Buckle connection, motor vehicle structure and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a snap connection, a motor vehicle structure and a motor vehicle, in particular to a snap connection of a motor vehicle assembly support, comprising an elastomer connecting part, which has at least one first groove provided for fastening to a retaining structure on the outer side, and a bayonet pin, which has a second groove provided for fastening to the retaining structure on the outer side. Wherein the elastomer connecting piece has a hole or a through-opening, the hole or the through-opening has at least one first latching contour, and the latching pin has at least one second latching contour. Wherein the detent can be inserted into the bore or through-opening in an insertion direction and can be locked by the cooperation of at least one first detent contour and at least one second detent contour, and wherein the elastomer connecting piece has a compression geometry, the compression geometry is configured to compress and thereby harden the elastomer connecting piece in the region of the at least one first latching contour when the bayonet is pulled counter to the insertion direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a snap-fit ​​connection, a motor vehicle structure and a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Snap-in connections, motor vehicle structures and motor vehicles of the type mentioned in the introduction are well known. Corresponding snap-in connections have several functions. Firstly, they generally have to enable quick installation of assemblies and components, preferably without excessive installation forces, so that they can be installed manually by mechanics. On the other hand, however, they should remain reliably under normal forces.

[0003] US11,255,362B2 discloses a retaining assembly comprising a core, an elastomeric member connected to the core, and a clip connected to the elastomeric member. In some embodiments, the clip can be configured so that it connects the retaining assembly to a suitable component. An embodiment of a clip can include multiple supports and multiple clip portions. The clip for mounting the assembly can include a flange, a base, multiple supports extending axially between the flange and the base, and multiple clip portions extending from the base to the flange and not far in front of it.

[0004] A disadvantage here is that the resulting connection is a snap-on connection with multiple clips, which complicates disassembly.

[0005] On the other hand, the corresponding snap connections should be easily detachable, preferably without tools, for maintenance and repair work, which conflicts to a certain extent with the goal of secure retention.

[0006] Another known task of such snap connections is vibration isolation, in order to optimize the NVH behavior in particular. Therefore, snap connections with elastomeric materials are known. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object is therefore to overcome the known disadvantages and to provide a snap-in connection, a motor vehicle structure and a motor vehicle which combine easy assembly and disassembly with reliable fixing and at the same time have good NVH properties.

[0008] A snap connection for a motor vehicle assembly support is described, which has an elastomeric connecting part and a latch, wherein the elastomeric connecting part has at least one first groove on the outer side, which is arranged to be fixed to a retaining structure, wherein the elastomeric connecting part has a hole or a through-notch, wherein the hole or the through-notch has at least one first locking contour, wherein the latch has at least one second locking contour, wherein the latch can be inserted into the hole or the through-notch in an insertion direction and can be locked by the cooperation of at least one first locking contour and at least one second locking contour, wherein the elastomeric connecting part has a compression geometry, which is designed to compress and thereby harden the elastomeric connecting part in the area of ​​at least one first locking contour when the latch is pulled against the insertion direction.

[0009] Elastomeric connectors can be designed in the form of a can or hose, with different shapes possible depending on the respective use ranging from round to polygonal or even free-form. The selection of the appropriate shape and design depends on the respective planned application.

[0010] The elastomer can be made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, PE, PU, ​​silicone and other materials. The elastomer can have various additives to adjust the material properties of the elastomer, such as hardness, heat resistance, wear resistance, surface roughness, etc.

[0011] The elastomers achieve vibration damping, which improves the NVH properties of a correspondingly equipped motor vehicle.

[0012] The bayonet has a higher rigidity than the elastomeric connecting element. The bayonet can be made of plastic or metal in particular. The bayonet can be an integral component of the vehicle body or of a component or of an assembly. For installation, the bayonet is inserted into the hole or through-cut. The bayonet has a shape that allows insertion into the hole or through-cut and allows for fixation in position when the bayonet is correctly positioned relative to the elastomeric connecting element.

[0013] If a corresponding force is applied against the insertion direction, the compression geometry compresses and the bayonet is thereby locked in the elastomeric connection, and can even withstand forces that are higher than those required for installation. Thus, the compression geometry can achieve that the force required for separating the bayonet connection against the insertion direction is much greater than the force required for locking the bayonet connection in the insertion direction. In this way, easy installation can be combined with reliable retention.

[0014] A first development provides that the elastomeric connecting element has a contact surface, wherein the latch has a collar, wherein the collar abuts against the contact surface at least when the latch is axially stressed in the insertion direction.

[0015] The contact surface can extend into the hole or through-cut. The contact surface and the collar can be locally oriented parallel to one another, so that the collar and the contact surface abut against one another in the form of a surface, thereby achieving a better force transmission while the components are loaded with less surface.

[0016] A further development provides that the at least one first latching contour has at least one latching projection and / or latching ridge and / or latching groove, wherein the at least one second latching contour has at least one latching projection and / or latching ridge and / or latching groove of substantially complementary shape.

[0017] It can thus be achieved that the first latching contour and the second latching contour abut against each other in the form of a surface.

[0018] A further development provides that the first latching contour and the second latching contour have a plurality of bevels on the side pointing in the insertion direction and / or on the side facing away from the insertion direction, so that the locking between the elastomeric connecting element and the latch can be established and released.

[0019] In the insertion direction, the bevel can reduce the required insertion force.

[0020] The bevel can prevent the latch from getting stuck in the elastomeric connecting piece in the opposite direction of insertion. This could lead to damage to the latch and / or the elastomeric connecting piece when attempting to release the latch connection and possibly cause other injuries.

[0021] A further development provides that the first latching contour is arranged further forward in the insertion direction than the first groove, wherein the compression geometry is arranged axially between the first latching contour and the first groove or at the height of the first latching contour.

[0022] Here, the contact surface of the elastomeric connector is arranged axially further forward than the compression geometry. In this way, the forces introduced by the bayonet in the direction opposite to the insertion direction are transferred via the relevant contact surface of the elastomeric connector from the abutting mating contact surface of the bayonet to the first latching contour of the elastomeric connector. The forces are directed to the first groove of the elastomeric connector and run through the compression geometry. As a result, this leads to a deformation and compression of the compression geometry or even to a crushing of the compression geometry, which causes a material accumulation of the elastomeric connector material above the second latching contour of the bayonet, so that the holding force of the elastomeric connector in the direction opposite to the insertion direction is increased and the bayonet is reliably held.

[0023] A further development provides that the elastomeric connecting element has a gripping region on the outside which is arranged further forward in the insertion direction, wherein compression of the compression geometry can be prevented by pulling the gripping region in the insertion direction for removal of the latch.

[0024] By pulling the gripping area in the insertion direction, compression or collapse of the compression geometry can be prevented and the latching contour can be removed with much less force than without pulling the gripping area, thereby achieving easy disassembly.

[0025] A further development provides that the gripping region has at least one retaining ridge or gripping geometry or friction-increasing structure.

[0026] This makes disassembly easy.

[0027] Another development provides that the latch has a stepped profile.

[0028] The stepped profile facilitates the installation and removal of the bayonet compared to a non-stepped embodiment.

[0029] Another development provides that the latch consists of plastic or metal, in particular aluminum.

[0030] Another development provides that the compression geometry is a compression groove.

[0031] The compression groove can be filled or unfilled with compressible material. Such a groove can be easily provided when manufacturing the elastomeric connector.

[0032] A first independent subject matter relates to a motor vehicle structure having an assembly which is fastened to the motor vehicle by means of at least one snap-in connection of the above-described type.

[0033] A first development provides that the at least one latch is arranged on an assembly, wherein at least one elastomeric connecting element is arranged on the motor vehicle body.

[0034] Another development provides that the at least one latch is arranged displaceably on the assembly.

[0035] A further development provides that at least one holding bracket having a receiving groove and / or a receiving recess for receiving the at least one elastomeric connecting element is provided on the motor vehicle body.

[0036] The holding bracket can be a separate component from the elastomeric connecting element in one embodiment and can be connected to the elastomeric connecting element in another embodiment.

[0037] A further independent subject matter relates to a motor vehicle having at least one motor vehicle structure of the aforementioned type. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of a motor vehicle structure with an engine cooler is shown, which is fastened to the motor vehicle body by means of two snap connections;

[0040] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A front view of a motor vehicle structure;

[0041] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of

[0042] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A front side cross-sectional view of a motor vehicle structure;

[0043] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of

[0044] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E The various stages of insertion, locking and removal of a bayonet pin of a bayonet connection are shown.

[0045] Reference numerals list

[0046] 2 Motor Vehicles

[0047] 3 Motor vehicle structure

[0048] 4 Assembly support

[0049] 6 Snap-on connection

[0050] 8 Elastomer connector

[0051] 10 First Slot

[0052] 12 Holding bracket

[0053] 14Through the gap

[0054] 18 pins

[0055] 18.1 rod

[0056] 18.2 Flange

[0057] 20 First Lock Profile

[0058] 22 Second locking profile

[0059] 24 compression slots

[0060] 26 Flange

[0061] 27 Locking flange

[0062] 28 contact surface

[0063] 30 Outer side

[0064] 32 inner side

[0065] 34-40 bevel

[0066] 42 Hand Grab Area

[0067] 44 Step Profile

[0068] 46 Engine Cooler

[0069] 46.1 riser

[0070] 46.2 Riser flange

[0071] 48 Body

[0072] 50 Accommodate gap

[0073] 50.1 Flange

[0074] 52 Keep ridges

[0075] A points to the insertion direction side

[0076] B Side facing away from insertion direction

[0077] d Clear width

[0078] D Maximum diameter

[0079] F Holding force

[0080] Y Insertion Direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Figure 1 A perspective view of a motor vehicle 2 is shown with a motor vehicle structure 3 having an engine cooler 46 which is fastened to a subassembly support 4 by means of two snap connections 6 . The subassembly support 4 is connected to a body 48 of the motor vehicle 2 .

[0082] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Front view of the structure.

[0083] The two snap connections 6 are arranged at the same height. The engine cooler 46 has two risers 46.1, at the ends of which there are snap connections 6. Figure 2 The latch that is not visible in the figure is fixed to the side of the cooler.

[0084] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of .

[0085] The snap connection 6 has an elastomeric connection part 8 fixed to the vehicle body 48. Figure 3 A bayonet pin, not visible in the drawing, is inserted into the elastomeric connector.

[0086] The elastomeric connecting element 8 consists of vulcanized natural rubber.

[0087] The elastomeric connecting element 8 is rotationally symmetrical.

[0088] In a corresponding section on the vehicle body 48, a retaining bracket 12 is provided, in which the elastomeric connecting element 8 of the assembly support 4 is accommodated. The retaining bracket 12 is made of plastic, which is harder and more wear-resistant than the elastomeric connecting element 8. The retaining bracket 12 thus protects the elastomeric connecting element 8 from damage by the vehicle body 48, which is made of metal. Without the retaining bracket 12, there is a risk that the elastomeric connecting element 8 would be damaged due to the edge of the vehicle body 48 cutting into the elastomeric connecting element 8.

[0089] Figure 4 A front section through a motor vehicle structure 3 is shown.

[0090] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of detail G.

[0091] The holding bracket 12 has a receiving recess 50, in which the elastomeric connecting member 8 of the assembly support 4 is received and the elastomeric connecting member 8 partially abuts against the outer side surface 30 in the receiving area in the form of a surface. For this purpose, the receiving recess 50 has an inwardly protruding flange 50.1, which is inserted into the first groove 10 of the elastomeric connecting member 8. The first groove 10 is arranged on the outer side surface 30 of the elastomeric connecting member 8 and is formed circumferentially.

[0092] The elastomeric connector 8 has a through-cut 14, in which a first latching contour 20 is formed. The first latching contour 20 is formed on a latching collar 27, which protrudes into the through-cut 14 in the form of a circumferential ridge. The latching collar 27 has a bevel 36 aligned from the side B facing away from the insertion direction Y and a bevel 40 aligned from the side A pointing toward the insertion direction Y. The bevels 36, 40 are used for non-destructive assembly and disassembly of the latch 18 on the elastomeric connector 8.

[0093] A standpipe flange 46 . 2 is formed on the standpipe 46 . 1 of the engine cooler 46 .

[0094] On the side of the bayonet 18 opposite the flange 26, a disc-shaped flange 18.2 is formed on the bayonet 18. The flange 18.2 is bonded to the standpipe flange 46.2. In other embodiments, the bayonet can be integrally formed with the standpipe 46 or fixed in other ways, for example, bolted or welded.

[0095] The latch 18 has a second latching contour 22 formed on a flange 26. The maximum diameter of the flange 26 is larger than the shaft 18.1 of the latch 18. The flange 26 has a bevel 34 directed from the side B facing away from the insertion direction Y and a bevel 38 directed toward the side A in the insertion direction Y. The bevels 34, 38 are used for non-destructive assembly and disassembly of the latch 18 on the elastomer 8.

[0096] The latch 18 has a stepped contour 44 with thickened material in the region in front of the collar 26 in the insertion direction Y, ie, facing the side B, in order to be able to transmit greater forces.

[0097] like Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the latch 18 is inserted into the through-opening 14 in the insertion direction Y. The inner side 32 of the elastomeric connecting element 8 has a clear width d above the first latching contour 20 in the insertion direction Y, which corresponds essentially to the maximum diameter D of the second latching contour 22 of the latch 18. The clear width d can be 0 to 2 mm smaller or 0 to 4 mm larger or the same as the maximum diameter D of the second latching contour 22. This allows the latch to be moved into the through-opening 14 with little friction.

[0098] The bevel 36 on the first latching contour 20 of the elastomeric connecting part 8 and the corresponding bevel 38 of the latch 18 temporarily expand the latching collar 27 of the elastomeric connecting part 8 when the latch 18 is moved into the elastomeric connecting part 8 and make it easier for the collar 26 of the latch 18 to pass by the latching collar 27 of the elastomeric connecting part 8.

[0099] As soon as the second latching contour 22 of the latch 18 has axially passed the first latching contour 20 of the elastomeric connecting element 8 in the insertion direction Y, the material of the elastomeric connecting element 8 can be relieved of load again, forming a form fit with the latch 18 and the latch 18 is latched.

[0100] The elasticity of the elastomeric connecting element 8 provides for vibration damping, which prevents the transmission of structure-borne sound from the engine cooler 46 to the vehicle body 48 and vice versa, thereby preventing the propagation of noise within the motor vehicle 2 .

[0101] The elastomeric connection 8 has a contact surface 28 against which the bayonet 18 rests in the form of a surface with the flange 18.2 arranged on the rod 18.1. This increases the stability of the snap connection 6 and allows a larger area of ​​force transmission between the engine cooler 46 and the assembly support 4.

[0102] Furthermore, a circumferential compression groove 24 is provided on the outer side 30 of the elastomeric connecting element 8, which is located at a height substantially between the heights of the first latching contour 20, as viewed in the insertion direction Y, wherein the slanted surface 34 of the elastomeric connecting element 8 against which the bevel 40 of the latch 18 abuts in the illustrated locked state is located further forward than the compression groove 24, as viewed in the insertion direction Y. When the latch 18 is pulled against the insertion direction Y, for example during driving, dynamic forces are transmitted from the engine cooler 46 and the standpipe 46.1, which act on the compression groove 24, which can initially partially collapse and completely collapse in the case of greater forces. This causes an accumulation of additional material in the region of the flange 50.1 of the receiving recess 50 of the retaining bracket 12, which significantly increases the resistance against the insertion direction Y and makes the release of the latch 18 correspondingly more difficult. At the same time, a small axial amplitude is permitted, which is damped by the elastomeric connecting element 8, which further contributes to noise reduction.

[0103] The elastomeric connector 8 has a gripping area 42 arranged further forward in the insertion direction Y on the outer side 30, on whose end a retaining ridge 52 is formed. To remove the engine cooler 46, the elastomeric connector 8 is grasped in the gripping area and pulled in the insertion direction Y. This allows Fig. 6E As shown, compression of the compression groove 24 is prevented and the collar 26 of the latch 18 can slide past the latch collar 27 of the elastomeric connecting part 8 by means of corresponding bevels 34 , 40 .

[0104] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E Different states of the snap connection 6 are shown.

[0105] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The installation of the bayonet 18 is shown in FIG. Fig. 6A In the embodiment of the present invention, the latch 18 is inserted into the through-opening 14 along the insertion direction Y and slides along the inner side 32 of the elastomeric connecting element 8 .

[0106] exist Figure 6B When the flange 26 of the latch 18 shown in the figure abuts against the locking flange 27 of the elastomeric connecting member 8, the locking flange 27 of the elastomeric connecting member 8 is stretched apart by the cooperation of the inclined surfaces 36 and 38 on the elastomeric connecting member 8 and the latch 18, and the flange 26 of the latch 18 is allowed to pass through and then be locked. Figure 5 Shows the snap-in status.

[0107] Figure 6C and Fig.6D The load state with a movement component counter to the insertion direction Y is shown. By the force transmitted here by the latch 18 to the elastomeric connecting element 8, the compression groove 24 is first partially ( Figure 6C ) and then completely ( Fig.6D) is compressed, and the locking flange 27 of the elastomeric connecting member 8 is thickened to form a rough ridge, which is located in front of the flange 26 of the latch 18 and prevents the latch 18 from falling out because it blocks the receiving notch 50 of the retaining bracket 12.

[0108] Fig. 6E It is shown that when the latch 18 is to be removed, the gripping area 42 of the elastomeric connector 8 can be pulled with a retaining force F in the insertion direction Y to prevent the compression groove 24 from being collapsed, whereby the flange 26 of the latch 18 can pass by the locking flange 27 of the elastomeric connector 8.

[0109] The invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments but can be modified in various ways.

[0110] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawings, including construction details, spatial arrangements and method steps, may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination.

Claims

1. A snap-on connection (6) of an assembly support (4) of a motor vehicle (2), the snap-on connection (6) comprising an elastomeric connecting element (8) and a bayonet pin (18), wherein: The elastomeric connecting element (8) has at least one first groove (10) on the outer side (30), the at least one first groove (10) being provided for fixing to a retaining structure (12), wherein the elastomeric connecting element (8) has a hole or a through-hole (14), wherein the hole or the through-hole (14) has at least one first latching contour (20), wherein the latch (18) has at least one second latching contour (22), wherein the latch (18) can be inserted into the hole or the through-hole (14) along an insertion direction (Y) and can be locked by the cooperation of the at least one first latching contour (20) and the at least one second latching contour (22), wherein the elastomeric connecting element (8) has a compression geometry (24) which is designed to compress and thereby harden the elastomeric connecting element (8) in the region of the at least one first latching contour (20) when the latch (18) is pulled opposite to the insertion direction (Y).

2. The snap connection (6) according to claim 1, wherein: The elastomeric connector (8) has a contact surface (28), wherein the bayonet (18) has a flange (26), wherein the flange (26) contacts the contact surface (28) at least when the bayonet (18) is subjected to axial force along the insertion direction (Y).

3. The snap connection (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one first latching contour (20) has at least one latching projection and / or latching ridge (26) and / or latching groove, wherein the at least one second latching contour (22) has at least one latching projection and / or latching ridge (26) and / or latching groove of substantially complementary shape.

4. The snap connection (6) according to claim 3, wherein: The first locking profile (20) and the second locking profile (22) have a plurality of inclined surfaces (34, 36, 38, 40) on the side (A) pointing to the insertion direction (Y) and / or on the side (B) facing away from the insertion direction (Y), so that the locking between the elastomeric connecting element (8) and the latch (18) can be established and separated.

5. The snap-fit ​​connection (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first latching contour (20) is arranged further forward than the first groove (10) in the insertion direction (Y), wherein the compression geometry (24) is arranged axially between the first latching contour (20) and the first groove (10) or at the height of the first latching contour (20).

6. A snap-fit ​​connection (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The elastomeric connecting element (8) has a gripping area (42) on the outer side (30) which is arranged further forward in the insertion direction (Y), wherein compression of the compression geometry (24) can be prevented by pulling the gripping area (42) in the insertion direction (Y) in order to remove the latch (18).

7. The snap connection (6) according to claim 6, wherein: The gripping area (42) has at least one retaining ridge (52) or gripping geometry or friction-enhancing structure.

8. The snap connection (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The detent (18) has a stepped profile (44).

9. The snap connection (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The latch (18) consists of plastic or metal, in particular aluminum.

10. The snap-fit ​​connection (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The compression geometry is a compression groove (24).

11. A motor vehicle structure (3) having an assembly (46) which is fastened to a motor vehicle (2) by means of at least one snap connection (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The motor vehicle structure (3) according to claim 11, wherein: At least one latch (18) is arranged on the assembly (46), wherein at least one elastomeric connecting element (8) is arranged on a motor vehicle body (48).

13. A motor vehicle structure (3) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The at least one detent (18) is movably arranged on the assembly (46).

14. A motor vehicle structure (3) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: At least one retaining bracket (12) is provided on the motor vehicle body (48), the at least one retaining bracket (12) having a receiving groove and / or a receiving recess (50) for receiving the at least one elastomeric connecting element (8).

15. A motor vehicle (2) having at least one motor vehicle structure (3) according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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