Housing for a spindle gear mechanism, and spindle gear mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing (32) for a spindle spindle gear mechanism (14), having · a spindle axis (34), · two nut bearing seats (48) for the arrangement of a respective spindle nut bearing (50), · two mutually opposite end walls (52) each intersecting the spindle axis (34), · at least one lateral wall (60) oriented along the spindle axis (34), and · a screw axis (36) arranged skewed with respect to the spindle axis (34), the spindle axis (34) being arranged in an imaginary spindle plane (62) that is arranged parallel to the screw axis (36), and the at least one side wall (60) having at least one rib (68, 74, 80, 94) for reinforcing the housing (32). The invention also relates to a spindle gear mechanism (14) having a housing (32).

Description

[0001] Housing for a spindle drive as well as spindle drives

[0002] The invention relates to a housing for a spindle drive and a spindle drive.

[0003] For the electrically motorized longitudinal adjustment of seats in a motor vehicle, seat longitudinal adjustment devices are frequently used. These devices typically incorporate a spindle drive, which transmits speed and torque between a worm gear and a spindle. A spindle nut is mounted on the spindle, which in turn has a toothed ring with external teeth that meshes with the worm gear. Such spindle drives are described, for example, in EP 1 992 842 Bl, the

[0004] DE 103 62 040 B4 or KR 10 1 920 222 Bl known.

[0005] As can be seen in particular from the two documents EP 1 992 842 B1 and DE 103 62 040 B4, the spindle drives for use in a seat longitudinal adjustment device can be arranged in a U-shaped gear holder. The gear holder can in turn be coupled to the seat to be adjusted.

[0006] When spindle drives are used for longitudinal seat adjustment in the direction of travel of a motor vehicle, the spindle drive is subjected to high forces, particularly in the event of a frontal collision. A load case that is therefore highly relevant for the design of such spindle drives is the so-called crash case. This assumes that the spindle, engaged with the spindle nut, is stationary while a defined force acts on the drive bracket in the direction of the seat's movement. The aim is to design the spindle drive in such a way that, especially in the aforementioned frontal collision scenario, the seat is held back as far as possible for as long as possible. The spindle drive should thus counteract forward movement of the seat as effectively as possible. Holding the seat back for as long as possible is particularly necessary to ensure sufficient time for airbag deployment in the event of a crash.Known spindle gearboxes often do not meet this requirement to the desired extent, especially since the gearbox housing breaks prematurely in the event of a crash.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing an arrangement by means of which a spindle drive can counteract a forward displacement of the seat as effectively as possible in the event of a crash.

[0008] The problem is solved according to the invention by a housing for a spindle drive with the features of claim 1 and a spindle drive with the features of claim 13.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] A housing according to the invention for a spindle drive comprises a spindle shaft, two nut bearing seats arranged around the spindle shaft for each mounting a spindle nut bearing, and two opposing end walls that each intersect the spindle shaft. Each of the end walls is preferably arranged at least partially perpendicular to the spindle shaft.

[0011] The housing further comprises at least one side wall aligned along the spindle axis. Preferably, the at least one side wall is arranged parallel to the spindle axis. The housing also comprises a worm shaft arranged at an angle to the spindle axis, the spindle axis being located in an imaginary spindle plane parallel to the worm shaft. Unless otherwise specified, the term "angled" here and in the following preferably expresses that the axes in question neither intersect nor are parallel to each other. Preferably, the spindle axis and the worm shaft are arranged at right angles to each other.

[0012] Each of the bearing seats is associated with one of the end walls. Thus, each bearing seat can be positioned closer to one end wall than the other. Preferably, each bearing seat is located adjacent to one of the end walls. Particularly preferably, each bearing seat is located adjacent to an inner surface of the corresponding end wall. Furthermore, each end wall has a support section for supporting the housing against a gearbox mount.

[0013] In the following, a gear holder is preferably understood to be a device in which the mounting for holding the spindle drive is provided. The gear holder can be a gear holder known from the prior art, in particular a U-shaped one. Alternatively, the gear holder can deviate from gear holders known from the prior art. For example, the gear holder can comprise two plates, preferably each arranged adjacent to one of the end walls. The plates can be fixed in such a way that they are arranged in a rail, in particular by being inserted, crimped, or welded in place. The housing can further comprise at least one worm bearing seat arranged around the worm axis for accommodating a worm bearing. The at least one side wall has at least one rib for stiffening the housing.This helps to counteract deformation of the housing in the event of a crash. At least one rib can be integrally formed with the housing.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing can be divided, such that the housing comprises a separate first housing part and a separate second housing part, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are preferably connected to each other by a form-fit and / or material-fit connection. In particular, the housing can be divided along the spindle axis. The at least one rib can, in particular, counteract the spreading apart of the two housing parts in the event of a crash.

[0015] Preferably, at least one outer rib of the at least one rib is arranged, preferably exclusively, on an outer side of the side wall. Unless otherwise specified, the outer side is here and in the following preferably defined as a side of a wall facing the environment of the housing. Similarly, the inner side is here and in the following preferably defined as a side of a wall facing an interior space enclosed by the housing.

[0016] The at least one outer rib can be arranged on the side of the screw axis, preferably exclusively, relative to the spindle plane. From the perspective of the screw axis, the at least one outer rib can be arranged on this side of the spindle plane, preferably exclusively.

[0017] Preferably, at least one first rib of the at least one outer rib is oriented from the support section of one of the end walls to that of the opposite end wall associated with the nut bearing seats. If the housing is supported on the transmission mount by means of the support section, the force is preferably introduced into the housing via the support section. The orientation of the at least one first rib is preferably oriented to the direction of a force flow corresponding to this force introduction. Each of the nut bearing seats can have a radial seat section and an axial seat section. Preferably, the at least one first rib is oriented from the support section of one of the end walls to the axial section of the nut bearing seat associated with the opposite end wall.The at least one first rib can thus reinforce the housing in the area of ​​force flow from the support section to the opposite axial seat section. A first rib end of the at least one first rib can be arranged on the support section of one of the end walls. Preferably, the support section is provided, particularly in the event of a crash, to support the housing on a gearbox mount. The at least one first rib is preferably arranged at a first rib angle to the support section. The first rib angle is preferably 50° to 100°, more preferably 60° to 90°, and most preferably approximately 70°. The at least one first rib can have a curved profile. Each of the end walls can have an end wall arranged on the worm side with respect to the spindle plane, wherein worm-side housing corners are arranged at the end wall.In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the at least one first rib of the at least one outer rib is oriented from one of the screw-side housing corners to that of the opposite end wall associated with the nut bearing seats.

[0018] At least one second rib of the at least one outer rib can be oriented from the worm axis towards one of the nut bearing seats. Preferably, the at least one second rib is oriented towards one of the nut bearing seats such that it is aligned with a position on the outside of the at least one side wall corresponding to one of the nut bearing seats. The at least one first rib and the at least one second rib are preferably arranged at a second rib angle to each other. The second rib angle is preferably 30° to 150°, particularly preferably 70° to 110°, and most preferably approximately 90°. The at least one first rib and the at least one second rib arranged at the second rib angle are preferably adjacent to each other.Preferably, the at least one second rib is arranged such that it absorbs a force whose sign is opposite to that acting in the at least one first rib. If a compressive force acts in the at least one first rib, the at least one second rib preferably absorbs a tensile force, and vice versa. A second end of the first rib can be arranged on the second rib. A third rib of the at least one outer rib can at least partially surround the worm shaft, preferably in a circumferential direction around the worm shaft. Preferably, the third rib can at least partially surround the worm bearing seat. The third rib can be arranged, at least partially, in a circular pattern around the worm shaft or the worm bearing seat. The third rib can thus preferably absorb a force introduced into the housing via the worm bearing seat.A first end of at least one second rib can be located adjacent to the third rib.

[0019] Preferably, the third rib and at least one further rib of the at least one outer rib are arranged to transition directly into one another. Thus, the third rib and the at least one first rib and / or the third rib and the at least one second rib can be arranged to transition directly into one another. This allows for a continuous force flow.

[0020] The first rib, at least one, can be arranged tangentially to the third rib.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, a fourth rib, preferably U-shaped, of the at least one outer rib is arranged on the side of the spindle plane with respect to the screw axis.

[0022] The at least one side wall can have a recess, preferably U-shaped, wherein the fourth rib is preferably bounded by the recess in a transverse direction. This allows the housing to meet the requirements for strength and stiffness while reducing weight.

[0023] The housing can have a housing end facing away from the spindle plane with respect to the worm axis, wherein preferably the fourth rib is bounded in a transverse direction by the housing end. Preferably, the fourth rib is bounded in a first transverse direction by the recess and in a second transverse direction opposite to the first by the housing end.

[0024] Each of the end walls can have a through-section with an opening arranged around the spindle axis for the passage of a spindle, wherein the opening can have an undercut extending radially at least in part for the engagement of an elastomer shell. The housing can be mounted in the gear holder by means of the elastomer shell. The undercut can be designed such that the opening has a first opening diameter and a second opening diameter, wherein the second opening diameter is located further inward along the spindle axis than the first opening diameter and wherein the second opening diameter is larger than the first opening diameter.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, each of the end walls has a feedthrough section with an opening arranged around the spindle axis for the passage of a spindle. The support section is configured differently from the feedthrough section and is inclined relative to the feedthrough section at a support angle towards the interior of the housing. Particularly in the event of a crash, the housing may tilt relative to the gearbox mount and / or the gearbox mount may deform. The inclined arrangement of the support section allows for advantageous power transmission, especially in such a situation. The support angle is preferably 2° to 15°, and more preferably 5° to 10°.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing has a housing end facing away from the support section with respect to the spindle plane, with external housing corners being designed as projections. Such housing corners can, in particular, counteract tilting of the housing relative to the gearbox mount in the event of a crash. Here and in the following, a corner is preferably understood to be an arrangement in which two edges meet at an angle of less than 180°. The corner can be designed as a projection such that the angle between at least two of the meeting edges is less than 90°. Here and in the following, a housing corner preferably refers to an outer corner of the housing.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, at least one inner rib of the at least one rib is arranged on one side against an inner surface of the at least one side wall and on the other side against a bottom wall of the housing. Preferably, the at least one inner rib is arranged on an inner surface of the bottom wall. The bottom wall is preferably arranged parallel to the plane of the spindle. The bottom wall can be arranged perpendicular to the at least one side wall and / or the end walls. The housing can have a recess between the at least one inner rib and at least one of the nut bearing seats. In this way, the installation space available for the spindle nut in the housing can be designed such that, particularly in the event of the housing tilting relative to the gearbox mount in a crash, direct contact between the housing and the spindle nut is avoided as far as possible.This can, in particular, reduce the risk of the housing spreading open when it is designed as a split housing. The recess can be oriented towards one of the side walls and / or the bottom wall.

[0028] At least one side wall can be symmetrical to a plane of symmetry that coincides with the screw axis and is arranged perpendicular to the spindle axis.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the recess is arranged opposite the at least one inner rib. Preferably, the recess is arranged on the outside of the side wall and the at least one inner rib is arranged on the inside of the side wall.

[0030] In a further development of the invention, the housing is preferably divided along the spindle axis such that it comprises a separate first housing part and a separate second housing part. Each of the nut bearing seats preferably has a first nut bearing seat part located in the first housing part. Each nut bearing seat may also have a second nut bearing seat part located in the second housing part. Preferably, an imaginary longitudinal bearing plane is arranged parallel to the at least one side wall and extending through the spindle axis, with the first nut bearing seat part having at least one opening section in the region of the longitudinal bearing plane, in which the first nut bearing seat part opens radially towards the second housing part. This simplifies the assembly of spindle nut bearings arranged in the nut bearing seats.Preferably, the at least one opening section of the first bearing seat part is arranged at at least one intersection of the first bearing seat part with the longitudinal bearing plane. This ensures that the at least one opening section is positioned on the housing in such a way that the housing is weakened only to an insignificant degree, particularly with regard to the described crash scenario. Thus, the at least one opening section is preferably located in an area of ​​relatively large material thickness. Furthermore, the at least one opening section is preferably spaced apart from the at least one side wall.

[0031] The first bearing seat part is preferably designed to open radially towards the second housing part in the at least one opening section such that an opening angle is arranged between the at least one opening section and the spindle plane. The opening angle is preferably 10° to 45°, particularly preferably 10° to 30°, and most preferably approximately 20°.

[0032] A spindle drive according to the invention comprises a spindle nut with a spindle nut longitudinal axis, a worm with a worm longitudinal axis, and a housing as described above. The spindle nut is arranged in the housing such that the spindle nut longitudinal axis coincides with the spindle axis of the housing, and the worm is arranged in the housing such that the worm longitudinal axis coincides with the worm axis of the housing.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spindle nut has a spindle thread for receiving a spindle with an outer thread diameter greater than 8 mm, preferably greater than 9 mm, and particularly preferably equal to 9.5 mm, wherein the spindle nut and the worm are arranged at an axial distance from each other, the axial distance being less than 13 mm, preferably less than 12 mm, and particularly preferably equal to 11 mm. This allows the transmission of higher forces to be achieved in a small installation space.

[0034] The spindle drive can have at least one spindle nut bearing arranged in each of the nut bearing seats, wherein the at least one spindle nut bearing can have at least one wedge section extending along the at least one opening section. Preferably, the spindle nut bearing is arranged around the spindle axis. The at least one wedge section is preferably arranged at least partially extending along the at least one opening section. The at least one wedge section can be arranged adjacent to the at least one opening section. Preferably, the at least one spindle nut bearing has two wedge sections that are arranged opposite to each other with respect to a circumferential direction of the at least one spindle nut bearing.

[0035] The at least one wedge section can have a stop surface arranged adjacent to a bearing stop of the second housing part. The stop surface and / or the bearing stop can preferably be arranged parallel to the longitudinal bearing plane. The stop surface is preferably arranged at a first wedge end of the at least one wedge section. The at least one wedge section can have a second wedge end opposite the first wedge end, which is preferably ramp-shaped and particularly preferably integrally formed tangentially with a bearing bushing of the spindle nut bearing. The at least one spindle nut bearing can have circumferential play in the respective nut bearing seats.

[0036] Furthermore, an assembly is described comprising a gear holder and a spindle drive as described above, wherein the gear holder has a U-shaped section with two opposing legs and a cross piece connecting the two legs, and wherein the spindle drive is arranged between the two legs. The spindle drive is preferably arranged between the two legs such that the housing corners are oriented towards the cross piece.

[0037] Furthermore, an adjustment unit, in particular a seat longitudinal adjustment unit, for a motor vehicle is described, which has a previously described spindle drive or assembly.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly with a spindle drive and a gear holder; Figure 2 shows a first perspective view of the spindle drive of the assembly shown in Fig. 1.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a second perspective view of the spindle drive shown in Fig. 2,

[0041] Figure 4 shows a side view of the spindle drive shown in Fig. 2 with the section plane BB drawn in.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first housing part of the spindle drive shown in Fig. 2,

[0043] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second housing part of the spindle drive shown in Fig. 2.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the spindle drive shown in Fig. 2 along the section plane BB shown in Fig. 4.

[0045] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a spindle nut of the spindle drive shown in Fig. 2 with spindle nut bearings,

[0046] Figure 9 shows a first perspective view of another embodiment of a spindle drive,

[0047] Figure 10 shows a second perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9,

[0048] Figure 11 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first housing part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9,

[0049] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a second housing part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9.

[0050] Figure 14 shows a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 with a spindle arranged therein.

[0051] Figures 1 to 14 show different views of various embodiments. For clarity, not all reference numerals are used in every figure. The same reference numerals are used for identical and functionally equivalent parts.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows an assembly 10 comprising a gear holder 12 and a spindle drive 14. The gear holder 12 has a U-shaped section 16 with two opposing legs 18 and a cross piece 20 connecting the two legs 18. The spindle drive 14 is arranged between the two legs 18. The spindle drive 14 is mounted by means of two elastomer shells 22 to counteract noise transmission between the spindle drive 14 and the gear holder 12.

[0053] Figures 2-4 show the spindle drive 14 in isolation. The spindle drive 14 comprises a spindle nut 24 with a spindle nut longitudinal axis 26, a worm 28 engaging with the spindle nut 24 and having a worm longitudinal axis 30, and a housing 32. The spindle nut 24 is arranged in the housing 32 such that its spindle nut longitudinal axis 26 coincides with a spindle axis 34 of the housing 32. The worm 28 is arranged in the housing 32 such that its worm longitudinal axis 30 coincides with a worm axis 36 of the housing 32.

[0054] The housing 32 is designed in two parts, such that the housing 32 has a separate first housing part 38 (Fig. 5) and a separate second housing part 40 (Fig. 6). The first housing part 38 can have rivets 42 and the second housing part corresponding bores 44, so that the two housing parts 38, 40 can be positively connected.

[0055] The housing 32 comprises two nut bearing seats 48 arranged around the spindle axis 34 for each accommodating a spindle nut bearing 50, and two opposing end walls 52 that intersect the spindle axis 34. Each nut bearing seat 48 is adjacent to one of the end walls 52 and thus associated with the corresponding end wall 52. Each end wall 52 has a through-section 54 with an opening 56 arranged around the spindle axis 34 for the passage of a spindle. The through-section 54 is arranged perpendicular to the spindle axis 34. Furthermore, each end wall 52 includes a support section 58 for supporting the housing 32 on the gear holder 12.

[0056] The housing 32 further comprises two side walls 60 aligned along the spindle axis 34 and arranged opposite each other. Preferably, each of the side walls 60 is arranged parallel to the spindle axis 34.

[0057] Fig. 5 illustrates that the worm shaft 36 and the spindle shaft 34 are arranged at an angle to each other, such that they are spaced apart and perpendicular to one another. The spindle shaft 34 is arranged in an imaginary spindle plane 62 parallel to the worm shaft 36. The housing 32 further comprises two worm bearing seats 64 arranged around the worm shaft 36 for accommodating a worm bearing. The housing 32 also has a bottom wall 66, which is preferably arranged parallel to the spindle plane 62.

[0058] Figures 5 and 6 show that the housing 32 has a division plane 46 in which the housing 32 is divided along the spindle axis 34. The division plane 46 is preferably arranged perpendicular to the worm axis 36. Furthermore, the division plane 46 can be offset along the worm axis 36 relative to the spindle axis 34. Accordingly, the spindle axis is visible in Figure 5, but not in Figure 6. This prevents the two housing parts 38, 40 from spreading apart due to a force acting radially with respect to the spindle axis 34 towards the bottom wall 66 on one of the nut bearing seats 48.

[0059] As shown in particular in Figures 2-4, each of the housing parts 38, 40 has two outer first ribs 68. The housing 32 thus comprises a total of four first ribs 68. Each of the first ribs 68 is oriented from the support section 58 of one of the end walls 52 to the respective nut bearing seat 48 assigned to the opposite end wall 52. If the housing 32 is supported on the transmission mount 12 by means of the support section 58, the force is preferably introduced into the housing 32 via the support section 58. The orientation of the first ribs 68 is preferably oriented according to the direction of a force flow corresponding to this force introduction. Preferably, the support section 58 is provided, particularly in the event of a crash, to support the housing 32 on a transmission mount 12.

[0060] Each of the first ribs 68 has a first rib end 70. Each of the first rib ends 70 of the first ribs 68 is arranged on the support section 58 of one of the end walls 52. Each of the first ribs 68 is arranged at a first rib angle 72 to the support section 58 (see Fig. 4). The first rib angle 72 is preferably approximately 70°. Each of the first ribs 68 may have a curved profile.

[0061] Furthermore, each of the housing parts 38, 40 has two external second ribs 74. Each of the second ribs 74 is preferably oriented from the worm shaft 36 towards one of the nut bearing seats 48, such that each of the second ribs 74 is aligned with a position corresponding to one of the nut bearing seats 48 on an outer surface 75 of the respective side wall 60. One of the first ribs 68 and one of the second ribs 74 are adjacent to each other and arranged at a second rib angle 76 to each other. The second rib angle 76 is preferably approximately 90°. Based on the illustration in Fig. 4, it is easy to imagine that when a compressive force is introduced into one of the support sections 58, while the spindle drive 14 is fixedly arranged on a spindle arranged along the spindle axis 34, the first rib 68 adjacent to this support section 58 is subjected to compression and the second rib 74 adjacent to this first rib 68 is subjected to tension.A second end 78 of each first rib 68 can be arranged on the adjacent second rib 74. Figures 2-4 further show that each of the housing parts 38, 40 has an outer third rib 80. The third rib 80 surrounds the respective worm bearing seat 64 at least partially in a circumferential direction around the worm axis 36. The third rib 80 is arranged circularly around the worm axis 36. Each of the second ribs 74 can have a first end 82 that is arranged adjacent to the third rib 80 on the corresponding housing part 38, 40. Each of the first ribs 68 can be arranged tangentially to the third rib 80 on the corresponding housing part 38, 40.

[0062] The outer ribs 68, 74, 80 are arranged exclusively on the outer surface 75 of the respective side wall 60. As shown in Fig. 4, the outer ribs 68, 74, 80 are also arranged with respect to the spindle plane 62 exclusively on the side of the worm shaft 36. The outer ribs 68, 74, 80 are integrally formed with the housing 32.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 3, the support section 58 of the respective end wall 52 is designed differently from the passage section 54 of the same end wall 52. Fig. 4 shows that the respective support section 58 is inclined relative to the corresponding passage section 54 by a support angle 84 towards an interior 86 of the housing 32. Particularly in the described crash scenario, the housing 32 may tilt relative to the gearbox holder 12, especially about an axis of rotation arranged parallel to the worm gear axis 36, and / or the gearbox holder 12 may deform. The inclined arrangement allows the respective support section 58 to be designed for advantageous power transmission, particularly in such a state. The support angle 84 is preferably 5° to 10°. In particular, Fig.Figure 2 shows that the housing 32 has a housing end 88 facing away from the support sections 58 with respect to the spindle plane 62, with outer housing corners 90, the housing corners 90 being designed as projections. Such housing corners 90 can, in particular, counteract a tilting of the housing 32 relative to the gear holder 12, especially about an axis of rotation arranged parallel to the worm axis 36 in the event of a crash. Each of the housing corners 90 has at least an edge angle 92 of less than 90°. As shown in Figure 1, the spindle drive 14 is arranged between the two legs 18 such that the housing corners 90 are oriented towards the transverse piece 20.

[0064] Figures 5 and 6 show that the housing 32 has an inner rib 94, which is arranged on one side on an inner surface 95 of each of the side walls 60 and on the other side on an inner surface of the bottom wall 66 of the housing 32. The housing 32 has a recess 96 between the inner rib 94 and each of the nut bearing seats 48. This allows the installation space available for the spindle nut 24 in the housing 32 to be designed such that, particularly in the event of the previously described tilting of the housing 32 relative to the gearbox mount 12 in a crash, direct contact between the housing 32 and the spindle nut 24 in the area of ​​the bottom wall 66, and thus the spreading of the housing 32 by the displacement of the housing parts 38, 40, is avoided as far as possible. The recess 96 is oriented towards one of the side walls 60 and / or towards the bottom wall 66. The inner rib 94 is integrally formed with the housing 32. As Fig.As illustrated in Figure 4, each of the side walls 60 is symmetrically formed with respect to a plane of symmetry 98 which coincides with the screw axis 36 and is arranged perpendicular to the spindle axis 34.

[0065] Figures 5 and 6 show that, because the housing 32 is divided, each of the nut bearing seats 48 has a first nut bearing seat part 100, which is arranged in the first housing part 38, and each of the nut bearing seats 48 has a second nut bearing seat part 102, which is arranged in the second housing part 40. An imaginary longitudinal bearing plane 104 is shown in the sectional view of Figure 7. The longitudinal bearing plane 104 is arranged parallel to the side walls 60 and extending through the spindle axis 34, wherein the first nut bearing seat part 100 has two opening sections 106 in the region of the longitudinal bearing plane 104, in each of which the first nut bearing seat part 100 opens radially towards the second housing part 40. The opening sections 106 of the first mother bearing seat part 100 are arranged at intersection points 108 of the first mother bearing seat part 100 with the bearing longitudinal plane 104.This means that the opening sections 106 are located in an area of ​​the housing 32 that has a relatively large material thickness. With regard to the described crash scenario, the housing 32 is therefore weakened by the opening sections 106 only to a negligible extent, if at all.

[0066] The first nut bearing seat part 100 is designed to open radially towards the second housing part 40 in the opening sections 106 such that an opening angle 110 is arranged between each of the opening sections 106 and the spindle plane 62. The opening angles 110 are preferably 10° to 30°, particularly preferably approximately 20°. The spindle drive 14 can have two spindle nut bearings 50, each arranged in one of the nut bearing seats 48 around the spindle axis 34. Figures 7 and 8 show that each of the spindle nut bearings 50 has two wedge sections 112. Each of the wedge sections 112 runs along one of the opening sections 106. Each of the wedge sections 112 is arranged adjacent to the respective opening section 106. This arrangement simplifies the assembly of the spindle nut bearings 50.The two wedge sections 112 of the same spindle nut bearing 50 are arranged opposite to each other with respect to a circumferential direction of the spindle nut bearing 50.

[0067] Each of the wedge sections 112 has a stop surface 114, which is arranged adjacent to a bearing stop 116 of the second housing part 40. The stop surface 114 and the bearing stop 116 are arranged essentially parallel to the longitudinal bearing plane 104. The spindle nut bearings 50 may have circumferential play in the respective nut bearing seats 48. The stop surface 114 is arranged at a first wedge end 118 of the respective wedge section 112. Each of the wedge sections 112 has a second wedge end 120 opposite the first wedge end 118, which is ramp-shaped and integrally formed tangentially with a bearing bushing 122 of the corresponding spindle nut bearing 50.

[0068] As shown in particular in Figures 2 to 4 and 9 to 11, the third rib 80 and the first ribs 68, as well as the third rib 80 and the second ribs 74, are arranged to transition directly into one another. With regard to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 14, the following discussion will focus primarily on the distinguishing features compared to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8.

[0069] As illustrated in particular by Figures 9 to 11, each of the end walls 52 has an end wall end 140 arranged on the worm side with respect to the spindle plane 62, at which worm-side housing corners 142 are arranged. The first ribs 68 are each oriented from one of the worm-side housing corners 142 to the nut bearing seat 48 assigned to the opposite end wall 52.

[0070] Furthermore, each of the side walls 60 has a U-shaped, outer fourth rib 124, which is arranged on the side of the spindle plane 62 with respect to the worm axis 36. The fourth rib 124 is bounded in a first transverse direction 126 by a U-shaped recess 128 in the respective side wall 60 and in a second transverse direction 127 opposite to the first transverse direction 126 by the housing end 88 (see especially Fig. 10). As Figs. 9 to 11 in conjunction with Figs. 12 to 13 show, the recess 128 is arranged opposite the inner rib 94 in each case.

[0071] As shown in particular in Fig. 14, the opening 56 can have an undercut 132 extending radially at least in sections for engagement with each of the elastomer shells 22. The undercut 132 can be designed such that the opening 56 has a first opening diameter and a second opening diameter, wherein the second opening diameter is located further inward along the spindle axis 34 than the first opening diameter and wherein the second opening diameter is larger than the first opening diameter.

[0072] As further illustrated in Fig. 14, the spindle nut 24 has a spindle thread 134 for receiving a spindle 130 with a thread outer diameter 136. The thread outer diameter can be greater than 8 mm, preferably greater than 9 mm, and particularly preferably equal to 9.5 mm. The spindle nut 24 and the worm 28 are arranged at a center distance 138 from each other, wherein the center distance 138 is preferably less than 13 mm, particularly preferably less than 12 mm, and most preferably equal to 11 mm. List of reference numerals

[0073] 10 assembly

[0074] 12 gearbox mounts

[0075] 14 spindle gears

[0076] 16 U-shaped section 18 legs

[0077] 20 cross pieces

[0078] 22 Elastomer shell

[0079] 24 Spindle nut

[0080] 26 Spindle nut longitudinal axis 28 Worm

[0081] 30 snail longitudinal axis

[0082] 32 cases

[0083] 34 Spindle axis

[0084] 36 worm shaft

[0085] 38 first housing part

[0086] 40 second housing part

[0087] 42 rivets

[0088] 44 bore

[0089] 46 Division level

[0090] 48 Mother bearing seat

[0091] 50 spindle nut bearings

[0092] 52 Front wall

[0093] 54 Implementation section 56 Opening

[0094] 58 Support section

[0095] 60 side wall

[0096] 62 Spindle plane

[0097] 64 worm gear seat

[0098] 66 Floor wall

[0099] 68 first rib first rib end

[0100] first rib angle

[0101] second rib

[0102] Outside

[0103] second rib angle, second end

[0104] third rib

[0105] first end

[0106] Support angle

[0107] Housing interior

[0108] End of housing

[0109] Case corner

[0110] Edge angle

[0111] inner rib, inside

[0112] recess

[0113] plane of symmetry

[0114] first mother bearing seat part second mother bearing seat part bearing longitudinal plane

[0115] Opening section intersection

[0116] Opening angle wedge section

[0117] Stop surface

[0118] Bearing stop

[0119] first wedge end

[0120] second wedge end bearing bushing

[0121] fourth rib

[0122] first transverse direction

[0123] second transverse recess

[0124] spindle

[0125] Undercut spindle thread thread outer diameter center distance end face screw-side housing corner

Claims

Patent claims 1. Housing ( 32 ) for a spindle drive ( 14 ), with • a spindle axis ( 34 ), • two nut bearing seats ( 48 ) for arranging a spindle nut bearing ( 50 ) • two opposing end walls (52) each intersecting the spindle axis (34), • at least one side wall (60) aligned along the spindle axis (34), and • a worm shaft (36) arranged at an angle to the spindle shaft (34), wherein the spindle shaft (34) is arranged in an imaginary spindle plane (62) arranged parallel to the worm shaft (36), wherein • each of the mother bearing seats ( 48 ) is assigned to one of the end walls ( 52 ), and • each of the end walls ( 52 ) has a support section ( 58 ) for supporting the housing ( 32 ) on a gear mount ( 12 ), characterized by the fact that which has at least one side wall ( 60 ) and at least one rib ( 68, 74, 80, 94 ) for stiffening the housing ( 32 ).

2. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one outer rib ( 68, 74, 80, 124 ) of the at least one rib ( 68, 74, 80, 94, 124 ), preferably exclusively, is arranged on an outer side ( 75 ) of the side wall ( 60 ).

3. Housing according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that Each of the end walls (52) has an end wall end (140) arranged on the screw side with respect to the spindle plane (62), wherein screw-side housing corners (142) are arranged at the end wall end (140), and wherein at least one first rib (68) of the at least one outer rib (68, 74, 80) is oriented from one of the screw-side housing corners (142) to that of the opposite end wall (52) associated with the nut bearing seats (48).

4. Housing according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that a third rib ( 80 ) of the at least one outer rib ( 68, 74, 80 ) at least partially surrounds the worm shaft ( 36 ).

5. Housing according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the third rib ( 80 ) and at least one further of the at least one outer rib ( 68, 74 ) are arranged to merge directly into one another.

6. Housing according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a fourth rib ( 124 ) preferably U-shaped, is arranged beyond the spindle plane ( 62 ) of the at least one outer rib ( 68, 74, 80, 124 ) with respect to the screw axis ( 36 ).

7. Housing according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the at least one side wall ( 60 ) has a, preferably U-shaped, recess ( 128 ), wherein the fourth rib ( 124 ) is limited in a transverse direction ( 126 ) of the at least one fourth rib ( 124 ) by the recess ( 128 ).

8. Housing according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the housing ( 32 ) has a housing end ( 88 ) facing away from the spindle plane ( 62 ) with respect to the worm axis ( 36 ), wherein the fourth rib ( 124 ) is limited in a transverse direction ( 126 ) of the at least one fourth rib ( 124 ) by the housing end ( 88 ).

9. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one inner rib ( 94 ) of the at least one rib ( 68, 74, 80, 94 ) is arranged on one side on an inner surface ( 95 ) of the at least one side wall ( 60 ) and on the other side on a bottom wall ( 66 ) of the housing ( 32 ).

10. Housing according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the housing ( 32 ) has a recess ( 96 ) between the at least one inner rib ( 94 ) and at least one of the nut bearing seats ( 48 ).

11. Housing according to claim 7 and one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the recess ( 128 ) is arranged opposite the at least one inner rib ( 94 ).

12. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each of the end walls ( 52 ) has a passage section ( 54 ) with an opening ( 56 ) arranged around the spindle axis ( 34 ) for the passage of a spindle ( 130 ), wherein the opening ( 56 ) has an undercut ( 132 ) extending at least partially radially for the engagement of an elastomer shell ( 22 ).

13. Spindle gear ( 14 ) comprising • a spindle nut ( 24 ) with a spindle nut longitudinal axis ( 26 ), • a snail ( 28 ) with a snail longitudinal axis ( 30 ), and • a housing ( 32 ) according to one of the preceding claims, where • the spindle nut ( 24 ) is arranged in the housing ( 32 ) such that the longitudinal axis ( 26 ) of the spindle nut coincides with the spindle axis ( 34 ) of the housing ( 32 ), and • the screw ( 28 ) is arranged in the housing ( 32 ) such that the longitudinal axis of the screw ( 30 ) coincides with the axis of the screw ( 36 ) of the housing ( 32 ).

14. Spindle gear ( 14 ) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the spindle nut ( 24 ) has a spindle thread ( 134 ) for receiving a spindle ( 130 ) with a thread outer diameter ( 136 ) of greater than 8 mm, preferably of greater than 9 mm and particularly preferably of 9.5 mm, wherein the spindle nut ( 24 ) and the worm ( 28 ) are arranged at an axial distance ( 138 ) from each other, wherein the axial distance ( 138 ) is less than 13 mm, preferably less than 12 mm and particularly preferably equal to 11 mm.

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