Spindle drive assembly, vehicle door with a spindle drive assembly, and method for mounting a spindle drive assembly

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spindle drive assembly for opening and / or closing a vehicle flap.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle flap, in particular a vehicle tailgate or a vehicle trunk lid, with such a spindle drive assembly.

[0003] In addition, the invention relates to a method for assembling a spindle drive assembly of the aforementioned type.

[0004] Vehicle flaps and spindle drive assemblies of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art.

[0005] The known spindle drive assemblies typically include an electric spindle drive, which can be used to open and / or close the associated vehicle door. This eliminates the need for the user of the associated vehicle to open and close the door manually. They simply need to send an open or close command to the spindle drive assembly, which can be done, for example, via a radio remote control or a switch located inside the vehicle. A foot switch located outside the vehicle can also be used, which can operate without contact.

[0006] To protect the electrical components of the spindle drive assembly from environmental influences, such as moisture and dust, the spindle drive assemblies are typically enclosed when mounted on a vehicle door. DE 10 2016 12 25 71 A1 discloses an example of a spindle drive assembly.

[0007] In the field of spindle drive assembly manufacturing, the goal is to keep the assembly of the spindle drive assembly as simple and cost-effective as possible. However, this creates a conflict with the objective of reliable enclosure, so that a spindle drive assembly that is easy and cost-effective to install typically offers only moderate protection against environmental influences.

[0008] The object of the invention is to overcome this conflict of objectives and to provide a spindle drive assembly which is both simple and cost-effective to assemble and which also provides particularly effective protection of the spindle drive assembly components against environmental influences.

[0009] The object is achieved by a spindle drive assembly of the type mentioned above, in which a spindle drive assembly housing extends along a spindle drive axis and the spindle drive assembly housing comprises, between its axial ends, an axially bilaterally acting stop section, wherein a motor gear unit is arranged on a first axial side of the stop section and wherein a spindle unit is arranged on a second axial side of the stop section opposite the first axial side. The motor gear unit comprises an electric spindle drive motor and a gear coupled to the latter. In addition, it can optionally also comprise a brake, one or more sensors and / or an overload protection device. The spindle unit comprises at least one spindle and a spindle nut coupled to the spindle nut.The stop section ensures a defined position of the motor gear unit and the spindle unit within the spindle drive assembly housing. This applies both during operation and assembly. The spindle drive assembly housing is tubular with a substantially circular cross-section, and the part in which the motor gear unit and the spindle unit are located is manufactured as a single piece, providing particularly good protection for these components against environmental influences. This results from the absence of contact surfaces or lines between different components of the spindle drive assembly housing in this area. Such contact surfaces or lines represent weak points when it comes to undesirable environmental influences. In addition, such a spindle drive assembly has a particularly simple design and is therefore easy and cost-effective to assemble.

[0010] The spindle drive assembly housing comprises a housing cap that closes off the spindle drive assembly housing on the motor gear unit side and is laser-welded within the spindle drive assembly housing. Such a housing cap provides a particularly simple closure of the spindle drive assembly housing. In addition, the housing cap reliably closes the spindle drive assembly housing and thus ensures effective protection of the components contained in the spindle drive assembly housing from undesirable environmental influences. This is particularly the case when the housing cap is laser-welded. An associated laser weld seam represents a water- and dust-tight connection. The laser weld seam preferably runs completely around one circumference of the housing cap so that the housing cap reliably seals the end of the spindle drive assembly housing. More preferably, the laser weld seam runs at least 361°.This provides particularly reliable protection against unwanted environmental influences. The spindle drive assembly housing is therefore waterproof.

[0011] Preferably, a mechanical interface to a vehicle body is arranged on the housing cap, which includes, for example, ball sockets or stop means. An electrical interface can also be provided on the housing cap, which includes, for example, a cable feedthrough.

[0012] The motor gear unit is mounted in the spindle drive assembly housing in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the spindle drive axis. In particular, the motor gear unit is mounted in the spindle drive assembly housing via one or more damping elements. The motor gear unit is mounted in the spindle drive assembly housing via a positive fit. The rotationally fixed mounting is achieved by simply inserting the motor gear unit into the spindle drive assembly housing. Installation is therefore particularly simple. The rotationally fixed mounting of the motor gear unit serves to support the torque.

[0013] A damping element, e.g., made of an elastomer, can be provided at each of the axial ends of the motor-gear unit, whereby the aforementioned positive locking is realized via the damping element. Accordingly, the drive torque of the motor-gear unit is supported axially at the front and axially at the rear.

[0014] The spindle unit can comprise a guide tube fastened in the spindle drive assembly housing, in particular wherein the guide tube and the spindle drive assembly housing are laser-welded. The guide tube ensures precise and reliable guidance of the spindle nut. It can be designed as a plain bearing bush. The fastening of the guide tube to the spindle drive assembly housing is preferably watertight, so that there is no possibility of undesirable environmental influences on the components of the spindle drive assembly at this point. This is particularly the case when the guide tube and the spindle drive assembly housing are laser-welded. An associated laser weld seam preferably runs completely and more preferably by at least 361°, thus ensuring particularly reliable sealing of the spindle drive assembly housing against undesirable environmental influences.In particular, the spindle drive assembly housing is waterproof.

[0015] The guide tube is preferably made of plastic.

[0016] Advantageously, the stop section is manufactured in one piece with the spindle drive assembly housing. This allows the spindle drive assembly housing to be manufactured with particularly low effort and cost-effectively.

[0017] The spindle drive assembly housing can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

[0018] The spindle drive assembly housing is preferably made of plastic. This material is water and dust resistant, making it particularly suitable for protecting the spindle drive assembly components from environmental influences. Furthermore, plastic can be easily and cost-effectively processed using standard machinery, allowing the spindle drive assembly to be manufactured easily and cost-effectively.

[0019] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a vehicle flap of the type mentioned above, in particular a vehicle tailgate or a vehicle trunk lid, with a spindle drive assembly according to the invention. Since the spindle drive assembly is simple and cost-effective in construction, a vehicle flap equipped with it is also comparatively simple and cost-effective in construction. Furthermore, such a vehicle flap is particularly reliable in operation because the spindle drive assembly is particularly well protected against undesirable environmental influences.

[0020] In addition to the aforementioned vehicle flaps, luggage or tailgates of recreational or commercial vehicles can also be equipped with a spindle drive assembly according to the invention. The same applies to engine hoods and vehicle hoods.

[0021] In addition, the task is solved by a method of the type mentioned above, which comprises the following steps: a) providing a spindle drive assembly housing extending along a spindle drive axis, b) inserting a motor gear unit into the spindle drive assembly housing from a first axial side of the spindle drive assembly housing, and c) inserting a spindle unit into the spindle drive assembly housing from a second axial side of the spindle drive assembly housing opposite the first.

[0022] The motor gear unit and the spindle unit are inserted into the spindle drive assembly housing from opposite sides. The spindle drive assembly housing is therefore particularly easy to access for assembly. Furthermore, the motor gear unit and the spindle unit can be inserted into the spindle drive assembly housing simultaneously or at an overlapping time. This allows for particularly rapid assembly. Overall, this results in simple and cost-effective assembly.

[0023] The spindle drive assembly housing features a stop section acting axially on both sides, and the motor gear unit is positioned against a first axial side of the stop section. This allows the motor gear unit to be easily and reliably positioned in the spindle drive assembly housing. Subsequent alignment or adjustment is not necessary.

[0024] The motor gear unit is mounted in a form-fitting, rotationally fixed manner in the spindle drive assembly housing. The form-fitting mounting can include one or more damping elements. The damping elements are then first attached to the motor gear unit, and then the assembly of motor gear unit and damping elements is mounted in the spindle drive assembly housing. The form-fitting mounting eliminates subsequent fastening steps, particularly those used to support the drive torque of the motor gear unit.

[0025] Preferably, a first damping element is attached to an axially front end of the motor gear unit and a second damping element is attached to an axially rear end.

[0026] The damping elements, for example, are made of an elastomer.

[0027] The spindle drive assembly housing features a stop section that acts axially on both sides, and the spindle unit is positioned against a second axial side of the stop section, opposite the first axial side. This allows the spindle unit to be easily and reliably positioned in the spindle drive assembly housing. Subsequent alignment or adjustment is also unnecessary.

[0028] Preferably, the spindle unit is attached to the spindle drive assembly housing, in particular, the spindle unit is laser-welded to the spindle drive assembly housing. This reliably holds the spindle unit in its intended position. Furthermore, the laser weld creates a seal against undesirable environmental influences, which is particularly watertight. Preferably, the laser weld extends all the way around. More preferably, it extends at least 361°.

[0029] A guide tube encompassed by the spindle unit can also be attached to the spindle drive assembly housing, in particular wherein the guide tube is laser welded to the spindle drive assembly housing.

[0030] A housing cap is placed on the spindle drive assembly housing on the motor gear unit side so that the housing cap closes off the spindle drive assembly housing.

[0031] The housing cap is welded inside the spindle drive assembly housing.

[0032] The invention is explained below using an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle flap according to the invention with a spindle drive assembly according to the invention, which is mounted by means of a method according to the invention, Figure 2 the spindle drive assembly Figure 1 in a schematic sectional view, Figure 3the spindle drive assembly Figure 1 in an exploded view, Figure 4 the spindle drive assembly Figure 1 in a cut detail view, Figure 5 a spindle drive motor of the spindle drive assembly Figure 1 in a perspective view, Figure 6 schematically the interaction of the spindle drive motor from Figure 5 with a spindle drive assembly housing in a partially sectioned view, Figure 7 schematically an end view of the spindle drive motor from the Figures 5 and 6 and a housing cap that can be connected to the spindle drive motor, Figure 8 an exploded view of a two-stage epicyclic gear of the spindle drive assembly from Figure 1 which can be assembled by means of a method according to the invention, Figure 9 another exploded view of the two-stage epicyclic gear of the spindle drive assembly from Figure 1, wherein the epicyclic gear is partially assembled by means of a method according to the invention, Figure 10 an exploded view of the spindle drive assembly comprising a two-stage epicyclic gear, a clutch, a hysteresis brake and a spindle drive motor Figure 1 , Figure 11 a spindle unit of the spindle drive assembly Figure 1 in an exploded view, Figure 12 a detail of the spindle unit Figure 11 , Figure 13 a detail of the spindle drive assembly from Figure 1 in a sectional view and Figure 14 another detail of the spindle drive assembly from Figure 1 in a sectional view.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a vehicle flap 10, which in the present case is a vehicle tailgate, with a spindle drive assembly 12, by means of which the vehicle flap 10 can be opened and / or closed.

[0034] The spindle drive assembly 12 includes a spindle drive assembly housing 14 that extends along a spindle drive axis 16.

[0035] As can be seen in particular from Figure 2 As can be seen, the spindle drive assembly housing 14 has a Figure 2 only schematically shown motor gear unit 18 and a likewise Figure 2 spindle unit 20, shown only schematically.

[0036] The spindle drive assembly housing 14 comprises an axially bilaterally acting stop section 22 between its axial ends 14a, 14b.

[0037] The motor gear unit 18 is arranged on a first axial side 22a of the stop section 22 and the spindle unit 20 on a second axial side 22b opposite the first axial side 22a.

[0038] Both the motor gear unit 18 and the spindle unit 20 rest on the stop section 22.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment (see in particular the Figures 3 and 4 ), the motor gear unit 18 is mounted in the spindle drive assembly housing 14 via two damping elements 24a, 24b made of an elastomer.

[0040] The spindle unit 20 comprises a spindle 26 and a spindle nut 28 coupled thereto as well as a guide tube 30.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide tube 30 is attached to the spindle drive assembly housing 14. More precisely, the guide tube 30 is laser-welded to the spindle drive assembly housing 14. The laser weld seam 32 is shown only schematically.

[0042] The stop section 22 is produced in one piece with the spindle drive assembly housing 14.

[0043] The spindle drive assembly housing 14 is made of a plastic.

[0044] In the present case, the stop portion 22 is manufactured by injection molding the spindle drive assembly housing 14.

[0045] The spindle drive assembly housing 14 additionally includes a housing cap 14c. This cap closes the spindle drive assembly housing 14 on the motor gear unit side.

[0046] The housing cap 14c and the spindle drive assembly housing 14 are laser-welded. The laser weld seam 34 is again shown only schematically.

[0047] The assembly of the spindle drive assembly 12 proceeds as follows.

[0048] First, the spindle drive assembly housing 14 is provided.

[0049] Then, the motor gear unit 18 is inserted into the spindle drive assembly housing 14 starting from a first axial side of the spindle drive assembly housing 14, on which the axial end 14b is arranged in the example shown.

[0050] The motor gear unit 18 is placed against the first axial side 22a of the stop section 22.

[0051] The spindle unit 20 is inserted into the spindle drive assembly housing 14 from a second axial side 22b of the spindle drive assembly housing 14, opposite the first axial side of the spindle drive assembly housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial end 14a is arranged on this side.

[0052] The spindle unit 20 is placed against the second axial side 22b of the stop portion 22.

[0053] Whether the motor gear unit 18 or the spindle unit 20 is mounted first on the spindle drive assembly housing 14 is irrelevant to the assembly procedure. The motor gear unit 18 and the spindle unit 20 can also be mounted essentially simultaneously.

[0054] When inserted into the spindle drive assembly housing 14, the spindle unit 20 is secured therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the spindle unit 20 includes a guide tube 30, which is secured to the spindle drive assembly housing 14 by means of the laser weld 32.

[0055] The spindle drive assembly housing 14 and the guide tube 30 are therefore laser welded.

[0056] Subsequently, the spindle drive assembly housing 14 is closed at the end 14b by means of a housing cap 14c. In this context, the spindle drive assembly housing 14 is laser welded to the housing cap 14c.

[0057] The motor gear unit 18 comprises a spindle drive motor 36 which is coupled to a gear 40 via a motor shaft 38.

[0058] The Figures 5 - 7 show the spindle drive motor 36 in detail.

[0059] After the motor gear unit 18 is arranged in the spindle drive assembly housing 14, the spindle drive motor 36 is also positioned in the spindle drive assembly housing 14. The motor shaft 38 is essentially coaxial with the spindle drive axis 16.

[0060] The spindle drive motor 36 and thus the motor gear unit 18 are also mounted in the spindle drive assembly housing 14 in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the spindle drive axis 16 via a positive connection.

[0061] More specifically, the spindle drive motor 36 is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner via a positive fit on the housing cap 14c, which is a component of the spindle drive assembly housing 14.

[0062] The rotationally fixed bearing is provided by a motor housing 42 of the spindle drive motor 36.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, two anti-rotation projections 44a, 44b are provided on this, which extend essentially along the spindle drive axis 16 in the assembled state of the spindle drive motor 36 and thus also of the motor gear unit 18.

[0064] In the present case, the anti-rotation projections 44a, 44b are circular-cylindrical, wherein in the assembled state of the spindle drive motor 36, the associated circular cylinder center axes 46a, 46b run substantially parallel to the spindle drive axis 16.

[0065] The anti-rotation projections 44a, 44b are provided on an axial end side 48 of the spindle drive motor 36, which faces away from the motor shaft 38. In the assembled state, the anti-rotation projections 44a, 44b are thus located on a side of the spindle drive motor 36 opposite the gear 40.

[0066] In the assembled state, the anti-rotation projections 44a, 44b engage in corresponding recesses 50a, 50b provided on the spindle drive assembly housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 50a, 50b are provided on the housing cap 14c.

[0067] More precisely, in the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 50a, 50b are provided on the damping element 24b, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the housing cap 14c.

[0068] The anti-rotation projections 44a, 44b can alternatively engage in the recesses 50a, 50b via elastic damping caps arranged on the anti-rotation projections 44a, 44b or via elastic damping elements arranged in the recesses 50a, 50b.

[0069] As can be seen in particular from Figure 5As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the anti-rotation projections 44a, 44b, a first electrical power connection 52, a second electrical power connection 54 and a sensor connection 56 are additionally provided on the axial end side 48 of the spindle drive motor 36.

[0070] In the Figures 8 and 9 the gearbox 40 can be seen in detail.

[0071] It can be seen that the gear 40 is a two-stage epicyclic gear 58.

[0072] In this context, it comprises a first epicyclic gear stage 58a, which is also referred to as motor-side or drive-side epicyclic gear stage 58a, and a second epicyclic gear stage 58b, which is also referred to as spindle-side or output-side epicyclic gear stage 58b.

[0073] The epicyclic gear 58 is spiral-toothed. Both epicyclic gear stages 58a and 58b have spiral toothing in the same direction.

[0074] In addition, the two-stage epicyclic gear 58 comprises only a single, singular planet carrier 60. This therefore belongs to both epicyclic gear stages 58a, 58b.

[0075] Furthermore, both the motor-side epicyclic gear stage 58a and the spindle-side epicyclic gear stage 58b comprise an equal number of planetary gears 62a, 62b. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the epicyclic gear stages 58a, 58b comprises four planetary gears 62a, 62b.

[0076] In this case, a planetary gear 62a of the first epicyclic gear stage 58a and a planetary gear 62b of the second epicyclic gear stage 58b are mounted on a common planetary gear axis 64.

[0077] The planetary gears 62a, 62b mounted on a common planetary gear axle 64 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0078] The epicyclic gear 58 works as follows.

[0079] The motor shaft 38 is rotationally coupled to a sun gear 66 of the motor-side epicyclic gear stage 58a. Thus, the sun gear 66 represents the drive or torque input of the epicyclic gear 58.

[0080] Since this coupling is achieved via a clutch 68, a transmission input shaft 70 is strictly coupled to the sun gear 66. However, this can be considered a continuation of the motor shaft 38.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling 68 is an Oldham coupling for compensating for axle misalignment. Figure 8 only a transmission-side coupling part 69 can be seen, which is connected to the transmission input shaft 70.

[0082] The sun gear 66 interacts with the planetary gears 62a of the motor-side epicyclic gear stage 58a, which in turn are coupled to a ring gear 72 of the motor-side epicyclic gear stage 58a.

[0083] The ring gear 72 is mounted in a rotationally fixed and axially fixed manner in the spindle drive assembly housing 14 and / or in a planetary gear housing 74. The ring gear 72 is therefore essentially fixed in space.

[0084] The motor-side epicyclic gear stage 58a is coupled to the spindle-side epicyclic gear stage 58b via both the singular planet carrier 60 and the one-piece planet gears 62a, 62b.

[0085] The spindle-side epicyclic gear stage 58b is designed without a sun gear.

[0086] The planetary gears 62b of the spindle-side epicyclic gear stage 58b are mounted only radially on an axial bearing extension 76 of the sun gear shaft of the motor-side epicyclic gear stage 58a. The sun gear shaft corresponds to the transmission input shaft 70.

[0087] The planetary gears 62b of the spindle-side epicyclic gear stage 58b are further coupled to a ring gear 78 of the spindle-side epicyclic gear stage 58b.

[0088] This ring gear 78 is rotationally coupled to the spindle 26 via a coupling 80. The ring gear 78 is rotatably mounted in the spindle drive assembly housing 14 and / or in the epicyclic gear housing 74.

[0089] The ring gear 78 therefore represents the output or torque output of the epicyclic gear 58.

[0090] The epicyclic gear 58 can be mounted as follows.

[0091] First, all planetary gears 62a, 62b of the two epicyclic gear stages 58a, 58b are mounted in the singular planetary carrier 60.

[0092] The planet carrier 60 is then inserted into the ring gear 72 of the input-side epicyclic gear stage 58a or into the ring gear 78 of the output-side epicyclic gear stage 58b.

[0093] The other ring gear, i.e. the ring gear 78 or the ring gear 72, is then placed on this assembly.

[0094] Then, the planetary gear housing 74 is provided and connected to the ring gear 72.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the planetary gear housing 74 is laser-welded to the ring gear 72 in an overlap joint. For this purpose, the planetary gear housing 74 is laser-transparent.

[0096] In order for the spindle drive assembly 12 to emit noises during operation that are perceived as pleasant by a motor vehicle user, the ratio of the number of teeth of each of the planetary gears 62a of the first epicyclic gear stage 58a and the number of teeth of each of the planetary gears 62b of the second epicyclic gear stage 58b is selected to be 2:1.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, each planetary gear 62a of the first epicyclic gear stage 58a comprises twelve teeth and each planetary gear 62b of the second epicyclic gear stage 58b comprises six teeth.

[0098] The ratio of 2:1 corresponds to the interval of an octave when referred to a ratio of sound frequencies.

[0099] Since the sound frequency emitted by the first epicyclic gear stage 58a is largely determined by the number of teeth of the planetary gears 62a of the first epicyclic gear stage 58a, and the sound frequency emitted by the second epicyclic gear stage 58b is largely determined by the number of teeth of the planetary gears 62b of the second epicyclic gear stage 58b, the spindle drive assembly 12 emits sound frequencies during operation that form an octave. This is perceived as particularly pleasant by vehicle users.

[0100] In addition, a vehicle user associates such pleasant sounds with a high level of quality of the spindle drive assembly 12.

[0101] Alternatively, the ratio of the number of teeth of each of the planetary gears 62a of the first epicyclic gear stage and the number of teeth of each of the planetary gears 62b of the second epicyclic gear stage can also be selected to be 3:2, 4:3, 5:4 or 6:5.

[0102] The emitted sound frequencies then form a fifth, a fourth, a major third, and a minor third. These intervals are also perceived as pleasant by humans.

[0103] Generally speaking, the ratio of the number of teeth of each planetary gear 62a of the first epicyclic gear stage 58a and the number of teeth of each planetary gear 62b of the second epicyclic gear stage 58b is selected such that, during operation, a first sound frequency emitted by the first epicyclic gear stage 58a differs by an integer multiple of a semitone from a second sound frequency emitted by the second epicyclic gear stage 58b.

[0104] The preferred embodiment of the octave comprises twelve semitones, the fifth seven, the fourth five, the major third four and the minor third three.

[0105] The coupling of the spindle drive motor 36 with the gear 40, more precisely with the two-stage epicyclic gear 58, is in Figure 10 shown in detail. The spindle drive motor 36 and the gearbox 40 are connected to the clutch 68, which compensates for axial offset, and a hysteresis brake 82.

[0106] As already mentioned, the coupling 68 is an Oldham coupling and comprises a drive motor-side coupling part 84 and the transmission-side coupling part 69 (see Figure 8 ).

[0107] The two coupling parts 69, 84 are connected to each other via an intermediate coupling part 86 in such a way that the motor shaft 38 and the transmission input shaft 70 are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0108] At the same time, the intermediate coupling part 86, in the assembled state, is displaceable along a direction 88 relative to the drive motor-side coupling part 84.

[0109] The transmission-side coupling part 69 is displaceable relative to the intermediate coupling part 86 along a direction 90.

[0110] The directions 88 and 90 are essentially perpendicular to each other. This allows an axial offset between the motor shaft 38 and the transmission input shaft 70 to be compensated for according to the functional principle of the Oldham coupling.

[0111] The hysteresis brake 82 includes a fixed hysteresis brake component 92 that is attached to the spindle drive assembly housing 14 and / or the epicyclic gear housing 74.

[0112] In addition, the hysteresis brake 82 has a rotatable hysteresis brake component 94 that is rotationally coupled to the motor shaft 38.

[0113] This is attached to or integrated into the drive motor-side coupling part 84. In particular, the rotatable hysteresis brake component 94 is molded into the drive motor-side coupling part 84.

[0114] When viewing the spindle drive assembly 12 perpendicular to the spindle drive axis 16, the clutch 68 is arranged in the axial direction essentially entirely within the hysteresis brake 82, in particular within the fixed hysteresis brake component 92. The design of the clutch 68 and the hysteresis brake 82 is therefore particularly compact.

[0115] The Figures 11 - 14 show the spindle unit 20 in detail.

[0116] At one axial end of the spindle 26, a stop assembly 96 is arranged, which is designed to limit the mobility of the spindle nut 28 along the spindle drive axis 16. Specifically, the spindle nut 28 is thus prevented from moving beyond the end of the spindle 26.

[0117] The stop assembly 96 comprises a plastically deformable energy absorption component 97, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as an energy absorption sleeve 98 that substantially coaxially surrounds the spindle 26.

[0118] The energy absorption sleeve 98 is therefore mounted on the spindle 26.

[0119] The energy absorption sleeve 98 is arranged along the spindle drive axis 16 between a spindle end bearing disc 100 and the spindle nut 28 (see in particular Figure 14 ).

[0120] In addition, a bearing element 102 is provided between the energy absorption sleeve 98 and the bearing disc 100 for supporting the spindle 26 on the spindle drive assembly housing 14.

[0121] Furthermore, a thrust washer 104 which can be displaced axially on the spindle 26 is arranged between the energy absorption sleeve 98 and the spindle nut 28.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, both the bearing disc 100 and the thrust washer 104 are made of a metal material.

[0123] The energy absorption sleeve 98 has a collar 106a, 106b designed as a force introduction collar at each of its two axial ends.

[0124] Between the collars 106a, 106b there is a deformation section 108 which can be compressed in the direction of the spindle drive axis 16.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the deformation section has only a single deformation region. In alternative embodiments, however, it may comprise several, in particular two, deformation regions, wherein both deformation regions are compressible in the direction of the spindle drive axis 16.

[0126] In a regular operation of the spindle drive assembly 12, the energy absorption sleeve 98 is essentially plastically undeformed (see in particular the Figures 12 to 14). In normal operation, the energy absorption sleeve 98 is preferably subjected to loads that exclusively comprise forces of less than 750 N.

[0127] A load on the energy absorption sleeve 98 with a force substantially exceeding 3000 N represents an overload event for the illustrated embodiment. This causes the energy absorption sleeve 98 to be plastically deformed.

[0128] Such an overload event occurs when the spindle nut 28 hits the stop assembly 96, more specifically the energy absorption sleeve 98, at too high a speed and / or with too great a force.

[0129] This can happen, for example, if the hysteresis brake 82 is defective.

[0130] An overload event can also occur during assembly of the vehicle door 10 if the spindle drive assembly 12 is already connected to the vehicle door 10, but other components of the vehicle door 10 are still missing. The vehicle door 10 is then significantly lighter than when operated in an associated vehicle, for which the spindle drive assembly 12 is designed. In this context, the spindle drive assembly 12 can be moved into an open position by means of a spring (not specified in more detail). Due to the relatively low weight of the vehicle door, the spindle nut 28 then runs too quickly against the stop assembly 96.

[0131] During all overload events, the energy absorption sleeve 98 absorbs the energy resulting from the excessive speed and / or excessive force, thus protecting the other components of the spindle drive assembly 12 from damage.

[0132] In Figure 14The spindle nut 28 is shown resting against the energy absorption sleeve 98. However, for the sake of clarity, it is shown in its plastically undeformed state.

[0133] Subsequent operation of the spindle drive assembly 12, in which the vehicle lid 10 can still be opened and closed without problems, is also referred to as overload sequence operation. In this operating state, the energy absorption sleeve 98 is plastically deformed (not shown).

[0134] In the event that the energy absorption sleeve 98 comprises several deformation areas, only one of the deformation areas is plastically deformed during overload follow-up operation.

[0135] If a second overload event subsequently occurs and the energy absorption sleeve 98 includes a second deformation region, this deformation region will plastically deform due to the second overload event. Subsequently, the spindle drive assembly 12 enters a secondary overload follow-up operation, in which the opening and closing of the vehicle lid 10 is still ensured by the spindle drive assembly 12.

Claims

1. A spindle drive assembly (12) for opening and / or closing a vehicle flap (10), comprising a spindle drive assembly housing (14) which extends along a spindle drive axis (16) and comprises, between its axial ends (14a, 14b), a stop section (22) acting axially on both sides, wherein a motor gear unit (18) is arranged on a first axial side (22a) of the stop section (22) and a spindle unit (20) is arranged on a second axial side (22b) of the stop section (22) opposite the first axial side (22a), wherein the motor gear unit (18) is placed against the first axial side (22a) of the stop section (22) and the spindle unit (20) is placed against the second axial side (22b) of the stop section (22), wherein the spindle drive assembly housing (14) is tubular with a substantially circular cross-section, wherein that part of the spindle drive assembly housing (14) in which the motor gear unit (18) and the spindle unit (20) are seated is manufactured in one piece, wherein the spindle drive assembly housing (14) comprises a housing cap (14c), which closes the spindle drive assembly housing (14) on the motor gear input side, wherein the motor gear unit (18) includes a spindle drive motor (36), which is coupled to a gearing (40) via a motor shaft (38), characterized in that the housing cap (14c) is laser welded inside the spindle drive assembly housing (14), wherein the spindle drive motor (36) and the motor gear unit (18) are supported in the spindle drive assembly housing (14) so as to be rotationally fixed with respect to the spindle drive axis (16) by means of an interlocking fit, wherein the spindle drive motor (36) is supported at the housing cap (14c) so as to be rotationally fixed by means of an interlocking fit.

2. The spindle drive assembly (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor gear unit (18) is supported in the spindle drive assembly housing (14) by means of a damping element (24a, 24b) or by means of a plurality of damping elements (24a, 24b).

3. The spindle drive assembly (12) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle unit (20) comprises a guide tube (30) fastened in the spindle drive assembly housing (14), in particular wherein the guide tube (30) and the spindle drive assembly housing (14) are laser welded.

4. The spindle drive assembly (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop section (22) is manufactured in one piece with the spindle drive assembly housing (14).

5. The spindle drive assembly (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle drive assembly housing (14) is made from a plastic material.

6. A vehicle flap (10), in particular a vehicle hatch or tailgate or a vehicle trunk lid, comprising a spindle drive assembly (12) according to any of the preceding claims.

7. A method of assembling a spindle drive assembly (12) for opening and / or closing a vehicle flap (10), comprising the following steps: (a) providing a one-piece spindle drive assembly housing (14) extending along a spindle drive axis (16); (b) inserting a motor gear unit (18) into the spindle drive assembly housing (14) starting from a first axial side of the spindle drive assembly housing (14); and (c) inserting a spindle unit (20) into the spindle drive assembly housing (14) starting from a second axial side of the spindle drive assembly housing (14) opposite the first side, wherein a stop section (22) acting axially on both sides is provided at the spindle drive assembly housing (14) and the motor gear unit (18) is placed against a first axial side (22a) of the stop section (22) and the spindle unit (20) is placed against a second axial side (22b) of the stop section (22) opposite the first axial side (22a), wherein the spindle drive assembly housing (14) comprises a housing cap (14c), which closes the spindle drive assembly housing (14) on the motor gear input side and is laser welded inside the spindle drive assembly housing (14), wherein the motor gear unit (18) includes a spindle drive motor (36), which is coupled to a gearing (40) via a motor shaft (38), wherein the spindle drive motor (36) and the motor gear unit (18) are supported in the spindle drive assembly housing (14) so as to be rotationally fixed with respect to the spindle drive axis (16) by means of an interlocking fit, wherein the spindle drive motor (36) is supported at the housing cap (14c) so as to be rotationally fixed by means of an interlocking fit.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the spindle unit (20) is fastened to the spindle drive assembly housing (14), in particular wherein the spindle unit (20) is laser welded to the spindle drive assembly housing (14).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that a guide tube (30) comprised by the spindle unit (20) is fastened to the spindle drive assembly housing (14), in particular wherein the guide tube (30) is laser welded to the spindle drive assembly housing (14).