First component, component arrangement comprising such first component and second component, and method for providing such component arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a first component, a component arrangement comprising such a first component and a second component, and a method for providing such a component arrangement. The first component comprises a base body having a receiving section and a positioning and / or connecting element connected or connectable to the base body, which positioning and / or connecting element has a fastening section introduced or insertable into the receiving section for the form-fitting, cohesive or force-fitting connection of the positioning and / or connecting element to the base body, and a locking section for the locking of the positioning and / or connecting element to the base body, the invention relates to a locking device comprising a receiving section, which can be introduced into a recess or an opening of a second component, for positioning the second component relative to the first component and / or for connecting the first component to the second component in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, and an intermediate section, which connects the receiving section and the locking section to each other, the intermediate section has a higher elasticity than the fixed section when the fixed section is introduced into the receiving section.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a first component which is to be connected to a second component in order to form a component arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to a component arrangement comprising such a first component and such a second component, to a vehicle with such a component arrangement, and to a method for providing such a component arrangement. BACKGROUND

[0002] When two components are to be connected to one another in order to form an assembly or a component arrangement, it is often necessary for technical and visual reasons to position the two components as precisely as possible relative to one another. Only in this way can it be ensured that, for example, a surface of the first component transitions without offset to a surface of the second component and / or that a gap size is maintained.

[0003] In many cases, screws are used in order to connect the two components to one another. However, it is known that screws are not suitable for positioning the components connected in this way. Therefore, it is common to use a positioning pin which is arranged on the first component and which engages into a positioning pin receptacle of the second component or vice versa. However, the positioning pin serves only for positioning and not for fixing the two components. In this respect, two different elements, namely the positioning pin and the screw, have to be used in order to connect the two components to one another as desired. Depending on the installation position, however, the positioning pin of the first component can come out of the positioning pin receptacle of the second component again after the positioning has been completed and before the connection with the screw, until the screw is installed and tightened. As a result, the assembly becomes difficult.

[0004] It is known that the positioning pin is provided with a locking function, so that the first component is also connected to the second component in a locked manner when positioned. The disadvantage is that the locked connection can only be released again with difficulty when, for example, one of the two components is to be replaced. Although the positioning pin with locking function can also be made of metal, the positioning pin is usually made of plastic, in particular for cost reasons, so that the choice of material is limited. Furthermore, the positioning pin requires a certain installation space in order to be able to be fixed at the respective component with sufficient dimensions. However, for example on (metal) sheet parts, the required installation space is not always present.

[0005] In particular components produced in large quantities can only be manufactured with specific tolerances. It can be possible to bring one of the first components without difficulty into a predetermined nominal position relative to the second component, but this can not be the case with another first component, even though this first component is within the tolerance range. However, after the fixing has been completed, a fine adjustment must also be possible in order to be able to bring the first component into the nominal position relative to the second component. For this purpose, a long hole can be provided, within which a certain after-correction can be achieved, but this is a time-consuming process. SUMMARY

[0006] It is the task of one embodiment of the application to specify a first component which, for forming a component arrangement, is to be connected with a second component, and to suggest that, with this first component, a remedy for the above-mentioned disadvantages can be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner. In particular, the first component should be able to be connected with the second component simply and quickly, even in the case of large tolerances. Furthermore, it is the task of one design of the application to realize a component arrangement with such a first component and such a second component. Moreover, it is the task of one construction of the application to provide a vehicle with such a component arrangement and to specify a method for providing such a component arrangement.

[0007] The task is solved by the features specified in claims 1, 5, 10 and 11. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The embodiments of the application relate to a first component which, for forming a component arrangement, is to be connected with a second component, comprising:

[0009] - a base body with a receiving section, and

[0010] - a positioning and / or connecting element connected or connectable with the base body, which positioning and / or connecting element has:

[0011] a fixing section which is introduced or can be introduced into the receiving section for form-locked, material-locked or force-locked connection of the connecting element on the base body,

[0012] a locking section which can be introduced into a recess or an opening of the second component for positioning the second component relative to the first component and / or for form-locked and / or force-locked connection of the first component on the second component, and

[0013] an intermediate section which connects the receiving section (fixing section) and the locking section to one another, wherein the intermediate section has a higher elasticity than the fixing section when the fixing section is introduced into the receiving section.

[0014] The term "positioning and / or connecting element" can be understood in such a way that the first component, in the connected state with the second component, can be pre-positioned and remain in this pre-positioned state. Depending on the construction, this pre-positioned state can already be the desired position of the first component relative to the second component. As mentioned, the positioning and / or connecting element holds the first component in a certain position relative to the second component. Depending on the load to which the first component and the second component are subjected in the operation of the component arrangement, the connection thus provided can already be sufficient. If this is not the case, the first component can be fixed at the second component with further fixing means, for example with screws. Thus, the suggested positioning and / or connecting element has, depending on the application case, not only a positioning effect, but also a connecting effect.

[0015] The positioning and / or connecting element has three sections, namely a fixing section, an intermediate section and a locking section, wherein the intermediate section has a higher elasticity at least relative to the fixing section. The different elasticity can be adjusted, for example, by the fixing section having a greater wall thickness. Due to the elasticity, the first component can also be released again from the second component, for example when the first component should be replaced.

[0016] According to another refinement, the locking section can have a V-shaped protrusion with a first leg and a second leg, wherein the second leg points towards or forms the free end of the connecting element and forms an introduction ramp. The introduction ramp ensures a certain pre-positioning, so that the protrusion can be introduced into the opening or recess simply by feeding the first component towards the second component. The assembly is thus simple to maintain. Furthermore, the assembly can be performed quickly.

[0017] In an improved embodiment, the connecting element can be made of metal and the fixing section can be formed by means of one or more thread-shaped windings. The thread-shaped windings impart an at least approximately (circular) cylindrical shape to the fixing section, so that the fixing section can be introduced into a correspondingly complementarily shaped receiving section. Here, a frictional locking can be brought about between the receiving section and the fixing section, by means of which the positioning and / or connecting element can be fixed at the base body of the first component. Here, the elastic intermediate section can extend into the (circular) cylindrical section, so that a part of the elasticity is provided by the windings, as long as the windings are able to move relative to the receiving section.

[0018] In an improved embodiment, the locking section can have a bend at its free end. The bend avoids the positioning and / or connecting element damaging, in particular scratching, the second component when the first component is fed, or the positioning and / or connecting element getting stuck in the second component.

[0019] One constructional variant of the application relates to a component arrangement, comprising:

[0020] - a first component according to one of the preceding embodiments,

[0021] - a second component having an opening or recess, wherein the first component and the second component are thereby positioned relative to one another and / or connected to one another, i.e. the locking section of the first component is positively and / or frictionally locked into the opening or recess of the second component.

[0022] The technical effects and advantages which can be achieved with the proposed component arrangement correspond essentially to those discussed for the present first component. It should be noted in general that the first component can be brought into the desired position relative to the second component simply by feeding towards the second component. The component arrangement can thus be provided quickly and simply.

[0023] In another configuration it can be provided that:

[0024] - the first component has a reference surface for positioning the first component and the second component relative to each other, and

[0025] - the first leg of the V-shaped section is configured such that, in the case of being inserted into the opening or recess, it exerts a positioning force onto the second component, wherein

[0026] - the reference surface and the first leg are arranged and configured such that the positioning force acts at least partially perpendicularly onto the reference surface.

[0027] The first component and the second component have a desired position relative to each other when the second component is resting against the reference surface. As mentioned, the first component is pushed towards the second component for the connection, wherein the V-shaped protrusion is inserted into the opening or recess of the second component. The first leg is inserted into the opening or recess with a certain inclination, wherein the first leg exerts a force directed towards the reference surface onto the second component at the point of contact with the second component. Thus, the second component is moved from the positioning and / or connection element towards the reference surface, whereupon the second component rests and is positioned as desired.

[0028] Due to the increased elasticity of the intermediate section, the V-shaped protrusion exerts a force onto the second component at least within certain limits even when the second component is not located in the nominal position, in particular parallel to the reference surface, due to manufacturing inaccuracies. In this regard, the positioning and / or connection element ensures the desired positioning of the first component relative to the second component even in this case without time-consuming readjustment.

[0029] A further improved configuration can provide that:

[0030] - the first component has:

[0031] two positioning and / or connection elements connected to the base body, and

[0032] one positioning pin or one positioning pin receptacle, or

[0033] - the first component has:

[0034] one positioning and / or connection element connected to the base body, and

[0035] two positioning pins or two positioning pin receptacles.

[0036] In this constructional concept, three reference points are provided at which the first component is positioned relative to the second component. Thus, the position of the first component relative to the second component is determined unambiguously. In this regard, the use of at least one positioning pin has proven to be suitable, since it enables fixing the position of the first component relative to the second component parallel to the reference plane.

[0037] According to an improved constructional concept, the first component and the second component can be connected to one another using fixing means. As mentioned, the positioning and / or connecting element also results in the first component being fixed on the second component in a limited range. However, depending on the load acting on the thus realized component arrangement, it can be necessary to additionally realize the fixing using fixing means, for example using screws. However, these fixing means are only used to fix the first component at the second component and do not influence the position of the first component relative to the second component.

[0038] According to another constructional concept, the first component can be a headlamp or a decorative component of a vehicle, and the second component can be a body of the vehicle. In the automotive industry, one challenge is to manufacture vehicles in a short time with less expenditure and with high precision. The use of the proposed component arrangement in the automotive industry fulfils these requirements to a greater extent. Headlamps and decorative components are particularly suitable for being designed according to the proposal.

[0039] One implementation of the present application relates to a vehicle comprising a component arrangement according to one of the previously discussed constructional concepts. The use of the proposed component arrangement in the automotive industry fulfils the described requirements to a greater extent.

[0040] One design of the present application relates to a method for providing a component arrangement according to one of the previously proposed constructional concepts, comprising the following steps:

[0041] - providing a first component and a second component, and

[0042] - moving the first component relative to the second component such that a locking section of the first component is introduced into a recess or an opening of the second component for positioning it relative to one another.

[0043] The technical effects and advantages which can be realized using the proposed method correspond essentially to those discussed for the presently first component. In general, it should be noted that the first component can be brought into the desired position relative to the second component only by feeding the second component. Thus, the component arrangement can be provided quickly and simply.

[0044] In another design variant, the first component and the second component can be fixed to one another using fixing means. As mentioned, the positioning and / or connecting element also results in the first component being fixed at the second component in a limited range. However, depending on the load acting on the component arrangement thus realized, it can be necessary to additionally realize the fixing using fixing means, for example using screws. However, these fixing means serve only to fix the first component on the second component and do not influence the position of the first component relative to the second component once it has been set. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the application are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1A A first embodiment of a component arrangement according to the application is shown, which comprises a first component and a second component,

[0047] Figure 1B A cross-sectional view along the cross-section A-A defined in Figure 1A Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a component arrangement,

[0048] Figure 2 A diagram of a component arrangement similar to Figure 1B is shown, but the second component is shown in three positions,

[0049] Figure 3A A schematic top view of a second embodiment of a component arrangement is shown,

[0050] Figure 3B A schematic side view of the component arrangement shown in Figure 3A is shown, and

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a component arrangement according to the application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] A first embodiment of a component arrangement 101 according to the application is shown in Figure 1A and 1B . The component arrangement 101 is formed from a first component 12 and a second component 14. In the embodiment shown, the first component 12 is designed as a headlamp 16 or a decorative component 15, and the second component 14 is designed as a vehicle body 18 of a vehicle 19 (see Figure 4 ).

[0053] The first component 12 has a base body 20 which is provided with a receiving section 22. Furthermore, a positioning and / or connecting element 24 is provided which is made of metal, for example steel, and can have a circular cross section, wherein otherwise shaped cross sections are likewise possible. The positioning and / or connecting element 24 forms a fixing section 26, an intermediate section 28 and a locking section 30 (see in particular Figure 1B ).

[0054] The fixing section 26 is formed by a number of thread-shaped windings 32 which at least approximately impart a cylindrical outer shape to the fixing section 26. In particular as can be seen from Figure 1B , the fixing section 26 can be introduced into the receiving section 22 of the first component 12, for which purpose the receiving section 22 is at least sectionally provided with a shape which is configured complementarily to the fixing section 26. The receiving section 22 can be provided with a certain reversible deformability, so that a frictional locking is produced when the fixing section 26 is introduced into the receiving section 22, with which the positioning and / or connecting element 24 is fixed at the base body 20.

[0055] The locking section 30 of the positioning and / or connecting element 24 is configured as a V-shaped protrusion 34 with a first leg 36 and a second leg 38. The first leg 36 is directed towards the fixing section 26, while the second leg 38 is directed towards the free end of the positioning and / or connecting element 24. The second leg 38 forms an introduction ramp 40, the function of which will be explained in more detail later. At the free end, the positioning and / or connecting element 24 is provided with a bend 42 (which is also referred to as a kink).

[0056] The intermediate section 28 is arranged between the fixing section 26 and the locking section 30. The intermediate section 28 is designed in such a way that it has a higher elasticity than the fixing section 26 as a whole.

[0057] As mentioned, the second component 14 is configured as a vehicle body 18 of a vehicle 19. The here depicted part of the vehicle body 18 is a (metal) sheet part with an opening 44. However, depending on the design of the second component 14, a recess or a stop can also be provided with which the locking section 30 of the positioning and / or connecting element 24 can interact with the second component 14. In the shown embodiment, however, the V-shaped protrusion 34 is inserted into the already mentioned opening 44 of the second component 14.

[0058] The first member 12 has a reference surface 46. When the second member 14 abuts against the reference surface 46, the first member 12 and the second member 14 are located in a desired position relative to each other. To position the first member 12 relative to the second member 14, the following is done: the first member 12 is moved toward the second member 14, such that the inclined surface 40 first contacts the front edge of the second member 14, and as the first member 12 is further fed toward the second member 14, the reference surface 46 is used. Figure 1B The selected illustration shows the positioning and / or connecting element 24 being lifted, where the necessary elasticity is provided by the intermediate section 28 or by the winding of the intermediate section 28 and the adjacent intermediate section 26. However, it is also possible that the fixing section 26 is constructed "rigidly" in this regard. The bend 42 prevents the positioning and / or connecting element 24 from being scratched and / or stuck in the second member 14.

[0059] Then, the first component 12 continues to move toward the second component 14 for such a long time until the V-shaped protrusion 34 engages with the opening 44 of the second component 14, as in Figure 1B As can be clearly seen in the image. Here, the first leg 36 contacts the abutting edge 47 of the opening 44 (see [link]). Figure 1A The abutment edge 47 and locking section 30 are configured such that a force is applied from the locking section 30 to the second member 14, the force being at least partially oriented perpendicular to the reference surface 46. Therefore, the first member 12 is pulled toward the second member 14, and this occurs on the reference surface 46 abutting the second member 14, as in... Figure 1A and 1B As shown in the diagram. The first component 12 and the second component 14 are now positioned relative to each other as desired.

[0060] The force applied to the second member 14 by the positioning and / or connecting element 24 not only provides positioning but also, to some extent, provides fixation of the first member 12 to the second member 14. Depending on the application, this fixation may be sufficient. However, in most cases, only pre-positioning is achieved, while the actual connection utilizes the subsequently installed fastener 54 (see [link to fastener]). Figure 3B (Especially caused by the use of screws)

[0061] Figure 2 and Figure 1B Similarly, component assembly 101 is shown, however here, in three positions: in the nominal position NP, in the reference position... Figure 2The second component 14 is shown in a first position N1 which is located above the nominal position NP and in a second position N2 which is located below the nominal position NP. The first position N1 and the second position N2 can result from manufacturing inaccuracies, but are within a tolerance range. In particular due to the elasticity of the positioning and / or connecting element 24, the above-mentioned pre-positioning and in particular the abutment of the second component 14 at the reference face 46 of the first component 12 can also be achieved when the second component 14 is located in the first position N1 or in the second position N2 relative to the first component 12. To this end, the course of the first leg 36 and the course of the transition of the first leg 36 to the intermediate section 28 and in particular the elasticity of the intermediate section 28 are selected in such a way that, not only in the nominal position NP, but also in the first position N1 and in the second position N2, the locking section 30 exerts a sufficiently large force on the abutment edge 47 of the second component 14 in order to ensure that the second component 14 abuts on the reference face 46.

[0062] Figure 3A A schematic top view of the second embodiment is shown, and Figure 3B A schematic side view of the component arrangement 102 according to the application is shown, Figure 3A A schematic side view of the second embodiment is shown. In particular by Figure 3B It can be seen that a total of three reference points are provided, namely a first reference point 481, a second reference point 482 and a third reference point 483, at which the first component 12 and the second component 14 can be positioned relative to one another. As already mentioned above, at the first reference point 481 and at the second reference point 482, the first component 12 and the second component 14 have the positioning and / or connecting element 24 and the opening 44, respectively. At the third reference point 483, the first component 12 is provided with a positioning pin 50 which can be plugged into a positioning pin receptacle 52 of the second component 14. For each reference point 481, 482, 483, there is one own reference face 46 which can be arranged slightly spaced apart from the associated positioning and / or connecting element 24 or from the positioning pin 50.

[0063] The positioning of the first component 12 relative to the second component 14 takes place in essentially the same way as described for the first embodiment, with the difference that, in the case of an advancement of the first component 12 to the second component 14, the positioning pin 50 is plugged into the positioning pin receptacle 52. The positioning and / or connecting element 24 causes a fixation perpendicular to the reference face 46, while the positioning pin 50 causes a fixation parallel to the reference face 46. In an embodiment not shown, the positioning pin 50 can cause a fixation perpendicular to and parallel to the reference face 46.

[0064] In particular by Figure 3BIt can be seen that the third reference point 483 does not lie on a connecting line (not shown) connecting the first reference point 481 and the second reference point 482, but is spaced apart therefrom. Thereby, the position of the first component 12 is fixed in a statically determined manner with respect to the second component 14 at the three reference points 481, 482, 483.

[0065] As can be seen from Figure 3B It can also be seen that, with the aid of the positioning and / or connecting elements 24 and the positioning pins 50, only a predefined positioning of the first component 12 with respect to the second component 14 is brought about, whereas the actual connection is achieved with the aid of the fastening elements 54, here with the aid of screws.

[0066] Figure 4 A vehicle 19 which can be equipped with a component arrangement 101, for example according to the first embodiment, is shown. Here, the first components 12 are illuminated decorative components 15, for example a radiator grille, and headlamps 16, while the second component 14 is a vehicle body 18 of the vehicle 19.

[0067] List of reference signs

[0068] 101, 102 component arrangement

[0069] 12 first component

[0070] 14 second component

[0071] 16 headlamp

[0072] 15 decorative component

[0073] 18 vehicle body

[0074] 19 vehicle

[0075] 20 base body

[0076] 22 accommodation section

[0077] 24 positioning and / or connecting element

[0078] 26 fastening section

[0079] 28 intermediate section

[0080] 30 locking section

[0081] 32 winding

[0082] 34 protrusion

[0083] 36 first leg

[0084] 38 second leg

[0085] 40 lead-in chamfer

[0086] 42 bend

[0087] 44 opening

[0088] 46 reference surface

[0089] 47 abutment edge

[0090] 481, 482, 483 reference point

[0091] 50 positioning pin

[0092] 52 positioning pin receptacle

[0093] 54 fixing member

[0094] NP nominal position

[0095] N1 first position

[0096] N2 second position

Claims

1. First component (12) to be connected with a second component (14) for forming a component arrangement (101, 102), the first component comprising: - a base body (20) with a receiving section (22), and - a positioning and / or connecting element (24) connected or connectable with the base body (20), the positioning and / or connecting element having: - a fixing section (26) introduced or introducible into the receiving section (22) for form- locking, material- locking or force- locking connection of the positioning and / or connecting element (24) on the base body (20), - a locking section (30) introducible into a recess or an opening (44) of the second component (14) for positioning the second component (14) relative to the first component (12) and / or for form- locking and / or force- locking connection of the first component (12) on the second component (14), and - an intermediate section (28) connecting the receiving section (22) and the locking section (30) with one another, wherein the intermediate section (28) has a higher elasticity than the fixing section (26) when the fixing section is introduced into the receiving section (22).

2. First component (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking section (30) has a V-shaped protrusion (34) with a first leg (36) and a second leg (38), wherein the second leg (38) points to or forms a free end of the connecting element (24) and the second leg (38) forms an introduction ramp (40).

3. First component (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting element (24) is made of metal and / or the fixing section (26) is formed by means of one or more thread-shaped windings (32).

4. First component (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking section (30) has a bend (42) at its free end.

5. Component arrangement (101, 102) comprising: - a first component (12) according to one of the preceding claims, - a second component (14) having an opening (44) or a recess, wherein - the first component (12) and the second component (14) are positioned relative to one another and / or are connected to one another by the locking section (30) of the first component (12) being form- locking and / or friction- locking plugged into the opening (44) or the recess of the second component (14).

6. Component arrangement (101, 102) according to claim 5, characterized in that - the first component (12) has a reference surface (46) for positioning the first component (12) and the second component (14) relative to one another, and - the first leg (36) of the V-shaped protrusion (34) is configured such that, in the plugged-in state in the opening (44) or the recess, it exerts a positioning force on the second component (14), wherein - the reference surface (46) and the first leg (36) are arranged and configured such that the positioning force acts at least partially perpendicularly onto the reference surface (46).

7. Component arrangement (101, 102) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that - the first component (12) has: two positioning and / or connecting elements (24) connected to the base body (20), and one positioning pin (50) or one positioning pin receptacle (52), or - the first component (12) has: one positioning and / or connecting element (24) connected to the base body (20), and two positioning pins (50) or two positioning pin receptacles (52).

8. The component arrangement (101, 102) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first component (12) and the second component (14) are connected to one another using a fastening (54).

9. The component arrangement (101, 102) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the first component (12) is a headlamp or a decorative component (15) of a vehicle, and the second component (14) is a body (18) of the vehicle (19).

10. Vehicle (19) comprising a component arrangement (101, 102) according to one of claims 5 to 9.

11. Method for providing a component arrangement (101, 102) according to one of claims 5 to 9, comprising the following steps: - providing a first component (12) and a second component (14), and - moving the first component (12) relative to the second component (14) such that a locking section (30) of the first component (12) is introduced into a recess or opening (44) of the second component (14) for positioning the first component and the second component relative to one another.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the first component (12) and the second component (14) are fixed to one another using a fastening (54).

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