RUBBER-ELASTIC MOUNTING FOR A DRIVE UNIT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rubber-elastic bearing for the decoupled fastening of a component, in particular a drive unit, in a motor vehicle, wherein the elastic bearing can be mounted between a housing of the component and a carrier component and the elastic bearing is at least indirectly held in a form-fitting manner in the carrier component.

[0002] To increase comfort in today's motor vehicles, increasingly more electrically assisted motor vehicle units are being used. These, for example, assist in the closing and / or opening of a locking device or, for example, open or close a motor vehicle door or hatch at least partially. These motor vehicle units then have an electrically driven motor that is directly or indirectly connected to the locking or actuating device. For reasons of accessibility or space, such a motor vehicle unit can also be arranged at a distance from, for example, a locking device and connected to the motor vehicle lock, for example, by means of a Bowden cable.

[0003] The motor is generally an electric motor. Examples of motor vehicle components that can be actuated by the motor or electric motor include mirrors, seats, steering columns, windows, or closing devices. Motor vehicle door components are particularly preferably driven and actuated by the motor. These include the exterior mirror mentioned above, for example, or other elements mounted in or on the motor door that can be adjusted by the motor. The motor is particularly preferably used to actuate or actuate a closing and / or opening device in or on a motor vehicle locking system.

[0004] In this context, the drive unit in question is usually designed as an external drive unit, i.e., it usually operates via a Bowden cable or other connecting means to the closing and / or opening device, which is arranged separately from the closing and / or opening device. Such a closing and / or opening device generally serves to motor-drivenly move the motor vehicle door from, for example, a pre-closing position to a main closing position. It is therefore sufficient for an operator to simply move the motor vehicle door in question to the pre-closing position, or in other words, a pre-locking position. The main closing position, or in other words, the main locking position, is then assumed automatically and is accomplished with the help of the motor of the external drive unit.

[0005] In addition, motorized opening devices for vehicle door locks are also known. These ensure that the vehicle door is opened by motor. Such closing and / or opening devices are predominantly used in high-priced automobiles and primarily serve to improve comfort. Safety aspects are also playing an increasingly important role. For example, in a vehicle with a closing aid, it is always guaranteed that the associated vehicle door is in its main locking position while driving, in which the vehicle occupants are protected with maximum safety. An example of such a closing and / or opening device is described in DE 100 48 051 A1.

[0006] Furthermore, power closing aids are commonly installed inside the vehicle door. This increasingly poses the problem of isolating the noise inevitably generated by the engine from the interior, thus ensuring the quietest possible operation.

[0007] DE 20 2010 003 409 U1 discloses a motor vehicle door comprising an inner structural element and at least one supporting element. The supporting element is connected to the structural element at at least one fastening point and is pivotally mounted to assume a relative installation position. A motor vehicle assembly is mounted on the supporting element by means of rubber-elastic bearings, and the motor vehicle assembly is connected to a locking device via a Bowden cable.

[0008] In order to achieve the quietest and most reliable mounting of a motor vehicle assembly, the generic document DE 20 2008 010 051 U1 discloses a drive unit for a motor vehicle assembly in which the motor vehicle assembly is mounted on a base in at least one rubber-elastic bearing for securing the engine. The bearing has different spring constants in the axial and / or radial directions, so that even the most diverse dynamic loads on the motor vehicle assembly can be eliminated and quiet engine operation can be ensured.US 2 951 674 A discloses a rubber-elastic bearing for the decoupled fastening of a component, wherein the rubber-elastic bearing can be mounted between a housing of the component and a carrier component, and the rubber-elastic bearing is at least indirectly retained in the carrier component, and wherein a joining aid is provided for securely joining a positive connection to the carrier component. The invention is based on the technical problem of improving such a drive unit for a motor vehicle assembly. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to enable easy installation in the motor vehicle, while simultaneously ensuring an improvement in acoustics. Ultimately, the object of the invention is to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.

[0009] The invention is based on a rubber-elastic bearing for the decoupled fastening of a component, in particular a drive unit, in a motor vehicle, wherein the elastic bearing can be mounted between a housing of the component and a carrier component and the elastic bearing can be held in a form-fitting manner at least indirectly in the carrier component, wherein a joining aid is provided for the bearing so that a secure joining, in particular insertion, of the form-fitting connection with the carrier component can be achieved, wherein the elastic bearing is constructed in the shape of a hollow cylinder and has a recess designed as a closed hollow cylinder and the joining aid extends at least partially into the recess.According to the invention, the joining aid ends at a distance from one end of the recess, whereby the distance between the joining aid and the end of the recess is adapted to the elasticity of the elastic bearing, so that the elastic bearing can be deformed to its maximum extent. The inventive design of the rubber-elastic bearing now makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the rubber-elastic bearing and achieve secure joining into the support component.

[0010] In particular, the joining aid serves to facilitate the connection to the support component, wherein a direct force can be introduced into the region of the rubber-elastic bearing that can be connected to the support component by means of the joining aid. In other words, during the insertion of the rubber-elastic bearing into the support component, a direct force can be exerted on the rubber-elastic bearing by means of the joining aid, and in particular on the part of the rubber-elastic bearing that is connected to the support component. The rubber-elastic bearing is constructed in at least two parts, preferably in three parts, more preferably in four parts. A first part of the rubber-elastic bearing is connected to the housing of the drive unit, and at least a second part of the rubber-elastic bearing can be connected to the support component.

[0011] In a multi-part design of the rubber-elastic bearing, for example, an extension, an accordion-like intermediate part, and / or a reinforcing rib can be arranged between the first and second parts of the rubber-elastic bearing. The function of these intermediate elements is described here only as examples; of course, depending on the requirements of the rubber-elastic bearing, any desired configuration, including design-related configurations, can be arranged between the first and second parts of the rubber-elastic bearing. Essential to the invention is that, by means of the joining aid, a force component can be introduced directly from the first part of the rubber-elastic bearing into the second part of the rubber-elastic bearing.The joining aid can thus be regarded as a secondary force transmission means, whereby the joining aid, in addition to the basic structure of the rubber-elastic bearing, transmits or can transmit a second force component from the first part of the rubber-elastic bearing to the second part of the rubber-elastic bearing.

[0012] As already described above, drive units for a motor vehicle assembly include electrically driven motors which, in combination with a transmission, can, for example, operate a Bowden cable or where the motor acts directly or indirectly on a movement device in the motor vehicle. Drive units can, for example, drive an exterior mirror, move a side window, or assist a door or hatch movement, to name just a few examples of applications for a drive unit for a motor vehicle assembly. The drive unit is preferably used for a closing and / or opening unit in or on a motor vehicle lock.

[0013] Electric motors are preferred as motors. Electric motors offer the advantage that the required energy can be provided within the vehicle, making a power supply easy to implement. Furthermore, electric motors can be easily adapted to different requirements and, with the aid of a gear unit such as a worm gear, can ensure high gear ratios and provide a wide variety of positioning or swivel movements with low or high forces. Furthermore, electric drives offer a cost advantage, allowing for a cost-effective solution.

[0014] Electric motors generate noise and vibrations, which can lead to unwanted noise, especially when used in motor vehicles. Rubber-elastic mounts are used for acoustic decoupling, which acoustically decouple the motor and / or the housing surrounding the motor. The acoustic decoupling is achieved by mounting the drive unit against a support component to which it is connected for positioning and mounting in the vehicle.

[0015] Separate door modules, for example, can serve as the support component, but the support component can also be formed directly from, for example, a door panel and / or a side panel. The support component accommodates the drive unit, which can be attached to the support component via the rubber-elastic bearing and a joining agent.

[0016] If, within the meaning of the invention, reference is made to joining or inserting the rubber-elastic bearing into the support component, different forms of connection between the rubber-elastic bearing and the support component can be encompassed. On the one hand, the rubber-elastic material of the bearing can engage directly with the support component; however, it is also conceivable that, for example, joining means are molded onto or formed from the rubber-elastic bearing, which, for example, can also be made of different materials, can be connected to the support component. An example of this would be a spherical extension made of plastic or metal, for example, which is molded onto the rubber-elastic bearing or connected to the rubber-elastic bearing, wherein the spherical extension can be inserted, for example, into a corresponding opening in the support component.

[0017] The bearing has a recess and the joining aid extends at least partially into the recess. The bearing is constructed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, whereby the shape of the bearing, which can be described as a hollow cylinder, enables a decoupled fastening of the component, in particular the drive unit. The hollow cylindrical shape can achieve a high level of elasticity, which supports the decoupling of, for example, vibrations from the drive unit to the support component. If the joining aid now extends into the recess or cavity of the bearing, a force can be transferred into the interior of the bearing by means of the joining aid. It should be noted here that the bearing can of course be designed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, but the recess is preferably designed as a closed hollow cylinder, resulting in a closed recess in the bearing.By means of the joining aid, a force can be exerted on the recess so that the recess can experience an additional force component, i.e. a secondary force and / or joining component, or a force component is available when joining into the carrier component.

[0018] The joining aid ends at a distance from one end of the recess, whereby the distance corresponds to the elasticity of the elastic bearing. By designing the cooperating partners, i.e. the joining aid and the elastic bearing, joining can be made more secure and even in hard-to-reach places on the vehicle. If the elastic bearing is equipped with a recess so that the bearing forms a hollow body, and the joining aid extends into the recess and ends so far before the end of the recess, i.e. before the end of the recess of the hollow body, that the distance between the joining aid and the end of the recess is matched to the elasticity of the elastic bearing, then on the one hand the insertion or joining of the bearing is made possible and at the same time the elastic bearing can be deformed to its maximum. In other words, the elastic bearing is not limited in its elasticity by the joining aid.Depending on the plastic used, such as natural rubber, as an elastic material for the bearing and especially as a rubber-elastic bearing, the damping properties of the bearing can vary or be varied.

[0019] The main function of the bearing is to provide acoustic decoupling between the component and the support component in the motor vehicle. Vibrations or movements can be generated by actuating the component and / or, for example, by an electric drive arranged in the component. These vibrations or movements are decoupled from the support component by means of the at least one bearing. If the joining aid is located far enough away from the end of the recess in the hollow body of the bearing that the elastic bearing can always be deformed to its maximum elasticity, the joining aid can serve as a joining aid during the insertion of the bearing into the support component, but can continue to provide elastic decoupling for the component during the bearing's actual function as a fastening element.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention arises when the elastic bearing has recesses, in particular radial grooves, at least in some regions, and the recess extends into the region of the recess. The elastic bearing can, for example, be connected to the support component by means of radial grooves, i.e., slot-shaped recesses on the circumference. If, for example, an opening in the form of a bore is provided in the support component, and the elastic bearing has an annular groove that fits positively into the bore, secure holding can be achieved by means of the elastic bearing.If the joining aid extends far enough into the recess to ensure the maximum elasticity of the bearing, and the recess extends into the area of ​​the bearing's indentations, the joining aid can push the bearing through the bore, thus ensuring easy and secure installation of the bearing. "Pushing through" means that during the joining of the elastic bearing, the joining aid exerts a force on the end of the recess in the bearing, allowing the annular groove in the elastic bearing to be securely inserted into the bore. The joining aid serves to apply a defined force during the insertion of the bearing into the supporting component.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, an advantage arises when a geometric shape of the end of the recess cooperates with a geometric shape of the joining aid, in particular, engages positively with the geometric shape of the bearing. A cooperating shape between the recess or cavity in the bearing and the corresponding geometric design of the joining aid can provide an additional securing means for joining the bearing into the support component. Particularly in the case where the bearing forms a circumferential connection with the support component, a uniform force distribution can be introduced into the end of the recess by means of the joining aid.

[0022] If, for example, the cavity in the bearing is round, a round end of the joining aid can be used to introduce a uniform circumferential force into the bearing during joining. The matching shapes of the recess and the joining aid can also increase safety during joining. The adapted shape between the joining aid and the bearing minimizes the load on the bearing, so that no damage can be caused to the bearing by the joining aid during joining, or the risk of damage to the bearing is reduced to a minimum. If round, square, star-shaped or other geometric shapes are conceivable between the joining aid and the end of the recess in the bearing, it is also conceivable for the cooperating surfaces between the joining aid and the end of the recess to engage with each other in a form-fitting manner.For example, the joining aid can have a curvature that engages with a convex shape of the end of the bearing. This provides maximum security when joining the bearing to the supporting component.

[0023] If the joining aid is designed such that the elastic bearing is deformable in the assembled state independently of the joining aid, this results in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. The joining aid preferably extends into the interior of the elastic bearing, specifically in such a way that only the area of ​​the elastic bearing that is to be joined to the carrier component can be subjected to a force by means of the joining aid. The elastic bearing is preferably symmetrical and, for example, round in shape and has a first fastening part on the housing and a second fastening part on the carrier component. As already described above, structurally different designs of the elastic bearing can be present between the first and second fastening parts of the elastic bearing.

[0024] Preferably, the elastic mount is hollow and can be described as cylindrical, whereby the cylindrical shape can naturally have steps and / or, for example, an accordion-like transition area. This elastic area between the first and second fastening part of the elastic mount serves primarily to absorb vibrations from the component and to decouple the component from the support component. The joining aid is designed in such a way that elastic deformation of the mount can be carried out without restriction, so that in the case of joining, the joining aid can advantageously connect the second part of the elastic mount to the support component, but at the same time does not impose any restrictions on the elastic decoupling.

[0025] In addition, the joining aid can serve as a securing element, for example, when the component to be decoupled is subjected to a strong or excessive load, placing excessive strain on the elasticity of the bearing. In this case, the joining aid can, for example, support the intermediate area between the first and second connecting parts of the bearing, thus serving as an additional support element in the elastic bearing.

[0026] A further advantageous design variant arises when the elastic bearing can be mounted between a first and second housing part of the housing. Advantageously, the housing of the component can be designed in several parts, so that the bearing can be accommodated between a first housing part and a second housing part. This can be advantageous in several respects: on the one hand, the assembly of the bearing is facilitated, whereby automated assembly is also possible, and at the same time, the second housing part can enable direct integration of the joining aid. On the one hand, the joining aid can be mounted as a separate component on the second housing part, for example, but it is also conceivable for the joining aid to be formed integrally with the second housing part. Furthermore, the second housing part can advantageously serve as a guide and / or positioning means for the bearing during assembly.For example, a contour and / or recess corresponding to the bearing can be provided in the second housing part to securely position the bearing. It is also conceivable for the second housing part to provide a receiving surface for the bearing, while the first housing part simultaneously secures the bearing. The elastic bearing can be held in place by a positive fit between the first and second housing parts.

[0027] If the joining aid is formed integrally with the second housing part, this results in an advantageous embodiment of the invention. Forming the joining aid as a component of the second housing part offers the advantage of working with the smallest possible number of components. Furthermore, the joining aid can be aligned very precisely with respect to the elastic bearing, since the positioning of the joining aid coincides directly with the production of the second housing part. Furthermore, favorable force distributions result when mounting the bearing on the support component.

[0028] In a further embodiment variant not according to the invention, the functional unit can be formed integrally with the elastic bearing. It is also conceivable according to the invention for the elastic bearing itself to be designed with a joining aid. The joining aid can be arranged, for example, inside the elastic bearing, so that force can be transmitted from a first part of the bearing to a second part of the bearing. A one-piece design of the elastic bearing with the joining aid reduces the number of required components to a minimum.

[0029] If the elastic bearing has a connecting link, in particular an accordion-like connecting link, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. An accordion-like connecting link between the first and second parts of the elastic bearing can serve to compensate for tolerances and is simultaneously capable of providing favorable decoupling for the component with respect to the supporting component. In addition to a design of the connecting link in the shape of an accordion, different wall thicknesses in the bearing are of course also conceivable and / or a stepped structure can be formed in the connecting link. Depending on the design specifications and the necessary forces that must be absorbed, the design can be designed with regard to the elasticity of the bearing.

[0030] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments. However, the principle applies that the embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely represent embodiments. The features presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0031] It shows: Figure 1 shows a design of a hollow profile bearing in an arrangement between a support component and a housing, Figure 2 shows a further design variant in a side view and in section with a bearing between a housing and a support component, wherein the bearing is shown with a ball head connection in relation to the support component, and Figure 3 shows a further side view and an embodiment of a bearing between a housing and a support component with an integrally formed joining aid as a component of the elastic bearing.

[0032] In the Figure 1 a drive unit 1 is shown only in sections and in the area of ​​a decoupled attachment to a carrier component 3. The Figure 1shows a section through a rubber-elastic bearing 4, wherein the rubber-elastic bearing 4 is accommodated with a first partial area 5 between a first housing part 6 and a second housing part 7 in the housing 8. The rubber-elastic bearing 4 extends from the first partial area via a connecting member 9 to a second partial area 10 towards the carrier component 3. The rubber-elastic bearing 4 is designed in this embodiment as a hollow profile with a recess 11. The rubber-elastic bearing 4 is in the Figure 1 in section and in a side view, whereby the rubber-elastic bearing 4 in this embodiment can be described as cylindrical or round. The connecting link 9 forms a stepped hollow cylinder profile.

[0033] A joining aid 12 extends into the recess 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the joining aid 12 is formed integrally with the second housing part 7; however, it is also conceivable for the joining aid 12 to be connectable to the second housing part 7 as a separate component along a parting line 13. In this case, the joining aid 12 would be connectable to the second housing part as a separate component. The joining aid 12 extends from the first partial region 5 of the rubber-elastic bearing through the connecting member 9 into the region of the second partial region 10 of the rubber-elastic bearing 4. As indicated by the axis of symmetry H, at least the rubber-elastic bearing 4 and the joining aid 12 are constructed symmetrically.

[0034] In any case, the joining aid 12 extends from the first sub-area 5, in which the bearing 4 of the electric motor is integrated or fixed between the first housing part 6 and the second housing part 7 and an extension 14, into the connecting member 9. The shape of the joining aid 12 is selected such that the bearing 4 acts independently of the joining aid 12 during the decoupling movement between the housing 8 and the carrier component 3. In other words, the rubber-elastic bearing 4 is not affected by the joining aid during the decoupling of the drive unit 1 from the carrier component 3.

[0035] An axial end 15 of the joining aid 12 extends into the second partial area 10 of the bearing 4. The second partial area 10 can also be described as a joining area 10. In the joining area 10, a circumferential annular groove 16 is formed in the bearing 4, which circumferentially encloses a bore 17 in the carrier component 3 and in which the circumferential annular groove 16 is held. The joining area 10 thus fits positively into the carrier component 3. The annular groove 16 advantageously makes it possible to connect the bearing 4 to carrier components 3 of different thicknesses, so that the elastic bearing 4 can be used in many different areas of the vehicle.

[0036] As clearly shown in the Figure 1As can be seen, a force F can be introduced into the joining area 10 by means of the joining aid 12 in order to securely connect the joining area 10 to the support component 3. The axial end 15 has sufficient play S to allow, on the one hand, easy joining of the joining area 10 and, on the other hand, not to impair the elasticity of the bearing 4. Thus, the joining aid 12 ensures easy and secure joining of the bearing 4 into the support component 3.

[0037] In the Figure 2An alternative embodiment of a connection between a drive unit 18 and a support component 19 is shown. The support component 19 has a spherical recess 20 into which a ball head 21 can be inserted in a form-fitting manner. The ball head 21 can be made of plastic or metal, for example. An advantageous material pairing results when the support component 19 is made of plastic and the ball head 21 is made of a metallic material. The ball head 21 is connected to a rubber-elastic bearing 22, for example by a material bond. The rubber-elastic bearing 22 has an accordion-like connecting member 23 that connects the second partial region 24 of the rubber-elastic bearing 22 to the first partial region 25.A joining aid 27 is in turn formed integrally onto a second housing part 26, so that when the drive unit 18 is assembled, the joining of the ball head 21 is facilitated and can be supported by a force from the joining aid 27.

[0038] In the Figure 3An alternative embodiment of a rubber-elastic bearing 28 is shown, not according to the invention. The rubber-elastic bearing 28 connects a carrier component 29 to a housing 30, wherein in this exemplary embodiment the joining aid 31 is formed integrally with the rubber-elastic bearing 28. In this exemplary embodiment, the rubber-elastic bearing 28 has two circumferential annular grooves 32, 33, wherein a first annular groove 23 is connectable to the housing 30 and a second annular groove 32 is connectable to the carrier component 29. Typically, the rubber-elastic bearing 28 is connected to the housing 30 of the drive unit and mounted on the carrier component 29. When joining the elastic bearing 28, a secure and easy joining of the joining area 34 of the rubber-elastic bearing 28 can be supported and achieved by means of the joining aid 31. List of reference symbols

[0039] 1, 18 Drive unit 2 Decoupled fastening 3, 19, 29 Support component 4, 22, 28 Rubber-elastic bearing 5, 25 First section 6 First housing part 7, 26 Second housing part 8, 30 Housing 9, 23 Connecting link 10, 24, 34 Second section, joining area 11 Recess 12, 27, 31 Joining aid 13 Parting line 14 Extension 15 Axial end 16, 32, 33 Annular groove 17 Bore 20 Recess 21 Ball head ASymmetry axis FForce SPlay

Claims

1. Rubber-elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) for the decoupled fastening of a component, in particular a drive unit (1, 18), in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, it being possible for the elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) to be installed between a housing (8, 30) of the component and a carrier component (3, 19, 29) and for the elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) to be held interlockingly at least indirectly in the carrier component (3, 19, 29), a joining aid (12, 27, 31) being provided for the bearing (4, 22, 28), such that secure joining, in particular insertion, of the interlocking connection to the carrier component (3, 19, 29) can be achieved, the elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) being hollow-cylindrical and having a recess (11) in the form of a closed hollow cylinder and the joining aid (12, 27, 31) extending into the recess (11) at least in regions, characterized in that the joining aid (12, 27, 31) ends at a distance from one end of the recess (11), the distance between the joining aid (12, 27, 31) and the end of the recess (11) being matched to the elasticity of the elastic bearing (4, 22, 28), so that the elastic bearing can be deformed to the maximum.

2. Rubber-elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) has indentations, in particular radial grooves (16, 32, 33), at least in regions, and in that the recess (11) extends into the region of the indentation.

3. Rubber-elastic bearing according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a geometric shape of the end of the recess (11) cooperates with a geometric shape of the joining aid (12, 27, 31), in particular interlockingly engages into the geometric shape of the bearing (4, 22, 28).

4. Rubber-elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the joining aid (12, 27, 31) is designed such that the elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) is deformable in the installed state regardless of the joining aid (12, 27, 31).

5. Elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastic bearing (4, 22, 28) can be installed in the housing (8, 30) between a first and a second housing part (6, 7, 26) of the housing (8, 30).

6. Rubber-elastic bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that the joining aid (12, 27, 31) can be formed in one piece with the second housing part (7, 26).

7. Rubber-elastic bearing according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bearing (4, 22, 28) has a connection element (9, 23), in particular an accordion-like connection element (9, 23).