Door drive device for adjusting a vehicle door relative to a vehicle body

Abstract

A door drive device (2) for adjusting a vehicle door (11) relative to a vehicle body (10) comprises a motor (20), a gearbox (25), and a spindle (24) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L). The motor (20) is operatively connected to the spindle (24) via the gearbox (25), and the spindle (24) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) when driven 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) along an adjustment direction (V) pointing along the longitudinal axis (L). A guide rail (23) serves to guide the spindle nut element (27) during movement along the adjustment direction (V).A water drainage device (29) arranged on the guide rail (23) has a closing element (293, 293', 296), wherein the closing element (293, 293', 296) is designed to allow water (W) to flow out of the guide rail (23) in a drainage direction (A) and to block dirt from entering in a opposite direction (A').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a door drive device for adjusting a vehicle door relative to a vehicle body according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a door drive device comprises a motor, a gearbox, and a spindle rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The motor is operatively connected to the spindle via the gearbox, so that the spindle can be rotated about its longitudinal axis by the motor. A spindle nut element is threaded to the spindle in such a way that, by rotating the spindle, the spindle nut element can be moved relative to the spindle along an adjustment direction pointing along the longitudinal axis. A guide rail is provided to guide the spindle nut element during movement along the adjustment direction. A push rod is connected to the spindle nut element to transmit an adjustment force between the vehicle door and the vehicle body.

[0003] A door drive device for adjusting a vehicle door relative to a vehicle body is known, for example, from DE 10 2018 131 933 A1.

[0004] Another design of a door drive device with a spindle drive is known from WO 2021 / 023893 A1.

[0005] From DE 10 2023 107 080 A1, a door drive device is known in which a guide rail is designed to guide a slide element connected to a push rod through a fully enclosed profile tube. To allow water to drain from the guide rail, the guide rail has a drainage opening. The slide element has a piston which, in an end position of the slide element on the guide rail, engages in the drainage opening and seals the drainage opening.

[0006] Furthermore, door drive devices with a spindle drive are known from DE 10 2020 102 846 A1 and DE 10 2019 101 065 A1, in which sealing elements prevent the ingress of dirt but allow the escape of moisture.

[0007] Generally, especially with a guide rail that is completely enclosed along one longitudinal direction (corresponding to the adjustment direction along which the spindle nut element can be moved on the guide rail), there is a need to drain any moisture that may accumulate inside the guide rail during operation. For example, if moisture enters the interior of the guide rail through an opening where the push rod exits, water can collect inside the guide rail. If water cannot easily drain from inside the guide rail, there is a risk that the spindle nut element will freeze at temperatures below freezing, thus impairing the functionality of the door drive device.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a door drive device for adjusting a vehicle door, in which operational reliability is ensured even under extreme weather conditions, in particular temperatures below freezing.

[0009] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the door drive device has a water drainage system arranged on the guide rail, which includes a locking element. The locking element is designed to allow water to flow out of the guide rail in one direction and to block the entry of dirt in the opposite direction.

[0011] The water drainage system therefore includes a sealing element. This sealing element is designed to allow water to flow out of the guide rail in one direction. However, it blocks the ingress of dirt in the opposite direction. By incorporating this sealing element into the water drainage system, it is ensured that water which collects within the guide rail during operation can drain away. The water can flow out in the direction of travel via the sealing element. However, the sealing element blocks flow in the opposite direction, thus preventing dirt from entering the guide rail in that direction as far as possible. Particles that might be carried by air currents, especially dust particles, cannot easily enter the interior of the guide rail.This prevents contamination within the guide rail and, consequently, any impairment of the sliding properties of the guide rail for guiding the spindle nut element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the closure element is designed to close the water drainage device in a closed position. This closure element, which acts, for example, as a check valve, is movable in the direction of flow to allow water to drain from the guide rail in that direction. For example, due to water pressure within the guide rail or capillary action, the closure element can be adjusted to open the water drainage device, allowing water to flow out of the guide rail. In the closed position, the water drainage device is sealed by the closure element, thus preventing dirt from entering the interior of the guide rail, particularly in the opposite direction to the flow direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking element is elastic and / or biased in the opposite direction to the closed position. The locking element can be elastically pre-tensioned in the direction of the closed position, for example, by a spring element or by its own elastic design. Additionally or alternatively, the locking element can be biased in the closed position during operation by a counter-pressure resulting from a pressure differential acting in the opposite direction between an interior and exterior area of ​​the guide rail. Again, additionally or alternatively, gravity can also act on the locking element, biasing it in the direction of the closed position, so that, for example, without (sufficient) water pressure inside the water drainage device, the locking element automatically assumes the closed position.

[0014] The locking element opens, for example, as soon as there is sufficient water pressure inside the guide rail, so that the locking element is subjected to the water pressure in the direction of flow and thus opens from the closed position.

[0015] In other designs, the locking element can function based on a capillary effect. Water can flow outwards through a capillary gap in the locking element. However, the capillary gap closes when external pressure is applied to the locking element. In such designs, the locking element is not opened by water pressure, but by capillary action, which allows water to drain from inside the guide rail while preventing the ingress of dirt by an external draft.

[0016] In other embodiments, the locking element can be formed by a permeable or semipermeable membrane that is permeable to water and, if necessary, also to air currents, but filters out dirt particles from the air current and thus prevents the penetration of dirt, especially dust particles, into the interior of the guide rail.

[0017] In other embodiments, the sealing element is made of a sponge material, such as foam. This sealing element is thus formed by a sponge-like structure that is permeable to water and can absorb water from inside the guide rail and release it to the outside. Such a sealing element also blocks the ingress of dirt from the outside by filtering dirt particles, especially dust particles, from an airflow.

[0018] The sealing element can be designed in particular by conventional designs of a check valve, which can open in the direction of flow by a water pressure acting within the guide rail, but closes in the opposite direction in the event of back pressure.

[0019] For example, the locking element can be designed as a movable flap element. Such a flap element can, for instance, be elastically deformable. In other embodiments, the flap element can, for example, be designed as a (essentially) rigid element that is pivotably mounted on the guide rail or on a section connected to the guide rail via a hinge. Such a hinge can, for example, be a film hinge. However, such a hinge can also be designed by another pivotable mounting of the flap element on the guide rail or on a section connected to the guide rail.

[0020] In one embodiment, the closure element is designed as a reed valve. Such a reed valve is a check valve that opens in the direction of flow and closes automatically, without any external actuator, solely due to pressure differences on the two sides of the valve. This type of reed valve can, for example, be formed by a flat element made of an elastic material, allowing it to open automatically when there is (sufficient) pressure in the direction of flow, but to close automatically when there is (exceeding) back pressure. Such a closure element can, for example, be made of plastic.

[0021] In one embodiment, the water drainage device has a drainage opening. Such a drainage opening can, for example, be formed on a wall of the guide rail, thus opening the wall.

[0022] In one embodiment, the closing element is arranged at the drain opening and closes the drain opening in the closed position. With sufficient water pressure within the guide rail, the closing element can open, thus allowing water to flow out through the drain opening.

[0023] In one embodiment, the water drainage device has a drainage channel connected to the drainage opening for conveying the water. Such a drainage channel can be designed, in particular, to convey water downwards in a direction of gravity (relative to the intended installation position of the door drive device in a vehicle), so that water can flow away via the drainage channel by gravity.

[0024] Such a drainage channel can run in a straight line, for example along the direction of gravity. However, such a drainage channel can also have several channel sections angled towards each other.

[0025] In one embodiment, the closure element is arranged at an outlet opening of the drainage channel. Water can flow from inside the guide rail into the drainage channel through this outlet opening. The closure element is located on the outlet side of the drainage channel and, in the closed position, seals the drainage channel to the outside. If the water pressure inside the drainage channel is sufficient, the closure element opens, allowing water to flow out of the drainage channel. However, the closure element prevents dirt from entering the drainage channel in the opposite direction when closed.

[0026] In one embodiment, the water drainage device is arranged on a wall of the guide rail. The wall of the guide rail can extend, for example, longitudinally along the direction of adjustment or transversely to the direction of adjustment. For instance, the water drainage device can be arranged on a lower bottom wall of the guide rail (relative to its intended installation position in the vehicle). In other embodiments, the water drainage device is arranged, for example, on a cover element of the guide rail that extends transversely to the direction of adjustment, closes the guide rail at one end, and forms an end wall of the guide rail.

[0027] For example, the water drainage device can be arranged on a bottom wall of the guide rail, which, viewed along the direction of gravity, forms the lower boundary of the guide rail. In other embodiments, the water drainage device can be located on an end wall extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, with a drainage opening preferably formed at a lower position on the end wall in the direction of gravity, thus allowing water that collects at the bottom of the guide rail due to gravity to reliably drain from the interior of the guide rail.

[0028] In one embodiment, the water drainage device has a first drainage opening and a second drainage opening. Depending on the installation position of the door drive unit in a vehicle, water can be drained via either the first or the second drainage opening. Generally, the door drive unit can be installed in different positions within a vehicle. For example, in one installation position, the first drainage opening, relative to the direction of gravity, might be located at a lower position on the guide rail. In a second installation position, rotated approximately 180°, the second drainage opening could be located below the first.Depending on the installation position, i.e., whether the door drive device is installed in the first or second installation position in the vehicle, water can drain from inside the guide rail via the first drain opening or via the second drain opening.

[0029] Advantageously, one of the first and second drain openings – i.e., the drain opening through which water is to be drained – is located below the other of the first and second drain openings when viewed along the direction of gravity. In a specific installation position of the door drive device in a vehicle, this allows water to drain through the lower of the two drain openings.

[0030] The closure element for draining water is preferably arranged at the lower drain opening.

[0031] Preferably, the design further provides that the other of the first and second drain openings is closed by a plug element. Water is allowed to drain through the lower drain opening. The other drain opening, however, is closed by the plug element, thus preventing dirt from entering the interior of the guide rail through this drain opening. The closure element is arranged at the lower drain opening, allowing water to drain in the direction of flow, while preventing dirt from entering through this lower drain opening in the opposite direction.

[0032] In other configurations, a further sealing element is arranged at the other of the first and second drain openings. Thus, a sealing element for water drainage is also arranged at the other drain opening. This allows the door drive device to be installed in different positions within a vehicle, without requiring any structural adjustment of the water drainage system on the guide rail depending on the installation position. Depending on the installation position, water is drained via either the first or the second drain opening, each of which has a sealing element.

[0033] In one embodiment, the guide rail is completely closed around its longitudinal axis. The guide rail is thus designed as a fully enclosed profile element, which can be, for example, an extruded profile or a sheet metal bending element.

[0034] In one embodiment, the guide rail has a sliding guide section for guiding the spindle nut element along the adjustment direction and a spindle housing section for receiving the spindle. The spindle nut element can, for example, have a sliding section for sliding along the sliding guide section. The spindle nut element is thus guided slidably on the sliding guide section, for example between parallel legs of the sliding guide section.

[0035] The spindle nut element is guided along the sliding guide section in such a way that the spindle nut element is supported in its rotational position (about the longitudinal axis) by the guide rail. When the spindle rotates, the spindle nut element cannot rotate with it, but is fixed in its rotational position by the guide rail, so that the rotational movement of the spindle is converted into a longitudinal movement of the spindle nut element along the adjustment direction due to the thread engagement.

[0036] In one embodiment, the spindle nut element comprises a spindle nut section that engages with the spindle via a thread. The spindle nut section is movable within the spindle housing section along the adjustment direction. The spindle is received within the spindle housing section, which extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis. A threaded opening is formed in the spindle nut section through which the spindle passes. The spindle engages with an internal thread within the threaded opening via an external thread, such that during a rotational movement of the spindle, the spindle nut element is moved longitudinally along the longitudinal axis relative to the spindle.

[0037] In one embodiment, the push rod is pivotally connected to the spindle nut element. A pivot axis, about which the push rod can pivot relative to the spindle nut element, is in particular oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spindle. The push rod can thus perform a compensating movement in an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis relative to the spindle nut element in order to compensate for a change in the position of the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body when the vehicle door is adjusted.

[0038] In one embodiment, the door drive device includes an adapter element for connecting it to the vehicle door or body. The adapter element has an opening through which the push rod extends in the installed position. The adapter element, which is specifically adapted for a particular vehicle model and thus enables the door drive device to be connected to a corresponding vehicle component in that model, allows the door drive device to be fixed in the vehicle, for example, in a vehicle door.

[0039] In one embodiment, the adapter element has at least one fastening element for firmly connecting the adapter element to the vehicle door or the vehicle body. Such a fastening element can, for example, be a screw, so that the adapter element can be screwed to the vehicle body or the vehicle door and thus firmly connected to the vehicle body or the vehicle door.

[0040] By moving the spindle nut element, to which the push rod is preferably pivotally connected, the push rod can be moved relative to the adapter element and, for example, adjusted between a retracted and an extended position relative to the adapter element. In the retracted position, the end of the push rod furthest from the spindle nut element is close to the adapter element. In the extended position, the end of the push rod furthest from the spindle nut element is, conversely, farther from the adapter element. If the adapter element is connected to the door frame of a vehicle door, the end of the push rod furthest from the spindle nut element is connected to the vehicle body, so that moving the push rod can move the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body.The door drive device can preferably be arranged inside the door box and thus inside the vehicle door, with the push rod extending through the opening in the adapter element and through an inner door panel surrounding the door box.

[0041] In one embodiment, the guide rail is connected to a mounting interface of the adapter element. The guide rail is thus fixed to the adapter element.

[0042] In one embodiment, the door drive device comprises a housing assembly that is connected to the adapter element and carries the motor. Such a housing assembly can, in particular, be a gearbox housing in which gearbox components are enclosed. The housing assembly carries the motor and connects the motor to the adapter element.

[0043] In one embodiment, the housing assembly accommodates at least one gear wheel of the gearbox. The housing assembly can, in particular, constitute a gearbox housing for enclosing and / or rotatably mounting components of the gearbox.

[0044] For example, a gear wheel is fixedly connected to the spindle and can be driven by the motor. The gear wheel is, for instance, a spur gear that meshes with a drive worm mounted on the motor shaft, so that driving the drive worm sets the gear wheel into rotation about its longitudinal axis, thus rotating the spindle. Both the gear wheel and the drive worm are preferably enclosed in the housing assembly and, in advantageous embodiments, rotatably mounted within the housing assembly.

[0045] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a vehicle door on a vehicle body; Fig. 2 a view of an embodiment of a door drive device for adjusting the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body, in an extended position of a push rod; Fig. 3 another view of the door drive device; Fig. 4 A view of the door drive device, without a guide rail; Fig. 5 a different view of the order according to Fig. 4 Fig. 6 A view of the door drive device (without the guide rail), in a retracted position of the push rod; Fig. 7 a view of the door drive device, without the push rod, a spindle nut element and a motor; Fig. 8 a different view of the arrangement according to Fig. 7; Fig. 9 a view of a housing assembly of the door drive device together with a spindle; Fig. 10 a different view of the order according to Fig. 9; Fig. 11 a front view of the arrangement according to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10; Fig. 12 a view of an adapter element together with the spindle, the spindle nut element and the push rod; Fig. 13 a separate view of the adapter element; Fig. 14 another view of the adapter element; Fig. 15 a partially enlarged view of the housing assembly together with the guide rail; Fig. 16 a view of an embodiment of a water drainage device on a guide rail of a door drive device; Fig. 17 the view according to Fig. 16, in an open position of a locking element; Fig. 18 a view of another embodiment of a water drainage device on a guide rail of a door drive device; Fig. 19 a view of yet another embodiment of a water drainage device on a guide rail of a door drive device; Fig. 20 the view according to Fig. 19, in an open position of a locking element; Fig. 21 a view of yet another embodiment of a water drainage device on a guide rail of a door drive device; Fig. 22 the view according to Fig. 21, in an open position of a locking element; Fig. 23 a view of yet another embodiment of a water drainage device on a guide rail of a door drive device; Fig. 24 a view of the guide rail with the water drainage device arranged on it according to Fig. 23 in a different installation position of the door drive device; and Fig. 25 a view of yet another embodiment of a water drainage device on a guide rail of a door drive device; Fig. 26 a view of the guide rail with the water drainage device arranged on it according to Fig. 25 in a different installation position of the door drive device; and Fig. 27 a view of yet another embodiment of a water drainage device on a guide rail of a door drive device; Fig. 28 a view of the guide rail with the water drainage device arranged on it according to Fig. 27 in a different installation position of the door drive device; and Fig. 29 a view of yet another embodiment of a water drainage device on a guide rail of a door drive device.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a section of a vehicle 1, which has a vehicle body 10 and a vehicle door 11 arranged on the vehicle body 10 so as to pivot about a hinge axis 114.

[0047] The vehicle door 11 is pivotable about the hinge axis 114 relative to the vehicle body 10 in order to close an opening in the vehicle body 10 in a closed position or to open it in a closed position, so that a user can enter or exit the vehicle 1. The vehicle door 11 can be, in particular, a front side door, a rear side door, or a tailgate.

[0048] The vehicle door 11 has an outer door panel 110 and an inner door panel 113, which together with a door module 111 attached to the inner door panel 113 define a door box that encloses a door interior 112.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, a door drive device 2 is arranged within the vehicle door 11, which is designed for electrically adjusting the vehicle door 11 relative to the vehicle body 10 or at least for electrically assisted, manual adjustment of the vehicle door 11 relative to the vehicle body 10.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the door drive device 2 has a motor 20 implemented by an electric motor and a push rod 21 which can be adjusted by the motor 20 in order to effect an adjusting force between the vehicle door 11 and the vehicle body 10.

[0051] Fig. Figures 2-15 show views of an embodiment of a door drive device 2, which is designed for adjusting a vehicle door 11 relative to a vehicle body 10. The door drive device 2 comprises a motor 20, a push rod 21, an adapter element 22, a guide rail 23, a spindle 24, a gearbox 25, a control device 26 and a housing assembly 28 that implements a gearbox housing.

[0052] The spindle 24 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis L and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L relative to the housing assembly 28. This can be seen, for example, from... Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, a gear wheel 250 in the form of a spur gear of the transmission 25 is non-rotatably connected to the spindle 24. The gear wheel 250 is schematically connected to the spindle 24. Fig. 12. The drive worm 251, arranged on a motor shaft 200 of the motor 20, is in tooth engagement such that by rotating the motor shaft 200 with the drive worm 251 arranged on it, the gear wheel 250 is rotated about the longitudinal axis L and thus the spindle 24 can be set into a rotary motion about the longitudinal axis L.

[0053] A spindle nut element 27 is arranged on the spindle 24, comprising a spindle nut section 271 and a sliding section 270. The spindle nut element 27 is guided in the guide rail 23 via the sliding section 270. The spindle nut section 271 forms a threaded opening through which the spindle 24 engages and which engages with an external thread 240 of the spindle 24. The thread engagement is such that when the spindle 24 rotates about its longitudinal axis L, the spindle nut element 27 is adjusted longitudinally along the longitudinal axis L on the spindle 24.

[0054] The push rod 21 is pivotally connected to the spindle nut element 27 at one end 211. At the other end, the push rod 21 is pivotally connected to a connecting element 210, via which the push rod 21 (when the door drive device 2 is arranged on the vehicle door 11) can be connected to the vehicle body 10, so that in an operational state the push rod 21 is supported in a vehicle 1 between the vehicle door 11 on the one hand and the vehicle body 10 on the other, and the vehicle door 11 can be moved relative to the vehicle body 10 by moving the spindle nut element 27 and by correspondingly moving the push rod 21.

[0055] Fig. Figures 2-5 show the door drive device 2 with the push rod 21 in an extended position, in which the spindle nut element 27 is approached by the housing assembly 28 and the push rod 21 is extended accordingly in an adjustment direction V.

[0056] Fig. In contrast, Figure 6 shows the push rod 21 in a retracted position, in which the spindle nut element 27 is removed from the housing assembly 28 in the opposite direction of adjustment V and the push rod 21 is accordingly retracted into the guide rail 23.

[0057] The push rod 21 extends through an opening 220 in the adapter element 22 and can be moved relative to the adapter element 22 by moving the spindle nut element 27.

[0058] The guide rail 23 is, as can be seen from Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in conjunction with Fig. 13 and Fig. As can be seen on 14, the guide rail 23 is connected to the adapter element 22 at a mounting interface 223. The guide rail 23 can be attached to the adapter element 22 via a mounting bracket 230 (see 14). Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) attached to the adapter element 22, in particular screwed on, so that the guide rail 23 is fixed relative to the adapter element 22.

[0059] In a mounted position, the housing assembly 28 is also attached to the adapter element 22. The housing assembly 28 forms a motor interface 287 to which the motor 20 is attached, for example by screwing the motor 20 to the housing assembly 28.

[0060] The housing assembly 28 encloses the gearbox 25, in particular the drive worm 251 and the gear wheel 250, and rotatably mounts them. The housing assembly 280 includes a drive worm housing 282, within which the drive worm 251 is received. A shaft opening 284 is formed in a housing section 283, into which the motor shaft 200 of the motor 20 engages. A sensor system for detecting the position and / or movement of the motor shaft 200, for example an array of Hall sensors, can also be arranged in the housing section 283.

[0061] The adapter element 22 serves to connect the door drive device 2, in the illustrated embodiment, to the vehicle door 11. For this purpose, fastening elements 221 in the form of screws are arranged on the adapter element 22, by means of which the adapter element 22 can be screwed to the inner door panel 113 on the inside of the door frame enclosed by the vehicle door 11.

[0062] While the door drive device 2 can use identical parts with respect to the housing assembly 28 and the guide rail 23 and other functional components (apart from the adapter element 22) for use in different vehicle models, the adapter element 22 represents a vehicle model-specific component that is adapted for use in a particular vehicle model and thus forms a model-specific interface designed according to the wishes of a vehicle manufacturer for attaching the door drive device 2 in the vehicle, for example on the vehicle door 11 of the specific vehicle model.

[0063] In a pre-assembled state, the housing assembly 28 is separate from the adapter element 22. The housing assembly 28 forms an attachment section 280, which, as can be seen in particular from... Fig. As can be seen from Figures 8-11, it has a hollow cylindrical shape that is concentric to the longitudinal axis L. An opening 281 is formed within the attachment section 280, as can be seen, for example, from Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is evident.

[0064] For assembly, the housing assembly 28 can be attached to a mounting section 222 of the adapter element 22. As shown from Fig. As can be seen from Figures 12-14, the attachment section 222 is formed as a cylindrical pin on the adapter element 22 and is designed to be complementary to the attachment section 280 of the housing assembly 28, such that the attachment section 280 can be placed on the attachment section 222 and the attachment section 222 can thus engage in the opening 281 within the attachment section 280 of the housing assembly 28.

[0065] By attaching the mounting sections 222, 280 of the adapter element 22 and the housing assembly 28, the adapter element 22 and the housing assembly 28 can be positioned against each other for mounting the door drive device 2. Due to the cylindrical shape of the mounting sections 222, 280, the adapter element 22 and the housing assembly 28 can be rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal axis L after the mounting sections 222, 280 have been attached to each other, in order to align the position of the motor axis M of the motor 20, about which the motor shaft 200 is rotatable, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0066] After the motor shaft M is aligned, the mounting sections 222 and 280 are permanently joined together, for example by welding or adhesive bonding. A weld can be produced, for example, by laser transmission welding, ultrasonic welding, or friction welding. In other configurations, it is also possible, for example, to create a screw connection between the mounting sections 222 and 280, thus attaching the housing assembly 28 to the adapter element 22.

[0067] In the assembled, operational position, the adapter element 22 and the housing assembly 28 are firmly connected to each other, in particular rotationally fixed and positionally fixed, so that the position of the motor 20 in particular is also fixed relative to the adapter element 22.

[0068] During assembly, the guide rail 23 is connected to the adapter element 22 either before, during, or after connecting the housing assembly 28 to the adapter element 22. The guide rail 23 can be connected to the adapter element 22 in exactly one position. Because the rotational position of the housing assembly 28 relative to the adapter element 22 is adjustable, the rotational position of the housing assembly 28 relative to the guide rail 23 is also variable.

[0069] The movement path of the spindle nut element 27 is defined by the guide rail 23. 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.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, a support element 285 is arranged on the housing assembly 28, providing axial support for the guide rail 23 relative to the housing assembly 28. This can be seen in the enlarged view according to... Fig. As can be seen in Figure 15, the support element 285 forms a support leg 286 that extends in an arc around the longitudinal axis L and engages in an associated slot opening 231 on the guide rail 23. The support leg 286 is movable around the longitudinal axis L in the slot opening 231 relative to the guide rail 23, so that the housing assembly 28 can assume different rotational positions relative to the guide rail 23. The engagement of the support leg 286 in the slot opening 231 provides, in particular, axial support for the guide rail 23 relative to the housing assembly 28 along the longitudinal axis L under load during operation.

[0071] The control unit 26 serves to control the door drive device 2 during operation. For example, the control unit 26, which may include electronics for this purpose, can process sensor signals to detect motor movement and motor position, and thus to detect the position or movement of the push rod 21.

[0072] At a Fig. 16 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, a water drainage device 29 is arranged on the guide rail 23 of the door drive device 2, which is designed to drain water W from the interior of the guide rail 23.

[0073] In the depicted, based on Fig. In the embodiment of the door drive device 2 described in Figure 2-15, the guide rail 23 has a form that is closed around its longitudinal axis L. The spindle nut element 27 is guided longitudinally along the adjustment direction V on the sliding guide section 232, which is bounded (downwards) by a wall 235, and the spindle 24 is enclosed in the spindle housing section 232 of the guide rail 23, which is bounded (upwards) by a wall 236. The guide rail 23 is, as shown in Figure 2-15, Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, the guide rail 43 is closed on its end face facing away from the housing assembly 28 by a cover element forming an end wall 234. On the side of the housing assembly 28, the guide rail 43 is also closed by the housing assembly 28.

[0074] Because, for example, water may enter the interior of the guide rail 23 through the opening 220 in the adapter element 22 during operation, the following applies: Fig. 16 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, a water drainage device 29 is provided, which serves to drain accumulated water W and thus provide drainage at the guide rail 23. If water W were to accumulate and remain inside the guide rail 23, it could, at low temperatures, lead to freezing, in particular of the spindle nut element 27, to the guide rail 23, and thus to a restriction of the operational readiness of the door drive device 2.

[0075] The water drainage device 29 has a drainage opening 290 formed on the end wall 234, which – with reference to a standard installation position of the door drive device 2 – is located at a lower position on the end wall 234 in the direction of gravity G, namely in the area of ​​the transition from the end wall 234 to the lower wall 235 of the sliding guide section 232. A drainage channel 291 connects to the drainage opening 290, which in the illustrated embodiment is angled several times and forms an outlet opening 292 pointing upwards against the direction of gravity G, at which a closing element 293 is arranged.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure element 293 is formed by a flap element which is arranged around a hinge 297, for example formed by a film hinge, on the drainage channel 291 and is pivotable relative to the outlet opening 292.

[0077] In a Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 16, the closing element 293 closes the outlet opening 292. Due to water pressure caused by water W within the drainage channel 291, the closing element 293 can be opened, as shown in Figure 16. Fig. 17 shows that the water W can flow away via the drainage channel 291 and the drainage opening 292 in a drainage direction A and thus flow out of the interior of the guide rail 23.

[0078] The locking element 293 is designed to lock in the opposite direction A' and thus prevent dirt from entering the drain channel 291 and from there the guide rail 23 in the opposite direction G'. In the event of back pressure in the opposite direction A', the locking element 293 is forced into the closed position according to Fig. 16 loaded. The outlet opening 292 is thus closed, so that dirt cannot enter the interior of the drainage channel 291 and from there into the guide rail 23.

[0079] Because the outlet opening 292 in the embodiment according to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 is directed upwards against the direction of gravity G, gravity also acts on the locking element 293 and holds the locking element 293 in the closed position.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the flap element realizing the closure element 293 can, for example, be designed as a rigid element which is pivotably mounted via the hinge 297. In other embodiments, however, the closure element 293 can also be elastically deformable in itself, similar to a flap valve.

[0081] In a Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the closing element 293 is formed by a ball which, in a closed position, closes the outlet opening 292 and can be pushed aside by water pressure in the drainage channel 291 to release the outlet opening 292 to allow water to flow out in the drainage direction A.

[0082] As in the embodiment according to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 implements the locking element 293 in the embodiment according to Fig. 18 a valve of the type of a check valve, in which a flow of water in the drainage direction A is possible, the ingress of a fluid in the opposite direction A' and thus the entry of dirt with an air draft in the opposite direction A' into the drainage channel 291 is prevented.

[0083] At a Fig. 19 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the outlet opening 292 on the drainage channel 291 is not, as in the embodiment according to Figure 20. Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, directed upwards against the direction of gravity G, but rather positioned at an angle to the direction of gravity G. The locking element 293 extends accordingly, as in the embodiment shown in the Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 is realized by a flap element, in the closed position ( Fig. 19) oblique to the direction of gravity G. Such a design may have the advantage that water W can completely drain out of the drainage channel 291 and no residual water remains in the drainage channel 291.

[0084] At a Fig. 21 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 22, a water drainage device 29 is arranged on the guide rail 23, which allows water W to flow out of the interior of the guide rail 23 in a drainage direction A. A closing element 293 is arranged directly in the area of ​​a drainage opening 290 on the end wall 234.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the closing element 293 is implemented by a flap element, for example a reed valve, which is attached to the end wall 234 via a fastening element 294. The closing element 293 closes in a Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 21, the drain opening 290 is positioned such that an airflow in the opposite direction A' is blocked by the sealing element 293, thus preventing dirt from entering the interior of the guide rail 23 in the opposite direction A'. With sufficient water pressure caused by accumulated water W within the guide rail 23, the sealing element 293 can deform and thus open, as shown in Figure 21. Fig. 22 is shown so that water W can flow out of the interior of the guide rail 23.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure element 293, designed as a flap valve, can be implemented in particular as a deformable, plate-shaped plastic element, designed such that water pressure acting in the guide rail 23 can open the closure element 393, allowing water W to flow out of the interior of the guide rail 43. The closure element 293 is stable enough to block airflow in the opposite direction A' and thus prevent the ingress of dirt.

[0087] At a Fig. 23 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 24, two drainage openings 290, 290' are formed on the end wall 234, wherein a first of the drainage openings 290, 290' is formed in the area of ​​the wall 235 of the sliding guide section 232 and a second of the drainage openings 290' is formed in the area of ​​the wall 236 of the spindle housing section 233 of the guide rail 23.

[0088] The provision of two drain openings 290, 290' allows the door drive device 2 with the guide rail 23 to be installed in different mounting positions. Thus, the guide rail 23 is installed in the position shown below. Fig. 23 with the sliding guide section 232 aligned downwards in the direction of gravity G. In the installed position according to Fig. In contrast, the spindle housing section 233 is arranged at the bottom of section 24, so the guide rail 23 is located at the bottom compared to the arrangement according to Fig. 23 mounted overhead.

[0089] In the installation position according to Fig. In the embodiment 23, the drain opening 290 is arranged at the lower end of the end wall 234, so that water W is intended to be drained away via the lower drain opening 290. The closure element 293 is arranged at this drain opening 290, and its function is as shown in the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 corresponds. The other, upper drain opening 290' is closed via a plug element 295, which is, for example, integrally connected to the closure element 293, so that the drain opening 290' is fluid-tight and no dirt ingress is possible via this upper drain opening 290'.

[0090] In the installation position according to Fig. In contrast, the drain opening 290' is located at the bottom. Accordingly, the closure element 293 is now located in the area of ​​this drain opening 290', while the other, upper drain opening 290 is closed by the plug element 295.

[0091] In the embodiment according to Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 can use the same drainage device 29 with the same closure element 293 in the different installation positions according to Fig. 23 and according to Fig. 24 are used, wherein the closing element 293 is always arranged in the area of ​​the respective lower drain opening 290, 290' and the plug element 295 closes the other drain opening 290', 290.

[0092] The exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 23 and Fig. 24, wherein in this embodiment the locking element 293 and the plug element 295 are designed as separate elements. Again, the door drive device 2 can be connected to the guide rail 23 in different configurations, in Fig. 25 and Fig. The 26 illustrated installation positions are mounted in the vehicle, wherein the closing element 293 is always arranged in the area of ​​the respective lower drain opening 290, 290' and the plug element 295 closes the respective other drain opening 290', 290.

[0093] At a Fig. 27 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 28, the drainage device 29 has two closure elements 293, 293', each of which is connected to the end wall 234 via a fastening element 294, 294' and each is assigned to a drainage opening 290, 290'. Again, the door drive device 2 can be mounted with the guide rail 23 in different installation positions, with the installation position shown in Figure 28 being... Fig. 27 the sliding guide section 232 of the guide rail 23 below and in the installation position according to Fig. 28 the spindle housing section 233 is arranged at the bottom. In the installation position according to Fig. Water W can thus flow out via the drain opening 290 and the sealing element 293. In the installed position according to Fig. In contrast, water W can flow out via the drain opening 290' and the closure element 293'.

[0094] At a Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 29, a closure element 296 is arranged in the area of ​​a lower wall 235 of the sliding guide section 232. The closure element 296 is designed by means of a water drain valve, for example with a slot opening, through which water can flow out, for example due to capillary action, but the ingress of dirt into the interior of the guide rail 23 is prevented.

[0095] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0096] In principle, a door drive device can be located on the vehicle door or the vehicle body. The push rod is supported on the other assembly in each case, so that moving the push rod creates a relative movement between the vehicle door and the vehicle body. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 10 Vehicle body 11 Vehicle door 110 Door outer panel 111 Door module 112 Door interior 113 Door inner panel 114 Hinge axis 2 Door drive device 20 engine 200 motor shaft 21 Push rod 210 Connecting element 211 End 22 Adapter element 220 Opening 221 Fasteners 222 Approach section 223 Mounting interface 23 Guide rail 230 mounting brackets 231 Slot opening 232 Sliding guide section 233 Spindle housing section 234 Front wall 235 Wall (floor wall) 236 Wall (ceiling wall) 24 spindle 240 threads 25 gearboxes 250 gear wheel 251 Drive screw 26 Control unit 27 Spindle nut element 270 Gliding section 271 Spindle nut section 28 Housing assembly 280 Approach section 281 Opening 282 Drive worm housing 283 Housing section 284 Shaft opening 285 Support element 286 Leg element 287 Motor interface 29 Water drainage device 290, 290' Drainage opening 291 Drainage channel 292 Outlet opening 293, 293' Locking element 294, 294' Fastening element 295 Plug element 296 Locking element 297 hinge A Direction of flow A' Opposite direction G Direction of gravity L Longitudinal axis M motor axle V Adjustment direction W water

Claims

[1] Door drive device (2) for adjusting a vehicle door (11) relative to a vehicle body (10), with a motor (20), a gearbox (25), a spindle (24) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the motor (20) is operatively connected to the spindle (24) via the gearbox (25) and the spindle (24) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) driven by the motor (20), a spindle nut element (27) which is threaded in connection with the spindle (24) such that by rotating the spindle (24) the spindle nut element (27) can be moved along an adjustment direction (V) pointing along the longitudinal axis (L) relative to the spindle (24), a guide rail (23) for guiding the spindle nut element (27) during movement along the adjustment direction (V) and a push rod (21) connected to the spindle nut element (27) for transmitting an adjusting force between the vehicle door (11) and the vehicle body (10), characterized by a water drainage device (29) arranged on the guide rail (23), which has a closing element (293, 293', 296), wherein the closing element (293, 293', 296) is designed to allow water (W) to flow out of the guide rail (23) in a drainage direction (A) and to block dirt from entering in a opposite direction (A'). [2] Door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the closing element (293, 293', 296) is designed to close the water drainage device (29) in a closed position, wherein the closing element (293, 293') is movable in the drainage direction (A) to allow water (W) to flow out of the guide rail (23) in the drainage direction (A). [3] Door drive device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the locking element (293, 293', 296) is elastic and / or subjected to a counter-pressure in the opposite direction (A') to assume the closed position. [4] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the closure element (293, 293', 296) is formed by a check valve. [5] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking element (293, 293', 296) is formed by a movable flap element. [6] Door drive device (2) according to claim 5, characterized by that the flap element is elastically deformable in itself or is pivotably mounted about a hinge (297). [7] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the closure element (293, 293', 296) is formed by a flapping valve. [8] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the water drainage device (29) has a drainage opening (290, 290'). [9] Door drive device (2) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the closure element (293, 293', 296) is arranged at the drain opening (290, 290'). [10] Door drive device (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the water drainage device (29) has a drainage channel (291) adjoining the drainage opening (290, 290') for draining the water (W). [11] Door drive device (2) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the closure element (293, 293', 296) is arranged at an outlet opening (292) of the drainage channel (291). [12] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drainage device (29) is arranged on a wall (234, 235, 236) of the guide rail (23). [13] Door drive device (2) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the wall (234, 235, 236) extends longitudinally along the adjustment direction (V) or transversely to the adjustment direction (V). [14] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drainage device (29) has a first drainage opening (290) and a second drainage opening (290'), wherein, depending on the installation position of the door drive device (2) in a vehicle (1), water (W) can be drained via one of the first drainage openings (290) and the second drainage opening (290'). [15] Door drive device (2) according to claim 14, characterized by , that one of the first drain opening (290) and the second drain opening (290'), viewed along a gravity direction (G), is located below the other of the first drain opening (290) and the second drain opening (290'). [16] Door drive device (2) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by, that the other of the first drain opening (290) and the second drain opening (290') is closed via a plug element (295). [17] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide rail (23) is completely closed around the longitudinal axis (L). [18] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide rail (23) has a sliding guide section (232) for slidingly guiding the spindle nut element (27) along the adjustment direction (V) and a spindle housing section (233) for receiving the spindle (24). [19] Door drive device (2) according to claim 18, characterized by , that the spindle nut element (27) has a sliding section (270) for sliding along the sliding guide section (232). [20] Door drive device (2) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by, that the spindle nut element (27) has a spindle nut section (271) which engages in threaded engagement with the spindle (24), wherein the spindle nut section (271) is movable in the spindle housing section (233) along the adjustment direction (V). [21] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the push rod (21) is articulated to the spindle nut element (27). [22] Door drive device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an adapter element (22) for connecting the door drive device (2) to the vehicle door (11) or the vehicle body (10), wherein the adapter element (22) has an opening (220) through which the push rod (21) extends in the mounted position. [23] Door drive device (2) according to claim 22, characterized by , that the guide rail (23) is connected to a fastening interface (223) of the adapter element (22). [24] Door drive device (2) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized by a housing assembly (28) which is connected to the adapter element (22) and carries the motor (20).

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