DRIVE FOR ADJUSTING AN ADJUSTMENT ELEMENT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

A drive for adjusting an adjustment element of a motor vehicle, the drive including a hollow cylinder, a rod guided axially therein, two articulated parts configured to provide linear drive movements to the motor vehicle and form a drive connection to the adjustment element and the rest of the motor vehicle. The one articulated part axially fixed to a first component of the components of the drive unit and the other articulated part axially fixed to a second component of the components of the drive unit in the installed state. The drive has a drive spring assembly including a drive spring acting on the articulated parts. In the installed state, at least one of the components of the drive unit is axially fixed to a securing element by a threaded connection, and the securing element projects radially into an axial projection of a spring material of the drive spring assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a drive for adjusting an adjustment element, such as a flap, of a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles may include a spindle drive configured for use in all types of adjustment or closure elements of a motor vehicle. The term “adjustment element” should be understood here as wide-ranging. It comprises, for example, flaps, such as tailgates, trunk lids, front hoods, side doors, luggage compartment flaps or the like, or sliding doors of a motor vehicle.

In order to adjust such an adjustment element, for example a tailgate, different types of drive are known. Thus, motor-driven and also motor-free and in particular spring-driven drives are known. A motor-driven drive is, for example, a spindle drive which uses a drive motor to drive a spindle/spindle nut mechanism as an advancing mechanism for generating linear driving movements. A motor-free drive has in particular a gas pressure spring which has a drive unit with a gas-filled gas pressure spring cylinder and a gas pressure spring piston rod guided axially therein, i.e. a push rod with a piston on the end side. The gas filled into the cylinder is then pressurized and thereby provides the spring force. This drive unit can additionally also be assisted by a drive spring assembly with at least one drive spring, in particular a helical spring, for example a helical compression spring, which provides an additional spring force.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is based on the problem of designing and developing a drive in such a manner that high operational reliability is ensured with a simultaneously simple design.

The present disclosure describes axially securing the spring assembly via a securing element on an associated drive unit component transmitting a driving force. The securing element projects radially into the imaginary extension of the spring material, i.e. the spring wire forming the spring windings, of the drive spring assembly, such as of the axially closest drive spring. The term “axially” refers here to the direction of the spring center line or geometrical drive axis. The imaginary extension, in the further “projection”, of the spring material may extend annularly around the geometric drive axis. Firstly, this may provide a relatively simple installation since the respective securing element merely has to be screwed on. Secondly, the conventionally stably configured component of the drive unit will not, or not so rapidly, melt away in the event of a fire. If the securing element is then also configured to be fireproof, the joint part can melt away without a risk arising because of the spring assembly.

In detail, it is proposed that, in the mounted state, at least one of the components of the drive unit, such as both components of the drive unit, is or are coupled in an axially fixed manner to a securing element via a threaded connection, and that the securing element may project radially into an axial projection of a spring material of the drive spring assembly.

The provision of a threaded connection produces, in addition to the securing function, simple installation in combination with a stable connection which is provided in particular directly between the securing element and the component of the drive unit.

In one or more more embodiments, one component of the drive unit may be connected via the securing element to the associated joint part. This may result in relatively simple installation of the joint part and of the securing element on the component of the drive unit, such as when the two can be screwed on together.

In one or more embodiments, the securing element may be axially disposed between the spring material and a bearing portion.

As an example, the securing element, and therefore a component of the drive unit, is secured against rotation in relation to the joint part.

In another embodiment, an axial end of the hollow cylinder facing the associated joint part may include an axial extension that may be axially fixed with respect to the hollow cylinder and the securing element can be screwed to the axial extension. As an example, the axial extension may include an axial end portion provided with a reduced cross section. This may provide a plurality of functions. Firstly, as an insertion aid for the installation and, secondly, it can increase the torque which is required for loosening the threaded connection if it is in engagement with a corresponding receptacle of the associated joint part. In addition, it can be used to center the hollow cylinder with respect to the joint part.

In one or more embodiments, the hollow cylinder such as the axial extension and/or the rod may include external threads forming the threaded connection. The threaded connection can be secured against loosening. As an example, this is undertaken via a securing against rotation portion which can be formed by the axial end portion.

The drive may include a drive housing. For centering at least one of the components of the drive unit in the axial direction, one of the housing tubes can have a centering collar. As an example, in combination with an installation aid.

According to another embodiment, a method for installing a drive is claimed. This method may be used for installing a drive according to the proposal. Reference should be made to all of the statements regarding the drive according to the proposal.

In the case of this method, the connection of the inner housing tube to the associated joint part, to the drive unit and to the spring assembly, for which in particular the centering collar is provided as an installation aid, is an essential factor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A known drive is described in DE 10 2008 061 117 A1 and includes a drive unit in the form of a gas pressure spring. The drive unit is radially surrounded by a drive spring assembly with a drive spring in the form of a helical compression spring. In order to conduct linear driving movements to the motor vehicle, the drive has two joint parts which are adjustable with respect to each other along a geometrical drive axis between a retracted position and an extended position and which, in each case with a mating joint part on the motor vehicle side, form a drive connection for coupling to the adjustment element at one end and to the motor vehicle furthermore at the other end. The one joint part is coupled in an axially fixed manner here to a hollow cylinder of the drive unit, namely the gas pressure spring cylinder, and the other joint part is coupled in an axially fixed manner to a rod of the drive unit, namely the rod which is provided with the gas pressure spring piston. A metal plate is in each case provided between the respective joint part and the drive unit, with the drive spring of the drive spring assembly being supported axially on said metal plate in order to transmit the spring force to the joint parts.

The drive housing, which is made from a plastic material, is angled inward at both axial ends and therefore forms a base which secures the respective metal plate toward the joint part counter to the spring force of the drive spring assembly. In the state mounted on the motor vehicle, the two joint parts themselves which are each coupled to the associated component of the gas pressure spring, i.e. the gas pressure spring cylinder on the one hand and the gas pressure spring piston rod on the other hand, form a further axial securing. However, it is problematic that, in the event of destruction of the housing and of the joint parts, for example in the event of a fire, there is the risk of an undesired expansion of the drive spring of the drive spring assembly since the two metal plates then may no longer have any axial support or at any rate sufficient axial support.

It is also known, to the axial supporting of a drive spring of a drive spring assembly, to provide metal bodies which are in each case crimped with the drive unit components transmitting the driving force, i.e. the hollow cylinder and the rod guided axially therein, in order to axially secure the metal bodies on the drive unit and thereby to prevent an undesired expansion of the drive spring. These metal bodies are then conventionally insert molded with plastic material in order to form the associated joint part. A corresponding drive is of relatively complex design and has a high number of parts.

The drive1which is illustrated in the drawing and is in the form here of a linear drive may be provided, in a manner yet to be explained, as a gas pressure spring drive. Basically, however, the drive1can also be configured as a spindle drive. The statements regarding a gas pressure spring drive therefore also apply equally to a spindle drive.

The drive1according to the proposal, which is configured here as a gas pressure spring drive, is used for the, here motor-free and purely spring-driven, adjustment of an adjustment element2, in particular a flap, of a motor vehicle3. The adjustment element2, according toFIG.1, is a tailgate of the motor vehicle3. With regard to other refinements of the adjustment element2, reference should be made to the list in the introductory part of the description. As illustrated, it is also possible here to provide a plurality of drives1, in particular two drives1, for adjusting the adjustment element2.

The drive1has a drive unit4which has a hollow cylinder5and a rod6, guided axially therein, as components transmitting a driving force. The hollow cylinder5and the rod6are prestressed against each other, here, inter alia, via a gas filled into the hollow cylinder5, here and preferably into the extended position.

In order to conduct linear driving movements to the motor vehicle3, the drive1has two joint parts8,9which are adjustable with respect to each other along the geometrical drive axis7between a retracted position and an extended position and here and preferably are structurally identical. The upper joint part8inFIGS.2and3together with a mating joint part10which is on the motor vehicle side and is arranged here on the adjustment element2forms a drive connection12for coupling to the adjustment element2. The lower joint part9inFIGS.2and3forms together with a mating joint part11which is on the motor vehicle side and is arranged here on the motor vehicle body a drive connection13for furthermore coupling to the motor vehicle3. As an example, the two joint parts8,9each have a ball socket, the ball sockets being coupled in an articulated manner to a ball head of the respective mating joint part10,11. In another embodiment, it is also conceivable for the joint parts8,9to have a ball head and for the mating joint part10,11to have a ball socket.

As the enlarged detailed views inFIGS.2and3show, the one joint part8is coupled in an axially fixed manner to an associated first of the components5,6of the drive unit4, here the hollow cylinder5, and the other joint part9is coupled in an axially fixed manner to an associated second of the components5,6of the drive unit4, here the rod6, in each case in the mounted state. The axially fixed coupling will also be explained in more detail below.

Furthermore, the drive1according to the proposal has a drive spring assembly14with at least one drive spring15, such as one drive spring15, which acts on the two joint parts8,9, i.e. is prestressed thereon. By means of the drive spring assembly14and the gas filled into the hollow cylinder5, the joint parts8,9are prestressed against each other, here into the extended position. The at least one drive spring15, for example, one drive spring15, may be a helical spring, and as an example, a helical compression spring. According to an embodiment, not illustrated here, it is also conceivable, in addition or alternatively to a helical compression spring, to provide a helical tension spring as part of the drive spring assembly14.

As an example, in the mounted state, at least one of the components5,6of the drive unit4, such as both components5,6of the drive unit4, is or are coupled in an axially fixed manner to a securing element16via a threaded connection, and that the securing element16projects radially into an axial projection P of a spring material of the drive spring assembly14.

When here and below the “mounted state” is mentioned, the assembled state of the drive is always meant. In this state, there is the axial form fit between the respective joint part8,9and the associated component5,6in both directions, that is to say along the geometrical drive axis7both in the direction of the retracted position and in the direction of the extended position.

While a securing element16is provided along the drive axis7on both sides so that, in the event of a fault, for example in the event of a fire, the drive spring assembly14and for example the drive spring15are secured against an abrupt relaxation, it also emerges from the further statements that an embodiment in which only one individual securing element16according to the proposal is provided is advantageous. This relates for example to the simple installation of the securing element16which may not be identical for the two joint parts8,9. Accordingly, the advantages for the installation can arise more on one side than on the other.

In order to use its securing function, the securing element16projects radially into the axial projection P of the spring material, such as the spring material of the drive spring15. In the case of the helical spring, which is for example, a helical compression spring, the projection P is the projection of the spring windings at a certain radius from the drive axis7. The term “spring material” therefore relates to that region of the drive spring assembly14in which material of a drive spring15is actually present (e.g., the spring windings).

As an example, in order to simplify the installation, but also in order to increase the compactness and the structural strength of the drive1, provision can be made for one component5,6of the drive unit4, such as both components5,6of the drive unit4, to be connected via the securing element16to the respectively associated joint part8,9. It emerges from an overall view ofFIGS.2and3that this is provided here for both components5,6of the drive unit4. This is shown by way of example inFIG.4for the hollow cylinder5and the upper joint part8.

As illustrated inFIG.4b), the securing element16may be accommodated in the joint part8,9. This and also the further statements which are made only with regard to one joint part8,9can equally apply to the other joint part8,9.

As an example, the joint part8,9forms a receptacle17into which the securing element16is introduced from the radial direction. The introduction operation is illustrated inFIG.4a).

In principle, it is of advantage in the case of the drive1according to the proposal if the different components are centered as far as possible, and remain, along the drive axis7. This relates not only to the installation, but also during operation of the drive1this centering can be important, for example in the event of icing, to avoid damage to parts which are less stable, for example plastic parts, if the icing breaks and some of the components of the drive1carry out a jerky movement. In addition, a well centered drive1makes it possible to use plastic parts which are more cost-effective since they are subjected to a more precise or lesser load. The threaded connection, for example, in combination with the receptacle17affords a contribution here to centering the component5,6of the drive unit4with respect to the joint part8,9. Accordingly, the securing element16is configured here and for example, in such a manner that it centers the component5,6with respect to the joint part8,9, such as by the threaded connection being aligned along the drive axis7and/or being coaxial with respect thereto.

The respective joint part8,9may include a bearing portion8a,9afor coupling to the mating joint part10,11, such as a ball socket, and, spaced apart therefrom, an attachment portion8b,9bfor coupling to the respectively associated component5,6of the drive unit4. The bearing portion8a,9ais connected to the attachment portion8b,9bvia a connection portion8c,9c.As an example, bearing portion8a,9aand connection portion8c,9c,for example, also together with the attachment portion8b,9b,are configured as an integral component. As an example, the securing element16is accommodated in the attachment portion8b,9b.The latter may form the receptacle17.

With regard to the arrangement of the securing element16along the geometrical drive axis7, the securing element may be made for the securing element16to be arranged axially between the spring material and at least one portion8a,8b,8c,9a,9b,9c,such as the bearing portion8a,9a,of the respective joint part8,9. Provision can also be made here for the securing element16to be arranged between the overall joint part8,9and the spring material.

As an example, the securing element16is coupled axially, in particular on both sides, to the respective joint part8,9in a form-fitting manner. In one embodiment, the securing element16cannot be moved, or cannot substantially be moved, in the axial direction in relation to the respective joint part8,9. As an example, for this purpose, the securing element16may be in direct contact with the joint part8,9.

Provision can be made for the securing element16, e.g., in interaction with the receptacle17, to provide securing of the securing element16against rotation in relation to the joint part8,9, and therefore as an example of the component5,6of the drive unit4in relation to the respectively associated joint part8,9.

Very generally, the securing element16, as an example, is configured to be flat, e.g., disk-shaped, in the radial direction. In this case, the securing element16can have a substantially round radial outer contour. However, provision can also be made for the securing element16to have a radial outer contour which differs from a round shape. As an example, the securing element16can have a substantially oval or polygonal radial outer contour. It is made possible specifically as a result for the securing element16to be secured against rotation on a mating element18which may be connected non-rotatably to the respective joint part8,9or is furthermore formed integrally with the respective joint part8,9. In the exemplary embodiment, the mating element18is the receptacle17or is formed by the walls of the receptacle17.

As already indicated previously, as an example, the hollow cylinder5, specifically at its axial end facing the associated joint part8or joint part coupled thereto, is provided with an axial extension19which is axially fixed with respect to the hollow cylinder5.

The securing element16, for example, in the mounted state, screwed onto the axial extension19. As an example, provision is made for the rod6to also have an axial extension19which, however, unlike in the case of the hollow cylinder5, does not have a diameter reduced in relation to the rod6. All of the statements regarding the axial extension19of the hollow cylinder5can apply correspondingly to the axial extension19of the rod6.

As an example, the axial extension19has an axial end portion20with a cross section which is reduced in relation to the inside diameter of the securing element16. By means of the reduction in the cross section, such as the diameter, an insertion aid for simplifying bringing the securing element16and axial extension19together during the installation can be provided. A further function of the axial end portion20is also explained below.

The axial extension19such as the axial end portion20may be connected in an integrally bonded, form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the hollow cylinder5or to the rod6, or are formed integrally with the hollow cylinder5or the rod6.

As an example, the axial extension19and/or the axial end portion20are/is in, in particular force-fitting and/or integrally bonded, engagement with a corresponding receptacle21of the respectively associated joint part8,9. This receptacle21of the joint part8,9can fulfil a dual function. Firstly, it can ensure radial centering of the component5,6of the drive unit4in relation to the joint part8,9and therefore at the same time of the securing element16; secondly, provision can be made for the axial end portion20to have a surface contour22which, in interaction with the corresponding receptacle21, provides securing against rotation, which also includes locking against rotation. As an example, the surface contour22may be grooved, for example, with a plurality of longitudinal grooves, and may be made from metal and to become embedded in the receptacle21of the joint part8,9, formed for example from plastic, during a rotational movement.

Owing to the fact that via the axial end portion20and the threaded connection to the securing element16, two contact regions, which are spaced apart axially from each other, are provided between the component5,6of the drive unit4and the respectively associated joint part8,9, securing against tilting of the drive unit4in relation to the joint part8,9can also be provided.

As an example, the hollow cylinder5, in particular the axial extension19, and/or the rod6has an external thread23. As an example, the securing element16has a corresponding internal thread24. The external thread23then together with the internal thread24in the mounted state forms the threaded connection. As an example, on the axial extension19, a threaded portion25which forms the external thread23, as seen from the outside, adjoins the axial end portion20.

The threaded connection is secured for example against loosening, with known measures being able to be used. As an example, the threaded portion25of the axial extension19can have a non-circular cross section and/or be formed non-cylindrically in order to increase the release torque.

Additionally or alternatively, the hollow cylinder5, for example, the axial extension19, and/or the rod6has a securing against rotation portion26which is in, in particular force-fitting and/or form-fitting, engagement with a corresponding receptacle27of the respectively associated joint part8,9. As an example, the securing against rotation portion26is arranged axially outside the threaded portion25. As an example, the axial end portion20of the axial extension19forms the securing against rotation portion26and/or the receptacle21corresponding to the axial end portion20forms the receptacle27.

In a further embodiment, the engagement of the internal thread24with the external thread23can be configured to be self-locking in the release direction.

Furthermore, as in particularFIGS.2and3show, the drive1has a drive housing28with two housing tubes29,30, here a housing inner tube29and a housing outer tube30, which housing tubes run telescopically one into the other during an adjustment between the retracted position and the extended position. As an example, the two housing tubes29,30are axially fixed with respect to one joint part of the respectively associated joint parts8,9. Here, the housing inner tube29is axially fixed with respect to the lower joint part9inFIGS.2and3, and the housing outer tube30is axially fixed with respect to the upper joint part8inFIGS.2and3.

The drive spring assembly14, which is formed here by a single drive spring15, but may also be formed by a plurality of drive springs15, may be arranged radially between the drive unit4and the drive housing28. In order to guide the at least one and here single drive spring15, a spring guide tube31is arranged radially between the drive unit4and the drive spring assembly14.

As shown in the figures, a spacer32on which the drive spring15is supported can additionally also be provided between the drive spring15and the respective joint part8,9.

The axially fixed connection between the inner housing tube29and the associated joint part9takes place for example by means of an axial form fit in such a manner that a housing flange33is fixed axially between an axial stop of the joint part9and the drive spring assembly14. This can be provided in addition to the coupling via the securing element16. Furthermore, provision can be made for the respective housing tube29,30to extend axially in the mounted state beyond the respective securing element16and/or to radially surround the respective securing element16. The securing element16is radially secured in this manner and is also not readily accessible from the outside. Since this radial securing may be unnecessary, this can also be used for purely visual aspects.

Provision can furthermore be made, as shown in the enlarged view at the bottom ofFIG.3, for at least one of the housing tubes29,30, in particular the inner housing tube29, to have a centering collar34which runs radially within the housing tube29,30in the axial direction along the respectively associated component5,6of the drive unit4, in particular the axial extension19or the rod6, and as an example, as an installation aid, forms a receptacle35, widening radially in the axial direction, for the respectively associated component5,6. In the case of the drive1according to the proposal, during the installation the inner housing tube29is pushed blindly over the rod6. In order to simplify this, use is made of the centering collar34. The latter guides the rod6through the slope of the receptacle35.

Additionally or alternatively, the centering collar34can center the respective component5,6with respect to the respectively associated joint part8,9. This firstly prevents tilting of the component5,6in relation to the drive axis7and secondly simplifies the installation on the securing element16and/or on the joint part8,9.

As an example, the centering collar34is connected integrally to the housing tube29,30. As an example, the centering collar34is configured to provide a seal in the axial direction. Water management of the drive1can thereby be improved.

Since the drive1on the motor vehicle3can be in contact, for example, with rainwater, for the water management, for example, at least one drainage opening36is furthermore provided at least on one of the housing tubes29,30, such as on the lower housing tube29,30in the state mounted on the motor vehicle3. As an example, at least two drainage openings36, or at least three drainage openings36, or at least four drainage openings36, are provided. The corresponding water flow is indicated inFIG.3by arrows.

The drainage opening36fluidically connects an interior space of the drive1to the surroundings. In particular, metal parts in the interior of the drive1are thereby protected against corrosion. The interior space of the drive1that is fluidically connected to the surroundings is preferably the interior space which accommodates the drive spring15. As an example, the centering collar34has at least one drainage opening37. The drainage opening37of the centering collar34is fluidically in contact here with the drainage opening36of the joint part8,9.

As an example, it is furthermore the case that the respective securing element16and/or the at least one drive spring15of the drive spring assembly14and/or the respective component5,6, i.e. the hollow cylinder5or the rod6, and/or the axial extension19are/is in each case made from metal. Additionally or alternatively, provision is made here for the respective joint part8,9and/or the respective housing tube29,30to be made from a plastic material.

As has already been mentioned previously, as an example, the drive1is configured as a gas pressure spring drive. As an example, the drive unit4is therefore configured as a gas pressure spring38, wherein the first component5is a gas-filled gas pressure spring cylinder39and the second component6is a gas pressure spring piston rod40guided axially therein. A gas pressure spring piston rod40here is a unit consisting of a push rod40aand a piston40b.

As has likewise already been indicated, the drive1according to the proposal is not restricted to the configuration as a gas pressure spring drive, but can also be configured as a spindle drive. In this case, the drive unit4is configured as a spindle drive unit, wherein the first component5is a spindle nut tube with a spindle nut fixed axially and rotationally fixed with respect thereto, and the second component6is a threaded spindle meshing with the spindle nut. Such a spindle/spindle nut mechanism is well known and does not require any explanation here. An optional drive motor of the drive unit4can then actuate the spindle/spindle nut mechanism in a conventional way.

According to a further teaching which obtains independent importance, a method for installing a drive1is proposed. The method serves in particular for installing a drive1according to the proposal. Reference should be made to all of the statements regarding the drive1according to the proposal.

An essential factor in the case of the method is that the inner housing tube29is connected to the associated joint part9, to the drive unit4and to the spring assembly14. For this purpose, here and preferably, the inner housing tube29is pushed over one of the components5,6of the drive unit4, in particular the rod6, and the drive spring15. In the process, the inner housing tube29is centered via the centering collar34with respect to the component5,6of the drive unit4.

The associated joint part9can be connected here to the inner housing tube29before or after said joint part is pushed on. As an example, it is screwed, after being pushed on, onto the rod6via the securing element16. Provision can be made for the drive spring15to be compressed, such as externally, when the inner housing tube29is pushed on.

After the inner housing tube29is connected to the associated joint part9, to the drive unit4and to the spring arrangement14, for example, the securing element16, as shown inFIG.4a), is introduced into the other joint part8. Subsequently, the joint part8is screwed via the securing element16to the associated component6of the drive unit4, in particular to the axial extension19, in order to form the threaded connection. As an example, the drive spring15is compressed in the meantime, as can be seen inFIG.4a). The outer housing tube30can subsequently be pushed over the joint part8and latches on the latter. For the latching, the joint part8can have a collar41. As an example, the joint parts8,9are structurally identical in order to save production costs, the collar41can also be provided on the other joint part9. As an example, the centering collar34and the water management associated therewith also obtain independent importance, not only within the scope of the method.

FIG.5shows, corresponding toFIG.4, an alternative embodiment of the previously described drive1according to the proposal during and after the installation. This drive1differs from the drive1shown inFIGS.2to4in that the securing element16here is not configured as a single part, but rather as multiple parts, such as two parts. The securing element16may be formed by a first securing element part16aand a second securing element part16bwhich together bring about the functions of the single-part securing element16ofFIGS.2to4, namely firstly the axially fixed coupling of the securing element16to the respective components5,6of the drive unit4via a threaded connection (first function) and, secondly, that the securing element16projects radially into the axial projection P of the spring material of the drive spring assembly14(second function).

As an example, the first securing element part16ais provided for the first function and the second securing element part16bfor the second function.

For this purpose, the first securing element part16amay be configured as a screw nut with an internal thread24corresponding to the external thread23. Radially on the outside, the first securing element part16ais configured to be non-circular, in particular angular, here in the form of a hexagon, and the receptacle21which has already been described and which corresponds here to the first securing element part16a,such as to its non-circular radial outer side, is provided in the respective joint part8,9.

Furthermore, as an example, the second securing element part16bis configured as a form-fitting element which projects radially into the axial projection P of the spring material of the drive spring assembly14. The second securing element part16bhere for example, a clip which is in the manner of a snap ring and which has two limbs between which, at any rate in the mounted and also here in the unmounted state, a gap is formed in which the axial extension19runs in the mounted state.

As shown inFIG.5a), here too such as during the installation, in a manner corresponding to the procedure shown inFIG.4a), the securing element16is first of all introduced into the associated joint part8and subsequently the joint part8is screwed via the securing element16to the associated component6of the drive unit4, for example, to the axial extension19, in order to form the threaded connection.

The introduction of the securing element16into the associated joint part8here comprises a plurality of installation steps, in particular two installation steps, namely firstly the axial insertion, such as secured against rotation, of the first securing element part16ainto the receptacle21and, secondly, for example, subsequently, the radial introduction of the second securing element part16binto the receptacle17. As an example, the second securing element part16bprojects, e.g., with its legs, radially into an axial projection of the material of the first securing element part16asuch that the first securing element part16ais secured axially in the associated joint part8.

The screwing of the joint part8to the associated component6of the drive unit4, in particular to the axial extension19, via the securing element16takes place here by screwing the first securing element part16ato the external thread23. The external thread23and/or the internal thread24can be provided here before installation with a microencapsulation42which, in the mounted state, prevents loosening or makes loosening difficult during operation. It is conceivable here for the microencapsulation42to have a microencapsulated adhesive which is activated during the screwing operation.

The following is a list of reference numbers shown in the Figures. However, it should be understood that the use of these terms is for illustrative purposes only with respect to one embodiment. And, use of reference numbers correlating a certain term that is both illustrated in the Figures and present in the claims is not intended to limit the claims to only cover the illustrated embodiment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS