Adjusting device with a hybrid spindle nut

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting device (1A-1D), in particular for a vehicle seat (2), comprising a base (10A-10C), an adjusting part (11A-11C), a spindle (12) and a spindle nut (13, 13') that is in engagement with the spindle (12), a relative movement between the spindle nut (13, 13') and the spindle (12) causes a pivoting movement of the spindle (12) and / or the adjusting part (11A-11C) relative to the base (10A-10C), wherein the spindle nut (13, 13') is designed in the form of a hybrid spindle nut having a first part (130, 130') and a second part (132, 132') fixedly connected thereto, each having an internal thread (131, 133) and comprising different materials.

Description

[0001] Adjustment device with a hybrid spindle nut

[0002] Description

[0003] The proposed solution relates to an adjustment device and a vehicle seat with such an adjustment device.

[0004] Vehicle seats can be adjustable, e.g., to provide a comfortable seating position for different seat users and to be adapted to different space conditions. For example, a vehicle seat can be mounted in a vehicle in a longitudinally adjustable manner using a longitudinal adjustment device to enable various seating positions along the vehicle's longitudinal axis. A vehicle seat can be adjustable using a height adjustment device to adjust the seat height. In a vehicle seat, the inclination of a backrest relative to a seat part can be adjustable, to name just a few examples.

[0005] WO 2022 / 233761 A1 describes a vehicle seat with a height adjustment device and a longitudinal adjustment device. DE 20 2009 001 847 U1 describes a longitudinal adjustment device with an adjustment rail that is longitudinally adjustable relative to a rail fixed to the body, and an adjustment gear that includes a drive worm connected to a drive device and a spindle nut, the external toothing of which engages with the external toothing of the drive worm and the internal toothing of which engages with the external thread of a spindle. A hybrid spindle nut is provided with a functional part arranged in the force flow between the drive worm and the spindle and at least one strength part that diverts crash forces from the adjustment rail into the spindle. The functional part can be made of plastic.This can reduce the noise that could occur when adjusting the spindle, which extends essentially over the entire length of the vehicle seat.

[0006] The task is to provide an improved adjustment device.

[0007] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0008] This discloses an adjustment device, particularly for a vehicle seat. The adjustment device comprises a base, an adjustment part, a spindle, and a spindle nut engaging with the spindle, wherein a relative movement between the spindle nut and the spindle causes a pivoting movement of the spindle and / or the adjustment part relative to the base. The spindle nut is designed in the form of a hybrid spindle nut with a first part and a second part firmly connected thereto, each of which has an internal thread and is made of different materials.

[0009] This is based on the realization that a spindle nut made solely of plastic, for example, does not offer sufficient crash resistance, and a spindle nut made solely of steel, for example, can jam due to pivoting movements, which in turn can lead to increased wear. By designing the spindle nut in two parts made of different materials, the advantages of both materials can be utilized. For example, both smooth running and good crash resistance can be achieved. This provides an improved adjustment mechanism. This, in turn, allows for a smaller installation space requirement.

[0010] The spindle nut, for example, is rotatably mounted in a housing. The housing can be mounted so that it can pivot about a pivot axis relative to the base (e.g. on the base) or to the adjustment part (e.g. on the adjustment part). This enables robust and smooth operation. For example, the pivot axis runs through the spindle nut, e.g. centrally. This enables a particularly compact design. A steel spindle nut in this configuration would experience increased wear due to tilting. The hybrid spindle nut, on the other hand, enables smooth operation. This makes it possible to provide a compact and smooth adjustment device that experiences only minimal wear.

[0011] In some designs, the pivot axis is aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the spindle. This allows the adjustment part to be adjusted effectively.

[0012] The housing can have one or two bearing areas. At the bearing area(s), the housing can be mounted on a bracket (each) that can pivot about the pivot axis. The bracket can be mounted, in particular fixed, on the base or on the adjustment part. For example, the spindle nut is arranged between the two bearing areas. This enables a particularly robust and evenly supported bracket.

[0013] The adjustment device can include a motor unit for driving the spindle nut. The motor unit is, for example, permanently connected to the housing. This allows for a simple design.

[0014] For example, the motor unit has a motor shaft that rotates parallel to the pivot axis. The motor shaft is arranged offset parallel to the pivot axis, for example. This allows for a compact design, even with the motor unit.

[0015] The spindle nut can be supported on the housing via a ball bearing, e.g., axially, i.e., along the spindle nut's axis of rotation relative to the spindle. This allows for particularly smooth operation.

[0016] The spindle can have a pivot bearing that pivots the spindle to the base or the adjustment part. This enables robust adjustment.

[0017] The internal thread of the first part is in contact with an external thread of the spindle, for example. It can be provided that the internal thread of the second part (during normal use) surrounds the external thread of the spindle at a distance from the external thread of the spindle. The internal thread of the second part therefore does not touch the external thread of the spindle (during normal use), for example. This can achieve particularly smooth operation. In the event of a crash, if the material of the first part should fail, the internal thread of the second part comes into contact with the external thread of the spindle, for example. For example, the internal thread of the second part engages with the external thread of the spindle, but is not in contact with it (during normal use).

[0018] The first part, for example, is a non-metallic part. The second part, for example, is a metallic part. This allows for particularly smooth operation to be combined with good crash resistance.

[0019] For example, the first part is made of plastic and / or the second part is made of steel.

[0020] The spindle nut can have external teeth formed on the first part, in particular only on the first part. The external teeth mesh with a worm gear, for example. This allows for precise adjustment.

[0021] The spindle and the spindle nut are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the spindle. The spindle nut is accommodated in the housing. It can be provided that the spindle is supported on the housing in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis via at least one bearing, wherein the at least one bearing is in contact with the spindle or can be brought into contact with the spindle. Compared to a radial bearing of the spindle nut, this makes it possible to manufacture the spindle nut with a larger tolerance, which can simplify the manufacture of the spindle nut. Compared to other bearing concepts, over-determination of the bearing can also be avoided, thereby reducing distortion of the components and the resulting noise. Furthermore, a particularly robust design is possible. The result is an improved adjustment device.

[0022] The at least one bearing is, for example, mounted on the housing and / or in contact with the housing, or, for example, the at least one bearing is formed by the housing itself. This enables a simple yet robust design.

[0023] The spindle nut can be arranged in the housing in such a way that a force (in particular any force, e.g. up to a maximum value) is introduced onto the spindle nut in the radial direction via the spindle and from the spindle via the at least one bearing into the housing.

[0024] The spindle has a spiral-shaped tooth tip surface. The at least one bearing can have a circular-cylindrical inner surface. The tooth tip surface and the cylindrical inner surface can be designed such that when the spindle nut and the spindle are adjusted relative to each other, the cylindrical inner surface and the tooth tip surface slide along each other. This enables a particularly simple design.

[0025] At least one bearing can be a plain bearing. This allows for a particularly robust design. Alternatively or additionally, another bearing type is also conceivable, such as a ball bearing or roller bearing.

[0026] The at least one bearing can comprise or consist of metal, in particular steel. The spindle can comprise or consist of metal, in particular steel. This allows for a wear-optimized steel pairing.

[0027] The at least one bearing, i.e., the one or more bearings, can be multiple bearings. The multiple bearings comprise or consist, for example, of a first bearing and a second bearing, each of which supports the spindle in the radial direction and which are each in contact with the spindle and the housing, or are formed by the housing. This enables a particularly stable design.

[0028] For example, the spindle nut is positioned between the first and second bearings. This allows for particularly robust support against radial forces without over-determination.

[0029] The spindle nut can be spaced radially from the housing at any point on its surface. For example, the spindle nut and the housing do not touch each other. It may be provided that the spindle nut is not supported radially against the housing, meaning that it is supported against radial forces only via the spindle on the housing. For example, no bearing is provided between the spindle nut and the housing for radial support.

[0030] The smallest clearance (in radial direction) between the spindle nut and the housing (and / or any component fixed to the housing) is, for example, greater than the smallest clearance between the spindle and at least one bearing and / or the housing (and / or any component fixed to the housing).

[0031] According to one aspect, an adjustment device is specified, in particular for a vehicle seat. The adjustment device comprises a base, an adjustment part, a spindle, and a spindle nut engaging with the spindle, wherein a relative movement between the spindle nut and the spindle causes a pivoting movement of the spindle and / or the adjustment part relative to the base. Provision is made for the spindle nut to be rotatably mounted in a housing which is pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the base or the adjustment part, wherein the pivot axis extends through the spindle nut. This allows for a particularly compact design.The adjustment device can be designed according to any of the above-described configurations. In particular, the housing can have two bearing areas, each of which is pivotably mounted about the pivot axis on a bracket on the base or on the adjustment part, with the spindle nut arranged between the two bearing areas. Furthermore, the spindle nut can be designed as a hybrid spindle nut, as described above.

[0032] According to one aspect, a vehicle seat is provided (e.g., having a seat part and a backrest) comprising one or more adjustment devices according to any of the embodiments described herein. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the above information.

[0033] The seat section can be supported on the base via the adjustment element. This allows, for example, a smooth-running height adjustment mechanism to be provided.

[0034] For example, the adjustment part is connected to the seat part via a further adjustment part that is pivotally connected to the adjustment part and the seat part. This allows, for example, seat tilt adjustment.

[0035] It can therefore be provided, for example as described above, that a seat height and / or an inclination of the seat part relative to the base can be adjusted by means of the adjustment device.

[0036] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 a spindle nut in the form of a hybrid spindle nut with a first

[0038] part and a second part firmly connected to it;

[0039] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the spindle nut according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is the spindle nut according to Fig. 1 in a screwed onto a spindle

[0040] Condition;

[0041] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spindle with the spindle nut according to Fig. 3;

[0042] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged section of Fig. 4;

[0043] Fig. 6 shows the spindle with the spindle nut according to Fig. 3, wherein the spindle nut is accommodated in a housing and coupled to a motor unit;

[0044] Fig. 7 shows an adjustable vehicle seat with a seat part, a backrest and several adjustment devices, each with a spindle nut;

[0045] Fig. 8 one of the adjustment devices of the vehicle seat according to Fig. 7;

[0046] Fig. 9A-9C Views of the vehicle seat according to Fig. 7 in different by means of the

[0047] Adjustment device according to Fig. 8 set positions;

[0048] Fig. 10A-10C views of the vehicle seat according to Fig. 7 in different positions adjusted by means of a further adjustment device;

[0049] Fig. 11 a view of the vehicle seat according to Fig. 7 with a further

[0050] adjustment device;

[0051] Fig. 12 an adjustment device for the vehicle seat according to Fig. 7; and

[0052] Fig. 13 a section of a spindle.

[0053] Figs. 1 and 2 show a spindle nut 13 in the form of a hybrid spindle nut, which is constructed from two different parts. The spindle nut 13 comprises a first part 130 and a second part 132. The first part 130 and the second part 132 are firmly connected to one another.

[0054] The first part 130 has an internal thread 131 that winds around a thread axis and extends along the thread axis. The second part 132 also has an internal thread 133 that winds around the thread axis and extends along the thread axis. The two parts 130, 132 are thus coaxially aligned with each other (with respect to their threads).

[0055] The two parts 130, 132 of the spindle nut 13 comprise different materials. The first part 130 has a lower strength than the second part 132. In this case, the first part 130 is non-metallic. The second part is metallic. Specifically, the first part 130 is made at least partially of plastic and comprises a plastic, while the second part 132 is made of steel and therefore comprises steel. In the present example, the first part 130 is made of plastic, while the second part 132 is made of steel. The first part 130 is made of a softer material than the second part 132. Instead of steel, it would also be conceivable, for example, for the second part 132 to be made of a high-strength plastic, aluminum, or the like.

[0056] The spindle nut 13 has external teeth 134. The external teeth 134 are designed for drive by a worm gear, i.e., a drive worm. The external teeth 134 are formed by the first part 130, thus, in the example shown, they are made of plastic. The second part 132 has no external teeth.

[0057] The first part 130 surrounds the second part 132. The second part 132 has a collar on which a knurl 135 is formed around the outside. The first part 130 surrounds the knurl 135. The material of the first part 130 engages in recesses between projections of the knurl 135. In the present case, the second part 132 is encapsulated by the first part 130 using plastic injection molding. The first part 130 is injection-molded onto the second part 132. The second part 132 is in the form of a steel insert. This securely holds the two parts 130, 132 together. Adjacent to the knurl 135, the second part 132 has a flange 136. An axial end of the first part 130 rests against the flange 136.

[0058] The first part 130 is, viewed along the thread axis, longer than the second part 132, in this case more than twice as long.

[0059] The first part 130 has a step 137 on a side facing away from the flange 136 of the second part 132. The flange 136 and the step 137 form two mutually opposite axial support surfaces of the spindle nut 13.

[0060] Figs. 3 and 4 show the spindle nut 13 screwed onto a spindle 12. The spindle 12 has a threaded shaft with an external thread 121. The spindle nut 13 engages the external thread 121. The spindle nut 13 can be screwed along the external thread 121.

[0061] The spindle 12 further includes a pivot bearing 120. In this case, this is formed by a widened, flattened portion in which an opening for a bearing pin or the like is formed. The pivot bearing 120 is formed at one end of the threaded shaft. The other end of the threaded shaft is an open end.

[0062] The spindle nut 13 is screwed onto the spindle in such a way that the second part 132 is oriented toward the pivot bearing 120 of the spindle 12. The first part 130 faces away from the pivot bearing 120 and toward the open end of the spindle 12.

[0063] As can be seen in Fig. 4 and especially in Fig. 5, the spindle nut 13 engages with the external thread 121 of the spindle 12. The internal thread 131 of the first part 130 is in contact with the external thread 121 of the spindle 12, while the internal thread 133 of the second part 132 is spaced from the external thread 121 of the spindle 12 and surrounds the external thread 121 of the spindle 12. Viewed perpendicularly through the thread axis, the internal thread 133 of the second part 132 has a larger internal diameter than the internal thread 131 of the first part 130. The internal thread 133 of the second part 132 is therefore set back radially outwards compared to the internal thread 131 of the first part 130. In the present case, it is also provided that the circumferential tooth of the internal thread 133 has a smaller axial width than the circumferential tooth of the internal thread 131 of the first part 130.The spiral notch of the internal thread 133 of the second part 132 therefore has a greater extension in the axial direction than the internal thread 131 of the first part 130. The two internal threads 131, 133 have the same pitch.

[0064] If the spindle nut 13 is screwed along the spindle 12 during normal operation, the internal toothing 131 of the first part 130 slides along the external toothing 121 of the spindle 12. The internal toothing 133 of the second part 121 engages with the external toothing 121 of the spindle 12; the threads of the internal toothing 133 of the second part 132 engage the helix of the external toothing 121, but do not touch it. The spindle 12 is a metal part. In this example, the spindle comprises steel, or more precisely, is made of steel. Therefore, the first plastic part 130 can be easily screwed along the spindle 12.

[0065] Fig. 6 shows the spindle 12 with the spindle nut 13 in a state accommodated in a holder 15.

[0066] The bracket 15 is made of steel, for example. The bracket 15 has several walls, of which a front wall 150 and a rear wall 151 are particularly visible in Fig. 6. The housing 15 can be mounted on a vehicle seat, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0067] The spindle 12 extends through the holder 15. The spindle nut 13 is arranged in the holder 15. For this purpose, the spindle nut 13 is arranged in a housing 14 which is mounted on (in this case in) the holder 15. The spindle nut 13 is rotatably received in the housing 14. The spindle nut 13 is held in the housing 14. The spindle nut 13 is axially supported on the housing 14 via a ball bearing 17. In the opposite axial direction, the spindle nut 13 is supported on the housing 14 with one or more annular contact areas.

[0068] The housing 14, with the spindle nut 13 rotatably mounted therein, is pivotally mounted on the holder 15. For this purpose, the housing 14 in this case has bearing areas 140, 141, which are pivotally mounted on the holder 15 about a pivot axis S. For this purpose, the holder 15 has an opening in each of the two walls 150, 151. One of the bearing areas 140, 141 is rotatably mounted in each of the openings. The bearing areas 140, 141 each have an annular bearing surface that slides on the respective opening. The spindle nut 13 is arranged between the bearing areas 140, 141. The spindle nut 13 is rotatably received in the housing 14 about its threaded axis. The threaded axis is aligned perpendicular to the pivot axis S. The pivot axis S runs (viewed in the axial direction) centrally through the spindle nut 13. The pivot axis S intersects the threaded axis of the spindle nut 13.The spindle 12 has a longitudinal axis A, which coincides with its threaded axis (and the threaded axis of the spindle nut 13 screwed onto it). The pivot axis S is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The pivot axis S passes perpendicularly through the longitudinal axis A of the spindle 12. A motor unit 16 is operatively connected to the spindle nut 13. The motor unit 16 is configured to drive the spindle nut 13. The motor unit 16 comprises an electric motor 160. An electronic control unit 161 controls the electric motor 160.

[0069] The electric motor 160 has a motor shaft 162. The motor shaft 162 is rotatable about an axis that runs parallel to the pivot axis S. The electric motor 160 has a stator and a rotor, between which magnetic forces act. The rotor is rotatable relative to the stator about a rotor axis. The rotor axis runs, for example, coaxially to the axis of the motor shaft and / or parallel or coaxially to the pivot axis S.

[0070] The motor unit 16 is fixedly connected to the housing 14. In the present case, the motor unit 16 is pivotable together with the housing 14 about the pivot axis S, e.g., relative to the bracket 15.

[0071] Activation of the motor unit 16 thus causes a relative movement between the spindle 12 and the spindle nut 13. In this way, an adjustment can be effected.

[0072] Fig. 7 shows a vehicle seat 2 with a seat part 20 and a backrest 21. The backrest 21 is arranged at a rear region of the seat part 20, in this case pivotably mounted on the seat part 20 about a pivot axis by means of an arrangement of fittings 22. The vehicle seat 2 is a belt-integrated seat.

[0073] The vehicle seat 2 further comprises an adjustment device 1A, for example in the form of a height adjustment device for adjusting the seat height of the seat part 20 (including backrest 21) relative to a base 10A. The adjustment device 1A has (on each side, i.e. left and right) in a rear region of the seat part 20 an adjustment part 11A, here in the form of a rear rocker, via which the seat part 20 and here also the backrest 21 are supported on the base 10A. Furthermore (on each side) a further adjustment part 18A is arranged in a front region of the seat part 20, here in the form of a front rocker. The adjustment parts 11A, 18A are each pivotably mounted on the base 10A and the seat part 20 is pivotably mounted on the adjustment parts 11A, 18A.

[0074] By adjusting the adjustment parts 11A, 18A relative to the base 10A, the seat height can be adjusted relative to the base 10A along a vehicle vertical axis. In this case, the base 10A is a component fixed to a seat rail 230 of a longitudinal adjustment device 23 of the vehicle seat 2. If the vehicle seat 2 is not equipped with the longitudinal adjustment device 23, for example, a vehicle floor or a component fixed to it can serve as the base.

[0075] By means of the longitudinal adjustment device 23, the seat part 20 (together with the backrest 21) can be adjusted relative to the vehicle floor along a vehicle longitudinal axis. The vehicle longitudinal axis runs perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical axis. The vehicle's longitudinal axis and the vehicle's vertical axis each run perpendicular to a vehicle transverse axis. The pivot axes of the adjustment parts 11A, 18A run parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis, and the pivot axis of the backrest 21 relative to the seat part 20 runs parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis.

[0076] In the present example, the longitudinal adjustment device 23 comprises two floor rails 231 spaced apart along the vehicle's transverse axis. In the side view according to Fig. 7, the left floor rail 231 is visible from the perspective of a seat occupant sitting on the vehicle seat 2. The corresponding right floor rail 231 is designed analogously (e.g., identically or as a mirror image) to the left floor rail 231. This also applies to the previously mentioned adjustment parts 11A, 18A of the adjustment device 1A.

[0077] The floor rails 231 can be mounted on the floor of a vehicle. Each of the floor rails 231 engages a respective seat rail 230 of the longitudinal adjustment device 23 for longitudinal displacement. The longitudinal adjustment device 23 connects the adjustment device 1A to the vehicle floor.

[0078] The adjustment device 1A of the vehicle seat 2 comprises the base 10A, the adjustment part 11A, the spindle 12, and the spindle nut 13 engaged with the spindle 12. A relative movement between the spindle nut 13 and the spindle 12 causes a pivoting movement of the adjustment part 11A relative to the base 10A. The relative movement between the spindle nut 13 and the spindle 12 further causes a pivoting movement of the spindle 12 relative to the base 10A and also relative to the adjustment part 11A. The spindle nut 13 is, as described above, designed in the form of a hybrid spindle nut with the first part 130 and the second part 132 firmly connected thereto, each of which has an internal thread 131, 133 and comprises different materials. The adjustment device 1A will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 8-9C. The vehicle seat 2 further comprises another adjustment device 1B.The additional adjustment device 1B is configured to adjust the inclination of the seat part 20 (together with the backrest 21). Using the additional adjustment device 1B, the vehicle seat 2 can be adjusted, for example, into a relaxed or reclining position, or alternatively, into an upright sitting position, as shown in Fig. 7. The additional adjustment device 1B will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 10A-10C.

[0079] Fig. 8 shows the adjustment device 1A in detail. The spindle 12 is pivotally mounted and supported on the base 10A with its pivot bearing 120 at a first bearing point L1. In the example shown, the bearing point L1 comprises a bearing pin.

[0080] The adjustment part 11A is pivotally mounted and supported at a second bearing point L2 on the base 10A. The bracket 15 with the pivotally mounted housing 14 is attached to the adjustment part 11A. The adjustment part 11A is further pivotally connected to the seat part 20 at a third bearing point L3. In the present case, the third bearing point L3 comprises a cross tube 24. The cross tube 24 connects two opposite side parts of the seat part 20. The seat part 20 is supported on the base 10A via the adjustment part 11A.

[0081] Fig. 8 also shows the aforementioned worm gear 163. The worm gear 163 is rotatable about a rotational axis arranged parallel and offset from the pivot axis S. The worm gear 163 engages with the external toothing 134 of the spindle nut 13. The rotation of the worm gear 163 causes a rotation of the spindle nut 13, which is thereby screwed up or down on the spindle 12. This causes a pivoting movement of the adjustment part 11A relative to the base 10A.

[0082] The holder 15 comprises an upper wall 152 and a lower wall 153. The upper wall 152 and the lower wall 153 each connect the front wall 150 to the rear wall 151. An opening 154, 155 is formed in the upper wall 152 and the lower wall 153, which are aligned with one another in this case. The spindle 12 extends through the opening 155 in the lower wall 153 and, depending on the position of the spindle nut 13, also through the opening 154 in the upper wall 152. The openings 154, 155 are wider than the threaded shaft of the spindle 12 in order to allow a pivoting movement of the spindle 12 relative to the holder 15. If the adjustment part 11 A is adjusted relative to the base 10 A, the spindle nut (including the housing 14) pivots on the adjustment part 11 A. When the spindle nut 13 is adjusted along the spindle 12, the adjustment part 11 A pivots about the second bearing point L2 relative to the base 10 A and about the third bearing point L3 relative to the seat part 20.Furthermore, the spindle 12 pivots about the first pivot axis L1 relative to the base 10A and the spindle nut 13 pivots (with its threaded axis, about which the spindle nut 13 rotates) about the pivot axis S relative to the adjustment part 11A.

[0083] Figs. 9A-9C illustrate three different positions of the adjustment device 1A. Figs. 9A-9C also show, in particular, the pivoting movement of the spindle nut about the pivot axis S.

[0084] Thus, Fig. 9A shows a position of the seat part 20 lowered all the way down to the base 10A. In this case, the spindle nut 13 together with the spindle 12 in the holder 15 are slightly inclined forward.

[0085] Fig. 9B shows a middle position in which the spindle nut 13 is set approximately halfway up the spindle 12. In this position, the spindle 12 passes approximately centrally through the two openings 154, 155 of the holder 15.

[0086] Fig. 9C shows a position moved all the way up (away from the base 10A), which corresponds to the view shown in Fig. 8. Here, the spindle nut 13 together with the spindle 12 are slightly tilted backward in the holder 15.

[0087] Since the spindle nut 13 is designed in the form of a hybrid spindle nut as described, a crash-proof and particularly compact structure is achieved without jamming.

[0088] Fig. 10A-10C illustrate three different positions of the further adjustment device 1B.

[0089] The further adjustment device 1B also comprises a base 10B (which in turn is fastened to the seat rail 230), an adjustment part 11B, a spindle 12 designed as described above, and a spindle nut 13 designed as described above and engaging with the spindle 12. A relative movement between the spindle nut 13 and the spindle 12 in turn causes a pivoting movement of the adjustment part 11B relative to the base 10B. The relative movement between the spindle nut 13 and the spindle 12 further causes a pivoting movement of the spindle 12 relative to the base 10B and also relative to the adjustment part 11B. The spindle nut 13 is in turn designed, as described above, in the form of a hybrid spindle nut. The adjustment part 11B is pivotally mounted on the base 10B, and the spindle 12 is pivotally connected to the adjustment part 11B by its pivot bearing. The bracket 15 is attached to the base 10B.

[0090] The adjustment part 11B is pivotally connected to the further adjustment part 18A and the further adjustment part 18A is pivotally connected to the seat part 20.

[0091] Fig. 10A shows a fully extended position of the spindle 12 and thus a fully lowered position of the seat part 20. Fig. 10B shows a fully retracted position of the spindle 12 and thus a fully raised position of the seat part 20. Fig. 10C shows an intermediate position.

[0092] Fig. 10A-10C shows how the spindle nut pivots within the holder 15.

[0093] Fig. 11 shows an optional additional adjustment device 1C for the vehicle seat 2. This adjustment device 1C represents a rocking adjustment for the vehicle seat 2. As with the adjustment device 1B according to Figs. 8 to 9C, the spindle nut 13 (in the form of the hybrid spindle nut) is rotatably mounted in the housing 14, wherein the housing 14 is pivotally mounted on the base 10C. The adjustment part 11C is pivotally mounted on the base 10C. The adjustment part 11C is connected to the seat part 20 via a further adjustment part 18B.

[0094] In the adjusting devices 1A-1C, it can be provided that the spindle 12 is supported in the radial direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis A via at least one bearing on the housing 14, wherein the at least one bearing is in contact with the spindle 12 (or can be brought into contact with it). In contrast, the spindle nut 13 itself is then not directly supported radially on the housing 14. This is explained in more detail below with reference to the enlarged view of Fig. 12.

[0095] Fig. 12 shows a possible embodiment of an adjusting device 1 D, which can be provided, for example, instead of one of the adjusting devices 1 A-1 C on the vehicle seat 2.

[0096] According to Fig. 12, the adjusting device 1D comprises a spindle 12, a spindle nut 13' engaging with the spindle 12, wherein the spindle 12 and the spindle nut 13' are rotatable relative to one another about a longitudinal axis A of the spindle 12, and a housing 14' in which the spindle nut 13' is received. Provision is made for the spindle 12 to be supported on the housing 14' in the radial direction r perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A via at least one bearing 19A, 19B, in this case via two bearings 19A, 19B (here, by way of example, exactly two, no more and no fewer). The at least one bearing 19A, 19B is (here: the two bearings 19A, 19B are each) in contact with the spindle 12, at least when a radial force acts on the spindle 12 or on the housing 14'. The at least one bearing 19A, 19B may be formed by the housing 14' itself or may be mounted on the housing 14' and / or may be in contact with the housing 14'.

[0097] As already described above, the spindle nut 13' is designed as a hybrid spindle nut with a first part 130' and a second part 132'. The shape is provided differently here, for example, the second part 132' has a flange that is encompassed by the first part 130'. The external toothing is also formed on the first part 130'. Regarding the function, reference is made to the above description.

[0098] The adjusting device 1D is therefore designed without a radial bearing for the spindle nut 13' on the housing 14'. It is provided here that the adjusting devices 1A-1C according to Figs. 7 to 11 are also designed without a radial bearing for the respective spindle nut 13 on the corresponding housing 14. This solution is counterintuitive, since the large outer surface of the spindle nut 13' serves as a contact surface for the radial bearing, while the spindle 12 only has a relatively small tooth tip surface 122. However, it has been shown that the axially further spaced arrangement of the bearings 19A, 19B, between which the spindle nut 13' is arranged, not only allows for simplified manufacture of the spindle nut 13', but also simplifies the structure, since the bearings 19A, 19B guide the spindle, absorb transverse forces, and ensure the spacing of the gear components.Since exactly two bearing positions are provided and no more, there are also acoustic advantages compared to other solutions, as the bearing is not overdetermined.

[0099] One of the two bearings 19A, 19B (the one shown at the top in Fig. 12), which will also be referred to as the first bearing 19A for ease of reference below, is formed by the housing 14' itself. For this purpose, a housing part 143 of the housing 14' has a collar 144, on which a cylindrical opening is formed. The cylindrical inner surface 190 of this housing part 143 (more precisely: of the collar 144) forms the first bearing 19A. The first bearing 19A is a plain bearing. The spindle 12 contacts the first bearing 19A, (at least) when it is supported thereby under a radial load. The spindle nut 13' is arranged in the housing 14' such that a force is applied to the spindle nut 13' in the radial direction r via the spindle 12 and from the spindle 12 via the bearings 19A, 19B into the housing 14' (and vice versa). The other of the two bearings 19A, 19B (the one shown in Fig.12 below), which is also referred to below as the second bearing 19B for ease of reference, has a sleeve 191. The sleeve 191 is attached to the housing 14' and also forms a circular cylindrical inner surface, which serves as a bearing surface for the spindle 12. A flange 192 connected to the sleeve 191 rests on the outside of the housing 14'.

[0100] A clearance is provided between the spindle 12 and the respective bearing 19A, 19B to ensure smooth adjustment. This clearance is smaller than any radial clearance of the spindle nut 13', in particular than the smallest radial clearance between the spindle nut 13' and the housing 14' or a component mounted on the housing 14'. Thus, under radial load, the spindle 12 is always the first to strike one of the bearings 19A, 19B or both bearings 19A, 19B, while the spindle nut 13' remains free of contact with the housing 14' or any immovable component firmly connected to it in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. In the event of a transverse load, the spindle nut 13' receives no support via the housing 14'. In the example shown, the spindle nut 13' is spaced from the housing 14' (and from parts firmly or movably connected to it) at every point on its surface in the radial direction r. In Fig.Figure 12 illustrates that a gap G is formed between the spindle nut 13' and the housing 14'. When the spindle 12 is not engaged with the spindle nut 13', i.e., without the spindle 12, the spindle nut 13' is movable within this gap G until the gap G is closed and the spindle nut 13' strikes the housing 14'. At the gap G, the spindle nut 13' thus has free play relative to the housing 14'.

[0101] When assembled with the spindle 12, however, the bearing of the spindle 12 directly on the bearings 19A, 19B defines the mobility (during intended use), so that the spindle nut 13' is always spaced radially r from the housing 14' or parts mounted thereon. The radial bearing of the spindle 12 via the bearings 19A, 19B (and thus also of the housing 14' on the spindle 12 via the bearings 19A, 19B) increases the robustness of the gear characteristic curve, as transverse forces can be effectively absorbed. This, in turn, enables stable adjustment speeds for given loads (especially transverse forces).

[0102] The housing 14' comprises a housing part 141, which is designed as a housing shell. An inner housing part 142 is arranged therein, whereby these parts can also be formed integrally with one another. These housing parts 141, 142 form an interior space in which the spindle nut 13' is arranged. This interior space is closed by the above-mentioned housing part 143, which housing part 143 is designed in the form of a housing cover. The housing 14' forms the bearing surfaces 140, 141 described above and can be pivotally mounted on the holder 15 as described.

[0103] As described above, the spindle nut 13' is driven by a motor unit 16 (not shown again in Fig. 12). When the spindle nut 13' and the spindle 12 are adjusted relative to one another, in this case when the spindle nut 13' is adjusted along the spindle 12, the cylindrical inner surfaces 190 of the bearings 19A, 19B and the spiral tooth tip surface 122 of the spindle 12 slide along one another. The tooth tip surface 122 thus forms bearing points for the spindle 12. The tooth tip surface 122 is the surface radially farthest away from the central cylinder axis (corresponding to the longitudinal axis A) of the spindle 12, at the tip of the rotating tooth of the external thread of the spindle 12. The tooth tip surface 122 runs along the tip circle of the spindle 12. The tooth tip surface 122 is flattened in this case. The tooth tip surface 122 describes a flat band with a width along the longitudinal axis A, which is wound around the longitudinal axis A.The tooth tip surface 122 extends along an (imaginary) lateral surface of a circular cylinder. The tooth tip surface 122 forms a spiral. The bearings 19A, 19B are designed, for example, such that at least one full revolution of the tooth tip surface 122 around the longitudinal axis A rests against the respective inner surface 190 (or can rest against it when force is applied).

[0104] The spindle nut 13' has no bearings for radial support. The housing 14' is guided only by the tip diameter of the spindle 12 with respect to transverse forces, tilting, or the like. The ball bearing 17 provides axial support and allows radial movements that exceed the clearance between the spindle 12 and the bearings 19A, 19B.

[0105] The spindle 12 is made of steel. The bearings 19A and 19B are also made of steel. Lubricating grease facilitates the movement of the parts relative to each other. This can reduce wear and increase service life.

[0106] It should be noted at this point that, in principle, either the spindle nut 13' is motor-driven relative to the rotationally mounted spindle, but alternatively, it can also be provided that the spindle nut is rotationally fixed and the spindle 12 is motor-rotatable (about its longitudinal axis A). The spindle 12 can have a recess 123 running along the tooth tip (see Fig. 14). The recess 123 can be or become at least partially filled with a lubricant.

[0107] The spindle 12, for example, is a cold-formed part. The spindle 12 was manufactured by cold extrusion. In a process for manufacturing the adjusting device, the spindle is manufactured by cold extrusion (the remaining parts are assembled before or after this and then connected to the spindle 12). During cold extrusion, a roller seam is formed on the tooth tip of the spindle. The roller seam is the recess 123 (illustrated schematically in Fig. 14). This recess 123 is used here as a grease groove. A lubricating grease is arranged in the roller seam of the spindle 12. This is particularly advantageous for the present bearing arrangement across the tip diameter of the spindle 12.

[0108] A roll seam can also be called a closing fold or head closing seam. This is used here as the grease groove. When rolling moving threads at the thread head, the roll seam can be formed by the material flow during profile formation during forming. The roll seam is located, for example, in the center of the spiral thread tooth.

[0109] It should be noted that if the spindle 12 is alternatively manufactured in a different way, it can also be provided with the recess 123 running along the tooth tip (and thus spirally along the spindle 12), e.g., by means of forming and / or machining. In the present example, the lubricant is arranged in this (spiral-shaped) recess. This recess 123 can be filled with the lubricant, for example, a grease. Fig. 14 schematically illustrates the recess 123 on the threaded tooth of the spindle 12.

[0110] List of reference symbols

[0111] 1 A-1 D adjustment device

[0112] 10A-10C Base

[0113] 1 1 A-1 1 C adjustment part

[0114] 12 spindle

[0115] 120 swivel bearings

[0116] 121 external thread

[0117] 122 Tooth tip surface

[0118] 123 Deepening

[0119] 13, 13' spindle nut

[0120] 130, 130' first part

[0121] 131 internal thread

[0122] 132, 132' second part

[0123] 133 internal thread

[0124] 134 external gearing

[0125] 135 knurls

[0126] 136 flange

[0127] 137 level

[0128] 14, 14' housing

[0129] 140, 141 storage area

[0130] 141 -143 Housing part

[0131] 144 collars

[0132] 15 Bracket

[0133] 150-153 Wall

[0134] 154, 155 Opening

[0135] 16 Motor unit

[0136] 160 electric motor

[0137] 161 Control unit

[0138] 162 Motor shaft

[0139] 163 Worm gear

[0140] 17 ball bearings

[0141] 18A, 18B additional adjustment part

[0142] 19A, 19B camp

[0143] 190 interior area

[0144] 191 sleeve

[0145] 192 Flange 2 Vehicle Seat

[0146] 20 Seat part

[0147] 21 Backrest

[0148] 22 Fitting 23 Longitudinal adjustment device

[0149] 230 seat rail

[0150] 231 floor rail

[0151] 24 Cross tube

[0152] A Longitudinal axis G Gap

[0153] L1 -L3 bearing point r radial direction

[0154] S swivel axis

Claims

Claims 1. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D), in particular for a vehicle seat (2), comprising: a base (10A-10C), an adjusting part (11 A-11 C), a spindle (12) and a spindle nut (13, 13') engaging with the spindle (12), wherein a relative movement between the spindle nut (13, 13') and the spindle (12) causes a pivoting movement of the spindle (12) and / or the adjusting part (11 A-11 C) relative to the base (10A-10C), characterized in that the spindle nut (13, 13') is designed in the form of a hybrid spindle nut with a first part (130, 130') and a second part (132, 132') firmly connected thereto, each of which has an internal thread (131, 133) and comprises different materials.

2. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spindle nut (13, 13') is rotatably mounted in a housing (14, 14') which is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis (S) to the base (10B, 10C) or to the adjusting part (11 A).

3. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pivot axis (S) runs through the spindle nut (13, 13').

4. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the pivot axis (S) is aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A) of the spindle (12).

5. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the housing (14, 14') has two bearing areas (140, 141), at which it is pivotally mounted on a holder (15) on the base (10B, 10C) in each case about the pivot axis (S). or is mounted on the adjusting part (11 A), wherein the spindle nut (13, 13') is arranged between the two bearing areas (140, 141).

6. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a motor unit (16) for driving the spindle nut (13, 13') is fixedly connected to the housing (14, 14').

7. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to claim 6, characterized in that the motor unit (16) has a motor shaft (162) which is rotatable parallel to the pivot axis (S).

8. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the spindle nut (13, 13') is axially supported on the housing (14, 14') via a ball bearing (17).

9. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle (12) has a pivot bearing (120) with which the spindle (12) is pivotally mounted on the base (10A) or on the adjusting part (1 1 B, 1 1 C).

10. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal thread (131) of the first part (130, 130') is in contact with an external thread (121) of the spindle (12) and the internal thread (133) of the second part (132, 132') surrounds the external thread (121) of the spindle (12) at a distance from the external thread (121) of the spindle (12). 1 1. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (130, 130') is a non-metallic part and the second part (132, 132') is a metallic part.

12. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (130, 130') is made of plastic and the second part (132, 132') is made of steel.

13. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle nut (13, 13') has an external toothing (134) which is formed on the first part (130, 130').

14. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle (12) and the spindle nut (13, 13', 13") are rotatable relative to one another about a longitudinal axis (A) of the spindle (12), and the spindle nut (13, 13', 13") is accommodated in a housing (14, 14'), wherein the spindle (12) is supported in the radial direction (r) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) via at least one bearing (19A, 19B) on the housing (14, 14'), which bearing is in contact with the spindle (12) or can be brought into contact with it.

15. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to claim 14, characterized in that the at least one bearing (19A, 19B) is mounted on the housing (14, 14') or is formed by the housing (14, 14').

16. Adjusting device (1A-1D) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the spindle nut (13, 13', 13") is arranged in the housing (14, 14') in such a way that a force is introduced onto the spindle nut (13, 13', 13") in the radial direction (r) via the spindle (12) and from the spindle (12) via the at least one bearing (19A, 19B) into the housing (14, 14').

17. Adjusting device (1A-1D) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the spindle (12) has a spiral-shaped tooth tip surface (122), wherein the at least one bearing (19A, 19B) has a cylindrical inner surface (190), wherein upon adjustment of the spindle nut (13, 13', 13") and the spindle (12) relative to one another, the cylindrical inner surface (190) and the tooth tip surface (122) slide along one another.

18. Adjusting device (1A-1D) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the at least one bearing (19A, 19B) is a plain bearing.

19. Adjusting device (1A-1D) according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the at least one bearing (19A, 19B) comprises or consists of metal, in particular steel.

20. Adjusting device (1A-1D) according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the at least one bearing (19A, 19B) comprises a first bearing (19A) and a second bearing (19B), via which the spindle (12) is supported in the radial direction and which are in contact with the spindle (12) and in contact with the housing (14, 14') or are formed by the housing (14, 14').

21. Adjusting device (1 A-1 D) according to claim 20, characterized in that the spindle nut (13, 13', 13") is arranged between the first bearing (19A) and the second bearing (19B).

22. Adjusting device (1A-1D) according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the spindle nut (13, 13', 13") is spaced from the housing (14, 14') at every point of its surface in the radial direction (r).

23. Adjusting device (1A-1D) according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the smallest play between the spindle nut (13, 13', 13") and the housing (14, 14') is greater than the smallest play between the spindle (12) and the at least one bearing (19A, 19B).

24. Vehicle seat (2) with a seat part (20) and a backrest (21), characterized by at least one adjusting device (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims.

25. Vehicle seat (2) according to claim 24, characterized in that the seat part (20) is supported on the base (10A-10C) via the adjustment part (11A-11C).

26. Vehicle seat (2) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the adjusting part (11 B, 11 C) is connected to the seat part (20) via a further adjusting part (18A, 18B) which is pivotally connected to the adjusting part (11 B, 11 C) and the seat part (20).

27. Vehicle seat (2) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that a seat height and / or inclination of the seat part (20) relative to the base (10A-10C) can be adjusted by means of the adjusting device (1A-1C).

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