Actuator

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device, in particular a spindle drive, for opening and closing a flap or a door of a vehicle, comprising a drive device (10) comprising a drive housing (11) and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing (11), and a lifting device that can be driven by the drive device (10), comprising a lifting housing and a lifting element (22) arranged in the lifting housing with a first end (22a), The drive device (10) has an adapter (30) rotatable about a pivot axis (X) with at least one first connecting element (31) for rotationally fixed coupling to the lifting element (22) of the lifting device. According to the invention, an actuating device that is reliable, safe, and easy to assemble is created in that the frontal first end (22a) of the lifting element (22) has a second connecting element (23) corresponding to the first connecting element (31), that the first connecting element (31) and the second connecting element (23) are positively coupled to each other, and that the lifting element (22) is additionally permanently connected to the adapter (30) by force or material bonding.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjusting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Actuating devices, particularly spindle drives, are known in practice and are used, for example, for the driven pivoting of vehicle flaps, especially tailgates or vehicle doors. These actuators comprise a drive unit and a lifting unit, the drive unit, for example, having an electric motor with a rotatable motor shaft. The motor shaft includes a coupling device for connection, particularly via a positive-locking shaft-hub connection, to a lifting element arranged in the lifting unit. The lifting element is, for example, a rotatable threaded spindle, which can thus be driven via the shaft-hub connection.

[0003] Regarding a positive-locking shaft-hub connection - also known, for example, as a keyway connection - a groove is milled in both the shaft and the hub, whereby a key is inserted into these grooves as a coupling means, after which a torque is transmitted via a surface pressure.

[0004] Furthermore, friction-fit shaft-hub connections are known in which the elements of the shaft-hub connection are clamped together in such a way that a frictional force between the shaft and the hub is sufficient to transmit the desired torque.

[0005] Furthermore, material-bonded shaft-hub connections are known in which a force is transmitted through a material bond such as gluing, soldering or welding.

[0006] DE 10 2022 103 040 A1 discloses 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 driven by the drive device, comprising a lifting housing and a lifting element arranged in the lifting housing with a first end, wherein the drive device has an adapter rotatable about an axis of rotation with at least one first connecting element for rotationally fixed coupling with the lifting element of the lifting device.

[0007] DE 10 2010 053 226 A1 shows an actuating device comprising a drive device comprising a drive housing and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing, and a lifting device driven by the drive device comprising a lifting housing and a lifting element arranged in the lifting housing with a first end, wherein the drive device has an adapter rotatable about an axis of rotation with at least one first connecting element for rotationally fixed coupling with the lifting element of the lifting device, wherein the end face first end of the lifting element has a second connecting element corresponding with respect to the first connecting element, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are positively coupled to each other, and wherein the lifting element is additionally non-detachably connected to the adapter by friction.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide an adjusting device that is reliable and safe, and which can be easily assembled.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by an adjusting device having the features of independent claim 1.

[0010] According to the invention, an actuating device, in particular a spindle drive, for opening and closing a flap or a door of a vehicle is provided, comprising a drive device, comprising a drive housing and a drive unit arranged in the drive housing, and a lifting device driven by the drive device, comprising a lifting housing and a lifting element arranged in the lifting housing with a first end, wherein the drive device has an adapter rotatable about an axis of rotation with at least one first connecting element for rotationally fixed coupling with the lifting element of the lifting device, wherein the end face first end of the lifting element has a second connecting element corresponding with respect to the first connecting element, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are positively coupled to each other.and wherein the lifting element is additionally and permanently connected to the adapter by a force-fit or material-fit connection. The positioning device is characterized by the fact that the adapter is formed in one piece, that the adapter has a coupling section on one side facing the drive unit, and that the coupling section is rotationally fixed to a shaft of the drive unit that is rotatable about the axis of rotation. The adapter is designed as an interface between the drive unit of the drive device and the lifting element of the lifting device, resulting in a space-saving design for the positioning device. Furthermore, a torque can advantageously be transmitted directly from the motor shaft to the lifting element via the adapter. A combination of at least two connection types, namely a connection via both a positive fit and a force-fit or material-fit connection, advantageously increases the reliability and safety of the positioning device.The lifting element is doubly secured within the adapter, allowing forces acting on the connection, such as torsional and shear forces, to be optimally transmitted via the positive-locking connection. This ensures that a friction-locking or material-locking connection is protected against such torsional and shear forces. A positive-locking connection advantageously protects the friction-locking or material-locking connection from failure, such as cracking within the latter. Consequently, any type of force acting on the connection between the lifting element and the adapter can be optimally transmitted by the respective connection type, thus providing an actuating device.which exhibits high reliability and a longer product lifespan. Furthermore, a positive-locking connection supports self-centering of the lifting element within the positioning device.

[0011] The lifting element is expediently connected to the adapter either by a force-fit connection via compression or by a material-fit connection via adhesive bonding. Advantageously, for a permanent connection, the lifting element is pressed into the adapter or bonded to the adapter using an adhesive, thus creating a simple and permanent connection between the lifting element and the adapter.

[0012] Advantageously, the lifting element is positively connected to the adapter via a polygonal connection. A polygonal connection can advantageously withstand higher torque loads, and a polygonal shaft-hub connection advantageously requires only a relatively small installation space.

[0013] Preferably, the first connecting element is designed as a hole, arranged coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation, and has a polygonal cross-section with n drive lugs. Because the first connecting element is arranged coaxially, the adapter exhibits particularly smooth running and quiet rotation. Furthermore, the coaxial arrangement ensures that the force is transmitted from the first connecting element to the lifting element in a particularly efficient manner. For cost-effective manufacturing, the first connecting element advantageously has a simple geometric shape, with the hole having a polygonal contour for a positive-locking connection, e.g., an internal Torx drive or alternatively a D-cut, a hexagon, or other screw drives, so that torques can be transmitted optimally through the positive locking mechanism.

[0014] Advantageously, the adapter has a guide section on a side facing away from the drive unit. This guide section has an inner surface and a bottom surface designed as a counter surface, the counter surface being arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The guide section advantageously serves two purposes: firstly, it self-centers the lifting element, and secondly, it provides a force-fit connection by pressing the lifting element firmly into the adapter. The lifting element can advantageously abut against a counter surface of the adapter, thus preventing slippage and simplifying assembly. Alternatively, an adhesive, such as an epoxy resin, can be used in the guide section to create a material-bonded connection between the lifting element and the adapter.Furthermore, in another alternative embodiment, a material-bonded connection can be provided by welding. For this purpose, the guide section of the adapter is welded to the lifting element arranged in the guide section.

[0015] Preferably, the first connecting element extends from the opposite surface of the guide section in one direction towards the drive unit. This arrangement of the first connecting element is advantageously space-saving. Furthermore, the distance between the motor shaft of the drive unit and the first connecting element is small, resulting in increased smoothness of rotation of the lifting element.

[0016] Advantageously, the second connecting element is designed as a pin with a polygonal cross-section and n drivers, wherein the pin is arranged in the first connecting element in a rotationally fixed manner. The second connecting element of the lifting element is advantageously designed as a male counterpart, which can be arranged in the first connecting element with minimal play via a plug-in mechanism, thus advantageously providing a positive-locking and rotationally fixed connection.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one guide element, designed as a projection, extends from the inner surface of the casing in a direction towards the axis of rotation. The recess has at least one guide element which advantageously centers the lifting element so that the lifting element is arranged at exactly a 90° angle to the adapter, thus ensuring optimal concentricity of the lifting element.

[0018] Preferably, the lifting element has a radial groove at its first end, wherein the guide element of the adapter is received in the radial groove and rests on the groove base of the radial groove. The groove base of the radial groove is advantageously designed as a smooth surface, allowing the guide element of the adapter to slide along the smooth groove base during assembly. This simplifies assembly, as a threaded spindle, in particular, has an external thread that is incompatible with a guide element of the adapter. Furthermore, the radial groove of the lifting element can be manufactured with tight tolerances, enabling an optimal force-fit connection.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first connecting element is designed as a blind hole. Manufacturing a blind hole saves time and costs, and the blind hole is slightly longer than the pin of the lifting element so that the entire pin can be positioned within the blind hole. Furthermore, the pin can have a relief groove in a transition area, allowing the pin to be fully inserted into the first connecting element.

[0020] Preferably, the lifting element has a stop surface at its first end, and this stop surface rests on a section of the adapter's surface. Contact between the stop surface and the adapter's surface section serves two purposes: firstly, to self-center the lifting element, and secondly, to ensure reproducible assembly of the lifting element in the adapter, guaranteeing that a defined length of the lifting element is always inserted into the adapter.

[0021] Advantageously, the coupling section and the first connecting element are arranged coaxially. In this configuration, the adapter and the lifting element of the lifting device exhibit very good concentricity, resulting in quiet, reliable, smooth-running, and durable operation of the positioning device.

[0022] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the adapter is a rotationally symmetrical turned part made of an aluminum-based alloy. Turned parts made of aluminum offer excellent mechanical properties for the safe and reliable transmission of high torques, with aluminum materials being characterized by high corrosion resistance and high strength. Furthermore, aluminum is easy to machine, making its production cost-effective.

[0023] Preferably, the first connecting element has a profile with an axially constant course. Advantageously, the first connecting element has a simple geometric shape, which enables cost-effective and rapid manufacturing.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the first connecting element has a profile with an axially variable course. Alternatively, the first connecting element can, for example, have a conical profile, so that the first connecting element can be individually adapted to specific torques or forces in order to provide a reliable positive-locking connection.

[0025] Further advantages, developments and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the dependent claims.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a) a top view and b) a sectional view of an embodiment of an actuating device for a vehicle flap drive. Fig. 2 shows a) a front view of a drive device of the actuator made of Fig. 1 and b) a sectional view from Fig. 2a). Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a section from Fig. 2b). Fig. 4 shows a section view from Fig. 3.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1a shows an example of an adjusting device 1 designed as a spindle drive with a cylindrical base body G having a longitudinal axis L. The adjusting device 1 comprises a first connecting element 2 designed as a first ball socket and a second connecting element 3 designed as a second ball socket.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first connecting element 2 is pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame R of a vehicle, and the second connecting element 3 is pivotally coupled to a vehicle flap K or vehicle door of the vehicle. For clarity, the vehicle frame R and the vehicle flap K are shown schematically as dashed lines. The actuating device 1 serves to open and close the vehicle flap K or vehicle door of the vehicle. For clarity, a vehicle is not shown.

[0029] Furthermore, the positioning device 1 comprises a drive device 10 with a hollow cylindrical drive housing 11 and a lifting device 20 with a hollow cylindrical lifting housing 21, which is connected to the drive device 10 via a screw connection. Thus, the positioning device 1 is exemplary designed as a modular two-part positioning device 1, comprising a drive device 10 and a lifting device 20, which in this embodiment are firmly connected to each other via a screw connection.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1b shows a sectional view of the actuator 1, revealing that a drive unit 12 is arranged in the drive housing 11 of the drive device 10, the drive unit 12 being an electric motor. Furthermore, the lifting device 20 has a lifting element 22 designed as a spindle with an external thread, which is rotatably arranged in the lifting housing 21 about the longitudinal axis L. The drive unit 12 of the drive device 10 can set the lifting element 22 of the lifting device 20 into a rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise motion via a coupling device. A spindle nut S also has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the lifting element 22, so that the external thread of the lifting element 22 and the internal thread of the spindle nut S are in meshing engagement.

[0031] By rotating the lifting element 22, the spindle nut S is axially displaced along the longitudinal axis L in a rotationally fixed manner, after which a guide tube P associated with the spindle nut S can be axially displaced along the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the guide tube P is connected to the second connecting element 3 on one side facing away from the drive device 10 in order to transmit a generated adjusting force to the openable vehicle flap K. Additionally, a hollow cylindrical inner housing H of the lifting device 20 is connected to the second connecting element 3 via a screw connection. Thus, the guide tube P, or the inner housing H, can be extended telescopically from the lifting housing 21 and retracted telescopically into the lifting housing 21 depending on the position of the spindle nut S within the lifting housing 21 of the lifting device 20.Furthermore, a coil spring F is arranged concentrically in the inner housing H, with the coil spring F supporting an opening movement of the vehicle flap K.

[0032] It is understood that, alternatively, the first connection element 2, which is assigned to the drive device 10, can also be connected to the vehicle flap K, and that the second connection element 3, which is assigned to the lifting device 20, can also be connected to the vehicle frame R.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2a shows the drive device 10 of a disassembled positioning device 1 in a front view, wherein only the lifting element 22 of the lifting device 20 is arranged in the drive device 10 shown.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2b shows a sectional view of the drive device 10. Fig. 2a, where it is now apparent that the drive unit 12 has a shaft 13 rotatable about the longitudinal axis L, which is connected on one side to an adapter 30, and on the other side to the lifting element 22. Here, the drive housing 11, the drive unit 12, the shaft 13, the adapter 30 and the lifting element 22 are arranged coaxially.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a section from Fig. 2b. On side A facing the drive unit 12, the adapter 30 has a coupling section 39, which is designed as a blind hole. The rotatable shaft 13 of the drive unit 12 is fixedly arranged in the coupling section 39, so that the drive unit 12 can rotate the adapter 30 clockwise or counterclockwise about the axis of rotation X by means of the shaft 13. To ensure smooth and quiet rotation of the adapter 30, the adapter 30 has a bearing section 30a designed as a radial groove in which a ball bearing 50 is arranged, so that the adapter 30 is supported within the drive housing 11 of the drive device 10 by this ball bearing 50, the ball bearing 50 permitting only rotational movement of the adapter 30 about the axis of rotation X, and in this embodiment the adapter 30 is rotationally symmetrical.

[0036] The rotationally symmetrical adapter 30 is manufactured as a turned part from an aluminum-based alloy, wherein on one side B facing away from the drive unit 12 the adapter 30 in this embodiment has a hollow cylindrical recess 33 comprising an inlet opening 38, a bottom designed as a counter surface 36 and an inner surface 35.

[0037] Furthermore, a first connecting element 31 for a rotationally fixed coupling with the lifting element 22 is arranged in the counter surface 36 of the recess 33. This connecting element is designed as a hole 32 – here as a blind hole. The hole 32 is arranged coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation X, and is located approximately at the same height as the bearing section 30a of the adapter 30. Thus, the hole 32 extends from the counter surface 36 in one direction towards the coupling section 39, with the first connecting element 31 and the coupling section 39 being separated from each other by means of a wall W.

[0038] Furthermore, the recess 33 of the adapter 30 includes a guide section 34 in which an annular guide element 37 is arranged in a region of the inlet opening 38, extending from the inner surface 35. The guide element 37 is designed as a radially circumferential projection that extends from the inner surface 35 in a direction towards the axis of rotation X and narrows the recess 33 section by section.

[0039] Furthermore, in Fig. 3 clearly shows that a first end 22a of the lifting element 22 is arranged within the recess 33 of the adapter 30. The lifting element 22 has an end-face stop surface 27, from which a second connecting element 23, designed as a pin 24, extends, wherein this pin 24 is arranged in the hole 32 of the adapter 30 in a rotationally fixed manner, and wherein the stop surface 27 of the lifting element 22 rests on the opposite surface 36 of the recess 33 of the adapter 30.

[0040] Furthermore, the lifting element 22 has a radial groove 25 with a groove base 26, wherein the radial groove 25 is arranged almost completely within the recess 33 of the adapter 30, and wherein the guide element 37 of the adapter 30 rests on the groove base 26 of the radial groove 25 of the lifting element 22. At the first end 22A of the lifting element 22, the lifting element 22 has a radially circumferential guide section 28 which contacts the inner surface 35 of the recess 33 of the adapter 30. Consequently, the lifting element 22 is secured against undesired tilting within the recess 33 of the adapter 30 both by its guide section 28 and by the guide element 37 of the adapter 30, thus advantageously resulting in self-centering of the lifting element 22.

[0041] Fig. 4 shows a section view from Fig.Figure 3 shows how a rotationally fixed coupling between the lifting element 22 and the adapter 30 is implemented. The first connecting element 31 of the adapter 30, which is designed as a hole 32, has a polygonal cross-section 40 with n drive lugs 41. In this embodiment, the first connecting element 31 is designed as an internal hexagon socket, wherein the pin 24 of the lifting element 22 also has a corresponding polygonal cross-section 40 with n drive lugs 41, which in this embodiment has an external hexagon socket. Consequently, the lifting element 22 is coupled to the adapter 30 via a positive-locking polygon connection.

[0042] The invention works as follows: Firstly, a functional test of the drive device 10 can be carried out quickly and easily via the adapter 30 by coupling a component with a corresponding second connecting element 23 into the first connecting element 31 of the adapter 30. Here, the adapter 30 acts as an interface with which different components or assemblies can be set in rotation. The drive unit 12 of the drive device 10 is then activated, causing the coupled component to rotate around the axis of rotation X. This allows, for example, the smoothness of operation, noise level, and power transmission of the drive device 10 to be assessed. After a successful functional test of the drive device 10, it is moved to a further assembly stage with the lifting device 20 to produce a finished positioning device 1.

[0043] Secondly, the drive device 10 is connected to the lifting device 20, for example, via a screw connection, wherein the lifting element 22 is primarily connected to the adapter 30 by a force-fit pressing or a material-fit bonding or welding, wherein the form-fit polygon connection protects the force-fit and / or material-fit connection between the lifting element 22 and the adapter 30 against torsional and shear forces, so that an adjusting device 1 with a long product service life is advantageously provided.

[0044] The invention has been explained above with reference to an exemplary embodiment in which the first connecting element is designed as a hole and the second connecting element as a pin. It is understood that the first connecting element can be designed as a pin and the second connecting element as a hole.

Claims

[1] Actuating device (1), in particular a spindle drive, for opening and closing a flap (K) or a door of a vehicle, comprising a drive device (10) comprising a drive housing (11) and a drive unit (12) arranged in the drive housing (11), and a lifting device (20) which can be driven by the drive device (10), comprising a lifting housing (21) and a lifting element (22) arranged in the lifting housing (21) with a first end (22a), wherein the drive device (10) has an adapter (30) rotatable about a rotational axis (X) with at least one first connecting element (31) for rotationally fixed coupling with the lifting element (22) of the lifting device (20), wherein the frontal first end (22a) of the lifting element (22) has a second connecting element (23) corresponding with respect to the first connecting element (31), wherein the first connecting element (31) and the second connecting element (23) are positively coupled to each other, and wherein the lifting element (22) is additionally permanently connected to the adapter (30) by force or material bonding, characterized by , that the adapter (30) is formed in one piece, that the adapter (30) has a coupling section (39) on a side (A) facing the drive unit (12), and that the coupling section (39) is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to a shaft (13) of the drive unit (12) which is rotatable about the axis of rotation (X). [2] Actuating device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the lifting element (22) is connected to the adapter (30) by force-fit via a pressing or by material-fit via an adhesive bond. [3] Actuating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the lifting element (22) is positively connected to the adapter (30) via a polygon connection. [4] Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the first connecting element (31) is designed as a hole (32), that the first connecting element (31) is arranged coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation (X), and that the first connecting element (31) has a polygonal cross-section (40) with n drivers (41). [5] Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the adapter (30) has on a side (B) facing away from the drive unit (12) a guide section (34) designed as a recess (33) with an inner surface (35) and with a bottom designed as a counter surface (36), and that the counter surface (36) is arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation (X). [6] Actuating device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first connecting element (31) extends from the opposite surface (36) of the guide section (34) in a direction towards the drive unit (12). [7] Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the second connecting element (23) is designed as a pin (24) with a polygonal cross-section (40) with n drivers (41), and that the pin (24) is arranged in the first connecting element (31) in a rotationally fixed manner. [8] Actuating device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 insofar as it refers back to claim 5, characterized by , that at least one guide element (37) designed as a projection extends from the inner surface (35) in a direction towards the axis of rotation (X). [9] Actuating device according to claim 8, characterized by , that the lifting element (22) has a radial groove (25) at the first end (22a), that the guide element (37) of the adapter (30) is received in the radial groove (25), and that the guide element (37) rests on a groove base (26) of the radial groove (25). [10] Actuating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first connecting element (31) is designed as a blind hole.

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