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). The guide rail (23) is formed by forming in a sheet metal bending process and has a profile that is closed all around the adjustment direction (V).

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] In a door drive device known from WO 2024 / 193762 A1, a guide rail is formed for guiding a slide arrangement through a fully enclosed extruded aluminum profile.

[0006] In a door drive device known from DE 10 2019 211 932 A1, a guide rail is formed to guide a slide arrangement through a sheet metal bending part.

[0007] In a door drive device where moving a spindle nut element along a guide rail creates an adjustment force between a vehicle door and the vehicle body, a cost-effective design is essential. Ideally, the guide rail should have a fully enclosed profile to protect its interior from environmental influences such as dirt ingress. However, it must be considered that the guide rail may require a cutout for connecting it to a gearbox housing. This involves considerable post-processing effort when manufacturing the guide rail as an (aluminum) extruded profile or a (plastic) extruded profile.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a door drive device for adjusting a vehicle door that enables a cost-effective design and also protects a rail system from environmental influences.

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

[0010] Accordingly, the guide rail is formed by forming in a sheet metal bending process and has a profile that is completely closed around the adjustment direction.

[0011] Forming the guide rail as an integral, one-piece component using a sheet metal bending process allows for cost-effective manufacturing. Because the guide rail is manufactured by forming it using a sheet metal bending process, a metal sheet, particularly a steel sheet, can be used for its production, resulting in a particularly cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0012] In particular, the guide rail can be formed as a stamped and bent part from a sheet of metal, especially steel. Manufacturing the guide rail as a stamped and bent part allows, for example, a recess to be formed on the guide rail before it is formed to create the guide rail itself. This recess allows the guide rail to be connected to, for example, a gearbox housing. By stamping the sheet metal and then bending it, the guide rail's shape can be variably adapted, and it can also be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0013] The guide rail has a closed profile, at least in those axial areas (viewed along the adjustment direction) where no opening is provided for connecting the guide rail to a housing assembly, particularly a gearbox housing. Due to the fully enclosed profile, formed by sheet metal bending, dirt cannot easily penetrate the interior of the guide rail from the outside. This protects the guide rail and spindle nut system from environmental influences, ensuring consistent sliding properties and, consequently, consistent sliding forces, low wear, and good acoustics throughout the service life of the door drive device.

[0014] In one embodiment, sheet metal sections of the guide rail, bent towards each other in the direction of adjustment, are joined together at a joint. The guide rail is formed by sheet metal bending such that it has a completely closed profile. The sheet metal sections bent towards each other are joined together, ensuring that the guide rail is permanently completely closed and preventing the ingress of dirt even at the joint between the sheet metal sections.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sheet metal sections are connected to each other longitudinally along the adjustment direction at the joint. The sheet metal sections are bent towards each other in the adjustment direction. This results in an approximately linear connection between the sheet metal sections at the joint, oriented longitudinally along the adjustment direction, through which the sheet metal sections are permanently and reliably connected to each other during operation.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sheet metal sections are connected to each other at the joint by a form-fit, friction-fit, or material-fit connection.

[0017] In principle, any joining method is conceivable and possible for connecting the sheet metal sections at the joint. Different joining methods are defined, for example, in the DIN 8593 standard.

[0018] For example, the sheet metal sections can be joined together at the joint by clinching, clipping, riveting or flanging.

[0019] Clinching – also known as pressure joining, press joining, or simply clinching – is a joining process in manufacturing technology where sheet metal sections are joined together using a clinching tool during a cold forming process. A clinching tool consists of a punch and a die. The sheet metal sections to be joined are pressed into the die by the punch, similar to deep drawing, under plastic deformation. A special die design creates a snap-button-like shape that connects the sheet metal sections (parts) in a form-fit and force-fit manner.

[0020] The sheet metal sections can also be connected to each other by means of a clip connection, for example by forming clip elements on one sheet metal section to engage in corresponding clip openings on the other sheet metal section.

[0021] A riveted or screwed connection between the sheet metal sections is also possible.

[0022] During flanging, folds are formed on the sheet metal sections, which allow the sheet metal sections to be connected, for example by inserting the folds into each other.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the sheet metal sections can be joined at the joint by welding or bonding, thus creating a material-bonded connection. For example, the sheet metal sections can be joined at the joint using a laser weld, whereby the sheet metal sections are butted together and then joined at the joint by laser welding.

[0024] In one embodiment, the edges of the sheet metal sections are butted together at the joint and thus lie flush against each other at the joint. The edges of the sheet metal sections can be joined at the joint, for example, by material bonding through welding, such as laser welding, or by a form-fit connection between the edges.

[0025] For example, in a process also known as "roll and lock," the edges can be joined together via interlocking sections that engage in interlocking openings. The edges are always butted together. The interlocking sections and the interlocking openings are formed in the plane of the sheet metal sections, with an arrangement of interlocking openings and / or interlocking sections formed on one edge and a complementary arrangement on the other edge, so that the interlocking sections engage the interlocking openings, joining the sheet metal sections butt-jointing without any material thickening.

[0026] The forming process to produce the fully closed profile and the joining at the connection point can be carried out in a single operation by engaging the form-locking sections and the form-locking openings with each other during the forming process, thus joining the sheet metal sections of the sheet metal part forming the guide rail at the connection point.

[0027] In one embodiment, the guide rail is axially closed by a cover element. Such a cover element can close the guide rail, particularly at a free end, for example, at an end located away from a housing assembly that constitutes a gearbox housing, so that dirt ingress into the interior of the guide rail is prevented at the axial end during operation.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connection point is located on the sliding guide section or on the spindle housing section.

[0031] The connection point can, for example, be formed on an upper wall of the spindle housing section, located away from the sliding guide section. Providing the connection point in the area of ​​the spindle housing section can offer the particular advantage that the sliding guidance of the spindle nut element on the sliding guide section is not impaired by the connection point.

[0032] In another embodiment, the connection point can also be formed, for example, on a lower wall of the sliding guide section facing away from the spindle housing section.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In one embodiment, the guide rail has a clearance in an axial area, viewed along the adjustment direction, in which the guide rail is fully open. Thus, the guide rail is not fully closed in the area of ​​the clearance.

[0035] For example, the spindle housing section can be recessed in the area of ​​the clearance. The sliding guide section can also extend into the axial area of ​​the clearance, so that guidance for the spindle nut element is provided on the guide rail even in the area of ​​the clearance.

[0036] In one embodiment, the door drive device comprises a housing assembly that encloses at least one gear wheel of the gearbox and supports the motor. In one embodiment, the guide rail is attached to the housing assembly in the area of ​​the clearance. A gear wheel, which is rotationally fixed to the spindle and arranged coaxially with the spindle, can be positioned on the guide rail in an area axially aligned with the spindle housing section via the clearance. In the area of ​​the clearance, the housing assembly projects into an area aligned with the spindle housing section of the guide rail, so that the housing assembly with the gear wheel mounted therein is aligned with the spindle within the spindle housing section of the guide rail.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The sliding guide section of the guide rail can extend in the adjustment direction under the housing assembly, so that the spindle nut element is still guided on the sliding guide section of the guide rail in an area that axially overlaps with the housing assembly.

[0039] For example, the sliding section of the spindle nut element can have a greater length axially along the adjustment direction than the spindle nut section. In a position close to the housing assembly, corresponding to an extended position of the push rod, the sliding section can engage under the gearbox housing, while the spindle nut section of the spindle nut element is arranged axially next to the housing assembly. With favorable guiding characteristics of the spindle nut element on the guide rail, this allows for a compact, axially short design of the door drive device.

[0040] In one embodiment, the guide rail has at least one first mounting tab for connection to the housing assembly. A screw connection to the housing assembly can be established via such a mounting tab. The at least one first mounting tab is, for example, bent on the guide rail, such that it extends along a plane perpendicular to the direction of adjustment.

[0041] In one embodiment, the housing assembly is movable around the longitudinal axis relative to the guide rail in a pre-assembly state.

[0042] Such mobility in a pre-assembly state, in which the housing assembly is not yet firmly connected to the guide rail, makes it possible to align a motor axis of the motor, around which a motor shaft of the motor can be rotated, in its angular position relative to the longitudinal axis of the spindle, so that the motor can be connected to the guide rail in different angular positions around the longitudinal axis via the housing assembly.

[0043] For this purpose, at least one first mounting tab can, for example, have an arc-shaped elongated hole that allows the housing assembly to be attached to the guide rail in different angular positions of the housing assembly relative to the guide rail.

[0044] In one embodiment, a component consisting of the housing assembly and the guide rail has a support element which, in the pre-assembled state, is supported on the other component from the housing assembly and guide rail group, allowing movement about its longitudinal axis. The support element is arranged accordingly on the housing assembly or on the guide rail and supported on the other component. The support element can, for example, provide axial support for the guide rail and the housing assembly relative to each other. This support is such that, in the pre-assembled state, the housing assembly is movable about its longitudinal axis relative to the guide rail, at least within a certain angular range.

[0045] In one embodiment, the support element has (at least) one support leg that engages in a slot opening of the other component from the housing assembly and the guide rail group and is movable about its longitudinal axis within the slot opening. The support leg and the slot opening can, for example, each extend along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The support leg engages in the slot opening and thus provides axial support between the housing assembly and the guide rail. The support leg is movable about its longitudinal axis within the slot opening, allowing the position of the housing assembly to be adjusted relative to the guide rail.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In one embodiment, the door drive device includes an adapter element for connecting it to the vehicle door or the vehicle body. The adapter element has an opening through which the push rod extends in the mounted 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, on the vehicle door.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In one embodiment, the housing assembly is connected to the adapter element. The housing assembly can, in particular, constitute a gearbox housing in which gearbox components are enclosed. The housing assembly supports the motor and connects the motor to the adapter element.

[0052] In one embodiment, the guide rail has at least a second mounting tab for connection to the adapter element. In particular, a screw connection between the guide rail and the adapter element can be established via this second mounting tab.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least one second mounting tab is bent on the guide rail, for example on the sliding guide section of the guide rail, such that the at least one second mounting tab extends along a plane perpendicular to the direction of adjustment. A screw opening can be formed on the mounting tab, for example, through which the guide rail is screwed to the adapter element.

[0054] Instead of such a second mounting tab, a mounting bracket can also be arranged on the guide rail as a separate component, which is firmly connected to the guide rail, for example by clamping, clinching, welding, or riveting. The guide rail can then be firmly connected to the adapter element via the mounting bracket, for example by bolting.

[0055] In general, the guide rail can be formed with or without mounting tabs for attachment to the adapter element and the housing assembly. If no mounting tabs are integrally formed on the guide rail, manufacturing the guide rail can be further simplified because, for example, a bending process to fold over the mounting tabs is not required. In this case, the guide rail can, for example, be attached to the adapter element via a separate mounting bracket and supported on the housing assembly by a support element.

[0056] In one embodiment, a channel for draining moisture is formed on the bottom wall of the guide rail. In the intended installation position of the door drive device in a vehicle (with reference to the direction of gravity), the bottom wall of the guide rail is located at the bottom, so that moisture generally collects in the area of ​​the bottom wall within the guide rail. In this intended installation position, the bottom wall can be inclined so that moisture can run off along the channel formed on the bottom wall, for example, towards a drain opening in the area of ​​the front end of the guide rail facing the adapter element.

[0057] 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. 16A a separate view of the guide rail; Fig. 16B another view of the guide rail; Fig. 17 a view of the guide rail with a mounting bracket for attachment to the adapter element; Fig. 18 a schematic view of a joint where sheet metal sections of the guide rail bent towards each other are joined together using a so-called “roll and lock” method to produce a fully enclosed profile; Fig. 19 a schematic view of another example of a junction; Fig. 20 a schematic view of yet another example of its junction; Fig. 21 a schematic view of yet another example of a junction; Fig. 22 a view of a door drive device with a guide rail, according to another embodiment; Fig. 23 a separate view of the guide rail with mounting tabs formed on the guide rail for connecting the guide rail to a gearbox housing and an adapter element; Fig. 24 A view of a door drive device with a guide rail, according to another embodiment; and Fig. 25 an enlarged partial sectional view of the door drive device, showing a support element on a housing assembly for supporting the guide rail.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 an open position, so that a user can enter or exit the vehicle 1. The vehicle door 11 can be, in particular, a front side door or a rear side door.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] By attaching the mounting sections 222 and 280 of the adapter element 22 and the housing assembly 28, the adapter element 22 and the housing assembly 28 can be positioned relative to each other for mounting the door drive device 2. Due to the cylindrical shape of the mounting sections 222 and 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 and 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, relative to the longitudinal axis L.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] As this is shown Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in conjunction with the separate views of the guide rail 23 according to Fig. 16A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16B, the guide rail 23 has a profile that is completely closed around the adjustment direction V. Within the closed profile of the guide rail 23, the spindle nut element 27 is guided along the adjustment direction V, with the sliding section 270 of the spindle nut element 27 being slidably supported in the area of ​​a sliding guide section 232 of the guide rail 23 and guided along the adjustment direction V. In the area of ​​a spindle housing section 233, the spindle 24 extends along the longitudinal axis L. Due to the completely closed profile of the guide rail 23, the spindle nut element 27, together with the spindle 24, is completely enclosed along its adjustment path along the adjustment direction V.

[0085] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, a mounting bracket 230 is arranged on the guide rail 23 in the area of ​​a bottom wall 235, by means of which the guide rail 23 is connected to the adapter element 22 in a suitably mounted position. The mounting bracket 230 can be connected to the bottom wall 235 of the guide rail 23, for example, by crimping, clinching, welding, or riveting.

[0086] On the bottom wall 235, as in Fig. 17 shows, for example, a channel 235A is formed, in which moisture can be guided and thus drained from the interior of the guide rail 23 to a drainage opening in the area of ​​a front end of the guide rail 23 facing the adapter element 22.

[0087] The guide rail 23 is closed at an axial end, located away from the housing assembly 28, by a cover element 234, as shown schematically in Fig. 16 is shown. Such a cover element 234 can be formed as a plastic element or as a sheet metal element. The cover element 234 can be connected to the guide rail 23 by a material-fit, form-fit, or force-fit connection, for example by an adhesive or welded connection, by screwing, by a clip connection, by a flanged connection, or by a press fit.

[0088] Due to the fully enclosed profile of the guide rail 23, the rail system of the door drive device 2 is protected from environmental conditions, in particular from external dirt ingress during operation. Because dirt ingress into the interior of the guide rail 23 is prevented, advantageous sliding properties in the sliding guide of the spindle nut element 27 within the guide rail 23 can be maintained over the service life of the door drive device 2, with low wear and (at least approximately) constant adjusting forces.

[0089] The guide rail 23 is formed by forming in a sheet metal bending process, in particular from a steel sheet. The guide rail 27 is preferably formed as a stamped-bent part, in which a sheet metal element is first stamped into a desired shape in a stamping step and then bent in a bending step so that the circumferentially closed profile of the guide rail 23 is obtained.

[0090] As this is shown Fig. 16A, Fig. 16B and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, sheet metal sections 290, 291 of the formed sheet metal are bent towards each other by the sheet metal bending process and are connected to each other in the area of ​​an upper wall 236 of the spindle housing section 233 at a joint 29 extending approximately linearly along the adjustment direction V. At the joint 29, a closed seam is formed, in particular, through which the guide rail 23 is essentially fluid-tight, so that dirt, in particular dust, cannot enter the interior of the guide rail 23 through the joint 29.

[0091] At the joint 29, the sheet metal sections 290, 291 can be joined together by any joining method, for example by a material-bonded connection, such as a welding or adhesive bond, or by a form-fit or force-fit connection, such as by clinching, clipping, riveting or flanging.

[0092] In an advantageous embodiment, the sheet metal sections 290, 291 are joined together by a so-called "roll and lock" process, in which, in one step, the sheet metal sections 290, 291 of the sheet forming the guide rail 23 are bent towards each other by forming in a sheet metal bending process and joined together at the connection point 29, as is done in different embodiments in Fig. Figures 18-21 illustrate this. For this purpose, edges 292, 293 of the sheet metal sections 290, 291 can be butted together in the plane of the wall 236, creating a positive locking connection between the edges 292, 293 via positive locking sections 295 and their engagement in associated positive locking openings 294, as shown in various embodiments in Fig. 18-21 is shown.

[0093] In the example according to Fig. 18 The positive locking sections 295 and the complementary positive locking openings 294 have a substantially rectangular or square shape.

[0094] In the examples according to Fig. 19 and Fig. In contrast, the positive locking sections 295 and the complementary positive locking openings 294 have an omega shape.

[0095] In the example according to Fig. 20 The form-locking sections 295 and the complementary form-locking openings 294 have a dovetail shape.

[0096] Each edge 292, 293 can have both positive locking openings 294 and positive locking sections 295, as in the examples according to Fig. 18, Fig. 20 and Fig. 21. Alternatively, form-fitting openings 294 can be formed on one edge 292, 293 and form-fitting sections 295 on the other edge 293, 292, as in the example according to Fig. 19.

[0097] When the sheet metal sections 290 and 291 are joined, the positive locking openings 294 and the positive locking sections 295 are brought into engagement with each other. This creates a firm, permanent, and essentially fluid-tight connection between the sheet metal sections 290 and 291.

[0098] Additionally, the examples according to Fig. 18-21 the sheet metal sections 290, 291 can also be joined together by means of a material bond, for example by an adhesive bond or a welded joint, for example a laser welded joint.

[0099] Fig. 22 or Fig. Figure 23 shows another embodiment of a door drive device 2, which differs in particular in the design of the guide rail from the one described above. Fig. The embodiment of the door drive device 2 described in 2-15 differs, but is otherwise functionally identical to the one described in . Fig. The embodiment described in 2-15 is shown.

[0100] Thus, on the guide rail 23 of the embodiment according to Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 mounting tabs 238, 239 are formed, each bent over on the guide rail 23 such that they extend along a corresponding plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction V. A mounting opening is formed on each mounting tab 238, 239, so that the guide rail 23 can be connected to the adapter element 22 (via the mounting tabs 238) and to the housing assembly 28 (via the mounting tabs 239) via the mounting tabs 238, 239.

[0101] The fastening openings on the fastening tabs 239 are formed by arcuately curved elongated holes, so that the housing assembly 28 can be connected to the guide rail 23 in different positions rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal axis L of the spindle.

[0102] In the described embodiments, a clearance 237 is formed on the guide rail 23, through which the spindle housing section 233 is open in an axial area associated with the housing assembly 28. Thus, the guide rail 23 is not completely closed in the axial area of ​​the clearance 237.

[0103] In the area of ​​clearance 237, the housing assembly 28 is attached to the guide rail 23, whereby a transition between the housing assembly 28 and the guide rail 23 can be sealed fluid-tight, for example by the guide rail 23 engaging in a complementary groove contour provided for this purpose on the housing assembly 28.

[0104] The sliding guide section 232 extends axially into the area of ​​the clearance 237, so that a sliding guide for the spindle nut element 27 is also provided on the guide rail 23 in the area of ​​the clearance 237. The spindle nut element 27 can thus be, as shown from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, in the extended position of the push rod 21, the spindle nut element 27 extends below the housing assembly 28. In particular, in the extended position of the push rod 21, in which the spindle nut element 27 is approaching the housing assembly 28, the sliding section 270 of the spindle nut element 27 is at least partially arranged below the housing assembly 28, while the spindle nut section 271 of the spindle nut element 27, which engages with the spindle 24, is arranged axially next to the housing assembly 28.

[0105] The spindle nut element 27 can thus axially overlap with the housing assembly 28. This results in the spindle nut element 27 being guided on the guide rail 23 over a comparatively long axial displacement path, while still maintaining a comparatively compact axial design of the door drive device 2.

[0106] The clearance 237 can be produced by punching a sheet metal element before forming, in order to then form the guide rail 23 by forming in the sheet metal bending process after the punching process.

[0107] By manufacturing by forming in the sheet metal bending process, the guide rail 23 can be designed cost-effectively, whereby in particular fastening elements for connecting the guide rail 23 with the adapter element 22 and / or the housing assembly 28 can be variably formed on the guide rail 23.

[0108] The guide rail 23 can in particular be made from a sheet of steel.

[0109] Due to the closed profile, the guide rail 23 has high rigidity. The material thickness of the sheet metal of the guide rail 23 can be designed to be correspondingly thin, which results in cost savings and weight reduction.

[0110] Fig. 24 and Fig. Figure 25 shows a further embodiment in which, in modification of the embodiment according to Fig. 15, a support element 288 is firmly connected to the housing assembly 28. The support element 288 is, for example, designed as a molded plastic part and can therefore be manufactured cost-effectively. The support element 288 is firmly connected to the housing assembly 28 by being permanently attached to the gearbox housing 28, for example, by a welded connection, such as one produced by laser transmission welding and / or ultrasonic welding.

[0111] As can be seen from the enlarged partial section view according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 25, the support element 288 extends in an arc shape in the area of ​​the upper wall 236 of the guide rail 23. On an inner side of the support element 288 facing the guide rail 23, for example, arc-shaped support legs 289 are formed in the form of inwardly projecting ribs, each of which engages in an associated engagement slot 231 on the guide rail 23.

[0112] The support element 288 is analogous to the embodiment shown in the illustration. Fig. 15, the guide rail 23 is thus supported on the gearbox housing 28, whereby the housing assembly 28 can assume different rotational positions relative to the guide rail 23 and the housing assembly 28 can thus be adjusted in its angular position (about the longitudinal axis L) relative to the adapter element 22 of the guide rail 23 during assembly.

[0113] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0114] 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 Cover element 235 Wall (floor wall) 235A gutter 236 Wall (ceiling wall) 237 Free-from 238, 239 fastening tabs 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 288 Support element 289 Support legs 29 liaison point 290, 291 Sheet metal section 292, 293 edges 294 Form-fit opening 295 Form-fitting section L Longitudinal axis M motor axle V Adjustment direction

Claims

Door drive device (2) for adjusting a vehicle door (11) relative to a vehicle body (10), comprising 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) is movable 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 adjustment force between the vehicle door (11) and the Vehicle body (10), characterized by,that the guide rail (23) is formed by forming in a sheet metal bending process and has a profile that is closed all around the adjustment direction (V). Door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide rail (23) is formed from a metal sheet, in particular a steel sheet. Door drive device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide rail (23) is formed as a stamped-bent part from a sheet metal part. Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that sheet metal sections (290, 291) of the guide rail (23), which are bent towards each other about the adjustment direction (V), are connected to each other at a connection point (29). Door drive device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the sheet metal sections (290, 291) are connected to each other longitudinally along the adjustment direction (V) at the connection point (29). Door drive device (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the sheet metal sections (290, 291) are connected to each other at the connection point (29) by a positive locking, friction locking or material locking mechanism. Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the sheet metal sections (290, 291) are connected to each other at the connection point (29) by clinching, clipping, riveting or flanging. Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the sheet metal sections (290, 291) are joined together at the joint (29) by welding or gluing. Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that edges (292, 293) of the sheet metal sections (290, 291) abut each other at the joint (29). Door drive device (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the edges (292, 293) of the sheet metal sections (290, 291) are connected to each other at the connection point (29). Door drive device (2) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the edges (292) are connected to each other via form-locking sections (295) engaging in form-locking openings (294). Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide rail (23) is axially closed via a cover element (234). Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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). Door drive device (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the connection point (29) is arranged on the sliding guide section (232) or on the spindle housing section (233). Door drive device (2) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the spindle nut element (27) has a sliding section (270) for sliding along the sliding guide section (232). Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the spindle nut element (27) has a spindle nut section (271) which engages in thread with the spindle (24), wherein the spindle nut section (271) is movable in the spindle housing section (233) along the adjustment direction (V). Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide rail (23) has a clearance (237) in an axial area, viewed along the adjustment direction (V), in the area of ​​which the guide rail (23) is fully open. Door drive device (2) according to claim 17 , characterized by a housing assembly (28) which encloses at least one gear wheel (250) of the transmission (25) and carries the motor (20), wherein the guide rail (23) is attached to the housing assembly (28) in the area of ​​the clearance (237). Door drive device (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that the guide rail (23) has at least one first fastening tab (239) for connection with the housing assembly (28). Door drive device (2) according to claim 19, characterized in that the at least one first fastening tab (239) is bent over on the guide rail (23) such that the at least one first fastening tab (239) extends along a plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction (V). Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the housing assembly (28) is movable about the longitudinal axis (L) relative to the guide rail (23) in a pre-assembly state. Door drive device (2) according to claim 21, characterized in that a component unit from the group consisting of the housing assembly (28) and the guide rail (23) has a support element (285) which in the pre-assembly state is supported on the other component unit from the group consisting of the housing assembly (28) and the guide rail (23) in a manner movable about the longitudinal axis (L). Door drive device (2) according to claim 22, characterized in that the support element (285) has a support leg (286) which engages in a slot opening (231) of the other assembly from the group of housing assembly (28) and guide rail (23) and is movable in the slot opening (231) about the longitudinal axis (L). Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push rod (21) is pivotally connected to the spindle nut element (27). Door drive device (2) according to 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. Door drive device (2) according to claim 25, characterized in that the guide rail (23) is connected to a fastening interface (223) of the adapter element (22). Door drive device (2) according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the guide rail (23) has at least a second fastening tab (238) for connection with the adapter element (22). Door drive device (2) according to claim 27, characterized in that the at least one second fastening tab (238) is bent over on the guide rail (23) such that the at least one second fastening tab (238) extends along a plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction (V). Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a channel (235A) for draining moisture is formed on a bottom wall (235) of the guide rail (23).

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