Fastening element for a body part and fastening system with fastening element

Abstract

Fastening element for attaching things, such as car seats, or for securing cargo, such as luggage, to a body part (K), wherein - the fastening element is a composite of a tubular bent sheet metal part (2) and an elongated reinforcing element (3), - the reinforcing element (3) is at least partially enclosed by the sheet metal part (2) in a force-transmitting manner with respect to its longitudinal direction (I) in a region (4), - the sheet metal part (2) has an end area (7) on both sides, in or on which connecting elements and / or connection areas for fixing the fastening element (1) to the body part (K) are provided, - the sheet metal part (2) has edge sides (5) extending in the longitudinal direction (l) in the area (4) and - the edge sides are arranged buttressed against each other at least in one section (6) or several sections (6) of this area (4) and are connected to each other at least in the section (6) or sections (6), characterized in that - that the elongated reinforcing element (3) is a round bar made of high-strength material, - that the round bar (3) is rolled up from the tubular bent sheet metal part (2) in the form of a core and - that the core completely fills the interior of the tubular bent sheet metal part (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening element for attaching items, such as car seats, or for securing cargo, such as luggage, to a body part, wherein the fastening element is a composite of a tubularly bent sheet metal part and an elongated reinforcing element, the reinforcing element is at least partially enclosed by the sheet metal part in a force-transmitting area with respect to its longitudinal direction, the sheet metal part has an end region on both sides in which connecting elements and / or connection areas for fixing the fastening element to the body part are provided, the sheet metal part has edge sides extending in the longitudinal direction in the area and the edge sides are arranged to butt against each other at least in one section or several sections of this area and are connected to each other at least in the section or sections.

[0002] In car body construction, such fastening elements are used, for example, to secure seats, fix folding backrests, or lash down cargo such as luggage to the body. These elements must possess a correspondingly high strength, be easily manufactured without significant effort, and be simple to attach to the body without significantly weakening its structure.

[0003] US Patent 5,756,167 A discloses an elongated safety element designed to protect the occupants of a motor vehicle in the event of a side impact. While this safety element exhibits several features of the fastening element of the type mentioned above, this known element primarily acts as a damping element and forms a crumple zone to protect the vehicle occupants in the event of a side impact.

[0004] US Patent 2,601,103 A discloses a fastening system with a fastening element that essentially consists of a sheet metal part. This sheet metal part is cut from a section of a strip-shaped panel in the cargo area of ​​a motor vehicle such that it completely encloses a reinforcing element and is flush with the surface of the panel on its upper side. Simultaneously, spaced-apart access points leading from this section of the strip-shaped panel to allow engagement from both sides under the sheet metal part and under the fastening element are formed. The spacing between these access points is bridged by an additional sheet metal part, creating an engagement recess. Such a fastening system is dependent on specific, predetermined features, for example, of a cargo area.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a versatile fastening element that is easy to handle, has a simple design and can withstand strong forces without deforming significantly.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, namely in that the elongated reinforcing element is a round bar made of high-strength material, that the round bar is rolled into the tubular bent sheet metal part in the form of a core, and that the core completely fills the interior of the tubular bent sheet metal part.

[0007] The invention creates a very strong fastening element that is rigidly connected to the vehicle body, for example, and serves to secure vehicle seats or to lash loads.

[0008] In this process, the sheet metal part and the reinforcing element are joined together by means of a form-fit and / or force-fit connection.

[0009] The sheet metal part can thus have a reinforcing structure with the elongated reinforcing element. The reinforcing element can be integrated into the sheet metal part.

[0010] The elongated reinforcing element can thus form a core of the fastening element, which is at least partially enclosed by the sheet metal part in a force-transmitting manner. The elongated reinforcing element can advantageously be designed as a round bar.

[0011] Typically, a reinforcing element is either formed from a sheet metal part and spot-welded or screwed to the associated body part, or from an elongated reinforcing element, often a round bar, which is connected to the body, usually by means of shielding gas welding or brazing.

[0012] There are several basic designs. In a first design, the round bar is fixed to the bodywork, often welded or bolted to a support. This is disclosed, for example, in DE 100 54 586 A1 using the example of a fastening element for a car seat, where the round bar is designed as a bracket. In a second design, the round bar is guided through an opening in the body panel and then welded, optionally with additional reinforcing plates. One embodiment is disclosed in DE 100 54 586 A1, where the round bar is fixed on the inside of a cross member and accessible through designated openings. EP 0 749 864 B1 and JP 2007-125954 A each describe a fastening for a car seat, where the round bar is fixed at its end in an opening.There are also solutions where the round bar is connected to the bodywork via additional sheet metal tabs that overlap the round bar on both sides.

[0013] Fasteners consisting solely of formed sheet metal are advantageous with regard to the possible fastening methods to the vehicle body (spot welding, laser welding, or bolting). However, the strength of sheet metal fasteners is limited by the material and sheet thickness. Round bars generally offer higher component strength in terms of the shape, load height, and direction, but their design is more complex than that of sheet metal fasteners.

[0014] By means of the measure according to the invention, in which the fastening element comprises a composite of a sheet metal part and an elongated reinforcing element, wherein the reinforcing element is at least partially enclosed by the sheet metal part in a force-transmitting manner with respect to its longitudinal direction, the advantages of both of the aforementioned designs are utilized and their disadvantages avoided. Firstly, the sheet metal construction of the fastening element offers the possibility of creating advantageous, flat connections to the bodywork for force transmission and load distribution, which is not possible with fastening elements consisting solely of an elongated reinforcing element. With the reinforcing element as the strength-enhancing core of the fastening element, the component can achieve a high strength that cannot be attained with a fastening element formed solely from sheet metal.

[0015] The choice of materials for the sheet metal part and the reinforcement element can influence the characteristics of the fastening element with regard to manufacturability, possibility of installation in the bodywork, strength and deformation behavior.

[0016] The reinforcing element can be made of a high-strength material. It can also be cost-effectively cut from a preferably high-strength wire. In particular, the use of high-strength material for the reinforcing element can be advantageous for load bearing, as the high strength results in less deformation under load. This, in turn, advantageously means less variation in load height and direction at the points where the fastener is attached to the vehicle body.

[0017] Advantageously, the reinforcing element can be designed as a solid round material. The reinforcing element can also be constructed from several rods, preferably of equal length, which are preferably arranged parallel to each other and laterally abutting one another. For this purpose, the rods can have a round or polygonal, in particular a square or hexagonal, cross-sectional profile. The rods can be bonded together with a matrix, for example, made of epoxy resin. This matrix can simultaneously serve as an adhesive for laterally fixing the reinforcing element to the sheet metal part enclosing it.

[0018] The fastening element can thus be formed from a sheet metal blank into a tubular cross-section such that a reinforcing element, for example a piece of wire, is rolled in between the intended fastening points with the bodywork, forming a core. This design according to the invention reinforces the functional area of ​​the fastening element required for lashing or locking (for example, a seat base).

[0019] The sheet metal part can have longitudinally extending edge faces in the area of ​​the fastening element, which are butt-jointed in at least one section or sections of the area. In this way, the sheet metal part fully surrounds the reinforcing element in this section or sections. The sheet metal part can therefore be tubular in at least this section or sections. Preferably, the reinforcing element completely fills the interior of the tubular section or sections. The more completely the reinforcing element is enclosed by the sheet metal part, the better the force transmission between the reinforcing element and the sheet metal part can be.

[0020] The edges can be connected to each other, at least in the section or sections. This further increases the overall strength of the fastener. For example, under load and bending of the component, this prevents the tubular section of the sheet metal part from bending open and even the wire and sheet metal strip from separating. The edges can be bonded together by soldering or welding. Welding using energy beams, such as laser or electron beams, is advantageous for minimizing thermal stress on the sheet metal part.

[0021] To create a stronger bond between the reinforcing element and the sheet metal part, it is advantageous to bond the two at the points where they abut, or at least in that area. This further restricts or prevents the relative movement between the sheet metal part and the reinforcing element under load and the resulting bending, which could otherwise lead to partial or complete separation of the two. All these measures for connecting the sheet metal part and the reinforcing element enable a correspondingly increased energy absorption by the fastener and thus a correspondingly increased force absorption capacity.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fastening element, the sheet metal part for securing the fastening element to the body panel can have an end region on both sides, in or on which connecting elements and / or connection areas for securing the fastening element to the body panel are provided. The fastening element can be secured in known ways, such as by welding, brazing, screwing, riveting, or bonding. The end regions can project beyond the reinforcing element or cover it laterally, at least from one side. The projection of the end regions can also be used to shield the edges of the reinforcing element.

[0023] The sheet metal part can also be deformed in a section extending beyond the end area in such a way that the end area is at least partially covered by the section at its front face. For this purpose, the section can act as a stop against the corresponding end area at its front face.

[0024] In a further developed embodiment of the fastening element, the end sections can be designed as tabs. These tab-like end sections can be single-winged or multi-winged. The contour of the tabs can be adapted to the surface contour of the intended surface area of ​​the body panel. This allows for a more secure fit of the fastening element to the body panel.

[0025] The end sections can each have at least one predetermined bending point for aligning the end sections with a designated contact area of ​​the body panel. This facilitates machine and / or manual adjustment of the tab's alignment to the intended surface area of ​​the body panel. The predetermined bending point can be located at the end of the sheet metal section or in a transition area between that section and the end sections.

[0026] Alternatively, a fastening system with a fastening element according to one of the embodiments described above and below may be provided.

[0027] In particular, an embodiment of the fastening system can be provided in which the fastening element comprises a composite of a sheet metal part and an elongated reinforcing element, wherein the reinforcing element is at least partially enclosed by the sheet metal part in a force-transmitting manner with respect to its longitudinal direction, and wherein the sheet metal part projects beyond the reinforcing element at both ends to secure the fastening element to the body part. Each of these end regions can have a fastening section that is aligned parallel to the surface of a contact area of ​​the body part intended for fastening the fastening element.

[0028] Preferably, the fastening element is attached to the body part, particularly in the area of ​​the tabs, by means of spot welding.

[0029] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to several embodiments of the fastening element illustrated in a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b each a view of semi-finished product for an embodiment of a fastening element before its manufacture, Fig. 2a to 2c each show a view of the semi-finished product according to Fig. 1 manufactured embodiment of the fastening element with sheet metal part and reinforcing element, Fig. 3a to 3c each show a cross-sectional view of the fastening element according to Fig. 2, each with one variant design, Fig. 4 a bottom view of the embodiment of the fastening element according to Fig. 1 with indicated welding points, Fig. 5a to 5e each show a view of a fastening system with a fastening element according to Fig. 4 and a section of a body component in various installation variants, Fig. 6 a side view of another embodiment of the fastening system, Fig. 7 a side view of the embodiment of the fastening element according to Fig. 1 with indicated screw connection, Fig. Figures 8a to 8d each show a view of a further embodiment of the element with two-winged end regions, Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b each a top view of each further embodiment of the fastening system with the fastening element according to Fig. 8 and Fig. Figures 10a to 10d each show a view of a further embodiment of the fastening element with three-winged end regions.

[0030] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 4 and 7 show, in various views and embodiments, a fastening element 1 for attachment to a body part K, wherein the fastening element 1 comprises a sheet metal part 2 and an elongated reinforcing element 3. The reinforcing element 3 is, with respect to its longitudinal direction l, except for the reinforcing element 3 according to Fig. 6, in a central area 4, is fully enclosed by the sheet metal part 2 in a force-transmitting manner. The sheet metal part 2 rests against the reinforcing element 3 in a force-fit and form-fit manner. Fig. 8 and Fig. Figures 10 each show further embodiments of the sheet metal part 2.

[0031] How especially the Fig. 3a-3c removable, the sheet metal part 2 has longitudinally extending edge sides 5 in the area 4. These are at least in one section 6 or several sections 6 ( Fig. 6) of this area 4 arranged bluntly adjacent to each other. In the Fig. Figures 3a-3c are each a cross-sectional view of the fastening element 1 according to the cross-sectional profile III-III in Fig. 2c is shown without its corresponding end area. Here, the edge pages 5 are located in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3c merely buttock against each other, while according to Fig. 3b are joined together by forming a weld seam. Laser welding was used as the process. According to Fig. In figure 3c, the reinforcing element 3 is bonded radially to the outer edge of the sheet metal part 2, which is indicated in the figure by an adhesive layer 9. Both bonding and welding can also be used together in a fastening element. Both measures result in a significant increase in strength, in particular torsional strength with respect to the longitudinal axis and flexural strength with respect to an axis in the transverse direction of the fastening element 1.

[0032] The sheet metal part 2 projects beyond the reinforcing element 3 on both sides to secure the fastening element 1 to the body part K, with its end sections 7 extending beyond the reinforcing element 3 on both sides. These end sections 7 are designed like tabs. As shown in Fig. As exemplified by the weld points 10 shown at an end area 7, the end areas 7 can be joined to the body part K by spot welding, in particular resistance spot welding, whereby the application of resistance spot welding is particularly advantageous when shear stress on the joint is expected. The end areas 7 can also be bonded and / or screwed to the body part. The latter possibility is shown in Fig. 7 by showing a screw nut 11 in the end area 7, wherein the screw nut 11 is already fixed in position in the end area 7 during pre-assembly.

[0033] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a purely schematic assembly of the fastening element 1, wherein the Fig. The sheet metal part 2 shown in Figure 1 is pre-cut. In the embodiments of the fastening element 1 shown in the drawing, the reinforcing element 3 is cut to length from a wire-like round steel bar. To manufacture the fastening element 1, the reinforcing element 3 is rolled into the sheet metal part 2. This gives the sheet metal part 2 a mechanically stable, tubular shape in the area of ​​the reinforcing element 3, and it rests radially against the inside of the reinforcing element 3.

[0034] The sheet metal part 2 has a region 4 in which the reinforcing element 3 is rolled in, with a first width b1. The first width b1 is dimensioned such that, as in Fig. 2 shown, the edge sides 5 of the sheet metal part 2 with the enclosure of the reinforcing element 3 are butted together in the circumferential direction.

[0035] The tab-like end sections 7 have a second width b2 greater than the first width b1, in order to apply force efficiently over a large area to the contact surface 14 of the body part K. This results in a constriction in section 4 of the sheet metal part 2, extending across the entire area. By enclosing the reinforcing element 3 with the resulting tubular section 4 of the sheet metal part 2, a predetermined bending point 15 is created in a transition area between section 4 and the end sections 7. The predetermined bending point 15 is located practically at the point where the tubular shape of section 4 transitions into the base of the flat end section 7, and where the width is smaller than the second width b2.By bending or folding the end areas 7, the necessary deformation takes place at the respective target bending point 15 and not in the end areas 7, so that the latter retain their flat surface, which may be adapted to the profile of the mounting surface.

[0036] The Fig. Figures 5a-e, 6, and 9a-9b each depict different embodiments of a fastening system 12 with the fastening element 1 and the body part K in various views. By way of example, in the embodiments of the fastening system 12 shown here, the body part K is designed in a trough-like shape, with the fastening element 1 bridging the trough 13 of the body part K. It is clearly evident from the figures that the tab-like end regions 7 can be aligned with a provided contact surface 14 of the body part K by bending about a bending axis b so that the end regions 7 can come into full contact with the contact surface 14.

[0037] In the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the fastening element 1 is arranged in an extended form on the sheet metal part 2 such that the fastening element 1 bridges the recess 13 and its end regions 7 rest on the edge of the recess 13. Furthermore, in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b made it clear that the fastening element 1 can be fixed in two positions on the sheet metal part 2 by first positioning it in accordance with Fig. 5a the reinforcing element 3 is arranged below the sheet metal part 2 and projects into the recess 13. In a second position according to Fig. 5b the reinforcing element 3 is arranged above the sheet metal part 2.

[0038] Regarding the positional stability of the edge sides 5, the first position is according to Fig. 5a is particularly advantageous when the fastening element 1 is subjected to a tensile load perpendicular to the recess 13. The arrangement of the reinforcing element 3 according to Fig. 5b above the sheet metal part is particularly advantageous if the fastening element 1 is primarily subjected to compression, i.e., with a compressive force directed towards the recess 13. In both cases, the edge sides 5 are pressed together circumferentially under elastic loading of the fastening element 1, thus preventing the sheet metal part 2 from expanding at the edge sides 5.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the fastening system 12 with a fastening element 1 having two reinforcing elements 3 arranged one behind the other with respect to the longitudinal direction l. A central region 7.1 is provided between the reinforcing elements 3, in which the fastening element 1 is additionally supported by the body part K. This is merely intended to illustrate another possibility that offers the basic structure of the fastening element 1, in that the reinforcing elements 3 and the end regions 7 are arranged or combined relative to each other according to the requirements that the design of the body part K places on the design of the fastening element 1. For example, a parallel arrangement of reinforcing elements 3, each terminating in a common end region, is also conceivable.

[0040] Depending on the expected load on the fastening element 1 attached to the body part K, the end regions 7 can be attached with different orientations relative to the body part K. According to Fig. 5c the end regions 7 are bent into the recess 13, so that the connection between end region 7 and contact surface 14 of the body part is subjected to shear stress under tensile load of the fastening element 1 perpendicularly out of the recess 13.

[0041] Fig. 5d is a section view according to the section line Vd-Vd according to Fig. 5c, where the end regions 7 are defined here by resistance spot welding on the mounting surface 14. According to Fig. In contrast to the fastening system 12 according to 5c, in 5e the reinforcing element 6 is arranged above the sheet metal part 2, so that the edge sides 5 of the sheet metal part 2 point upwards. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when the fastening element 1 is subjected to a compressive force directed into the recess 13, as this presses the edge sides 5 against each other.

[0042] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the fastening element 1, with the focus here being on the design of the end regions 7. The end regions 7 can generally be adapted to the conditions, i.e., in particular to the surface contour and spatial orientation, of the contact surface with regard to their orientation and planar extent. Accordingly, the end regions 7 Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 each have a curved contour.

[0043] In Fig. For example, the end regions 7 are each designed as two wings, with the two wings extending away from the fastening element 1 at a slight angle to each other, approximately perpendicular to the reinforcing element 3. This provides mechanically stable support for the fastening element 1 on contact surfaces 14, which, in the installed position of the fastening element, run approximately perpendicular to the reinforcing element 3.

[0044] Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b each give a possible installation situation of the fastening element 1 with the sheet metal part according to Fig. 8 to the recess 13 of the body part K again, wherein the recess 13 is crossed at right angles on its upper side by a channel 17. According to Fig. 8. The reinforcing element 3 does not extend beyond the area 4 of the sheet metal part 2, so that the fastening element 1, which is fixed to the body part K, is supported on the body part K solely via the end areas 7 of the sheet metal part 2 by engaging the inner wall of the recess 13. According to Fig. In contrast, in 9b the reinforcing element 3 extends beyond the area 4 of the sheet metal part 2, with the reinforcing element 3 resting on both sides in the groove 17. The resting of the reinforcing element 3 in the groove 17 provides additional support for the fastening element 1 on the body part K, so that the transmissible forces between fastening element 1 and body part K can be correspondingly greater.

[0045] According to Fig. In addition to the two wings 16, 10 forms an L-profile ( Fig. 9a) A further wing 16 is provided, extending in the longitudinal direction l and covering the reinforcing element 3. This allows a combination of the fastening options described above to be achieved by the fastening element resting laterally with its wing 16 in the longitudinal direction l on a recess edge of a recess 13 of the body part K and engaging in the recess 13 with its two wings 16 approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction l and being fixed laterally to the recess 13 at the weld points 10 shown here as an example. In combination with Fig. 8 and Fig. 9a is immediately obvious that the reinforcing element can also be designed in such a shortened form that it does not project beyond area 4 of the sheet metal part 2 and, in the installed position of the fastening element 1, does not support itself on the upper side of the body part K. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 fastening element 2 sheet metal parts 3 Reinforcing element 4 area 5. Edge page Section 6 7 End area 7.1 Mid-area 8 weld seam 9 adhesive layer 10 welding points 11 Screw nut 12 fastening systems 13 trough 14 Plant area 15 Target bending point 16 wings 17 gully b1 first width b2 second width b bending axis l Longitudinal direction K Body part

Claims

[1] Fastening element for attaching things, such as car seats, or for securing cargo, such as luggage, to a body part (K), wherein - the fastening element is a composite of a tubular bent sheet metal part (2) and an elongated reinforcing element (3), - the reinforcing element (3) is at least partially enclosed by the sheet metal part (2) in a force-transmitting manner with respect to its longitudinal direction (I) in a region (4), - the sheet metal part (2) has an end area (7) on both sides, in or on which connecting elements and / or connection areas for fixing the fastening element (1) to the body part (K) are provided, - the sheet metal part (2) has edge sides (5) extending in the longitudinal direction (l) in the area (4) and - the edge sides are arranged buttressed together at least in one section (6) or several sections (6) of this area (4) and are connected to each other at least in the section (6) or sections (6), characterized by , - that the elongated reinforcing element (3) is a round bar made of high-strength material, - that the round bar (3) is rolled up from the tubular bent sheet metal part (2) in the form of a core and - that the core completely fills the interior of the tubular bent sheet metal part (2). [2] Fastening element according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sheet metal part (2) and the round bar (3) are in contact with each other in the one section (6) or the several sections (6) of the area (4) and are connected to each other in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner at least in the section (6) or in the sections (6). [3] Fastening element according to claim 2, characterized by, that the sheet metal part (2) and the round bar (3) are bonded together at least in section (6) or in sections (6) of area (4). [4] Fastening element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the round bar (3) extends at least over the area (4) of the sheet metal part (2) or over the entire length of the sheet metal part (2). [5] Fastening element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the round bar (3) is made of solid material. [6] Fastening element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the round bar consists of individual bars arranged parallel to each other, which are connected to each other by a matrix. [7] Fastening element according to claim 6, characterized by that the individual bars have a round or polygonal, in particular a square or hexagonal, cross-sectional profile. [8] Fastening element according to claim 6 or 7, characterized bythat the matrix is ​​an epoxy resin. [9] Fastening element according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by , that the matrix is ​​an adhesive which connects the round rod to the enclosing sheet metal part (2). [10] Fastening system comprising a fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a body part (K). [11] Fastening system according to claim 10, wherein - the fastening element (1) consists of a composite of a sheet metal part (2) and a structural reinforcement element (3) in the form of a round bar, which are connected to each other by positive and / or force-fit connection, - the sheet metal part (2) for fixing the fastening element (1) to the body part (K) with each end area (7) projecting beyond the reinforcement element (3) on both sides and - the end areas (7) each have a fastening section which is aligned parallel to the surface of the mounting area (14) with respect to a mounting area (14) of the body part (K) provided for fastening the fastening element (1).

Images