Connection joint assembly for connecting a length-adjustable drive assembly to a motor vehicle

Abstract

Connection joint arrangement for connecting a length-adjustable drive arrangement (2) to a motor vehicle, in particular to a locking element (3) of the motor vehicle and / or to the motor vehicle (1) in all other respects, with a ball stud (5) and with a ball socket unit (6), wherein the ball stud (5) has a ball head (7) and a stud shaft (8), wherein the stud shaft (8) has a support shoulder (9) and a fastening section (10) for fastening the ball stud (5) to the motor vehicle (1) or the drive assembly (2), wherein the ball socket unit (6) comprises a ball socket (11) for receiving the ball head (7), a fastening section (12) for fastening the ball socket unit (6) to the drive assembly (2) or the motor vehicle (1) and two opposing support sections (13), which are designed to support themselves in the axial direction on the support shoulder (9) of the ball stud (5) in the assembled state, depending on the load of the connecting joint arrangement (4), characterized by that the support sections (13) each have a convex support surface (14) for support on the support shoulder (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting joint arrangement for connecting a length-adjustable drive arrangement to a motor vehicle, in particular to a locking element and / or to the motor vehicle in general, according to the preamble of claim 1, a drive arrangement for motorized adjustment of a locking element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 11, and a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 14.

[0002] Motorized adjustment of locking elements is of particular importance for increasing the comfort of motor vehicles. These locking elements include, for example, tailgates and / or trunk lids. Other types of locking elements in this sense are hoods, doors, especially side or rear doors, and the like.

[0003] Typically, drive arrangements for adjusting a locking element comprise a drive unit with a motor and a transmission, as well as a feed mechanism, in particular a spindle-spindle nut drive. This feed mechanism converts a rotary movement about the longitudinal axis of the feed mechanism into an axial extension or shortening of the drive arrangement.

[0004] In these drive arrangements, the torque generated by the motor and transmitted to the spindle or spindle nut must be supported to prevent the other gear component of the feed mechanism from rotating freely, ensuring it remains rotationally fixed relative to a housing within the drive assembly. This results in the desired axial movement of the feed mechanism for adjusting the locking element. However, such torque support, typically achieved through an anti-rotation device between housing elements of the drive assembly, occupies a considerable amount of radial space, thus increasing the overall installation space required for the drive unit. In the case of trunk lids or tailgates, this can impact both the trunk capacity and the vehicle's exterior design, particularly if the drive unit is located in the C-pillar area.

[0005] DE 20 2006 006 792 U1 proposes relocating the torque support to the connecting joints. To this end, it proposes support sections on a ball socket unit of the connecting joints, which are supported exclusively in the radial direction on the bolt shank.

[0006] In the known drive arrangement (US 7,320,198 B2), from which the invention is based, the ball socket unit is supported axially by support surfaces on a support shoulder of the ball stud. The support surfaces of the ball socket unit are designed as flat planes and result in the connecting joint arrangement of this drive arrangement allowing movement essentially only about the longitudinal axis of the ball stud and only very limited movement about rotational axes deviating from this axis.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing the known drive arrangement in such a way that, with good use of installation space, a simple connecting joint arrangement is created which provides torque support and allows the connecting joint to move with as little restriction as possible.

[0008] The above problem is solved in a connecting joint arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0009] The essential consideration is to provide convex support surfaces which, in relation to the ball stud, are supported axially on the support shoulder of the ball stud and thus not radially.

[0010] Specifically, it is proposed to provide a ball stud and a ball socket assembly with two opposing support sections. These support sections are designed to bear axially against the support shoulder of the ball stud, depending on the load on the connecting joint assembly in the assembled state. Each support section has a convex support surface for bearing against the support shoulder. The convex support surface allows for quiet pivoting movements whose axis of rotation is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the ball stud. Allowing for greater inclinations of the axis of rotation to the longitudinal axis of the ball stud also makes it possible to use the drive assembly for locking elements in vehicles with steeply inclined C-pillars.

[0011] This design allows for small axial distances between the support surfaces and the support shoulder, enabling direct torque support when a drive motor of the drive assembly is activated, eliminating the need to traverse a larger gap or freewheel. Furthermore, the gap can be essentially the same or constant for different axes of rotation. Therefore, even for pivoting movements where the axes of rotation deviate from the longitudinal axis of the ball stud, a defined distance between the support surfaces and the support shoulder can be achieved in this way. Moreover, this results in uniform support across the pivoting range, preferably with a consistent support surface. This is particularly advantageous when the axis of rotation shifts during adjustment of the locking element.Finally, the provision of a small, essentially constant distance due to the convex shape of the support surface, especially for different starting positions of the locking element, makes it possible to reduce or avoid noise when starting the drive assembly and the support surfaces are placed against the support shoulder.

[0012] The preferred embodiments according to claim 2 represent different possibilities for the design of the convex support surface which, when pivoting, ensure a gap that is as constant as possible or contact that is as uniform as possible between the support surfaces and the support shoulder.

[0013] The torque support is particularly uniform when the support surface has a radius as specified in claim 3.

[0014] To minimize noise generation during load changes or start-up of the drive, the support surfaces preferably lie against the support shoulder without play or have the distance specified in claim 4.

[0015] Claims 5 to 7 describe further preferred embodiments of the support sections and their orientation to the ball stud.

[0016] To further improve the noise characteristics of the connecting joint arrangement, buffer elements can be provided according to claim 8.

[0017] To ensure that the ball socket unit is securely held on the ball stud, even when the support sections are axially supported on the support shoulder, a clamping unit is provided here and preferably as described in claim 9.

[0018] Claim 10 describes preferred degrees of freedom for the rotation of the connecting joint arrangement.

[0019] According to a further teaching, which has independent significance, the above problem in the drive arrangement according to the preamble of claim 11 is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 11. Reference may be made to the descriptions of the proposed connecting joint arrangement with regard to its advantages and embodiments.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of this drive arrangement are described in claims 12 and 13.

[0021] According to a further teaching, which has independent significance, the above problem is solved in a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 14 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 14. Reference may be made to the descriptions of the proposed connecting joint arrangement and the proposed drive arrangement with regard to the advantages and embodiments.

[0022] According to claim 15, the motor vehicle may have a second length-adjustable drive arrangement.

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows Fig. 1 the rear of a proposed motor vehicle with a proposed drive arrangement, Fig. 2 an enlarged representation of the drive arrangement Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a) a side view of a proposed connecting joint arrangement, b) a top view of the proposed connecting joint arrangement according to Fig. 3a), c) a sectional view of the connecting joint arrangement according to the Fig. 3b) along line AA and Fig. 4 a) a sectional view of the connecting joint arrangement according to Fig. 3a) along line IV-IV and b) a corresponding sectional view of a further embodiment of a proposed connecting joint arrangement.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows the rear of a proposed motor vehicle 1 with a proposed drive arrangement 2. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the drive arrangement 2 serves for the motorized adjustment of a locking element 3. Regarding the possible design of the locking element 3, reference is made to the introductory section.

[0025] Here, and preferably, the locking element 3 with the drive arrangement 2 is motor-adjustable from an open position, in particular a fully open position, to a closed position.

[0026] The proposed drive arrangement 2, which is length-adjustable, has a proposed connecting joint arrangement 4. Exemplary embodiments of such a connecting joint arrangement 4 are described in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown.

[0027] The proposed connecting joint arrangement 4 serves to connect the length-adjustable drive arrangement 2 to a motor vehicle 1, here to a locking element 3 of a motor vehicle 1 and / or to the rest of the motor vehicle 1. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. The drive arrangement 2 has two connecting joint arrangements 4. One connecting joint arrangement 4 is attached to the locking element 3, here a rocker arm 3a of the locking element 3, and the other connecting joint arrangement 4 is attached to the motor vehicle 1.

[0028] The connecting joint assembly 4 has a ball stud 5 and a ball socket assembly 6. The ball stud 5 has a ball head 7 and a stud shank 8, the stud shank 8 having a support shoulder 9 and a fastening section 10 for fastening the ball stud 5 to the motor vehicle 1 or the drive assembly 2.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. The drive arrangement 2 has two connecting joint arrangements 4. The ball stud 5 of one connecting joint arrangement 4 is attached with its fastening section 10 to the locking element 3 of the motor vehicle 1, and the ball stud 5 of the other connecting joint arrangement 4 is otherwise attached to the motor vehicle 1.

[0030] The ball socket unit 6 has a ball socket 11 for receiving the ball head 7, a mounting section 12 for attaching the ball socket unit 6 to the drive assembly 2 or the motor vehicle 1, and two support sections 13 opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the ball stud 5. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2. The ball socket units 6 of the connecting joint assemblies 4 are each attached to the drive assembly 2 with their mounting section 12. The fastening is preferably positive locking and / or friction locking and / or material locking.

[0031] The support sections 13 are designed to bear axially against the support shoulder 9 of the ball stud 5, depending on the load on the connecting joint assembly 4 in the assembled state. Here, the support sections 13 bear axially against the longitudinal axis L of the ball stud 5. The longitudinal axis L is the axis of rotation and / or torsional symmetry of the ball stud 5.

[0032] Furthermore, the support sections 13 each have a convex support surface 14 for support on the support shoulder 9. This allows for particularly effective torque support of the drive assembly 2 via the connecting joint assembly 4 or connecting joint assemblies 4. In addition, the convex support surfaces 14 allow for defined support and prevent unwanted noise generation during operation of the drive assembly 2, especially at the beginning of an adjustment of the locking element 3.

[0033] The convex support surface 14 preferably comprises a circular arc segment and / or an elliptical arc segment and / or planar sections with varying slopes. In the exemplary embodiments, the support surface 14 is formed by a circular arc segment. This is a cylindrical shell segment. In the exemplary embodiment, and preferably, the support surface 14 has a radius R, which is essentially the distance A. K along the longitudinal axis L of the ball stud 5 from the center point M of the ball head 7 to the support shoulder 9. The cylinder or rotation axis M A the cylindrical shell section associated with this support surface 14 runs here and preferably as in the Fig. 3c shown through the center point M of the ball head 7. The support surfaces 14 can rest against the support shoulder 9 without play. Preferably, when the other support surface 14 rests against the support shoulder 9, one support surface 14 has an axial distance A relative to the bolt shank 8. a on, which is smaller than 2 mm, preferably 1 mm, further preferably 0.5 mm, further preferably 0.1 mm, further preferably 0.05 mm. By means of a small provided axial distance A a A clearance, which is desired, for example, to compensate for temperature fluctuations and different expansions of the ball socket unit 6 and ball stud 5, can be easily implemented. Furthermore, by providing only a small clearance, impact noise of a support surface 14 upon contact with the support shoulder 9 at the beginning of an adjustment process of the adjusting element 3 can be reduced or avoided.

[0034] Again Fig. As can be seen from section 4, the support sections 13, in the assembled state, are positioned opposite each other, particularly diametrically, with respect to the ball stud 5. They are supported exclusively by the support shoulder 9 in the axial direction of the ball stud 5. They are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane E in which the longitudinal axis L of the ball stud 5 lies. During adjustment of the locking element 3, sliding and / or rolling of the support surfaces 14 on the support shoulder 9 is ensured. The surface of the support shoulder 9 on which the support surfaces 14 slide and / or roll extends in a plane E in the assembled state. A orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the ball stud 5.

[0035] The support sections 13 extend, here and preferably in the assembled state, at least partially parallel to a plane E in which the longitudinal axis L of the ball stud 5 lies. Furthermore, the support sections 13 extend, here and preferably in the assembled state, from the ball socket 11, in particular linearly, in the direction of the support shoulder 9.

[0036] The support sections 13 always have a radial distance A, here and preferably at least in the intended use of the drive arrangement. r to the bolt shaft 8. This is in the Fig. 4 shown. This radial distance A r The difference is here and preferably at least 0.5 mm, further preferably at least 1 mm.

[0037] To further optimize the noise damping behavior of the drive assembly 2 or the connecting joint assembly 4, the support sections 13 can, preferably each, have a buffer element 15. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 4b The buffer element 15 is embedded in the support section 13. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be injection-molded onto the support section 13. Here, and preferably, each section 13 is assigned its own buffer element 15. However, it can also be provided that the support sections 13 have a common buffer element 15. Here, and preferably, the buffer element 15 forms at least one section of the convex support surface 14.

[0038] The buffer element 15 is, and preferably is, an elastic buffer element 15, preferably made of rubber. Apart from the elastic buffer element, the exemplary embodiment corresponds to the Fig. 4b essentially the same as the Fig. 4a.

[0039] To ensure a secure connection between the ball stud 5 and the ball socket unit 6, the connecting joint assembly 4 can include a clamping unit 16, preferably made of metal, for securing the ball stud 5 in the ball socket 11 of the ball socket unit 6. This clamping unit can absorb the support forces that occur during torque support and which could otherwise cause the ball socket unit 6 to detach from the ball stud 5. The clamping unit 16 is preferably designed as a stamped and bent part and / or as a single piece.

[0040] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the clamping unit 16 surrounds the ball socket 11 on the outside. It preferably extends through the ball socket 6. The clamping unit 16 secures the ball stud 5 inside the ball socket 6. In this embodiment, the clamping unit 16 surrounds the ball stud 5 below the ball head 7, here with its end sections 17. The end face of the end sections 17 is preferably convex.

[0041] Here, and preferably, the respective clamping unit 16 is supported during torque support on the respective support section 13 which effects the torque support.

[0042] To tighten and / or loosen the connection between the ball stud 5 and the ball socket unit 6, the clamping unit 16 is here and preferably removable from the connecting joint assembly 4. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen in section 3a, the clamping unit 16 can be pulled off the ball socket unit 6 and / or the ball stud 5.

[0043] To stiffen the clamping unit 16, it can have embossed sections 18. These are formed here, and preferably in the area where the clamping unit 16 passes through the ball socket unit 6. These embossed sections 18 serve to support the clamping unit 16 on the support sections 13 during torque support.

[0044] The connecting joint arrangement 4 allows, here and preferably, free rotation about the longitudinal axis L of the ball stud 5. Furthermore, it allows, here and preferably, limited rotation about a rotational axis M. A , which passes through the center point M of the ball head 7 and is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the ball bolt 5. The axis of rotation M A This is identical to the cylinder or rotary axis M. A .

[0045] Preferably, this axis of rotation M AAdditionally, substantially parallel to an imaginary connecting line V that connects the two support sections 13 and / or additionally substantially orthogonal to the support sections 9. This limited rotation is preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 20°, more preferably at least 25°. Its maximum is preferably 40°, more preferably 35°, more preferably 30°. This is shown in dashed-dotted lines in the Fig. 3c shown. This maximum limited rotation of the connecting joint assembly 4 is preferably not achievable when the drive assembly 2 is installed in the motor vehicle 1 during adjustment of the locking element 3.

[0046] The proposed drive arrangement 2 will now be demonstrated using the Fig.2 will be described in more detail. It serves for the motorized adjustment of the locking element 3 of the motor vehicle 1. With the drive arrangement 2, the locking element 3 can be motorized and adjusted between an open position and a closed position.

[0047] For this purpose, it comprises a motorized drive unit 19 and a feed mechanism 20 for adjusting the length of the drive assembly 2. Furthermore, the drive assembly can include a spring 25, in particular a helical spring, preferably a tension spring, to assist in adjusting the locking element 3. Preferably, the feed mechanism 20 is arranged within the helical spring.

[0048] In the drive arrangement 2, the length adjustment takes place here and preferably relative to the connection points of the drive arrangement 2, at least one of which is designed as a proposed connecting joint arrangement 4. In the exemplary embodiment, both connection points are designed as a proposed connecting joint arrangement 4.

[0049] Here, and preferably, the motor drive unit 19 comprises a drive motor 21, in particular an electric one, and optionally a transmission gearbox 22 and / or a brake and / or clutch 23, in particular an overload clutch.

[0050] The feed drive 20 is preferably designed as a spindle-spindle nut drive. The torque support is located in the connecting joint assembly 4. The feed drive 20 and / or the housing 24 of the drive assembly 2 do not have a torque support for a torque induced by the drive motor 21. Apart from the torque support provided by the connecting joint assembly 4, no torque support is provided here.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment, and preferably, the feed gear 20 has a longitudinal axis L V and the drive motor 21 a longitudinal axis L A The longitudinal axis Lv is here, and preferably, the axis of rotation of a spindle of the feed gear 20 and / or the longitudinal axis L. A The axis of rotation of the motor shaft of the drive motor 21 is here, and preferably so. The longitudinal axes L A , L VIn the exemplary embodiment, these axes run transversely, in particular orthogonally, to each other. Alternatively, these longitudinal axes L A , L V They also run parallel, and especially coaxially, to each other. This is particularly advantageous for tailgates of station wagons and / or sport utility vehicles.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that a motor vehicle 1 can have two of the previously described drive arrangements 2 for adjusting the locking element 3. These are then preferably each arranged on one side of the locking element 3. The drive arrangements 2 can be located in the area of ​​the trunk and / or the C-pillar of the motor vehicle 1 when the locking element 3 of the motor vehicle 1 is closed. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] 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

[0000] DE 20 2006 006 792 U1

[0005] US 7,320,198 B2

[0006]

Claims

[1] Connecting joint arrangement for connecting a length-adjustable drive arrangement (2) to a motor vehicle, in particular to a locking element (3) of the motor vehicle and / or to the motor vehicle (1) in the remainder, with a ball stud (5) and with a ball socket unit (6), wherein the ball stud (5) has a ball head (7) and a stud shaft (8), wherein the stud shaft (8) has a support shoulder (9) and a fastening section (10) for fastening the ball stud (5) to the motor vehicle (1) or the drive assembly (2), wherein the ball socket unit (6) comprises a ball socket (11) for receiving the ball head (7), a fastening section (12) for fastening the ball socket unit (6) to the drive assembly (2) or the motor vehicle (1) and two opposing support sections (13), which are designed to support themselves in the axial direction on the support shoulder (9) of the ball stud (5) in the assembled state, depending on the load of the connecting joint arrangement (4), characterized by , that the support sections (13) each have a convex support surface (14) for support on the support shoulder (9). [2] Connecting joint arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the convex support surface (14) has at least one circular arc section and / or at least one elliptical arc section and / or at least one straight section, preferably that the convex support surface (14) has several straight sections with varying slopes. [3] Connecting joint arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the convex support surface (14) has a radius (R) which is essentially the distance (A K) along the longitudinal axis of the ball stud (5) from the center point (M) of the ball head (7) to the support shoulder (9). [4] Connecting joint arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support surfaces (14) rest against the support shoulder (9) without play and / or that one support surface (14) when the other support surface (14) rests against the support shoulder, maintains an axial distance (A) relative to the bolt shank (8). a ) has a thickness that is smaller than 2 mm, preferably 1 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm. [5] Connecting joint arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the assembled state, with respect to the ball stud (5), the support sections (13) are opposite each other, in particular diametrically, and / or are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane (E) in which the longitudinal axis (L) of the ball stud (5) lies. [6] Connecting joint arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support sections (13) extend at least sectionally parallel to a plane (E) in which the longitudinal axis (L) of the ball stud (5) lies when assembled, and / or that the support sections (13) extend from the ball socket (11) in the direction of the support shoulder (9) when assembled, in particular linearly. [7] Connecting joint arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support sections (13), at least in the intended use of the drive arrangement (2), always have a radial distance (A r ) to the bolt shaft (8), preferably that the radial distance (A r ) at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm. [8] Connecting joint arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the support sections (13), preferably each, have a buffer element (15), preferably that the buffer element (15) is embedded in the support section (13) and / or is sprayed onto it, further preferably that the buffer element (15) forms at least one section of the convex support surface (14). [9] Joint connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connecting joint arrangement (4) has a clamping unit (16), in particular a metallic one, for fastening the ball stud (5) in the ball socket (11) of the ball socket unit (6), preferably that the clamping unit (16) surrounds the ball socket (11) on the outside and secures the ball stud (5) through the ball socket (11). [10] Connecting joint arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the connecting joint arrangement (4) allows free rotation about the longitudinal axis (L) of the ball stud (5) and / or limited rotation about a rotation axis (M) A ), which passes through the center point (M) of the ball head (7) and is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (L) of the ball bolt (5). [11] Drive arrangement for motorized adjustment of a locking element (3) of a motor vehicle (1) comprising a motor drive unit (14) and a feed gear (20) for length adjustment of the drive arrangement (2), characterized by that the drive arrangement (2) has at least one first connecting joint arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, by means of which the drive arrangement (2) can be attached to the locking element (3) or to the motor vehicle in the rest. [12] Drive arrangement according to claim 11, characterized by, that the drive arrangement (2) has a second connecting joint arrangement (4) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drive arrangement (2) can be attached to the locking element (3) via the first connecting joint arrangement (4) and can be attached to the motor vehicle in the remainder (1) via the second connecting joint arrangement (4). [13] Drive arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the drive unit (2) has a drive motor (21) with a longitudinal axis (L A ) and that the feed mechanism (20) has a longitudinal axis (Lv), wherein the longitudinal axis (L A ) of the drive motor (21) and the longitudinal axis (Lv) of the feed gear (20) run parallel, in particular coaxially, or transversely, in particular orthogonally, to each other. [14] Motor vehicle with a locking element (3) adjustable from an open position to a closed position and with a length-adjustable drive arrangement (2) for adjusting the locking element (3), characterized by , that the drive arrangement (2) is designed according to one of claims 11 to 13, and / or, that the drive arrangement (2) has a connecting joint arrangement (4) according to one of claims 1 to 10. [15] Motor vehicle according to claim 14, characterized by , that the motor vehicle (1) has a second length-adjustable drive arrangement (2) for adjusting the locking element (3) which is designed according to one of claims 11 to 13, and / or that the drive arrangement (2) has a connecting joint arrangement (4) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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