Actuator

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator (2) for a roll stabilizer (1) of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuator (2) has a drive train (34, 35) which extends within a housing (30), an output element (36) which is drivingly connected thereto and is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (6) with respect to the housing (30) by means of a bearing device (61) and to which a stabilizer portion (3b) of the roll stabilizer (1) can be connected, and a sealing system (58), which acts between the housing (30) and the output element (36), for sealing the housing (30). The actuator is characterized in that the sealing system (58) and the bearing device (61) of the output element (36) are supported against one another in the axial direction and are axially secured with respect to the housing (30) by means of a shaped housing portion (57).

Description

[0001] File 303445

[0002] 2024-09-17

[0003] actuator

[0004] The invention relates to an actuator for a roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for the final assembly of an actuator for a roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle according to the features of claim 20.

[0005] In automotive engineering, particularly chassis engineering, it is well known to influence the roll behavior of vehicles using so-called roll stabilizers. The basic design consists of an essentially C-shaped torsion bar spring, which is rotatably mounted in the middle relative to the vehicle body. Its outer, opposing ends are connected to a wheel suspension via coupling elements, known as pendulum links. This design ensures that, when cornering, the vehicle body not only compresses on the outside side (due to centrifugal force), but also that the inside wheel is slightly lowered. Roll stabilizers improve the vehicle's directional stability and reduce body roll, thus making cornering safer and more comfortable.

[0006] To increase vehicle stability and ride comfort, it is known to design such roll stabilizers to be actively adjustable. The roll stabilizer then comprises an actuator and is, for example, divided into two stabilizer sections that can be rotated relative to each other about an axis of rotation by means of the actuator. By rotating the stabilizer sections relative to each other, a roll movement of the vehicle body is deliberately generated, or a roll movement of the vehicle body caused by external influences is deliberately counteracted. Actively adjustable roll stabilizers are known from the prior art whose actuator has an electric motor that is connected to a mechanical transmission, in particular in the form of a multi-stage planetary gear unit, to achieve suitable speeds or torques. In this context, reference is made generally, by way of example, to DE 10 2016 219 399 A1. File 303445

[0007] 2024-09-17

[0008] Actuators used in roll stabilizers can be exposed to damp weather conditions such as rain or general moisture during operation of the equipped vehicle. For a mechatronic system like such an actuator, there is a risk that moisture will penetrate the actuator housing, which contains the engine and transmission, and impair the function of components or permanently damage them. Accordingly, a reliable and durable seal between the interior of the housing and the external environment of the actuator is of paramount importance. An actuator with a seal for sealing the interior of the housing according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 10 2020 208 851 A1.The actuator disclosed therein has a drive train extending within the housing, an output element connected to it and rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the housing by means of a bearing device, to which a stabilizer section of the roll stabilizer can be connected, and a sealing system acting between the housing and the output element for sealing the housing.

[0009] In the actuator known from the prior art, the output element is guided radially and axially relative to the actuator housing by means of two rolling bearings in the form of radial ball bearings. Typically, at least the outer (i.e., output-side) of the two rolling bearings is secured with a nut in the area of ​​both the inner and outer rings. Since these nuts must be individually mounted and tightened to a specific torque, their installation is relatively complex, especially as accessibility is hampered by the relatively large axial installation depth and the simultaneously limited radial installation space. Additionally, a suitable sealing system is required, the inner and outer rings of which must be pressed in with high precision to ensure the necessary seal. Accordingly, precisely machined surfaces are required in the bearing areas.The individual positioning and assembly of the components represents an overall disadvantageous effort. File 303445.

[0010] 2024-09-17

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an actuator of the type mentioned at the outset, which is improved with regard to the bearing of the output element, including the sealing of the housing, and in particular with regard to the required assembly effort, while ensuring reliable and safe operation. Furthermore, a corresponding method for the final assembly of an actuator for a roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle is to be provided.

[0012] The aforementioned problem is initially solved by an actuator according to the features of claim 1. This actuator is for a roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuator comprises a drive train extending within the housing, a drive element connected thereto and rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation relative to the housing by means of a bearing arrangement, to which a stabilizer section of the roll stabilizer can be connected, and a sealing system acting between the housing and the drive element for sealing the housing. According to the invention, the actuator is characterized in that the sealing system and the bearing arrangement of the drive element are supported on each other in the axial direction and are axially secured relative to the housing by means of a formed housing section.

[0013] It was initially recognized that the manufacturing, and in particular the final assembly, of an actuator for a roll stabilizer conventionally requires a relatively large assembly effort. This is primarily due to the fact that, in a first assembly step, the inner and outer rings of the previously used rolling bearing must be secured by two separately handled and tightened locking nuts. Only then, in a second assembly step, can the sealing system be mounted, which requires separate assembly steps and components. According to the invention, a method was found to design the bearing assembly and the sealing system in such a way as to facilitate their assembly. Accordingly, the sealing system and the bearing assembly are designed such that they support each other axially, and their axial securing against the housing is ensured by means of a formed housing section.In other words, the sealing system and the bearing device are designed and arranged in such a way that axial forces are transmitted between them (File 303445).

[0014] 2024-09-17, for which the sealing system and the bearing assembly touch at an axial contact section. According to the invention, the axial securing of the arrangement formed by the sealing system and the bearing assembly is achieved by a formed housing section, in particular by forming a housing area after assembly of the bearing assembly and the sealing system in such a way that axial securing of the sealing system and the bearing assembly against the housing results. The formed housing section thus forms, in a broader sense, a closure for the sealing system and the bearing assembly, whereby, depending on the type and intensity of the forming, not only a mere securing but even an adjustable preload for the sealing system and the bearing assembly can be achieved.To achieve axial locking, and optionally even preload, no additional components, in particular no locknuts, are advantageously required, since the axial locking can be ensured solely by the formed housing section, i.e., an available area of ​​the housing material, due to the design according to the invention. Accordingly, the number of components to be handled is reduced, which simplifies the assembly process. The aforementioned problem is thus advantageously solved.

[0015] The formed housing section used according to the invention can be designed in various ways. Preferably, the formed housing section is created from a part of the housing by forming and is thus an integral part of the housing. Accordingly, no separate component or other fastening means is required to close the arrangement formed from the bearing device and the sealing system. Instead, a part of the housing—after its deformation—advantageously serves as the closure.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the formed housing section forms a sealing lip that points radially inwards with respect to the axis of rotation and acts as an axial stop for the sealing system. Such a sealing lip can be produced, for example, by a so-called rolling process with relatively little manufacturing effort. In this case, the formed housing section is preferably produced by rolling a file 303445

[0017] 2024-09-17 axially formed at the end of the housing area. Advantageously, the formed housing section exerts an axial preload force on the sealing system and bearing assembly, so that these are under axial preload when installed. Furthermore, axially securing the sealing system and bearing assembly by means of a formed housing section offers the advantage that no additional components are required, which simplifies assembly. Axial securing by rolling also offers the advantage of complete axial securing, and with appropriate design, a complete seal can also be achieved with relatively simple means.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the actuator, the bearing arrangement of the output element—unlike conventional bearing arrangements—is designed as a plain bearing. This design is based on the understanding that the output element of an actuator for a roll stabilizer only rotates relative to the housing within a limited angular range, particularly one significantly less than a full rotation, for example, ±20°. The use of a plain bearing offers advantages over a rolling bearing in this application, including its flatter design (providing additional installation space for other components) and reduced design complexity (plain bearings do not require rolling elements and therefore have a significantly smaller number of parts).Advantageously, so-called flanged bushings are used in the sliding bearing, which are insensitive to tolerances and, due to their flat design, require only a relatively small radial installation space.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the actuator, the output element is supported in an axially inner region by means of an inner flanged bushing and in an axially outer region by means of an outer flanged bushing relative to the housing. The flanged bushings advantageously have an L-profile with an open orientation towards each other, so that, according to a preferred embodiment, each of the flanged bushings encompasses a circumferential bearing area of ​​the output element. File 303445

[0020] 2024-09-17

[0021] Advantageously, the inner flanged bushing is axially supported against a shoulder formed on the actuator housing. This design ensures that the bearing assembly can absorb axial forces directed towards the shoulder.

[0022] Advantageously, the outer flanged bushing contacts the sealing system, in particular a bearing shell of the sealing system, axially. With such a design, a series connection of the sealing system and bearing assembly is advantageously achieved, thereby enabling the desired axial force transmission via the sealing system and the bearing assembly to the housing.

[0023] The sealing system of the actuator can be designed in different ways. According to a preferred embodiment of the actuator, the sealing system comprises an annular inner sealing element associated with the output element and an annular outer sealing device associated with the housing, wherein the inner sealing element and the outer sealing device overlap in an axial projection and contact each other, forming at least one circumferential sealing area.

[0024] Preferably, the inner sealing element and the outer sealing device exert an axially acting sealing force on each other in the circumferential sealing area, which is based in particular on a preload applied by partial deformation of the inner sealing element. The inner sealing element can advantageously be made of an elastic material, preferably an elastomeric plastic. The design described above results in a seal with an axially acting sealing force, in short, an axial seal, which, for the aforementioned application on the actuator for a roll stabilizer, offers the advantage that any deformation that may occur during operation under high loads, caused by bending forces, which could lead to a change in the position of the output element, particularly in the radial direction relative to the housing, does not adversely affect the sealing effect.Because an axial seal is relatively insensitive to relative movements of the sealing surfaces in the radial direction. File 303445.

[0025] 2024-09-17

[0026] The sealing effect of the sealing system can be further increased by having the inner sealing element and the outer sealing device touch in several circumferential sealing areas.

[0027] A preferred further development of the actuator provides that the outer sealing device forms a circumferential groove into which the inner sealing element partially projects radially. This can be achieved in various ways.

[0028] A structurally advantageous embodiment provides that the outer sealing device is multi-part, in particular two-part, and comprises a rear outer bearing shell and a front outer bearing shell. In this context, a front outer bearing shell is understood to be an outer bearing shell that is positioned at the end face of the actuator housing relative to an axial end, while the rear outer bearing shell is positioned behind the front outer bearing shell relative to the axial direction.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer sealing device forming the circumferential groove comprises two ring bodies arranged coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation, which are shaped such that an annular space forming the circumferential groove is created between them. The two ring bodies are, in particular, the rear outer bearing shell and the front outer bearing shell, respectively.

[0030] Advantageously, the rear outer bearing shell has an L-shaped profile open towards the axial end of the actuator, into which the front outer bearing shell is inserted. The rear outer bearing shell and the front outer bearing shell thus form a two-part ring body that constitutes the outer sealing element of the sealing system.

[0031] An advantageous embodiment of the actuator provides that the rear outer bearing shell and the front outer bearing shell are jointly secured against the housing by means of the formed housing section, in particular clamped. File 303445

[0032] 2024-09-17

[0033] The actuator with the sealing system described above is advantageously characterized by a common seal for sealing the rear outer bearing shell and the front outer bearing shell against the formed housing section.

[0034] An advantageous embodiment of the actuator provides that the inner sealing element, which is partially incorporated into the circumferential groove, has a wave-like profile in sections with respect to its radial extent, in particular to form a circumferential sealing area with each wave crest.

[0035] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method according to the features of claim 20. This is a method for the final assembly of an actuator for a roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

[0036] Providing an actuator housing with pre-assembled mechanical, electrical and / or electronic components,

[0037] Inserting a drive element including a bearing device for the drive element and a sealing system into the housing, wherein the housing has an axial end end area which has an axial extension beyond the axial installation depth of the inserted bearing device and the inserted sealing system,

[0038] Forming the outward-protruding housing area by rolling it into a formed housing section in order to secure the arrangement of the sealing system and bearing device axially relative to the housing.

[0039] The inventive method for the final assembly of the actuator offers the advantage that both the sealing system and the bearing assembly can be axially secured to the housing by a single forming process, in particular by rolling the component into a formed housing section. Depending on the type and intensity of the rolling, in addition to axial and radial fixation, it is advantageous to achieve [File 303445]

[0040] 2024-09-17 also allows for the adjustment of a preload on the bearing assembly and / or the sealing system. Preferably, the arrangement of the sealing system and bearing assembly is axially preloaded by a preload force generated by rolling. Since the components in question are simply inserted into the housing one after the other, and the housing is closed and the preload and sealing forces are adjusted in a single rolling step, the assembly effort is reduced.

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. This will reveal further effects and advantages of the invention. The drawing shows:

[0042] Figure 1 shows an actively adjustable roll stabilizer in a simplified schematic perspective view from a rear oblique angle.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a section view of a conventional actuator.

[0044] Figure 3 shows an enlarged sectional view of the bearing and sealing area of ​​a conventional actuator as shown in Figure 2.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a simplified perspective view of a bearing and sealing area of ​​an actuator according to the invention.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of an actively adjustable roll stabilizer from a rear oblique angle. A motor vehicle (not shown here) may be equipped with such an actively adjustable roll stabilizer 1 on a front axle and / or a rear axle.

[0047] As shown, a left wheel 4a and a right wheel 4b are articulated to a motor vehicle body (not shown here) by means of a left wheel suspension 5a and a right wheel suspension 5b, respectively. Each of the wheel suspensions is coupled to the actively adjustable roll stabilizer 1 via a pendulum link in a manner known in itself. The actively adjustable [file 303445]

[0048] 2024-09-17

[0049] The roll stabilizer 1 essentially comprises a left stabilizer section 3a, a right stabilizer section 3b, and an actuator 2. The actively adjustable roll stabilizer 1 has an essentially C-shaped basic form, whereby the stabilizer sections 3a and 3b can be rotated relative to each other about a rotational axis 6 by means of the actuator 2 in a manner known per se. Due to the coupling of the left stabilizer section 3a to the left wheel suspension 5a via a connecting rod, and the coupling of the right stabilizer section 3b to the right wheel suspension 5b via a connecting rod, the roll behavior of the vehicle equipped with it can be influenced by means of the actively adjustable roll stabilizer 1. In particular, roll movements of the vehicle body can be deliberately induced or counteracted by active adjustment using the actuator 2.For this purpose, the actuator 2 has corresponding design features in a manner known in itself, and as will be explained below with reference to Figure 2.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an actuator 2 for an actively adjustable roll stabilizer, as explained with reference to Figure 1. The actuator 2 shown in Figure 2 is a prior art actuator. A bearing and sealing area of ​​the actuator 2 is shown enlarged in Figure 3 to further illustrate the design of the bearing and sealing area 38 of a conventional prior art actuator. Since the illustrations in Figures 2 and 3 refer to the same actuator, the following description refers to both Figures 2 and 3.

[0051] As can already be seen from Figure 1, the actuator 2 has a substantially cylindrical basic shape. A housing 30 extends along an axis of rotation 6, with the left stabilizer section 3a (indicated by reference numeral) being attachable to a motor-side axial end of the actuator 2, to an opposite axial end, on which an output element 36 is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 6 by means of a bearing arrangement designed in the form of two rolling bearings 37. A right stabilizer section 3b is attachable to the output element 36. File 303445

[0052] 2024-09-17

[0053] In the housing 30, an electric motor 34 (indicated only by reference numerals) is arranged in an area facing the left stabilizer section 3a. This motor drives a first planetary gear stage 31 via a motor shaft (not otherwise specified). This stage, in turn, drives a second planetary gear stage 32, which in turn drives a third planetary gear stage 33. A multi-stage, in this case three-stage, planetary gear 35 designed in this way is arranged coaxially with the electric motor 34 within the housing 30 and is connected to the output element 36 on the output side.

[0054] As further shown in Figure 3, the output element 36 is rotatably mounted relative to the housing 30 by means of a bearing assembly comprising a double-row angular contact ball bearing. An inner ring of the outer rolling bearing 37 is in contact with an inner nut 39, which is screwed to the output element 36. An outer ring of the rolling bearing 37 is in contact with an outer nut 40, which is screwed onto an internally formed thread in the housing 30. Due to the relatively small available installation space in the radial direction and the rather large axial installation depth, the inner nut 39 and the outer nut 40 are relatively difficult to access. Therefore, their installation and tightening require considerable effort, and in particular, special tools are necessary.In any case, several components (inner nut 39, outer nut 40) including their handling and screwing are necessary for fixing the rolling bearing 37 or the output element 36 to the housing.

[0055] To protect the interior of the housing 30 from externally penetrating moisture, a sealing system in the form of a radial seal 41 is assigned to the bearing in the sealing area 38. This seal is located axially outside, in particular in front of the rolling bearing 37 with internal nut 39 and external nut 40, wherein the radial seal 41 has a radial sealing lip as its essential sealing element, sealing against the output element 36 (see in particular Fig. 3).

[0056] The assembly of the bearing and sealing area 38 for the actuator shown in Figures 2 and 3 is relatively complex from both a design and assembly perspective. In addition to providing and handling the inner nut and file 303445

[0057] 2024-09-17

[0058] Furthermore, the outer nut must be tightened to a precisely defined torque. The installation and fixing of the sealing system also requires precise pressing of the affected components at the inner and outer diameters to ensure the necessary seal. The surface of the output element must have a suitable surface finish in the sealing area. The radial sealing principle used in the prior art also has the disadvantage of being relatively sensitive to relative radial movements between the output element and the housing, which can occur particularly under high bending stress.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a simplified perspective view of a section of an actuator 2 according to the invention for a roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle. While the actuator 2 according to Figure 4 is similar in numerous features to the actuator already explained with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the actuator 2 according to the invention shown in Figure 4 has the following distinguishing features: the output element 36 is rotatably mounted relative to the housing 30 about the axis of rotation 6 by means of a bearing assembly 61 designed as a sliding bearing, deviating from the conventional bearing principle. The bearing assembly 61 ensures that the output element 36 is mounted relative to the housing 30 in an axially inner area by means of an inner flanged bushing 50 and in an axially outer area by means of an outer flanged bushing 51. The inner flanged bushing 50 is axially supported against a shoulder formed on the housing 30.The outer flanged bushing 51, in turn, is in axial contact with a rear outer bearing shell 54 of the sealing system 58. Accordingly, the sealing system 58 and the bearing assembly 61 of the output element 36 support each other axially. The sealing system 58, in particular the rear outer bearing shell 54, is designed to be suitable for absorbing larger axial forces.

[0060] The sealing system 58 comprises an annular inner sealing element 52 associated with the output element 36 and an annular outer sealing device associated with the housing 30, consisting of the rear outer bearing shell 54 and a front outer bearing shell 55, wherein the inner sealing element 52 and the outer sealing device 54, 55 are partially located in an axial projection.

[0061] 2024-09-17 overlap and contact, forming at least one circumferential sealing area 53. In particular, the outer sealing device 54, 55 forms a circumferential groove into which the inner sealing element 52 partially projects radially. The inner sealing element 52, which is partially received in the circumferential groove, has a wave-like profile in sections with respect to its radial extent, in particular to form a circumferential sealing area with each wave crest.

[0062] The inner sealing element 52 and the outer sealing device 54, 55 exert an axially acting sealing force on each other in the circumferential sealing area 53, which is based in particular on a preload that is applied by partial deformation of the inner sealing element 52. Due to the undulating shape of the inner sealing element 52 with respect to its radial extent, the inner sealing element 52 and the outer sealing device 54, 55 contact each other in several circumferential sealing areas 53.

[0063] As can be seen in Figure 4, the outer sealing device 54, 55 is constructed in two parts, comprising the rear outer bearing shell 54 and the front outer bearing shell 55. In other words, the outer sealing device forming the circumferential groove comprises two ring bodies (rear outer bearing shell 54 and front outer bearing shell 55) arranged coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation 6, which are shaped such that an annular space forming the circumferential groove is created between them.

[0064] The rear bearing shell 54 has an L-shaped profile open towards the axial end of the actuator 2, into which the front outer bearing shell 55 is inserted.

[0065] The rear outer bearing shell 54 abuts the outer flanged bushing 51 axially on its inner side. Radially on its outer side, the rear outer bearing shell 54 makes circumferential contact with the inner wall of the housing 30. Axially on its outer side, the rear outer bearing shell 54 rests circumferentially against a formed housing section 57. In this way, the sealing system 58 of the actuator 2 is axially secured against the housing 30 by means of the formed housing section 57. File 303445

[0066] 2024-09-17

[0067] In addition to the rear outer bearing shell 54, which has an L-profile in cross-section, the front outer bearing shell 55 also has an L-shaped profile oriented in the same direction as the L-profile of the rear outer bearing shell 54. One leg of the L of the front outer bearing shell 55 extends axially outwards, parallel to an axially extending leg of the L of the rear outer bearing shell 54. The outer diameter of the front outer bearing shell 55 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the formed housing section 57, so that, in addition to the rear outer bearing shell 54, the front outer bearing shell 55 of the sealing system 58 is also axially secured against the housing by means of the formed housing section 57. The formed housing section 57 thus provides a common axial securing of the rear outer bearing shell 54 and the front outer bearing shell 55 against the housing 30.

[0068] The rear outer bearing shell 54 can move axially inwards relative to the housing 30 with axial play, because an annular gap 59 is provided between a shoulder formed on the housing 30 and the rear outer bearing shell 54. This gap ensures that the rear outer bearing shell 54 is always in axial contact with the outer flanged bushing 51 of the bearing assembly 61, but does not abut the shoulder of the housing 30 in the axial direction. In other words, the rear outer bearing shell 54 has axial play with respect to the housing 30. Accordingly, the sealing system is supported axially on the bearing assembly 61 of the output element 36, with the inner flanged bushing 50 of the bearing assembly 61 bearing axially against the inside of the housing 30.

[0069] For the final assembly of the actuator 2, i.e., for producing the state shown in Figure 4, the housing 30 is first provided with pre-assembled mechanical, electrical, and / or electronic components, such as an electric motor, components of the multi-stage planetary gear, and the like. Subsequently, the output element 36, including the bearing assembly 61 (i.e., with the inner flanged bushing 50 and the outer flanged bushing 51), as well as the sealing system 58, are inserted axially into the housing 30. In the pre-assembled state, the housing 30 has an axial end section that extends over the axial installation depth of the inserted component 303445.

[0070] 2024-09-17

[0071] The bearing assembly 61 and the inserted sealing system 58 have an axial extension. Unlike shown in Figure 4 (Figure 4 shows the fully assembled state), this housing area does not yet project radially inwards, but rather in the axial direction.

[0072] Subsequently, the outward-facing housing section is reshaped by rolling it into a reshaped housing section 57, as shown in Figure 4, thereby securing the arrangement of the sealing system 58 and the bearing assembly 61 axially relative to the housing 30. In this state, the reshaped housing section 57 forms a sealing lip that points radially inward with respect to the axis of rotation 6 and acts as an axial stop for the sealing system 58. Depending on the type and extent of the rolling, the rear outer bearing shell 54 and the front outer bearing shell 55 of the sealing system 58 are subjected to an axial inward preload 60, which also axially fixes or preloads the bearing assembly 61 via first the outer flanged bushing 51, the output element 36, and then the inner flanged bushing 50.In this way, by the step of forming the housing section 57, i.e. rolling, fixing and closing is achieved in a single operation without the need for any further fastening elements.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, a sealing ring 56 is located in a circumferential contact area between the rear outer bearing shell 54, the front outer bearing shell 55, and the roller 57. This sealing ring sits in a common groove formed on the rear outer bearing shell 54 and the front outer bearing shell 55. This is a stationary sealing point, as the components do not move relative to each other during operation. File 303445

[0074] 2024-09-17

[0075] Reference mark

[0076] Actively adjustable roll stabilizer

[0077] Actuator a; 3b left stabilizer section; right stabilizer section a; 4b left wheel; right wheel a; 5b left wheel suspension; right wheel suspension

[0078] Rotation axis 0 Housing 1 First planetary gear stage 2 Second planetary gear stage 3 Third planetary gear stage 4 Electric motor 5 Multi-stage planetary gear 6 Output element 7 Rolling bearing 8 Bearing and sealing area 9 Inner nut 0 Outer nut 1 Radial seal 0 Inner flanged bushing 1 Outer flanged bushing 2 Inner sealing element 3 Sealing lip 4 Rear outer bearing shell 5 Front outer bearing shell 6 Sealing ring 7 Rolling 8 Sealing system 9 Gap File 303445

[0079] 2024-09-17 Preload bearing device housing interior environment

Claims

File 303445 2024-09-17 Patent claims 1. Actuator (2) for a roll stabilizer (1) of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuator (2) comprises a drive train (34, 35) extending within a housing (30), an output element (36) connected thereto and rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (6) relative to the housing (30) by means of a bearing device (61), to which a stabilizer section (3b) of the roll stabilizer (1) can be connected, and a sealing system (58) acting between the housing (30) and the output element (36) for sealing the housing (30), characterized in that the sealing system (58) and the bearing device (61) of the output element (36) are supported on each other in the axial direction and are secured axially relative to the housing (30) by means of a formed housing section (57).

2. Actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that the formed housing section (57) is formed from a part of the housing (30) by forming and is thus an integral part of the housing (30).

3. Actuator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the formed housing section (57) forms a sealing lip pointing radially inwards with respect to the axis of rotation (6), which acts as an axial stop for the sealing system (58).

4. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the formed housing section (57) is formed by rolling an axially end-side housing area.

5. Actuator according to claim 4, characterized in that the formed housing section (57) exerts an axial preload force on the arrangement of sealing system (58) and bearing device (61), so that these are under axial preload in the installed state. File 303445 2024-09-17 6. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing device (61 ) is designed as a sliding bearing.

7. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output element (36) is mounted in an axially inner area by means of an inner flanged bushing (50) and in an axially outer area by means of an outer flanged bushing (51) relative to the housing (30).

8. Actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner flange bushing (50) is axially supported against a shoulder formed on the housing (30).

9. Actuator according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the outer flanged bushing (51 ) axially contacts the sealing system (58), in particular a bearing shell (54) of the sealing system.

10. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing system (58) comprises an annular inner sealing element (52) associated with the output element (36) and an annular outer sealing device (54, 55) associated with the housing (30), wherein the inner sealing element (52) and the outer sealing device (54, 55) overlap in an axial projection in certain areas and touch, forming at least one circumferential sealing area (53).

11. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner sealing element (52) and the outer sealing device (54, 55) exert an axially acting sealing force on each other in the circumferential sealing area (53), which is based in particular on a preload that is applied by a partial deformation of the inner sealing element (52).

12. Actuator according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the inner sealing element (52) and the outer sealing device (54, 55) touch in several circumferential sealing areas (53). File 303445 2024-09-17 13. Actuator according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the outer sealing device (54, 55) forms a circumferential groove into which the inner sealing element (52) partially projects radially.

14. Actuator according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the outer sealing device (54, 55) is multi-part, in particular two-part, and has a rear outer bearing shell (54) and a front outer bearing shell (55).

15. Actuator according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the outer sealing device (54, 55) forming the circumferential groove comprises two ring bodies arranged coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation (6), in particular the rear outer bearing shell (54) and the front outer bearing shell (55), which are shaped such that an annular space forming the circumferential groove is created between them.

16. Actuator according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the rear outer bearing shell (54) has an L-shaped profile open towards the axial end of the actuator (2), into which the front outer bearing shell (55) is inserted.

17. Actuator according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the rear outer bearing shell (54) and the front outer bearing shell (55) are jointly secured, in particular clamped, against the housing (30) by means of the formed housing section (57).

18. Actuator according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized by a common sealing ring (56) for sealing the rear outer bearing shell (54) and the front outer bearing shell (55) against the formed housing section (57).

19. Actuator according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the inner sealing element (52) partially received in the circumferential groove has a sectionally wave-shaped shape with respect to its radial extent. File 303445 2024-09-17 exhibits a course, in particular to form a circumferential sealing area with each wave crest.

20. Method for the final assembly of an actuator (2) for a roll stabilizer (1) of a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: Providing a housing (30) of the actuator (2) with pre-assembled mechanical, electrical and / or electronic components (34, 35) therein, Inserting a drive element (36) including a bearing arrangement (61) for the drive element (36) and a sealing system (58) into the housing (30), wherein the housing (30) has an axial end end housing area which has an axial extension beyond the axial installation depth of the inserted bearing arrangement (61) and the inserted sealing system (58), Forming the outward housing area by rolling it into a formed housing section (57) in order to secure the arrangement of the sealing system (58) and bearing device (61) axially relative to the housing (30).

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the arrangement of sealing system (58) and bearing device (61) is axially preloaded by a preload force generated by rolling.

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