Drive, especially spindle drive

Abstract

Drive, in particular spindle drive, for adjusting an adjusting element (2), in particular a flap, of a motor vehicle (3), wherein the drive (1) for coupling to the motor vehicle (3) has a first drive connection (8) and a second drive connection (9), wherein the drive (1) has a drive train (4) with two drive sections that can be adjusted relative to one another, in particular linearly, along a geometric drive axis (14) between a retracted position and an extended position, with a plurality of train components that are coupled to one another in a force-transmitting or torque-transmitting manner in order to transmit a force introduced into the drive connections (8, 9), wherein each of the drive sections is assigned to one of the drive connections (8, 9), wherein the drive (1) has a feed gear (7) for carrying out, in particular linear, drive movements along the geometric drive axis (14), wherein one of the two drive sections has a drive unit (15) with a drive motor (5), followed by the feed gear (7), wherein the drive motor (5) has a motor shaft (6) having a geometric motor shaft axis (16) which transmits a torque generated by the drive motor (5), and a bearing arrangement (17) with at least one motor shaft bearing (11) having a geometric bearing center axis (18) which is designed to radially support the motor shaft (6), characterized in that that the drive (1) has a radial force introduction unit (19) which is designed such that it radially loads the rotating motor shaft (6) in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft (6) lies in defined contact with one side of the motor shaft bearing (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive, in particular a spindle drive, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The drive in question can be used for all possible adjustment elements of a motor vehicle. Examples include a tailgate, a trunk lid, a door, in particular a side door, a hood, or the like of a motor vehicle.

[0003] The known prior art (DE 10 2020 113 958 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to a drive in the form of a spindle drive. This drive has a drive train with several train components via which torque can be transmitted. In this drive train, the torque is transmitted from the motor shaft of a drive motor to an input-side feed gear component of a feed gear. The feed gear is designed here as a spindle-spindle nut gear with a spindle and a spindle nut meshing with it, with the input-side feed gear component of the feed gear being formed by the spindle. The spindle-spindle nut gear converts rotary movements into linear drive movements between two drive connections of the drive. Furthermore, a reduction gear designed as a planetary gear is connected between the drive motor and the feed gear.The drive motor has a bearing arrangement with at least one motor shaft bearing for supporting the motor shaft.

[0004] The motor shaft is usually mounted with radial play (bearing play), allowing the motor shaft to move radially, albeit only slightly, relative to the rest of the drive motor, especially relative to the motor housing. One challenge here is the tendency of the motor shaft to oscillate freely, accompanied by modulating noise.

[0005] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known drive in such a way that an optimization is achieved with regard to the noise development in the drive.

[0006] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterising part of claim 1.

[0007] The fundamental idea is to force the motor shaft, which is particularly subject to radial play, radially against a motor shaft bearing assigned to it, thereby preventing free oscillation and suppressing the associated modulating noise. This is achieved by applying a targeted, one-sided load to the motor shaft, which clamps the motor shaft in the motor shaft bearing (or, in the case of multiple motor shaft bearings, in one or two of the motor shaft bearings). This causes the motor shaft to assume a defined position in the motor shaft bearing, which improves smooth running.

[0008] In particular, it is proposed that the drive has a radial force introduction unit which is designed to apply radial force to the rotating motor shaft in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing.

[0009] Claims 2 and 3 define a force application means which enables a targeted and controlled application of a radial force to the motor shaft and ensures a defined contact of the motor shaft on one side of the motor shaft bearing.

[0010] Claims 4 and 5 specify the preferred location of the radial force introduction unit and the force application means within the drive. For example, the motor shaft is often particularly susceptible to vibration on the axial side of the drive motor facing the feed gear. However, in principle, an arrangement elsewhere in the drive may also be advantageous, for example, for reasons of easier assembly and maintenance, for example, on the side of the drive motor facing away from the feed gear. The arrangement can be inside or outside the motor housing.

[0011] According to the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 6, the force application means that effects the radial loading or deflection of the motor shaft is a preferably elastic bracket, in particular made of metal and / or a spring plate. Such a component can be installed particularly easily and in a space-saving manner radially between existing train components and / or transmission components, one of which is a drive part coupled to the motor shaft in a torque-transmitting manner or is formed by the motor shaft itself.

[0012] According to claim 7, the bracket can be secured against rotation via one or more outwardly directed edges at its end to ensure that the motor shaft maintains its defined position in the motor shaft bearing. For a rotationally fixed connection, the bracket is anchored, particularly radially outward, to one of the train components and / or transmission components.

[0013] Claim 8 relates to a reduction gear connected downstream of the drive motor, which, according to claim 9, particularly preferably comprises a planetary gear. In this case, the bracket is installed in particular between two gear components, one of which is the drive part coupled to the motor shaft in a torque-transmitting manner. The drive part, which is radially acted upon or deflected by the force application means, is preferably the sun gear of the planetary gear. Claim 10 specifies the arrangement of the bracket radially between the sun gear and the ring gear of the planetary gear.

[0014] According to the likewise particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 11, the force application means that effects the radial loading or deflection of the motor shaft is a preferably rigid, annular additional part, in particular made of metal and / or cast material, that extends around the motor shaft. Examples here are polyetheretherketone, polypropylene, polyphthalamide, or polyketone.

[0015] Claims 12 to 15 relate to further particularly preferred variants of the force application means.

[0016] Claim 16 specifies the arrangement of the annular additional part radially between the motor shaft and the motor shaft bearing or one of the motor shaft bearings radially supporting the motor shaft.

[0017] Claim 17 specifies preferred variants of the course of the motor shaft axis in the state radially acted upon by the radial force introduction unit or the force application means.

[0018] Claim 18 relates to a particularly preferred embodiment in which the feed gear is designed as a spindle-spindle nut gear.

[0019] According to the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 19, the drive has a drive housing with an inner housing tube and an outer housing tube, which radially surrounds the radial force introduction unit or the force application means in order to protect these components from the environment of the drive.

[0020] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. In the drawing, Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the rear area of ​​a motor vehicle with at least one proposed drive, as well as the drive in a partially sectioned side view in the retracted state and, quite schematically, the motor shaft of a drive motor of the drive in various load conditions, Fig. 2 for a first embodiment of the proposed drive a) sectional views of an axial section of the drive and b) exploded views of the axial section of the drive, Fig. 3 for a second embodiment of the proposed drive a) sectional views of an axial section of the drive and b) exploded views of the axial section of the drive and Fig. 4 different variants of an annular additional part for the second embodiment of the proposed drive according to Fig. 3.

[0021] The drive 1 shown in the drawing, here and preferably spindle drive, is used for the motorized adjustment of a Fig. 1 of an adjusting element 2 of a motor vehicle 3, configured as a tailgate, for example. While this is advantageous, it should not be understood as limiting. Rather, the proposed drive 1 can be used for all possible adjusting elements 2 of a motor vehicle 3, for example, also for a trunk lid, a door, in particular a side door, a hood, or the like of a motor vehicle 3.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows that the drive 1 has a drive train 4 with several train components. Train components, in this sense, are components within the drive 1 that can transmit forces and / or, as in this case, torques necessary for adjusting the adjustment element 2.

[0023] The drive train 4 comprises a drive motor 5, which has a motor shaft 6 extending in an axial direction, and a feed gear 7, which has an input-side feed gear component and an output-side feed gear component, for generating drive movements, in particular linear ones, between two drive connections 8, 9. A "feed gear component" is a gear component that is necessary for generating a feed movement, for example a threaded rod ("spindle"), rack or the like. The two drive connections 8, 9 are in Fig. 1 end of the drive 1 and serve to transfer the drive movements to the motor vehicle 3, namely the first drive connection 8 to the adjusting element 2 and the second drive connection 9 to the motor vehicle 3.

[0024] The motor shaft 6 is mounted, here and preferably in a motor housing 10 of the drive motor 5, radially and here also axially via at least one motor shaft bearing 11. The motor shaft 6 is usually mounted with a radial play, the so-called bearing play, between the motor shaft bearing 11 and the motor shaft 6, so that the motor shaft 6 is radially movable, albeit only to a small extent, relative to the drive motor 5, in particular relative to the motor housing 10.

[0025] In this context, a motor housing 10 of the drive motor 5 must be distinguished from an optional drive housing 12 of the proposed drive 1, which will be described in more detail below and which, in addition to the drive motor 5, also at least partially radially surrounds a reduction gear 13 and / or the feed gear 7. Rather, the motor housing 10 supports and protects the electrical and mechanical components of the drive motor 5 (e.g., the stator, the rotor, the commutator, the windings, or the like), but does not surround the reduction gear 13 or the feed gear 7.

[0026] The drive motor 5 with its motor shaft 6 on the one hand and the feed gear components of the feed gear 7 on the other hand each form line components of the drive train 4. A torque can be transmitted from the motor shaft 6 via further line components of the drive train 4 to the input-side feed gear component of the feed gear 7.

[0027] The embodiment shown in the figures and thus preferred relates accordingly to a drive 1, in particular a spindle drive, for adjusting an adjusting element 2, in particular a flap, of a motor vehicle 3, wherein the drive 1 has a first drive connection 8, here the adjusting element-side drive connection 8, and a second drive connection 9, here the body-side drive connection 9, for coupling to the motor vehicle 3, wherein the drive 1 has a drive train 4 with two drive sections that can be adjusted relative to one another, in particular linearly, along a geometric drive axis 14 between a retracted position and an extended position, with a plurality of train components that are coupled to one another in a force- or torque-transmitting manner in order to transmit a force introduced into the drive connections 8, 9, wherein each of the drive sections is assigned to one of the drive connections 8, 9,wherein the drive 1 has a feed gear 7 for executing, in particular linear, drive movements along the geometric drive axis 14, wherein one of the two drive sections has a drive unit 15 with a drive motor 5, downstream of which the feed gear 7 is connected, wherein the drive motor 5 has a motor shaft 6 having a geometric motor shaft axis 16, which transmits a torque generated by the drive motor 5, and for supporting the motor shaft 6, a bearing arrangement 17 with at least one motor shaft bearing 11 having a geometric bearing center axis 18, in particular a plain bearing, which is designed to radially support the motor shaft 6,

[0028] The bearing center axis 18 is defined as the axis that defines the radial center of the motor shaft bearing 11, both in the unloaded and, in particular, loaded state. Here, and preferably, the bearing arrangement 17 comprises a plurality of motor shaft bearings 11, in particular plain bearings, that have a common geometric bearing center axis 18 and are designed to radially support the motor shaft 6.

[0029] It is now essential that the drive 1 has a radial force introduction unit 19 which is designed in such a way that it radially loads the rotating motor shaft 6 in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft 6 rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing 11.

[0030] In the present context, a radial loading of the motor shaft 6 means that a force is introduced into the motor shaft 6 with a force direction aligned radially to the geometric motor shaft axis 16.

[0031] The side of the motor shaft bearing 11 to which the motor shaft 6 is positioned as proposed is defined by the position relative to a stationary element of the drive 1, and is therefore always directed to the same point in the drive 1.

[0032] The radial force introduction unit 19 exerts a targeted radial force on the rotating motor shaft 6. This force forces the motor shaft 6 in a specific direction within the respective motor shaft bearing 11 within the bearing clearance (here a bearing clearance of, for example, 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm), whereby the motor shaft 6 is positioned on a radial side of the motor shaft bearing 11 and bears against it in a defined manner. The radial force introduction unit 19 thus forces the motor shaft 6 into a position deviating from the geometric bearing center axis 18, i.e., the geometric motor shaft axis 16 and the geometric bearing center axis 18 do not extend coaxially to one another. Rather, the geometric motor shaft axis 16 is, in particular, curved or inclined relative to the geometric bearing center axis 18. In particular, the two geometric axes 16, 18 intersect at at least one intersection point 20.

[0033] Due to the targeted one-sided loading, the motor shaft 6 is clamped in the motor shaft bearing 11, or in one or at least two of the motor shaft bearings 11 in the case of multiple motor shaft bearings 11, which causes the motor shaft 6 to assume a defined position in the respective motor shaft bearing 11. This, in turn, can prevent the rotating motor shaft 6 from freely oscillating and prevent corresponding modulating noise.

[0034] In this context, the terms "axial" and "radial" always refer to the geometric drive axis 14. Accordingly, the axial direction is the direction in which the geometric drive axis 14 extends.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the radial force introduction unit 19 has a force application means 21. The force application means 21 radially deflects the motor shaft 6 and / or a drive part 22 coupled to the motor shaft 6 in a torque-transmitting manner, in particular in a rotationally fixed and preferably axially fixed manner, relative to an unloaded state, thus pressing the motor shaft 6 and / or the drive part 22 in a specific radial direction.

[0036] In order to achieve the proposed function, i.e. so that the rotating motor shaft 6, in the assembled state, is pressed radially to one side into the motor shaft bearing 11 and rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing 11, the force application means 21 acts on the motor shaft 6 either directly or via the said drive part 22 coupled to the motor shaft 6 in a torque-transmitting manner. The drive part 22 is, as will be explained below, in particular a transmission component.

[0037] The force application means 21 is preferably formed here by an independent, i.e., separate, component. However, according to another embodiment not shown here, it is alternatively also conceivable for the force application means 21 to be formed by a component portion of a component that is rotationally fixed and, in particular, axially fixed relative to the drive motor 5, or of a component that is rotatable and, in particular, axially fixed relative to the drive motor 5.

[0038] "Independent" or "separate" component means a component of the drive 1 that is intended for the proposed function, namely to radially load or deflect the rotating motor shaft 6 to one side, and in particular does not itself provide any torque-transmitting function for the purpose of generating the linear drive movements, preferably no further function at all in the drive 1, as will be explained in more detail below. In contrast, "component section" means a section of a component that, in addition to the proposed function of radially load or deflect the rotating motor shaft 6 to one side, also provides at least one further function in the drive 1, for example, a housing function, thus a protective function, and / or a function as a transmission component that is fixed in rotation with respect to the drive motor 5.

[0039] Here and preferably, the radial force introduction unit 19 or the force application means 21 radially acts on the motor shaft 6 outside the motor housing 10 of the drive motor 5.

[0040] It can also be provided that the radial force introduction unit 19 or the force application means 21 radially acts on the motor shaft 6 within the motor housing 10 of the drive motor 5.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the radial force introduction unit 19 or the force application means 21 radially acts on the motor shaft 6 on the axial side of the drive motor 5 facing the feed gear 7.

[0042] The axial side of the drive motor 5 facing the feed gear 7 is the side on which the torque generated by the drive motor 5 is transferred from the drive motor 5 to the feed gear 7. On this side, the motor shaft 6 is particularly susceptible to vibration.

[0043] However, it can also be provided that the radial force introduction unit 19 or the force application means 21 radially acts on the motor shaft 6 on the side of the drive motor 5 facing away from the feed gear 7.

[0044] The side of the drive motor 5 facing away from the feed gear 7 is the axial side (rear of the drive motor) facing the nearest drive connection 8, 9. On this axial side, the drive motor 5 or the motor housing 10, as is customary here, has an axial end cap 23 ("end cap") and / or carries a commutator (inside the motor housing 10) and / or a rotary encoder, for example, a Hall sensor (outside the motor housing 10).

[0045] Particularly preferred embodiments of the force application means 21 will now be explained below.

[0046] According to Fig. 2 here and preferably provided that the radial force introduction unit 19 has as force application means 21 a, preferably elastic, bracket 24, in particular made of metal and / or a spring plate 24.

[0047] In this context, “elastic” means that the bracket 24 is elastically deformed during assembly and, after disassembly, can return to its original state which it had inside before assembly.

[0048] In the assembled state, the bracket 24 extends around the motor shaft 6 and / or the drive part 22 coupled to the motor shaft 6 in a torque-transmitting manner.

[0049] The bracket 24, in particular the spring plate 24, has a thickness (dimension in the radial direction) of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, more preferably of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, over its entire extension surrounding the geometric bearing center axis 18.

[0050] Furthermore, the bracket 24 has an inner contour 25 which, in the assembled state, extends around the drive part 22 and which, in a first contour section 26, is arranged radially closer to the geometric bearing center axis 18 than in at least one second contour section 27.

[0051] The first contour section 26 thus points radially further inward than the at least one second contour section 27, here the two second contour sections 27, or the inner contour 25 otherwise. The second contour section(s) 27 form, as Fig. 2 shows, in particular, the largest part of the inner contour 25, here only with the exception of at least one end section 28 of the bracket 24 with a radially outwardly or inwardly directed edge, which will be described below.

[0052] Due to the special contour of the inner contour 25 of the bracket 24, the rotating motor shaft 6 is radially loaded by the bracket 24 in the assembled state, here and preferably indirectly, so that the motor shaft 6 rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing 11, which will be described in more detail below.

[0053] The first contour section 26 of the inner contour 25 has, here and preferably in the assembled state, a tangential, i.e., straight, profile relative to the geometric bearing center axis 18, but can also have a profile, in particular a radially inward curve. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one second contour section 27 of the inner contour 25 has, here and preferably in the assembled state, a radially outward curve relative to the geometric bearing center axis 18, in particular a circular arc.

[0054] The first contour section 26 is here and preferably delimited by a bending edge 29 from the second contour section(s) 27 which are adjacent thereto.

[0055] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the bracket 24, in the assembled state, has, in particular on one or two circumferential end sections 28, a radially outwardly directed end edge 30 or a radially inwardly directed end edge, by means of which the bracket 24 is secured against rotation in the assembled state. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0056] For drive 1 in the Fig. 1 to 3, the drive unit 15 has a reduction gear 13 connected downstream of the drive motor 5, to which the feed gear 7 is connected. According to the previous definition, the reduction gear 13 is arranged on the axial side of the drive motor 5 facing the feed gear 7.

[0057] Here and preferably, the drive part 22, which is coupled to the motor shaft 6 in a torque-transmitting manner and which is radially acted upon or deflected by the force application means 21, is a transmission component of the reduction gear 13.

[0058] Through the bracket 24 and its special contour of the inner contour 25, the rotating motor shaft 6 is radially loaded in the assembled state via the drive part 22, in particular the gear component, so that the motor shaft 6 rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing 11. The bracket 24 thus introduces a radial force into the drive part 22 or the gear component, which is firmly seated on the motor shaft 6 with respect to the radial direction and is consequently radially loaded or deflected by the bracket 24 and the radial force together with the motor shaft 6.

[0059] Here, and preferably, the reduction gear 13 comprises a planetary gear 31 having a rotatable sun gear 32 and, coaxially therewith, a rotatable planet gear carrier 33 and a fixed or fixable ring gear 34. The planet gear carrier 33 carries at least one rotatable planet gear 35, which is in axially parallel engagement with the respective sun gear 32 on the one hand and the respective ring gear 34 on the other.

[0060] “Fixed” here means that the ring gear 34 is rotationally fixed to the drive motor 5 and / or drive housing 12.

[0061] The drive part 22, which is coupled to the motor shaft 6 in a torque-transmitting manner and which is radially acted upon or deflected by the force application means 21, is preferably, as Fig. 2 shows the sun gear 32 of the planetary gear 31.

[0062] Several gear stages 36, here two, can also be provided, which are connected in series and each formed by a planetary gear 31. The sun gear 32 in question is then the sun gear 32 of the first gear stage 36.

[0063] Through the bracket 24 and its special contour of the inner contour 25, the rotating motor shaft 6 is thus radially loaded via the aforementioned sun gear 32 in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft 6 rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing 11. The bracket 24, in particular the first contour section 26, accordingly introduces a radial force into the sun gear 32, which sits firmly on the motor shaft 6 with respect to the radial direction and is consequently radially loaded or deflected by the bracket 24 and the radial force together with the motor shaft 6.

[0064] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the bracket 24, in the assembled state, is arranged radially between the sun gear 32 and the ring gear 34, in particular clamped. "Clamped" here means that the bracket 24 is under permanent radial preload in the assembled state. The bracket 24 is supported radially on the inside of the ring gear 34 and, due to the existing preload, deflects the sun gear 32 radially, whereby the motor shaft 6, to which the sun gear 32 is coupled, is subjected to the same amount of load or deflection.

[0065] The bracket 24 is here and preferably secured against rotation with respect to the ring gear 34. The sun gear 32 rotates accordingly relative to the bracket 24 when the motor shaft 6 rotates. The anti-rotation device is formed in particular by a frictional, or alternatively or additionally positive, engagement of the radially outwardly directed end edges of the bracket 24 with the ring gear 34. Here and preferably, when, as here, the bracket 24 is secured against rotation with respect to the ring gear 34, the sun gear 32 only comes into contact with the first contour section 26, in particular its center, and therefore only touches the bracket 24 with a single contact area 37, which is in particular essentially linear. The sun gear 32 then slides along the bracket 24 over this area.According to another embodiment not shown here, it is alternatively also conceivable for the bracket 24 to be secured against rotation relative to the sun gear 32 and to rotate with the sun gear 32 relative to the ring gear 34 when the motor shaft 6 rotates. The anti-rotation device is then formed in particular by a frictional, alternatively or additionally also positive, engagement of radially inwardly directed end edges of the bracket 24 with the sun gear 32.

[0066] Another variant of a force application means 21 is further shown Fig. 3.

[0067] Here, it is preferably provided that the radial force introduction unit 19 has, as force application means 21, a preferably rigid, annular additional part 38, in particular made of metal and / or cast material.

[0068] In this context, “rigid” means that the annular additional part 38 does not deform elastically during assembly, at least not significantly.

[0069] “Annular” here means that the additional part 38 is largely or completely closed all around and in particular has a predominantly circular-arc-shaped inner contour 25, preferably also an at least predominantly circular-arc-shaped outer contour 39.

[0070] The annular additional part 38 extends around the motor shaft 6 when assembled.

[0071] Here, it is preferably the case that the annular additional part 38 has an inner contour 25 which, in the assembled state, runs around the motor shaft 6 and which is arranged radially closer to the geometric bearing center axis 18 in at least one first contour section 26 than in at least one second contour section 27. The at least one first contour section 26, here the only first contour section 26, thus also points radially further inwards than the at least one second contour section 27, here the only second contour section 27, or the inner contour 25 otherwise. The second contour section(s) 27 form, as Fig. 3 shows, in particular, the largest part of the inner contour 25.

[0072] Due to the special contour of the inner contour 25 of the annular additional part 38, the rotating motor shaft 6 in the assembled state is radially loaded by the annular additional part 38, here directly, so that the motor shaft 6 rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing 11, which will be described in more detail below.

[0073] Here, and preferably in the assembled state, the first contour section 26 of the inner contour 25 has a tangential, i.e., straight, profile relative to the geometric bearing center axis 18, but can also have a curved profile, in particular a radially inward curve. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one second contour section 27 of the inner contour 25 has a curved, in particular a circular arc, profile in the assembled state that is radially outwardly curved relative to the geometric bearing center axis 18.

[0074] The first contour section 26 is according to Fig. 3 is formed here and preferably by an inner flattening, while the second contour section 27 is circular in shape. The motor shaft 6 comes into contact here and preferably only with the first contour section 26, in particular in its center, and the opposite section of the second contour section 27, thus touching the annular additional part 38 only with two opposite contact areas 37, which are in particular essentially linear. The motor shaft 6 slides over these in the annular additional part 38. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable, as in Fig. 4a) shows by way of example that the motor shaft 6 only comes into contact with the first contour section 26, in particular in its center, thus touching the annular additional part 38 only with a contact area 37, which is in particular essentially linear.

[0075] The force application means 21 described above as an example from Fig. 3 is in Fig. 4a) is shown again in the assembled state together with the motor shaft 6. Further variants of the force application device 21 are shown in the Fig. 4b) to e) and are described below.

[0076] The variants in Fig. 4a) to d) illustrate that, in principle, the inner contour 25 cannot have just a single first contour section 26 ( Fig. 4a) and b)), but can also have at least or exactly two first contour sections 26 ( Fig. 4c) and d)).

[0077] In the latter case, the first contour sections 26 are not arranged diametrically opposite each other, but are offset from the center of the force application means 21 in order to act upon the rotating motor shaft 6 in the assembled state radially in one direction as described.

[0078] Furthermore, here and preferably according to the embodiments in Fig. 4b) to d), it is provided that the annular additional part 38 has an outer contour 39 extending around the motor shaft 6 in the assembled state, and that at least or exactly one cavity 40, in particular a hole, is provided radially between the outer contour 39 and the at least one first contour section 26 of the inner contour 25. The hole is preferably a round hole ( Fig. 4d)) or a slotted hole ( Fig. 4b) and c)). In principle, the area radially between the outer contour 39 and the at least one first contour section 26 of the inner contour 25 can, however, be Fig. 3 and Fig. 4a) must also be free of cavities 40.

[0079] In the case of a cavity 40, it is preferably the case that a web 41 is formed radially between the at least one first contour section 26 of the inner contour 25 and the cavity 40, against which web the motor shaft 6 rests in the assembled state and which, as part of the radial force introduction unit 19, radially loads the rotating motor shaft 6 in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft 6 rests in a defined manner against one side of the motor shaft bearing 11. Preferably, the web 41 is more elastic than the material of the motor shaft 6 and / or dampens vibrations of the motor shaft 6 during operation. In this respect, the web 41 forms a damping element. By technically implementing one, two or more such damping elements, the force acting from the motor shaft 6 on the motor shaft bearing 11 can be precisely adjusted. This radial force is adjusted in such a way that the contact of the motor shaft 6 and thus the formation of a lubricating film is ensured.On the other hand, the selected radial force is designed to be so low that additional drag torque and bearing wear are kept to a minimum. Alternatively, a defined, increased drag torque can be deliberately introduced to generate advantages in the system application.

[0080] Furthermore, it is here and preferably provided that, as exemplified in Fig. 4d), the annular additional part 38 has at least one circumferential section 42 with a reduced axial thickness. Here, and preferably, the cavity 40 and / or the web 41 is arranged in the respective circumferential section 42. By reducing the thickness in the region of the respective cavity 40 and / or web 41, improved elasticity and thus a damping effect can be achieved.

[0081] Another variant is in Fig. 4e). In this variant, the receptacle for the shaft defined by the inner contour 25 is preferably, in contrast to the other exemplary embodiments, circular and in particular essentially corresponds to the cross-section of the motor shaft 6, so that the motor shaft 6 is mounted in the receptacle with some play. Here, it is therefore preferably the case that the inner contour 25 of the annular additional part 38 does not have a first contour section 26 above, in which the inner contour 25 is arranged radially closer to the geometric bearing center axis 18 than in at least one second contour section 27. Rather, only a second contour section 27 is provided here, which forms the entire inner contour 25. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to form the inner contour 25 with a said first contour section 26, as described above.

[0082] In the variant according to Fig. 4e), it is now preferably the case that the annular additional part 38 has one or more, in particular two, spring tongues 43 extending over part of the circumference of the additional part 38. In the assembled state, the spring tongues 43 are supported radially on one side on a component fixed to the housing of the drive motor 5, in particular the motor shaft bearing 11 or the motor housing 10.

[0083] Here and preferably, the respective spring tongue 43, as part of the radial force introduction unit 19, causes a radial offset of the annular additional part 38 due to the radially one-sided support and thereby radially loads the rotating motor shaft 6 in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft 6 rests against one side of the motor shaft bearing 11 in a defined manner, as described. Here and preferably, the respective spring tongue 43 is more elastic than the material of the housing-fixed component and / or dampens vibrations of the motor shaft 6 during operation.

[0084] How Fig. 3 shows, the annular additional part 38 is arranged here and preferably in the assembled state radially between the motor shaft 6 and the motor shaft bearing(s) 11 radially supporting the motor shaft 6. The motor shaft bearing 11 thus forms a counterbearing for the annular additional part 38, i.e., the annular additional part 38 is supported radially on the inside of the motor shaft bearing 11. In principle, another component fixed to the housing of the drive motor 5, for example the motor housing 10, could also serve as a counterbearing, against which the annular additional part 38 is supported radially on the inside in the assembled state.

[0085] The annular additional part 38, or its special contour profile of the inner contour 25, directly applies radial force to the rotating motor shaft 6 in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft 6 rests firmly against one side of the motor shaft bearing 11. The annular additional part 38, in particular the first contour section 26, thus introduces a radial force into the motor shaft 6 and deflects it radially or applies radial force to it.

[0086] Here and preferably, the annular additional part 38 is secured against rotation in the motor shaft bearing 11, in particular by a form fit, force fit or material fit, here by a press fit.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiments presented here and preferred in this respect, it is generally the case that the geometric motor shaft axis 16 is tilted or bent relative to the geometric bearing center axis 18 when the motor shaft 6 is radially loaded by the radial force introduction unit 19 or the force application means 21. These two alternatives are shown in Fig. 1c) shown schematically by dashed lines.

[0088] As already indicated, the Fig.1 to 3, the proposed drive 1, each shown by way of example, is a spindle drive. Accordingly, it is preferably provided here that the feed gear 7 is a spindle-spindle nut gear 44 with a spindle 45 and a spindle nut 46 meshing therewith, and that one of the two drive sections has the spindle 45 and the other of the two drive sections has the spindle nut 46. Here, the spindle 45 is axially fixed to the first drive connection 8, here the adjustment element-side drive connection 8, and the spindle nut 46 is axially fixed to the second drive connection 9, here the body-side drive connection 9, via a spindle guide tube 47.

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the drive 1 has a drive housing 12 with an inner housing tube 48 and an outer housing tube 49. The inner housing tube 48 runs telescopically in the outer housing tube 49. In this case, the inner housing tube 48 is axially fixedly connected to one of the two drive sections and the outer housing tube 49 is axially fixedly connected to the other of the two drive sections. Here and preferably, the radial force introduction unit 19 and / or the force application means 21 are radially surrounded by the drive housing 12, in particular the outer housing tube 49. Additionally or alternatively, the radial force introduction unit 19 and / or the force application means 21 are arranged axially outside the motor housing 10 of the drive motor 5, as here.

[0090] Here and preferably, a drive spring arrangement 50 with at least one helical spring 51 is also arranged coaxially with the geometric drive axis 14. The drive spring arrangement 50 is arranged with the at least one helical spring 51 within the drive housing 12, in particular within the housing inner tube 48 and / or housing outer tube 49. The drive spring arrangement 50 pretensions the two drive sections against one another, in particular into the extended position. Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that, for guiding the at least one helical spring 51, a spring guide tube 52 runs inside or outside the at least one helical spring 51, wherein the spring guide tube 52 is preferably axially fixed at one of its ends to one of the two drive sections, in particular to the drive section that has the drive unit 15. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 113 958 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Drive, in particular spindle drive, for adjusting an adjusting element (2), in particular a flap, of a motor vehicle (3), wherein the drive (1) for coupling to the motor vehicle (3) has a first drive connection (8) and a second drive connection (9), wherein the drive (1) has a drive train (4) with two drive sections that can be adjusted relative to one another, in particular linearly, along a geometric drive axis (14) between a retracted position and an extended position, with a plurality of train components that are coupled to one another in a force-transmitting or torque-transmitting manner in order to transmit a force introduced into the drive connections (8, 9), wherein each of the drive sections is assigned to one of the drive connections (8, 9), wherein the drive (1) has a feed gear (7) for carrying out, in particular linear, drive movements along the geometric drive axis (14), wherein one of the two drive sections has a drive unit (15) with a drive motor (5), followed by the feed gear (7), wherein the drive motor (5) has a motor shaft (6) having a geometric motor shaft axis (16) which transmits a torque generated by the drive motor (5), and a bearing arrangement (17) with at least one motor shaft bearing (11) having a geometric bearing center axis (18) which is designed to radially support the motor shaft (6), characterized by , that the drive (1) has a radial force introduction unit (19) which is designed such that it radially loads the rotating motor shaft (6) in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft (6) lies in defined contact with one side of the motor shaft bearing (11). [2] Drive according to claim 1, characterized bythat the radial force introduction unit (19) has a force application means (21) and that the force application means (21) radially deflects the motor shaft (6) or a drive part (22) coupled to the motor shaft (6) in a torque-transmitting, in particular rotationally fixed and preferably axially fixed, manner. [3] Drive according to claim 2, characterized by that the force application means (21) is formed by a separate component, or that the force application means (21) is formed by a component section of a component that is rotationally fixed and in particular axially fixed to the drive motor (5) or of a component that is rotatable and in particular axially fixed to the drive motor (5). [4] Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the radial force introduction unit (19) or the force application means (21) radially loads the motor shaft (6) outside or inside a motor housing (10) of the drive motor (5). [5] Drive according to claim 4, characterized by that the radial force introduction unit (19) or the force application means (21) radially loads the motor shaft (6) on the axial side of the drive motor (5) facing the feed gear (7), or that the radial force introduction unit (19) or the force application means (21) radially loads the motor shaft (6) on the side of the drive motor (5) facing away from the feed gear (7). [6] Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the radial force introduction unit (19) has a preferably elastic bracket (24), in particular made of metal and / or a spring plate (24), as force application means (21), that the bracket (24) in the assembled state extends around the motor shaft (6) and / or the drive part (22) coupled to the motor shaft (6) in a torque-transmitting manner, and that the bracket (24) has an inner contour (25) extending around the drive part (22) in the assembled state, which inner contour is arranged radially closer to the geometric bearing center axis (18) in a first contour section (26) than in at least one second contour section (27), preferably, that the first contour section (26) of the inner contour (25) in the assembled state has a tangential course with respect to the geometric bearing center axis (18) or a course that is bent radially inwards, in particular, and / or that the at least one second contour section (27) of the inner contour (25) in the assembled state has a course that is bent radially outwards, in particular in the shape of a circular arc, with respect to the geometric bearing center axis (18). [7] Drive according to claim 6, characterized bythat the bracket (24) in the assembled state, in particular on one or two circumferential end sections (28), has a radially outwardly directed end edge (30) or a radially inwardly directed end edge, by means of which the bracket (24) is secured against twisting in the assembled state. [8] Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive unit (15) has a reduction gear (13) connected downstream of the drive motor (5), to which the feed gear (7) is connected, preferably that the drive part (22) coupled to the motor shaft (6) in a torque-transmitting manner and which is radially deflected by the force application means (21) is a gear component of the reduction gear (13). [9] Drive according to claim 8, characterized byin that the reduction gear (13) has a planetary gear (31) which has a rotatable sun gear (32) and, coaxially thereto, a rotatable planet gear carrier (33) and a fixed or fixable ring gear (34), which planet gear carrier (33) carries at least one rotatable planet gear (35) which is in axially parallel engagement with the respective sun gear (32) on the one hand and the respective ring gear (34) on the other hand, preferably in that the drive part (22) which is coupled to the motor shaft (6) in a torque-transmitting manner and which is radially deflected by the force application means (21) is the sun gear (32) of the planetary gear (31). [10] Drive according to claim 9, characterized bythat the bracket (24) in the assembled state is arranged, in particular clamped, radially between the sun gear (32) and the ring gear (34), preferably that the bracket (24) is secured against rotation relative to the ring gear (34), in particular by the radially outwardly directed end edges, or that the bracket (24) is secured against rotation relative to the sun gear (32), in particular by the radially inwardly directed end edges. [11] Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the radial force introduction unit (19) has a preferably rigid, annular additional part (38), in particular made of metal and / or cast material, as force application means (21), and that the annular additional part (38) extends around the motor shaft (6) in the assembled state, preferably, that the annular additional part (38) has an inner contour (25) which, in the assembled state, extends around the motor shaft (6) and which is arranged radially closer to the geometric bearing center axis (18) in at least one first contour section (26) than in at least one second contour section (27), preferably, that the at least one first contour section (26) of the inner contour (25) in the assembled state has a tangential course with respect to the geometric bearing center axis (18) or a course that is bent radially inwards, in particular, and / or that the at least one second contour section (27) of the inner contour (25) in the assembled state has a course that is bent radially outwards, in particular in the shape of a circular arc, with respect to the geometric bearing center axis (18). [12] Drive according to claim 11, characterized bythat the inner contour (25) has at least or exactly two first contour sections (26) and that the first contour sections (26) are not arranged diametrically opposite each other. [13] Drive according to claim 11 or 12, characterized bythat the annular additional part (38) has an outer contour (39) extending around the motor shaft (6) in the assembled state, and that at least or exactly one cavity (40), in particular a hole, preferably a round hole or an elongated hole, is provided radially between the outer contour (39) and the at least one first contour section (26) of the inner contour (25), preferably that a web (41) is formed radially between the at least one first contour section (26) of the inner contour (25) and the cavity (40), against which the motor shaft (6) rests in the assembled state and which, as part of the radial force introduction unit (19), radially loads the rotating motor shaft (6) in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft (6) rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing (11), preferably that the web (41) is more elastic than the material of the motor shaft (6) and / or vibrations of the motor shaft (6) during operation dampens. [14] Drive according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the annular additional part (38) has at least one circumferential section (42) with a reduced axial thickness, preferably that the cavity (40) and / or the web (41) is arranged in the respective circumferential section (42). [15] Drive according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized byin that the annular additional part (38) has one or more, in particular two, spring tongues (43) extending over part of the circumference of the additional part (38), which in the assembled state are supported radially on one side on a component that is fixed to the housing with respect to the drive motor (5), in particular the motor shaft bearing (11) or the motor housing (10), preferably in that the respective spring tongue (43), as part of the radial force introduction unit (19), causes a radial offset of the annular additional part (38) due to the radially one-sided support and thereby radially loads the rotating motor shaft (6) in the assembled state, so that the motor shaft (6) rests in a defined manner on one side of the motor shaft bearing (11), preferably in that the respective spring tongue (43) is more elastic than the material of the component that is fixed to the housing and / or dampens vibrations of the motor shaft (6) during operation. [16] Drive according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized bythat the annular additional part (38) is arranged radially between the motor shaft (6) and the or one of the motor shaft bearings (11) radially supporting the motor shaft (6) in the assembled state, preferably that the annular additional part (38) is secured against rotation in the motor shaft bearing (11), in particular by a positive, non-positive or material connection. [17] Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the geometric motor shaft axis (16) is tilted or bent relative to the geometric bearing center axis (18) when the motor shaft (6) is radially loaded by the radial force introduction unit (19) or the force application means (21). [18] Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the feed gear (7) is a spindle-spindle nut gear (44) with a spindle (45) and a spindle nut (46) meshing therewith and that one of the two drive sections has the spindle (45) and the other of the two drive sections has the spindle nut (46). [19] Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the drive (1) has a drive housing (12) with an inner housing tube (48) and an outer housing tube (49), that the inner housing tube (48) runs telescopically in the outer housing tube (49) and that the inner housing tube (48) is axially fixedly connected to one of the two drive sections and the outer housing tube (49) is axially fixedly connected to the other of the two drive sections, preferably that the radial force introduction unit (19) and / or the force application means (21) is radially surrounded by the drive housing (12), in particular the outer housing tube (49), and / or is arranged axially outside the motor housing (10) of the drive motor (5).

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