LINK JOINT ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting joint arrangement for connecting a length-adjustable drive arrangement to a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for assembling a connecting joint arrangement according to claims 9 to 11, a drive arrangement for adjusting a locking element of a motor vehicle according to claim 12, a locking element arrangement according to claim 13, and a method for disassembling a connecting joint arrangement according to the preamble of claim 14.

[0002] Motorized adjustment of locking elements is of particular importance for increasing the comfort of motor vehicles. The term "locking element" is to be understood broadly here. It includes, for example, a tailgate, trunk lid, hood, side door, cargo door, window, sunroof, or similar components of a motor vehicle. The locking element can be pivotally mounted to the vehicle or coupled to it in the manner of a sliding door. The following discussion focuses on the application of adjusting a motor vehicle's tailgate.

[0003] Typically, drive systems for adjusting a locking element comprise a drive unit with a drive motor and a transmission, also known as an intermediate gearbox, as well as a feed mechanism downstream of the drive unit, in particular a spindle-spindle nut drive, to generate linear drive movements for opening and closing the locking element. The linear drive movements are transmitted to the locking element of the vehicle via a connecting joint assembly and to the rest of the vehicle via a further connecting joint assembly.

[0004] The known connecting joint assembly (EP 0 733 815 A2), from which the invention is based, is designed for connecting a length-adjustable drive assembly to a motor vehicle. The connecting joint assembly comprises a ball stud and a ball socket unit, the ball socket unit having a ball socket with a radially inner cavity for receiving the ball head of the ball stud. In the assembled state, the ball stud and the ball socket unit together form a ball joint. A locking clip is provided for securing the ball head in the ball socket, comprising a bracket section and two locking tongues connected to its ends. The locking tongues, extending at an angle from the bracket section, reach into the cavity through a corresponding opening formed in the ball socket.In the assembled state of the connecting joint assembly, i.e., when the ball head is located within the ball socket in the cavity, the two locking tongues engage behind the ball head on its side facing the bolt shaft and thus secure the ball bolt against being pulled out of the cavity in the opposite direction of insertion of the ball head. In the assembled state of the connecting joint assembly, the bracket section is locked to the ball socket unit and thus held securely in place. During disassembly, i.e., to remove the ball head from the ball socket, the locking mechanism between the bracket section and the ball socket unit can be released, and the locking clip can then be moved relative to the ball socket unit so that the locking tongues are guided out of the guides, thereby releasing the ball head. Connecting joint assemblies with locking clips are also known from WO 2020 / 220114 A1 or EP 0 413 623 A1.

[0005] One challenge is that releasing the locking mechanism of the bracket section with the ball socket unit during disassembly is particularly complex and usually requires a special tool. Simultaneously, the retaining clip must be completely separated from the ball socket unit to ensure that the ball head is released and can be removed from the socket. Disassembly thus results in a large number of individual parts for the user to reassemble.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing the known connecting joint arrangement in such a way that the disassembly of the connecting joint arrangement is simplified.

[0007] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0008] The fundamental principle is to connect the retaining clip to the ball socket assembly in such a way that the retaining clip remains securely attached to the ball socket assembly even in its disassembly position, where it releases the ball head. Disassembly of the connecting joint assembly therefore does not detach the retaining clip from the ball socket assembly, thus reducing the complexity of the disassembly process. The retaining clip and the ball socket assembly then form a functional unit even during disassembly of the connecting joint assembly.

[0009] Claim 2 defines a preferred engagement between the locking tongues and each chamfered guide section.

[0010] According to the embodiment of claim 3, the locking clip in its disassembly position has a greater distance along the geometric center line to the insertion opening than in its locking position, whereby the position of the locking clip can be easily identified.

[0011] According to claim 4, the locking clip is held in its locking position, thereby reducing or completely preventing noise generation between the locking clip and the ball socket unit in the locking position of the locking clip.

[0012] According to the further embodiment of claim 5, the locking clip can be moved into its disassembly position by a force acting on the shackle section, thereby ensuring a particularly simple transfer of the locking clip into its disassembly position. Claim 5 also defines a particularly preferred movement by which the locking clip can be moved into its disassembly position.

[0013] According to the preferred embodiment according to claim 6, the locking tongues are spaced so far apart from each other in the disassembly position that the ball head can be passed between the locking tongues in a particularly simple manner.

[0014] Claim 7 defines a particularly preferred embodiment of the stop surface which enables advantageous movement of the locking clip during the transition from its locking position to its disassembly position in the insertion direction and transversely thereto.

[0015] According to claim 8, the locking clip is held securely on the ball socket unit in its assembled state, thereby simplifying both the assembly and disassembly of the connecting joint unit.

[0016] According to claim 9, the locking clip can be inserted into the ball socket during pre-assembly in such a way that the locking clip is held securely in the ball socket unit, making the assembly of the connecting joint arrangement particularly easy.

[0017] According to the further preferred embodiment of claim 10, the use of a pre-assembly tool is provided for during pre-assembly, wherein the locking clip can be inserted into the ball socket unit in such a way that the locking clip is held securely in an assembly position on the ball socket unit. Pre-assembly can thus be carried out in a particularly simple manner. Pre-assembly can be further simplified if the removal of the pre-assembly tool from the inner cavity causes the locking clip to move into its locking position. Claim 10 also defines a particularly advantageous embodiment of the assembly tool in which it can be brought into engagement with the locking tongues and / or the locking sections in such a way that the locking tongues are moved away from each other when the locking clip is inserted into the ball socket unit.

[0018] According to the further preferred embodiment of claim 11, the retaining clip can be moved into its mounting position during the main assembly by moving the ball head in the insertion direction. A further movement of the ball head in the insertion direction then causes the ball head to penetrate the inner cavity of the ball socket. Following the main assembly, the retaining clip can be automatically moved into its locking position. The ball head can thus be inserted into the ball socket in a particularly simple manner and securely connected to it.

[0019] According to a further teaching according to claim 12, a drive arrangement for adjusting a locking element of a motor vehicle is claimed, comprising a drive unit, in particular a motor, and a feed gear downstream thereof for length adjustment of the drive arrangement, and comprising at least one proposed connecting joint arrangement by which the drive arrangement can be attached to the locking element or to the motor vehicle in the rest.

[0020] Reference may be made to all explanations regarding the proposed connection joint arrangement.

[0021] According to a further teaching according to claim 13, a locking element arrangement is claimed with a locking element to which a proposed drive arrangement and / or a proposed connecting joint arrangement is assigned.

[0022] Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed connection joint arrangement and the proposed drive arrangement.

[0023] According to a further teaching as per claim 14, a method for dismantling a connecting joint arrangement for connecting a length-adjustable drive arrangement to a motor vehicle, in particular to a locking element of the motor vehicle, is claimed.

[0024] Reference may be made to all explanations regarding the proposed connection joint arrangement.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the rear of a motor vehicle with a tailgate driven by a proposed drive arrangement, which in turn is connected to the tailgate and the rest of the motor vehicle via a proposed connecting joint arrangement. Fig. 2 shows a sectional side view of the drive arrangement according to Fig. 1 a) in a retracted position and b) in an extended position. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a ball socket unit of the connecting joint arrangement according to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 during pre-assembly a) with a pre-assembly tool at the beginning of pre-assembly, b) with the pre-assembly tool inserted into the inner cavity of the ball socket, c) at the beginning of inserting the retaining clip into the ball socket unit, d) during insertion of the retaining clip into the ball socket unit, and e) with the retaining clip inserted into the ball socket unit and in its pre-assembly position, Fig. 4 in a perspective view of the ball socket unit made of Fig. 1 during pre-assembly a) during the removal of the assembly tool from the inner cavity and the retaining clip in its assembly position, b) a side and a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 4a ) the ball socket unit shown, c) the locking clip located in its locking position at the end of pre-assembly, and d) a side and a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 4c ) ball socket unit shown, Fig. 5 the ball joint arrangement according to Fig. 1 during assembly of the ball joint assembly a) in a perspective view before inserting the ball head into the inner cavity, b) a side and a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 5a ) the ball joint assembly shown, c) the ball head engaging with the locking clip when the locking clip is moved into its mounting position, and d) a side and a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in Fig. 5c ) ball joint arrangement shown, Fig. 6 the ball joint arrangement according to Fig. 1 during the assembly of the ball joint assembly a) with the retaining clip in its assembly position, b) a side and cross-sectional view of the ball joint assembly from Fig. 6a ), c) at the end of the assembly with the locking clip in its locking position and d) a side and cross-sectional view of the ball joint assembly made of Fig. 6c ) and Fig. 7 the ball joint arrangement according to Fig. 1 during disassembly of the ball joint assembly a) before applying a disassembly force to the bracket section of the retaining clip, b) a side and cross-sectional view of the ball joint assembly from Fig. 7a ), c) the locking clip moved into an assembly position by applying a disassembly force to the bracket section and d) a side and cross-sectional view of the ball joint assembly made of Fig. 7c ).

[0026] The length-adjustable drive assembly 1 shown in the drawing is designed as a spindle drive and is assigned to a locking element assembly 2, for example a tailgate assembly, which in turn is equipped with a locking element 3, here a tailgate. The locking element assembly 2 is assigned to a motor vehicle 4, as shown. Fig. 1 shows.

[0027] The in Fig. 1 The drive arrangement 1 shown serves for the preferably motorized adjustment of the locking element 3, which is designed here by way of example as a tailgate. For a further understanding of the term "locking element" 3, reference may be made to the introductory part of the description. The invention will be explained below with reference to a locking element 3 designed as a tailgate, since, especially in this case, the comparatively high forces resulting from the weight of the locking element 3 necessitate a particularly high level of reliability of the drive arrangement 1.

[0028] The drive arrangement 1, designed as a spindle drive, is equipped with a motorized drive unit 5, which here and preferably comprises an electric drive motor 6 and a reduction gear 7 downstream of the drive motor 6, as shown in Fig. 2 As shown, a feed gear 8 for length adjustment of the drive arrangement 1 is connected downstream of the drive unit 5. The feed gear 8 is preferably designed as a spindle-spindle nut gear 9 with a geometric spindle axis A for generating linear drive movements between two connecting joint arrangements 10. The spindle-spindle nut gear 9 has, in a conventional manner, a spindle 11 and a spindle nut 12 in meshing engagement with it. Alternatively, the drive arrangement 1 can also be designed without a motor.

[0029] The drive arrangement 1 is located between the in Fig. 2a ) depicted locked position and the in Fig. 2b ) shown in the extended position, the spindle 11 is length-adjustable. Thus, in the embodiment chosen here, the spindle 11 of the Fig. 2 upper connecting joint arrangement 10 axially fixed, whereas the spindle nut 12 of the Fig. 2 The lower connecting joint assembly 10 is axially fixed and rotationally fixed. By actuating the drive unit 5, the spindle 11 is set into rotation and the spindle nut 12 is moved linearly relative to the spindle 11. A reverse arrangement with a rotationally fixed spindle 11 and a rotatable spindle nut 12 is also possible.

[0030] The drive arrangement 1 is in the Fig. 1 The assembled state shown is coupled to the locking element 3 on the one hand and to the motor vehicle 4 on the other hand via a drive mechanism. The drive arrangement 1 performs the adjustment of the locking element 3, here the tailgate, between the opening and the opening, preferably by motor, as described above. Fig. 1 The open position is shown, and the closed position is not shown. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the drive arrangement 1, shown here as an example of a spindle drive, can also be operated manually, meaning that the user can also open and / or close the locking element 3 manually. In principle, instead of a motorized drive unit 5, a purely power-driven drive unit 5 can also be provided, which effects the adjustment of the drive arrangement 1 from the retracted to the extended position solely via an energy storage device, such as a compression spring 13. Such a compression spring 13 is also provided in the illustrated embodiment, but here it serves to assist the motorized drive unit 5 in the movement from the retracted to the extended position.

[0031] At the in Fig. 1 In the illustrated and thus preferred embodiment, a total of two drive arrangements 1, here and preferably two spindle drives, are provided, which are arranged at two opposite edge regions of a closure element opening, here a tailgate opening. However, it is also possible in principle to provide only one such drive arrangement 1, which is then arranged, in particular, at one of the edge regions of the closure element opening.

[0032] As previously explained, the proposed drive arrangement 1 is connected to the locking element 3 of the motor vehicle 4 on the one hand and to the rest of the motor vehicle 4 on the other hand via two connecting joint arrangements 10. It is particularly preferred that only, or at least the connecting joint arrangement 10 connecting the drive arrangement 1 to the locking element 3 is designed in the manner described below. However, in principle, the other connecting joint arrangement 10 or both connecting joint arrangements 10 can also be designed in the manner described below.

[0033] The proposed connecting joint arrangement 10 has a ball stud 14, wherein the ball stud 14 has a ball head 15 and a stud shaft 16 with a connecting section 17 for attaching the ball stud 14 to the motor vehicle 4 or the drive arrangement 1, here to the locking element 3 or to the motor vehicle 4 in the remainder.

[0034] Furthermore, the proposed connecting joint assembly 10 has a ball socket unit 18 which, in the assembled state, forms a ball joint with the ball stud 14. The ball socket unit 18 has a ball socket 19 and a ball socket shaft 20 with a fastening section 21 for attaching the ball socket unit 18 to the motor vehicle 4 or the drive assembly 1, in each case to the drive assembly 1. The ball socket 19 has a geometric center axis M.

[0035] The ball socket 19 further comprises a radially inner cavity 22 for receiving the ball head 15, which is inserted in an axial insertion direction R along the geometric center axis M during the assembly of the ball joint. The inner cavity 22 has an insertion opening 23 for inserting the ball head 15 into the inner cavity 22. Here, and preferably, the geometric center axis M runs perpendicular to the insertion opening 23 of the ball socket 19. In addition, the ball socket 19 has several passages 24 leading from the outside into the inner cavity 22. The passages 24 extend from a radial outer surface of the ball socket 19 to the radially inner cavity 22. "Radial" here refers to the geometric center axis M of the ball socket 19, which is arranged coaxially with the insertion direction R.

[0036] Furthermore, the proposed connecting joint arrangement 10 has a locking clip 25 ( Fig. 3a )) for locking the ball head 15 in the ball socket 19 after assembly. The locking clip 25 in turn has a bracket section 26, preferably bent, and locking tongues 27 connected to it. Exactly two locking tongues 27 are provided here, each arranged at the end of the bracket section 26.

[0037] How in particular Fig. 3a As shown in Figure 2, the locking tongues 27 extend at an angle to the yoke section 26, so that the locking tongues 27 form a section of the locking clip 25 angled from the yoke section 26. The locking tongues 27 have, and preferably have, a straight course at least in sections. The locking clip 25 can be inserted into the ball socket 19 transversely to the geometric axis of the ball socket. Accordingly, the yoke section 26 and the locking tongues 27 associated with it extend along a plane E that runs transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the central axis M of the ball socket 19.

[0038] The locking clip 25 is preferably made of metal, in particular spring steel. Here, and preferably, the locking clip 25 is designed as a one-piece, wire-shaped locking clip, in particular made of spring wire. Instead of a wire-shaped locking clip 25, a band-shaped locking clip 25 can also be provided. In the latter case, the locking clip 25 can be designed as a stamped and bent part and / or as a single piece. "Band-shaped" means that the longitudinal extent of the locking clip 25 is greater than its width, which in turn is greater than its material thickness. The longitudinal extent is the extent from the free end of one locking tongue 27 across the bracket section 26 to the free end of the other locking tongue 27. The width is correspondingly the extent orthogonal to the longitudinal and thickness dimensions.

[0039] As the Fig. 6c As illustrated in Figure 2, the respective locking tongues 27 extend from the bracket section 26 through a corresponding passage 24 into the cavity 22. In the assembled state, the locking tongues 27 engage behind the ball head 15 on its side facing the bolt shaft 16, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 2 and Fig. 6a ) is shown. In this way, the ball stud 14 is secured against being pulled out of the cavity 22 in the opposite direction of insertion R. The locking clip 25 provides this locking effect, preferably on its own.

[0040] As through the transition from Fig. 7a ) to Fig. 7c ) can be seen, the retaining clip 25 is removed from a locking position during disassembly ( Fig. 7a )), in which the retaining clip 25 holds the ball head 15 in the ball socket 19, in a disassembly position ( Fig. 7c )), in which the ball stud 14 is detachable from the ball socket unit 18, is displaceable. In this context, "disassembly" means detaching the ball stud 14 from the ball socket unit 18. In this context, "displaceable" means that the retaining clip 25 is designed to be displaceable as a unit and not only section by section relative to the ball socket 19.

[0041] It is essential that the retaining clip 25 is securely held to the ball socket unit 18 in the disassembly position. This ensures that the retaining clip 25 remains reliably attached to the ball socket unit 18 even during disassembly, preventing it from detaching. This allows for particularly easy disassembly, for example, during repair and / or replacement work, without the risk of the retaining clip 25 being separated from the ball socket unit 18 and thus lost.

[0042] The safety clip 25 is in Fig. 3a The locking clip 25 is shown in its unmounted state. The term "unmounted state of the locking clip" 25 means, in this context, that the locking clip 25 is not connected to the ball socket unit 18. In the embodiment shown in the figures, which is preferred in this respect, at least one locking tongue 27 has a locking section 28 on its side facing away from the shackle section 26, the locking section 28 being angled substantially perpendicular to the locking tongue 27. According to the invention, the locking section 28 faces the other locking tongue 27. In the embodiment shown in the figures, which is preferred in this respect, it is further provided that both locking tongues 27 have a locking section 28 and that the two locking sections 28 face each other. This results in a uniformly designed locking mechanism to prevent the locking clip 25 from being lost from the ball socket unit 18, as will be explained below.

[0043] In its disassembly position, the locking clip 25 is held securely against the ball socket assembly 18. This secure attachment can be achieved particularly easily if, in the assembled state of the locking clip 25, the locking section 28 engages, or can be brought into engagement with, a stop surface 29 of the ball socket assembly 18 that is substantially directed outwards and away from the bracket section 26, such that the locking clip 25 is held securely against the ball socket assembly 18. The term "assembled state of the locking clip" refers here to the fact that the ball socket assembly 18 is connected to the locking clip 25, as will be explained below. The assembled state of the locking clip 25 is described in Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 , Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shown.

[0044] The stop surface thus forms an undercut which the locking section 28 engages, so that the locking clip 25 is positively locked against being released from the ball socket unit 18. The stop surface 29 interacts with the locking section 28 in such a way that the locking clip 25 cannot be released from the ball socket unit 18 by a force acting on the shackle section 26 in the opposite direction to that of the locking section 28. The locking clip 25 is then positively locked to the ball socket unit 18 and thus secured against being pulled out of it.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the locking tongues 27, in the assembled state of the locking clip 25, engage with a guide section 30 of the ball socket unit 18, and that the guide sections 30 are chamfered transversely to the geometric central axis M, thus forming a ramp-shaped section such that the distance between the two ramp-shaped guide sections 30 decreases along the geometric central axis M towards the insertion opening 23. This provides a simple and reliable means of transferring the locking clip 25 from its locking position to its disassembly position, as will be explained below. The ramp-shaped guide sections 30 are illustrated by example in Fig. 3a ) shown. This provides a simple and reliable way to move the locking clip 25 from its locking position to its disassembly position, as will be explained below. The ramp-shaped guide sections 30 are shown by way of example in Fig. 3a ) shown.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the locking clip 25 has a smaller distance to the insertion opening 23 in its locked position than in its disassembly position. The locked position of the locking clip 25 is in Fig. 6c) und Fig. 6d ) shown. As can be seen there, the locking tongues 27 each rest against a boundary surface 31, with each boundary surface 31 defining a ramp-shaped guide section 30 in the direction of the insertion opening 23. The locking clip 25 rests here, and preferably in its locking position, against the boundary surfaces 31 and is then arranged at the point of the ramp-shaped guide section 30 closest to the insertion opening 23. The boundary surface 31 prevents the locking clip 25 from being displaced further from its locking position against the insertion direction R.

[0047] In Fig. 6c) und Fig. 6d ) the locking clip 25 secures the ball head 15 against being removed from the inner cavity 22 of the ball socket unit 18, since in the locking position the maximum distance between the two locking tongues 27 is less than the diameter of the ball head 15.

[0048] A particularly secure connection between the ball stud 14 and the ball socket unit 18 can be achieved when the locking clip 25 is held in its locked position. Here, and preferably, it is provided that the locking tongues 27 bear against the guide sections 30 in the locked position such that the locking clip 25 is held in its locked position. The bearing of the locking tongues 27 against the guide sections 30 is achieved here, and preferably, by the locking tongues 27 being preloaded against each other in the locked position. The term "preloaded against each other" here means that each locking tongue 27 is tensioned in the direction of the other locking tongue 27. The locking tongues 27 then exert a force transverse to the geometric central axis M on the guide sections 30, thereby holding the locking clip 25 in the locked position against displacement along the geometric central axis M.

[0049] At the same time, the two locking sections 28 interact with the stop surface 29 in such a way that the locking clip 25 is held securely in its locking position against being pulled out along the plane E in the direction of the bracket section 26 from the ball socket unit 18.

[0050] Alternatively, it is also possible that the locking tongues 27 are not preloaded against each other in the locked position. Moving the locking clip 25 along the geometric central axis M in the insertion direction R then causes the locking tongues 27 to be preloaded against each other, thereby increasing the resistance to such movement and thus limiting and / or preventing it.

[0051] Here, and preferably, it is provided that the locking tongues 27 are pre-tensioned against each other in the disassembly position, so that the locking tongues 27 exert a force on the ramp-shaped guide sections 30 in the disassembly position. The ramp-shaped guide sections 30 are here, and preferably, shaped and designed such that the locking clip 25 is automatically moved into its locking position due to the mutually pre-tensioned locking tongues 27.

[0052] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the retaining clip 25 is secured by a disassembly direction D ( Fig. 7 The disassembly force acting on the bracket section 26 can bring the retaining clip into the disassembly position. The disassembly direction D is here, and preferably, substantially transverse to the insertion direction R, and in particular radial to the geometric center axis M of the ball socket 19. The retaining clip 25 can thus be moved into its disassembly position in a particularly simple manner by a disassembly force acting radially on the bracket section 26 in only one direction. This process is described in Fig. 7 shown in detail. The bracket section 26 can be grasped, for example with the aid of a tool 32, in particular a slotted screwdriver, as shown in Fig. 7a) und Fig. 7b ) is shown. By introducing a force into the shackle section 26 in disassembly direction D, which runs radially to the geometric center line of the ball socket unit 18 from the locking section 28 to the shackle section 26, the locking clip 25 is moved into its disassembly position. The disassembly position is shown in Fig. 7c) und Fig. 7d ) shown.

[0053] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the locking tongues 27 are pre-tensioned against each other in the disassembly position such that the locking clip 25 is automatically moved into its locking position after the disassembly force is removed. The locking clip 25 then advantageously assumes its locking position without the application of any external force.

[0054] An advantageous transfer of the retaining clip 25 into its disassembly position is achieved if the retaining clip 25 can be brought into its disassembly position by a movement along the geometric central axis M and a movement perpendicular to the geometric central axis M, as in the transition from Fig. 7b ) to Fig. 7d ) is illustrated. The movement perpendicular to the geometric central axis M causes the shackle section 26 to be moved radially away from the ball socket unit 18, thereby making the shackle section 26 increasingly accessible in the direction of the disassembly position, so that the retaining clip 25 can be held in its disassembly position in a particularly secure manner.

[0055] To facilitate the easy removal of the ball head 15 from the ball socket 19, it is preferably provided that the locking tongues 27 are spaced far enough apart in the disassembly position that the ball head 15 can be inserted between the two locking tongues 27. The ball head 15 can then be removed from the ball socket 19 with particularly little force in the opposite direction of insertion R.

[0056] The kinematics of the locking clip 25 described above during its transition from its locking position to its disassembly position can be implemented in a particularly simple manner if the stop surface 29 is chamfered transversely to the geometric central axis M, thus forming a ramp-shaped stop section 33 such that the distance between the ramp-shaped stop section 33 and the geometric central axis M increases in the direction of the insertion opening 23, such that the locking clip 25 can be moved into the disassembly position by a movement along the geometric central axis M and a movement transversely to the geometric central axis M. As by the transition of Fig. 7b ) to Fig. 7d As shown in the figure, the two locking sections 28 slide along the ramp-shaped stop section 33 when the locking clip 25 is moved from its locking position to its disassembly position, causing the locking clip 25 to move along the geometric central axis M in the insertion direction R and perpendicular to it.

[0057] Simultaneously, the two locking tongues 27 are moved along the ramp-shaped guide sections 30 such that the two locking tongues 27 are moved away from each other, thereby increasing the tension between the two locking tongues 27. If the locking clip 25 is removed from its position in Fig. 7c) und Fig. 7d ) the disassembly position shown is released, the tension of the two locking tongues 27 against each other causes the locking clip 25 to automatically move into its position in Fig. 7a) und Fig. 7b ) shown safety position is transferred.

[0058] The retaining clip 25 is held securely against loss during disassembly of the connecting joint assembly 10 on the ball socket unit 18, as described above. For easy assembly of the connecting joint assembly 10, it is preferably provided that the retaining clip 25 can be inserted into the ball socket unit 18 during pre-assembly of the connecting joint assembly 10 in a pre-assembly direction S, in particular transverse to the geometric center axis M, into a pre-assembly position in which the retaining clip 25 is held securely against loss in the ball socket unit 18. The pre-assembly of the connecting joint assembly 10 is carried out in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown in detail. The term "pre-assembly of the connecting joint arrangement" 10 refers in this case to the connection between the ball socket unit 18 and the retaining clip 25.

[0059] Here, and preferably, the pre-assembly position of the locking clip 25 is located in the insertion direction R between the locking position and the disassembly position, as can be seen from the overview of the Fig. 6d ) (Securing position), Fig. 3e ) (Pre-assembly position) and Fig. 7d ) (Disassembly position) can be identified.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in the figures, which is preferred in this respect, the retaining clip 25 can be inserted into the ball socket unit 18 using a pre-assembly tool 34 inserted into the inner cavity 22 of the ball socket 19. The transition from Fig. 3a ) to Fig. 3b As shown in Figure 1, a pre-assembly tool 34 is first inserted into the inner cavity 22 of the ball socket 19, preferably in the insertion direction R. Following this, the retaining clip 25 can be inserted into the through-holes 24 of the ball socket unit 18 in the assembly direction S. Fig. 3b) bis Fig. 3e )) until the safety clip 25 its in Fig. 3e ) has reached the pre-assembly position shown. In their pre-assembly position, the locking sections 28 engage with the stop surface 29 of the ball socket 19 in such a way, or can be brought into engagement with it in such a way, that the locking clip 25 is held securely on the ball socket unit 18.

[0061] Once the retaining clip 25 has reached its pre-assembly position, the pre-assembly tool 34 can be removed from the inner cavity 22. Pre-assembly can be carried out in a particularly simple manner if, as in Fig. 4 As shown, the removal of the pre-assembly tool 34 from the inner cavity 22 causes the locking clip 25 to move into its locked position. In the pre-assembly position, the locking tongues 27 are clamped against each other, so that after removal of the pre-assembly tool 34 ( Fig. 4a )) the ramp-shaped guide sections 30 slide along the geometric central axis M towards the insertion opening 23, thereby automatically moving the locking clip 25 into its locking position without the application of an external force.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in the figures, which is preferred in this respect, the pre-assembly tool 34 has two substantially radially outer guide surfaces 35 which, when the locking clip 25 is inserted into the ball socket unit 18, can each be brought into engagement with an associated locking tongue 27 and / or an associated locking section 28 such that the locking tongues 27 are moved away from each other when inserted into the ball socket unit 18, as shown in Fig. 3c) und Fig. 3d ) is shown. Thus, the retaining clip 25 can be connected to the ball socket unit 18 in a particularly simple manner, so that the retaining sections 28 with the stop surface 29 each form an undercut in a direction opposite to the mounting direction S, whereby the retaining clip 25 is secured to the ball socket unit 18 by pre-assembly in a loss-proof manner, as in the transition from Fig. 3d ) to Fig. 3e ) is shown.

[0063] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the locking clip 25 can initially be moved into an assembly position during the main assembly of the connecting joint assembly 10 by moving the ball head 15 in the insertion direction R into the inner cavity 22, that a further movement of the ball head 15 in the insertion direction R causes the ball head 15 to be inserted into the cavity 22 of the ball socket 19, and that the locking clip 25 can be automatically moved into its locking position after the main assembly. In this context, the term "main assembly" refers to the assembly of the connecting joint assembly 10 by connecting the ball socket unit 18 to the ball stud 14, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown.

[0064] The ball stud 14 can be inserted into the inner cavity 22 of the joint socket in the insertion direction R, as shown in Fig. 5a ) is indicated. During the insertion movement along the insertion direction R, the ball head 15 engages with the locking tongues 27 of the locking clip 25, which is in its locking position, in such a way ( Fig. 5c) und Fig. 5d )) that a further movement of the ball bolt 14 in the insertion direction R transfers the retaining clip 25 into its mounting position ( Fig. 6a) und Fig. 6b )) causes. In the assembly position, the two locking tongues 27 are spaced so far apart that the ball head 15 can be inserted between them. Once the ball head 15 has reached its intended position within the inner cavity 22 of the socket, no force acts on the locking tongues 27 in the insertion direction R. Due to the mutually preloaded locking tongues 27, they slide along the ball head 15 and / or the ramp-shaped guide sections 30 into their positions. Fig. 6c) und Fig. 6d ) shown locking position. In the locking position, the smallest distance between the two locking tongues 27 is less than the diameter of the ball head 15, so that the ball head 15 is held securely in the ball socket 19 by the geometry of the locking clip 25.

[0065] Here, and preferably, the assembly position is located along the geometric center line between the securing position and the disassembly position.

[0066] Here, and preferably, the pre-assembly position corresponds to the assembly position. However, it is also possible that the assembly position is located closer to the securing position than the pre-assembly position, or vice versa.

[0067] The ball head 15 can only be removed from the inner cavity 22 of the ball socket 19 against the insertion direction R during disassembly if the retaining clip 25 is in its disassembly position, as shown in Fig. 7c) und Fig. 7d ) is shown.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in the figures, which is preferred in this respect, the locking clip 25 is held securely against loss on the ball socket unit 18 when the connecting joint assembly 10 is assembled. Consequently, the locking clip 25 is held securely against loss on the ball socket unit 18 not only in its locking position, its assembly position, its pre-assembly position, and its disassembly position, but also as soon as the locking clip 25 is connected to the ball socket unit 18, i.e., in all positions between the locking position and the disassembly position.

[0069] It is essential that the retaining clip 25 is held securely on the ball socket unit 18 in the disassembly position.

[0070] Reference may be made to all explanations regarding the proposed connecting joint arrangement 10.

Claims

1. Connecting joint assembly for connecting a length-adjustable drive assembly (1) to a motor vehicle (4), in particular to a closure element (3) of the motor vehicle (4), wherein the connecting joint assembly (10) has a ball pin (14), wherein the ball pin (14) has a ball head (15) and a pin shaft (16) with a connecting section (17) for fastening the ball pin (14) to the motor vehicle (4) or to the drive assembly (1), wherein the connecting joint assembly (10) has a ball socket unit (18), which forms a ball joint with the ball pin (14) in the mounted state, wherein the ball socket unit (18) has a ball socket (19) with a geometric central axis (M) and a radially inner cavity (22) for receiving the ball head (15), which is inserted in an axial insertion direction (R), with an insertion opening (23) for inserting the ball head (15) into the inner cavity (22) and with a plurality of feedthroughs (24) leading from the outside into the cavity (22), wherein the ball socket unit (18) has a connecting section (17) for fastening the ball socket unit (18) to the drive assembly (1) or to the motor vehicle (4), wherein the connecting joint assembly (10) has a securing clip (25) for locking the ball head (15) in the ball socket (19), wherein the securing clip (25) has a bracket section (26) and locking tongues (27) connected thereto, wherein, in the mounted state, the respective locking tongue (27) extends from the bracket section (26) through a respectively assigned one of the feedthroughs (24) into the cavity (22), wherein the locking tongues (27) engage behind the ball head (15) in the mounted state on its side facing the pin shaft (16), wherein the securing clip (25) is displaceable, within the scope of a removal, from a securing position, in which the securing clip (25) holds the ball head (15) in the ball socket (19) and in which the securing clip (25) is held captively on the ball socket unit (18), into a removal position, in which the ball pin (14) is releasable from the ball socket unit (18), wherein the securing clip (25) is held captively in the removal position on the ball socket unit (18), wherein at least one locking tongue (27) on its side facing away from the bracket section (26) has a securing section (28) which is angled, substantially perpendicularly, from the locking tongue (27), wherein the securing section (28) faces the other locking tongue (27), characterized in that, in the mounted state of the securing clip (25), the securing section (28) is in engagement with a substantially outwardly directed stop surface (29) of the ball socket unit (18), the stop surface facing away from the bracket section (26), in such a way or can be brought into engagement in such a way, that the securing clip (25) is held captively on the ball socket unit (18).

2. Connecting joint assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the mounted state of the securing clip (25), the locking tongues (27) are in engagement with a respective guide section (30) of the ball socket unit (18), and in that the guide sections (30) are bevelled transversely with respect to the geometric central axis (M) and thus form a ramp-shaped guide section (30) in such a way that the distance between the two ramp-shaped guide sections (30) along the geometric central axis (M) decreases in the direction of the insertion opening (23).

3. Connecting joint assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the securing clip (25) in its securing position is at a smaller distance from the insertion opening (23) than in its removal position.

4. Connecting joint assembly according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the securing clip (25) is held in its securing position, and / or in that, in the securing position, the locking tongues (27) lie against the guide sections (30) in such a way that the securing clip (25) is held in its securing position, preferably in that the locking tongues (27) are braced against each other in the securing position, or in that the locking tongues (27) are not braced against each other in the securing position.

5. Connecting joint assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing clip (25) can be brought into the removal position by a removal force acting on the bracket section (26) in a removal direction (D), preferably in that, in the removal position, the locking tongues (27) are braced against each other in such a way that the securing clip (25) is automatically transferred into its securing position after the removal force ceases, or in that the securing clip (25) can be brought into its removal position by a movement along the geometric central axis (M) and a movement transversely with respect to the geometric central axis (M).

6. Connecting joint assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the removal position, the locking tongues (27) are spaced apart from each other in such a way that the ball head (15) can be guided between the two locking tongues (27).

7. Connecting joint assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop surface (29) is bevelled transversely with respect to the geometric central axis (M) and thus forms a ramp-shaped stop section (33) in such a way that the distance between the ramp-shaped stop section (33) and the geometric central axis (M) increases in the direction of the insertion opening (23) in such a way that the securing clip (25) can be brought into the removal position by a movement along the geometric central axis (M) and a movement transversely with respect to the geometric central axis (M).

8. Connecting joint assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the mounted state of the securing clip (25), the latter is held captively on the ball socket unit (18).

9. Method for mounting a connecting joint assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, within the scope of pre-assembly, the securing clip (25) is pushed into a pre-assembly position in the ball socket unit (18), in particular transversely with respect to the insertion direction (R), in such a way that the securing clip (25) is held captively in the ball socket unit (18).

10. Method for mounting a connecting joint assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in particular the method according to Claim 9, characterized in that, using a pre-assembly tool (34) introduced into the inner cavity (22) of the ball socket (19), the securing clip (25) is pushed into the ball socket unit (18), preferably in that the removal of the pre-assembly tool (34) from the inner cavity (22) causes the securing clip (25) to be transferred from its assembly position into its securing position, more preferably in that the pre-assembly tool (34) has two substantially radially outer guide surfaces (35) which can be brought into engagement in each case with an associated locking tongue (27) and / or an associated securing section (28), when the securing clip (25) is inserted into the ball socket unit (18), in such a way that the locking tongues (27) are moved away from each other on insertion into the ball socket unit (18).

11. Method for mounting a connecting joint assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in particular the method according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, within the scope of a main assembly of the connecting joint assembly (10), the securing clip (25) is firstly transferred into an assembly position by a movement of the ball head (15) in the insertion direction (R) into the inner cavity (22), in that a further movement of the ball head (15) in the insertion direction (R) causes the ball head (15) to be inserted into the cavity (22) of the ball socket (19), and in that the securing clip (25) is automatically transferred into its securing position following the ball pin assembly (14).

12. Drive assembly for adjusting a closure element (3) of a motor vehicle (4) with an, in particular motorized drive unit (5) and with a feed mechanism (8) connected downstream of the latter for adjusting the length of the drive assembly (1), and with at least one connecting joint assembly (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, by means of which the drive assembly (1) is furthermore fastenable to the closure element (3) or to the motor vehicle (4).

13. Closure element assembly with a closure element (3), which is assigned a drive assembly (1) according to Claim 12 and / or a connecting joint assembly (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

14. Method for removal of a connecting joint assembly (10) for connecting a length-adjustable drive assembly (1) to a motor vehicle (4), in particular to a closure element (3) of the motor vehicle (4), wherein the connecting joint assembly (10) has a ball pin (14), wherein the ball pin (14) has a ball head (15) and a pin shaft (16) with a connecting section (17) for fastening the ball pin (14) to the motor vehicle (4) or to the drive assembly (1), wherein the connecting joint assembly (10) has a ball socket unit (18), which forms a ball joint with the ball pin (14) in the mounted state, wherein the ball socket unit (18) has a ball socket (19) with a radially inner cavity (22) for receiving the ball head (15), which is inserted in an axial insertion direction (R), with an insertion opening (23) for inserting the ball head (15) into the inner cavity (22) and with a plurality of feedthroughs (24) leading from the outside into the cavity (22), wherein the ball socket unit (18) has a connecting section (17) for fastening the ball socket unit (18) to the drive assembly (1) or to the motor vehicle (4), wherein the connecting joint assembly (10) has a securing clip (25) for locking the ball head (15) in the ball socket (19), wherein the securing clip (25) has a bracket section (26) and locking tongues (27) connected thereto, wherein, in the mounted state, the respective locking tongue (27) extends from the bracket section (26) through a respectively assigned one of the feedthroughs (24) into the cavity (22), wherein the locking tongues (27) engage behind the ball head (15) in the mounted state on its side facing the pin shaft (16), wherein, in the mounted state, the securing clip (25) is displaced from a securing position, in which the ball head (15) is held in the ball socket (19) by the securing clip (25) and the securing clip (25) is held captively on the ball socket unit (18), into a removal position, in which the ball pin (14) is releasable from the ball socket unit (18), wherein the securing clip (25) is held captively in the removal position on the ball socket unit (18), wherein at least one locking tongue (27) on its side facing away from the bracket section (26) has a securing section (28) which is angled, substantially perpendicularly, from the locking tongue (27), wherein the securing section (28) faces the other locking tongue (27), characterized in that, in the mounted state of the securing clip (25), the securing section (28) is in engagement with a substantially outwardly directed stop surface (29) of the ball socket unit (18), the stop surface facing away from the bracket section (26), in such a way or can be brought into engagement in such a way, that the securing clip (25) is held captively on the ball socket unit (18).