Adjustment arrangement for adjusting an adjustment element of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting arrangement (1) for adjusting an adjusting element (4) of a motor vehicle (5), which comprises a drive unit (8) having a drive train with several interconnected train components (7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22), wherein the drive unit (8) comprises as train components (7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22) a hollow cylinder (10) and a rod (11) axially guided therein, wherein the adjusting arrangement (1) comprises a drive spring arrangement (16) with at least one drive spring (17) and a spring retaining element (18), wherein there is an axially fixed connection between the spring retaining element (18) and one of the train components (10, 11) associated with the spring retaining element (18), wherein the spring retaining element (18) projects radially into an axial projection (P) of the material of the drive spring arrangement (16) and is configured to exert an axial force to accommodate the drive spring assembly (16).It is proposed that the spring locking element (18) is formed by a pin element (24) extending along a geometric pin element axis (23), which is arranged to absorb the axial force of the drive spring assembly (16) at least in the case of firing when assembled, and to axially secure at least one further of the string components (7, 19, 20, 22) at least in the direction of action of the spring force to the string component (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment arrangement, in particular a spindle drive or a gas pressure element, for adjusting an adjustment element, in particular a flap, of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The term "adjusting element" is to be understood broadly in this context. It includes, for example, flaps such as tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, front hoods, side doors, cargo hatches or the like, or sliding doors of a motor vehicle.

[0003] Various drive types are known for adjusting such an adjusting element, for example, a tailgate. Both motor-driven and motorless adjusting arrangements are known. A motor-driven adjusting arrangement is, for example, a spindle drive that uses a drive unit with a drive motor to drive a spindle-spindle nut gear as a feed mechanism to generate linear drive movements. A motorless adjusting arrangement is, for example, a gas pressure element that comprises a drive unit with a gas-filled gas pressure element cylinder and a gas pressure element piston rod, i.e., a push rod with a piston at its end, guided axially within it. The gas filled into the cylinder is pressurized and thus provides a spring force.The drive unit of the spindle drive or the gas pressure element may also include a drive spring arrangement with at least one drive spring, in particular a helical spring, which provides an additional spring force to support the drive movements.

[0004] The known prior art (DE 10 2019 128 830 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to an adjustment arrangement in the form of a gas pressure element. The adjustment arrangement comprises a non-motorized drive unit which, in a drive train, includes a hollow cylinder, namely a gas-filled gas pressure element cylinder, and a rod axially guided therein, namely a gas pressure element piston rod, as drive-technically (force- or torque-transmitting) coupled train components. For transmitting linear drive movements to the motor vehicle, the adjustment arrangement has two joint parts adjustable relative to each other along a geometric drive axis between a retracted position and an extended position. Each joint part forms a drive connection with a corresponding counter-joint part on the motor vehicle side, for coupling to the adjustment element on the one hand and to the motor vehicle on the other.One joint part is axially fixed to the hollow cylinder, and the other joint part is axially fixed to the rod. A drive spring assembly, with a helical compression spring as the drive spring, exerts an axial spring force on both joint parts, extending them into the extended position. The hollow cylinder, rod, and drive spring assembly are arranged in a drive housing, which in this case has two telescoping housing tubes.

[0005] The housing tubes that axially hold the drive spring between them are made of a plastic material. To prevent the drive spring from being released, for example in the event of a fire, due to damage to one of its axial spring bearings and causing damage outside the adjustment assembly, a spring retaining element catches the rapidly expanding drive spring (so-called "shooting event") and transfers the impact force exerted by the drive spring into a corresponding component of the assembly, to which the spring retaining element is axially fixed.Other situations in which a firing event can occur include an unintentional decoupling of the joint part and counter-joint part, or a breakage of the counter-joint part in the retracted position or in a not fully extended position, whereby the hollow cylinder and rod suddenly spring apart due to the drive spring assembly, as well as icing, in which the two telescoping housing tubes, which hold the drive spring axially between them, are frozen together in the retracted position and initially do not follow the extension movement of the rod relative to the hollow cylinder when extending, but can subsequently separate from each other, whereby the two housing tubes then suddenly spring apart due to the drive spring assembly.

[0006] Such adjustment arrangements are also known in the prior art from DE 11 2020 003 076 T5 and DE 10 2019 110 221 A1.

[0007] In the known adjustment arrangement, the spring-loaded locking element is a flat metal clip. During assembly, the metal clip is slid radially onto the rod and axially secured by corresponding recesses provided on opposite radial sides of the rod. A challenge lies in ensuring that the lateral recesses do not compromise the structural integrity of the rod, as this could impair operational safety.

[0008] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing the known adjustment arrangement in such a way that further optimization is achieved with regard to operational safety.

[0009] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0010] The fundamental consideration is to use a pin element as a spring-loaded locking element instead of a clamp fixed in lateral recesses. A pin element in this sense is an elongated, particularly rod-shaped, connecting element. A significant advantage of such a pin element as a spring-loaded locking element is that it extends transversely, preferably orthogonally to the drive axis, and particularly radially, through the associated component of the extrusion (hollow cylinder or rod). This means that only a transverse passage in the extrusion component is required for the axial fixation of the spring-loaded locking element to the extrusion component.In a hollow cylinder, the transverse passage consists of two opposing, limited material-free areas in the pipe wall; in a rod, it consists of a channel completely enclosed by material, thus largely preserving the structural integrity of the strand component. In contrast, solutions with opposing recesses have larger material-free areas, which can lead to a greater weakening of the strand component.

[0011] Furthermore, the inclusion of a transverse feedthrough allows for the absorption of higher axial forces. While a clamp held in lateral recesses can be more easily deformed or pushed out under axial load, a pin element guided through a transverse feedthrough can transmit significantly higher axial forces without the connection failing.

[0012] Furthermore, the pin element fulfills a dual function: In addition to its safety function in the event of firing, it simultaneously allows at least one further string component (in particular a joint part and / or a housing tube) to be secured to the string component (hollow cylinder or rod) associated with the spring locking element, at least in the direction of the spring force. This eliminates the need for an additional locking element for the axial fixation of the respective further string component, which further simplifies the design and reduces assembly effort.

[0013] Specifically, it is proposed that the spring locking element is formed by a pin element extending along a geometric pin element axis, which is designed to absorb the axial force of the drive spring arrangement at least in the case of firing when assembled, and to axially secure at least one further strand component at least in the direction of action of the spring force to the strand component assigned to the spring locking element.

[0014] According to the particularly preferred embodiment of claim 2, the axial securing of the at least one further strand component to the strand component associated with the spring locking element can also be effected opposite to the direction of action of the spring force, thereby achieving an axially fixed coupling in both directions. Further measures for the axially fixed coupling of these two components can then be simpler or even completely omitted.

[0015] Claim 3 specifies particularly preferred components as the strand components that can be axially secured to the strand component associated with the spring locking element, namely the joint part and the housing tube.

[0016] Claim 4 specifies particularly preferred embodiments of the connection between the joint part, as the further strand component in question, which is axially secured via the pin element, and the strand component associated with the spring locking element, which further simplify the design and reduce the assembly effort.

[0017] According to the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 5, the pin element forms a rotation lock in the circumferential direction around the geometric drive axis between the strand component associated with the spring locking element and the further strand component, thus having a further function which simplifies the construction even further.

[0018] Particularly preferred embodiments of the pin element are specified in claims 6 and 7.

[0019] Claims 8 and 9 define various preferred embodiments of a drive housing for the adjustment arrangement.

[0020] According to the preferred embodiment according to claim 10, the adjustment arrangement is designed as a spindle drive with a spindle-spindle nut drive or as a gas pressure element with a gas-filled gas pressure element cylinder and a gas pressure element piston rod axially guided therein or as a purely mechanical spring-driven, in particular purely linearly adjustable, piston-cylinder arrangement.

[0021] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows Fig. 1 in a schematic perspective view the rear of a motor vehicle with a proposed adjustment arrangement, Fig. 2 in a sectional view a proposed adjustment arrangement a) in a retracted position and b) in an extended position, Fig. 3 in an enlarged sectional view a detail of the proposed adjustment arrangement according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. Further embodiments of the proposed adjustment arrangement are shown in an enlarged sectional view.

[0022] The in the Fig. 2 and Fig. The adjustment arrangement 1 shown in drawing 3, which is designed as a motor-driven adjustment arrangement 1, is here, and preferably in a manner to be explained below, configured as a spindle drive 2. The further details, in Fig. The adjustment arrangements 1 shown in Figure 4 of the drawing, each of which is designed as a motorless adjustment arrangement 1, are here and preferably designed as a gas pressure element 3 in a manner to be explained below.

[0023] The proposed adjustment arrangement 1 in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 serves for the motorized and simultaneously spring-driven adjustment of an adjusting element 4, in particular a flap, of a motor vehicle 5. According to the... Fig. 1. A tailgate of the motor vehicle 5. Regarding other designs of the adjusting element 4, reference is made to the list in the introductory part of the description.

[0024] Several, in particular two, adjustment arrangements 1 can be provided for adjusting the adjustment element 4. In particular, a motor-driven adjustment arrangement 1 can be provided, for example according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, and a motorless adjustment arrangement 1, for example according to Fig. 4, are planned.

[0025] To transmit linear drive movements to the motor vehicle 5, the adjusting arrangements 1 shown in the figures each have two joint parts 7 that are adjustable relative to each other along the geometric drive axis 6 between a retracted position and an extended position. These joint parts are preferably identical in construction. The adjusting arrangements 1 also each have a drive unit 8, which comprises a drive train with several drive-related (i.e., force- or torque-transmitting) train components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 to transmit a force introduced into the drive connections 9, which is generated in particular by a motor or introduced from the outside. The drive unit 8 includes, among other things, a hollow cylinder 10 and a rod 11 axially guided therein as train components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22, which is made of solid material ( Fig. 4b)) or as a hollow body ( Fig. 4a), c) and d)). The hollow cylinder 10 and the rod 11 are pre-tensioned against each other, here and preferably in the extended position of the adjusting arrangement 1. The extended position is reached here in the state mounted on the motor vehicle 5 when the adjusting element 4 or the flap is in the fully open position ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2b)). Accordingly, the retracted position of the adjustment arrangement 1 is reached when the adjustment element 4 or the flap is in the fully closed position ( Fig. 2a)).

[0026] "Axial" here and subsequently always means parallel to the geometric drive axis 6 of the adjustment arrangement 1.

[0027] In a spindle drive 2 as an adjustment arrangement 1 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) Here, the rod 11 is preferably a spindle 12, and the hollow cylinder 10 is a spindle guide tube 13 with a spindle nut 14 arranged axially and rotationally fixed to it, meshing with the spindle 12 via a screw engagement. Such a spindle-spindle nut drive is well known and requires no further explanation here. Here, preferably, the spindle-spindle nut drive can be actuated in the usual manner via an optional drive motor of the motorized drive unit 8.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the proposed adjustment arrangement 1 can also be purely spring-driven, thus also serving for non-motorized, exclusively spring-driven adjustment of the adjustment element 4. In this case, the proposed adjustment arrangement 1 has a non-motorized drive unit 8. Such an adjustment arrangement 1 can be configured as described in Fig. 4 as a gas pressure element 3, but also in principle as a purely mechanical spring-driven piston-cylinder arrangement, in particular as a purely linearly adjustable piston-cylinder arrangement or as a (then motorless) spindle drive 2.

[0029] The adjusting arrangement 1, even in the case of a gas pressure element 3, comprises, among other things, a hollow cylinder 10 and a rod 11 as components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22, which will be described in more detail below. Here, and preferably, the hollow cylinder 10 and the rod 11 are biased against each other, also in the extended position, by means of a gas filled into the hollow cylinder 10. In a purely mechanically spring-driven piston-cylinder arrangement, the adjusting arrangement 1 also comprises, among other things, a hollow cylinder 10 and a rod 11 as components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22, but in this case, the hollow cylinder 10 and the rod 11 are only mechanically spring-loaded and not biased against each other, particularly also in the extended position, by means of a gas filled into the hollow cylinder 10.The following applies accordingly not only to a motorized spindle drive 2 and a gas pressure element 3, but equally to a purely mechanical spring-driven piston-cylinder arrangement.

[0030] As previously indicated, the adjustment arrangements 1 described here, and thus preferred, each have two joint parts 7. The adjustment arrangements described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The upper joint part 7 shown in section 2, together with a counter-joint part 15 on the vehicle side, which is arranged here on the adjusting element 4, forms a first drive connection 9 for coupling with the adjusting element 4. The part shown in the Fig. The lower joint part 7 shown in Figures 1 to 4, together with a vehicle-side counter-joint part 15, which is arranged here on the vehicle body, forms a second drive connection 9 for coupling to the rest of the vehicle 5. Here, and preferably, both joint parts 7 each have a ball socket which is articulated to a ball joint of the respective counter-joint part 15. In principle, it is also conceivable that the joint parts 7 have a ball joint and the counter-joint part 15 has a ball socket.

[0031] How Fig. 2 and the enlarged detail views in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, one joint part 7 is axially fixed to the hollow cylinder 10 and the other joint part 7 - in the case of the spindle drive 2 via the drive motor and an optional reduction gear - is axially fixed to the rod 11.

[0032] Furthermore, the proposed adjustment arrangement 1, as part of the drive unit 8, comprises a drive spring arrangement 16 with at least one drive spring 17, here exactly one drive spring 17, wherein the drive spring arrangement 16 acts on the two joint parts 7 by providing an axial spring force, here and preferably a compressive force, alternatively also a tensile force (not shown), i.e., is pre-tensioned on them. By means of the drive spring arrangement 16, and in the case of a gas pressure element 3 additionally by the gas filled into the hollow cylinder 10, the joint parts 7 are pre-tensioned against each other, here in the extended position. The at least one drive spring 17, here exactly one drive spring 17, is in particular a helical spring and here and preferably a helical compression spring.In principle, according to another embodiment not shown here, it is also conceivable to provide a helical extension spring as part of the drive spring arrangement 16, in addition to or as an alternative to a helical compression spring.

[0033] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 to 4, that the adjustment arrangement 1 has at least one spring locking element 18. If, as a result of one of the situations mentioned in the introductory part of the description (fire, unintentional decoupling of joint part 7 and counter-joint part 15, breakage of the counter-joint part 15, icing), a firing event occurs, i.e., the at least one drive spring 17 expands abruptly, the spring locking element 18 prevents the at least one drive spring 17 from being released and causing damage outside the adjustment arrangement 1. Thus, the spring locking element 18 catches the respective drive spring 17 in the event of firing and directs the force, in particular the impact force, into one of the components hereinafter referred to as the associated string component 10, 11 or the string component 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18, according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 into the hollow cylinder 10, which may optionally also have an elongated end extension, and according to Fig. 4 into the pole 11.

[0034] To ensure this, in the assembled state, i.e., in the assembled state of the adjustment arrangement 1, there is an axially fixed connection in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring arrangement 16 between the respective spring retaining element 18 and the respective associated string components 10, 11. In particular, this connection is axially fixed in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring arrangement 16 to another element that forms the respective other spring bearing for the at least one drive spring 17.

[0035] In the case of a spindle drive 2 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) The one of the string components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 to which the spring retaining element 18 is axially fixed in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring assembly 16, here the hollow cylinder 10, is held by a screw engagement on the other of the string components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22, here the rod 11, so that an axial force resulting from the drive spring assembly 16 can be transmitted between the hollow cylinder 10 and the rod 11. Specifically, the screw engagement consists between the spindle nut 14, which is axially fixed to the hollow cylinder 10, and the spindle 12 forming the rod 11. Both the hollow cylinder 10 and the rod 11 are, in turn, axially fixed in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring assembly 16 to an axial spring bearing for the at least one drive spring 17.The axially fixed spring bearing for the hollow cylinder 10 in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring assembly 16 is provided by one of two housing tubes 19, 20, an inner housing tube 19 or an outer housing tube 20, and in particular by a radially inwardly projecting housing tube section 21 of the housing tube 19, 20. The axially fixed spring bearing for the rod 11 in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring assembly 16 is formed by a further element, here a support element on the drive motor side.

[0036] In the case of a gas pressure element 3 ( Fig. 4) The one of the string components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 to which the spring locking element 18 is axially fixed in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring assembly 16, here the rod 11, is axially fixed to the other of the string components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22, here the hollow cylinder 10, via a positive locking in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring assembly 16, wherein in this case both the hollow cylinder 10 and the rod 11 are also axially fixed to an axial spring bearing for the at least one drive spring 17, again in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring assembly 16. The spring bearing, which is axially fixed to the rod 11 in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring assembly 16, is provided by a single housing tube 22, and in particular by a radially inwardly projecting housing tube section 21 of the single housing tube 22.The axially fixed spring bearing for the hollow cylinder 10 in the direction of action of the spring force of the drive spring arrangement 16 is provided by the hollow cylinder 10 itself and is formed in particular by a radially inwardly projecting section of material of the hollow cylinder 10 (not shown).

[0037] In this context, the term "axially fixed" refers to a form-fit and / or force-fit and / or material-fit connection or an integral connection (one-piece design).

[0038] To provide its locking function in the direction of the spring force or along the geometric drive axis 6, the spring locking element 18 projects radially into the axial projection P of the material of the drive spring assembly 16 and is configured to absorb the axial spring force. The "material of the drive spring assembly" 16 can be the spring material of the drive spring assembly 16 and / or the material of an optional spring force transmission component (not shown here) of the drive spring assembly 16. The spring material is, in particular, the spring material of the single drive spring 17 or one of several drive springs 17 of the drive spring assembly 16. In the preferred helical spring, which is, in particular, a helical compression spring, the projection P is the projection P of the spring wire from which the spring coils are wound.The term “spring material” thus refers to the area of ​​the drive spring arrangement 16 in which material of a drive spring 17 is actually present and in particular the spring coils.

[0039] The embodiment shown in the figures, which is preferred in this respect, relates to an adjustment arrangement 1, in particular a spindle drive 2 or a gas pressure element 3, for adjusting an adjustment element 4, in particular a flap, of a motor vehicle 5, wherein the adjustment arrangement 1 has two joint parts 7 adjustable relative to each other along a geometric drive axis 6 between a retracted position and an extended position for transmitting linear drive movements to the motor vehicle 5, each of which forms a drive connection 9 with a counter-joint part 15 on the motor vehicle side for coupling to the adjustment element 4 on the one hand and to the motor vehicle 5 on the other, wherein the adjustment arrangement 1 has a motorized or non-motorized drive unit 8, wherein the drive unit 8 has a drive train with several drive-technically coupled train components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22,to transmit a force introduced into the drive connections 9, wherein the drive unit 8 comprises, as string components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22, a hollow cylinder 10 and a rod 11 axially guided therein, wherein one of the joint parts 7 is axially fixedly coupled to the hollow cylinder 10 and the other of the joint parts 7 is axially fixedly coupled to the rod 11, wherein the adjusting arrangement 1 comprises a drive spring arrangement 16 with at least one drive spring 17, which acts on the two joint parts 7 by providing an axial spring force, wherein the adjusting arrangement 1 comprises a spring locking element 18, wherein in the assembled state there is an axially fixed connection between the spring locking element 18 and one of the string components 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18, wherein the spring locking element 18 projects radially into an axial projection P of the material of the drive spring arrangement 16 and is configuredto absorb an axial force of the drive spring assembly 16.

[0040] It is essential that the spring locking element 18 is formed by a pin element 24 extending along a geometric pin element axis 23, which is designed to absorb the axial force of the drive spring arrangement 16 at least in the case of firing when assembled, and in particular also to transmit an axial force resulting from the absorbed axial force to the associated string components 10, 11.

[0041] For axial fixation of the spring locking element 18, a first transverse passage 25 is preferably formed in the associated component of the string 10, 11, i.e., the hollow cylinder 10 or the rod 11. According to the exemplary embodiment, the first transverse passage 25 is formed in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, in which a hollow cylinder 10 forms the associated strand components 10, 11, formed by two opposing, limited material-free areas, i.e., openings, in particular boreholes, in the pipe wall. According to the embodiments in Fig. 4, in which a rod 11 forms the associated of the strand components 10, 11, the first transverse passage 25 is formed by a continuous channel completely enclosed by material.

[0042] In the present context, a “transverse feedthrough” 25, 26, 27 refers to a structure in a component (here in the respective associated strand component 10, 11, in the respective joint part 7 or in the respective housing tube 19, 20) which either consists of two opposing openings, each completely surrounded by material, or of a continuous channel completely surrounded by material.

[0043] Furthermore, it is essential that the pin element 24 is arranged to axially secure at least one further of the string components 7, 19, 20, 22, in particular the joint part 7 and / or the housing tube 19, 20, 22, at least in the direction of action of the spring force, to the string components 10, 11 assigned to the spring locking element 18, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0044] As the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the pin element 24 is also designed to axially secure, in the assembled state, at least one further of the string components 7, 19, 20, 22, in particular the joint part 7 and / or one of the housing tubes 19, 20, 22, to the string components 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18, also against the direction of action of the spring force.

[0045] Furthermore, it is provided here, and preferably in all embodiments, that one of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22, which is axially secured to the strand component 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18, at least in the direction of the spring force, is one of the joint parts 7. Here, and preferably, the joint part 7 is axially secured to the strand component 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18 both in and against the direction of the spring force. The joint part 7 can, in principle, be axially secured solely by the pin element 24, but here, and preferably, it is additionally secured to the strand component 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18. Fig. 2 to 4), for example by crimping, rolling and / or gluing).

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, as in the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4a) to c) it is provided that one of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 in question, which is axially secured to the strand components 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18 at least in the direction of action of the spring force, is a housing tube 19, 20, 22. Here, and preferably, the housing tube 19, 20, 22 is axially secured to the strand components 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18 either exclusively in the direction of action of the spring force ( Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4c)) or is axially secured both in and against the direction of action of the spring force ( Fig. 4a) and Fig. 4b)).

[0047] For axial securing of the respective of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 to the strand component 10, 11, the hollow cylinder 10 or the rod 11 associated with the spring securing element 18, by means of the pin element 24, if the axial securing takes place both in and against the direction of action of the spring force, a second transverse passage 26 or a third transverse passage 27 is formed in the respective of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22, as is explained below.

[0048] Thus, if one of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 in question is formed by the joint part 7, a second transverse passage 26 is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown here and preferably in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 as well as in the exemplary embodiments in Fig. 4a), c) and d) of a continuous channel enclosed by material and in the embodiment in Fig. 4b) formed by two opposing openings, in particular boreholes.

[0049] If one of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 in question is formed by a housing tube 19, 20, 22, a third transverse passage 27 is preferably provided in the exemplary embodiments in Fig. 4a) and b) formed by two opposing openings, in particular boreholes.

[0050] In the latter case, if one of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 in question is formed by the respective housing tube 19, 20, 22, it can be, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 as well as in the embodiment in Fig. 4c), as stated above, the strand component 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18 is axially secured only in the direction of the spring force. Here, each of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 or the housing tube 19, 20, 22 is axially secured to the spring locking element 18, in particular exclusively, by means of an axial positive fit. For this purpose, a contact surface is formed on each of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 or on each of the housing tubes 19, 20, 22, in particular by the housing tube section 21, over which each of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 or the respective housing tube 19, 20, 22 bears against the spring locking element 18 in the axial direction, here axially acted upon by the spring force.

[0051] As an alternative to the preceding design, it is also conceivable that each of the housing tubes 19, 20, 22 is not axially secured to the locking element, but rather, and in particular exclusively, to the joint part 7 by means of an axial positive fit. In this case, which is exemplified in Fig. As shown in Figure 4d), an axial distance a is provided between the single housing tube 22, in particular the housing tube section 21, and the pin element 24, at least in the normal state of the adjusting arrangement 1. A contact surface, in particular formed by an end-face edge 28 of the single housing tube 22, is formed on the single housing tube 22, via which it rests against the joint part 7 in the axial direction, here axially acted upon by the spring force. Here, and preferably, the single housing tube 22, in particular via its end-face edge 28, rests against a radially outwardly projecting joint part section 29 (joint part collar) of the joint part 7 for its axial securing. The force flow here runs from the drive spring arrangement 16 or drive spring 17 via the single housing tube 22 to the joint part 7 and then on to the pin element 24 and from there into the associated of the string components 10, 11.

[0052] Such a radially outwardly projecting joint section 29 of the joint part 7 is also present in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4c) is provided. However, an axial distance b is provided here between the single housing tube 22, in particular the end-face edge 28, and the joint section 29, at least in the normal state of the adjustment arrangement 1, since the axial securing of the single housing tube 22 is preferably achieved by contact with the locking element. The force flow here runs from the drive spring arrangement 16 or drive spring 17 via the single housing tube 22 to the pin element 24 and then on to the associated string component 10, 11.

[0053] As previously explained, if said joint part 7 is axially secured to the string component 10, 11 associated with the spring locking element 18 both in and against the direction of the spring force, the second transverse passage 26 can be formed either by a continuous channel or by two opposing openings. The design of the second transverse passage 26 depends on the type of connection between the component associated with the spring locking element 18 and the joint part 7, as explained below.

[0054] It can be provided that the joint part 7, which here forms one of the further strand components 7, 19, 20, 22 in question, is attached externally to the strand components 10, 11 associated with the spring retaining element 18, in the embodiment in Fig. 4b) is attached to the rod 11. The joint part 7 is then, in particular, partially hollow, thereby forming an axial receptacle for the rod 11. Alternatively, it can be provided that the joint part 7 is internally located within the section of the string components 10, 11 associated with the spring retaining element 18, as in the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 into the hollow cylinder 10 and in the embodiments in Fig. 4a), c) and d) are inserted into the rod 11. The associated strand component 10, 11, here the rod 11, is then, at least in sections, hollow, thereby forming an axial receptacle for the joint part 7.

[0055] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the pin element 24 forms a rotation lock in the circumferential direction around the geometric drive axis 6 between the string components 10, 11 assigned to the spring locking element 18 and the respective further string components 7, 19, 20, 22.

[0056] Thus, the pin element 24, by being guided through the first transverse passage 25 and the second transverse passage 26, forms, in the embodiments in the Fig. 2 to 4 form a circumferential anti-rotation device between the hollow cylinder 10 or the rod 11 and the joint part 7. Furthermore, the pin element 24, by being guided through the first transverse passage 25, and optionally also the second transverse passage 26, and the third transverse passage 27, forms, in the embodiments shown in the Fig. 4a) and b) a circumferential anti-rotation device between the rod 11 or the joint part 7 and the single housing tube 22.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the pin element 24 is secured against rotation about the geometric pin element axis 23 in the first transverse passage 25, thus in the one of the string components 10, 11 assigned to the spring locking element 18, and / or in the second transverse passage 26 and / or third transverse passage 27, thus in the respective one of the further string components 7, 19, 20, 22.

[0058] For this purpose, and preferably in a section orthogonal to the geometric axis 23 of the pin element, the pin element 24 has a non-circular outer contour and the respective transverse passage 25, 26, 27 has a corresponding non-circular inner contour. In principle, the pin element 24 can also have other outer contours, in particular a circular outer contour. In particular, the pin element 24 can also have a polygonal outer contour, for example, a square or hexagonal one.

[0059] Accordingly, it can also be provided that the pin element 24 is a cotter pin, a round rod which may be hollow or made of solid material, or a polygon, for example a square or hexagonal pin.

[0060] The pin element 24 is, and preferably is, a metal part and / or a standard part. A standard part in this sense is a component, particularly one made of metal, which is specified and described in detail in a national (e.g., German or DIN), regional (e.g., European or EN), or international (e.g., ISO) standard. Standard parts are not usually manufactured in-house but are purchased from specialized manufacturers.

[0061] Furthermore, and preferably, the adjustment arrangement 1 includes a drive housing. The drive housing accommodates one or more of the string components 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22, in particular at least the hollow cylinder 10, the rod 11 and / or at least one drive spring 17, and thus provides a housing function for these components. The drive housing can be designed differently.

[0062] According to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The drive housing comprises an outer housing tube 19, 20 and an inner housing tube 19, which telescopically slide into one another when adjusted between the retracted and extended positions. Here, and preferably, the two housing tubes 19, 20 are axially fixed to each of the joint parts 7 associated with them. The inner housing tube 19 is axially fixed to that joint part 7 which is axially fixed to the string component 10, 11 associated with the spring retaining element 18. A radially inwardly projecting, in particular collar-shaped, housing tube section 21 of the inner housing tube 19 is preferably held axially between the drive spring assembly 16 and the spring retaining element 18. In the present case, the inner housing tube 19 is associated with the hollow cylinder 10, that is, axially fixed to the hollow cylinder 10 during normal operation.In another embodiment, not shown here, the housing tube 19, 20 associated with the hollow cylinder 10 can also be the outer housing tube 19, 20. In this case, the outer housing tube 19, 20 is preferably axially fixed to that of the joint parts 7 which is axially fixed to the string component 10, 11 associated with the spring retaining element 18. A radially inwardly projecting, in particular collar-shaped, housing tube section 21 of the outer housing tube 20 is then preferably held axially between the drive spring assembly 16 and the spring retaining element 18.

[0063] Alternatively, as the examples in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the adjusting arrangement 1 comprises a drive housing with only a single housing tube 22, which, during adjustment between the retracted and extended positions, telescopically slides into the hollow cylinder 10 (not shown here). Here, and preferably, the single housing tube 22 and the rod 11 are axially fixed to each of the joint parts 7. The single housing tube 22 is axially fixed to that joint part 7 which is axially coupled to the string component 10, 11 associated with the spring retaining element 18. A radially inwardly projecting, in particular collar-shaped, housing tube section 21 of the single housing tube 22 is preferably held axially between the drive spring arrangement 16 and the spring retaining element 18.

[0064] As previously explained, the adjustment arrangement 1 can be designed as a spindle drive 2, wherein the strand component 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 forming the hollow cylinder 10 is a spindle guide tube 13 with an axially fixed and rotationally fixed spindle nut 14, and the strand component 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 forming the rod 11 is a spindle 12 meshing with the spindle nut 14, in particular designed from solid material ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0065] Alternatively, as mentioned, the adjusting arrangement 1 can be designed as a gas pressure element 3, wherein the string component 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 forming the hollow cylinder 10 is a gas-filled gas pressure element cylinder and the string component 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 forming the rod 11 is a gas pressure element piston rod axially guided therein, in particular designed as a hollow body ( Fig.4) Or it may be provided that the adjusting arrangement 1 is designed as a purely mechanical spring-driven, in particular purely linearly adjustable, piston-cylinder arrangement, wherein the string component 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 forming the hollow cylinder 10 is a pressureless cylinder and the string component 7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22 forming the rod 11 is a piston rod axially guided therein.

Claims

[1] Adjustment arrangement, in particular a spindle drive (2) or gas pressure element (3), for adjusting an adjustment element (4), in particular a flap, of a motor vehicle (5), wherein the adjustment arrangement (1) has two joint parts (7) adjustable relative to each other along a geometric drive axis (6) between a retracted position and an extended position for transmitting linear drive movements to the motor vehicle (5), each joint part forming a drive connection (9) with a motor vehicle-side counter-joint part (15) for coupling to the adjustment element (4) on the one hand and to the motor vehicle (5) on the other, wherein the adjustment arrangement (1) has a motorized or non-motorized drive unit (8), wherein the drive unit (8) has a drive train with several drive-technically coupled train components (7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22) in order to transmit a force introduced into the drive connections (9),wherein the drive unit (8) comprises, as string components (7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22), a hollow cylinder (10) and a rod (11) axially guided therein, wherein one of the joint parts (7) is axially fixedly coupled to the hollow cylinder (10) and the other of the joint parts (7) is axially fixedly coupled to the rod (11), wherein the adjusting arrangement (1) comprises a drive spring arrangement (16) with at least one drive spring (17) which acts on the two joint parts (7) by providing an axial spring force, wherein the adjusting arrangement (1) comprises a spring locking element (18), wherein in the assembled state there is an axially fixed connection between the spring locking element (18) and one of the string components (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18), wherein the spring locking element (18) projects radially into an axial projection (P) of the material of the drive spring arrangement (16) and is configured to exert an axial force to accommodate the drive spring assembly (16), , characterized by. that the spring locking element (18) is formed by a pin element (24) extending along a geometric pin element axis (23), which is arranged to absorb the axial force of the drive spring arrangement (16) at least in the case of firing when assembled and to axially secure at least one further of the string components (7, 19, 20, 22) at least in the direction of action of the spring force to the string component (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18). [2] Adjustment arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the pin element (24) is arranged to axially secure at least one further of the strand components (7, 19, 20, 22) to the strand component (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18) against the direction of action of the spring force. [3] Adjustment arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that a further of the strand components (7, 19, 20, 22), which is axially secured to the strand components (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18) at least in the direction of action of the spring force, is one of the joint parts (7), preferably that the joint part (7) is axially secured to the strand components (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18) both in and against the direction of action of the spring force, and / or, that a further of the strand components (7, 19, 20, 22), which is axially secured to the strand components (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18) at least in the direction of action of the spring force, is a housing tube (19, 20), preferably that the housing tube (19, 20) is axially secured to the strand components (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18) either exclusively in the direction of action of the spring force or both in as well as being axially secured against the direction of action of the spring force. [4] Adjustment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the joint part (7) is attached to the outside of the string component (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18) or is inserted into the inside of the string component (10, 11) associated with the spring locking element (18). [5] Adjustment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pin element (24) forms a rotation lock in the circumferential direction around the geometric drive axis (6) between the strand component (10, 11) assigned to the spring locking element (18) and the respective further strand component (7, 19, 20, 22). [6] Adjustment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pin element (24) is secured against rotation about the geometric pin element axis (23) in the first transverse passage (25) and / or in the second transverse passage (26) and / or third transverse passage (27). [7] Adjustment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pin element (24) is a cotter pin, a round rod or a polygon, for example a square or hexagonal pin. [8] Adjustment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adjusting arrangement (1) has a drive housing with an outer housing tube (20) and an inner housing tube (19) which telescopically slide into each other during an adjustment between the retracted position and the extended position, preferably that a radially inwardly projecting, in particular collar-shaped, housing tube section (21) of the inner housing tube (19) or of the outer housing tube (20) is held axially between the drive spring arrangement (16) and the spring locking element (18), further preferably that the housing tube section (21) is held axially between the drive spring (17) and the locking section, in particular between the drive spring (17) and the spring force transmission part or between the spring force transmission part and the locking section. [9] Adjustment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adjusting arrangement (1) has a drive housing with a single housing tube (22) which, when adjusted between the retracted position and the extended position, telescopically slides into the hollow cylinder (10), preferably that a radially inwardly projecting, in particular collar-shaped, housing tube section (21) of the single housing tube (22) is held axially between the drive spring arrangement (16) and the spring locking element (18), further preferably that the housing tube section (21) is held axially between the drive spring (17) and the locking section, in particular between the drive spring (17) and the spring force transmission part or between the spring force transmission part and the locking section. [10] Adjustment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adjusting arrangement (1) is designed as a spindle drive (2), wherein the strand component (7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22) forming the hollow cylinder (10) is a spindle guide tube (13) with a spindle nut (14) axially fixed and rotationally fixed to it, and the strand component (7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22) forming the rod (11) is a spindle (12) meshing with the spindle nut (14), in particular made of solid material, or, that the adjusting arrangement (1) is designed as a gas pressure element (3), wherein the strand component (7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22) forming the hollow cylinder (10) is a gas-filled gas pressure element cylinder and the strand component (7, 10, 11, 19, 22) forming the rod (11) is a 20, 22) is a gas pressure element piston rod axially guided therein, or that the adjusting arrangement (1) is designed as a purely mechanical spring-driven, in particular purely linearly adjustable, piston-cylinder arrangement, wherein the string component (7, 10, 11, 19, 20) forming the hollow cylinder (10)22) a pressureless cylinder and the string component (7, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22) forming the rod (11) is a piston rod axially guided therein.

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