Drive system for a functional device of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Drive system (5) for a functional device (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one drive element (6) rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (7) in a drive housing (8, 8') and – in a ready-to-use assembled state – operatively connected to a drive motor (9) for torque transmission, at least one longitudinally extended drive transmission train (10) extending into the drive housing (8, 8') through a passage (11, 11a) and engaging the drive element (6), wherein the drive transmission train (10) is translationally displaceable by means of a rotation of the drive element (6) about the axis of rotation (7) for the transmission of drive forces to an output element (12) associated with the functional device (1), and comprising at least one train sleeve (14) which is inserted at one end into the passage (11, 11a) and encloses the drive transmission train (10) at least in the region of the passage (11, 11a) envelops,characterized in that at least one sealing element (15, 15a) associated with the strand shell (14) is provided, which interacts fluid-tight with the strand shell (14) at its inner circumference (16) and fluid-tight with a channel wall (18, 18a) of the passage channel (11, 11a) at its outer circumference (17), whereby the drive housing (8, 8') is fluid-tightly sealed against the ingress of moisture through the passage channel (11, 11a) by means of the sealing element (15, 15a).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drive system for a functional device of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one drive element which is mounted in a drive housing so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and - in a ready-to-use assembled state - is operatively connected to a drive motor in a torque-transmitting manner, at least one elongated drive transmission train which extends through a passageway of the drive housing into the same and engages the drive element, wherein the drive transmission train is translationally displaceable by means of a rotation of the drive element about the axis of rotation in order to transmit drive forces to an output element assigned to the functional device, and comprising at least one train sheath which is inserted at one end into the passageway and encloses the drive transmission train at least in the region of the passageway.

[0002] Such a drive system is known from DE 101 23 420 A1 and is intended for an adjustable closing element of a vehicle roof. The known drive system is designed as a cable drive system and accordingly has a drive element in the form of a cable drum that is mounted in a drive housing, referred to as a cable drum housing, for rotation about an axis of rotation. Furthermore, the known drive system has an elongated drive transmission line in the form of a traction cable line that extends through a passageway in the cable drum housing and engages the cable drum. The traction cable line also engages the closing element of the vehicle roof and can be translationally displaced by rotating the cable drum to transmit drive forces to the closing element. Furthermore, the known drive system has a line sleeve, referred to as a sleeve.The sleeve is inserted at one end into the passage channel of the cable drum housing and encloses the pulling cable harness at least in the area of ​​the passage channel.

[0003] JP 2015-227686 A discloses a mechanism for absorbing impact energy for a motor vehicle sliding door. The mechanism comprises a housing and an elastic component accommodated in the housing.

[0004] US 2010 / 0180508 A1 discloses a device for opening and closing a motor vehicle door. The device comprises a drive system in the form of a cable pull system with a cable drum and a cable strand.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a drive system of the type mentioned above which has improved properties compared to the prior art.

[0006] This object is achieved in that at least one sealing element is provided which is assigned to the strand casing and which interacts in a fluid-tight manner with the strand casing on its inner circumference and with a channel wall of the passage channel on its outer circumference, whereby the drive housing is sealed in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing element against the penetration of moisture through the passage channel. The solution according to the invention can prevent the penetration of moisture into the drive housing and the associated impairment of the drive system. For this purpose, the sealing element assigned to the strand casing is provided according to the invention. The inner circumference of the sealing element interacts in a fluid-tight manner with the strand casing and the outer circumference of the sealing element interacts in a fluid-tight manner with the channel wall of the passage channel. As a result, a gap extending between the strand casing and the channel wall is sealed in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing element.Preferably, the drive housing and / or said gap is sealed fluid-tight by means of the sealing element, meaning it is watertight according to protection class IP66, IP67 or IP68. The drive transmission line is preferably designed to be tensile-resistant and flexible and is intended to transmit tensile forces to the output element of the functional device. The line casing is preferably flexible and pressure-resistant. The line casing serves to support and slidably guide the drive transmission line. The line casing extends axially at one end into the passage channel of the drive housing. The passage channel extends between an outer side and an inner side of the drive housing. The drive transmission line engages the drive element with friction and / or form-fitting engagement. The drive transmission line can in particular be designed as a cable, pull cable, Bowden cable or chain pull.Accordingly, the drive element can be designed, in particular, as a cable drum, Bowden cable drum, chain wheel, or pinion. The at least one sealing element is preferably made of a flexible material, preferably an elastomeric plastic material. The sealing element is preferably arranged coaxially with the cable sheath and / or the passage channel. The drive system is provided for a functional device of a motor vehicle, which can be designed, in particular, in the form of a fuel tank flap device, an openable vehicle roof, a cargo space cover, a cargo space partition net, a shading device, or the like.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, the sealing element is formed integrally with the strand casing. This allows for particularly simple assembly of the drive system. Due to the integral design with the strand casing, the sealing element is securely held to the strand casing and can be inserted together with it into the passage channel of the drive housing.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing element is formed from a plastic material that is integrally molded onto the outer surface of the strand casing. This enables particularly simple and cost-effective production. At the same time, assembly is simplified, since the sealing element, due to the integral connection with the outer surface of the strand casing, can be inserted into the passage channel together with the strand casing. This eliminates the need for separate handling of the sealing element during assembly.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing element has at least one first annular section extending radially between the strand casing and the channel wall and circumferentially extending therearound, the outer periphery of which forms a first sealing lip that interacts fluid-tight with the channel wall. This design of the sealing element achieves a simple construction while still providing reliable sealing. The annular section has a circular ring and / or circular disk shape. The outer periphery of the annular section contacts the channel wall circumferentially and thus forms the first sealing lip.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first ring section is inclined obliquely towards an outer side of the passage channel, whereby pressure applied to the passage channel from the outer side causes the sealing lip to be pressed more strongly against the channel wall. The outer side of the passage channel faces away from an inner side of the passage channel in the axial direction, the latter opening into a receiving space of the drive housing which accommodates the at least one drive element. Due to the inclination of the first ring section towards the outer side, the sealing element has a bulbous, concave and / or curved shape in sections, at least in the region of the first ring section. The pressure applied from the outer side therefore causes a radial force component on the first ring section and thus also on the first sealing lip. The first sealing lip is thus pressed more strongly against the channel wall in the radial direction.In other words, in this embodiment of the invention, the sealing element has a self-reinforcing sealing effect.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing element has at least one second ring section arranged axially spaced from the first ring section, the outer circumference of which second ring section forms a second sealing lip that interacts with the channel wall in a fluid-tight manner. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention. The first ring section and the second ring section are preferably designed uniformly, preferably identically, to one another. The same preferably applies to the first sealing lip and the second sealing lip. This embodiment of the invention makes it possible to achieve an improved and / or redundant sealing effect compared to a design with only one ring section and thus also only one sealing lip.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one holding element is provided which is assigned to the strand casing and which, on its inner circumference, interacts with the strand casing in a force-transmitting manner and, on its outer circumference, positively engages with the channel wall of the passage channel, whereby the strand casing is positively secured to the drive housing by means of the holding element. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly simple fastening of the strand casing to the drive housing. On its inner circumference, the holding element can interact with the strand casing in a form-fitting, non-positive and / or material-fitting manner. On its outer circumference, the holding element interacts with the channel wall in a form-fitting manner. The form-fitting engagement acts at least in the axial direction of the passage channel and / or in the axial direction of the strand casing.The at least one holding element and the at least one sealing element are preferably fixed immovably relative to the strand casing and thus also relative to each other at least in the axial direction.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is formed integrally with the strand casing. This enables particularly simple assembly. The integral design with the strand casing ensures that the retaining element is securely attached to the strand casing and can be inserted into the passage channel together with the casing.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is formed from a plastic material that is integrally molded onto an outer surface of the strand casing. This enables particularly simple and cost-effective production, while simultaneously simplifying assembly. The at least one retaining element is preferably made of a dimensionally stable plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic polymer.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is arranged in the axial direction in front of the sealing element, starting from an outer side of the passage channel. This protects the sealing element from direct influences emanating from the outer side of the passage channel. In particular, coarse dust, dirt, direct water jets, or the like, are prevented from directly contacting the sealing element. Rather, such influences are kept away from the sealing element by means of the retaining element arranged outwardly in the axial direction. The combined arrangement of the retaining element and the sealing element enables a further improved sealing effect and prevents impairment of the sealing element. This embodiment of the invention is therefore particularly advantageous.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the strand casing can be positively secured to the drive housing by means of the holding element at least in a first holding position and in a second holding position axially spaced from the first holding position, wherein the sealing element interacts with the channel wall in a fluid-tight manner in the first holding position and in the second holding position. This embodiment of the invention makes it possible to compensate for manufacturing and / or operational-related length differences in the strand casing and thus also in the drive transmission strand enclosed by the strand casing. This is because the strand casing can be positioned differently in the axial direction relative to the drive housing, namely in the first holding position or the second holding position, on the drive housing. The sealing element interacts with the channel wall in a fluid-tight manner in each of the holding positions.In this embodiment of the invention, the sealing element preferably has a plurality of ring sections, namely at least the first ring section and the second ring section. In the different holding positions, the plurality of ring sections can simultaneously interact with the channel wall in a fluid-tight manner. Alternatively, in the different holding positions, different ring sections can be disengaged from the channel wall, with at least one of the ring sections remaining in fluid-tight contact with the channel wall.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the holding element has at least one first profile section which, in the first holding position, cooperates in an axially positive fit with a complementary first counter-profile section of the channel wall and which, in the second holding position, cooperates in an axially positive fit with an axially spaced-apart complementary second counter-profile section of the channel wall. The at least first profile section can in particular be a radial protrusion or a radial depression. For example, the first profile section can be designed as a circular ring or circular disk. The first profile section is preferably oriented coaxially to the strand casing and / or the passage channel. The counter-profile sections of the channel wall are correspondingly complementary and thus preferably each designed as a radial elevation or radial depression.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first profile section and the first counter-profile section and / or the first profile section and the second counter-profile section interact to form a meandering sealing gap, which has a sealing effect in addition to that of the sealing element. This is a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. This is because the retaining element and the channel wall form a type of labyrinth seal in the region of the first profile section, the first counter-profile section, and / or the second counter-profile section. This is formed by the meandering sealing gap. This allows a further improved sealing effect to be achieved.

[0019] The invention also relates to a functional device, in particular a tank flap device, for a motor vehicle, with at least one functional element, in particular a tank flap element, which can be displaced in an adjustable manner between a first position and a second position, and with a drive system according to the preceding description, the drive transmission train of which is operatively connected to the functional element, in particular the tank flap element, for the driven displacement of the functional element.

[0020] Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a functional device according to the invention in the form of a tank flap device with a tank flap element which can be displaced in an adjustable manner by means of an embodiment of a drive system according to the invention and which assumes a release position, Fig. 2 a further perspective view of the tank flap device according to Fig. 1 in a direction of view directed towards a rear side, wherein the tank flap element assumes a covering position, Fig. 3 an enlarged, perspective detailed view of the tank flap device according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the area of ​​a drive housing of the drive system, with an upper housing shell of the drive housing being hidden in the drawing, Fig. 4 an enlarged longitudinal section in an area IV according to Fig. 3 and thus in the area of ​​a strand casing inserted into a passage channel of the drive housing at the front end, Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a drive system according to the invention, wherein the drive system is shown only in sections in the region of the passage channel of the drive housing and with individual components and / or sections omitted from the drawing, and Fig. 6 the drive system according to Fig. 5 in one of the Fig. 5 corresponding section-wise representation in a radial direction towards the passage channel.

[0021] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a functional device in the form of a fuel filler flap device 1 for a passenger car is provided. The fuel filler flap device 1 has a fuel filler flap element 2, which can be moved in a manner described in more detail between a release position ( Fig. 1) and a covering position ( Fig. 2) is driven and movable. The passenger car in this case is an electrically powered passenger car, so that the fuel tank flap device 1 can also be referred to as a loading flap device and the fuel tank flap element 2 can also be referred to as a loading flap element.

[0022] The loading flap device 1 is assigned to a loading recess area of ​​the passenger car (not shown in detail), in which an electrical charging socket is arranged in a basically known manner. Fig. 1, the charging flap element 2 releases the charging recess area, so that the charging socket is accessible from the outside for establishing a charging connection. In the release position ( Fig. 1), the loading flap element 2 is pivoted outwards about a pivot axis not further specified and protrudes approximately at a right angle from the loading trough area. In contrast, the loading trough area is in the covering position ( Fig. 2) is covered by the loading flap element 2, making it inaccessible from the outside. In the covered position, the loading flap element 2 is essentially aligned with the body sections of the passenger car surrounding the loading recess area. A covering or paneling can be attached to an outer side of the loading flap element 2, which is adapted to the surrounding body sections in terms of its color and / or design.

[0023] In the embodiment shown, the charging flap device 1 has a support structure 3, which, in a ready-to-use state, is mounted on the vehicle side in the area of ​​the charging recess. The support structure 3 defines a charging opening 4, behind which, in the ready-to-use state, the charging socket is arranged. The charging opening 4 is exposed in the release position and covered in the cover position by the charging flap element 2. In the embodiment shown, the charging flap element 2 is pivotable relative to the support structure 3 between the cover and release positions and, for this purpose, is mounted on the support structure 3 so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis. The support structure 3 is assembled from several plastic injection-molded components (not designated in more detail), although this is not necessarily the case.

[0024] For the driven displacement of the loading flap element 2 between the covering and the release position, the loading flap device 1 has a drive system 5. The drive system 5 has a drive element 6 ( Fig. 3), which is rotatable about a rotation axis 7 in a drive housing 8 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2) stored and - in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in the ready-to-use state - is operatively connected to a drive motor 9 in a torque-transmitting manner. In the embodiment shown, the drive motor 9 is designed as an electric motor and is connected in a generally known manner to an electrical system of the passenger car and can be controlled via a control device of the passenger car. Furthermore, the drive system 5 has an elongated drive transmission line 10 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4), which is connected by a passage 11 ( Fig. 4) of the drive housing 8 extends into the drive housing 8 and engages the drive element 6. In this way, the drive transmission train 10 is translationally displaceable by means of a rotation of the drive element 6 about the axis of rotation 7 in order to transmit drive forces to an output element 12 that is operatively connected to the loading flap element 2 in a force-transmitting manner. In the embodiment shown, the output element 12 is mounted in an output housing 13 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis not designated in more detail. In addition, the drive system 5 has a train casing 14, which is inserted at one end into the passage duct 11 and encloses the drive transmission train 10 at least in the region of the passage duct 11 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4).

[0025] The drive system 5 also has a sealing element 15 associated with the strand casing 14 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4), which interacts fluid-tightly with the strand casing 14 on its inner circumference 16 and fluid-tightly with a channel wall 18 of the passage channel 11 on its outer circumference 17. As a result, the drive housing 8 is sealed fluid-tightly by means of the sealing element 15 against the penetration of moisture through the passage channel 11.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the drive system 5 is a cable drive system. Accordingly, the drive transmission line 10 is a cable line. The drive element 6 is a drive cable drum.

[0027] The cable strand 10 engages the drive cable drum 6 in a basically known manner to transmit force. At the same time, the cable strand 10 engages the said output element 12, which in this case is designed as a driven cable drum. In the embodiment shown, the cable strand 10 forms a closed loop that extends between the drive cable drum 6 and the driven cable drum 12. However, such a closed loop design is not mandatory. As will be further shown in particular with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the cable strand 10 is laid along a laying path (not further specified) within an installation space available on the motor vehicle side between the drive cable drum 6 and the driven cable drum 12. By means of a driven rotation of the drive cable drum 6 about the rotation axis 7, the cable strand 10 can thus be displaced translationally along the laying path and runs virtually endlessly around the drive cable drum 6 and the driven cable drum 12. In this way, a torque of the drive motor 9 can be transmitted via the drive cable drum 6 to the cable strand 10 and from there via the driven cable drum 12 - in a manner not further apparent - to displace the loading flap element 2 onto the same.

[0028] Due to the present design of the rope strand 10 as a closed loop, the rope strand 10 has a first strand 19 and a second strand 20 ( Fig. 3). Depending on the direction of rotation of the drive cable drum 6, the first strand 19 can also be referred to as the load strand and the second strand 20 as the slack strand, or vice versa. Starting from a clockwise rotation of the drive cable drum 6 around the rotation axis 7, the cable strand 10 runs through the passage channel 11 into the drive housing 8 in the area of ​​the first strand 19 and runs out of the drive housing 8 through a further passage channel (not specified) in the area of ​​the second strand 20. In this case, the cable strand 10 is correspondingly enclosed by a further strand sheath (not specified) in the area of ​​the second strand 20. Since their design and function in the area of ​​the drive housing 8 corresponds to the strand sheath 14 of the rope strand 10, in order to avoid repetition, only the rope strand 10 in the area of ​​the first run 19 and the design of the strand sheath 14 there as well as the passage channel 11 and in this respect to the Fig. Reference is made to area IV shown in Figure 3. The above statements apply mutatis mutandis to the area of ​​the strand casing in the second strand 20 extending from the drive housing 8.

[0029] The rope strand 10 is intended for transmitting tensile forces and is designed to be flexible and tensile-resistant in a generally known manner. For this purpose, the rope strand 10 can, for example, be twisted together from fibers or wires or be designed like a cable.

[0030] The strand sheath 14 serves to support and guide the cable strand 10 during its translational displacement along the installation path. In this case, the strand sheath 14 is designed to be flexible and rigid. For example, the strand sheath 14 can be made of a sufficiently dimensionally stable plastic.

[0031] In the embodiment shown, the drive housing 8 has a lower housing shell 8a and an upper housing shell 8b ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2), which are joined by unspecified screw connections. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the drive housing 8 is shown with the upper housing shell 8b omitted. In the embodiment shown, the passage channel 11 extends between an outer side A and an inner side I in the region of a joint (not further designated) between the lower housing shell 8a and the upper housing shell 8b.

[0032] How to proceed based on Fig. 4, the strand casing 14 is inserted coaxially into the passage channel 11. The sealing element 15 is oriented coaxially to the strand casing 14 and thus also coaxially to the passage channel 11. In the embodiment shown, the sealing element 15 is arranged in the axial direction on an end region of the strand casing 14 facing the inner side I and is firmly connected to the strand casing 14 in a manner described in more detail below.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the density element 15 is integrally connected to an outer circumferential surface 21 of the strand sleeve 14. For this purpose, the density element 15 is injection-molded from a plastic material K onto the outer circumferential surface 21. Thereby, an integrally connected design of the strand sleeve 14 with the density element 15 is achieved.

[0034] As further shown with reference to Fig. 4, the density element 15 has a first annular section 22 which extends in the radial direction R of the strand sleeve 14 between the strand sleeve 14, more precisely: the outer circumferential surface 21, and the channel wall 18 and runs in the circumferential direction. The outer circumference thereof forms a first sealing lip 23. The first sealing lip 23 is oriented in the radial direction R against the channel wall 18 and acts fluid-tight together with the same.

[0035] The annular section 22 has an essentially circular-ring and / or circular-disk shape ( Fig. 3). Here, the ring section 22 is inclined axially in the direction towards the outer side A. In other words, the ring section 22 is designed to be concave, spherical and / or convex with respect to the outer side A. Therefore, an external pressure applied to the through-channel 11 from the outer side A results in an increased pressing of the sealing lip 23 against the channel wall 18. Thus, one can also speak of a self-reinforcing sealing effect of the sealing element 15.

[0036] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a holding element 24 is provided associated with the strand casing 14. The holding element 24 cooperates at its inner circumference 25 with the strand casing 14, more precisely: its outer circumferential surface 21, in a force-transmitting manner, and at its outer circumference 26 with the channel wall 18 of the passage channel 11. In this way, the strand casing 14 is secured to the drive housing 8 in a form-fitting manner by means of the holding element 24.

[0037] The holding element 24 is arranged coaxially to the strand casing 14 and thus also coaxially to the passage channel 11 and / or the sealing element 14.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the holding element 24 is made of a plastic material K'. The plastic material K' is injection-molded onto the outer surface 21 of the strand casing 14 to form the holding element 24. As a result, the strand casing 14 and the holding element 24 are integrally connected.

[0039] For the positive connection with the drive housing 8, the holding element 24 in the present case has a profiling 27, 28 formed on the outer circumference 26, which interacts with a complementary counter-profiling 29, 30 of the passage channel 11 or the channel wall 18.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the holding element 24 has a first profile section 27 and a second profile section 28. The first profile section 27 and the second profile section 28 are arranged at a distance from one another in the axial direction. The passage channel 11 or its channel wall 18 accordingly has a first counter-profile section 29 and a second counter-profile section 30. The profile sections 27, 28 and the counter-profile sections 29, 30 interact in an axially positive manner.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the profile sections 27, 28 of the retaining element 24 are each designed as projections extending in the radial direction R. As a result, the profile sections 27, 28 each form a type of radial collar. The counter-profile sections 29, 30 are correspondingly designed as recesses in the channel wall 18 extending in the radial direction R. As a result, the counter-profile sections 29, 30 each form a circumferential groove in which the respective profile section 27, 28 is secured.

[0042] For the assembly of the strand casing 14 and the cable strand 10 guided therein, the strand casing 14 together with the holding element 24 and the sealing element 15 is inserted in a separated state of the housing lower shell 8a and the housing upper shell 8b in the radial direction R into the passage channel 11 which is then split in half (cf. Fig. 3). Thereafter, the drive housing 8 is closed by applying and screwing the housing upper shell 8b, whereby the holding element 24 and thus the strand casing 14 are held in the passage channel 11 in a form-fitting manner in the radial direction R.

[0043] How to proceed based on Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the retaining element 24 is arranged in the axial direction, starting from the outer side A, in front of the sealing element 15. As a result, the sealing element 15 is advantageously protected from direct external influences.

[0044] In addition, the first profile section 27 and the first counter-profile section 29 form a meandering sealing gap S that is deflected several times in the radial direction R and the axial direction. The sealing gap S continues in the axial and radial directions in the region of the second profile section 28 and the second counter-profile section 30. The meandering sealing gap S thus forms a type of labyrinth seal and has a sealing effect that is additional to that of the sealing element 15.

[0045] Based on the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, a further embodiment of a drive system according to the invention is shown only in sections in the area of ​​a passage channel 11a. To avoid repetition, only the essential differences of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown embodiment. The basic structure and function of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 apparent drive system agree with the one shown in the Fig. 1 to 4. What is said there regarding the drive system 5 applies mutatis mutandis with regard to the embodiment according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Significant differences concern the design of the holding element 24a and the sealing element 15a.

[0046] In contrast to the sealing element 15, the sealing element 15a has a plurality of ring sections 22a, 22b, 22c, namely a first ring section 22a, a second ring section 22b, and a third ring section 22c. These form, on their respective outer circumferences, a sealing lip that contacts the channel wall 18a of the passage channel 11a in a fluid-tight manner, namely a first sealing lip 23a, a second sealing lip 23b, and a third sealing lip 23c. The ring sections 22a to 22c and thus also the sealing lips 23a to 23c are arranged spaced apart from one another in the axial direction of the sealing element 15a. Otherwise, the ring sections 22a to 22c and the sealing lips 23a to 23c are identical in terms of their shape and dimensions in the embodiment shown.

[0047] The holding element 24a has a first profile section 27a and a second profile section 28a. The housing 8' in turn has a complementary counter-profiling in the region of the passage channel 11a, namely a first counter-profile section 29a and a second counter-profile section 30a.

[0048] In contrast to the drive housing 8, the drive housing 8' has a recess 31a arranged in the axial direction between the holding element 24a and the sealing element 15a. The recess 31a extends in the radial direction R in a groove-like manner in the circumferential direction both in the lower housing shell 8a' and in the upper housing shell (not shown) of the drive housing 8'. The recess 31a is coaxial with the holding element 24a and the sealing element 15a.

[0049] In contrast to the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 4, the strand sheath 14 of the embodiment according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 can be positively secured to the drive housing 8' in different holding positions by means of the holding element 24a. The sealing element 15a is always in fluid-tight contact with the channel wall 18a, regardless of the respective holding position.

[0050] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the strand casing 14, together with the holding element 24a and the sealing element 15a, assumes a first holding position. In this first holding position, the first profile section 27a interacts with the first counter-profile section 29a. The second profile section 28a interacts with the second counter-profile section 30a. At the same time, all sealing lips 23a to 23c are in contact with the channel wall 18a.

[0051] Alternatively, the strand casing 14 can be secured in a second holding position on the drive housing 8'. Alternatively, the strand casing 14 can be secured in a third holding position on the drive housing 8'. Both of the aforementioned holding positions are not shown in detail in the drawing and are explained in detail below.

[0052] In the second holding position, the strand casing 14, together with the holding element 24a and the sealing element 15a, is displaced inward in the axial direction compared to the first holding position. The first profile section 27a is in positive engagement with the second counter-profile section 30a. At the same time, the second profile section 28a is disengaged from the second counter-profile section 30a and instead is arranged in the recess 31a. As a result of this axial displacement, the third sealing lip 23c is displaced out of the passage channel 11a in the direction of the inner side I and is disengaged from the channel wall 18a. The first sealing lip 23a and the second sealing lip 23b are similarly displaced in the axial direction, but are still in fluid-tight contact with the channel wall 18a.

[0053] In the third holding position, the strand casing 14, together with the holding element 14a and the sealing element 15a, is displaced outwards in the axial direction compared to the first holding position. The second profile section 28a cooperates with the first counter-profile section 29a. The first profile section 27a is disengaged from the first counter-profile section 29a and is arranged axially outside the passage channel 11a on the outer side A. The first sealing lip 23a is accordingly displaced outwards in the axial direction and arranged in the recess 31a. The second sealing lip 23b and the third sealing lip 23c are displaced in the axial direction in the same way as the first sealing lip 23a, but are nevertheless in fluid-tight contact with the channel wall 18a.

Claims

[1] Drive system (5) for a functional device (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one drive element (6) which is mounted in a drive housing (8, 8') so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (7) and - in a ready-to-use assembled state - is operatively connected to a drive motor (9) in a torque-transmitting manner, at least one elongated drive transmission line (10) which extends through a passage channel (11, 11a) of the drive housing (8, 8') into the same and engages the drive element (6), wherein the drive transmission line (10) is translationally displaceable by means of a rotation of the drive element (6) about the axis of rotation (7) in order to transmit drive forces to an output element (12) assigned to the functional device (1), and comprising at least one line casing (14) which is inserted at one end into the passage channel (11, 11a) and surrounds the drive transmission line (10) at least in the region of the passage channel (11, 11a),characterized by that at least one sealing element (15, 15a) is provided which is assigned to the strand casing (14) and which cooperates in a fluid-tight manner with the strand casing (14) on its inner circumference (16) and with a channel wall (18, 18a) of the passage channel (11, 11a) on its outer circumference (17), whereby the drive housing (8, 8') is sealed in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing element (15, 15a) against the penetration of moisture through the passage channel (11, 11a). [2] Drive system (5) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sealing element (15, 15a) is formed integrally with the strand casing (14). [3] Drive system (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the sealing element (15, 15a) is formed from a plastic material (K) which is integrally molded onto an outer surface (21) of the strand casing (14). [4] Drive system (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the sealing element (15, 15a) has at least one first ring section (22, 22a) extending in the radial direction (R) between the strand casing (14) and the channel wall (18, 18a) and encircling in the circumferential direction, the outer circumference of which forms a first sealing lip (23, 23a) which interacts in a fluid-tight manner with the channel wall (18, 18a). [5] Drive system (5) according to claim 4, characterized by that the first ring section (22, 22a) is inclined obliquely in the direction of an outer side (A) of the passage channel (11, 11a), whereby a pressure load on the passage channel (11, 11a) emanating from the outer side (A) causes an increased pressing of the first sealing lip (23, 23a) against the channel wall (18, 18a). [6] Drive system (5) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized bythat the sealing element (15a) has at least one second ring section (22b) arranged axially spaced from the first ring section (22a), the outer circumference of which forms a second sealing lip (23b) which cooperates in a fluid-tight manner with the channel wall (18a). [7] Drive system (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one holding element (24, 24a) is provided which is assigned to the strand casing (14), which on its inner circumference (25) cooperates with the strand casing (14) in a force-transmitting manner and on its outer circumference (26) cooperates in a form-fitting manner with the channel wall (18, 18a) of the passage channel (11, 11a), whereby the strand casing (14) is fixed in a form-fitting manner to the drive housing (8, 8') by means of the holding element (24, 24a). [8] Drive system (5) according to claim 7, characterized by that the holding element (24, 24a) is formed integrally with the strand casing (14). [9] Drive system (5) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized bythat the holding element (24, 24a) is formed from a plastic material (K') which is integrally molded onto an outer surface (21) of the strand casing (14). [10] Drive system (5) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the holding element (24, 24a) is arranged in the axial direction in front of the sealing element (15, 15a) starting from an outer side (A) of the passage channel (11, 11a). [11] Drive system (5) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by that the strand casing (14) can be fixed in a form-fitting manner to the drive housing (8') by means of the holding element (24a) at least in a first holding position and in a second holding position axially spaced from the first holding position, wherein the sealing element (15a) interacts in a fluid-tight manner with the channel wall (18a) in the first holding position and in the second holding position. [12] Drive system (5) according to claim 11, characterized bythat the holding element (24a) has at least one first profile section (27a) which, in the first holding position, cooperates in an axially positive manner with a complementary first counter-profile section (29a) of the channel wall (18a), and which, in the second holding position, cooperates in an axially positive manner with an axially spaced-apart complementary second counter-profile section (30a) of the channel wall (18a). [13] Drive system (5) according to claim 12, characterized by that the first profile section (27a) and the first counter-profile section (29a) interact to form a meander-shaped sealing gap (S) which has a sealing effect in addition to the sealing element (15a). [14] Functional device (1) for a motor vehicle with at least one functional element (2) which can be displaced between a first position and a second position and with a drive system (5) according to one of the preceding claims, the drive transmission train (10) of which is operatively connected to the functional element (2) for the driven displacement of the latter.

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