Auxiliary unit for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary unit (12) for a motor vehicle (2), having a drive device (14) arranged in a housing (16), which is electrically connected to a cable (26) which passes through an opening (34) of the housing (16). A seal (30) is inserted in the opening (34), via which the cable (26) fits the edge (50) of the opening (34) in a full-circumferential, sealing manner. The invention also relates to a method (54) for producing an auxiliary unit (12).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an auxiliary unit for a motor vehicle and a method for manufacturing the auxiliary unit. The auxiliary unit has a drive mechanism arranged in a housing.

[0002] Relatively tall vehicles such as SUVs or pickup trucks often feature side steps, also known as entry steps, to facilitate getting in and out. These devices are installed below the doors, extending from the lower part of the vehicle body towards the ground. This allows people to use the side steps as intermediate steps when getting in and out of the vehicle, thus traversing relatively large height differences. For example, side steps are rigidly mounted on the vehicle body. The disadvantage of this is that the vehicle's overall ground clearance is reduced, and its lateral dimensions are increased. If the vehicle is driven on rough terrain in this manner, the side steps may come into contact with the ground, potentially resulting in damage or tearing. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, this not only increases the risk of injury to others but also degrades the vehicle's aerodynamic performance.

[0003] To address this problem, it is known to design the welcome pedals as electrically powered. This involves a drive mechanism with an electric motor, by which the plate, acting as a step, is driven. With the aid of a movement mechanism, it is feasible in this case to pivot, specifically raise, and store the plate under the vehicle body when it is not in use. Thus, the disadvantages of a rigid connection are eliminated.

[0004] To simplify the design, reduce the possibility of errors, and save weight and cost, a relatively short distance between the drive unit and the vehicle body is required, with only a few steering maneuvers performed using the force provided by the electric motor. Therefore, the drive unit is often fixed to the outside of the vehicle body, making it susceptible to environmental influences. To prevent damage to the electric motor during high water levels or river crossings, it is necessary to protect the motor from splashing water, preferably from jets or immersion. This prevents electrical short circuits.

[0005] However, it is also feasible for the components of the motion mechanism to become contaminated, which could lead to functional failure if appropriate. To avoid this, the components of the motion mechanism should also be designed to be sealed; however, this makes coupling with the motor more difficult and increases manufacturing costs and required installation space. Therefore, an alternative is to arrange the components of the motion mechanism in a common housing, and design only the housing to be sealed.

[0006] To operate the drive unit, electrical power is required. During the operation of the vehicle, data from sensors assigned to the electric motor must also be accessed. For this purpose, an electrical connection is necessary in each case. Typically, a plug-in connector is installed in the housing, into which a corresponding mating plug-in connector is inserted. This mating plug-in connector is located at the end of the cable that is electrically connected to other components of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's electrical network. This plug-in connection can be designed to be relatively sealed to prevent moisture from entering the housing.

[0007] However, it requires electrically connecting the motor and the plug-in connector inside the housing, which increases the workload. For example, the plug-in connector is also positioned between the housing and the vehicle body for protection. However, this results in relatively short cable lengths allocated to the mating plug-in connectors, making assembly more difficult. Conversely, if the plug-in connector and mating plug-in connector are located on the side of the housing opposite the vehicle body and thus easily accessible, they are relatively unprotected and subject to greater mechanical stress during operation, such as impacts from stones. To address this, additional markings or similar features are required, increasing size, weight, and material costs. This also complicates assembly.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a particularly suitable auxiliary unit for motor vehicles and a particularly suitable method for manufacturing the auxiliary unit, wherein assembly is suitably simplified and reliability and / or robustness is suitably improved.

[0009] According to the invention, with respect to the auxiliary unit, this objective is achieved by the features of claim 1, and with respect to the method, this objective is achieved by the features of claim 10. Advantageous improvements and designs are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0010] The auxiliary unit is suitable, particularly configured and adapted, to be mounted on a motor vehicle, or to form at least one component of the motor vehicle in an assembled state. The motor vehicle is suitably a land vehicle and preferably designed to be multi-wheeled. In this case, it is suitably feasible to position the motor vehicle substantially freely, particularly on roads. For this purpose, the motor vehicle suitably has corresponding wheels. In general, it is preferably feasible to position the motor vehicle substantially independently of other conditions on land. In other words, the motor vehicle is suitably not track-guided. Preferably, the motor vehicle is a passenger car or commercial vehicle, such as a truck or bus.

[0011] In this case, the auxiliary unit is not used for the forward movement of the vehicle, but rather to provide other functions. For example, the auxiliary unit is used to provide comfort or safety functions. Alternatively, the auxiliary unit is used to operate the main drive unit. Examples of auxiliary units include steering assist systems or brake assist systems, power seat adjustments, power window regulators, or power liftgate adjustments, such as power tailgate adjustments or power door adjustments.

[0012] However, the auxiliary unit is particularly preferably an electric welcome pedal. The electric welcome pedal has a plate. This plate is provided for occupancy and / or support, and is adapted, particularly configured and fitted, for occupancy and / or support. In other words, the plate is specifically a step, or rather, it functions as a step. The plate itself is suitably supported in an adjustable manner, particularly by means of the mechanical structure / movement mechanism of the electric welcome pedal. By means of the mechanical structure / movement mechanism, in the assembled state, the plate is suitably arranged on the exterior of the vehicle body, and by means of the mechanical structure or movement mechanism, it is feasible to pivot the plate or at least adjust its position. In particular, it is feasible in this case to change the distance of the plate from the ground, and / or at least partially set the overhang of the plate beyond other parts of the vehicle body.

[0013] Preferably, in this case, the panel is assigned to the door of the motor vehicle, and is specifically arranged in the vertical direction below the door, i.e., below the body opening assigned to the door. For example, the motor vehicle is designed in the style of a train, tram, or bus. However, it is particularly preferred that the motor vehicle is designed as a passenger car, such as a minivan, SUV, or pickup truck.

[0014] The auxiliary unit has a drive mechanism by which other components of the auxiliary unit are driven. These may be, for example, window glass, a seat or a component of a seat, a flap (e.g., a tailgate), or a door (e.g., a side door). Alternatively, the other component is preferably a panel.

[0015] The drive unit suitably includes an electric motor. The electric motor is preferably designed as a brushed commutator motor, or alternatively, as a brushless motor. For example, the electric motor is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The electric motor preferably has a stator and a rotor supported in a manner that allows the rotor to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the stator, which corresponds to the rotation axis of the electric motor. The electric motor is designed such that when the motor is energized, a rotating magnetic field is generated, which causes the rotor to rotate about the stator. Preferably, the electric motor includes a motor housing by which the stator is at least partially enclosed and protected.

[0016] The drive unit preferably includes a transmission driven by an electric motor. The transmission, in turn, drives the other components, for example, directly or via other components. The transmission, for example, has one or more gears. In particular, the transmission includes a worm gear drive, and / or the transmission is designed to be self-locking.

[0017] The auxiliary unit has a housing in which the drive unit is arranged. This housing protects the drive unit. For example, additional components of the auxiliary unit may also be arranged within the housing. However, it is particularly preferred that the housing contains essentially only the drive unit. This allows for a relatively small housing design, thereby saving installation space.

[0018] The housing has an opening through which a cable passes, electrically connecting to the drive unit. In this case, the cable is specifically directly electrically connected to the drive unit. In other words, there is no interface or similar device; the cable is mechanically led directly to the drive unit, for example, fixed there. This reduces the number of assembly steps and required components. Because of this cable, it is feasible to apply a potential to the drive unit from outside the housing to power it and / or read data. The cable, for example, has one or more conductors surrounded by corresponding sheaths.

[0019] The opening has edges spaced apart from the cable. This makes it easier to insert the cable into the opening. A seal is inserted within the opening itself, through which the cable is circumferentially and sealed against the edge of the opening. In other words, the seal circumferentially surrounds the cable within the area of ​​the opening, filling any gaps formed between the cable and the edge. In this case, the seal is simply inserted into the opening, for example, arranged there in a loose fit. The seal is suitably not a component of the housing. In other words, the seal and the housing are two separate parts. For example, they are connected to each other in a material-fitting manner, such as by adhesive. However, it is particularly preferred that there is no material fit, which simplifies manufacturing. Suitably, the seal is held in the opening solely by force engagement.

[0020] The housing provides additional protection for the drive unit, eliminating the need for a relatively robust design for the drive unit and its components. This reduces the required installation space and manufacturing costs. The housing also improves the robustness and reliability of the drive unit, particularly when exposed to environmental influences or at least moisture during operation. Seals prevent foreign objects and / or moisture from entering the housing through openings.

[0021] Because of the cable, it is still feasible to operate the drive unit arranged within the housing. Since the cable passes through the opening, there is no need for electrical contact of the auxiliary unit within the housing area. This simplifies the assembly of the auxiliary unit with other components of the vehicle. Here, there is no need to provide additional mounting or assembly space for electrical connections when assembling the auxiliary unit together with other components of the vehicle within the housing area, which simplifies design and assembly. Thus, in particular, the mechanical connection of the auxiliary unit to the vehicle and its electrical connection to other components of the vehicle can be performed independently of each other in location. Suitablely, the cable is designed to be relatively flexible, which further simplifies assembly.

[0022] Since the seal is only inserted into the opening and is therefore a separate component relative to the housing, it is feasible to manufacture both independently, specifically sourcing them from different parts suppliers. This simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs.

[0023] The housing is suitably made of plastic. For example, the housing comprises several components that are joined together in a suitable manner. Preferably, the housing comprises two housing halves that are joined together and enclose the drive mechanism by means of these two housing halves. Each housing half is particularly designed in this case as a bowl shape. For example, one of the bowl shapes is designed as a can, and the other as a lid. However, it is particularly preferred that the two bowl shapes are can-shaped, which improves robustness. In particular, the housing consists essentially of only two housing halves / bowl shapes. Therefore, the number of required parts is reduced, and manufacturing costs are lowered. Suitably, an additional seal, for example made of rubber, is arranged between the two housing halves. This also prevents the intrusion of moisture and / or foreign matter, which improves robustness.

[0024] For example, the two housing halves are interlocked, or particularly preferably screwed together. This makes it possible to reopen the housing. Alternatively, the two housing halves can be welded together, for example. This improves sealing and robustness. In particular, the housing, particularly preferably the cup-shaped / housing half, is made of plastic, suitably injection molded. This reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies adjusting the shape of the housing to the desired assembly position.

[0025] Preferably, the housing is designed to be sealed. This ensures that any other openings or gaps in the housing are also fitted with corresponding seals or other similar devices. Suitably, the housing protects the drive unit from solid foreign objects larger than 1 mm in diameter. Particularly preferably, the housing encloses the drive unit in a dustproof manner, specifically sealing it. This also enables operation in dusty environments and / or desert conditions, for example. Alternatively or particularly preferably in conjunction with this approach, the housing provides waterproof protection. In particular, the housing protects the drive unit from splashes or sprays of water. Particularly preferably, the housing protects the drive unit from at least temporary immersion in water. This ensures that even relatively large amounts of water will not damage the drive unit.

[0026] Specifically, despite the openings, the housing meets at least an IP 67 protection rating. For this purpose, the housing, along with the seals and any other seals and similar devices, are designed accordingly. Due to this design, it is feasible to install the housing even in relatively unprotected areas, particularly in external areas of the vehicle body and / or at the bottom. This does not result in damage to the auxiliary units, where, however, it is not necessary to design the individual components of the drive unit to be correspondingly robust / sealed, thus allowing them to be designed relatively inexpensive and compact. In summary, since only the housing needs to meet at least an IP 67 protection rating, and the individual components of the drive unit do not need to be designed accordingly, manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0027] For example, the cable ends are located within the area of ​​the seal. However, particularly preferably, the cable protrudes at least 2 cm from the seal on each side. Here, in the overhanging area, the cable has no further electrical contact, and / or, in particular, no mechanical connection is made to the cable there, which allows for flexible movement / layout of the cable. At least both ends of the cable are spaced at least 2 cm from the seal along the cable. In this way, the drive unit, especially any motor, is spaced at least 2 cm from the seal and therefore also from the opening, at least along the cable. This simplifies the arrangement of the drive unit within the housing and increases the flexibility of mounting the drive unit in the housing. In this case, if the drive unit is arranged relatively close to the opening, it is feasible to lay the cable at least partially in a loop, which makes relatively efficient use of space.

[0028] Outside the housing, the cable should be kept 2 cm away from the opening from other components of the vehicle to which it makes electrical contact. Therefore, the electrical interface to which the cable should be connected can be positioned relatively far from the opening, allowing the mechanical assembly of the housing at other components of the vehicle and the electrical contact of the cable to be performed separately and / or independently of each other, simplifying assembly. Particularly preferably, the cable protrudes at least 5 cm or 10 cm beyond the seal on at least one side, enabling greater flexibility during assembly.

[0029] For example, the opening is essentially provided by means of a hole. However, it is particularly preferred that the opening is hollow cylindrical or at least includes a hollow cylindrical portion, and the edges are suitably formed by means of cylindrical side surfaces. In this way, the opening stabilizes the cable and prevents cable breakage. Therefore, stability and robustness are improved. For example, the opening is entirely hollow cylindrical and has a substantially constant cross-section. However, it is particularly preferred that the opening has a bottom. In this way, the opening is designed to be can-shaped. The bottom further includes a hollow portion, the area of ​​which is smaller than the cross-section of the rest of the opening. Due to the reduced cross-section, the cable is stabilized and its position is predetermined relatively accurately. However, due to the increased cross-section of the rest of the opening, the positioning of the seal is simplified. This also makes it possible to arrange and fix the seal relatively firmly, which simplifies manufacturing.

[0030] Because the opening is reduced, the shell itself (by means of which the bottom is suitably formed) at least partially prevents the entry of foreign matter and / or moisture. For example, the bottom forms an opening at the end inside the shell. This makes it possible to insert the seal from the outside of the shell, i.e., particularly even when the shell is closed. However, it is particularly preferred that the bottom forms the outside of the opening. In this way, foreign matter and / or moisture are blocked by the bottom, thus reducing the burden on the seal. Also, during shell assembly and / or operation, the bottom protects the seal at least partially from mechanical damage.

[0031] For example, the seal is arranged only in the hollow cylindrical portion of the opening. For example, the seal is mechanically spaced from the bottom. Preferably, the seal then extends to the bottom and at least partially conforms to it. This stabilizes the seal at least partially by means of the base, improving robustness. The position of the seal is also relatively precisely predetermined, simplifying its positioning. Particularly preferably, the seal protrudes at least partially through the opening. This also achieves a seal within the area of ​​the opening, where a relatively high level of sealing is provided due to the reduced area.

[0032] For example, the outer diameter of the portion of the seal that passes through the groove matches the outer diameter of the opening. However, it is particularly preferred that the seal includes a buckle that covers the bottom. This stabilizes the seal there and prevents it from accidentally detaching from the housing. Specifically, by holding the seal in place of the housing solely by means of the buckle, manufacturing costs are reduced and manufacturing is simplified. For assembly, the seal is suitably inserted into the opening from the side of the hollow cylindrical portion, with the free end of the seal passing through the opening, causing the seal to elastically deform, for example, at least for a short time. Suitablely, the free end is beveled, for example, truncated cone-shaped, which simplifies the insertion operation. The shape of the seal already serves to prevent foreign objects from entering the opening.

[0033] For example, the seal is designed as a solid body, essentially a hollow cylinder. In this case, the outer cylindrical side surface completely fits the edge of the opening, while the inner cylindrical side surface completely fits the cable. However, particularly preferably, the seal comprises a hollow cylinder spaced apart from the edge of the opening. The hollow cylinder suitably surrounds the cable circumferentially, preventing foreign objects from passing through. Suitablely, the hollow cylinder and the cable are interconnected in a material-fitting manner. The spaced-apart position simplifies insertion into the opening. Outwardly projecting sealing lips are connected to the hollow cylinder, specifically surrounding the outer side of the hollow cylinder circumferentially. Suitablely, these sealing lips are designed to be substantially annular and / or offset from each other along the axis of the hollow cylinder. The sealing lips fit the edge. Preferably, the sealing lips are substantially flexible and / or elastically deformable. Suitablely, the seal is of a one-piece design, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Suitable of this, the seal is manufactured using an injection molding process, for example, by making rubber or an elastomer.

[0034] Suitablely, at least two or preferably three such sealing lips are present, thus providing relatively high sealing performance. It is also feasible that the sealing lips deform under relatively small forces, particularly elastic deformation, thereby causing the sealing lip to fit snugly against the edge of the opening. This improves the sealing performance. For example, one of these sealing lips is designed to be disc-shaped. This makes it possible to fit snugly against the edge on the circumferential side. In particular, these sealing lips are relatively offset at their bottoms. Alternatively or in combination with this approach, one of the sealing lips is truncated conical. This sealing lip functions specifically like a plug, thus also serving to mechanically secure the seal at the opening. In this case, a force engagement is created between the edge and the seal, thereby providing additional sealing performance. Suitablely, two of the sealing lips are designed to be substantially truncated conical, which improves robustness and stability.

[0035] For example, only the cable is provided. However, it is particularly preferred that the auxiliary unit includes an additional cable electrically connected to the drive unit and also at least partially arranged outside the housing. Due to this additional cable, it is feasible, for example, to apply voltage to the drive unit and / or exchange more signals with it. In this case, the additional cable passes through the same opening, and the seal is adjusted accordingly. However, it is particularly preferred that the housing has an additional opening with the same structure as the original opening. In this case, the cable suitably also has the same structure as the additional cable. The additional cable and the additional opening are assigned additional seals, which in particular have the same structure as the original seal. In summary, the additional cable is preferably introduced into the housing through the additional opening, in which the additional seal is inserted, and via the additional seal, the additional cable sealably fits against the edge of the additional opening. Because the structure is identical, the same parts can be used, thus reducing manufacturing costs. It also makes it possible to assemble the cables separately or at least arrange them in their respective openings, which simplifies assembly. At least there is no need to coordinate the cable layout, thus avoiding accidental damage to one of the seals and reducing the scrap rate.

[0036] For example, the two cables are essentially independent of each other. Particularly preferably, the ends of the two cables are assigned a common plug-in connector. In this way, the ends of the two cables are held together by means of this common plug-in connector, which suitably provides electrical contact. In this case, the plug-in connector is arranged inside the housing and specifically inserted into a corresponding mating plug-in connector of the drive unit. Alternatively, the plug-in connector is arranged outside the housing. Suitably, each end of the cable is assigned a plug-in connector.

[0037] The pluggable connector simplifies the electrical connection of the cables. This simplifies the electrical connection between the two cables, particularly by completing the connection in a single, common working step. For example, it is also possible to use existing drive units or similar devices without further modification for the auxiliary unit. Adaptation for use in the auxiliary unit is achieved using the pluggable connector. Thus, for example, it is possible to use existing drive units that do not meet any specific sealing requirements, or at least not the proposed sealing or similar requirements. Adaptation is achieved by providing a housing and corresponding compatible cables, where the pluggable connector is adapted for previous applications of the drive unit. This eliminates the need for large-scale redesign, allows the use of existing components, and thus reduces manufacturing costs.

[0038] For example, the seal is loosely fixed to the cable. After the seal is assembled, a force fit is suitably created between the seal and the cable, particularly due to elastic deformation achieved by means of a frame. This makes it possible to manufacture the seal and the cable independently. However, it is particularly preferred that the seal is fixed to the cable. For example, they are connected to each other in a material-fitting manner, such as by bonding. Preferably, the seal is injection molded to the cable, or at least manufactured around the cable. Thus, the position of the seal relative to the cable is always predetermined, and it is feasible to form a connection between them in a relatively sealed manner. In this way, assembly is also simplified. Thus, especially for assembly, the free end of the cable is first passed through the opening, and then the cable is pulled through the opening until the seal is internally fitted into the opening. In particular, further movement of the cable through the opening is prevented. Suitably, in this case, a buckle is present, and suitably, the buckle is properly positioned by pulling the cable through the opening. If the buckle is properly positioned, further movement of the cable is particularly prevented. In this way, assembly is simplified, requiring no tools or only inexpensive tools.

[0039] This method is used to manufacture an auxiliary unit for a motor vehicle. The auxiliary unit has a housing and a drive mechanism disposed within the housing, the drive mechanism being electrically connected to a cable passing through an opening in the housing. A seal is inserted into the opening, through which the cable is sealed against the edge of the opening in a fully circumferential manner. The seal is thus secured to the cable.

[0040] The method involves passing the free end of the cable through the opening and continuing to pull, specifically moving it in the same direction about the opening, until the seal is inserted into the opening and the cable is circumferentially and sealingly fitted against the edge of the opening. This completes the cable insertion and seal assembly in a single step, thus reducing time. Specifically, the cable is passed through the opening from the inside of the housing, and the housing, for example, has two housing halves. In this case, the drive unit is appropriately positioned first in one of the housing halves. For example, the cable is already in electrical contact with the drive unit, preferably fixed at the drive unit. Alternatively, this can be done after the drive unit is positioned. The free end of the cable is then pulled through the opening. This continues until the seal is correspondingly positioned. Alternatively, only the free end of the cable is moved through the opening first. The housing is then closed, and the cable is pulled until the seal is engaged in the opening.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such an auxiliary unit. In this case, the auxiliary unit is particularly an electrically operated door sill. The motor vehicle is suitably a land vehicle, such as a passenger car. Alternatively, the motor vehicle is a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or bus. The motor vehicle particularly includes a body with an opening. In this case, the opening can be covered by a door supported at the body in a manner that allows for suitable position adjustment, for example by means of hinges and / or guide rails. The door is equipped with an electrically operated door sill. Furthermore, the electrically operated door sill preferably comprises a plate body driven by a drive mechanism.

[0042] Specifically, in this case, the panel is arranged vertically below the door, or at least below the opening, which can be covered by the door. A housing is suitably fixed there to the vehicle body. Thus, the panel can serve as a step for getting on and off the vehicle through the opening, which is connected to the door. Specifically, in this case, the drive mechanism is operated such that when the door is opened, i.e., when the opening is released, the position of the panel is adjusted so that a person can use it. For this purpose, the panel is specifically extended, resulting in an overhang that protrudes beyond other parts of the vehicle body. Conversely, when the door is closed, the panel can be suitably moved to a retracted position. Particularly preferably, the door is part of another auxiliary unit and is preferably driven by a drive mechanism assigned to this auxiliary unit. Suitably, this auxiliary unit has a corresponding housing with cables / seals, thereby achieving a relatively high level of sealing.

[0043] The advantages and improvements mentioned in the auxiliary unit will also be transferred to the motor vehicle and the method, as well as to each other, and vice versa.

[0044] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 The illustration depicts a motor vehicle including an auxiliary unit having a drive mechanism arranged in a housing;

[0046] Figure 2 The housing is shown from a perspective view, and the housing has two housing halves;

[0047] Figure 3 The housing is shown in perspective, with one half of the housing omitted.

[0048] Figure 4 , 5 Two cables are shown in perspective or in a sectional view, each passing through an opening in the housing; and

[0049] Figure 6 A method for manufacturing an auxiliary unit is shown.

[0050] In all figures, the corresponding parts use the same reference numerals.

[0051] Figure 1 A simplified schematic representation of a motor vehicle 2 in the form of a passenger car is shown. The motor vehicle 2 has multiple wheels 4 that stand upright on the road and are connected to a body 6 of the motor vehicle 2 via a chassis. The body 6 has an opening that can be concealed by a door 8. Access to an interior space (not shown in detail) is possible via the door 8.

[0052] Vertically below door 8, an auxiliary unit 12 has a plate 10, designed as an electric welcome step. To facilitate entry and exit through the open door 8, the plate 10 can be moved so that it protrudes laterally from the vehicle body 6 and serves as a foot step. When door 8 is closed and the foot step is no longer needed, the plate 10 retracts, thus reducing its space requirement. This also prevents damage to the plate 10. To adjust the position of the plate 10, the auxiliary unit 12 has a drive mechanism 14 operatively connected to the plate 10. To protect the drive mechanism 14 from environmental influences, it is housed within a housing 16.

[0053] exist Figure 2 The housing 16 is shown in perspective. The housing has two housing halves 18, which are secured together by screws 20. The housing halves 18 are cup-shaped and manufactured from the same plastic using a plastic injection molding process. To prevent foreign objects from entering between the housing halves 18, an additional seal (not shown in detail) is arranged between them. The housing 16 is designed in this case to meet an IP 67 protection rating. Therefore, it is feasible to place the housing 16, and thus the drive unit 14, outside the vehicle body 6, i.e., in a relatively unprotected area.

[0054] Figure 3 The housing 16 is shown in perspective, with one of the two housing cup-shaped portions 18 omitted. A drive unit 14 is arranged inside the housing 16, which is fitted into the housing 18 in the assembled state. The figure shows the drive unit 14 partially detached from the housing 18. The drive unit 14 has an electric motor 22, by which a transmission 24, designed as a worm gear drive, is driven.

[0055] To supply power to the motor 22 and thus to the drive unit 14, a cable 26 and another cable 28 are provided, which are electrically connected to the drive unit 14. Cables 26 and 28 have identical structures, and a seal 30 is fixed to cable 26. An additional seal 32, having the same structure as seal 30, is fixed to the other cable 28. Seals 30 and 32 are each integrally manufactured from rubber and are manufactured around their respective cables 26 and 28, thereby securing them to the cables in a material-fit manner.

[0056] The two seals 30 and 32 are equidistant from the motor 20, at a distance of 5 cm, thus placing them at the same height along the cables 26 and 28. Each cable 26 and 28 protrudes 5 cm from its respective seal 30 or 32 on both sides. Therefore, the ends of each cable 26 and 28 are spaced 5 cm from their respective seals 30 and 32, and no electrical contact occurs within this area.

[0057] Cable 26 passes through an opening 34 in one half of housing 16, specifically housing half 18. Adjacent to but separate from opening 34, housing 16 has another opening 36 through which another cable 28 passes, and this other opening has the same structure as opening 34. In the assembled state, two seals 30, 32 are fitted into their respective openings 34, 36. Figure 3 As shown, these seals are outside the openings 34, 36, since the drive unit 14 has been partially removed from the housing 16.

[0058] exist Figure 4 The two seals 30 and 32 in their assembled state are shown from the outside of the housing 16, and in... Figure 5 The diagram is shown in cross-section. The two openings 34 and 36 have identical structures and both have a hollow cylindrical portion 38 that transitions to the bottom 40. This hollow cylindrical portion constitutes the portion of the respective openings 34 and 36 that terminates on the outside of the housing 16. In summary, each opening 34 and 36 is hollow cylindrical and has a corresponding bottom 40. Each bottom 40 has a recess 42, which is circular and concentric with the axis of the corresponding hollow cylindrical portion 38. Here, the area of ​​the structurally identical recess 42 is smaller than the other cross-sections of the corresponding openings 34 and 36.

[0059] Each seal 30, 32 has a hollow cylinder 44 that protrudes through each opening 42. Thus, each seal 30, 32 protrudes through its respective opening 48. Here, the portion of the corresponding seal 30, 32 located on the outside of the housing 16 is designed to be widened and truncated, thereby forming an undercut 46. In other words, each seal 30, 32 has an undercut 46 by means of which covers its respective bottom 40.

[0060] Each seal 30, 32 also has three sealing lips 48 arranged inside the hollow cylindrical portion 38 and concentric with the axis of the corresponding hollow cylinder 44, surrounding the outer side of the hollow cylinder. The radius of the sealing lips 48 is larger than the radius of the opening 42, so that they cannot pass through the corresponding opening 42. All sealing lips 48 circumferentially conform to the respective edges 50 of the corresponding openings 34, 36. In summary, each seal 30 has a hollow cylinder 44 spaced apart from the edges 50 of its respective openings 34, 36. Furthermore, outwardly projecting sealing lips 48 are connected to the hollow cylinder 44, conforming to their respective edges 50.

[0061] The sealing lips 48 are offset from each other along the axis of the respective hollow cylinder 44, which is concentric with the axis of their respective openings 34, 36. The sealing lip 48 of each seal 30, 32 with the smallest distance from its corresponding bottom 40 is designed as a disc. The other two sealing lips 48 of each seal 30, 32 are designed as truncated cones, like plugs. These two sealing lips achieve a relatively strong force engagement with the housing 16, thereby holding each seal 30, 32 together with the snap fastener 46 in its respective opening 34, 36 without any additional securing means. In other words, a corresponding seal 30, 32 is inserted into each opening 34, 36, through which the respective cables 26, 28 are circumferentially sealed against the edge 50 of the opening 34, 36. Here, the additional cable 28 is assigned to the additional opening 36 and the additional seal 32.

[0062] The ends of the two cables 26 and 28 are led to a common plug-in connector 52 inside the housing 16. Here, in the assembled state, the plug-in connector 52 is inserted into the corresponding mating plug-in connector of the motor 22.

[0063] exist Figure 6The diagram illustrates a method 54 for manufacturing an auxiliary unit 12. In a first working step 56, pre-assembled cables 26, 28 are provided, with their ends led to and secured to a plug-in connector 52. Each cable 26, 28 is also secured with its respective seal 30, 32. A housing 16 or at least a housing half 18 having two openings 34, 36 is also provided.

[0064] In the subsequent second working step 58, the free ends of each cable 26, 28 opposite to the plug-in connector 52 are passed from the inside of the housing 16 through their respective openings 34, 36. Then, the cables 26, 28 are continued to be pulled until the corresponding seals 30, 32 enter their respective openings 34, 36. When the buckle 46 touches the bottom 40, the force required to continue moving the cables 26, 28 is increased to cause the buckle 46 to elastically deform and pass through the opening 42. Once the cable has been pulled past the corresponding opening 42, the buckle 46 is released again. Due to the truncated cone design, reverse movement is not possible by simply pulling the cables 26, 28 deeply. The sealing lips 48, which fit forcefully against their respective edges 50, prevent the seals 30, 32 from continuing to move through their respective openings 42. In summary, each seal 30, 32 is thus fitted into its respective opening 34, 36, and each cable 26, 28 is circumferentially sealed against the edge 50 of the corresponding opening 34, 36 via its respective seal 30, 32.

[0065] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, those skilled in the art can derive other variations of the invention without departing from its subject matter. Furthermore, in particular, all the individual features described in connection with the embodiments can be combined with each other in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

[0066] List of reference numerals

[0067] 2 motor vehicles

[0068] 4 wheels

[0069] 6-body

[0070] 8 doors

[0071] 10 boards

[0072] 12 auxiliary units

[0073] 14 drive units

[0074] 16-shell

[0075] 18 shell halves

[0076] 20 screws

[0077] 22 electric motors

[0078] 24-speed transmission

[0079] 26 cable

[0080] 28. Other cables

[0081] 30 seals

[0082] 32. Additional seals

[0083] 34 openings

[0084] 36. Other openings

[0085] 38 hollow cylindrical sections

[0086] 40 bottom

[0087] 42. Empty section

[0088] 44 Hollow Cylinder

[0089] 46 down

[0090] 48 sealing lip

[0091] 50 edge

[0092] 52-push-out connector

[0093] 54 methods

[0094] 56 First Working Step

[0095] 58 Second working step

Claims

1. An auxiliary unit (12) for a motor vehicle (2) having a drive unit (14) disposed in a housing (16), the drive unit being electrically connected to a cable (26) passing through an opening (34) in the housing (16), wherein, A seal (30) is inserted into the opening (34), through which the cable (26) is circumferentially sealed against the edge (50) of the opening (34).

2. The auxiliary unit (12) according to claim 1. Its features are, The housing (16) meets a protection rating of at least IP 67.

3. The auxiliary unit (12) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The cable (26) protrudes at least 2 cm from the seal (30) on both sides.

4. The auxiliary unit (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The opening (34) is a hollow cylinder and has a blank (42) at the bottom (40), the area of ​​which is smaller than the other cross-sections of the opening (34).

5. The auxiliary unit (12) according to claim 4. Its features are, The seal (30) protrudes through the opening (42).

6. The auxiliary unit (12) according to claim 5. Its features are, The seal (30) has a buckle (46) that covers the bottom (40).

7. The auxiliary unit (12) according to any one of claims 4 to 6. Its features are, The seal (30) has a hollow cylinder (44) spaced apart from the edge (50) of the opening (34) and an outwardly protruding sealing lip (48) connected to the hollow cylinder, the sealing lip fitting against the edge (50).

8. The auxiliary unit (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Its features Such an additional cable (28), the additional cable being provided with such an additional opening (36) and such an additional seal (32), wherein the two cables (26, 28) are provided with a common plug-in connector (52) at their ends.

9. The auxiliary unit (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Its features are, The seal (30) is fixed to the cable (26).

10. A method (54) for manufacturing the auxiliary unit (12) according to claim 9, wherein, Pass the free end of the cable (26) through the opening (34) and continue pulling until the seal (30) is inserted into the opening (34) and the cable (26) is circumferentially sealed against the edge (50) of the opening (34).

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