Spindle drive assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spindle drive assembly (10) comprising a motor assembly (12) comprising a motor shaft which can be driven in rotation by a motor and which defines a motor axis (L12); a spindle assembly (14) comprising a spindle (14a) with a spindle axis (L14), wherein the spindle (14a) is coupled to the motor shaft via a worm gear and can be driven to move in and out; a first attachment assembly (16) which is designed to attach the motor assembly (12) and the spindle assembly (14) to a first higher-level assembly in a manner which can be pivoted about a first pivot axis (22); and a second attachment assembly (32) which is arranged at one end of the spindle (14a) and is designed to attach the spindle (14a) to a second higher-level assembly in a manner which can be pivoted about a second pivot axis (40).According to the invention, the second mounting assembly (32) is formed such that the second pivot axis (40) is spaced from the spindle axis (L14) by a predetermined offset (V).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a spindle drive assembly, comprising a motor assembly with a motor shaft which can be driven in rotation by a motor and which defines a motor axis, a spindle assembly comprising a spindle with a spindle axis, wherein the spindle is coupled to the motor shaft via a worm gear and can be driven to move in and out, a first attachment assembly which is configured to attach the motor assembly and the spindle assembly to a first higher-level assembly in a manner which can be pivoted about a first pivot axis, and a second attachment assembly which is arranged at one end of the spindle and is configured to attach the spindle to a second higher-level assembly in a manner which can be pivoted about a second pivot axis.

[0002] It is known that in certain installation configurations, spindle drive assemblies must be able to pivot relative to the higher-level assemblies, to which the motor assembly and spindle assembly, on the one hand, and the spindle, on the other, are attached. Generally speaking, this applies to any pair of higher-level assemblies that are coupled to each other via a hinge connection and can be driven to pivot about the resulting hinge axis by a corresponding spindle drive assembly.

[0003] A particularly relevant case concerns door drives and similar components in vehicles in which a vehicle door or, for example, a tailgate is pivotably connected to the body of the corresponding vehicle by means of a hinge connection and is intended to be actuated or automatically pivoted by such a spindle drive assembly. Since, together with the relative pivoting of the vehicle door or tailgate relative to the vehicle body, the corresponding connection points of the spindle drive will also execute a curved pivoting movement, pivoting in the area of ​​these connection points relative to the corresponding higher-level assemblies must be enabled.In other words, in a spindle drive assembly mounted in this way, each stroke position of the spindle is assigned a respective pivoting position thereof relative to the two higher-level assemblies, which are achieved with the first and the second pivoting axes.

[0004] To ensure this pivotability of the spindle drive assembly, the prior art often used articulated eyes for the second attachment assembly, i.e., the connection between the spindle and the second higher-level assembly. These eyes are located directly at the end of the spindle and thus coincide with the spindle axis. The second pivot axis was thus formed by a bolt inserted into the articulated eye, which was then connected to the second higher-level assembly via an angle plate that could be pivoted relative to the spindle.In addition, in such spindle drive assemblies known from the prior art, a pivotable connection of the motor assembly and the spindle assembly via the already mentioned first attachment assembly to the first higher-level assembly was provided, whereby different approaches were pursued at this point with regard to the design of the first attachment assembly.

[0005] However, especially in applications involving automatically operated vehicle doors, the available space for accommodating and connecting the spindle drive assembly is usually very limited. Typically, the motor assembly and spindle assembly are pivotably mounted in a recess in the corresponding vehicle door, with the spindle extending through an opening from this recess toward the vehicle body. Consequently, there are significant limitations both in terms of the space available for the pivoting angle of the motor assembly and spindle assembly within the corresponding vehicle door, and in terms of the width of the door opening in which the spindle can pivot.

[0006] The pivoting movement of the corresponding spindle drive assembly mentioned can be influenced structurally by the position of the first and second pivot axes, whereby different approaches have already been pursued, particularly with regard to the arrangement of the first pivot axis, and in some cases a pivotable mounting of the spindle itself within the spindle drive assembly relative to the motor assembly has also been implemented. In general, the pivot angle of the motor assembly and the spindle assembly on the one hand, and the radius of the pivoting movement of the second pivot axis around the hinge axis of the first and second higher-level assemblies are proportional to one another. Accordingly, the smallest possible radius of the second pivot axis around the hinge axis between the two higher-level assemblies automatically also results in a small pivoting movement of the motor assembly and the spindle assembly within the vehicle door in such applications.

[0007] However, this advantage of a small radius of the second pivot axis around the hinge axis between the two higher-level assemblies is counteracted by the position of the required door opening. To avoid a collision of the spindle, the aforementioned radius must be selected to be sufficiently large, although this conflict allows only limited control of the drive's pivot kinematics. Furthermore, due to the previously mentioned space requirements inside a vehicle door acting as the first higher-level assembly, it may be necessary to select a small radius around the hinge axis itself, which could again lead to a collision between the spindle and the door opening. Accordingly, it is not possible in the current state of the art to accommodate such a generic spindle drive assembly in a vehicle without design changes to the higher-level assemblies.

[0008] With regard to the known prior art, reference is first made to DE 11 2020 005 399 T5, which discloses a spindle drive assembly comprising a motor assembly, a spindle assembly whose spindle is coupled to a motor shaft of the motor assembly via a worm gear, and a first and a second mounting assembly. A variable offset is provided between a pivot axis of one of the mounting assemblies and a spindle axis of the spindle assembly. Furthermore, for the sake of completeness, reference is made to DE 10 2021 124 128 A1 and DE 195 28 395 A1, which each also describe spindle drive assemblies, but already pursue different approaches regarding the mounting of the motor assembly.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a further developed generic spindle drive assembly in which, on the one hand, a pivot radius of the second pivot axis is minimized and, on the other hand, the installation space required in the area of ​​the first higher-level assembly or within a vehicle door as well as the width of an opening in this area can be minimized.

[0010] To achieve this object and to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known prior art, it is proposed according to the invention to further develop a generic spindle drive assembly of the type described above in such a way that the second attachment assembly is formed in such a way that the second pivot axis is spaced from the spindle axis by a predetermined offset.

[0011] Accordingly, the spindle drive assembly according to the invention ensures that the second pivot axis and the spindle axis no longer intersect, allowing the installation space required at an opening in the first higher-level assembly to be controlled depending on the installation space required inside the first higher-level assembly. Thus, the offset according to the invention between the second pivot axis and the spindle axis allows a smaller pivot radius around a hinge axis between the higher-level assemblies to be realized while simultaneously preventing the spindle from colliding with an opening in the first higher-level assembly.

[0012] In a particularly simple embodiment, the second attachment assembly can comprise a crank that is rigidly connected to the spindle or a crank formed on the spindle, which defines the second pivot axis, in particular by comprising a joint eye. In particular, the second attachment assembly can further comprise a connecting element that is pivotably connected to the crank and is configured for attachment to the second superordinate assembly. Preferably, a bolt can be provided for connecting the connecting element to the crank, which accordingly defines the second pivot axis.By designing the offset in a similar manner to a corresponding connection in spindle drive assemblies already known from the state of the art, it is in principle possible to use the same or similar connecting elements for the connection to the second higher-level assembly, which means that no redesign is necessary in this area and, accordingly, already known components and fastenings can be used to save costs.

[0013] It is further shown that in typical applications of a connection of a spindle assembly according to the invention between a vehicle door and a vehicle body with the dimensions of the components involved that are usual in such cases, the predetermined offset between the second pivot axis and the spindle axis can be in the range of 5 mm and 20 mm and can preferably be approximately 10 mm in order to achieve the above-described advantages of the present invention to the best extent.

[0014] Although the effect of the offset of the second pivot axis from the spindle axis can be achieved independently of the specific design of the connection of the spindle drive assembly to the first higher-level assembly, a particularly advantageous kinematics can be achieved if the first pivot axis essentially coincides with the motor axis of the motor assembly, ie runs at least partially through a corresponding motor housing of the motor assembly in order to achieve an essentially stationary pivoting of the motor assembly and the spindle assembly in this area.

[0015] This can be achieved, among other things, in that the first mounting assembly comprises two angle elements pivotable relative to one another about the first pivot axis, a first of which is assigned to the motor assembly and the spindle assembly, and a second of which is assigned to the first higher-level assembly. The angle elements are connected by means of a rotary joint arranged essentially in extension of the motor axis on the side of the spindle assembly facing away from the motor assembly. This allows the motor assembly and the spindle assembly to rotate essentially in place at their mounting position without this pivoting movement being subject to kinematic leverage.

[0016] Furthermore, in order to perform the aforementioned pivoting movement around the first pivot axis with greater rigidity, the angle elements can additionally be coupled via a curved guide, which is arranged outside the motor assembly or the spindle assembly with respect to a radial direction perpendicular to the motor axis. Such a curved guide can be formed, for example, by an elongated hole associated with one of the two angle elements, and, on the other hand, by a guide pin guided in the elongated hole, which is associated with the other of the two angle elements.

[0017] As already indicated several times, the present invention also relates to a door arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a vehicle door which can be hinged in a vehicle body of the vehicle by means of a hinge connection, wherein the vehicle door has a recess in which a spindle drive assembly of the type according to the invention described above is partially received and is attached by means of its first attachment assembly, wherein the spindle of the spindle drive assembly extends out of the recess through a door opening.

[0018] Finally, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising at least one such door arrangement of the type just described, wherein the second mounting assembly of the spindle drive assembly is mounted on a vehicle body of the vehicle, in particular on an A- or B-pillar.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, when considered together with the accompanying figures. These show in detail: Fig. 1 a plan view of a spindle drive assembly according to the invention; Fig. 2 an isometric view of the spindle drive assembly from Fig. 1; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B shows a comparison of the swivel kinematics of a slightly modified variant of the spindle drive assembly according to the invention from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and a spindle drive assembly known from the state of the art.

[0020] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a spindle drive assembly 10 according to the invention in two different views. The spindle drive assembly 10 comprises a motor assembly 12 with a motor housing 12a, which drives a spindle 14a of a spindle assembly 14 via a worm gear (not shown) within a spindle housing 14b.

[0021] Here, the motor assembly 12 and the spindle assembly 14 firmly connected thereto can be attached to a first higher-level assembly via a first attachment assembly 16, wherein the first attachment assembly 16 comprises a first and a second angle element 18, 20, which can be pivoted relative to one another. It can be seen that the corresponding pivot axis 22 of the first attachment assembly 16 essentially coincides with the longitudinal direction L12 of the motor assembly 12 or extends through the motor housing 12a in its extension, so that when pivoting about the pivot axis 22, the motor assembly 12, as well as the spindle housing 14b, can essentially execute a largely spatially fixed rotation without traversing a significant pivoting range.

[0022] In order to enable such stationary pivoting, the first attachment assembly 16 mentioned is constructed in such a way that it comprises a rotary joint 24 for coupling the two angle elements 18, 20, by which the pivot axis 22 is fixed, as well as a curved guide 26 which lies in a radial direction outside the motor assembly 12 and the spindle assembly 14.

[0023] Especially in the top view from Fig. 1 shows that the curved guide 26 is formed by an elongated hole 28 and a guide pin 30 guided in the elongated hole 28, which are each assigned to the first and second angle elements 18, 20. The guide pin 30 can be shaped and dimensioned such that it provides axial and rotational guidance, as its shape partially follows the curved extension of the elongated hole 28.

[0024] With regard to the connection of the spindle 14a to a second higher-level assembly, a second attachment assembly 32 is provided at one end of the spindle 14a relative to its spindle axis L14, which second attachment assembly 32 comprises a crank 34, which is firmly connected to the spindle 14a, with a joint eye 34a and a connecting element 36, which are pivotally connected via a bolt (not shown in detail), which accordingly defines a second pivot axis 40 of the second attachment assembly 32. In this case, in particular in the plan view from Fig. 1 that an offset V is provided between the spindle axis L14 and the second pivot axis 40, which is achieved by the offset 34.

[0025] This design of the second mounting assembly now leads to the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b comprehensible advantageous kinematics of a spindle drive assembly according to the invention, which in Fig. 3b, while Fig. 3a shows a comparative example known from the prior art without a bend in the area of ​​the second mounting brewing group. In the illustrations from the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, reference symbols for structural components of the assemblies shown have been omitted for reasons of clarity, which is why the illustration and description of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 should be referred to.

[0026] It should be noted that these figures show a slightly modified version of the spindle drive assembly from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is shown in several stroke positions, in which the first attachment assembly is designed such that the first pivot axis is located at position P1 behind the spindle assembly. Nevertheless, it can be seen that with a constant width of an opening in the first higher-level assembly or an area swept over by the spindle in this area and a smaller deflection angle of the spindle, the same pivot radius can be achieved as in the comparative example from Fig. 3a without offset in the area of ​​the second mounting assembly.

[0027] To clarify this situation, the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b various dimensions and positions are marked, including the position of the door hinge axis P2, i.e. the pivot axis of the two higher-level assemblies, the vehicle body on the one hand and the vehicle door on the other, to which the motor assembly and the spindle of the corresponding spindle drive assembly are attached.

[0028] Furthermore, the two Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b circles R1 and R2, which show the possible pivot radius around the door hinge axis P2 for the assembly according to the invention from Fig. 3b or the assembly known from the prior art from Fig. 3a. This shows that the radius R1 is significantly smaller than the radius R2 due to the position of the second pivot axis with an offset relative to the spindle axis. This in turn leads to the fact that with the same assumed maximum door opening angle R3 of, for example, 70° in Fig. 3b a much smaller deflection angle W1 of the spindle is achieved, compared to the deflection angle W2 of the spindle in Fig. 3a, where in the concrete example shown here W1 is 11.9° and W2 is 16.7°.

[0029] This reduced deflection angle in turn leads to a reduced space requirement both in the area of ​​a corresponding door opening B1 and for the pivoting movement of the motor assembly or the spindle assembly, which is located in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b is designated B2. Therefore, by providing an offset between the spindle axis and the second pivot axis at the aforementioned positions, the required installation space can be reduced using simple structural means.

Claims

[1] Spindle drive assembly (10) comprising: - a motor assembly (12) comprising a motor shaft which can be driven in rotation by a motor and which defines a motor axis (L12); - a spindle assembly (14) comprising a spindle (14a) with a spindle axis (L14), wherein the spindle (14a) is coupled to the motor shaft via a worm gear and can be driven to an extension and retraction movement; - a first mounting assembly (16) which is configured to mount the motor assembly (12) and the spindle assembly (14) to a first superior assembly in a manner pivotable about a first pivot axis (22); and - a second mounting assembly (32) which is arranged at one end of the spindle (14a) and is configured to mount the spindle (14a) to a second superior assembly in a manner pivotable about a second pivot axis (40); characterized by, that the second mounting assembly (32) is formed such that the second pivot axis (40) is spaced apart from the spindle axis (L14) by a predetermined offset (V). [2] Spindle drive assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second mounting assembly (32) comprises a crank (34) fixedly connected to the spindle (14a) or a crank (34) formed on the spindle (14a) which defines the second pivot axis (40), in particular by comprising a pivot eye (34a). [3] Spindle drive assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second mounting assembly (32) further comprises a connecting element (36) which is pivotably articulated to the crank (34) and is designed for attachment to the second superior assembly, wherein preferably a bolt is provided for articulateding the connecting element to the crank (34). [4] Spindle drive assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined offset (V) is between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably about 10 mm. [5] Spindle drive assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pivot axis (22) substantially coincides with the motor axis (L12). [6] Spindle drive assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein the first mounting assembly (16) comprises two angle elements (18, 20) which can be pivoted relative to each other about the first pivot axis, of which a first is assigned to the motor assembly (12) and the spindle assembly (14) and a second is assigned to the first superior assembly, wherein the angle elements (18, 20) are connected by means of a swivel joint (24) which is arranged essentially in extension of the motor axis (L12) on the side of the spindle assembly (14) facing away from the motor assembly (12). [7] Spindle drive assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the angle elements (18, 20) are further additionally coupled via an arc guide (26) which is arranged outside the motor assembly (12) or the spindle assembly (14) with respect to a radial direction perpendicular to the motor axis (L12). [8] Spindle drive assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the arc guide (26) is formed by an elongated hole (28) which is assigned to one of the two angle elements (18) and a guide pin (30) guided in the elongated hole (28) which is assigned to the other of the two angle elements (20). [9] Door arrangement for a vehicle, comprising: - a vehicle door which can be hinged to a vehicle body by means of a hinge connection, wherein the vehicle door has a recess in which a spindle drive assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims is sectionally received and attached by means of its first mounting assembly (16), wherein the spindle (14a) of the spindle drive assembly (10) extends out of the recess through a door opening. [10] Vehicle comprising at least one door arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the second mounting assembly (32) of the spindle drive assembly (10) is attached to the vehicle body of the vehicle, in particular to an A-pillar or B-pillar.

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