DE102020131723A1 - drive unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive unit for a drive (2), in particular a spindle drive, for adjusting an adjustment element (3) of a motor vehicle, the drive unit (1) having an electric drive motor (5) with a motor housing (5a), a cable module (7). a motor circuit board (8) which is electrically connected to the drive motor (5), and a cable module cover (9) into which one or more lines (10) lead for the electrical connection to the drive motor (5) and the motor circuit board (8). At least one, in particular tubular, housing part (1a, 2a) which is connected to the cable module cover (9) in an axially fixed manner in relation to a geometric drive axis (4), and a joint part (12) which, together with a counter-joint part (13) on the motor vehicle, forms a first drive connection (14a), wherein the joint part (12) has an engagement section (15) and the cable module cover (9) has a corresponding counter-engagement section (16). It is proposed that during assembly of the drive unit (1) the engagement section (15) of the joint part (12) can be brought together with the corresponding counter-engagement section (16) of the cable module cover (9) in one assembly movement in such a way that the engagement section ( 15) and the counter-engagement section (16) engage in one another in an axially fixed manner.

Description

The invention relates to a drive unit for a drive for adjusting an adjusting element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, a drive for adjusting an adjusting element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 16 and a drive for adjusting an adjusting element of a motor vehicle according to claim 17.

The term “adjustment element” is to be understood broadly in the present case. It includes, for example, flaps such as tailgates, boot lids, engine hoods, side doors, luggage compartment flaps or the like, or sliding doors of a motor vehicle.

The well-known drive ( DE 10 2008 062 400 A1 ), from which the invention is based, has a drive for adjusting a tailgate of a motor vehicle, which is designed as a spindle drive. The drive has a drive unit with an electric drive motor and a feed gear coupled to it in terms of drive technology in the form of a spindle-spindle nut gear, which is used to generate drive movements along a geometric drive axis between a first and a second drive connection of the drive. The spindle-spindle-nut gear has, in a conventional manner, a spindle driven by the drive unit and a spindle nut meshing with it, which, since it is secured against rotation, converts a rotational movement of the spindle into a linear movement of the two drive connections relative to one another. In this way, the tailgate can be adjusted electrically between an open position and a closed position.

The drive unit also has a cable module with a motor circuit board that is electrically connected to the drive motor. The cable module is arranged in the axial extension of the drive motor in a section between the drive motor and the joint part of the drive connection that is axially fixed thereto in a common housing section. This is a particularly compact design of a drive for adjusting an adjusting element of a motor vehicle. One challenge, however, is to establish the connection between the articulated part and the cable module, specifically the cable module cover of the cable module, as easily and securely as possible. In the known drive unit, for example, the joint part is introduced radially into the cable module cover and is connected to it in an axially fixed manner. The axially fixed connection must also withstand the forces, in particular the tensile forces, which can occur, for example, in a case when a user actuates the adjustment element manually with excessive force, in particular opens it. It is also desirable to manufacture the joint part and cable module cover unit using as inexpensive a material as possible.

The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known drive unit in such a way that it can be produced as simply and inexpensively as possible.

The above problem is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 in a drive unit having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The essential consideration is to design the cable module or its cable module cover, which also serves to connect the cable module to the drive unit, on the one hand, and the articulated part of the drive connection on the cable module side, on the other hand, in such a way that these two components can be connected to one another after they have been brought together during assembly Are engaged that in the axial direction there is a form fit. In order to connect the cable module or cable module cover and joint part to one another in an axially fixed manner, the proposed drive unit only requires an assembly movement of the joint part relative to the cable module, with this assembly movement already producing the axially fixed form fit. Measures to produce an axially fixed connection between the two components that go beyond this assembly movement of the joint part relative to the cable module can thus be simpler. In particular, it is not absolutely necessary to connect the articulated part to the cable module in a costly and materially bonded manner in order to produce a particularly secure, axially fixed connection, for example by means of an expensive, high-strength and high-temperature-resistant adhesive or by particularly complex welding. However, it is not impossible to provide an additional integral connection between the articulated part and the cable module in the proposed drive unit as well.

The proposed separate provision of the joint part on the one hand and the cable module on the other hand also offers the advantage of using a different, in particular cheaper, material for the cable module cover than for the joint part. As will be explained below, the material of the cable module cover can have a lower temperature resistance and/or tensile strength than the material of the joint part.

Specifically, it is proposed that as part of the assembly of the drive unit handle section of the joint part can be brought together with the corresponding counter-engagement section of the cable module cover in an assembly movement in such a way that in the assembled state the engagement section and the counter-engagement section engage in one another in an axially fixed manner.

Claim 2 specifies the assembly movement in that it preferably includes or is at least one component that is orthogonal to the geometric drive axis, in particular radial. Joint part and cable module are therefore preferably brought together in a direction at an angle to the geometric drive axis during assembly. In this way, not only can the axially fixed connection be produced in a particularly simple manner, but such a bringing together of the two components also has the effect, in particular, of producing an anti-twist device between them.

Claim 3 defines the engagement section and the corresponding counter-engagement section in more detail. One is a recording into which the other is inserted. At least the axial form fit is then produced by the insertion, in that the receptacle forms an undercut. In addition, said anti-rotation lock can also be produced by pushing it in.

Claims 4 and 5 relate to ways of securing the engagement section and the counter-engagement section, ie the articulated part and the cable module cover, to one another, so that the two components cannot move apart when assembled. Such a securing can be effected by latching (claim 4) and/or by pushing a particularly tubular housing part onto the cable module cover (claim 5). The housing part is particularly preferably part of the drive housing and in particular forms the outer housing tube or, if appropriate, the inner housing tube of a telescoping drive housing.

Claim 6 defines different configurations of the particularly tubular housing part. This can then not only be part of the drive housing of the drive, but also part of a drive unit housing that is designed to accommodate at least the drive motor and the cable module. Such a drive unit housing is also referred to as a drive cartridge. In contrast to the drive unit housing, the drive housing also accommodates a feed gear, for example a spindle/spindle nut gear of the drive. The housing part of the drive unit housing and/or the housing part of the drive housing is preferably connected to the cable module cover in an axially fixed manner.

According to the preferred embodiment according to claim 7, the joint part has, in addition to the engagement section, a bearing section which, in the final assembled state, is mounted on the counter-joint part on the motor vehicle side. The engagement section and the bearing section are connected to one another via a connection section, in particular in one piece. The bearing section is configured as a ball socket, for example.

Claim 8 specifies the material that is preferably used for the cable module cover and/or the joint part.

According to the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 9, the cable module cover is designed in one piece or in multiple pieces, in particular in two pieces. The cable module cover thus has at least two, preferably exactly two, separate cover parts which are connected to one another during assembly and then together form the cable module cover.

According to the likewise preferred embodiment according to claim 10, the cable module cover has a housing closing part and a cable connection part.

The housing end part and the cable connection part of the cable module cover are then preferably brought together during assembly in one assembly movement (claim 11), which can be done at an angle, in particular orthogonally, to the geometric drive axis or parallel to it.

Claims 12 and 13 relate to options for securing the housing end part and the cable connection part, i.e. the at least two separate components of the cable module cover, to one another so that the two components cannot move apart when assembled. Such a securing can be effected by latching (claim 12) and/or by sliding one of the in particular tubular housing parts onto the unit consisting of the housing end part and the cable connection part (claim 13). This safety function is particularly preferably effected by the housing part of the drive housing, in particular by the outer housing tube or possibly the inner housing tube of the telescoping drive housing. Additionally or alternatively, this safety function is effected by the housing part of the drive unit housing.

According to the likewise preferred embodiment according to claim 14, the electrical contacting between the line or lines of the cable module is effected by the assembly movement of the cable connection part relative to the housing closing part with the drive motor and/or the motor board. Additionally or alternatively, this assembly movement can also be used to position a motion sensor attached to the cable connection part, in particular a Hall sensor, relative to the housing end part in such a way that, when assembled, it is within the effective range of a magnet on the motor shaft of the drive motor. This ensures that the drive unit and thus the entire drive can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner.

Particularly preferred options for the connection between the cable module cover and the joint part and/or between the cable connection part and the housing end part are the subject of claim 15.

According to a further teaching according to Claim 16, which is of independent importance, a drive unit for a drive, in particular a spindle drive, for adjusting an adjusting element of a motor vehicle is claimed, the drive unit comprising an electric drive motor with a motor housing, a cable module with a motor circuit board connected to the The drive motor is electrically connected, and with a cable module cover, into which one or more lines for the electrical connection with the drive motor and the motor circuit board lead, at least one, in particular tubular, housing part which is connected to the cable module cover in an axially fixed manner in relation to a geometric drive axis, and a joint part, which, together with a counter-joint part on the motor vehicle, forms a first drive connection. In detail, it is proposed that the cable module cover has a housing closing part, to which the tubular housing part in particular is connected in an axially fixed manner and which is cable-free, especially in the unassembled state, and a cable connection part, into which the one or more cables for the electrical connection to the drive motor and the motor circuit board , in particular already in the unassembled state, and that during the assembly of the drive unit the housing end part can be brought together with the cable connection part in an assembly movement which includes or is a movement with a radial and/or parallel component in relation to the geometric drive axis. Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed drive unit according to the first teaching.

According to a further teaching according to Claim 17, which is also of independent importance, a drive, in particular a spindle drive, is claimed for adjusting an adjustment element of a motor vehicle, the drive having a proposed drive unit, the drive being a feed gear coupled to the drive unit in terms of drive technology, in particular a spindle -Spindle nut gear, for generating drive movements along a geometric drive axis between a first drive connection and a second drive connection. In this respect, reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed drive unit according to the first teaching and to the proposed drive unit according to the second teaching.

The joint part of the drive unit preferably forms one of the drive connections together with a counter-joint part on the motor vehicle. The second drive connection is formed by another joint part together with a corresponding other vehicle-side counter joint part. The other joint part is coupled in an axially fixed manner to an output-side gear component of the feed gear, in particular to the spindle nut of the spindle-spindle nut gear.

• 1 den Heckbereich eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einem vorschlagsgemäßen Antrieb, der eine vorschlagsgemäße Antriebseinheit aufweist,
• 2 den Antrieb gemäß 1 mit einem Ausführungsbeispiel einer Antriebseinheit in seiner a) eingefahrenen Stellung und b) ausgefahrenen Stellung,
• 3 die Antriebseinheit gemäß 2 in a) einer vergrößerten und teilweise geschnittenen Detailansicht und b) einer Explosionsdarstellung,
• 4 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Antriebseinheit in a) einer vergrößerten und teilweise geschnittenen Detailansicht und b) einer Explosionsdarstellung und
• 5 einen Teil eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Antriebseinheit a) im montierten Zustand und b) bei der Montage sowie einen Teil noch eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Antriebseinheit c) im montierten Zustand und d) bei der Montage.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing that merely shows exemplary embodiments. In the drawing shows

• 1 the rear area of a motor vehicle with a proposed drive, which has a proposed drive unit,
• 2 according to the drive 1 with an embodiment of a drive unit in its a) retracted position and b) extended position,
• 3 the drive unit according to 2 in a) an enlarged and partially sectioned detailed view and b) an exploded view,
• 4 a further exemplary embodiment of a drive unit in a) an enlarged and partially sectioned detailed view and b) an exploded view and
• 5 a part of a further exemplary embodiment of a drive unit a) in the assembled state and b) during assembly, and a part of yet another exemplary embodiment of a drive unit c) in the assembled state and d) during assembly.

The drive unit 1 shown in the figures is part of a drive 2, here a spindle drive, for adjusting an adjusting element 3 of a motor vehicle. The adjustment element 3 is here and preferably a tailgate. All statements relating to a tailgate also apply to all other types of adjusting elements 3 of a motor vehicle. In this respect, reference may be made to the list of examples in the introductory part of the description.

Drive 2 is used to adjust the tailgate. For this purpose, the drive 2 is articulated on the motor vehicle body on the one hand and on the adjusting element 3 on the other hand. The drive 2 generates here and preferably linear drive movements along a geometric drive axis 4, so that the adjustment element 3 can be moved between a closed position and the in 1 illustrated open position can be adjusted. This adjustment takes place by means of an electric drive motor 5 which, as will be explained below, generates a driving force which causes the adjustment element 3 to be adjusted.

The drive motor 5 of the drive unit 1, which has its own motor housing 5a, is in a drive unit housing, also called a drive cartridge, arranged in the 2a) and b) is shown uncut in the upper section of the drive 2.

Here and preferably, the drive unit 1, downstream of the drive motor 5 in terms of drive technology, has one or more further drive unit components such as an intermediate gear, for example planetary gears, a brake, a clutch or the like, with the drive unit components, in particular one behind the other along the geometric drive axis 4, in each case together can also be arranged with the drive motor 5 in the drive unit housing.

The drive unit 1 is further connected in terms of drive technology to a feed gear 6 which will be explained in more detail below. The feed gear 6 is arranged together with at least the drive motor 5, in particular the entire drive unit 1, in a common drive housing of the drive 2, which here is preferably telescopic and in particular tubular. For this purpose, the drive housing has an outer, in particular tubular, housing part 2a and an inner, in particular tubular, housing part 2b. In this context, the term “telescopic” means that the outer housing part 2a and the inner housing part 2b can be displaced relative to one another in the axial direction, with the inner housing part 2b being guided in the outer housing part 2a.

“Axial” always means the direction of the geometric drive axis 4 here. Correspondingly, “radial” means the direction orthogonal to it.

Next, the drive unit 1, as shown in the views in FIGS 3 until 5 is shown, a cable module 7 with a motor circuit board 8, which is electrically connected to the drive motor 5. The drive unit housing of the drive unit 1 also serves to accommodate the cable module 7.

The term "motor circuit board" is to be understood broadly in the present case. It includes both single-layer and multi-layer boards. It also includes rigid, flexible and rigid-flex circuit boards. A motor circuit board 8 in the above sense regularly has conductor tracks and electrical and/or electronic components. Such a motor circuit board 8 can be used to control the drive motor 5 and/or other components of the drive unit 1 and/or the drive 2 .

The cable module 7 has a cable module cover 9 into which, from outside the drive unit 1, one or more lines 10 for the electrical connection to the drive motor 5 and the motor board 8 lead. Furthermore, the cable module 7 for fixing the motor circuit board 8 as a lower part 11 on the drive motor side has a circuit board holder which lies axially between the drive motor 5 and the cable module cover 9 and is brought together axially with the cable module cover 9 during assembly. In particular, the cable module cover 9 and lower part 11 then touch and/or are secured to one another axially and, in particular, also radially. The lower part 11 of the cable module 7 allows the motor circuit board 8 to be fixed radially on the one hand and axially on the other hand, in particular axially in both directions, in relation to the cable module 7 . The lower part 11 is arranged here in an axial section of the drive unit housing, which lies axially between the drive motor 5 and the cable module cover 9 .

At least one particularly tubular housing part 1a, 2a, which, as will be explained below, can be part of the drive unit housing or drive housing, is connected to the cable module cover 9 in an axially fixed manner relative to the geometric drive axis 4. Here and preferably the respective housing part 1a, 2a acts directly on the cable module cover 9. In general, the cable module cover 9 can be plugged into the respective housing part 1a, 2a, but alternatively can also be plugged onto this.

The drive unit 1 also has a joint part 12 which, together with a corresponding counter-joint part 13 on the motor vehicle, forms a first drive connection 14a of the drive 2 . This one is in 2 shown at the top of the drive 2. At the opposite, lower end there is a second drive connection 14b, which is designed in a corresponding manner.

The cable module cover 9 is preferably a component that the respective housing part 1a, 2a axially to the joint part 12, in particular sealingly closed.

Next is like that 3 until 5 illustrate, provided that the joint part 12 has an engagement portion 15 and the cable module cover 9 has a corresponding counter-engagement portion 16.

It is now essential that during the assembly of the drive unit 1 the engagement section 15 of the joint part 12 can be brought together with the corresponding counter-engagement section 16 of the cable module cover 9 in one assembly movement such that in the assembled state the engagement section 15 and the counter-engagement section 16 engage in one another in an axially fixed manner. An assembly movement means a movement necessary for the purpose of assembly.

This special configuration of the drive unit 1 shown here allows the production of an axially fixed connection between the cable module 7 and the articulated part 12 in a simple manner. It is also possible to provide the cable module cover 9 and the articulated part 12 from different materials, which means that the costs of the drive unit 1 can be reduced.

In detail, it is here and preferably the case that the assembly movement bringing the engagement section 15 together with the counter-engagement section 16 includes or is a movement with a radial component in relation to the geometric drive axis 4 . The movement can also be a movement directed at an angle to the geometric drive axis 4 . It is essential, however, that there is an axial form fit between the cable module cover 9 and the articulated part 12 in the assembled state. In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the assembly movement includes or is a purely radial movement in relation to the geometric drive axis 4 .

Furthermore, here and preferably the assembly movement that brings the engagement section 15 together with the counter-engagement section 16 is a linear, in particular purely linear, movement.

As the 3 until 5 also show, here and preferably the engagement section 15 is inserted into a receptacle in the cable module cover 9, which forms the counter-engagement section 16. In principle, it is also conceivable, according to an alternative embodiment not shown here, for the counter-engagement section 16 to be pushed into a receptacle in the joint part 12, which then forms the engagement section 15.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the engagement section 15 and counter-engagement section 16, in particular their shape and/or material, are designed such that they form a predetermined breaking point when they are brought together. The engagement section 15 is essentially plate-shaped here, whereas the counter-engagement section 16 forms an insertion slot. The counter-engagement section 16 forms an undercut in the axial direction for the engagement section 15, so that an axial form fit is produced here. If a predetermined tensile force between the cable module cover 9 and the articulated part 12 is then exceeded, for example in the event of a misuse, the connection between the engaging section 15 of the articulated part 12 and the counter-engaging section 16 of the cable module cover 9 breaks in the sense of a predetermined breaking point, so that the articulated part 12 can then be connected to the vehicle-side Counter-joint part 13 and the cable module cover 9 with the drive unit 1 and the drive 2 remains connected to the rest. In this way, further damage to drive unit 1 or drive 2 is prevented. In such a case, it is also prevented that a helical compression spring, which may be located in the drive 2 and which preloads the drive connections 14a, 14b against one another, suddenly relaxes, which could lead to injuries to the user.

Here, and preferably, it is also the case that the counter-engagement portion 16 and the engagement portion 15 brought together with it are secured to one another in the radial direction and in particular also in the axial direction. In the assembled state, the engagement section 15 and the counter-engagement section 16 are preferably latched to one another, here in the radial direction. For this purpose, the outer contour of the here plate-shaped engagement section 15 and the corresponding inner contour of the counter-engagement section 16, as for example in 3 indicated at the top right, shaped in a corresponding manner so that they can be latched together.

Additionally or alternatively, as also in 3 is shown, that in particular the tubular housing part 2a or one of the in particular tubular housing parts 1a, 2a in the assembled state secure the engagement section 15 and the counter-engagement section 16 brought together with it in the radial direction relative to one another, so that the engagement section 15 and counter-engagement section 16 then no longer move apart in the radial direction can become. Here, and preferably, it is provided that the respective housing part 2a radially surrounds the cable module cover 9, at least in an axial section, and covers the engagement section 15 radially outwards and thereby secures it.

During assembly, the engagement section 15 is first brought together with the counter-engagement section 16 and then the respective housing part 2a is pushed onto the cable module cover 9 until the housing part 2a covers the engagement section 15 radially outwards. The cable module cover 9 and the lower part 11 of the cable module 7 on the drive motor side are also secured to one another axially and in particular also radially, here and preferably by the housing part 1a.

The in particular tubular housing part 1a or one of the in particular tubular housing parts 1a, 2a here and preferably forms at least part of the drive unit housing. Here the housing part 1a forms a substantially cylindrical shell of the drive unit housing. Furthermore, here and preferably the in particular tubular housing part 2a or one of the in particular tubular housing parts 1a, 2a forms at least part of the drive housing of the drive 2. Here the housing part 2a forms the upper part of the drive housing, with a further housing part 2b of the drive housing in the housing part 2a is guided telescopically. The housing parts 2a, 2b are designed here in particular as housing tubes.

Due to the two telescoping housing parts 2a, 2b, the drive housing of the drive 2 is suitable for also accommodating said feed gear 6 in addition to the drive motor 5 and the cable module 7. This has here, and preferably as a spindle-spindle-nut gear, a spindle 17 that is drivingly coupled to the drive motor 5 and a spindle nut 18 that meshes with it in a conventional manner. The spindle 17 is axially fixed to the first drive connection 14a and the spindle nut 18 to the second drive connection 14b, so that when the feed gear 6 is actuated, the first drive connection 14a and the second drive connection 14b can be moved linearly relative to one another, as was already explained at the beginning.

It should be emphasized that here the housing part 2a, which forms part of the drive housing of the drive 2, is the housing part that secures the engagement section 15 and counter-engagement section 16 to one another. In principle, however, it is also conceivable in an alternative embodiment not shown here that the housing part 1a, which in particular secures the cable module cover 9 and lower part 11 to one another axially, also secures the engagement section 15 and counter-engagement section 16 to one another.

3 FIG. 1 also shows that the engagement section 15 is connected via a connecting section 19 of the joint part 12 to a bearing section 20 of the joint part 12, which in the final assembled state is mounted on the counter-joint part 13 on the motor vehicle side. Here, and preferably, the bearing section 20 is designed as a ball socket, which forms a ball joint with a corresponding counterpart of the counter-joint part 13 on the motor vehicle. The “finally assembled state” here means the state in which the drive 2 is installed on the motor vehicle as intended. Particularly preferably, the engagement section 15, the connection section 19 and/or the bearing section 20 are designed together in one piece.

Here and preferably it is further provided that the cable module cover 9 is designed from a plastic and/or the joint part 12 is designed from a plastic or metal. The cable module cover 9 preferably has a lower temperature resistance and/or a lower tensile strength than the joint part 12 . Such a material is less expensive than a high-strength, high-temperature-resistant material, as is preferably provided for the joint part 12 . The joint part 12 is designed, for example, from polyamide or steel. The joint part 12 has, for example, a temperature resistance (so-called short-term use temperature) of more than 180 ° C, preferably more than 200 ° C, more preferably more than 220 ° C, and / or a tensile strength of more than 120 MPa, preferably more than 150 MPa, more preferably more than 180 MPa. The cable module cover 9 is made of POM (polyoxymethylene), for example. The cable module cover 9 has, for example, a temperature resistance between 110° C. and 170° C., preferably between 120° C. and 160° C., more preferably between 130° C. and 150° C., and/or a tensile strength between 40 MPa and 90 MPa, preferably between 50 MPa and 80 MPa, more preferably between 60 MPa and 70 MPa.

The previous statements related primarily to a cable module cover 9, which is designed in one piece ( 3 ). In principle, however, it is also conceivable to design a cable module cover 9 in several parts, in particular in two parts ( 4 and 5 ), which is described in more detail below.

As in the embodiments of 4 and 5 is shown, the cable module cover 9 has here and preferably a housing closing part 21, with which the tubular housing part 1a, 2a, in particular, is connected in an axially fixed manner and which, in particular, is cable-free in the unassembled state, and a cable connection part 22, into which the one or several lines 10 for the electrical connection to the drive motor 5 and the motor circuit board 8, in particular in the unassembled state, lead to. The "unassembled state" is the state in which before the drive unit 1 is assembled and in particular before the housing closing part 21 and the cable connection part 22 are brought together. The term "wire-free" means that the respective component is free of electrical wires. Here, and preferably, the housing end part 21 and the cable connection part 22 are each designed to be dimensionally stable, ie they do not deform, or at least not significantly so, under normal stress.

As already mentioned, during the assembly of the drive unit 1 the housing end part 21 can be brought together with the cable connection part 22 in an assembly movement which includes or is a movement with a radial and/or parallel component in relation to the geometric drive axis 4 . Here and preferably it is provided that the assembly movement is a purely radial movement ( 4 ) or a purely parallel movement related to the geometric drive axis 4 ( 5b) ) or a movement directed obliquely to the geometric drive axis 4 ( 5d )) includes or is.

The respective assembly movement is or includes in particular a linear movement, preferably a purely linear movement.

In the mounted state, the housing closing part 21 and the cable connection part 22 are secured against rotation in particular relative to one another, which is preferably brought about solely by bringing them together in the mounting movement.

Here, and preferably, the cable connection part 22 is pushed, in particular with an engagement section, here a latching bracket 23, into the housing end part 22, in particular in a receptacle forming a counter-engagement section, here with a latching lug 24. In an alternative embodiment, not shown here, it can also be provided that the housing closing part 21, in particular with an engagement section, is pushed into the cable connection part 22, in particular in a receptacle forming a counter-engagement section.

Here and preferably, it is also the case that before the cable connection part 22 and the housing end part 21 are brought together, the lower part 11 on the drive motor side is first provided with the motor circuit board 8 and then brought together with the housing end part 21 . However, it is also conceivable that first the cable connection part 22 and the housing closing part 21 are brought together and only then the lower part 11 on the drive motor side, which is provided with the motor circuit board 8 , is brought together with the housing closing part 21 .

Here, and preferably, the lower part 11 and the housing closing part 21 touch one another after they have been brought together. Additionally or alternatively, the lower part 11 and the housing closing part 21 are secured axially and in particular also radially to one another, in particular via the housing part 1a.

Here, and preferably, the housing closing part 21 and the cable connection part 22 brought together with it are secured to one another in the radial direction and/or in the axial direction. It is preferably the case that in the assembled state the cable connection part 22 and the housing closing part 21 are latched to one another, in particular in the radial direction and/or in the axial direction.

Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the in particular tubular housing part 2a or one of the in particular tubular housing parts 1a, 2a in the assembled state secures the cable connection part 22 and the housing end part 21 brought together with it in the radial direction to one another. Here and preferably it is the case that the respective housing part 2a radially surrounds the housing end part 21 and cable connection part 22, at least in an axial section in each case, and thereby secures them.

During assembly, the cable connection part 22 is first brought together with the housing end part 21 and then the respective housing part 2a is pushed onto the cable module cover 9 until the housing part 2a covers the cable connection part 22 and the housing end part 21 radially outwards.

It is preferably the case here that the housing part 2a, which forms part of the drive housing of the drive 2, is the housing part that secures the cable connection part 22 and the housing closing part 21 to one another. In principle, according to an alternative embodiment not shown here, the other housing part 1a can also assume this safety function. The housing part 1a, which forms part of the drive unit housing, secures at least the housing closing part 21 and the lower part 11 to one another.

To simplify the assembly, provision is made here and preferably also for the assembly movement of the cable connection part 22 relative to the housing end part 21 to electrically contact the one or more lines 10 with the drive motor 5 and/or the motor circuit board 8 . Each line 10 has an electrical connection, which is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical connection of the drive motor 5 and/or the motor circuit board 8 as a result of the assembly movement.

Additionally or alternatively, as here, it can also be provided that the assembly movement of the cable connection part 22 relative to the housing end part 21 brings at least one movement sensor 25, in particular a Hall sensor, fastened to the cable connection part 22 into a position relative to the housing end part 21 in which the movement sensor 25 is in the assembled state in the effective range of at least one magnet 26 attached to the motor shaft of the drive motor 5 . The motion sensor 25 is in 4 shown dashed as an optional component.

Particularly preferred options for connecting individual components will now be discussed. Here and preferably the connection between the cable module cover 9 and the joint part 12 and/or the connection between the cable connection part 22 and the housing end part 21 is a positive and/or material connection with respect to the direction of the assembly movement. A latching connection is preferably provided as a form-fitting connection. An adhesive connection or a welded connection, in particular a laser welded connection, is preferably provided as the integral connection. What was said above also applies in addition or as an alternative to the connection between the cable module cover 9 and the lower part 11 on the drive motor side.

According to a further teaching, which is of independent importance, a drive unit for a drive 2, in particular a spindle drive, is claimed for adjusting an adjustment element 3 of a motor vehicle, the drive unit 1 having an electric drive motor 5 with a motor housing 5a, a cable module 7 with a motor circuit board 8 , which is electrically connected to the drive motor 5, and with a cable module cover 9, into which one or more lines 10 lead for the electrical connection to the drive motor 5 and the motor circuit board 8, at least one in particular tubular housing part 1a, 2a, which is connected to the cable module cover 9 is connected axially fixed relative to a geometric drive axis 4, as well as a joint part 12, which forms a first drive connection 14a together with a counter-joint part 13 on the motor vehicle. In this respect, reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed drive unit 1 according to the first teaching.

It is essential here that the cable module cover 9 has a housing closing part 21, to which the tubular housing part 1a, 2a in particular is connected in an axially fixed manner and which is cable-free, in particular in the unassembled state, and a cable connection part 22, into which the one or more cables 10 for the electrical connection with the drive motor 5 and the motor circuit board 8, in particular already in the unassembled state, and that during the assembly of the drive unit 1 the housing end part 21 can be brought together with the cable connection part 22 in an assembly movement which is a movement with a reference to the geometric drive axis 4 includes or is a radial and/or parallel component.

According to a further teaching, which is also of independent importance, a drive, in particular a spindle drive, is claimed for adjusting an adjustment element 3 of a motor vehicle, the drive 2 having a proposed drive unit 1, the drive 2 having a feed gear 6 coupled to the drive unit 1 in terms of drive technology , In particular spindle-spindle nut gear, for generating drive movements along a geometric drive axis 4 between a first drive connection 14a and a second drive connection 14b. In this respect, reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed drive unit 1 according to the first teaching and to the proposed drive unit 1 according to the second teaching.

Here, and preferably, the joint part 12 of the drive unit 1 together with a counter-joint part 13 on the vehicle side forms one of the drive connections 14a, 14b. In addition, an output-side transmission component of the feed transmission 6, in particular the spindle nut 18 of the spindle-spindle nut transmission, is coupled in an axially fixed manner to another joint part which, together with another counter-joint part on the motor vehicle, forms the second drive connection 14b.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

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Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102008062400 A1 [0003]

Claims (17)

Drive unit for a drive (2), in particular a spindle drive, for adjusting an adjustment element (3) of a motor vehicle, the drive unit (1) having an electric drive motor (5) with a motor housing (5a), a cable module (7) with a motor circuit board (8 ), which is electrically connected to the drive motor (5), and with a cable module cover (9), in which one or more lines (10) lead to the electrical connection with the drive motor (5) and the motor circuit board (8), at least one in particular tubular housing part (1a, 2a), which is connected to the cable module cover (9) in an axially fixed manner in relation to a geometric drive axis (4), and a joint part (12), which forms a first drive connection (14a) together with a counter-joint part (13) on the motor vehicle Having, wherein the joint part (12) has an engagement portion (15) and the cable module cover (9) has a corresponding counter-engagement portion (16), characterized in that in the frame d When the drive unit (1) is assembled, the engagement section (15) of the joint part (12) can be brought together with the corresponding counter-engagement section (16) of the cable module cover (9) in one assembly movement such that in the assembled state the engagement section (15) and the counter-engagement section (16 ) interlock axially. drive unit after claim 1 , characterized in that the assembly movement bringing the engagement section (15) together with the counter-engagement section (16) comprises or is a movement with a radial component in relation to the geometric drive axis (4), preferably that the assembly movement is a movement in relation to the geometric drive axis (4 ) includes or is purely radial movement. drive unit after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the engagement section (15) is inserted into a receptacle in the cable module cover (9) which forms the counter-engagement section (16), or that the counter-engagement section (16) is inserted into a receptacle in the joint part (12) which forms the engagement section (15) forms, is inserted, preferably that the engagement section (15) and counter-engagement section (16), in particular their shape and/or material, are designed such that they form a predetermined breaking point when brought together. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counter-engagement section (16) and the engagement section (15) brought together with it are secured to one another in the radial direction, preferably that in the assembled state the engagement section (15) and the counter-engagement section (16) latches together are, further preferably that in the assembled state of the engagement portion (15) and the counter-engagement portion (16) are locked together in the radial direction. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the in particular tubular housing part (1a, 2a) or one of the in particular tubular housing parts (1a, 2a) in the assembled state has the engagement section (15) and the counter-engagement section (16) brought together with it in the radial direction to one another, preferably that the respective housing part (1a, 2a) radially surrounds the cable module cover (9), at least in an axial section, and covers the engagement section (15) radially outwards. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the in particular tubular housing part (1a) or one of the in particular tubular housing parts (1a, 2a) forms at least part of a drive unit housing which is set up to accommodate at least the drive motor (5) and the cable module (7), or that the in particular tubular housing part (2a) or one of the in particular tubular housing parts (1a, 2a) forms at least part of a drive housing of the drive (2), which is set up to accommodate at least the drive motor (5) and cable module (7) and a feed gear (6), in particular a spindle/spindle nut gear, which is drivingly coupled to the drive motor (5) to generate drive movements along the geometric drive axis (4) between the first drive connection (14a) and a second drive connection (14b). Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement section (15) via a connecting section (19) of the joint part (12) with a bearing section (20) of the joint part (12), which in the final assembled state is mounted on the counter-joint part (13) on the motor vehicle is connected, preferably that the bearing section (20) is designed as a ball socket, which forms a ball joint with a corresponding counterpart of the counter-joint part (13) on the motor vehicle. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable module cover (9) is made of a plastic and/or the joint part (12) is made of a plastic or metal, preferably that the cable module cover (9) has a lower temperature resistance and/or or has a lower tensile strength than the joint part (12). Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable module cover (9) is designed in one piece or in several pieces, in particular in two pieces. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable module cover (9) has a housing closing part (21) to which the in particular tubular housing part (1a, 2a) is connected in an axially fixed manner and which is cable-free in particular in the unassembled state, and a cable connection part (22 ), in which the one or more lines (10) lead to the electrical connection to the drive motor (5) and the motor circuit board (8), in particular already in the unassembled state. drive unit after claim 10 , characterized in that during the assembly of the drive unit (1), the housing end part (21) can be brought together with the cable connection part (22) in an assembly movement which is a movement with a radial and/or parallel component in relation to the geometric drive axis (4). comprises or is, preferably that the assembly movement comprises or is a purely radial movement in relation to the geometric drive axis (4) or a movement directed at an angle to the geometric drive axis (4) or a purely parallel movement in relation to the geometric drive axis (4). drive unit after claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the housing end part (21) and the cable connection part (22) brought together with it are secured to one another in the radial direction and/or in the axial direction, preferably in that the cable connection part (22) and the housing end part (21) lock together in the assembled state are, more preferably, that in the assembled state the cable connection part (22) and the housing end part (21) are locked together in the radial direction and/or in the axial direction. Drive unit according to one of Claims 10 until 12 , characterized in that the in particular tubular housing part (1a, 2a) or one of the in particular tubular housing parts (1a, 2a) in the assembled state secures the cable connection part (22) and the housing end part (21) joined thereto in the radial direction to one another, preferably that the respective housing part (1a, 2a) radially surrounds the housing closing part (21) and cable connection part (22), at least in an axial section. Drive unit according to one of Claims 10 until 13 , characterized in that the assembly movement of the cable connection part (22) relative to the housing closing part (21) results in electrical contacting of the one or more lines (10) with the drive motor (5) and/or the motor circuit board (8), and/or, that the assembly movement of the cable connection part (22) relative to the housing end part (21) brings at least one movement sensor (25), in particular a Hall sensor, fastened to the cable connection part (22) into a position relative to the housing end part (21) in which the movement sensor (25) in the installed state lies within the range of action of at least one magnet (26) attached to the motor shaft of the drive motor (5). Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the cable module cover (9) and the joint part (12) and/or the connection between the cable connection part (22) and the housing end part (21) is a form-fitting and/or material-fitting connection in relation to the direction of the assembly movement Connection is preferably that a latching connection is provided as a form-fitting connection, and/or that an adhesive connection or welded connection, in particular a laser welded connection, is provided as a material connection. Drive unit for a drive (2), in particular a spindle drive, for adjusting an adjustment element (3) of a motor vehicle, the drive unit (1) having an electric drive motor (5) with a motor housing (5a), a cable module (7) with a motor circuit board (8 ), which is electrically connected to the drive motor (5), and with a cable module cover (9), in which one or more lines (10) lead to the electrical connection with the drive motor (5) and the motor circuit board (8), at least one in particular tubular housing part (1a, 2a), which is connected to the cable module cover (9) in an axially fixed manner in relation to a geometric drive axis (4), and a joint part (12), which forms a first drive connection (14a) together with a counter-joint part (13) on the motor vehicle Having, characterized in that the cable module cover (9) has a housing closing part (21) with which the particular tubular housing part (1a, 2a) is axially fixed and in particular in is cable-free in the unassembled state, and has a cable connection part (22) into which the one or more lines (10) for the electrical connection to the drive motor (5) and the motor circuit board (8) lead, in particular even in the unassembled state, and that During assembly of the drive unit (1), the housing end part (21) can be brought together with the cable connection part (22) in an assembly movement which includes or is a movement with a radial and/or parallel component in relation to the geometric drive axis (4). Drive, in particular a spindle drive, for adjusting an adjustment element (3) of a motor vehicle, the drive (2) having a drive unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the drive (2) having a feed gear (1) coupled in terms of drive to the drive unit (1). 6), in particular spindle-spindle nut gear, for generating drive movements along a geometric drive axis (4) between a first drive connection (14a) and a second drive connection (14b).

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