Connecting piece

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection for functionally connecting a functional element (joint head link) to a component (actuating lever), said component comprising at least one first through-opening arranged along a first longitudinal axis of said component. The connector comprises: a base plate having a mounting surface and a functional surface opposite the fastening surface, the mounting surface extending along a second longitudinal axis between a first end section and a second end section and being flatly applied at an end region of the component; a connecting element which is arranged on the functional surface and can be coupled to the functional element; and a fastening element arranged on the fastening surface, the fastening element extending in the direction of the component during use and being able to be brought into a releasable connection position with the component via the at least one first through opening.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting piece or connecting clamp or adapter for connecting a functional element, in particular a joint head for coupling to a connecting rod, to a component, in particular a sensor rod or an actuating rod of a sensor. Background Art

[0002] In a range of safety and comfort-enhancing vehicle devices (e.g., active chassis, level controllers, and automatic beam width controllers), it is often necessary to register the corresponding tilt or other angular changes of the vehicle. Such angle measurement devices typically utilize a ball joint (e.g., joint head / socket) that connects the sensor's actuating rod to a corresponding connecting rod. Such angle measurement devices are generally known and used by default as part of a connecting rod for sensor control in a vehicle. FIG1 shows such an angle measurement device 10, in which, for example, a printed circuit board 12 moves a metal rotor 16 connected to the sensor's actuating rod 14 to influence the electromagnetic field so that the field changes can be registered according to the sensor's rod position and then assigned to a corresponding angular range.

[0003] In order to form a spherical joint, the actuating rod 14 includes, for example, a ball stud 18, which is then coupled to a corresponding socket 20 of a connecting rod 22. Typically, the ball stud 18 is subsequently attached or mounted to the actuating rod 14. To this end, the ball stud, for example, made of metal or plastic, can be attached to the actuating rod by screwing, riveting, welding or another suitable type of connection (which is force, friction or material locking). The ball stud can also be formed integrally with the actuating rod by a suitable manufacturing method. However, disadvantageously, previously known force, friction or material locking ball studs require additional components (screws, threads, etc.) or materials (glue, welding material, etc.) and additional connection steps to functionally fix the ball stud to the actuating rod. Therefore, previously known ball studs (or other joint components) are either connected to the actuating rod in a manner that cannot be removed, or require a large number of assembly and disassembly steps to ensure a secure fixation.

[0004] If the joint head (ball stud or socket) is damaged or defective, the entire sensor assembly usually needs to be replaced, as repairing a damaged actuator rod is usually not profitable. Disassembly and assembly of the ball stud usually requires tools and additional fasteners, which takes a lot of time and increases costs.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a connecting piece, i.e. a connecting clip or an adapter clip, for connecting a functional element, in particular a connector head, to a component, in particular a sensor rod or an actuating rod, which not only has a simple design but can also be securely and reliably fastened to a component suitable for this purpose, such as an actuating rod, in the simplest way and with the fewest possible assembly movements.

[0006] A further object of the invention is to provide a connecting piece, i.e. a connecting clip or an adapter clip, for connecting a functional element, in particular a connector head, to a component, in particular a sensor rod or an actuating rod, which can be brought into connection with a component suitable for this purpose, such as an actuating rod, which connection is easy to release but is always ready for operation.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a connecting piece, i.e. a connecting clip or an adapter clip, for connecting a functional element, in particular a connector head, to a component, in particular a sensor rod or an actuating rod, which can be manufactured in a simple and more cost-effective manner.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connection piece, ie a connection clip or an adapter clip, which represents an alternative to the devices known from the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One or more of these objects are achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous configurations are specified in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a connection piece is provided for functionally connecting a functional element (joint head connecting rod) to a component (actuating rod), the component having at least one first through-opening arranged along a first longitudinal axis of the component. The connection piece comprises:

[0011] a base plate having a fastening surface and a functional surface opposite the fastening surface, the fastening surface extending along the second longitudinal axis between the first end section and the second end section and being attachable flatly to an end region of the component;

[0012] a connecting element provided on the functional surface, the connecting element being coupleable to the functional element, and

[0013] A fastening element is provided on the fastening surface, which fastening element extends towards the component during use and can be brought into a releasable connection position with the component via the at least one first through-opening.

[0014] A fastening element that can be releasably connected to at least one through-opening in the component allows the connector to be attached to the component in a manner that is operationally safe and as simple as possible. In particular, a fastening element extending in the direction of the component allows for an extremely simple assembly procedure, i.e., the connector can be securely attached to the component with a simple movement. The simple design and preferably integrally formed connector allow for particularly cost-effective production.

[0015] Advantageously, the fastening element comprises at least one latching device for engaging behind a surface of the component facing away from the fastening surface. Furthermore, the latching device comprises at least one connecting link that can be inserted into the first through-opening, wherein the two latching elements are arranged in an elastically deflectable manner on opposite sides of the connecting link and engage behind a surface of the component in a positive locking manner in the connected position.

[0016] Advantageously, the connecting link is arranged to extend vertically from the fastening surface along the second longitudinal axis toward the first end section of the base plate.In addition, the cross-sectional profile of the connecting link is configured to be complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the first through-opening.

[0017] The connecting link thus simplifies the functional alignment between the connecting element and the component before the connecting link releasably engages the through-opening of the component. The cross-section of the connecting link, which is complementary to the through-opening, improves the positive-locking connection between the connecting element and the component. Consequently, even high forces can be reliably transmitted between the connecting element and the component without the connecting element slipping or even separating from the component.

[0018] Advantageously, on at least one and preferably two of the edge regions arranged laterally relative to the second longitudinal axis, the latching device comprises a latching element having an elastically deflectable latching arm for engaging in a positive locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the latching arm in the connected position.

[0019] Since the latching arm engages on one side of the component edge, in combination with the latching connecting link, a particularly strong attachment is achieved between the component and the connecting piece. The connecting piece engaging at three locations and the positive locking fit between the connecting link and the first through-opening can resist particularly high tensile and rotational forces between the connecting piece and the component in the connected position.

[0020] Advantageously, the fastening device further comprises a hook spaced apart from the connecting link along the second longitudinal axis and extending away from the first end section of the base plate, the hook being adapted to engage in a positive-locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the hook. In a preferred embodiment, the hook has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile and, in the connected position, is spaced apart from the connecting link so that it can be introduced into a second through-opening provided along the first longitudinal axis of the component. Furthermore, the fastening element formed on the base plate can be brought into the connected position with the component by pivoting the base plate about the hook engaging the second through-opening.

[0021] The outwardly facing hook can be inserted into the second through-opening in a simple manner and with a single assembly movement, so as to then provide appropriately spaced pivot points for a pivoting movement that engages the connecting link in the first through-opening. This further simplifies the assembly of the connector, since the user can attach the connector to the component (i.e., the actuating lever with the corresponding through-hole) with a simple insertion and pivoting movement (conceivably with one hand).

[0022] Advantageously, a spring element extending in the direction of the component in the connected position is arranged on an edge region of the first end section of the base plate, said spring element being suitable for providing a prestressing force between the connector and the component in the connected position.

[0023] The pretensioning caused by the spring element between the connector and the component prevents or at least minimizes any rattling noises of the connector attached to the component (e.g., during operation or actuation of the sensor). In this case, the spring element can simply be formed integrally as a leaf spring at the edge region of the end section of the base plate. For example, the spring element can be a simple flat protrusion extending obliquely forward away from the edge region, i.e., toward the component in the connected position. The flat protrusion can be elastically deflected so that the pretensioning force acts via the spring element between the connector and the component in the connected position.

[0024] Advantageously, the positioning wall extending towards the component in the connected position and contacting and engaging the edge region of the component is formed on one and preferably two edge regions arranged laterally across the second longitudinal axis. The lateral positioning walls provide additional reinforcement for the fastening element, which can counteract possible torques of the connection.

[0025] Preferably, the connecting element is formed from at least one plastic (1K or 2K), for example by an injection molding process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided to further illustrate the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is an example assembly of a sensor device known in the prior art, (a) with a connecting rod coupled via a ball joint, and (b) with an actuating lever on the sensor device shown in an open view;

[0028] Figure 2 is an actuating lever of a sensor device shown (a) in a top perspective view, (b) in a bottom perspective view, and (c) in a cross-sectional view along the CC section plane;

[0029] Figure 3 is an embodiment of a connector or connector clip or adapter clip of the present invention shown (a) in a front perspective view and (b) in a bottom perspective view;

[0030] Figure 4 Shown in (a) top view, (b) side view, (c) front view and (d) top view Figure 3 Connectors;

[0031] Figure 5 (a) along the AA section plane Figure 4 and (b) a perspective cross-sectional view of the connector along the BB cross-sectional plane. Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of a connecting member;

[0032] Figure 6 is a connecting element according to the invention fixed to an actuating rod (without the sensor device) shown (a) in a top perspective view and (b) in a bottom perspective view, i.e., the connecting element is in a connected position with the actuating rod;

[0033] Figure 7 is (a) shown in section along section plane DD attached to the actuating rod and (b) shown in section along section plane EE Figure 6 connectors, and

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a side view of the connecting piece of the invention after the hook has been inserted into the second through-opening of the actuating lever; the arrow indicates the subsequent pivoting movement which connects the connecting link and the lateral latching arm with the actuating lever by latching them together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Certain terms such as "right," "left," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "upper," and "lower" indicate directions in the drawings with respect to corresponding components, devices, or apparatuses as they are operatively mounted. The terms "inner" and "outer" indicate directions relative to the geometric center axis or center of the component, device, or apparatus being described, where this is clear from the description. The terms connector, connector clip, adapter clip, and clip are used interchangeably.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms “connected,” “attached,” “coupled,” and “mounted” each describe a direct connection between two elements or components, ie, without intervening elements, but also an indirect connection between elements or components, ie, with at least one intervening element.

[0037] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc. merely indicates different instances of the same object and does not imply that these objects must be in any particular order in time, space, or in any particular order of priority.

[0038] The examples of embodiments of a connector 100 for a sensor device (e.g. a beam width control device) with an actuation rod as described herein represent all possible variations of the invention, i.e. the connector is not limited to specific actuation rods for sensor devices, but can be used for all suitable articulated connections between functional elements and components.

[0039] Figure 2 , an actuator lever 200 suitable for the embodiments of the present invention described herein is shown. The actuator lever 200 includes a flat lever arm 208 extending along a first longitudinal axis 204 from a pivot bearing region 202 to a coupling region 206. The pivot bearing region 202 is typically rotatably coupled to an angle measuring device (not shown), wherein the free end of the lever arm 208 includes a coupling region for attaching the connector 100 of the present invention. The actuator lever 200 has a first through-opening 210 arranged along the first longitudinal axis 204 and a second through-opening 212 arranged along the first longitudinal axis in the direction of the free end of the coupling region 206 and spaced apart from the first through-opening 210. In the example described herein, the first through-opening has a rectangular opening profile and the second through-opening has a square opening profile, wherein the opening profiles may also have any other shape that matches the fastening elements of the connector 100 of the present invention. The actuator lever 200 described herein is configured to taper toward the free end.

[0040] refer to Figure 3 、 4 5, an exemplary embodiment of a connecting piece 100, also called a connecting clip or an adapter clip or simply a clip, will now be described, which is particularly suitable for an actuating rod 200 of an angle measuring device of a beam width control device.

[0041] The connecting clip 100 includes a base plate 102 extending along a second longitudinal axis (i.e., the plate longitudinal axis) 104 between a first end section 106 and a second end section 108. In the present example, the base plate 102 tapers toward the second end section 108. The base plate 102 includes a fastening surface 110 disposed on the bottom and a functional surface 112 disposed on the top opposite the fastening surface 110. Both surfaces, i.e., the fastening surface 110 and the functional surface 112, are formed flat. A joint head 114 is disposed on the functional surface 112 on the second end section 108 and extends perpendicularly to the functional surface 112. The joint head 114 is configured to form a spherical joint with a corresponding counterpart (i.e., a socket) of the connecting rod. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the joint head can also form any other functional element for connecting to a corresponding counterpart of the connecting rod.

[0042] On the second end section 108, a hook element 116 (also referred to as a hook) extends perpendicularly away from the fastening surface 110 directly opposite the joint head 114. The hook 116 points forward from the second end section 108 in an L-shape, whereby the front stop surface 120 of the hook 116 is arranged flush with the edge of the base plate 102. On the rear wall 122 of the hook 116, a centrally arranged rib member 118 inclined toward the hook end is configured to reinforce the strength of the hook 116. Thus, the tapered portion of the rib member 118 allows the hook 116 to be inserted into the corresponding second through-opening 212 (see FIG. 2 ) of the actuating rod 200. Figure 2 ) without inhibiting subsequent pivotal movement of the clip 100. The spacing between the hook 116 and the connecting link 124 is determined by the spacing between the first through-opening 210 and the second through-opening 212 of the actuating lever 200. In an alternative embodiment, the hook 116 can also be directed rearward from the second end section 108 in an L-shape, i.e., toward the first end section 106. This allows the hook 116 to engage around the front edge region of the lever arm even without the second through-opening 212.

[0043] A latching device extending perpendicularly from the fastening surface 110 is provided on the first end section 106 of the base plate 102 and is releasably attached to the lever arm 208 in conjunction with the first through-opening 210 .

[0044] The latching device includes a connecting link 124 arranged to extend from the fastening surface 110 at the first end section 106 along the second longitudinal axis 104 , and two opposing arms 126 , each of which is arranged on an edge region of the base plate 102 laterally relative to the connecting link 124 .

[0045] The connecting link 124 has a cross-section (e.g., rectangular) that is complementary to the first through-opening 210, so that the connecting link 124 can be inserted through the first through-opening 210 with minimal play. A resiliently deflectable latch element 128 is provided on each of the two opposing side surfaces of the connecting link 124. In the connected position, the opposing latch elements 128 are adapted to releasably engage behind and secure the lower surface of the lever arm 208. That is, the latch elements 128 initially resiliently deflect inwardly when the connecting link 124 penetrates the first through-opening 210, so that they then resiliently spring outwardly and engage behind the lever arm when the connecting link leaves the first through-opening 210. Simultaneously, when the connecting link 124 is inserted, the arms 126 are laterally deflected outwardly by the edge region of the base plate 102, and then spring back to engage behind the lever arm after the connecting link 124 has fully penetrated the first through-opening 210.

[0046] Figure 5 (b) shows the outline of the latch arrangement in detail in a cross-sectional view along section plane BB. The arm 126 and latch element 128 are configured and sized to mate with a corresponding actuating rod 200.

[0047] Two positioning walls 130 are formed on an edge region of the base plate 102 parallel to the latching arm 126 and spaced apart from the latching arm 126 toward the first end section 106. The laterally arranged positioning walls 130 strengthen the connection between the connecting piece 100 and the actuating rod 200, in particular the lateral stability of the connection which is exposed to varying forces (due to rotation of the rod).

[0048] The spring element 132 is disposed at the edge region of the first end section 106 of the base plate 102 so that, in the connected position, a pretension is applied between the actuating lever 200 and the connecting clamp 100. The pretension prevents rattling noises caused by movement between the actuating lever 200 and the connecting clamp 100. The spring element of the embodiment of the present invention described herein is formed as an elastically deflectable protrusion extending obliquely downward (i.e., toward the lever arm 208) from the edge region of the base plate 102. The dimensions (length, width, thickness, material) of the spring element 132 are thus selected so that the desired tension between the actuating lever 200 and the connecting clamp 100 is achieved in the connected position.

[0049] The connection clip 100 is preferably made of durable plastic, but may also be formed of metal or a combination of different materials. The connection clip 100 is preferably manufactured inexpensively by an injection molding process.

[0050] Now go to Figure 6 、 7 and 8 , the attachment and removal of the connecting clip 100 will be described.

[0051] Figure 6 and 7 The connecting clip 100 is shown in the connected position with the actuating rod 200, once viewed from above ( Figure 6 (a)) and once observed from below ( Figure 6 (b)). As shown, hook 116 engages in the front second through-opening 212 so that the hook engages behind it, connecting link 124 engages in the first through-opening 210 via its latch element 128, and the latch arm engages laterally behind the edge of base plate 102. Connector 100 is secured to actuating lever 200 in a pre-tensioned manner by spring member 132 pushing the latch device engaged behind lever arm 208. This results in a click-free connection, which is further reinforced by the laterally mounted positioning wall 130.

[0052] Figure 8The assembly movements required to secure the connecting clip 100 to a suitable actuating lever 200 (i.e., a through-hole with appropriate spacing and dimensions) are shown. To this end, the hook 116 of the connecting clip 100 is simply inserted into the second through-opening 212, and the base plate 102 and the connecting link 124 arranged thereon are directly inserted into the first through-opening 210 via the engaging hook 116 serving as a pivot point until the spring element 132 contacts the upper surface of the lever arm 208. The corresponding latching element 128 and the latching arm 126 are thereby elastically deflected inwardly and outwardly, respectively. When the spring element 132 contacts the surface of the lever arm 208, the latching element 128 is also inserted into the first through-opening 210, and the latching arm 126 still abuts the edge region of the base plate 102 in a sideways deflected manner. The compressive force exerted on the second end section 108 of the functional surface 112 and the contacting spring element 132 then pushes the connecting link 124 through the lever arm 208 via the latching element 128 and the laterally arranged latching arm 126, so that the latching element 128 and the latching arm 126 spring out at the bottom surface of the lever arm 208 and counteract the force exerted by the spring element 132. The connecting piece 100 is now in the connected position.

[0053] The connecting clip 100 can be separated from the lever arm 208 by simply pushing in the latch element 128 and by simultaneously deflecting the latch arm 126 laterally. Thereafter, the base plate 102 is simply pivoted about the hook 116, which is still in the second through-opening 212, until the hook 116 can be released from engagement with the second through-opening 212 and pulled out. The connecting piece 100 and the actuating lever configured to match the connecting piece 100 together form a mounting assembly according to the present invention, which can be used with a wide variety of sensor devices and / or connecting rods.

[0054] Reference Signs List

[0055] 10 Angle measuring device 200 Actuating rod

[0056] 12 Printed circuit board 202 Rotating bearing area

[0057] 14 Actuating rod 204 First longitudinal axis

[0058] 16 Rotor 206 connection area

[0059] 18 Ball stud 208 Lever arm

[0060] 20 socket 210 first through opening

[0061] 22 Connecting rod 212 Second through opening

[0062] 100 Connectors, Clips

[0063] 102 substrate

[0064] 104 Second longitudinal axis

[0065] 106 first end section

[0066] 108 second end section

[0067] 110 Fastening surface

[0068] 112 functional surfaces

[0069] 114 connector head

[0070] 116 Hook

[0071] 118 rib members

[0072] 120 Stop surface

[0073] 122 back wall

[0074] 124 connecting rod

[0075] 126 latch arm

[0076] 128 latch element

[0077] 130 Positioning Wall

[0078] 132 Spring element

Claims

1. A connector for functionally connecting a functional element to a component, the component having at least one first through-opening arranged along a first longitudinal axis of the component, the connector comprising: a base plate having a fastening surface and a functional surface opposite the fastening surface, the fastening surface extending along the second longitudinal axis between the first end section and the second end section and being attachable flatly to an end region of the component; a connecting element provided on the functional surface, the connecting element being coupleable to the functional element, and A fastening element is provided on the fastening surface, which fastening element extends towards the component during use and can be brought into a releasable connection position with the component via the at least one first through-opening.

2. The connecting piece according to claim 1, It is characterized by The fastening means comprises at least one latching means for engaging behind a surface of the component facing away from the fastening surface.

3. The connecting piece according to claim 2, It is characterized by The latching device comprises at least one connecting link which is insertable into the first through-opening and is arranged so that it can be deflected on two opposite sides of the connecting link, and a latching element which, in the connected position, engages in a positive-locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the latching element.

4. The connecting piece according to claim 3, It is characterized by The connecting link is arranged along the second longitudinal axis toward the first end section of the base plate and extends perpendicularly from the fastening surface.

5. The connection piece according to one of claims 3 and 4, It is characterized by The cross-sectional profile of the connecting link is configured to be complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the first through-opening.

6. Connecting piece according to one of claims 3 to 5, It is characterized by The latching device comprises a latching element which is arranged on at least one and preferably two of the edge regions arranged laterally opposite to the second longitudinal axis, each edge region having a resiliently deflectable latching arm for engaging in a positive-locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the latching arm in the connected position.

7. Connecting piece according to one of claims 3 to 6, It is characterized by The fastening element comprises a hook spaced apart from the connecting link along the second longitudinal axis and extending away from the first end section of the base plate, the hook being adapted to engage in a positive locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the hook.

8. The connecting piece according to claim 7, It is characterized by The hook has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile and is spaced apart from the connecting link in the connection position such that it can be inserted into a second through-opening arranged along the first longitudinal axis of the components.

9. The connecting piece according to claim 8, It is characterized by The fastening element formed on the base plate is brought into a connection position with the component by a pivotal movement of the base plate about the hook engaging the second through-opening.

10. Connecting piece according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by A spring element extending in the direction of the component in the connected position is arranged on an edge region of the first end section of the base plate, the spring element being suitable for providing a prestressing force between the connector and the component in the connected position.

11. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by Positioning walls which extend towards the component and contact an edge region of the component in the connected position are formed on one and preferably both edge regions arranged laterally opposite the second longitudinal axis.

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