fastening system

Abstract

Fastening system for positively interlocking a mounting part and a support part, wherein the mounting part is provided with a receiving device (14) and the support part with a snap-in device (12) corresponding to the receiving device (14), wherein the receiving device (14) has a recess (28), and the snap-in device (12) comprises an insertion opening (36), a retaining web (22) limiting the insertion opening (36) upwards, and a retaining arm (16) spring-mounted on a pivot axis (20) and limiting the insertion opening (36) downwards, wherein the retaining arm (16) has a forming element (18) and, after the receiving device (14) is inserted into the insertion opening (36) in an insertion direction (R), the forming element (18) engages in the recess (28) of the receiving device (14), wherein the snap-in device is designed in such a way thatthat in the insertion direction (R) the joint axis (20) is arranged in front of the shaped element (18) and the shaped element (18) is arranged in front of the retaining web (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening system for the quick, precise and durable fastening of mounting parts to support parts, applicable for example in the mounting of a bumper on a motor vehicle.

[0002] A variety of fastening devices are known, which are intended to enable tool-free, quick assembly of add-on parts, especially in vehicle construction.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2004 035 423 A1 describes a motor vehicle with a lockable latching connection in which the latching elements connecting a bumper and a bracket are intended to remain securely latched together even under the influence of heat. For this purpose, a sliding element is provided which is movable between an unlocked position, in which the sliding element allows latching by deflecting at least one latching element, and a locked position, in which deflection is blocked.

[0004] DE 10 2005 029 544 A1 discloses a connecting device for attaching a bumper side panel to a fender, wherein defined release and actuation forces of a locking element are specified for engagement, disengagement, and in the event of a crash. For this purpose, a locking projection with a contact and guide wall having two continuous wall curvatures is formed.

[0005] German patent DE 600 01 775 T2 describes a bumper protection strip designed to be attached to bumpers by clipping it along their longitudinal edges, which have at least one projection. The bumper protection strips have a C-shape in a vertical section, and the projection points inwards towards the center of the C.

[0006] German patent DE 699 02 324 T2 discloses a device for attaching the side arms of a bumper to a vehicle fender. Both attaching and detaching the bumper from the fenders of a vehicle are intended to be possible with a minimum of manual steps and various movements to bring the side arms closer to the fenders. For this purpose, a bump on an elastic projection of the side arm has two orthogonally arranged chamfers to secure the side arm with two successive sliding movements in the corresponding direction.

[0007] US 2003 0 015 882 A1 discloses a bumper mounting system in which a mounting part is positively connected to a support part by means of an additional connecting part. The assembly thus requires two joining operations at two positively connected joints.

[0008] A disadvantage of known fastening devices is that if the component fastened with these devices is subjected to a load in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction, the clips can be dislodged. Furthermore, with known fastening devices that exert high holding force, it is not guaranteed that disassembly will not result in damage to the clips.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a force-fit fastening system without visible screws, which ensures an increase in the secure fit of a concealed clip point, is quick to assemble and quick to disassemble without damage.

[0010] This problem is solved with a fastening system having the features mentioned in claim 1, with a bumper fastening system having the features mentioned in claim 6, and with a vehicle described in claim 7.

[0011] The fastening system according to the invention for positively interlocking a mounting part and a support part is provided with a receiving device on the mounting part and a snap-in device on the support part corresponding to the receiving device, wherein the receiving device has a recess, and the snap-in device comprises an insertion opening, a retaining web limiting the insertion opening upwards, and a retaining arm spring-mounted on a pivot axis and limiting the insertion opening downwards, wherein the retaining arm has a forming element and, after the receiving device is inserted into the insertion opening in an insertion direction, the forming element engages in the recess of the receiving device, wherein the snap-in device is designed such that, in the insertion direction, the pivot axis is arranged in front of the forming element and the forming element is arranged in front of the retaining web.

[0012] This design allows for the advantageous integration of the locking mechanism into a support component and the receiving device into a mounting component. Additional fasteners, such as screws or rivets, are thus unnecessary, as are additional joining processes during assembly. Attachments can therefore be fastened quickly and precisely. After assembly, a self-locking, positive-locking connection is created. Unintentional loosening of the fastening system is virtually impossible. Even when the mounting component is subjected to a load in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the fastening does not loosen, as the retaining tab prevents the component from being pried out. Nevertheless, deliberate disassembly can be easily achieved by unlocking the retaining arm. The retaining tab is positioned behind the component in the insertion direction and therefore does not obstruct the recess in the receiving device, through which the component can be unlocked.Another advantage of the fastening system provided here is the possibility of integrating the fastening system visually well into components.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining arm is connected to a retaining bracket, and the retaining bracket has a stiffening rib. This advantageously provides the retaining arm with greater stiffness and thus greater resistance to unintentional loosening of the fastening system. The resistance to unintentional loosening can be advantageously determined by the dimensioning of the stiffening rib. The larger the stiffening rib, the higher the spring stiffness of the retaining arm.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining rib is provided with an insertion ramp. This advantageously facilitates the insertion of the receiving device into the snap-in device. The insertion ramp guides the receiving device into the correct final position during assembly.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least parts of the fastening system are made of polypropylene. This advantageously allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the fastening system, since the use of polypropylene in manufacturing processes is technically mature. The fastening system can thus be easily integrated into the structure of attachments that are also made of polypropylene.

[0016] An additional work step for the separate production of the snap-in and receiving device can therefore be omitted.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least parts of the fastening system are made of polyoxymethylene. Fastening systems made of polyoxymethylene can also be easily integrated into the structure of attachments made of the same material. Particularly for parts that are frequently assembled and disassembled, polyoxymethylene, with its high abrasion resistance and low coefficient of friction, is advantageous and ensures a long service life.

[0018] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a bumper mounting system with the features mentioned in claim 6.

[0019] The bumper fastening system according to the invention comprises a guide profile and a cover, wherein the cover is provided with a receiving device and the guide profile with a snap-in device corresponding to the receiving device, wherein the receiving device has a recess, and the snap-in device comprises an insertion opening, a retaining web limiting the insertion opening upwards, and a retaining arm spring-mounted on a pivot axis and limiting the insertion opening downwards, wherein the retaining arm has a forming element and, after the receiving device has been inserted into the insertion opening in an insertion direction, the forming element engages in the recess of the receiving device, wherein the snap-in device is designed such that, in the insertion direction, the pivot axis is arranged in front of the forming element and the forming element is arranged in front of the retaining web.

[0020] This advantageously enables a bumper to be quickly and permanently attached to a vehicle body without tools. By integrating the locking device into the guide profile and the receiving device into the bumper cover, additional components and assembly steps are eliminated. The bumper can be attached to a vehicle body with defined gap dimensions using the fastening device according to the invention. After installation, a self-locking, positive-locking connection is created. Unintentional loosening of the fastening system is virtually impossible. Even if the bumper is subjected to a load in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the fastening does not loosen, as the retaining rib counteracts any prying of the form element. Nevertheless, deliberate disassembly can be easily achieved by unlocking the retaining arm.The retaining rib is arranged behind the mold element in the insertion direction and thus does not obscure the recess in the receiving device, through which the mold element can be unlocked.

[0021] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a vehicle with the features mentioned in claim 7.

[0022] The vehicle according to the invention has a fastening system for positively interlocking a mounting part and a support part, wherein the mounting part is provided with a receiving device and the support part with a snap-in device corresponding to the receiving device, wherein the receiving device has a recess, and the snap-in device comprises an insertion opening, a retaining web limiting the insertion opening upwards, and a retaining arm spring-mounted on a pivot axis and limiting the insertion opening downwards, wherein the retaining arm has a forming element and, after the receiving device has been inserted into the insertion opening in an insertion direction, the forming element engages in the recess of the receiving device, wherein the snap-in device is designed such that, in the insertion direction, the pivot axis is arranged in front of the forming element and the forming element is arranged in front of the retaining web.

[0023] This makes it advantageously possible to design trim panels, add-on parts, or other vehicle components for manufacturing and to guarantee consistently high quality. This allows for small gaps between different components to be maintained permanently, even after repeated disassembly, for example, during servicing.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is a motor vehicle. Especially with motor vehicles, which are often manufactured in large quantities, the possibility of quick and precise assembly of add-on parts proves to be very advantageous, since the time saved on each individual vehicle results in a large overall saving.

[0025] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0026] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1: a snap-in device according to the invention; Fig. 2: the locking device with corresponding receiving device; Fig. 3: A cross-sectional diagram of a conventional bumper mounting method; Fig. 4: A schematic diagram of a bumper mounting method with a fastening system according to the invention in cross-section and Fig. 5: a guide profile with a locking device according to the invention.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a snap-in device 12 of a fastening system 10 according to the invention. The insertion direction R indicates the direction in which a corresponding receiving device 14 of the fastening system 10 is to be inserted for assembly. The carrier part is defined as the component with the snap-in device, and the mounting part as the component with the receiving device. No other specifications are made by this definition.

[0028] The locking device 12 has a retaining bracket 44 with a pivot axis 20 and a retaining arm 16 which is spring-mounted on one side of the pivot axis 20. At the opposite free end of the retaining arm 16, it is provided with a shaped element 18. A retaining web 22 is arranged behind the retaining arm 16 in the insertion direction R. An insertion window 36 is located between the retaining arm 16 and the retaining web 22. The locking device 12 is also provided with guide elements for positioning the receiving device 14.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows a fastening system 10 according to the invention, comprising a snap-in device 12 in a guide profile 30 and a receiving device 14 in a cover 32. The snap-in device 12 is integrated into the structure of the guide profile 30, and the receiving device 14 is integrated into the structure of the cover 32. In this example, the cover 32 is a shell of a motor vehicle bumper. The guide profile 30 is attached directly to the body of the motor vehicle before the cover 32 is mounted. To mount the cover 32, it is guided into the snap-in device 12 in the insertion direction R with the receiving device 14.

[0030] The receiving device 14 has a recess 28. When the receiving device 14 is inserted into the locking device 12 in the insertion direction R, the retaining web 22 and / or the retaining arm 16, through elastic deformation, release a certain height of the insertion window 36, allowing the receiving device 14 to penetrate the insertion window 36. Upon reaching an end position, the retaining web 22 and / or the retaining arm 16 spring back to their original positions. The forming element 18 of the retaining arm 16 then penetrates the recess 28 of the receiving device 14 and establishes a positive connection with the receiving device 14 in a direction closely opposite to the insertion direction R. The guide elements 42 and 42' additionally serve to position the locking device 12 and the receiving device 14 relative to each other.

[0031] In the Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a conventional mounting method for a cover 32 of a motor vehicle bumper. The figure shows a rear bumper mounted below a taillight 34. A force F indicates a load on the cover. This load occurs, for example, when the rear bumper is used for support while loading the luggage compartment. In the conventional mounting method shown, this leads, particularly at higher temperatures, to the failure of the conventional fastening system and the detachment of the bumper cover.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 also shows a mounted arrangement of a rear bumper on a motor vehicle. Here, the cover 32 is attached by means of a fastening system 10 according to the invention. Above the bumper, as in Fig. 3, a rear light 34 and arranged.

[0033] The retaining arm 16 is resiliently connected to the retaining bracket 44 at a pivot axis 20. The retaining bracket 44 is additionally provided with a stiffening rib 24. The shaped element 18 of the retaining bracket engages in the recess 28 of the receiving device. The retaining bracket 22 is located above the receiving device 14, without covering the recess 28 from above. At its front end, on the left side in the plane of the image, the retaining web 22 has an insertion ramp 26. This ramp facilitates the positioning of the receiving device during the assembly process.

[0034] If a force F acts in a direction transverse to the insertion direction R on the cover 32 of the bumper, the receiving device 14 cannot be lifted out of the form element 18 of the retaining arm 16, since the retaining web 22 counteracts this. The positive locking connection remains in place.

[0035] To remove the cover 32, the retaining arm 16 must be unlocked through the recess 28 of the receiving device 14 by pressing the retaining arm 16 downwards with suitable means until the shaped element 18 no longer protrudes into the recess 28 of the receiving device. The cover 32 can then be pulled out of the locking device 12 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction R.

[0036] Fig.Figure 5 shows an example of a guide profile 30, which, according to the invention, is provided as a support part for the locking device 12. This guide profile 30 serves to attach a cover 32 of a rear vehicle bumper. The guide profile 30 is connected to a vehicle body before the cover 32 is attached to the receiving device 14 by means of the guide profile 30. According to the invention, it is also possible for the guide profile 30 to have the receiving device 14 and the cover 32 to have the locking device 12. Reference symbol list 10 fastening system 12 Locking device 14 Recording device 16 Support arm 18 Form element 20 Joint axle 22 landing stage 24 stiffening rib 26 Introduction slope 28 recess 30 Leadership Profile 32 Cover 34 Rear light 36 Insertion opening 38 Conventional locking device 42 Guide element 42' Second guide element 44 retaining brackets F force R insertion direction

Claims

[1] Fastening system for positively interlocking a mounting part and a support part, wherein the mounting part is provided with a receiving device (14) and the support part with a snap-in device (12) corresponding to the receiving device (14), wherein the receiving device (14) has a recess (28), and the snap-in device (12) comprises an insertion opening (36), a retaining web (22) limiting the insertion opening (36) upwards, and a retaining arm (16) spring-mounted on a pivot axis (20) and limiting the insertion opening (36) downwards, wherein the retaining arm (16) has a forming element (18) and, after the receiving device (14) is inserted into the insertion opening (36) in an insertion direction (R), the forming element (18) engages in the recess (28) of the receiving device (14), wherein the snap-in device is designed in such a way thatthat in the insertion direction (R) the joint axis (20) is arranged in front of the form element (18) and the form element (18) is arranged in front of the retaining web (22). [2] Fastening system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the retaining arm (16) is connected to a retaining bracket (44) and the retaining bracket (44) has a stiffening rib (24). [3] Fastening system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the retaining bridge (22) has an insertion ramp (26). [4] Fastening system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that at least parts of the fastening system (10) are made of polypropylene. [5] Fastening system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that at least parts of the fastening system (10) consist of polyoxymethylene. [6] Bumper mounting system with a guide profile (30) and a cover (32), wherein the cover (32) is provided with a receiving device (14) and the guide profile (30) with a snap-in device (12) corresponding to the receiving device (14), wherein the receiving device (14) has a recess (28), and the snap-in device (12) comprises an insertion opening (36), a retaining web (22) limiting the insertion opening (36) upwards, and a retaining arm (16) resiliently mounted on a pivot axis (20) and limiting the insertion opening (36) downwards, wherein the retaining arm (16) has a shaped element (18) and, after the receiving device (14) is inserted into the insertion opening (36) in an insertion direction (R), the shaped element (18) engages in the recess (28) of the receiving device (14), wherein the snap-in device is designed in such a manner is,that in the insertion direction (R) the joint axis (20) is arranged in front of the form element (18) and the form element (18) is arranged in front of the retaining web (22). [7] Vehicle with a fastening system for positively interlocking a mounting part and a support part, wherein the mounting part is provided with a receiving device (14) and the support part with a snap-in device (12) corresponding to the receiving device (14), wherein the receiving device (14) has a recess (28), and the snap-in device (12) comprises an insertion opening (36), a retaining web (22) limiting the insertion opening (36) upwards, and a retaining arm (16) resiliently mounted on a pivot axis (20) and limiting the insertion opening (36) downwards, wherein the retaining arm (16) has a shaped element (18) and, after the receiving device (14) is inserted into the insertion opening (36) in an insertion direction (R), the shaped element (18) engages in the recess (28) of the receiving device (14), wherein the snap-in device is designed in such a way thatthat in the insertion direction (R) the joint axis (20) is arranged in front of the form element (18) and the form element (18) is arranged in front of the retaining web (22). [8] Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized by that the vehicle is a motor vehicle.

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