Drive mechanism for linearly moving an interior component and interior component of a vehicle interior

Abstract

A drive mechanism (10) for the linear displacement of an interior component (1) of a vehicle interior is proposed. The drive mechanism (10) comprises a housing (20) extending in a longitudinal direction (y), a carriage (30) displaceable relative to the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (y), a worm drive (40) with a worm shaft (410) and a worm wheel (420) driven or driven by the worm shaft (410), and a leadscrew (50) extending along the longitudinal direction (y) and fixedly connected to the housing (20). The worm wheel (420) is fixedly coupled to the carriage (30) and meshes with the leadscrew (50). The leadscrew (50) is positively connected to the housing (20) at least transversely to the longitudinal direction (y).

Description

The present intellectual property right lies in the field of mechanical engineering, in particular automotive engineering. It relates to a drive mechanism for the linear displacement of an interior component of a vehicle interior and to an interior component of a vehicle interior. The interior component can be a center console, a vehicle seat, or a vehicle seat component. Drive mechanisms for the linear displacement of an interior component of a vehicle interior are known in the prior art, e.g., from KR 2019-0048406 A, CN 111661201 A, and CN 117445771 A. These show comparatively complex drive mechanisms with lead screws running parallel to the displacement direction, along which a carriage connected to the interior component is slidably mounted. The known drive mechanisms can have the disadvantage of being susceptible to vibrations, especially over relatively long displacement distances. The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved and / or alternative drive mechanism. The improvement may, in particular, consist of enabling the stable, i.e., virtually vibration-free, movement of an interior component of a vehicle interior in the simplest possible manner. According to the invention, this problem is solved by a drive mechanism for the linear displacement of an interior component of a vehicle interior, as well as an interior component of a vehicle interior, with the features of the corresponding independent claims. Possible embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures. A drive mechanism for the linear displacement of an interior component of a vehicle interior is proposed. The drive mechanism comprises a housing extending longitudinally, a carriage displaceable relative to the housing along the longitudinal direction, a worm drive with a worm shaft and a worm wheel driven or driven by the worm shaft, and a leadscrew extending longitudinally and fixedly connected to the housing. The worm wheel is fixedly coupled to the carriage and meshes with the leadscrew. The leadscrew is positively connected to the housing at least transversely to the longitudinal direction. Because the worm wheel of the worm drive is fixedly coupled to the carriage, while the leadscrew is fixedly and, in particular, at least transversely to the longitudinal direction, positively connected to the housing, a linear displacement of the interior component can be stabilized in a particularly simple way, even along a comparatively long displacement path. For the purposes of this document, "transverse" is defined as any direction that does not run along the longitudinal direction. In a narrower definition, this direction can be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Thus, a corresponding positive locking mechanism transverse to the longitudinal direction can absorb any forces acting orthogonally to the longitudinal direction. A cross-section is subsequently defined as a cutting plane that runs orthogonally to the longitudinal direction and intersects the components described. Components that are not displaceable relative to each other, particularly along the longitudinal direction, or in other words, are stationary relative to each other, particularly along the longitudinal direction, are defined as being fixed in position relative to each other. A leadscrew is fundamentally characterized by having external teeth, or simply teeth, meaning it has at least one section with teeth on its outer surface. A worm gear in meshing engagement with the leadscrew and, in this case, its external teeth, can then roll along the leadscrew. The external teeth can be designed as a (helical) external thread. In cross-section, the leadscrew can be designed as a partial cylinder. In other words, the leadscrew can simply describe a pitch circle in cross-section. A circular section of the leadscrew extending longitudinally can then encompass the external teeth or the external thread. For example, the leadscrew can be designed as a half-cylinder with a circular side containing the external teeth or the external thread and a flat side closing off the circular side.The flat side can rest against the casing. The worm shaft can extend along the longitudinal direction. The worm shaft can be relatively short compared to the leadscrew. The total length of the worm shaft 410, measured in the y-direction, must not exceed 1 / 5, 1 / 10, or 1 / 15 of the total length of the leadscrew. The worm gear can mesh with the worm shaft. In this case, the worm shaft and leadscrew preferably have analogous external teeth, particularly with respect to their gear geometry. Alternatively, additional gears can be provided, for example, between the worm shaft and the worm gear, to provide a desired gear ratio. The leadscrew can comprise two opposing tongues extending along the longitudinal direction. The housing can then comprise two opposing pockets or grooves extending along the longitudinal direction, with the tongues engaging positively in the pockets transversely to the longitudinal direction. The tongues can thus be designed as projections that engage in the corresponding pockets. If the leadscrew is designed as a partial cylinder, e.g., a half-cylinder, the tongues can project radially or at least transversely to the longitudinal direction from the respective ends of their corresponding pitch circles in the cross-section of the leadscrew. If the leadscrew is designed as a half-cylinder, it can have a hat-shaped cross-section, meaning the tongues protrude from the flat side of the leadscrew. The pockets or grooves can have cross-sectional shapes complementary to the tongues.The tongues and pockets provide a positive-locking connection between the leadscrew and the housing transversely to the longitudinal direction. The pockets and / or tongues can extend along the entire length of the leadscrew. The tongues and pockets also allow the leadscrew to be easily inserted into the pockets during assembly of the drive mechanism. The housing can include end caps at its opposite ends along the longitudinal direction, which, for example, after assembly, also provide a positive-locking connection between the leadscrew and the housing longitudinally. Alternatively or additionally, the leadscrew can be bolted to the housing or connected in some other way (e.g., by frictional connection). The end caps can simultaneously form a stop that limits the carriage's movement in both directions along the longitudinal direction. The worm drive can include a motor configured to rotate the worm shaft bidirectionally. The motor thus allows the carriage to be moved in both directions along its longitudinal axis. In a particularly simple embodiment, the worm drive can consist solely of the worm shaft and the worm wheel, apart from the motor. In this embodiment, the worm shaft simultaneously serves as the output shaft of the motor. The motor is preferably an electric motor. The worm drive can be fixedly coupled to the carriage. For example, the motor can be permanently connected to the carriage, e.g., bolted to it. The worm drive can be completely enclosed within the housing or can be arranged within it. The worm gear, which is fixedly coupled to the carriage, can be rotatably connected to the carriage. The worm gear can, for example, be connected to the carriage via a swivel bearing. The carriage may include a support structure that is at least partially mounted within the housing. The support structure may be configured to support the carriage within the housing. The support structure may be positively connected or coupled to the housing transversely to its longitudinal direction. The carriage may include wheels that support the carriage against the housing, with the respective direction of travel of the wheels being parallel to the longitudinal direction. The carriage may include lower wheels that, when the drive mechanism is used as intended, support the carriage downwards against the housing in the direction of gravity. The carriage may include upper wheels that, when the drive mechanism is used as intended, support the carriage upwards against the housing in the direction of gravity, e.g., against an upper cover of the housing.Guide grooves may be provided to keep the wheels, or a portion thereof, in the track along the longitudinal direction. These guide grooves may run parallel to the longitudinal direction. The guide grooves may be enclosed by the housing. The wheels may be attached to the support structure and / or be part of the support structure. The carriage may be designed as a two-track carriage and include at least four wheels, with at least two of the at least four wheels being provided for each track. The corresponding wheels may be lower wheels that support the carriage downwards against the housing. At least four similarly designed upper wheels may be provided that support the carriage upwards against the housing. As an alternative to a carriage with wheels, the carriage may also be designed as a slide that is slidably mounted within the housing. The total length of the leadscrew can be between 0.3 m and 2.5 m. Preferably, the total length can be between 0.8 m and 1.3 m. This can be particularly advantageous for interior components designed as a center console. The carriage can be displaceable along the entire total length of the leadscrew. The leadscrew can extend over the entire length of the housing. Furthermore, an interior component of a vehicle interior is proposed. This interior component can be a center console, a vehicle seat, or a vehicle seat component such as an armrest, a seat cushion, or a cushion length adjustment mechanism. The interior component comprises at least one drive mechanism for linearly displacing the interior component relative to the vehicle interior, as described herein. The carriage of the drive mechanism can be permanently coupled or connected to the interior component. Alternatively, the interior component can be coupled or connected to the drive mechanism solely via the carriage. The load of the interior component can be distributed across several drive mechanisms and / or carriages of analogous design. Several embodiments have been disclosed herein. Further embodiments are explained with reference to the following exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. The drawings and the detailed description are to be considered exemplary and not limiting. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the drive mechanism according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows a further schematic perspective view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of selected components of the embodiment according to Fig. 1. Figures 1, 2, 3 to 4 schematically show an embodiment of a drive mechanism 10 according to the invention. Recurring features are identified by the same reference numerals in the figure description. The features are described collectively for all figures, and reference is made to individual figures only when it proves useful. The drive mechanism 10 shown for linearly displacing an interior component 1 of a vehicle interior comprises a housing 20 extending in a longitudinal direction y, a carriage 30 displaceable relative to the housing 20 along the longitudinal direction y, a worm drive 40 with a worm shaft 410 and a worm wheel 420 driven or driveable by the worm shaft 410, and a leadscrew 50 extending along the longitudinal direction y and fixedly connected to the housing 20. The worm wheel 420 is fixedly coupled to the carriage 30 and meshes with the leadscrew 50. The leadscrew 50 is positively connected to the housing 30 at least transversely to the longitudinal direction y. As defined above, any direction not running along the longitudinal direction y is considered transverse. In a narrower definition, this direction can be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction y, i.e., in the x,z-plane. Thus, a corresponding positive locking connection transverse to the longitudinal direction y can absorb any forces acting orthogonally to the longitudinal direction along an x,z-plane. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 2, the leadscrew 50 is designed in cross-section (i.e., in the x,z plane) as a partial cylinder, such that the leadscrew 50 only describes a partial circle in cross-section. Thus, the leadscrew 50 is designed as a half-cylinder with a circular end, which has the external teeth or thread, and a flat end that closes off the circular end. The flat end rests against the housing 20. The overall length of the leadscrew 50, as shown in Fig. 3, can be between 0.3 m and 2.5 m. Preferably, the overall length can be between 0.8 m and 1.3 m. The carriage 30 is displaceable along the entire overall length of the leadscrew 50. The leadscrew 50 extends over the entire length of the housing 20, see Fig. 3. The worm shaft 410 extends along the longitudinal direction y and is comparatively short compared to the leadscrew 50. Thus, the total length of the worm shaft 410, measured in the y-direction, is no more than 1 / 15 of the total length of the leadscrew 50. The worm gear 420 meshes with the worm shaft 410. The worm shaft 410 and leadscrew 50 have analogous external teeth, particularly with regard to their tooth geometry. This is designed as a helical external thread. Alternatively, further gears can be provided, for example, between the worm shaft 410 and the worm gear 420, to provide a desired gear ratio. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 2, the leadscrew 50 comprises two opposing tongues 511, 512 extending along the longitudinal direction y. The housing 20 comprises two opposing pockets or grooves 211, 212 extending along the longitudinal direction y, wherein the tongues 511, 512 engage positively in the pockets 211, 212 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction y. Thus, the tongues 511, 512 are designed as projections that engage in the corresponding pockets 211, 212. In the cross-section (x,z-plane) of the leadscrew 50, the tongues 511, 512 extend radially to the longitudinal direction y from the respective ends of their corresponding pitch circles. As a result, the leadscrew 50 is hat-shaped, with the tongues 511, 512 protruding from the flat side of the leadscrew 50. The pockets 211, 212 are shaped in cross-section to complement the tongues 511, 512.The housing 20 can include end elements at its opposite ends along the longitudinal direction y (not shown here), which, for example, after assembly, positively connect the leadscrew 50 to the housing 20 in the longitudinal direction y. The pockets 211, 212 and tongues 511, 512 extend along the entire length of the leadscrew 50. Alternatively or additionally, the leadscrew 50 can be screwed to the housing 20 or connected in some other way (e.g., by frictional connection). The end elements can simultaneously form a stop that limits the movement of the carriage 30 in both directions along the longitudinal direction y. The worm drive 40 comprises a motor 430, which is configured to rotate the worm shaft 410 bidirectionally. The worm shaft 410 simultaneously forms the output shaft of the motor 430. The motor 430 is an electric motor. The worm drive 40 is fixedly coupled to the carriage 30. In this case, the motor 430 is fixedly connected to the carriage 30, for example, by being bolted to it. The worm drive 40 is completely enclosed within the housing 30. As indicated in Fig. 2, the worm wheel 420, which is fixedly coupled to the carriage 30, is rotatably connected to the carriage 30 via a rotary bearing 60. The carriage 30 comprises a support structure 310, which is at least partially mounted in the housing 20. The support structure 310 is designed to support the carriage 30 within the housing 20. The support structure 310 is positively coupled to the housing 20 orthogonally to the longitudinal direction y. In this case, the support structure 310 is designed on both sides of the carriage 30 along the longitudinal direction y as a stepped projection that extends into the housing 20, which is essentially closed in the x,z plane, and is designed to prevent or at least limit displacement of the carriage 30 within the housing 20 along both the x and z directions by means of a positive fit. The carriage 30 comprises running wheels 321 to 324 and 331 to 334, which support the carriage 30 against the housing 20, the respective running direction of the running wheels 321 to 324 and 331 to 334 being parallel to the longitudinal direction y.The carriage 30 comprises four lower running wheels 321 to 324, which support the carriage 30 downwards (i.e., opposite to the depicted z-direction) against the housing 20, and four upper running wheels 331 to 334, which support the carriage 30 upwards (i.e., in the depicted z-direction) against an upper cover of the housing 20. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the housing 20 also includes guide grooves which, in this case, keep at least the lower running wheels 321 to 324 in the track along the longitudinal direction y. The guide grooves run parallel to the longitudinal direction y. The running wheels 321 to 324 and 331 to 334 are rotatably attached to the support structure 310. The car 30 is designed as a two-track car 30, with two lower and two upper running wheels 321, 323 and 331, 333 or 322, 324 and 332, 334 provided for each track.As an alternative to a carriage 30 with running wheels, the carriage 30 can also be designed as a sled which is supported in the housing 20 in a sliding manner. The functional unit of the interior component 1 of a vehicle interior, which is movable by means of the drive mechanism 10 shown – i.e., for example, a center console, a vehicle seat, or a vehicle seat component such as an armrest, a seat cushion, or a cushion length adjustment – ​​is indicated in the present figures only as a base plate that is integrally connected to the carriage 30. In this case, the interior component 1 comprises only one drive mechanism 10. However, the load of the functional unit of the interior component 1 can also be distributed across several drive mechanisms 10 and / or carriages 30 designed analogously to one another. Thus, in this case, a channel on the left side is formed in the housing 20, as shown in the illustrations, in which the worm drive 40 and the leadscrew 50 are arranged. Additionally, for example,A second worm drive and a second leadscrew, also designed analogously, may be arranged in the right channel of the housing, which is designed analogously in this case. The drive mechanism 10 according to the invention contributes to stable guidance of the interior component 1 in a particularly simple and space-saving manner, especially over comparatively long displacement distances, such as those provided by lead screws with a total length of up to 1.3 m or up to 2.5 m. Reliable forward and reverse drive of the interior component 1 along the longitudinal direction y can be provided, ensuring stable, i.e., vibration-free, guidance. The fact that the components rotating relative to the other components (here, the worm gear and the worm shaft) can be comparatively short in the longitudinal direction also contributes to vibration-free displacement. Furthermore, the proposed drive mechanism can be particularly safe in vehicle accident situations, since a worm drive is inherently self-locking and thus prevents unwanted displacement of the carriage 30.This is further enhanced by the fact that the present worm drive 40 and the drive mechanism 10 are comparatively simple in design and comprise only a few components. Additional elements, such as the support structure 310, impellers 321 to 324 and 331 to 334 and / or guide grooves, and their interaction can contribute to the aforementioned effects and advantages. Further examples of implementation will become obvious to the expert. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature KR 2019-0048406 A

[0002] CN 111661201 A

[0002] CN 117445771 A

[0002]

Claims

Drive mechanism (10) for linearly displacing an interior component (1) of a vehicle interior, comprising: a housing (20) extending in a longitudinal direction (y); a carriage (30) displaceable relative to the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (y); a worm drive (40) with a worm shaft (410) and a worm wheel (420) driven or driven by the worm shaft (410); a leadscrew (50) extending along the longitudinal direction (y) and fixedly connected to the housing (20); wherein the worm wheel (420) is fixedly coupled to the carriage (30) and is in meshing engagement with the leadscrew (50); and wherein the leadscrew (50) is positively connected to the housing (20) at least transversely to the longitudinal direction (y). Drive mechanism (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lead screw (50) is designed as a partial cylinder which describes a pitch circle in the cross-section of the lead screw (50), and wherein the worm wheel (420) is in meshing engagement with the lead screw (50) at least partially along the pitch circle in the cross-section of the lead screw (50). Drive mechanism (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the worm shaft (410) extends along the longitudinal direction (y). Drive mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lead screw (50) comprises two opposing tongues (511, 512) extending along the longitudinal direction (y) and wherein the housing (20) comprises two opposing pockets (211, 212) extending along the longitudinal direction (y), wherein the tongues (511, 512) engage in the pockets (211, 212) transversely to the longitudinal direction (y) in a form-fitting manner. Drive mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the worm drive (40) is fixedly coupled to the carriage (30). Drive mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carriage (30) comprises a support structure (310) which is at least partially mounted in the housing (20). Drive mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carriage (30) comprises running wheels (321, 322, 323, 324, 331, 332, 333, 334) which support the carriage (30) against the housing (20), wherein the respective running direction of the running wheels (321, 322, 323, 324, 331, 332, 333, 334) is parallel to the longitudinal direction (y). Drive mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the total length of the leadscrew (50) is between 0.3 m and 2.5 m or between 0.8 m and 1.3 m. Drive mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the worm drive (40) comprises a motor (430) configured to rotate the worm shaft (410) bidirectionally. Interior component (1) of a vehicle interior, in particular a center console, a vehicle seat or a vehicle seat component, wherein the interior component (1) comprises at least one drive mechanism (10) for linearly displacing the interior component (1) relative to the vehicle interior according to one of the preceding claims.

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