Connecting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connecting device (18) comprising at least a first component (14) and a second component (10), each having a first through opening (20a, 20b) arranged axially aligned with each other in a final assembly position and through which a connecting element (22) engaging the components (10, 16) passes. The connecting device has: a second through opening (24) of the second component (10) arranged adjacent to the first through opening (20a) of the second component; and a latch hook (26) projecting axially upward from the first component (10) and having a radially flexible latch tab (28) and latch lug (30) at its free end, wherein the latch hook (26) latches to the opening edge of the second through opening (24) in a pre-assembly position (V) in an axially shaped and / or force-fit manner.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device comprising at least a first component and a second component, each having a first through opening, wherein the first through openings are arranged axially aligned with each other in a final assembled position and are passed through by a connecting element that engages the components. The invention also relates to a door assembly having such a connecting device, and a door module for such a door assembly.

[0002] The main body of a car door typically has an outer door panel that forms the outer skin of the door and an inner door panel that is connected to the outer door panel on the inside of the vehicle. A cavity is formed between the outer door panel and the inner door panel as an assembly space, in which the functional components of the car door, such as window regulators, door locks, and airbags, are arranged.

[0003] The functional components of the door are conventionally inserted from the inside of the door through an assembly opening in the inner door panel into the cavity or assembly space between the outer door panel and the inner door panel, and then into their functional positions.

[0004] To simplify the assembly of functional components in vehicle doors, these components can be pre-assembled onto a bracket plate, also known as a functional bracket or unit bracket. The assembled bracket plate, as a so-called door module, is fixed to the door housing (door frame, inner door panel) and covers the compartment of the door frame (inner door panel), which also serves as an assembly opening. Specifically, door modules with bracket plates equipped with window regulators also serve to separate the wet space formed between the outer door skin (outer door panel) and the door module from the dry space of the door formed between the door module and the door trim panel (inner door panel).

[0005] Typically, multiple connecting elements are used to fasten the door module or unit bracket to the body of the motor vehicle or to the inner door panel (door frame). These connecting elements are pre-installed on the door module and inserted into corresponding through openings in the unit bracket. The connecting elements are specifically designed as threaded elements or bayonet elements, as described, for example, in WO 2021 / 140027 A1 or DE 10 2021 214 841 A1.

[0006] During the assembly of the door module to the inner door panel or door housing, connecting elements are, for example, pushed through a channel opening in the inner door panel (as a second component) that aligns with a channel opening in the door module (as a first component), and subsequently rotated or turned to their final position. The door module and the inner door panel clamp each other, thereby reliably securing the door module to the inner door panel.

[0007] Especially in the case of unit brackets made of plastic, it is possible that the unit bracket protrudes too far from the door housing during assembly due to component twisting, making it impossible for threaded or bayonet-type connecting elements to engage with the channel openings in the door housing.

[0008] Herein and below, the term “part distortion” should be understood to specifically refer to an undesirable deviation or deformation (deformation, warping) of a part that may occur during manufacturing, transport or assembly, and that causes the part to deviate from its intended geometry or tolerances.

[0009] Therefore, in the case of a warped unit bracket, it is usually necessary to manually press and hold the unit bracket in place during assembly onto the door housing. If the unit bracket is not held in place, there is a risk that it may fall off the door during assembly, thereby damaging the unit bracket and / or the functional components pre-installed on it.

[0010] This invention aims to provide a particularly suitable connecting device for joining two components. Specifically, it aims to provide protection against detachment or loss, ensuring that the components do not need to be held and pressed together by hand during assembly. This invention also aims to provide a particularly suitable door assembly having such a connecting device, and a particularly suitable door module.

[0011] Regarding the connecting device, this objective is achieved according to the invention using the features described in claim 1, and regarding the door assembly, it is achieved using the features described in claim 8, and regarding the door module, it is achieved using the features described in claim 9. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims (sub-claims). The advantages and embodiments mentioned regarding the connecting device can also be applied to the door assembly and / or door module, and vice versa.

[0012] In this context and in the following text, the conjunction “and / or” should be understood as being in such a way that the features connected by the conjunction can be formed together and serve as substitutes for each other.

[0013] The connecting device according to the invention has at least a first component and a second component. Specifically, the first and second components are components of a motor vehicle door. Preferably, the first component is a door module or its unit bracket, and the second component is the door housing.

[0014] In this context and hereinafter, "unit bracket" should be understood to specifically refer to a flat component on which door components or functional elements of a vehicle door, such as window regulators or window guides, can be (pre-)mounted. The unit bracket is made, for example, of metal, specifically steel or aluminum alloy. Preferably, the unit bracket is at least partially made of composite or plastic materials. For example, this means that a portion or multiple portions of the unit bracket are made of plastic. Preferably, the majority of the unit bracket (i.e., 40% or 50% or more of the unit bracket) is made of plastic.

[0015] In this context and hereinafter, the term "door housing" should be understood to specifically refer to the main body of a vehicle door, such as a side door of a motor vehicle. Here, the door housing is designed as a metal or sheet metal portion. The door housing has a door frame having an outer door portion (outer door panel) forming the outer door skin and an inner door portion (inner door panel) on the inside of the vehicle, with a cavity formed between the outer door portion and the inner door portion serving as an assembly space.

[0016] Therefore, the connecting device is specifically set and configured to connect a plastic component (first component) at risk of component distortion to a metal component (second component) in a pre-assembled position.

[0017] According to the invention, the connecting device is configured to engage these components in a pre-assembly position, thereby simplifying the subsequent final assembly for achieving the final assembly position. Therefore, the assembly of these components is divided into pre-assembly and final assembly.

[0018] Each of these components has a first through opening. The first through openings of the first component and the second component preferably have substantially the same opening cross-section. Here and below, "through opening" should be understood to mean a hole-like channel opening or an opening through which a particular component can pass completely, and thus enable direct passage from one side of the component to the opposite side of the component.

[0019] The first through opening is configured to enable a stable connection of components in the final assembly position. In the final assembly position, the first through openings are arranged axially aligned with each other and are through which connecting elements that engage these components pass. Thus, the first through opening forms a fastening point for the components to be secured to each other. Here, the connecting element is typically not part of the connecting device itself, but is designed as a separate element. However, the connecting element is, for example, pre-mounted on the first component and at least partially inserted into the first through opening of that first component.

[0020] The connecting element is configured and arranged to mechanically connect the two components in the final assembly position. The connecting element functions, for example, as a threaded element, or preferably as a bayonet lock, and thus may also be referred to as a bayonet lock. For example, a bayonet lock is used as a connecting element, as described, for example, in applications WO 2021 / 140027 A1 or DE 10 2021 214 841A1. The contents of this disclosure, and in particular the claims (and related interpretations), are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Here, the connecting element is pre-mounted on the first component and, in the final assembly position, passes through a first channel opening axially aligned with the component, and is rotated or twisted relative to the insertion angle position to the final angular position to establish the connection.

[0021] Information regarding spatial orientation is provided below, particularly regarding the arrangement of the first through opening in the final assembly position. Herein and below, the term "axial" or "axial direction" should be understood specifically as meaning a direction parallel (coaxial) to the central axis passing through the first through opening, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the end face of the component. Therefore, herein and below, "radial" or "radial direction" should be understood specifically as meaning a direction oriented perpendicular (transverse) to the central axis along the radius of the first through opening. Herein and below, the term "tangential" or "tangential direction" should be understood specifically as meaning a direction along the circumference of the first through opening (circumferential direction, azimuth direction), i.e., a direction perpendicular to both the axial and radial directions.

[0022] Here, the axial direction is parallel to the joining direction of the components, that is, the direction along which the components are joined together. Here, the joining directions for pre-assembly and final assembly are oriented parallel to each other. Therefore, for both pre-assembly and final assembly, the components are axially joined or connected together.

[0023] For the pre-assembly of the components according to the invention, the second component has a second through opening that engages with a latch hook of the first component, securing the pre-assembly position. In other words, the first component of the connecting device has a latch hook that engages or hooks into the second component during pre-assembly. Specifically, these components are thus engaged together in the pre-assembly position by a latching or clamping connection with axial form fit and / or force fit. This provides protection against detachment or loss along the axial or engagement direction, ensuring that the components do not need to be manually held and pressed against each other during final assembly. Therefore, a particularly suitable connecting device is achieved. Specifically, even if the first component is twisted, a simple and reliable final assembly is possible.

[0024] Here, the second through opening of the second component is arranged adjacent to the first through opening of the second component, that is, close to or at a short distance from it. Therefore, the second through opening is arranged in a manner that is radially offset from or spaced apart from the first through opening.

[0025] The second through opening has an opening cross-section that is different from, for example, the opening cross-section of the first through opening. Preferably, the second through opening is designed as a circular hole.

[0026] The latch hook is arranged adjacent to the first through opening of the first component. Specifically, the radial arrangement of the latch hook relative to the first through opening of the first component substantially corresponds to the radial arrangement of the first through opening and the second through opening of the second component.

[0027] The latch hook is preferably integrally formed with the first component, i.e., formed as a single piece or integrally with the first component, and protrudes axially upward from the first component. The latch hook has an axially extending latch tab, which has a latch lug designed, for example, in a wedge shape, at its free end. The latch hook or latch tab is designed to be radially flexible, meaning that the latch tab is designed to elastically deflect in the radial direction against a restoring force. Therefore, the latch tab is specifically designed to be elastic; in other words, the latch tab is constructed as a spring tab. In the case where the first component is designed as a plastic component, the integrally formed latch hook is therefore designed as a plastic spring.

[0028] For pre-assembly, the first component is positioned relative to the second component such that the latch hook is arranged axially aligned with the second through opening of the second component, wherein the latch tab is disposed within the inner circumference of the projection of the second through opening onto the first component, and the latch lug is at least partially disposed outside the inner circumference. Subsequently, for example, the first component moves axially in the direction of the second component such that the latch hook engages in the second through opening. The latch lug slides along the opening edge of the second through opening and thereby moves radially inward, i.e., in the direction of the central axis of the second through opening. As a result, the latch tab deflects radially and is mechanically tensioned, so that once the latch lug has completely passed through the second through opening, the latch lug returns radially outward due to the resulting restoring force. Thus, the latch lug engages the opening edge of the second through opening from the rear, such that in the pre-assembly position, the latch hook latches or clamps with the opening edge of the second through opening in an axial form-fit and / or force-fit manner. Subsequently, the component is finally assembled via the first through opening and connecting elements, that is, the component is transferred from the pre-assembly position to the final assembly position.

[0029] In this context and below, "shape fit" or "shape fit connection" between at least two interconnecting parts is specifically understood to mean that the interconnecting parts are held together in at least one direction by direct interlocking of the contours of the parts themselves or by indirect interlocking via additional connecting parts. Thus, due to the shape of these parts, a "blocking" of relative movement in that direction occurs.

[0030] In this context and below, "force fit" or "force fit connection" between at least two interconnecting parts is specifically understood to mean preventing the interconnecting parts from slipping off each other due to frictional forces acting between them. Without the "connecting force" (meaning the force that presses these parts together, such as threaded force or weight itself) that causes this frictional force, the force fit connection cannot be maintained and will therefore be released.

[0031] In this context and hereinafter, "pre-assembly position" should specifically be understood as meaning the pre-fixation of the first component on the second component, i.e., the initial holding or initial tightening of the first component in the sense of pre-assembly or pre-positioning. The form-fitting and / or force-fitting latching connection implemented herein is provided specifically with regard to the stability of assembling the first component on the second component in order to prevent the first component from undesirably falling out or sliding out of the second component. A pre-fixed latching connection between the latch hook and the second through opening is not provided or is unsuitable for securing the components together in a stable, permanent, and reliable manner. Therefore, the pre-assembly position is merely a preliminary positioning for the subsequent final assembly step via the connecting element and the first through opening.

[0032] In this context and hereinafter, "final assembly position" should be understood to specifically refer to the final position occupied by the components after the (final) assembly process is completed. The final assembly position describes the state in which the components are secured to each other in a stable, permanent, and reliable manner. In the final assembly position, connecting elements pass through two first through openings and connect or clamp the components to each other.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the latch hook is sized such that, in the pre-assembled position, the axial distance (i.e., the net axial width) between the components is less than or equal to the penetration length of the connecting element. Preferably, the axial length of the latch hook and its radial position relative to the first through opening are designed such that the first component is held close to the second component in the pre-assembled position, allowing the connecting element (threaded element, bayonet lock) to pass through the first through opening of both components. This ensures that the connecting element can connect or clamp the two components together in the pre-assembled position.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, an axially compressible sealing element is arranged on the first component. Here, the sealing element is positioned radially offset relative to the first through opening and the latch hook. When the first component is designed as a door module or unit bracket, the sealing element, for example as a bracket seal, is arranged circumferentially along the outer edge of the unit bracket on the wet space side to ensure a seal between the unit bracket and the door housing or between the wet and dry spaces in the assembled state (final assembly position). The sealing element is, for example, designed as a PU foam seal (PU: polyurethane) or a TPE seal (TPE: thermoplastic elastomer).

[0035] In the pre-assembled position, the sealing element is at least partially axially compressed. This generates an axial restoring force in the pre-assembled position, which pushes the first component away from the second component, ensuring an axial form-fit of the latch hook at the opening edge by means of tension stress. Due to the compressible sealing element, an axial force-fit fixation of the form-fit engagement of the latch lug is achieved.

[0036] This enables a particularly stable pre-assembly position, further simplifying the final assembly.

[0037] Furthermore, the compressibility of the sealing element allows for radial approach of the latch hook by inserting a tool from the edge of the component to the center of the component between the sealing element and the second component. This enables radial deflection of the latch tab, allowing the latch connection to be released using a flat unlocking tool in the pre-assembled state. In other words, the pre-assembled hook lock can also be released using a tool.

[0038] Another aspect of the invention provides a first component having an axially upwardly projecting support wall for defining the radial deflection of the latching tab. Here, the support wall is positioned radially spaced from the latching hook and extends substantially parallel to the latching tab. The radial distance between the latching tab and the support wall is dimensioned such that during pre-assembly, unacceptable deflection or deformation of the latching tab beyond its elastic range is prevented by abutting the support wall against the latching tab. This prevents damage to the latching tab during pre-assembly, ensuring that the components are stably aligned and held relative to each other in the pre-assembly position.

[0039] In another possible improvement, the latch tab has an axially upwardly projecting extension on its rear side facing the support wall, serving as a mechanical stop on the support wall. For example, the extension is formed at the free end in the region of the latch lug on the latch hook. This achieves particularly controlled and stable deflection definition for the latch hook.

[0040] The upwardly projecting support wall is specifically formed integrally with the first component, that is, formed as a single piece or integrally with the first component. To stabilize and reinforce the support wall, one conceivable embodiment has at least one axially extending reinforcing rib on the rear side opposite to the latching tab.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, in the pre-assembled position, the latch hook and the support wall are radially positioned in the second through opening in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, such that the first through opening of the component is held in a defined position relative to each other. This further simplifies the final assembly. To improve holding in the second through opening, the support wall has, for example, a curved or arched cross-section, which is supported, for example, on the inner circumference of the second through opening via a plurality of reinforcing ribs.

[0042] The door assembly according to the invention is provided for vehicle doors, particularly for side doors of motor vehicles, and is adapted and configured for use in vehicle doors. The door assembly has a door housing, specifically a door frame or inner door portion, and an installed or installable door module. The door module has a unit bracket (door module bracket) on which at least one door component of the vehicle door is pre-installed.

[0043] The door housing or inner door portion has an assembly opening for assembling the door. Here, the assembly opening is configured and covered (hidden) by a door module or unit bracket. In other words, the door module can be mounted on the door housing or on / at the assembly opening, such that the assembly opening is covered by the door module, particularly its unit bracket. Here, in the assembled state, the door module closes the assembly opening, wherein the unit bracket preferably achieves wet / dry space separation of the door.

[0044] To secure or assemble the door module to the door housing, at least one connecting device as described above is provided, wherein the unit bracket forms a first component and the door housing forms a second component. This achieves a particularly suitable door assembly, wherein even in the event of component twisting, the unit bracket can be reliably and simply (finally) installed to the door housing without manual securing.

[0045] Here, the connecting device is arranged, for example, at the bottom of the unit bracket, that is, in the area of ​​the unit bracket facing the ground in the assembled state, so as to prevent the unit bracket from sliding down from the door during final assembly.

[0046] For example, a door assembly can have more than one connecting device. In other words, multiple connecting devices, i.e., at least two connecting devices, are arranged on the door housing and unit support, such that the components are held in a pre-assembled position at multiple fastening points. This provides particularly stable holding of the pre-assembled position, enabling particularly simple final assembly. Furthermore, it reduces the mechanical requirements on each connecting device, especially on each latch hook, allowing for a simpler and more cost-effective design.

[0047] The door module according to the invention is provided for use in the door assembly as described above, and is suitable and configured for use in the door assembly. Here, the door module has a unit bracket and at least one door component pre-installed thereon. Here, the door module or its unit bracket is designed as a first component of the aforementioned connecting device. For this purpose, the unit bracket has a first through opening, which in the final assembly position is arranged axially aligned with a first through opening of the door housing of the door assembly, and is through which a connecting element passes or is capable of passing. Furthermore, the unit bracket has an axially upwardly projecting latch hook, which has a radially flexible latch tab and latch lug at its free end, wherein the latch hook in the pre-assembly position latches or is capable of latching to the opening edge of the second through opening of the door component in an axially form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. This achieves a particularly suitable door module that can be easily installed on the door housing.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 A perspective view of a door assembly with a door housing and a door module is shown.

[0050] Figure 2 A perspective view of the door module as seen from the wet space side is shown.

[0051] Figure 3 The door module is shown in a cross-sectional plan view as seen from the wet space side.

[0052] Figure 4 The connection mechanism of the door assembly is shown in a cross-sectional plan view, and

[0053] Figures 5 to 7 The pre-assembly of the door assembly is shown in a continuous sectional view.

[0054] In all the accompanying drawings, corresponding parts and dimensions always have the same reference numerals.

[0055] Figure 1 The diagram shows a door assembly 2 for a motor vehicle door in a partially disassembled state. The door is designed as a side door, particularly a swing hinged door. The door assembly 2 has a door housing 4 as the door body and a door module 6.

[0056] The door housing 4 has a door frame 8, which serves as the main body of the door and houses the functional components and door parts of the vehicle door. The door frame 8 has an inner door portion (inner door panel) 10 on the inside of the vehicle, which has an assembly opening 12 serving as an entrance to the assembly space of the door frame 8. The assembly opening 12 is closed by the unit bracket 14 of the door module 6 in the (final) assembled state. In the (final) assembled state, the unit bracket 14 serves as a wet / dry space separation for the door 2. At least one door part 16 of the door 2, such as a power window regulator, is arranged on the unit bracket 14.

[0057] The following text further provides specific information about spatial orientation within the vehicle's coordinate system (vehicle coordinate system). Here, the horizontal axis (X-axis, X-direction) is oriented along the vehicle's longitudinal direction (direction of travel), the vertical axis (Y-axis, Y-direction) is oriented along the vehicle's lateral direction, and the applicable axis (Z-axis, Z-direction) is oriented along the vehicle's height.

[0058] The assembly of door module 6 onto door housing 4 is carried out in two stages. First, door module 6 is assembled in pre-assembly position V ( Figure 7 The door module 6 is pre-fixed to the door housing 4, and then the final assembly is performed, after which the door module 6 is in a stable and reliable final assembly position on the door housing 4.

[0059] In order to pre-assemble the door module 6 onto the door housing 4, the door assembly 2 has a connecting device 18 ( Figure 4 (The following will be a reference) Figures 2 to 7 The connecting device will be explained in more detail. The connecting device 18 is used for the pre-assembly and mechanical (pre) connection of two components 4 and 6, wherein the first component 4 is the door module 6 or its unit bracket 14, and the second component is, for example, the door frame 8 or the inner door panel 10. Therefore, the unit bracket 14 will also be referred to as the first component below, and the inner door portion 10 will be referred to as the second component.

[0060] Components 10 and 14 each have (first) through openings 20a and 20b, wherein through opening 20a is introduced into component 10, and complementary through opening 20b is introduced into component 14. For example, in... Figure 4 As can be seen, the through openings 20a and 20b of components 10 and 14 exhibit substantially the same cross-sectional shape.

[0061] Through openings 20a and 20b are configured to achieve a stable component connection in the final assembly position. In the final assembly position, through openings 20a and 20b are arranged in a manner that axially aligns with each other. Figure 4 The connecting element 22 of the engaging parts 10 and 14 passes through the first part 14. The connecting element 22 is pre-installed on the first part 14 and is at least partially inserted into the through opening 20b. The connecting element 22 is particularly effective in a bayonet-lock manner for connecting or clamping the two parts 10 and 14 together.

[0062] Information regarding spatial orientation is provided below, particularly regarding the arrangement of the through openings 20a and 20b in the final assembly position. Herein and below, "axial" or "axial direction A" should be understood specifically as a direction parallel (coaxial) to the central axis M passing through the through openings 20a and 20b, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the end faces of components 10 and 14. Therefore, herein and below, "radial" or "radial direction R" should be understood specifically as a direction oriented perpendicular (transverse) to the central axis M along the radius of the through openings 20a and 20b. Herein and below, "tangential" or "tangential direction T" should be understood specifically as a direction along the circumference (circumferential direction, azimuth direction) of the through openings 20a and 20b, i.e., a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction A and the radial direction R. In the final assembly position, the axial direction A is oriented parallel to the Y-direction, while the radial direction R and the tangential direction T are arranged in a plane parallel to the XZ plane.

[0063] Component 10 has a (second) through opening 24. The second through opening 24 of component 10 is arranged adjacent to the through opening 20 of the component, that is, close to or at a short distance from the through opening. Therefore, the through opening 24 is arranged in a manner that is radially offset from or spaced apart from the through opening 20 on component 10. For example, particularly in… Figure 4 As can be seen in the plan view, the through opening 24 has a different opening cross-section than the through opening 20b. In the illustrated embodiment, the through opening 24 of component 10 is specifically designed as a circular hole.

[0064] Component 14 has an axially upwardly projecting latch hook 26. The latch hook 26 is preferably integrally formed with component 14, specifically on the wet space side, i.e., formed as a single piece or integrally with the component. The latch hook 26 has an axially extending latch tab 28, which has a wedge-shaped latch lug 30 at its free end.

[0065] The latch hook 26 or latch tab 28 is designed to be radially flexible, meaning that the latch tab 28 is designed to resist the restoring force and elastically deflect in the radial direction R. Figure 5 ).

[0066] The latch hook 26 is arranged adjacent to the through opening 20b of component 14. Specifically, the radial arrangement of the latch hook 26 relative to the through opening 20b on component 14 is substantially the same as the radial arrangement of the through openings 20a and 24 on component 10. Figure 4 Corresponding to ).

[0067] Furthermore, component 14 has an axially upwardly projecting support wall 32 for limiting radial deflection of the latch tab 28. Here, the support wall 32 is positioned radially spaced from the latch hook 26 and extends substantially parallel to the latch tab 28. (As in...) Figure 3 or Figure 4 As can be seen relatively clearly in the plan view, the support wall 32 has a roughly J-shaped cross-sectional shape, wherein three roughly radially oriented reinforcing ribs 34 are formed on the outer side of the J-shaped bend away from the latch hook 26, and these reinforcing ribs extend axially upward from the support surface of the component 14 outward along the support wall 32.

[0068] An extension 36 protruding upward in the direction of the support wall 32 is formed on the rear side of the latch lug 30 facing the support wall 32. Specifically, in... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen in the side view, the extension 36 extends axially beyond the latch lug 30. Therefore, the extension 36 is also an axial and radial continuation of the wedge-shaped surface of the latch lug 30.

[0069] An axially compressible sealing element 38 is also arranged on component 14. Here, the sealing element 38 is positioned radially offset relative to the through opening 20b and the latch hook 26. In this embodiment, the sealing element 38 is arranged circumferentially along the outer edge of component 14 on the wet space side as a support seal to ensure a seal between components 10 and 14 or between the wet and dry spaces of the door in the assembled state (final assembled position). The sealing element 38 is designed, for example, as a PU foam seal (PU: polyurethane) or a TPE seal (TPE: thermoplastic elastomer).

[0070] In the following text, see references Figures 4 to 7 The pre-assembly of component 14 on component 10 according to the invention will be explained in more detail.

[0071] In the first assembly step, components 10 and 14 are positioned relative to each other such that the through openings 20a and 20b and the latch hook 26 are arranged in a manner aligned axially with the through opening 24. Here, the latch hook 26 is positioned such that the latch tab 28 is arranged within the inner circumference of the through opening 24 projected onto component 14, and the latch lug 30 is at least partially arranged outside the inner circumference.

[0072] In the second assembly step, component 14 is moved axially in the direction of component 10. The wedge-shaped surface of the latch hook 26, formed by the extension 36 and the latch lug 30, slides along the opening edge of the through opening 24, causing the latch tab 28 to radially deflect to the tensioned bent position B. Figure 4 , Figure 5 The extension 36 abuts against the support wall 32. On one hand, the mechanical stop of the extension 36 on the support wall 32 prevents the latch tab 28 from being unacceptably overstretched beyond its elastic range. On the other hand, the supported latch hook 26 also serves as a positioning or centering aid for aligning the components 10, 14 at the opening edge of the through opening 24.

[0073] Once the latch lug 30 or wedge surface has completely passed through the opening edge of the through opening 24, the latch lug 30 (and therefore the latch hook 26) moves radially outward to the starting position due to the restoring force of the latch tab 28. Figure 6 Thus, the latch lug 30 engages the opening edge of the through opening 24 from the rear, such that in the pre-assembled position V, the latch hook 26 latches or clamps the opening edge of the through opening 24 in an axial form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

[0074] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As can be seen, the sealing element 38 is axially compressed during pre-assembly. Here, the axial dimensions of the sealing element 38 and the latching tab 28 are designed such that the sealing element 38 is at least partially axially compressed in the pre-assembly position V. As a result, the sealing element 38 generates an axial restoring force in the pre-assembly position V, which pushes the component 14 away from the component 10, thereby ensuring the axial form fit of the latching hook 26 at the opening edge of the through opening 24 by means of tension stress.

[0075] In the pre-assembly position V, the latch hook 26 and the support wall 32 (with reinforcing ribs 34) are radially positioned in the through opening 24 in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. This achieves a radial form-fit and / or force-fit in addition to the axial form-fit and / or force-fit, ensuring reliable alignment of the through openings 20a and 20b in the pre-assembly position V. Here, the dimensions of the latch hook 26 and the sealing element 38 are designed such that, in the pre-assembly position V, the axial distance (i.e., the net axial width) between components 10 and 14 is less than or equal to the penetration length of the connecting element 22.

[0076] Subsequently, the components 10 and 14 are finally assembled via the first through openings 20a and 20b and the connecting element 22, that is, the components 10 and 14 are transferred from the pre-assembly position V to the final assembly position.

[0077] The claimed invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, those skilled in the art can also derive other variations of the invention from the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. Specifically, all the individual features described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments can also be combined with each other in other ways within the context of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention.

[0078] Furthermore, the described solution can be used not only in the specific application scenarios shown, but also in similar designs in other motor vehicle applications, such as door and tailgate systems, window regulators, vehicle locks, adjustable seats and interior systems, as well as electric drive units, control units, sensors, and their arrangement in the vehicle.

[0079] List of reference numerals

[0080]

Claims

1. A connecting device (18) comprising at least a first component (14) and a second component (10), each having a first through opening (20a, 20b) arranged axially aligned with each other in a final assembled position and through which a connecting element (22) engaging the components (10, 16) passes, the connecting device having a) The second through opening (24) of the second component (10), the second through opening being arranged adjacent to the first through opening (20a) of the second component, and b) Latch hook (26), which protrudes axially upward from the first component (10) and has a radially flexible latch tab (28) and latch lug (30) at its free end. - wherein the latch hook (26) is latched to the opening edge of the second through opening (24) in a pre-assembled position (V) in an axial form fit and / or force fit manner.

2. The connecting device (18) according to claim 1. Its features are, The latch hook (26) is sized such that in the pre-assembled position (V), the axial distance between the components (10, 16) is less than or equal to the penetration length of the connecting element (22).

3. The connecting device (18) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, An axially elastically compressible sealing element (38) is arranged on the first component (14), the sealing element being at least partially axially compressed in the pre-assembled position (V).

4. The connecting device (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The first component (14) has an axially upward projecting support wall (32) for defining the radial deflection of the latch tab (28).

5. The connecting device (18) according to claim 4. Its features are, The latch hook (26) has an axially upwardly projecting extension (36) on the rear side facing the support wall (32) as a mechanical stop.

6. The connecting device (18) according to claim 4 or 5. Its features are, The support wall (32) has at least one axial reinforcing rib (34) on the rear side opposite to the latch hook (26).

7. The connecting device (18) according to any one of claims 4 to 6. Its features are, In the pre-assembled position (V), the latch hook (26) and the support wall (32) are radially positioned in the second through opening (24) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

8. A door assembly (2) for a vehicle door, the door assembly having a door housing (4) and a door module (6), the door module having a unit bracket (14) and a connecting device (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the door housing (4) has the second component (10), and wherein the unit bracket (14) is the first component.

9. A door module (6) for use in a door assembly (2) according to claim 8, the door module having a unit bracket (14) and at least one door component (16) pre-installed on the unit bracket. -The unit bracket (14) has a first through opening (20b), which is arranged in the final assembly position axially aligned with the first through opening (20a) of the door housing (4) of the door assembly (2), and is through which or can be through which the connecting element (22) passes. -The unit support (14) wherein the unit support (14) has an axially upward protruding latch hook (26) having a radially flexible latch tab (28) and a latch lug (30) at its free end. - wherein the latch hook (26) is latched to the opening edge of the second through opening (24) of the door housing (4) in a pre-assembled position (V) in an axial form fit and / or force fit manner or is capable of being latched in the manner described.

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