, the actuating device 10 comprises a drive device 20 with a hollow cylindrical drive housing 21 and a lifting device 30 connected to the drive device 20 with a hollow cylindrical lifting housing 31. Thus, the actuating device 10 is designed as a modular two-part actuating device 10, comprising a drive device 20 and a lifting device 30, which in this embodiment are firmly connected to one another via a screw connection.

[0022] Fig. 1b shows, in a sectional view of the actuating device 10, a drive unit 22 is arranged in the drive housing 21 of the drive device 20, wherein the drive unit 22 is an electric motor. Furthermore, the lifting device 30 has a lifting element 32 designed as a spindle with an external thread, which is arranged in the lifting housing 31 so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis L. The drive unit 22 of the drive device 20 can set the lifting element 32 of the lifting device 30 into a rotatable movement in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction via a coupling device. Furthermore, a spindle nut 33 has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the lifting element 32, so that the external thread of the lifting element 32 and the internal thread of the spindle nut 33 are in meshing engagement.

[0023] By rotating the lifting element 32, the spindle nut 33 is displaced axially along the longitudinal axis L in a rotationally fixed manner, after which a guide tube 34 associated with the spindle nut 33 can be displaced axially along the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the guide tube 34 is connected to the second connecting element 12 on a side facing away from the drive device 20 in order to transmit a generated adjustment force to the openable vehicle flap 14. Furthermore, a hollow cylindrical inner housing 35 of the lifting device 30 is connected to the second connecting element 12 via a screw connection. Thus, the guide tube 34 or the inner housing 35 can be extended telescopically out of the lifting housing 31 and in turn can be retracted telescopically into the lifting housing 31 depending on the positioning of the spindle nut 33 within the lifting housing 31 of the lifting device 30.In addition, a coil spring F is arranged concentrically in the inner housing 35, wherein the coil spring F supports an opening movement of the vehicle flap 14.

[0024] It is understood that alternatively the first connection element 11, which is assigned to the drive device 20, can also be connected to the vehicle flap 14, and that the second connection element 12, which is assigned to the lifting device 30, can also be connected to the vehicle frame 13.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1c shows the actuating device 10 in an exploded view, clearly showing that the actuating device 10 is constructed in two parts: the upper drive device 20 and the lower lifting device 30. The drive housing 21 of the drive device 20 has a coupling portion 23 and an end face 25 at an end facing away from the first connecting element 11. The coupling portion 23 of the drive device 20 further has a thread 24, which is configured here as an internal thread.

[0026] Furthermore, the lifting housing 31 of the lifting device 30 has a counter-coupling section 36 at an end facing away from the second connecting element 12. The counter-coupling section 36 of the lifting device 30 also has a corresponding counter-thread 37, which is designed here as an external thread. Furthermore, one end of the lifting element 32, which protrudes axially from the counter-coupling section 36, is partially visible.

[0027] Thus, the drive device 20 and the lifting device 30 can be firmly connected to one another via the coupling section 23 and the counter-coupling section 36 by means of a screw connection.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of a detailed view from Fig. 1b, wherein the screw connection between the drive housing 21 of the drive device 20 and the lifting housing 31 of the lifting device 30 is clearly visible. The drive housing 21 here has, in the coupling section 23, the thread 24 designed as an internal thread, which firmly engages the mating thread 37 designed as an external thread of the counter-coupling section 36 of the lifting housing 31. Furthermore, it can be seen that the drive housing 21 is arranged with the end face 25 on a collar surface 38 of the lifting housing 31 with almost no gap, wherein the drive housing 21 and the lifting housing 31 are arranged axially aligned with one another, so that the drive housing 21 and the lifting housing 31 have an identical longitudinal axis L.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the adjusting device 10 in a region of the drive housing 21 of the drive device 20 from Fig. 1a. It can be seen here that the screw connection between the drive housing 21 and the lifting housing 31 comprises an anti-rotation device, wherein the coupling section 23 of the drive housing 21 comprises a first securing element 40, and wherein the counter-coupling section 36 of the lifting housing 31 comprises a second securing element 50 engaging with the first securing element 40.

[0030] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged detailed view of Fig. 3, wherein it can be seen that the first securing element 40 has a first projection 41 comprising a first anti-rotation surface 42, and that the second securing element 50 has a second projection 51 comprising a second anti-rotation surface 52, wherein the first anti-rotation surface 42 and the second anti-rotation surface 52 prevent the drive housing 21 from rotating loose from the lifting housing 31 in that the first anti-rotation surface 42 and the second anti-rotation surface 52 bear against one another. Furthermore, the first projection 41 has a first ramp-like inclined surface 43 and the second projection 51 has a second ramp-like inclined surface 53, wherein the first projection 41 forms a wedge shape with its first anti-rotation surface 42 and first inclined surface 43, and wherein the second projection 51 also forms a wedge shape with its second anti-rotation surface 52 and second inclined surface 53.The first ramp-like inclined surface 43 and the second ramp-like inclined surface 53 each have an angle of approximately 25°, wherein an angle of the first anti-rotation surface 42 and the second anti-rotation surface 52 is approximately 90°.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be seen that an outer radius R2 of the second securing element 50 is smaller than an inner radius R1 of the first securing element 40, according to which the second securing element 50 can be arranged concentrically within the first securing element 40.

[0032] Furthermore, the first securing element 40 has a plurality of first projections 41 and furthermore the second securing element 50 has a plurality of second projections 51.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an adjusting device 10 disassembled into drive device 20 and lifting device 30.

[0034] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of Fig. 5, in which elements of the anti-rotation device of the screw connection are shown in an enlarged perspective view. On the one hand, the coupling section 23 with the thread 24 of the drive housing 21 of the drive device 20 is shown, and on the other hand, the counter-coupling section 36 with the counter-thread 37 of the lifting housing 31 of the lifting device 30 is shown.

[0035] Furthermore, the first securing element 40 is arranged concentrically in the drive housing 21, wherein the first projections 41 are arranged spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction on a first circumferential surface U1, and wherein the first projections 41 extend in an inward direction toward the longitudinal axis L from the first circumferential surface U1.

[0036] Furthermore, the second securing element 50 is arranged concentrically in the lifting housing 31 of the lifting device 30, wherein the second projections 51 are arranged spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction on a second circumferential surface U2, and wherein the second projections 51 extend in an outward direction away from the longitudinal axis L from the second circumferential surface U2.

[0037] Fig.7 shows a further embodiment in which the first securing element 40' of the drive housing 21' of the drive device 20' is now arranged in sections on an inner circumferential surface IM of the coupling section 23' of the drive housing 21'. The securing element 40' comprises a plurality of spaced-apart projections 41', each of which has a first anti-rotation surface 42' and a first inclined surface 43'. Furthermore, the first projections 41' extend inwardly toward the longitudinal axis L from the inner circumferential surface IM of the coupling section 23'.

[0038] The first projections 41' are arranged spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction on the inner surface IM, wherein the first projections 41' form at least a portion of a circumferential section of an end face 25' of the drive housing 21'. This means that a first side surface 44' of the first projection 41' is identical to the end face 25' of the drive housing 21', so that the first side surface 44' of the first projection 41' and the end face 25' of the drive housing 21' are flush.

[0039] With respect to the counter-coupling section 36' of the lifting housing 31' of the lifting device 30', a second securing element 50' is arranged concentrically between the lifting housing 31' and the counter-thread 37'. The securing element 50' comprises a plurality of second projections 51', each of which has a second anti-rotation surface 52' and a second inclined surface 53'. The second projections 51' are arranged spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction on an outer circumferential surface AM. Furthermore, the second projections 51' extend in an inward-outward direction away from the lifting housing 31'. The invention works as follows:

[0040] For assembly of the actuating device 10, the drive housing 21, 21' and the lifting housing 31, 31' are screwed together via the coupling section 23, 23' and the counter-coupling section 36, 36', wherein when screwing together the coupling section 23, 23' with the counter-coupling section 36, 36', one of the first inclination surface 43, 43' and the second inclination surface 53, 53' can be guided past the other of the first inclination surface 43, 43' and the second inclination surface 53, 53' during the screwing process of the coupling section 23, 23' with the counter-coupling section 36, 36' without snagging or jamming, wherein the assembly of the actuating device 10 is completed as soon as the drive housing 21, 21' is in contact with the collar surface 38, 38' of the lifting housing 31, 31'. At the latest when the drive housing 21, 21' strikes the collar surface 38, 38' of the lifting housing 31, 31', the anti-loosening device is automatically activated.

[0041] The mechanical anti-rotation device, comprising the first locking element 40, 40' and the second locking element 50, 50', always prevents the drive housing 21, 21' from loosening from the lifting housing 31, 31' by the first anti-rotation surface 42, 42' striking the second anti-rotation surface 52, 52'. Loosening of this secured screw connection is therefore only possible if one of the first locking element 40, 40' and the second locking element 50, 50' is intentionally destroyed using an increased torque. As a result, the drive housing 21, 21' and the lifting housing 31, 31' are firmly connected to one another via a non-detachable screw connection, which is always reliably secured against unwanted loosening.

[0042] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the drive unit is an electric motor. It is understood that the drive unit is not limited to an electric motor. The drive unit can therefore also comprise other drives, such as a gas spring or a gas pressure damper.

[0043] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the first connection element and the second connection element are each designed as a ball socket. It is understood that the first connection element or the second connection element can also be designed as a ball head.

[0044] The invention was explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the anti-rotation device acts both force-locking and form-locking. It is understood that the anti-rotation device additionally comprises a material-locking component, e.g., an insert of a thread-locking agent in the form of an adhesive.

[0045] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the coupling section and the counter-coupling section can be firmly connected to one another via a threaded screw connection. It is understood that other known quick-connection systems, such as a bayonet connection, can also be used to firmly connect the coupling section to the counter-coupling section.

[0046] The invention was explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the first securing element and the second securing element are each formed integrally with the respective coupling section and the respective counter-coupling section. It is understood that the first securing element and / or the second securing element can also be formed separately as a disc insertable into the coupling section or the counter-coupling section, or as a ring insertable into the coupling section or the counter-coupling section, for example, to replace or exchange the first securing element and / or the second securing element.

[0047] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the first securing element and the second securing element are arranged in a non-releasable manner. It is understood that the first securing element and / or the second securing element have a slip clutch that, starting at a defined increased torque, allows the first securing element and / or the second securing element to rotate, so that the drive housing can be removed from the lifting housing without destroying the first securing element and / or the second securing element.

Claims

[1] Actuating device (10), in particular a spindle drive, for opening and closing a flap or a door of a vehicle, comprising a drive device (20, 20') comprising a drive housing (21, 21') and a drive unit (22) arranged in the drive housing (21, 21'), and a lifting device (30, 30') drivable by the drive device (20, 20'), comprising a lifting housing (31, 31') and a lifting element (32) arranged in the lifting housing (31, 31'), wherein the drive housing (21, 21') comprises a coupling section (23, 23'), wherein the lifting housing (31, 31') comprises a counter-coupling section (36, 36'), wherein the drive housing (21, 21') and the lifting housing (31, 31') are firmly connected to one another via the coupling section (23, 23') and the counter-coupling section (36, 36'), wherein the coupling section (23, 23') of the drive housing (21, 21') has a thread (24, 24') and the counter-coupling section (36, 36') of the lifting housing (31, 31') has a counter-thread (37, 37'), which are at least partially in threaded engagement with each other, wherein the coupling portion (23, 23') of the drive housing (21, 21') comprises at least one first securing element (40, 40'), and wherein the counter-coupling section (36, 36') of the lifting housing (31, 31') comprises at least one second securing element (50, 50') engaging with the first securing element (40, 40'), characterized by , that the first securing element (40, 40') has a first projection (41, 41') comprising a first anti-rotation surface (42, 42'), and that the second securing element (50, 50') has a second projection (51, 51') comprising a second anti-rotation surface (52, 52'), wherein the first anti-rotation surface (42, 42') and the second anti-rotation surface (52, 52') prevent the drive housing (21, 21') from rotating loose from the lifting housing (31, 31'). [2] Adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized by that the first securing element (40, 40') has a plurality of first projections (41, 41'). [3] Adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the second securing element (50, 50') has a plurality of second projections (51, 51'). [4] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first securing element (40, 40') is fan-shaped and that the second securing element (50, 50') is fan-shaped. [5] Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the first projection (41, 41') is wedge-shaped, and that the second projection (51, 51') is wedge-shaped. [6] Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the first projection (41, 41') has a first inclined surface (43, 43'), that the second projection (51, 51') has a second inclined surface (53, 53'), and that when the coupling section (23, 23') is connected to the counter-coupling section (36, 36'), one of the first inclined surface (43, 43') and the second inclined surface (53, 53') can be easily guided past the other of the first inclined surface (43, 43') and the second inclined surface (53, 53'). [7] Adjusting device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by that the first projections (41, 41') are arranged along a circumferential direction of a first circumferential surface (U1, IM) of the coupling section (23, 23'), and that the second projections (51, 51') are arranged along a second circumferential direction of a second circumferential surface (U2, AM) of the counter-coupling section (36, 36'). [8] Adjusting device according to claim 7, characterized by that the first projections (41, 41') extend in an inward direction towards the longitudinal axis (L) from the first circumferential surface (U1, IM). [9] Adjusting device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the second projections (51, 51') extend in an outward direction away from the longitudinal axis (L) from the second circumferential surface (U2, AM). [10] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first securing element (40, 40') and / or the second securing element (50, 50') are formed separately as a disc or insertable ring that can be inserted into the coupling section (23, 23') or into the counter-coupling section (36, 36').

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