Coupling bolt of the plug-in coupling, first component with coupling bolt, plug-in coupling and connection of the two components

Abstract

A coupling bolt for a plug-in coupling, a first component with the coupling bolt, a related plug-in coupling and a connection of two components are provided. The coupling bolt comprises a connection portion by which the coupling bolt is fastened to or fixed in the first component, a shaft extending from the connection portion, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis of the coupling bolt, wherein along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connection portion the shaft comprises a pre-fixing portion and a fastening portion, and along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connection portion the pre-fixing portion comprises a first cylindrical head portion having a first diameter, a subsequent first conically tapering transition portion and a first locking portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connection portion the fastening portion comprises a second conically widening transition portion adjacent to the first locking portion, a subsequent second cylindrical head portion having a third diameter larger than the first diameter, a third conically tapering transition portion and a second locking portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting bolt for an insert connector, a first component to which the connecting bolt is fixed or fixed, an insert connector, and a connection structure comprising two components and an insert connector. Background Technology

[0002] In various industrial applications, such as automotive construction, releasable plug-in connection structures support universal connections for at least two components. For example, lights may be mounted in the vehicle body, or additional parts may be incorporated into the design of the vehicle's interior.

[0003] DE 10 2014 100 197 U1 describes an example of such a plug-in connector, comprising a bushing or support and a bolt or pin. The bushing includes opposing first and second main surfaces, and a hole ending in at least one of the first and second main surfaces, wherein the holes subsequently define, in the insertion direction of the pin, at least the following: an inlet region, a first narrow region having a first width, an inner cavity having a maximum width greater than the first width of the first narrow region, a second narrow region having a second width less than the maximum width of the inner cavity (wherein the second narrow region is arranged at a distance from the first narrow region), and an end region having a width greater than the second width of the second narrow region. Subsequently, in the direction of the pin insertion into the bushing, the pin includes at least the following components: a first bead having a first maximum cross-section separating the front portion of the first bead from the rear portion of the first bead; a first narrow portion having a minimum cross-section smaller than the maximum cross-section of the first bead; a second bead having a second maximum cross-section separating the front portion of the second bead from the rear portion of the second bead; and a second narrow portion having a minimum cross-section smaller than the maximum cross-section of the second bead, wherein the second narrow portion is located at a distance from the first narrow portion. In any case, the maximum cross-section of the first bead is smaller than the maximum cross-section of the second bead. Furthermore, the first narrow portion has a width greater than or equal to the width of the first and second narrow portions. The second narrow portion has a width greater than or equal to the width of the first narrow portion. At least a portion of the back side of the first bead of the pin has a shape that matches the end region of the bushing, and at least a portion of the back side of the second bead of the pin has a shape that matches the back side of the bushing cavity.

[0004] EP 1 469 207 A1 also describes a coupling device. It includes a bolt comprising a rod fastened via a head. The rod transmits pressure between a base and the head of the bolt. A fastening adapter has walls defining a cavity, which is divided into an upper housing and a lower housing. The inner wall of the housing has a flange, which is designed to interact with a flange formed due to pressure in the rod.

[0005] FR 2 901 584 A1 further describes a support element retaining sleeve. It comprises a cylindrical hollow body with an outer wall, having mounting units for a support element extending laterally to the outside of the body. The body includes a spherical shell whose dimensions are the same as those of a large-diameter spherical part supporting the shaft. At one end, the shell has a bolt hole, and at the other end it is elongated by a wide opening and a widened tapered groove, allowing a small-diameter spherical part to pass freely through the opening.

[0006] Finally, WO 2006 / 131823 A1 describes a fastening element for securing a component in a bracket with a hole. The fastening element comprises a fastening housing made of a resilient plastic material, a hollow housing, and a plastic plug equipped with a head and insertable from a flanged end of the fastening housing into a plug cavity. The plastic plug radially widens the housing and prevents it from being pulled out of the hole. At least one radially inwardly pointing protrusion is provided on the wall of the housing cavity. The plug is equipped with a preferred circumferential groove at its end, into which the protrusion enters when the plug is pressed into the housing of the fastening housing. The plug is secured to a gap side facing the head of the plug, wherein a shoulder engages beneath the protrusion when the plug is fully inserted into the housing.

[0007] The double locking mechanism used in the prior art is used to increase the disassembly force by adding a lock after the undercut. For known insert couplings with double locking, neither length tolerances (i.e., tolerances of the axis in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction) nor pre-fixation of mutually fixed components can be achieved. However, when components have multiple insert couplings, such fixation is particularly desirable to ensure that the interconnected components are correctly aligned relative to each other and to avoid tension that may occur within the components. This is especially suitable for components that extend more in one direction (e.g., longitudinally) than in another direction (i.e., laterally).

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an insert connector, associated connecting bolts, corresponding first components, and associated connection structures that optimize the problems arising according to the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a plug-in connector with a connecting bolt comprising a connecting portion through which the connecting bolt is fastened to or fixed in a first component; an axis extending from the connecting portion, wherein the axis defines a longitudinal axis of the connecting bolt, wherein along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connecting portion, the axis includes a pre-fixing portion and a fastening portion; and along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connecting portion, the pre-fixing portion includes a first cylindrical head having a first diameter, a subsequent first tapered narrowing transition portion, and a first locking portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; wherein along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connecting portion, the fastening portion includes a second tapered widening transition portion adjacent to the first locking portion, a subsequent second cylindrical head having a third diameter larger than the first diameter, a third tapered narrowing transition portion, and a second locking portion.

[0010] As used herein, the term cylinder includes the requirement that a corresponding portion extending along the longitudinal axis has a constant diameter. In contrast, tapered refers to a portion with a continuously varying diameter.

[0011] To better understand the features and related functions of the connecting bolt of the present invention, the connecting bolt of the present invention in use is described below. Therefore, the starting point is a first component to which the connecting bolt is fixed, or fixed to, the connecting portion. In this case, the connecting bolt is preferably made of plastic material. Alternatively, the connecting bolt is preferably made of metal material. The connecting seat is fixed in or to a second component.

[0012] To connect the first and second components, the connecting bolt is first inserted into the receiving space of the connecting seat via the pre-fixing part. This movement determines the insertion direction, which preferably extends along or is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting bolt.

[0013] Here, the first cylindrical head encounters the inner locking structure of the coupling seat. This can be detected by the fact that the required insertion force initially increases to a first value. In the portion of the first cylindrical head, the insertion force decreases because, due to the cylindrical shape, the inner locking structure does not need to be opened further.

[0014] Once the cylindrical head has passed the inner locking structure, the inner locking structure moves along the first tapered transition section until it reaches the first locking section. During this movement, the required force continues to decrease, preferably continuously, especially intermittently or discretely. At the end of this process, the connecting bolt and thus the first component are in a pre-fixed position.

[0015] In particular, due to the combination of the first cylindrical head and the first tapered, tapered transition section, the force required to insert the connecting bolt does not decrease intermittently. Instead, it provides a preferred, stable reduction in insertion force. This is especially true during manual connection establishment, where the required insertion force does not suddenly decrease after the worker overcomes the internal locking structure, as is the case with ball bolt heads. The same applies similarly to insertion via appropriate automated machines, robots, etc.

[0016] A pre-fixed position is particularly advantageous when the first component has multiple connecting bolts along the axis and must be secured to the second component. This pre-fixed position, on the one hand, reliably holds the first component at a predetermined distance from the second component, and on the other hand, it provides the possibility of proper alignment of the first component relative to the second component, for example, taking into account the presence and positioning of the seal.

[0017] Once the first and second components are correctly aligned, the connecting bolt will move further into the connecting seat along the insertion direction. Preferably, the insertion direction extends along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting bolt, as shown above. Therefore, the inner locking structure of the connecting seat now moves along the second tapered widening transition section, which is already part of the fastening portion. Due to the tapered design, the insertion force preferably varies steadily, especially continuously or discretely.

[0018] Once the second tapered widening transition has passed the inner locking structure, the inner locking structure moves along the second cylindrical head. Similar to the pre-fixed portion, further movement of the connecting bolt in the insertion direction now causes the inner locking structure to move along the third tapered narrowing transition until the second locking portion. The connecting bolt and thus the first component are now in the tightened position. The tightened position provides a higher pull-out force compared to the pre-fixed position, especially because the third diameter of the second cylindrical head is larger than the first diameter of the first cylindrical head.

[0019] As shown above, a particular advantage of the connecting bolt of the present invention is the combination of a cylindrical head with one or more adjacent tapered transition portions. This is especially helpful for inserting the connecting bolt into the connecting seat, and allows for optimized operation during connection establishment due to the insertion force. This is independent of whether the insertion is performed manually or automatically. Furthermore, the cylindrical design of each head preferably ensures that the connecting bolt is not subjected to transient or linear forces in the pre-fixed and / or tightened positions. Conversely, the connecting seat has a planar bridge, which has a beneficial effect on the durability of the connection established by the insert-type connector.

[0020] For completeness, it should be noted that the above steps are also performed during disassembly. Therefore, the above statements regarding insertion force also apply similarly to the pull-out force when releasing the connection.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the connecting bolt, the second locking portion has a fourth diameter corresponding to the second diameter. Furthermore, preferably, the first and / or second locking portions are cylindrical. Due to these configurations, the connecting bolt is suitable for its respective application, particularly regarding the required insertion and extraction forces and length.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the connecting bolt, its pre-fixing portion has an insertion portion adjacent to the first cylindrical head and facing away from the connecting portion. The insertion portion allows the force required for initial insertion to be adapted to the appropriate application.

[0023] Advantageously, the insert has a spherical cross-section or a spherical disk shape. A spherical cross-section or spherical segment is created when a sphere or a portion of a sphere is separated by a cut in a plane. Conversely, a spherical disk or spherical layer is created when a sphere or a portion of a sphere is cut from two parallel planes. In other words, a spherical segment provides an insert configured as a perfect circle, while a spherical disk provides an insert that is flat in the longitudinal axis portion. Both configurations have proven particularly advantageous in terms of the behavior of inserting the connecting bolt into the connecting seat.

[0024] Furthermore, the fourth tapered widening transition portion and / or the tapered widening shaft portion preferably abuts the second locking portion of the fastening portion. The further shaft portion, particularly the length of the connecting bolt, can be adapted to the desired application and / or additional radial support in the coupling seat. Conversely, the further transition portion provides restriction of movement in the insertion direction.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the connecting bolt, a step is provided between the shaft and the connecting portion, and / or the connecting portion is configured with two steps. The stepped structure of the connecting portion is particularly helpful in securing the connecting bolt in the first component, especially when the first component is produced by injection molding and the connecting portion of the connecting bolt is molded or secondary molded.

[0026] The first component of the present invention includes the connecting bolt of the present invention, wherein the connecting bolt of the present invention is fastened in or at the first component. Therefore, the first component of the present invention includes the connecting bolt of the present invention. Therefore, regarding the resulting technical effects and advantages, please refer to the above description to avoid repetition.

[0027] Preferably, the connecting portion of the connecting bolt is at least partially molded into or embedded in the first component. In particular, molding or embedding the connecting bolt into the first component through the connecting portion ensures that the fastening of the connecting bolt in or at the first component is especially reliable. Furthermore, this fastening can be performed during the production process of the first component, especially when the first component is made of plastic material. Therefore, the production method of the first component with connecting bolts is not complicated compared to the production of a first component without connecting bolts. Instead, this method avoids the additional step of fastening the connecting bolt at or within the first component.

[0028] The insert-type connector of the present invention includes a connecting bolt and a connecting seat, the connecting seat preferably configured as an elongated hole. In particular, the use of the connecting seat configured as an elongated hole in conjunction with the connecting bolt of the present invention allows for compensation of tolerances between the two components, which will be fixed to each other along an axis. In addition to the advantages of the connecting bolt of the present invention described above, another advantage arises: length tolerances, i.e., tolerances can be compensated along an axis in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting bolt is inserted into the connecting seat.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the plug-in connector, the connector is configured as a component that can be locked in an elongated mounting opening of a second component to provide a receiving space, wherein the connecting bolt can be locked in a pre-fixed position and a tightened position and moves linearly in the receiving space in the locked state. Particularly preferred is that the coupling seat includes the following features: a dome-shaped dome with a closed circumferential wall surrounding a receiving space for the coupling bolt, wherein the dome includes an outer locking structure for securing the coupling seat in an installation opening of a second component, an open end having an elongated hole-like insertion opening for inserting the coupling bolt in the insertion direction, and a closed end having an adjacent inner locking structure for the coupling bolt, both the cross-section of the elongated hole-like insertion opening perpendicular to the insertion direction and the cross-section of the elongated hole-like inner dome of the receiving space being defined by a longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, and at the inner wall of the receiving space, the inner locking structure of the dome-shaped dome includes two inner locking webs disposed opposite to each other, which extend parallel to the transverse axis of the cross-section of the inner dome and form an undercut opposite to the insertion direction, wherein the inner locking structure does not include any locking webs parallel to the transverse axis of the cross-section of the inner dome, and allows the locked coupling bolt to move transversely to the insertion direction in the receiving space along the inner locking webs. For detailed information on the corresponding connector, please refer to DE 10 2018 124 406A1. The connector design is described in detail here, including its structure, function, and materials used.

[0030] The connection structure of the present invention includes a first component, a second component, and an insert-type connector of the present invention, wherein a connecting bolt is fixed inside or at the first component, a connecting seat is fixed inside or at the second component, and the connecting bolt is locked inside the connecting seat. In the connection structure of the present invention, the insert-type connector and the connecting bolt are used to establish a connection between the first and second components. Therefore, for details, refer to the above description regarding the connecting bolt of the present invention.

[0031] An exemplary connection method using the insert-type connector of the present invention includes the following steps: providing a first component having a connecting bolt of the present invention fixed thereon or therein, providing a second component having a connecting seat disposed thereon or therein, arranging the first and second components opposite to each other via a pre-fixing portion such that the connecting bolt can be inserted into the connecting seat in the insertion direction, inserting the connecting bolt into the connecting seat to the pre-fixed position, and then further inserting it into the fastening position along the insertion direction. After reaching the pre-fixed position, alignment of the first and second components can be selectively performed to avoid tension between the components or in one of the components subsequently in the fastening position. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts and / or elements. Examples include:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a side view of an embodiment of the connecting bolt of the present invention for an insert-type connector.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the connecting bolts in the diagram.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A view of the connecting bolt along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connection.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Side view of the connector.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Top view of the connector.

[0039] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 4 A partial sectional view of the connector.

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The connecting bolts and Figure 4 The first perspective view of the connector.

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The connecting bolts and Figure 4 The second perspective view of the connector.

[0042] Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting bolt along the horizontal axis of the connecting seat in its initial state after being inserted into the connecting seat.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting bolt along the longitudinal axis of the connecting seat in its initial state after being inserted into the connecting seat.

[0044] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the connecting bolt in the pre-fixed position along the horizontal axis of the connecting seat, which is inserted into the connecting seat.

[0045] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view of the connecting bolts inserted into the connecting seat along the longitudinal axis of the connecting seat in a pre-fixed position.

[0046] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the connecting bolt in the tightened position along the horizontal axis of the connecting seat, inserted into the connecting seat.

[0047] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view of the connecting bolt in the tightened position along the longitudinal axis of the connecting seat, inserted into the connecting seat.

[0048] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the connection method. Detailed Implementation

[0049] In the following text and with reference to the accompanying drawings, firstly based on Figure 1-3 An embodiment of the connecting bolt 1 of the present invention is described. The connecting bolt 1 includes a connecting portion 10 and a shaft 20 extending from the connecting portion 10, wherein the shaft defines the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting bolt. Preferably, the connecting bolt 1 is made of plastic. Alternatively, preferably, the connecting bolt 1 is made of a metal material.

[0050] The connecting bolt 1 is fastened at or within the first component a via the connecting part 10. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a step 12 exists between the shaft 20 and the connecting portion 10. Furthermore, a second step 14 exists within the connecting portion 10. This means that the connecting portion 10 is configured with two steps. The advantages of this structure will become apparent later in the description regarding the use of the connecting bolt 1.

[0051] Along the longitudinal axis L1 in the direction of the connecting portion 10, the shaft 20 includes a pre-fixing portion 30 and a fastening portion 40. Along the longitudinal axis L1 in the direction of the connecting portion 10, the pre-fixing portion includes an insertion portion 32. The force required for initial insertion via the insertion portion can be adapted to the respective application. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion portion 32 has the shape of a spherical disk. A spherical disk or spherical layer is created when a ball or a portion of a sphere is cut from two parallel planes. Therefore, the spherical disk provides an insertion portion whose portion along the longitudinal axis is centrally flattened.

[0052] Alternatively, the insert is preferably shaped with a spherical cross-section. A spherical cross-section or spherical segment is created when a sphere or part of a sphere is separated by a cut in a plane. In other words, the spherical portion also provides an insert that is centrally formed in a circle within a portion along the longitudinal axis L1.

[0053] Adjacent to the insertion portion 32, a first cylindrical head 34 having a first diameter D1 is provided. The term "cylinder" as used herein requires that the portions extend along the longitudinal axis L1 with a constant diameter.

[0054] Adjacent to and facing the connecting portion 10, i.e., adjacent to the first cylindrical head 34 along the longitudinal axis L1 in the direction of the connecting portion 10, a first tapered, gradually narrowing transition portion 36 is provided. The term tapered refers to a portion with a continuously changing diameter. In this example, the diameter in the tapered portion changes from a first diameter D1 to a second diameter D2.

[0055] A second diameter D2 is provided in the first locking part 38. As the first locking part 38 is configured, the second diameter D2 is smaller than the first diameter D1. The technical effects and functions resulting from the chosen cylindrical and conical shapes will be described in detail below regarding the establishment of the connection structure.

[0056] Along the longitudinal axis L1 in the direction of the connecting portion 10, the fastening portion 40 first has a second tapered widening transition portion 42. It is adjacent to the first locking portion 38 of the pre-fixing portion 30. Adjacent to the second tapered widening transition portion 42, a second cylindrical head 44 with a third diameter D3 is provided. The third diameter D3 is larger than the first diameter D1. In other words, the third diameter D3 of the second cylindrical head 44 is larger than the first diameter D1 of the first cylindrical head 34. This feature will become apparent later in the description of the connection structure.

[0057] A third tapered, tapered transition portion 46 is provided adjacent to the second cylindrical head 44. A second locking portion 48 is adjacent to it.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the second locking portion has a fourth diameter D4, which corresponds to the second diameter D2 of the first locking portion 38. Furthermore, the first locking portion 38 and the second locking portion 48 are arranged in a cylindrical shape. Due to the cylindrical structure, the length of the connecting bolt 1 can be adjusted within each locking portion according to the desired application.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth tapered transition portion 22 abuts the second cylindrical locking portion 48. The fourth transition portion 22 is a fourth tapered widened transition portion 22. Alternatively, a cylindrical or tapered shaft portion 24 may abut the second cylindrical locking portion 48 or the fourth tapered widened transition portion 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft portion 24 is a tapered shaft portion 24. These configuration possibilities provide the ability to optimally adapt the connecting bolt 1 to its respective application.

[0060] about Figure 4-7 Now, let's describe the connecting seat 3. The connecting seat 3 is configured as a one-piece unit, which can be locked into the elongated, hole-shaped mounting opening of the second component B. The connecting seat 3 provides a receiving space 50. In the receiving space 50, the connecting bolt can be releasably locked in a pre-fixed position and a tightened position. Furthermore, the connecting bolt can move linearly in the receiving space 50 in the locked state. These functions will become apparent later in the description of the connection structure.

[0061] The coupling seat 50 includes a dome-shaped enclosed circumferential wall 52 surrounding a receiving space 50 for the coupling bolt 1. The dome includes an external locking structure 54 for securing the coupling seat 3 into the mounting opening of the second component B. An elongated, hole-like insertion opening 56 is provided at the opening end for inserting the coupling bolt 1 in the insertion direction. Furthermore, a closed end 58 with an adjacent internal locking structure 60 for the coupling bolt 1 is also provided.

[0062] The elongated, perforated cross-section of the insertion opening 56, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the elongated, perforated inner dome cross-section of the receiving space 50, are both perpendicular to the insertion direction, and are formed by the longitudinal axis L. 56 and the shorter transverse axis Q that extends from it 56 Definition. Preferably, the insertion direction travels along the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting bolt 1, as described at the beginning. In other words, the insertion direction is perpendicular to the direction defined by the longitudinal axis L1. 56 and the horizontal axis Q 56 The defined plane.

[0063] At the inner wall of the receiving space 50, the internal locking structure 60 of the dome-shaped dome includes two internal locking webs 62 arranged opposite to each other. The internal locking webs 62 are parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the cross-section of the inner dome. 56 And form an undercut opposite to the insertion direction.

[0064] The transverse axis Q parallel to the inner dome cross section is not provided. 56 The locking web. Furthermore, the locking connecting bolt 1 is permitted to move laterally in the insertion direction within the receiving space along the inner locking web 62.

[0065] Depending on the application, a seal 64 may also be provided at the coupling seat 3.

[0066] about Figure 4-7 For detailed information on the corresponding connector 5 shown, please refer to DE 10 2018 124 406 A1. The connector with the corresponding configuration is described in detail regarding its configuration, function, and materials used.

[0067] Figure 8 and Figure 9 It shows that according to Figures 1 to 3 The connecting bolt 1 and according to Figures 4 to 7 The connector 3 is aligned, thus illustrating one embodiment of the plug-in connector 5. For clarity, the components to be connected to each other are not shown in these figures.

[0068] about Figure 10-16 Now, a possible connection method and the steps involved are described. First, in the first step A, a first component A is provided, which has a connecting bolt 1 fixed thereon or within it. Particularly in the case of embodiments with a two-step configuration having a connecting portion 10, it is advantageous that the connecting portion 10 of the connecting bolt 1 is at least partially molded or embedded in the first component A. This is because, particularly since the connecting bolt 1 is molded or embedded in the first component A via the connecting portion 10, it is guaranteed that the connecting bolt 1 is securely fastened in or at the first component A. Furthermore, this fastening can occur during the production of the first component A, especially when the first component A is made of plastic material. Therefore, the method of producing the first component with the connecting bolt 1 is not complicated compared to the production of the first component A without the connecting bolt. Conversely, using this method avoids the additional steps of fastening the connecting bolt 1 at or within the first component A.

[0069] In a second step B, which is performed before, simultaneously with, or after the first step, a second component B is provided having a connecting seat 3 disposed thereon or disposed therein.

[0070] Now, in step C, the first component A and the second component B are arranged opposite each other such that the connecting bolt 1 can be inserted into the connecting seat 3. In this case, additional reference... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The connecting bolt 1 is inserted into the connecting seat 3, so that the insertion part 32 is adjacent to the inner locking web 62.

[0071] In step D, the connecting bolt 1 is inserted into the connecting seat 3 in the pre-fixed position. This is in Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is illustrated. This means that the inner locking web 62 moves along the first cylindrical head 34, where the insertion portion must first pass through the inner locking web 62. This can be detected by increasing the necessary insertion force to a first value. This first value decreases to a constant second value in the portion of the first cylindrical head 34. Once the first cylindrical head 34 passes through the inner locking structure 60, and thus through the inner locking web 62, the inner locking web 62 moves along the first tapered narrowing transition portion 36 to the first locking portion 38. Now, the connecting bolt 1 and the first component A are in the pre-fixed position.

[0072] In particular, due to the combination of the first cylindrical head 34 and the first tapered narrowing transition portion 36, the force required to insert the connecting bolt 1 does not decrease intermittently. Instead, a preferred constant decrease in the insertion force can be provided. Especially during manual connection establishment, such as in the case of ball bolt heads, this allows the worker to overcome the inner locking structure or inner locking web 62 without experiencing a spontaneous decrease in the required insertion force. This also applies similarly to insertions performed by appropriate automated machines, robots, etc.

[0073] For a first component containing multiple connecting bolts 1 that must be tightened to a second component B, a pre-fixed position is particularly advantageous. This is because, on the one hand, it reliably maintains the first component A at a predetermined distance from the second component B; on the other hand, it provides the option for proper alignment of the first component A relative to the second component B, taking into account, for example, the presence and positioning of the seal 64. This alignment occurs in step F. The elongated, perforated design of the connecting seat 3 particularly supports this alignment.

[0074] Once the first component A and the second component B are correctly aligned with each other in step F, in step E, the connecting bolt 1 moves further in the insertion direction to the fastened position of the connecting seat 5. Therefore, the inner locking web 62 of the connecting seat 3 now moves along the second tapered widening transition portion 42, which is already part of the fastening portion 40. Due to the tapered design, the insertion force is preferably uninterrupted, but preferably continuously varied.

[0075] Once the second tapered widening transition section 42 has been passed, the inner locking web 62 will move along the second cylindrical head 44. Similar to the pre-fixed portion, further movement of the connecting bolt 1 in the insertion direction now causes the inner locking web 62 to move along the third tapered narrowing transition section 46 to the second locking portion 48. Now, the connecting bolt 1 and therefore the first component A are in the tightened position. This is in Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown in the figure. Because the diameter of the second cylindrical head 44 is larger than that of the first cylindrical head 34, the fastened position provides a higher pull-out force compared to the pre-fixed position.

[0076] The components are disassembled in reverse order. Therefore, the same description regarding insertion force applies similarly to extraction force.

[0077] The specific advantage of the connecting bolt 1 is that it combines the respective cylindrical heads 34, 44 with adjacent tapered transitions 36, 42, 46. This particularly facilitates the insertion of the connecting bolt 1 into the connecting seat 3 and optimizes the connection establishment process due to the insertion force. This is independent of whether the insertion is performed manually or automatically. Furthermore, the cylindrical design of each cylindrical head 34, 44 ensures that the connecting bolt 1 is not subjected to instantaneous or linear forces in the pre-fixed and / or tightened positions. Conversely, the connecting seat 3 has a planar bridge, which has a beneficial effect on the durability of the connection established by the insertion connector.

[0078] List of reference numerals

[0079] 1. Connecting bolts

[0080] 3 Connecting base

[0081] 5. Insert-type connector

[0082] 10 Connecting parts

[0083] Step between 12 connecting part 10 and shaft 20

[0084] Step in connecting part 14

[0085] 20-axis

[0086] 22. Fourth conical widened transition section

[0087] 24. Tapered shaft portion

[0088] 30 Pre-fixed part

[0089] 32 Insertion section

[0090] 34 First cylindrical head

[0091] 36 First tapered gradually narrowing transition section

[0092] 38 First Locking Section

[0093] 40 Fastening parts

[0094] 42 Second tapered widened transition section

[0095] 44 Second cylindrical head

[0096] 46 Third tapered gradually narrowing transition section

[0097] 48 Second Locking Section

[0098] 50 receiving space

[0099] 52 Circumferential wall

[0100] 54 External locking structure

[0101] 56 Insertion opening

[0102] 58 Closed end

[0103] 60 Internal locking structure

[0104] 62 Internal locking structure 60 internal locking web

[0105] 64 Seals

[0106] A First Component

[0107] B Second Component

[0108] D1 First Diameter

[0109] D2 Second Diameter

[0110] D3 third diameter

[0111] D4 Fourth Diameter

[0112] L1, the longitudinal axis of connecting bolt 1

[0113] L3 connecting seat 3 longitudinal axis

[0114] Q3 Horizontal axis of connector 3

Claims

1. A coupling bolt (1) of a plug-in coupling (5), comprising a. a connection portion (10) by which the coupling bolt (1) is fastened to or fixed in a first component (A), b. a shaft extending from the connection portion (10), wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis (LI) of the coupling bolt, wherein c. along the longitudinal axis (LI) in the direction of the connection portion (10), the shaft (20) comprises a pre-fixing portion (30) and a fastening portion (40), and d. along the longitudinal axis (LI) in the direction of the connection portion (10), the pre-fixing portion (30) comprises a first cylindrical head portion (34) having a first diameter (Dl), an adjoining first conically tapering transition portion (36), and a first locking portion (38) having a second diameter (D2) which is smaller than the first diameter (Dl), wherein e. the fastening portion (40) comprises, along the longitudinal axis (LI) in the direction of the connection portion (10), a second conically widening transition portion (42) adjoining the first locking portion (38), an adjoining second cylindrical head portion (44) having a third diameter (D3) which is larger than the first diameter (Dl), a third conically tapering transition portion (46), and a second locking portion (48) having a fourth diameter (D4) which corresponds to the second diameter (D2).

2. The coupling bolt (1) according to claim 1, wherein The first locking portion (38) and / or the second locking portion (48) is / are in a cylindrical configuration.

3. The coupling bolt (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pre-fixing portion (30) has an insertion portion (32) adjoining the first cylindrical head portion (34) and facing away from the connection portion (10).

4. The coupling bolt (1) according to claim 3, wherein the insertion portion (32) has the shape of a spherical section or a spherical disc.

5. Coupling bolt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein A fourth conically widening transition portion (22) and / or a widening shaft portion (24) adjoins the second locking portion (48) of the fastening portion (40).

6. Coupling bolt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Between the shaft (20) and the connection portion (10) a step (12) is provided, and / or wherein the connection portion (10) is configured with two steps.

7. Coupling bolt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The coupling bolt (1) is made of a plastic material or a metal material.

8. A first component (A) in or on which a coupling bolt (1) according to one of the preceding claims is fixed.

9. The first component (A) according to claim 8, wherein the connection portion (10) of the coupling bolt (1) is at least partially molded or embedded therein.

10. A plug-in coupling (5) comprising a coupling bolt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a coupling seat (3).

11. The plug-in coupling (5) according to claim 10, wherein The coupling seat (3) is a coupling seat (3) configured as one component which is lockable in an elongated hole-like mounting opening of a second component (B), providing a receiving space (50) in which the coupling bolt (1) is releasably lockable in a pre-fixing position and a fastening position and linearly movable in the receiving space (50) in the locked state.

12. The plug-in coupling (5) according to claim 11, wherein The coupling seat (3) further comprises the following features: a. a closed circumferential wall (52) of a dome shape enclosing a receiving space (50) for the coupling bolt (1), wherein the dome comprises an outer locking structure (54) for fixing the coupling seat (3) in the mounting opening of the second part (B), an open end with an elongated hole-like insertion opening (56) for inserting a coupling bolt (1) in an insertion direction, and a closed end (58) with an adjacent inner locking structure (60) for the coupling bolt (1), b. the elongated hole-like cross-section of the insertion opening (56) and the elongated hole-like inner dome cross-section of the receiving space (50) perpendicular to the insertion direction are defined by a longitudinal axis (L 56 ) and a shorter transversal axis (Q 56 ) extending transversal to the longitudinal axis, and c. At the inner wall of the receiving space (50), the inner locking structure (60) of the dome-shaped dome includes two opposing inner locking webs (62) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cross-section of the inner dome. 56 ) extends and forms an undercut opposite to the insertion direction, wherein d. The inner locking structure (60) does not comprise any locking webs parallel to the transverse axis (Q 56 ) of the inner dome cross-section and allows the locking coupling bolt (1) to move along the inner locking web (62) in the receiving space (50) transversely to the insertion direction.

13. A connection structure comprising a first part (A), a second part (B) and a plug-in coupling (5) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the coupling bolt (1) is fixed in or at the first part (A) and the coupling seat (3) is fixed in or at the second part (B) and the coupling bolt (1) is locked in the coupling seat (3).

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