Door drive device for electrically adjusting a vehicle door

Abstract

Door drive device (2) for electrically adjusting a vehicle door (11), with an electric motor (20), a gearbox (21) driven by the electric motor (20), which has a housing part (230), a drive element (24) operatively connected to the transmission (21) and rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L2) relative to the housing part (230) for delivering a torque for adjusting the vehicle door (11), a stationary section (3) to which the housing part (230) is to be firmly connected, and a hinge element (4) that pivots relative to the stationary section (3), wherein the output element (24) can be connected to the hinge element (4) in a torque-resistant manner for transmitting the torque, characterized by a centering device (30) arranged on the stationary section (3) or the hinge element (4) for centering the housing part (30) relative to the stationary section (3) and / or the hinge element (4) with reference to the longitudinal axis (L2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a door drive device for electrically adjusting a vehicle door according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a door drive device is used to adjust a vehicle door relative to a vehicle body, in particular to adjust a vehicle side door.

[0003] Such a door drive device comprises an electric motor, a gearbox driven by the electric motor, and an output element. The output element is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and operatively connected to the gearbox to transmit torque for adjusting the vehicle door. The housing part is rigidly connected to a stationary section. A hinge element is pivotable relative to the stationary section, and the output element can be connected to the hinge element in a torque-resistant manner to transmit the torque.

[0004] A door drive device described in DE 10 2015 215 627 A1 has an adjusting element in the form of a safety strap, which is articulated to a vehicle body and can be adjusted via a drive device on the side of the vehicle door in order to move the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body. The drive device has a cable drum that can be rotated and is connected to the adjusting element in the form of the safety strap via a transmission element in the form of a pull cable, such that by rotating the cable drum the adjusting element can be moved towards the cable drum and thereby the vehicle door can be adjusted.

[0005] From DE 10 2017 230 151 A1, a door drive device with a switching device is known, which serves to establish an operative connection between two components and comprises at least one switching element that is adjustable in order to switch the switching device between different switching states. The drive device has a planetary gear driven via a worm gear.

[0006] From DE 102022 114 432 A1 a door drive device with a planetary gear for driving an output element is known.

[0007] The door drive device can, for example, be permanently mounted on the vehicle door. Accordingly, the stationary section can be shaped to fit the vehicle door, with the housing part being connected to the stationary section for assembly. The stationary section, together with the hinge element, forms a hinge around which the vehicle door can pivot. The output element is connected to the hinge element in an operating position to introduce a torque into the hinge element and thus adjust the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body.

[0008] The hinge element is typically mounted on the stationary section and pivotable relative to it. During operation, care must be taken to ensure that the output element is connected to the hinge element in a defined, centered manner, and that lateral forces, i.e., forces acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis corresponding to the axis of rotation of the output element, are avoided on the output element as far as possible.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a door drive device that enables reliable torque transmission to a hinge element for adjusting a vehicle door.

[0010] This problem is solved by a door drive device having the features of claim 1.

[0011] Accordingly, the door drive device has a centering device arranged on the stationary section or the hinge element for centering the housing part relative to the hinge element with reference to the longitudinal axis.

[0012] The output element can be connected to the hinge element, which pivots relative to the stationary section, in order to introduce a torque into the hinge element during operation and thus cause the vehicle door to be adjusted relative to a vehicle body.

[0013] For example, the door drive device can be permanently mounted on the side of the vehicle door in its intended position. In this case, the hinge element is connected to the vehicle body and, in its operating position, is operatively connected to the output element, so that a torque can be generated between the vehicle door and the vehicle body via the door drive device in order to adjust the vehicle door electrically relative to the vehicle body.

[0014] The door drive mechanism's gearbox comprises a housing that encloses, for example, an arrangement of gears, such as a planetary gear set. In its assembled position, the housing is rigidly connected to the stationary section, thus fixing the gearbox to the stationary section and supporting the door drive mechanism. The output element, rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing, is connected to the hinge element in its operational position. Rotating the output element allows the hinge element to be moved relative to the stationary section, thereby generating a torque to adjust the vehicle door.

[0015] The output element is rotatable around its longitudinal axis relative to the housing part during operation. The output element is connected to the hinge element in such a way that rotating the output element also moves the hinge element around its longitudinal axis.

[0016] During operation, lateral forces on the output element should be avoided as far as possible in order to minimize and, if possible, prevent loads perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (around which the output element can rotate) on the output element. To prevent excessive loads on the output element due to a relative force between the output element and the hinge element, a centering device is arranged on the stationary section or the hinge element. This device is designed to center the housing part relative to the stationary section and / or the hinge element with respect to the longitudinal axis. The centering device ensures that the output element is centered relative to the hinge element during assembly, so that no lateral forces can arise during operation due to a misaligned position of the output element relative to the hinge element.Excessive stress on the output element relative to the hinge element is thus avoided, and excessive surface pressure on a section of the output element that engages with the hinge element is prevented.

[0017] The centering device can, for example, be formed on the stationary section. Accordingly, the housing part is centered relative to the stationary section via the centering device, transversely to the longitudinal axis, i.e., along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] In another embodiment, the centering device can also be arranged on the hinge element, so that the housing part is centered directly relative to the hinge element via the centering device of the hinge element.

[0019] A fit between the centering device and the housing part preferably has (significantly) less play and lower tolerances than a fit of the output element relative to the hinge element.

[0020] The housing part is permanently connected to the stationary section in its operating position, for example, by screws. The centering device establishes centering along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis even before the permanent connection between the housing part and the stationary section is made. This ensures that the housing part is connected to the stationary section in such a way that the output element is centered relative to the hinge element during operation. This reduces tolerances in the position of the output element relative to the hinge element and simplifies assembly, as the centering device ensures that the housing part is centered relative to both the stationary section and the hinge element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the centering device extends along a circle around the longitudinal axis. For example, the centering device can be formed by a projection extending in an annular shape along the circle around the longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the centering device can, for example, comprise a plurality of centering elements, such as arcuate elements, arranged one after the other along the circle around the longitudinal axis. The centering device can engage the housing part, thus ensuring a centered position of the housing part and therefore of the output element relative to the hinge element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing part has a housing section that is concentric (coaxial) to the longitudinal axis. In a mounted position, this section engages with the centering device and is supported on the centering device along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The housing part can, for example, have a cylindrical base shape. The housing section can, for example, project from the cylindrical base body of the housing part in a pin-like manner along the longitudinal axis. The housing section allows the housing part to engage with the centering device, thereby establishing centering between the housing part and the centering device, and consequently relative to the hinge element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the output element has a positive-locking section for transmitting torque. The hinge element, on the other hand, has a positive-locking opening. The positive-locking section can be engaged with the positive-locking opening to establish a connection between the output element and the hinge element, thereby transmitting torque to the hinge element during operation. The positive-locking section can, for example, be formed by teeth. The positive-locking opening is shaped complementarily to the positive-locking section, so that engagement of the positive-locking section with the positive-locking opening creates a torque-resistant connection between the output element and the hinge element.

[0024] Due to the centering device, the output element is centered relative to the hinge element in such a way that the positive locking section engages in the positive locking opening in a properly centered manner and no excessive surface pressure occurs between the positive locking section and the hinge element, so that transverse forces due to centering via the centering device are avoided from the outset.

[0025] In one embodiment, the positive-locking section is at least partially covered with a spacer layer made of a material softer than that of the positive-locking section. The spacer layer can, for example, be made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP). The spacer layer provides (additional) centering between the positive-locking section and the hinge element by establishing a distance between the positive-locking section and the hinge element within the positive-locking opening, particularly during assembly. The material of the spacer layer is preferably significantly softer than the material of the output element, which is, for example, made of steel. For instance, the material of the spacer layer is softer than the material of the positive-locking section by a factor greater than 50, preferably greater than or equal to 100.

[0026] The spacer layer serves primarily to achieve centering directly between the output element and the hinge element during assembly (in addition to the centering effect of the centering device). The spacer layer on the positive-locking section ensures that the positive-locking section is positioned centrally within the positive-locking opening of the hinge element during assembly. The spacer layer creates a defined gap between the positive-locking section and the inner wall surrounding the positive-locking opening, a gap that corresponds (approximately) to the thickness of the spacer layer. Thus, during assembly, the output element is centered directly within the positive-locking opening.By subsequently fixing the housing part to the stationary section, this centered position is then established, so that in operation the output element is centered relative to the hinge element and thus lateral forces due to a non-centered position of the output element relative to the hinge element, in particular the form-locking section within the form-locking opening, cannot occur in the first place.

[0027] If transverse forces occur during operation due to a non-round running of the output element, elastic deformation can occur at the spacer layer, which is pushed aside by the acting forces and smoothly yields.

[0028] The spacer layer allows for the adjustment of a distance between the positive-locking section and the hinge element within the positive-locking opening, approximately corresponding to the material thickness of the spacer layer. This enables a rotational load on the positive-locking section to be distributed evenly along a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis, thus preventing excessive local surface pressure on the positive-locking section.

[0029] In one embodiment, the spacer layer extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the interlocking section. The spacer layer is thus formed circumferentially on the interlocking section.

[0030] In one embodiment, the spacer layer has an arrangement of openings. These openings, in which material of the spacer layer is omitted and which, for example, have a rectangular or round cross-section, allow the flow behavior of the spacer layer to be adjusted by enabling the material of the spacer layer to be forced aside when force is applied.

[0031] In one embodiment, a centering pin is provided which is designed to center the output element and the hinge element relative to each other with reference to the longitudinal axis.

[0032] Such a centering pin is intended to act between the output element and the hinge element. This centering pin can, for example, be located at the end of the output element facing away from the housing part and engage in a corresponding centering opening on the hinge element, such as at the bottom of the positive-locking opening, in order to center the output element with respect to its longitudinal axis.

[0033] The centering pin is intended to be particularly effective during assembly, where centering between the output element and the hinge element is required. When the output element is attached to the hinge element, the centering pin centers both elements relative to each other along their longitudinal axis, ensuring a centered engagement of the output element with the hinge element. This prevents the effects of lateral forces resulting from an uncentered engagement of the output element with the hinge element.

[0034] Such a centering pin can implement the centering device. However, such a centering pin can also be provided in addition to a centering device acting between the housing part and the stationary section or the hinge element.

[0035] In one embodiment, the centering pin is arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis. The preferably cylindrical centering pin can, for example, be located in an opening on the output element and in an opening on the hinge element, both being arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis. The fit between the centering pin and the output element on the one hand, and the hinge element on the other, is designed with tight tolerances, so that centering between the output element and the hinge element can be achieved via the centering pin, particularly during assembly.

[0036] In one embodiment, the centering pin is made of an elastic material. The centering pin can be made, for example, of a plastic material or a soft, elastically springy metal material, such as a soft sheet metal. The purpose of this is that the centering pin is intended to act, particularly during assembly, to establish a centering position between the output element and the hinge element when the output element is attached to the hinge element, thus preventing lateral forces between the output element and the hinge element during operation. However, during operation, the centering pin should not act as a bearing for the output element on the hinge element, which could otherwise lead to excessive constraint in the bearing of the output element.

[0037] In one embodiment, the centering pin, when mounted, engages in a centering opening on the hinge element, thereby establishing a centering relationship between the output element and the hinge element. The centering opening can, for example, be formed on the bottom of the positive-locking opening of the hinge element.

[0038] Because the centering pin is intended to provide centering primarily during assembly, but not during operation, and is therefore essentially ineffective once the door drive is permanently fixed to the stationary section, it can be designed so that the centering pin is removed from the centering opening after assembly. For this purpose, the centering opening can, for example, be shaped as a through-hole in the hinge element, so that the centering opening is accessible from the side of the hinge element facing away from the support element, and the centering pin can thus be pulled out of the centering opening and removed after assembly.

[0039] In one embodiment, a mounting plate is permanently connected to the housing part, allowing the housing part to be connected to the stationary section. The mounting plate can be attached to the housing part as a separate element and, for example, screwed to it. Alternatively, the mounting plate can be integrally formed with the housing part. In this case, the mounting plate can be permanently connected to the stationary section, for example, by screwing it to the stationary section.

[0040] In one embodiment, the mounting plate is positioned relative to the housing part by means of at least one positioning pin – particularly during assembly and before the mounting plate is finally fixed to the housing part. The at least one positioning pin engages in an opening in the mounting plate and in an opening in the housing part, thereby positioning the mounting plate relative to the housing part with respect to a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. A defined position of the mounting plate relative to the housing part can be set using the positioning pin, with tight tolerances.

[0041] In one embodiment, at least one positioning pin engages with an interference fit in the opening of the mounting plate and in the opening of the housing part. The positioning pin is thus pressed into the opening of the mounting plate and into the opening of the housing part, thereby positioning the mounting plate relative to the housing part.

[0042] In one embodiment, the opening of the mounting plate and / or the opening of the housing part is formed by a through-hole. For example, the opening of the mounting plate extends through the mounting plate itself. Similarly, the opening of the housing part can extend through a wall of the housing part. The positioning pin is pressed into the aligned openings of the mounting plate of the housing part, thus positioning the mounting plate on the housing part.

[0043] By preferably shaping both the opening of the mounting plate and the opening of the housing part as through-holes, the entire wall thickness of the housing part and the entire wall thickness of the mounting plate can contribute to the press fit of the positioning pin. This enables improved force transmission between the housing part and the mounting plate via the positioning pin, with reliable support even under high crash forces.

[0044] If the opening of the mounting plate and the opening of the housing part are each shaped as through-holes, care must be taken to prevent moisture from penetrating the interior of the housing part through these openings. For this reason, in one embodiment, at least one sealing element is provided, which is arranged between the housing part and the mounting plate and seals a transition between the at least one positioning pin, the mounting plate, and the housing part. The at least one sealing element can, for example, extend circumferentially around the at least one positioning pin and may, for example, have the form of a thermoplastically deformable O-ring.When connecting the mounting plate to the housing part, the sealing element is pressed between the mounting plate and the housing part, thus plastically deformed and sealing a moisture-proof transition between the positioning pin, the mounting plate and the housing part.

[0045] In one embodiment, the mounting plate is connected to the stationary section via at least one fastening element when the plate is in a mounted position. For example, the mounting plate can be screwed to the stationary section using one or more fastening elements in the form of screws.

[0046] In one embodiment, the mounting plate is connected to the stationary section via at least one fastening element in such a way that the mounting plate can be tilted relative to the stationary section. The fastening is thus designed to allow a certain degree of movement between the mounting plate and the stationary section, so that, for example, in the case of transverse forces, positional compensation can occur between the mounting plate and the stationary section, and thus between the housing part and the stationary section. In this way, tolerances can be compensated for, and excessive surface pressure on the output element can be avoided.

[0047] In one embodiment, the at least one fastening element acts axially along an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between the mounting plate and the stationary section. The mounting plate is thus axially clamped to the stationary section via the at least one fastening element. It can be provided that the at least one fastening element is supported on the mounting plate or the stationary section by a spring element, so that elasticity exists in the connection and thus, for example, allows tilting between the mounting plate and the stationary section to compensate for tolerances.

[0048] For example, the fastener can extend through a mounting hole on the mounting plate and be screwed into a screw hole on the stationary section. The spring element can, for instance, act between a head of the fastener (designed as a screw element) and the mounting plate, thus providing elastic support for the fastener on the mounting plate.

[0049] In one embodiment, an elastic element is arranged between the mounting plate and the stationary section. Such an elastic element can, for example, be made of rubber or an elastomeric plastic. The elastic element occupies an intermediate layer between the mounting plate and the stationary section and can thus, for example, allow for relative movement between the mounting plate and the stationary section.

[0050] In one embodiment, at least one fastening element extends through a fastening opening. Viewed along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the fastening element exhibits play within the fastening opening. This play allows for lateral movement of the fastening plate at the stationary section, thereby compensating for tolerances.

[0051] The mounting opening can, for example, be formed on the mounting plate. In this case, the fastener extends through the mounting opening on the mounting plate and is, for example, screwed into the stationary section. Alternatively, the mounting opening can be formed on the stationary section itself. In this case, the fastener extends through the mounting opening on the stationary section and is, for example, screwed into the mounting plate.

[0052] In one embodiment, the transmission comprises a planetary gear stage forming a planetary gear system. This planetary gear stage features a ring gear and an arrangement of planet gears meshing with the ring gear. The planet gears are mounted on a planet carrier that is rotatable relative to the ring gear, so that when the planet carrier rotates, the planet gears roll along the ring gear and thus rotate on the planet carrier.

[0053] The planet carrier is connected to the output element, which is designed to transmit a torque to the hinge element and thus cause the vehicle door to be adjusted relative to a vehicle body.

[0054] In one embodiment, the ring gear teeth are arranged on the housing part. The housing part accordingly forms a ring gear, on the radially inward-facing side of which the ring gear teeth are formed, with which the planet gears arranged on the planet carrier, rotatable relative to the planet carrier, mesh.

[0055] In one embodiment, the housing part comprises a first ring gear element forming a first ring gear tooth and a second ring gear element forming a second ring gear tooth. The housing part is thus formed by different ring gear elements, each with a ring gear tooth. Such a housing part with (at least) two ring gear elements, each with a ring gear tooth, can, for example, provide a two-stage or multi-stage planetary gear.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first and second ring gear elements are axially connected to each other along the longitudinal axis. The first and second ring gear elements can be fixed relative to each other, for example, by positive locking, force-fit locking, or friction locking with respect to a load about the longitudinal axis. The first and second ring gear elements are thus torque-resistant, and it is conceivable to provide and combine more than two ring gear elements.

[0057] For example, the first and second ring gear elements are axially connected to each other and / or to another housing part with respect to the longitudinal axis via at least one fastening element. For example, fastening elements in the form of screws can extend through the ring gear elements and be screwed into another housing part, such as a housing part of an input gear stage, in order to connect the ring gear elements to each other and also to the other housing part.

[0058] The ring gear elements can, for example, be designed as modular components. In one configuration, the ring gear elements can be manufactured as identical parts. In another configuration, the ring gear elements can be designed differently, for example, with different tooth configurations, such as a different number of teeth or a different shape, such as straight or helical gears. Two or more ring gear elements can be combined to create a modular gearbox configuration.

[0059] In one embodiment, one of the first and second ring gear elements is made of a metal material. The other of the first and second ring gear elements, on the other hand, is made of a plastic material. Depending on the forces acting on a particular planetary gear stage, a ring gear element can be made of metal or, where the forces are lower, of a plastic material.

[0060] Metal and plastic ring gear elements can be designed as modular components and, for example, attached to and connected with each other. It is also conceivable and possible to overmold the metal ring gear element with the material of the plastic ring gear element, so that one ring gear element (made of metal) is overmolded as an insert by the material of the other ring gear element (made of plastic).

[0061] In one embodiment, the planetary gear stage has an axle element that meshes with the arrangement of planet gears. The axle element forms a sun gear with respect to the planet gears of the planet carrier and is, for example, arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis of the output element. The output element meshes with the planet gears mounted on the planet carrier, so that the planet gears can be driven via the axle element, thereby rolling on the ring gear teeth, rotating on the planet carrier, and thus setting the planet carrier and the output element into a rotary motion.

[0062] In one embodiment, the planetary gear stage comprises an arrangement of further planet gears rotatably mounted on a further planet carrier, meshing with the ring gear teeth. The axle element is preferably non-rotatably connected to the further planet carrier, whereby the axle element can be formed integrally with the further planet carrier or the axle element and the further planet carrier can be manufactured as separate components.

[0063] The planetary gear set of the planetary gear stage is accordingly designed as a two-stage planetary gear set. For this purpose, the planetary gear stage has two planet carriers, on each of which an arrangement of associated planet gears is rotatably mounted, meshing with the ring gear teeth. The axle element is connected to one, drive-side planet carrier and engages with the planet gears of the other, output-side planet carrier, so that when one, drive-side planet carrier is driven, the axle element is rotated, thereby moving the planet gears on the other, output-side planet carrier and setting the planet carrier, together with the output element which is fixedly connected to it, into a rotary motion.

[0064] The planetary gear can, in particular, reduce the speed, so that the speed of the electric motor towards the output element is reduced, but the torque is translated and thus increased.

[0065] In one embodiment, the transmission has an input gear stage operatively connected to the planetary gear stage. This input gear stage is located upstream of the planetary gear stage.

[0066] The door drive mechanism thus uses a multi-stage gearbox. The input gear stage is located on the input side of the electric motor and is driven by the electric motor during operation. The downstream planetary gear stage is operatively connected to the input gear stage and to the output element, through which torque can be transmitted and introduced into a power flow for adjusting the vehicle door.

[0067] In one embodiment, the input gear stage comprises a drive wheel and a drive worm gear driven by the electric motor, which meshes with the drive wheel. The drive worm gear, which forms a worm tooth, is mounted on a motor shaft of the electric motor and is rotated by the electric motor during operation. The rotational movement of the drive worm gear is converted into a rotational movement of the drive wheel. The drive wheel is operatively connected to the downstream planetary gear stage, which is implemented by the planetary gear set, and thus drives the planetary gear stage implemented by the planetary gear set.

[0068] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a vehicle door on a vehicle with a door drive device attached to it; Fig. 2 a view of an embodiment of a door drive device; Fig. 3 a view of a gearbox of a door drive device; Fig. 4 another view of the gearbox; Fig. 5 another view of the gearbox; Fig. 6 another view of the gearbox; Fig. 7 a view of the gearbox, without a ring gear formed by a housing part of a planetary gear stage; Fig. 8 a view of an assembly of the transmission, comprising a planet carrier with planet gears arranged on it and an output element of the planetary gear stage; Fig. 9 a separate view of a planet carrier with the output element arranged on it; Fig. 10A a schematic view of an embodiment of a door drive device in which a housing part of a gearbox is supported on a stationary section via a centering device; Fig. 10B a schematic view of the centering device according to Fig. 10A; Fig. 11 a schematic view of another embodiment of a centering device for supporting the housing part; Fig. 12 a schematic view of yet another embodiment of a centering device; Fig. 13 a schematic view of a centering device; Fig. 14 a view of a planet carrier with a drive element arranged on it, with a spacer layer arranged on a form-fitting section; Fig. 15 a schematic view of an embodiment of a spacer layer, in a rolled-up representation; Fig. 16 a schematic view of another embodiment of a spacer layer, in an unrolled representation; Fig. 17 a view of an embodiment for connecting a mounting plate to the stationary section; Fig. 18 a schematic view of the arrangement according to Fig. 17, in a tilted position; Fig. 19 a view of another embodiment for attaching a mounting plate to the stationary section; Fig. 20 a view of an embodiment of a housing part formed modularly from several ring gear elements; Fig. 21 a view of an embodiment of a ring gear element; Fig. 22 a schematic view of an embodiment of a housing part composed of several ring gear elements; Fig. 23 a schematic view of another embodiment of a housing part; Fig. 24 a schematic view of yet another embodiment of a housing part; Fig. 25A a view of an embodiment of a housing part composed of several ring gear elements; Fig. 25B a sectional view of the arrangement according to Fig. 25A; Fig. 26A an exploded view of the arrangement according to Fig. 25A; Fig. 26B a sectional view of the arrangement according to Fig. 26A; Fig. 27 a view of an embodiment of a housing part composed of several ring gear elements; Fig. 28A a view of an embodiment of a housing part; Fig. 28B a rear view of the housing part according to Fig. 28A; Fig. 28C a longitudinal section view of the housing part; Fig. 29A a view of an embodiment of a housing part; Fig. 29B a cutaway view of the housing part according to Fig. 29A; Fig. 30A a view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing part; Fig. 30B a cutaway view of the housing part according to Fig. 30A; Fig. 31 a view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing part; Fig. 32 a schematic view of the connection of the housing part with another housing part of an input gear stage; Fig. 33 a schematic view of the fastening of a mounting plate to a housing part via positioning pins; Fig. 34 a schematic view in a state when the mounting plate is connected to the housing part; Fig. 35 a schematic view in a connected position of the mounting plate with the housing part; and Fig. 36 a schematic view of an embodiment with a centering pin for centering the output element relative to the hinge element.

[0069] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 1, which has a vehicle door 11 in the form of a side door that can be pivoted towards a vehicle body 10. The vehicle door 11 is coupled to the vehicle body 10 via door hinges 110 and can be pivoted towards the vehicle body 10 about the door hinges 110.

[0070] A door drive device 2 serves to adjust the vehicle door 11 relative to the vehicle body 10 by electric motor and comprises an electric motor 20 and a gearbox 21 for introducing a torque into the vehicle door 11. The door drive device 2 can, for example, act on one of the door hinges 110 and introduce a torque into a pivot axis of the door hinge 110 in order to adjust the vehicle door 11 between a closed and an open position by electric motor.

[0071] At a Fig. In the embodiment of a door drive device 2 shown in Figure 2, an electric motor 20 is coupled to a gearbox 21, which has an input gear stage 22 and a planetary gear stage 23. An output element 24 is driven via the gearbox 21, which is, for example, operatively connected to a pivot axis of a door hinge 110 of a vehicle door 11 or drives a kinematic transmission, for example a four-bar linkage or the like, in order to move the vehicle door 11 relative to the vehicle body 10.

[0072] The door drive device 2 can, for example, be permanently mounted on the vehicle door 11 and, in this case, is adjusted together with the vehicle door 11. For this purpose, the door drive device 2 can, for example, be located inside the door cavity of the vehicle door 11, for instance, in a wet area of ​​the vehicle door 11.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the input gear stage 22 of the gearbox 21 has a housing part 220 to which the electric motor 20 and a control unit 27 are rigidly connected. As can be seen from the different views of the gearbox 21 according to the illustration, an opening 225 of the housing part 220 is provided. Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, a drive wheel 222 arranged on an axle element 223 is mounted, which meshes with a drive worm 221 arranged on a motor shaft 200 of the electric motor 20 in such a way that the drive wheel 222 can be driven by the drive worm 221 into a rotary motion within the housing part 220.

[0074] The motor shaft 200 with the drive worm 221 attached to it is rotatable about a first longitudinal axis L1 relative to the housing part 220. The drive wheel 222 is non-rotatably connected to the axle element 223 and is rotatable about a second longitudinal axis L2 perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis L1 relative to the housing part 220. The axes of rotation L1 and L2 of the drive worm 221 on the one hand and of the drive wheel 222 on the other are thus perpendicular to each other.

[0075] The planetary gear stage 23 is formed by a planetary gear and has a housing part 230 which has a cylindrical basic shape and forms a ring gear toothing 236 in an inner cavity, as is the case, for example, with Fig. 5 can be seen. The planetary gear has two planet gear stages with two groups of planet gears 232, 234, each rotatably mounted on an associated planet carrier 231, 235 and meshing with the ring gear teeth 236.

[0076] The first planet gears 232 on a first planet carrier 231 are in tooth engagement with a toothing 224 at one end of the axle element 223, so that the axle element 223 drives the planet gears 232 and sets them in a rotary motion during operation, which causes the planet gears 232 to rotate on the ring gear toothing 236 and thereby rotate the planet carrier 231 within the housing part 230.

[0077] The planet carrier 231 of the first planetary gear stage is rotationally fixed to an axle element 233, which has teeth that mesh with the planet gears 234 on the planet carrier 235 of the second planetary gear stage. When the first planet carrier 231 is set into rotation by the input gear stage 22, this rotation is transmitted via the axle element 233 to the planet gears 234 of the second planetary gear stage, causing the planet gears 234 to rotate on the ring gear teeth 236 and thereby rotate the planet carrier 235 within the housing part 230.

[0078] The planet carrier 235 is non-rotatably connected to the output element 24, so that a rotational movement of the planet carrier 235 leads to a twisting of the output element 24 about the longitudinal axis L2.

[0079] In the gearbox 21, the housing parts 220 and 230 are fixed to one another in a torque-resistant manner, so that the ring gear 236 of the housing part 230 is held in position relative to the housing part 220 during operation, and thus stationary relative to the electric motor. To connect the housing parts 220 and 230, an intermediate element 25 is provided, which is arranged between the housing parts 220 and 230 and centers the housing parts 220 and 230 relative to each other and also fixes them to one another in a torque-resistant manner.

[0080] Inside, the intermediate element 25 forms a bearing seat in which a bearing 26 is received. The bearing 26 serves to support the axle element 223 of the input gear stage 22. Because the bearing 26 is arranged on the intermediate element 25 and thus centered by the intermediate element 25, and because the housing parts 220 and 230 are also aligned and thus centered relative to each other via the intermediate element 25, it is ensured that the axle element 223, and thus the drive gear 222, is radially supported within the housing part 220 in the intended, centered manner. Furthermore, the ring gear 236, and thus the planetary gear set of the planetary gear stage 23, is centered relative to the axle element 223, resulting in low-friction and low-noise operation.

[0081] The bearing 26 is fixed via a fixing element 260, which engages, for example, with detent sections in the intermediate element 25 and thus axially secures the bearing 26 in the bearing seat of the intermediate element 25.

[0082] The housing parts 220 and 230 are torque-resistant to each other in their assembled position via the intermediate element 25. The intermediate element 25 provides a simple and cost-effective connection between the housing parts 220 and 230. The intermediate element 25 serves as both a centering element and a torque-resistant connection. Furthermore, the intermediate element 25 also supports gear components, particularly the input gear stage 22.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the (output-side) planet carrier 235 of the planetary gear stage 23 is rotationally fixed to the output element 24 and provides the output for the planetary gear stage 23 and thus the gearbox 21.

[0084] The in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 In an exemplary embodiment, the planet carrier 235 and the output element 24 are, for example, manufactured as separate components and, in the operational state of the door drive device 1, are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner by receiving the output element 24 in an associated receiving opening 238 of the planet carrier 235.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the output element 24 is configured as a shaft element which, during operation, can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L2 together with the planet carrier 235. The output element 24 forms a positive-locking section 240, via which the output element 24 is operatively connected to a higher-level assembly for transmitting a torque.

[0086] At an end opposite the positive-locking section 240, the output element 24 engages in a receiving opening 238 of the planet carrier 235, so that the output element 24 and the planet carrier 235 are fixed relative to each other in a rotationally fixed manner. At the end associated with the planet carrier 235, the output element 24 is bounded by a radially outwardly projecting collar section 241. In the assembled position, the collar section 241 is received in the receiving opening 238 such that the collar section 241 is flush with a surface of the planet carrier 235.

[0087] The output element 24 is arranged concentrically to the planet carrier 235 by engaging in the receiving opening 238. A positioning pin 244 is arranged on the output element 24 and engages with it, as shown from Fig. 8 can be seen, which is in centering engagement with the axle element 233 of the input-side planet gear stage of the planet carrier 231, so that the axle element 233, which is in tooth engagement with the planet gears 234 of the output-side planet gear stage of the planet carrier 235, is centered relative to the planet carrier 235, but is rotatable relative to the planet carrier 235 and thus relative to the output element 24.

[0088] On the planet carrier 235, openings 237 are formed, arranged around the longitudinal axis L2 along a circular line, in which bearing shafts are received, on which the planet gears 234 are rotatably mounted.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the door drive device 2 is designed to be fixed to the vehicle door 11 in order to exert a torque on a hinge 110 and thereby adjust the vehicle door 11 relative to the vehicle body 10, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 is shown. Referring now to the schematic view according to Fig. In embodiment 10A, the housing part 230 is connected to a mounting plate 28, which is connected to a stationary section 3, for attaching the door drive device 2 to the vehicle door 11. The stationary section 3 is fixed in position and orientation to the vehicle door 11 and, in an operational position, supports the door drive device 2 on the vehicle door 11.

[0090] A hinge element 4, which is connected to the vehicle body 10, is pivotally mounted on the stationary section 3. The output element 24 of the door drive device 2 is connected to the hinge element 4 in such a way that rotating the output element 24 about the longitudinal axis L2 causes a torque to be applied to the hinge element 4, thus allowing the vehicle door 11 to be moved relative to the vehicle body 10.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the output element 24 engages with the positive locking section 240 in an associated positive locking opening 40 of the hinge element 4. The positive locking opening 40 is shaped complementarily to the positive locking section 240 of the output element 24, which is formed, for example, by toothing, such that the output element 24 is connected to the hinge element 4 in a torque-resistant manner.

[0092] A housing section 239 is formed on the housing part 230, which projects from the housing part 230 in a pin-like manner along the longitudinal axis L2 and is concentric to the longitudinal axis L2, as can be seen from Fig. 10A in conjunction with, for example, Fig. 2 is evident. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing section 239 extends through the mounting plate 28 and is supported on a centering device 30 arranged on the stationary section 3, so that the housing part 230 is centered via the centering device 30 relative to the stationary section 3 with reference to the longitudinal axis L2.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 28 is aligned with a mounting section 32 of the stationary section 3 and is, for example, screwed to the stationary section 3. Because the housing part 230 additionally engages the centering device 30 via the pin-shaped housing section 239, the housing part 230 is supported and centered relative to the stationary section 3 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L2.

[0094] By centering (with a fit with low tolerances), lateral forces between the output element 24 and the hinge element 4 are reduced, preferably avoided. During assembly, the centering device 30 ensures that the housing part 230, through the engagement of the housing section 239 with the centering device 30, is positioned centrally relative to the stationary section 3. This allows the output element 24 to engage in a centered position with the hinge element 4, which is mounted on the stationary section 3. The output element 24 is thus centered relative to the hinge element 4.This centered position is then fixed by fastening the housing part 230 to the stationary section 3 via the mounting plate 28, so that in operation the output element 24 is centered relative to the hinge element 4 and, in particular, there can be no over-pressing on the positive locking section 240 within the positive locking opening 40 of the hinge element 4 which is pivotably mounted on the stationary section 3 about the longitudinal axis L2.

[0095] The centering device 30 preferably extends circumferentially along a circle around the longitudinal axis L2. As shown schematically in Fig. 10B and also in an embodiment in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the centering device 30 can, for example, be formed by a plurality of each arc-shaped centering elements 300, which are arranged along a circle around the longitudinal axis L2 and, in the operational, assembled position, accommodate the pin-shaped housing section 239 of the housing part 230 between them.

[0096] In another embodiment, the centering device 30 can also be closed in a ring shape around the longitudinal axis L2.

[0097] In a Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the centering device 30 is formed by an opening 31 in the stationary section 3, into which the pin-shaped housing section 239 of the housing part 230 engages. Again, the housing part 230 is centered relative to the stationary section 3 (with a fit with low tolerances) via the housing section 239 and is thus supported along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L2 relative to the stationary section 3.

[0098] In a schematic view according to Fig. In the embodiment shown in 12, the centering device 30 is analogous to that shown in the embodiment according to Fig. 10A, Fig. Figure 10B explains how this is carried out, wherein the mounting plate 28 with a mounting section 280 abuts the stationary section 3. Again, the housing part 230 is centered relative to the stationary section 3 by the engagement of the pin-shaped housing section 239 with the centering device 30.

[0099] Fig. Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the centering device 30, which has four centering elements 300 arranged along a circular line around an opening 31, each of which is arc-shaped and projects from the stationary section 3.

[0100] The centering device 30, which centers the position of the housing part 230 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L2 relative to the stationary section 3 and thus also to the hinge element 4, particularly centers the output element 24 relative to the hinge element 4, so that the positive-locking section 240 sits centrally in the positive-locking opening 40. The influence of tolerances is thus minimized. Any play that exists between the positive-locking section 240 and the hinge element 4 within the positive-locking opening 40 is evened out around the entire circumference of the positive-locking section 240. Local over-pressurization and the associated risk of wear can thus be at least reduced.

[0101] In addition to centering via the centering device 30, as in an embodiment in Fig. Figure 14 shows that a spacer layer 242 is arranged on the positive-locking section 240, which serves to set a uniform, circumferential distance between the positive-locking section 240 and the hinge element 4 in the positive-locking opening 40. The spacer layer 242 can, for example, be made of a plastic material, wherein the spacer layer 242 is, as in two embodiments in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shown, openings 245 can be formed which interrupt a surface section 243 of the spacer layer 242.

[0102] The spacer layer 242 is made, for example, of a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), which is significantly softer than the material of the drive element 24, which is made of steel, for example. If high pressing forces occur locally, the material of the spacer layer 242 can deform elastically and be forced aside, whereby the material can flow, for example, into the area of ​​the openings 245.

[0103] The spacer layer 242 is intended to establish a centered position directly between the output element 24 and the hinge element 4, particularly during assembly. This is achieved by establishing a uniform distance, corresponding to the thickness of the spacer layer 242, between the positive-locking section 240 and an inner wall of the positive-locking opening 242. The spacer layer 242 thus serves primarily to center the components during assembly. This centering is then secured by attaching the housing part 230 to the stationary section 3. If, during operation, an uneven running of the output element 24 leads to a locally increased surface pressure, the softness of the spacer layer 242 allows it to be displaced.

[0104] Additionally or alternatively, for tolerance compensation, the mounting plate 28 can be movably connected to the stationary section 3 to a certain degree, as shown in an embodiment in Fig. 17 and Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the mounting plate 28 can be screwed to the stationary section 3 via fastening elements 281. For this purpose, the fastening elements 281 extend through fastening openings 283 on the mounting plate 28 and are screwed into the stationary section 3. The fastening elements 281 are seated with play in the fastening openings 283 and are also axially supported on the mounting plate 28 by spring elements 282, so that there is elasticity in the connection between the mounting plate 28 and the stationary section 3.

[0105] This allows the housing part 230 to move relative to the stationary section 3, which compensates for tolerances and also reduces the surface pressure on the output element 24, because the housing part 230 can, for example, tilt, as in Fig. 18 shows that it can move relative to the stationary section 3 and thus relative to the hinge element 4 mounted on the stationary section 3.

[0106] In another, in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, fastening elements 281 lie with play in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L2 in associated fastening openings 283, wherein additionally elastic elements 284, for example rubber elements or elements made of an elastomeric plastic material, are arranged between the stationary section 3 and the mounting plate 28 and thus enable both axial and transverse compensating movement of the mounting plate 28 with the housing part 230 arranged thereon relative to the stationary section 3.

[0107] The housing part 230 forms, as shown by Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 explains a ring gear toothing 236 with which the planet gears 232, 234 mesh on the planet carriers 231, 235 of the planetary gear set. In a Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the housing part 230 is designed by modularly interconnected ring gear elements 230A, 230B, each forming a ring gear toothing 236A, 236B and thus each being assigned to a planet stage of the planet gears 232 on the planet carrier 231 or of the planet gears 234 on the planet carrier 235.

[0108] Fig. Figure 21 shows an embodiment of a ring gear element 230A, which is to be connected to a further ring gear element 230B to form the housing part 230.

[0109] In the embodiment according to Fig. 20, Fig. 21. The ring gear elements 230A and 230B can each be made of metal. However, it is also conceivable and possible to make one of the ring gear elements 230A and 230B from a metal material and the other of the ring gear elements 230A and 230B from a plastic material.

[0110] In a schematically in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 22, a ring gear element 230A with a ring gear toothing 236A is made of metal and connected to another ring gear element 230B with a ring gear toothing 236B made of plastic. A thrust washer 230C is arranged between the ring gear elements 230A and 230B for axial support of the planetary stages. A finishing element 230D completes the housing part 230 and supports the output element 24.

[0111] In a schematically in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 23, the housing part 230 with the ring gear teeth 236A, 236B is molded from plastic, with a finishing element 230D completing the housing part 230. Again, a thrust washer 230C for axial support of the planetary stages is arranged between the ring gear teeth 236A, 236B and connected to the housing part 230.

[0112] In a schematically in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 24, the housing part 230 is formed by a plastic ring gear element 230A. The ring gear element 230A forms the ring gear teeth 236A. A ring gear element 230B is overmolded on the outside with the material of the ring gear element 230A and forms the ring gear teeth 236B.

[0113] At a Fig. 25A, Fig. 25B and Fig. 26A, Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 26B, the housing part 230 is modularly composed of ring gear elements 230A, 230B, which are designed as identical parts and are axially connected to one another along the longitudinal axis L2. The ring gear elements 230A, 230B each form a ring gear toothing 236A, 236B and each have a coupling section 230F with an external toothing formed thereon. When the ring gear elements 230A, 230B are axially connected to one another, the coupling section 230F of one ring gear element 230A engages in the ring gear toothing 236B of the other ring gear element 230B, thus establishing a torque-resistant connection between the ring gear elements 230A, 230B.

[0114] The housing part 230 is completed by a finishing element 230D, which forms a housing cover and supports the output element 240. The finishing element 230D has internal teeth that can engage with the external teeth of the coupling section 230F of the ring gear element 230B in order to couple the finishing element 230D to the ring gear element 230B.

[0115] A thrust washer 230C for axial support of the planetary stages is also provided via the coupling section 230F.

[0116] In the design according to Fig. 25A, Fig. 25B, Fig. 26A, Fig. 26B, the housing part 230 can be scaled in any way to provide a planetary gear with one planetary stage or more than two planetary stages.

[0117] As this is in Fig. As shown in 27, the closing element 230D can be used instead of the closing element according to Fig. 25A, Fig. 25B, Fig. 26A, Fig. 26B a termination element 230D is used which integrates a fastening section 230E for fastening, for example, to the stationary section 3.

[0118] The ring gear elements 230A and 230B can be identical. However, the ring gear elements 230A and 230B can also differ, for example, in the design of the respective ring gear teeth 236A and 236B, such as the number or shape of the teeth of the respective ring gear teeth 236A and 236B.

[0119] In a Fig. In the embodiment of a housing part 230 shown in Figures 28A-28C, which can be composed of one or more ring gear elements, one ring gear toothing 236A is formed by helical teeth and another ring gear toothing 236B by spur teeth. A thrust washer 230C is arranged between the ring gear toothings 236A and 236B for axial support of the planetary stages.

[0120] In a Fig. 29A, Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 29B, the housing part 230 is formed by two ring gear elements 230A, 230B, one of which ring gear element 230A is made of plastic and the other ring gear element 230B is made of metal and is overmolded on the outside with the material of the ring gear element 230A.

[0121] As illustrated in an exemplary embodiment in Fig. 30A, Fig. As shown in 30B, the ring gear element 230B can also form a closing element 230D for supporting the output element 24 and also for providing a housing section 239 for centering relative to the stationary section 3.

[0122] In a Fig. In the embodiment shown in 31, the housing part 230 is ribbed on its outside.

[0123] The housing part 230 can be connected to the housing part 220 of the input gear stage 22 by means of fastening elements 227 in the form of screws, whereby the fastening elements 227 extend axially through the housing part 230 and are screwed to a housing section 226 of the housing part 220, as shown in Fig. Figure 32 shows that if the housing part 230 is composed of several ring gear elements 230A, 230B and, for example, an additional end element 230D, the ring gear elements 230A, 230B and the end element 230D are screwed together to the housing part 220 via the fastening elements 227 and are thus axially clamped relative to each other.

[0124] As this is shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 32, the mounting plate 28 can also be screwed to the housing part 230 via the fastening elements 227 and thus fixed to the housing part 230.

[0125] At a Fig. 33, Fig. 34 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 35, the mounting plate 28 is positioned relative to the housing part 230 by means of positioning pins 285. The positioning pins 285 are pressed into openings 286 on the mounting plate 28 and thus into aligned openings 289 on the housing part 230, so that the mounting plate 28 is fixed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L2 relative to the housing part 230.

[0126] The positioning pins 285 are press-fitted into the openings 286 and 289. The openings 286 and 289 are designed as through-holes in the mounting plate 28 and the housing part 230, respectively. This design offers the advantage that the entire material thickness of the mounting plate 28 and the wall of the housing part 230 can be utilized for the press fit, thus ensuring that the mounting plate 28 is reliably and securely positioned on the housing part 230 via the positioning pins 285.

[0127] Because the openings 286, 289 extend through the mounting plate 28 and the wall of the housing part 230, and because a moisture-proof seal is not guaranteed despite the press fit of the positioning pins 285 in the openings 286, 289, a sealing element 287 is located for each positioning pin 285 between the mounting plate 28 and the housing part 230, which is pressed into a notch-shaped recess 288 on the housing part 230 between the mounting plate 28 and the housing part 230 and is thereby plastically deformed. The sealing element 287, for example in the form of a thermoplastic O-ring, extends around the respective positioning pin 285 and lies between the mounting plate 28 and the housing part 230 in such a way that a transition between the mounting plate 28, the housing part 230 and the respective positioning pin 285 is sealed against moisture.

[0128] The positioning pins 285 can be flush with an inner wall of the housing part 230 and thus do not restrict the installation space available within the housing part 230, for example also for the start-up of the planet carrier 235.

[0129] In addition, the positioning pins 285 can also be flush with the outside of the mounting plate 28 for installation on the stationary section 3.

[0130] At a Fig. The schematically illustrated embodiment in 36 is analogous to the one described above in connection with Fig. 10A, Fig. As explained in section 10B, the housing part 230 is to be attached to mounting sections 32 via a mounting plate 28 and then to a stationary section 3. The stationary section 3 is fixed to a vehicle door 11. The door drive device 2 is to be attached to this stationary section 3 during assembly and thus fixed to the vehicle door 11.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, a hinge element 4 is pivotably mounted on the stationary section 3 via a bearing element 41 in the form of a bearing bolt. The hinge element 4 is associated with the vehicle body 10, so that by pivoting the hinge element 4 relative to the stationary section 3, the vehicle door 11 can be pivoted relative to the vehicle body 10.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing part 230 is, for example, centered by a centering device 30, analogous to the preceding description, using Fig. 10A, Fig. As described in 10B, the drive element 24 is centered relative to the stationary section 3. Additionally or alternatively, a centering pin 246 is arranged on the output element 24, which engages in a positive-locking opening 40 formed on the bearing element 41. This centering pin engages in a centering opening 410 of the bearing element 41, so that the centering pin 246, in addition to or alternatively to the centering device 30, ensures centering of the drive element 24 relative to the hinge element 4.

[0133] The centering pin 246 is preferably made of a soft material, for example a plastic material, or a soft, for example thin, preferably elastic metal material, for example spring steel. The centering pin 246 is intended to have an effect, particularly during assembly, such that the output element 24 is centered relative to the hinge element 4 by means of the centering pin 246 during assembly – before the mounting plate 28 is finally fixed to the mounting sections 32 of the stationary section 3 – namely relative to the bearing element 41 when the output element 24 is inserted into the positive-locking opening 40.

[0134] In this way, the output element 24 comes into centered engagement with the positive locking opening 40. During assembly, the mounting plate 28 is then fixed to the stationary section 3 by screwing it in place, so that the centered position of the output element 24 in the positive locking opening 40 of the hinge element 4 is fixed.

[0135] Because the centering pin 246 only has a centering function during assembly, but is no longer intended to be effective during operation and, in particular, is not intended to provide any bearing in order to avoid over-constraint in the bearing of the output element 24, the centering pin 246 can generally be removed after assembly. For this purpose, the centering opening 410 on the bearing element 41 can, for example, be designed as a through-hole that is open to the outside, so that the centering pin 246 can be pulled out of the centering opening 410 after assembly is complete, i.e., after the mounting plate 28 has been fixed to the stationary section 3. The centering pin 246 can, for example, be designed as a so-called gauge pin for this purpose.

[0136] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0137] A door drive device of the type described can be used to adjust a side door on a vehicle, but also, for example, to adjust a tailgate in a vehicle.

[0138] The door drive device serves to introduce a torque for adjusting the vehicle door, whereby the door drive device can act directly on a door hinge or a kinematic transmission can be arranged on the output side of the door drive device, for example in the form of a four-bar linkage or another lever transmission. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 10 Vehicle body 11 Vehicle door 110 Door hinge 2 Door drive device 20 engine 200 motor shaft 21 gearboxes 22 Input gear stage 220 Housing part 221 Drive element (drive screw) 222 Drive wheel 223 Axle element 224 gear teeth 225 opening 226 Housing section 227 Fasteners 23 planetary gear stage 230 Housing part 230A, 230B ring gear element 230C thrust washer 230D End element 230E Mounting section 230F coupling section 231 Planetary Carriers 232 planetary gears 233 axle element 234 planetary gears 235 planetary carriers 236 Ring gear teeth 236A, 236B ring gear teeth 237 Opening 238 Intake opening 239 Housing section (pin section) 24 Output element 240 Form-fitting section 241 Federal Government 242 spacer layer 243 Area section 244 Positioning pin 245 openings 246 Centering pin 25 Intermediate element 26 warehouses 27 Control unit 28 Mounting plate 280th edition section 281 Fastening element 282 Elastic element (spring element) 283 Mounting opening 284 Elastic element 285 Positioning pin 286 Opening 287 Sealing element 288 recess 289 Opening 3 Stationary section 30 Centering device 300 centering element 31 Opening 32 Fastening section 4 hinge elements 40 Form-closing opening 41 Bearing element 410 Centering opening L1, L2 Longitudinal axis 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 10 2015 215 627 A1

[0004] DE 10 2017 230 151 A1

[0005] DE 102022 114 432 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Door drive device (2) for electrically adjusting a vehicle door (11), with an electric motor (20), a gearbox (21) driven by the electric motor (20), which has a housing part (230), a drive element (24) operatively connected to the transmission (21) and rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L2) relative to the housing part (230) for delivering a torque for adjusting the vehicle door (11), a stationary section (3) to which the housing part (230) is to be firmly connected, and a hinge element (4) that pivots relative to the stationary section (3), wherein the output element (24) can be connected to the hinge element (4) in a torque-resistant manner for transmitting the torque, characterized bya centering device (30) arranged on the stationary section (3) or the hinge element (4) for centering the housing part (30) relative to the stationary section (3) and / or the hinge element (4) with reference to the longitudinal axis (L2). [2] Door drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the centering device (30) extends along a circular line around the longitudinal axis (L2). [3] Door drive device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the centering device (30) extends in a ring shape along the circle around the longitudinal axis (L2). [4] Door drive device (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the centering device (30) has a plurality of centering elements (300) arranged along the circle around the longitudinal axis (L2). [5] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the housing part (239) has a housing section (239) concentric to the longitudinal axis (L2), which in a mounted position engages in the centering device (30) and is supported on the centering device (30) along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L2). [6] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the output element (24) has a positive locking section (240) and the hinge element (4) has a positive locking opening (40), wherein the positive locking section (240) can be brought into positive engagement with the hinge element (4) to transmit the torque. [7] Door drive device (2) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the form-fitting section (240) is at least partially covered with a spacer layer (242) made of a material that is softer than the material of the form-fitting section (240). [8] Door drive device (2) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the spacer layer (242) is formed from a plastic material. [9] Door drive device (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the spacer layer (242) extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (L2) at the positive locking section (240). [10] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the spacer layer (242) has an arrangement of openings (245). [11] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a centering pin (246) which is designed to center the output element (24) and the hinge element (4) relative to each other with reference to the longitudinal axis (L2). [12] Door drive device (2) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the centering pin (246) is arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis (L2). [13] Door drive device (2) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the centering pin (246) is formed from an elastic material. [14] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by , that the centering pin (246) engages in a centering opening (410) on the hinge element (4). [15] Door drive device (2) according to claim 14, characterized by , that the centering pin (246) can be removed from the centering opening (410) after the output element (24) has been mounted on the hinge element (4). [16] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a mounting plate (28) permanently connected to the housing part (230), via which the housing part (230) can be connected to the stationary section (3). [17] Door drive device (2) according to claim 16, characterized byat least one positioning pin (285) which engages in an opening (286) of the mounting plate (28) and in an opening (289) of the housing part (230) and positions the mounting plate (28) relative to the housing part (230) with reference to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L2). [18] Door drive device (2) according to claim 17, characterized by , that at least one positioning pin (285) engages with a press fit into the opening (286) of the mounting plate (28) and into the opening (289) of the housing part (230). [19] Door drive device (2) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by , that the opening (286) of the mounting plate (28) and / or the opening (289) of the housing part (230) is formed by a through opening. [20] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized byat least one sealing element (287) which is arranged between the housing part (230) and the mounting plate (28) and seals a transition between the at least one positioning pin (285), the mounting plate (28) and the housing part (230). [21] Door drive device (2) according to claim 20, characterized by , that at least one sealing element (287) extends extensively around at least one positioning pin (285). [22] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized by , that the mounting plate (28) is connected to the stationary section (3) in a mounted position via at least one fastening element (281). [23] Door drive device (2) according to claim 22, characterized by, that the mounting plate (28) is connected to the stationary section (3) via the at least one mounting element (281) in such a way that the mounting plate (28) can be tilted relative to the stationary section (3). [24] Door drive device (2) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized by , that at least one fastening element (281) acts axially along an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (L2) between the fastening plate (28) and the stationary section (3). [25] Door drive device (2) according to claim 24, characterized by , that at least one fastening element (281) is supported on the fastening plate (28) or on the stationary section (3) via a spring element (282). [26] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized by , that an elastic element (284) is arranged between the mounting plate (28) and the stationary section (3). [27] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized by , that at least one fastening element (281) extends through a fastening opening (283), wherein the fastening element (281), viewed along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L2), has a clearance in the fastening opening (283). [28] Door drive device (2) according to claim 27, characterized by , that the mounting opening (283) is formed in the mounting plate (28) or the stationary section (3). [29] Door drive device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transmission (21) has a planetary gear stage (23) forming a planetary gear, which has a ring gear toothing (236), an arrangement of planet gears (234) meshing with the ring gear toothing (236) and a planet carrier (235) rotatable relative to the ring gear toothing (236) and supporting the arrangement of planet gears (234). [30] Door drive device (2) according to claim 29, characterized by , that the ring gear teeth (236) are arranged on the housing part (230). [31] Door drive device (2) according to claim 30, characterized by , that the housing part (230) has a first ring gear element (230A) forming a first ring gear toothing (236A) and a second ring gear element (230B) forming a second ring gear toothing (236B). [32] Door drive device (2) according to claim 31, characterized by , that the first ring gear element (230A) and the second ring gear element (230B) are axially connected to each other along the longitudinal axis (L2). [33] Door drive device (2) according to claim 31 or 32, characterized by , that the first ring gear element (230A) and the second ring gear element (230B) are fixed relative to each other by positive locking, force-fit locking or force-fit locking with reference to a load about the longitudinal axis (L2). [34] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 31 to 33, characterized by , that the first ring gear element (230A) and the second ring gear element (230B) are axially connected to each other and / or to a further housing part (220) with reference to the longitudinal axis (L2) via at least one fastening element (227). [35] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 31 to 34, characterized by , that one of the first ring gear element (236A) and the second ring gear element (236B) is made of a metal material and the other of the first ring gear element (236A) and the second ring gear element (236B) is made of a plastic material. [36] Door drive device (2) according to claim 35, characterized by , that one of the first ring gear element (236A) and the second ring gear element (236B) is at least partially overmolded by the plastic material of the other of the first ring gear element (236A) and the second ring gear element (236B). [37] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 29 to 36, characterized by , that the planetary gear stage (23) has an axle element (233) which meshes with the arrangement of planet gears (234). [38] Door drive device (2) according to claim 37, characterized by , that the planetary gear stage (23) has an arrangement of further planet gears (232) rotatably arranged on a further planet carrier (231) and meshing with the ring gear teeth (236). [39] Door drive device (2) according to claim 38, characterized by , that the axle element (233) is connected to the further planet carrier (231) in a rotationally fixed manner. [40] Door drive device (2) according to one of claims 29 to 39, characterized by , that the transmission (21) has an input gear stage (22) operatively connected to the planetary gear stage (23). [41] Door drive device (2) according to claim 40, characterized by, that the input gear stage (22) has a drive wheel (222) and a drive worm (221) which can be driven by the electric motor (20) and which meshes with the drive wheel (222).

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