Fastening element, attachment part and vehicle

Abstract

Fastening element (1) for attaching an attachment (2) to a body (3) of a vehicle (4), comprising: • a basic body (8) with a closed cross-section and a central axis (100), wherein the basic body (8) extends between a first end (200) and a second end (300), • a flange element (9) arranged at the second end (300), • a plurality of locking elements (5) extending around the central axis (100) on an outer surface (10) of the base body (8) and having a first outer surface (6) and a second outer surface (7), • wherein each first outer surface (6) slopes down towards the first end (200) in the direction of the central axis (100), • wherein every second outer surface (7) is arranged between the first outer surface (6) and the second end (300) and adjoins an outer surface (10) of the base body (8), and • wherein the flange element (9) is arranged opposite the second outer surface (7) and spaced apart from the second outer surface (7), wherein • on the outside (10) of the base element (8) between the second outer surfaces (7) and the flange element (9) at least one rib (11) is arranged along the central axis (100), • and wherein the flange element (9) has a recess (12) directly on the base body (8) which extends at least partially parallel to the central axis (100), characterized in that the flange element (9) has a cutout (13) which extends outwards from the recess (12) away from the central axis (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening element. The fastening element is used in particular for attaching an add-on part to the body of a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to an add-on part for a vehicle and to a vehicle comprising such an add-on part.

[0002] Fastening elements for attaching components are known from the prior art. Such fastening elements are also called push pins. A conventional fastening element 1 in the form of a push pin is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the fastening element 1 comprising a circumferential ring 14, which must be compressed to guide the fastening element 1 through an opening within a body 3. The body 3 is then clamped between a flange element 9 and the circumferential ring 14, preventing any further movement of the fastening element 1 and the body 3 relative to each other.

[0003] In particular, an attachment part is connected to the fastening element 1, so that an attachment part can be connected to the body 3 using the fastening element 1.

[0004] A disadvantage of the known fastening element is that, due to its geometry, additional assembly aids often have to be used to push it through the opening in the body shell into its final position in order to reduce the assembly forces and the associated assembly time.

[0005] Furthermore, due to unnoticed incomplete installation procedures, the fastening element may only achieve a low holding force, meaning that, in particular, sealing components connected to the vehicle via such a fastening element can detach during vehicle operation. Finally, such a fastening element promotes corrosion of the bodywork, as moisture accumulates between the fastening element and the body, thus accelerating corrosion.

[0006] Document DE 201 07 949 U1 describes a plug-in coupling for the detachable connection of a first component to a second component, with an elastically deformable cup-shaped coupling part, with a fastening section fixed to the first component and a ball socket molded onto it.

[0007] Document DE 10 2005 028 870 A1 describes a fastening element for attaching a component to the body of a vehicle, comprising: • a basic body with a closed cross-section and a central axis, wherein the basic body extends between a first end and a second end, • a flange element arranged at the second end, • a multitude of locking elements extending around the central axis on an outer surface of the base body, comprising a first outer surface and a second outer surface, • wherein each first outer surface slopes down towards the first end in the direction of the central axis, • wherein every second outer surface is arranged between the first outer surface and the second end and adjoins an outer surface of the base body, and • wherein the flange element is arranged opposite and spaced away from the second outer surface, wherein • on the outside of the base element, at least one rib is arranged along the central axis between the second outer surfaces and the flange element, • and wherein the flange element has a recess directly on the base body which extends at least partially parallel to the central axis.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a fastening element, an attachment part or a vehicle, wherein corrosion phenomena are avoided when the attachment part is fastened with a fastening element that can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1, independent claim 6, and independent claim 7. The dependent claims contain preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0010] The problem is thus solved by a fastening element for attaching a component to a vehicle body. The fastening element comprises a base body, a plurality of locking elements, and a flange element. The base body has a closed cross-section along a central axis. In particular, the base body is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis. Furthermore, the base body extends between a first end and a second end. It is particularly advantageous that the first end can be inserted into an opening in the vehicle body, while a retaining element can be arranged at the second end. The flange element is located at the second end of the base body. The plurality of locking elements extends around the central axis on an outer surface of the base body.If the base body is advantageously designed in a rotational shape as described above, the locking elements extend radially along the outside of the base body. In particular, the locking elements are arranged equidistantly. Furthermore, the locking elements are provided to have a first outer surface and a second outer surface. The first outer surfaces slope down towards the first end in the direction of the central axis. The second outer surfaces border the outside of the base body. It is provided that the second outer surfaces are arranged between the second end and the first outer surfaces. In particular, a transition area may be present between the second outer surfaces and the outside of the base body, wherein such a transition area is preferably a chamfer and / or a rounded edge. A transition area is also preferably present between the individual locking elements.The flange element is positioned opposite and spaced from the second outer surface. This allows a section of the bodywork to be clamped between the second outer surface and the flange element. The sloping first outer surfaces facilitate the insertion of the first end into an opening in the bodywork. Once inserted, the second outer surfaces and the flange element prevent the connection between the fastener and the bodywork from coming loose.

[0011] It is particularly advantageous that the fastening element is formed in one piece. It is also particularly advantageous that the fastening element is made of a deformable, in particular an elastically deformable, material. Specifically, the fastening element is made of a rubber material or a synthetic rubber material. Thus, the locking elements, in particular, are elastically deformable, and the large number of locking elements ensures, on the one hand, easy insertion of the fastening element into the opening of the body due to its slight deformability, and on the other hand, a secure hold between the body and the fastening element.

[0012] Due to the numerous locking elements, there is no continuous ring. This minimizes the contact area of ​​the fastener on the vehicle body, thereby also minimizing the amount of moisture that can be present between the body and the fastener. This, in turn, minimizes the body's susceptibility to corrosion. On the outer surface of the base element, at least one rib is arranged along the central axis between the second outer surface and the flange element. In particular, a multitude of ribs are arranged equidistantly around the central axis on the outer surface of the base element. When the fastener is inserted into an opening in the vehicle body, the body does not make full contact with the base element in the circumferential direction, but only with the ribs. This again minimizes the contact area, resulting in reduced corrosion.The ribs can also be manufactured in such a way that recesses are incorporated into the outside of the base body, with the ribs representing areas of the base body that do not include recesses.

[0013] Furthermore, the flange element is designed to have a recess directly adjacent to the base body. This recess extends at least partially parallel to the central axis. This ensures ventilation of the body when the fastening element is inserted into an opening in the body, an effect advantageously enhanced by the presence of the previously described ribs.

[0014] According to the invention, the flange element has a further recess in the form of a notch, which extends outwards from the previously described recess away from the central axis. In particular, the notch extends over a predefined angular range around the central axis. In this way, a drainage channel is created so that any moisture present can be dissipated via the recess and the notch. Specifically, the depth of the notch has the same dimension as the dimension of the recess along the central axis. Thus, the notch and the central axis are of the same depth, preventing liquids or moisture from accumulating within the recess. In this way, a reliable and effective prevention of potential corrosion of the bodywork is achieved.

[0015] Each locking element preferably has a constant thickness. The thickness can be determined, in particular, perpendicular to the central axis, and especially tangentially to the rotationally symmetrical shape of the base body. This ensures easy deformation of the locking elements, thus enabling simple insertion of the fastening element into the opening of the body, particularly without tools.

[0016] The fastening element is conically shaped along the portion of the central axis over which the first outer surfaces extend. This conical shape is achieved by the downward slope of the first outer surfaces towards the first end. The conical shape allows the fastening element to be easily inserted into an opening in the bodywork, particularly without tools. Furthermore, the fastening element can be anchored to the bodywork by the area between the second outer surfaces and the flange element. Advantageously, the second outer surfaces are angled between 60° and 120° to the central axis. This prevents, or at least makes it more difficult, for the fastening element to be removed from the opening in the bodywork.

[0017] Each locking element preferably has a triangular cross-section. The triangular cross-section is particularly defined perpendicular to the central axis. It is especially advantageous if the triangular cross-section is defined tangentially to the rotationally symmetrical shape of the base body. Thus, the second outer surfaces adjoin the first outer surfaces. The second outer surfaces therefore extend between the first outer surface and the outer surface of the base body. Within the scope of the invention, it is provided that the adjoining of the first surface to the second surface also includes situations in which a transition area, such as a chamfer or a rounded edge, exists between the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

[0018] The triangular shape allows the fastener to be easily inserted into an opening, while simultaneously making it difficult to remove. This simplifies installation while ensuring a secure and reliable hold.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous that the area of ​​the second outer surface adjacent to the base body is positioned closer to the second end than the area adjacent to the first outer surface. This creates a free volume between the second outer surface and the body, which serves to ventilate the joint, thereby reducing the body's tendency to corrode due to accumulated moisture.

[0020] The base body preferably has a round cross-section along its central axis. This allows the fastening element to be manufactured simply and cost-effectively. Furthermore, the fastening element is designed to be insertable into a round opening in the vehicle body, the round opening having a diameter that, particularly within a predefined tolerance range, corresponds to the outer diameter of the base body.

[0021] The invention further relates to an add-on part for a vehicle. The add-on part comprises a fastening element, as described above. It is particularly advantageous that the add-on part is formed in one piece. The fastening element is thus an integral part of the add-on part. The add-on part is particularly advantageously a sealing element, so that the fastening element is made of the same material as the sealing element. If the add-on part has several fastening elements, the fastening elements can be connected to the vehicle body, particularly sequentially.

[0022] Finally, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising an attachment as described above. The attachment is, in particular, mounted on the vehicle body, the body having an opening through which the fastening element is guided. By using the fastening element as described above, the vehicle body is less susceptible to corrosion.

[0023] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. These show:

[0024] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic illustration of a fastening element according to the state of the art, Fig. 2 a schematic illustration of a fastening element according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of the fastening element according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 a further schematic sectional view of the fastening element according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 6 a partial area of ​​the vehicle with an attachment part according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a fastening element 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The fastening element 1 comprises a base body 8 extending between a first end 200 and a second end 300. The first end 200 is such that it can be inserted into an opening in a vehicle body to attach the fastening element 1 to the body. An attachment part 2 is advantageously attached to the second end 300 (see Figure 2). Fig. 6) arranged, wherein attachment part 2 and fastening element 1 are in particular formed in one piece.

[0026] The base body 8 comprises an outer surface 10, which is cylindrical. A plurality of locking elements 5 are arranged on the outer surface 10. The locking elements 5 are triangular and have a first outer surface 6 and a second outer surface 7. The first outer surfaces 6 of the locking elements 5 slope down along the central axis 100 of the base body towards the first end 200. This creates a conical shape for the fastening element 1. The second outer surfaces 7 extend from the first outer surface 6 to the outer surface 10 of the base body 8. A rounded edge is provided between the first outer surface 6 and the second outer surface 7. The same applies to a transition between the second outer surface 7 and the outer surface 10 of the base body 8, which also includes a rounded edge.

[0027] The locking elements have a constant thickness perpendicular to the central axis 100. In this way, the individual locking elements are easily deformable, thus facilitating the insertion of the fastening element 1 into an opening of a body 3 (cf. Fig. 6) is simplified. In particular, no assembly aids and / or guides are required. Thus, the assembly of the fastening element 1 is simplified.

[0028] At the first end 200, there is also an opening 16. The opening 16 extends conically along the central axis 100, with the outer surface of the opening tapering conically towards the second end 300. This opening facilitates compression of the base body 8 and the locking elements 5. The remaining material thickness of the base body 8 and the locking elements 5 can be varied by different designs of the opening 16. This allows for adjustments to the assembly force and holding force, as greater material thicknesses result in greater holding forces and assembly forces.

[0029] A flange element 9 is arranged at the second end 300. The flange element 9 is spaced apart from the second outer surfaces 7. Thus, a section of the body 2 can be secured between the flange element 9 and the second outer surfaces 7. Due to the fact that there is no continuous ring, but rather a multitude of locking elements 5, the fastening element only partially contacts the body with its second outer surfaces and not continuously in the circumferential direction. Thus, the contact surface formed by the locking elements 5 is smaller compared to a continuous ring 14 (cf. Fig. 1) reduced. Due to the smaller contact area, the possibility of moisture accumulating between the fastening element and the bodywork 3 is also reduced.

[0030] To further reduce the contact area, ribs 11 are also arranged between the second outer surfaces 7 and the flange element 9. The ribs 11 extend parallel to the central axis 100, which is particularly advantageous in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the ribs 11 create a gap between the outer surface 9 of the base body 8 and the body 3, thus minimizing the contact area. This, in turn, minimizes the possibility of moisture accumulating between the body 3 and the fastening element 1. Therefore, the tendency of the body 3 to corrode is further reduced.

[0031] The flange element 9 also has a recess 12 which is located in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 4 shows that the recess 12 extends at least partially along the central axis 100 and is located directly on the outer surface 10 of the base body 8. This reduces the contact area between the body 3 and the fastening element 1, ensuring optimal ventilation of the connection point. Furthermore, moisture can accumulate within the recess 12, preventing it from being held directly against the body 3. The increased free space, compared to the prior art, allows accumulated moisture to drain and / or evaporate more quickly. This, in turn, reduces the corrosion susceptibility of the body 3.

[0032] Particularly advantageously, the flange element also features a cutout 13, which is located in Fig. Figure 2 shows this. The incision 13 has the same depth as the recess 12, so that any moisture and / or liquid accumulated within the recess 12 can be drained away through the incision 13. The reduced amount of moisture that can thus come into contact with the body 3 at the attachment point where the fastening element 1 is connected to the body 3 also reduces the tendency of the body 3 to corrode.

[0033] To further reduce the contact areas between fastening element 1 and body 3, the second outer surfaces 7 are oriented such that an area of ​​the second outer surfaces directly adjacent to the outer surfaces 10 of the base body 8 is located closer to the first end 200 than an area directly adjacent to the first outer surfaces 6. This creates a free volume between the second outer surface 7 and body 3, analogous to the recess 12, which in turn ventilates the connection point and thus reduces corrosion.

[0034] Each first outer surface 6 preferably has an angle of at most 60° to the central axis 100. A maximum angle of 45° is particularly advantageous. The second outer surfaces 7 are preferably angled at an angle between 60° and 120° to the central axis 100. Such angles optimally achieve the previously described functions of easy insertion and secure retention.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows a vehicle 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 4 comprises a body 3, wherein an attachment element 2 with a fastening element 1, as shown in the figures, is attached to the body 3. Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 shown, is attached. This is shown as an example. Fig. 6. A door 15 of the vehicle is shown, with the body 3 of the door 15 depicted. Two attachment elements 2 are fastened to the body 15, each attachment element 2 having a fastening element 1, as shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows the following features. The attachment elements 2 are, in particular, sealing elements and are formed in one piece. Thus, the fastening element 1 is made of an elastically deformable material, which simplifies the insertion of the fastening element into an opening in the bodywork 3.

[0036] The second outer surfaces 6 and the flange element 9 ensure a secure and reliable hold after the insertion of the fastening element 1. Furthermore, the previously described minimal contact area between the fastening element 1 and the body 3 reduces the body 3's tendency to corrode.

[0037] Advantageously, an attachment element 2 comprises several fastening elements 1. The use of fastening elements 1 according to the illustrated embodiment offers the advantage that the fastening elements 1 can be individually attached to the body 3. This simplifies assembly. Reference symbol list: 1 fastening element 2 Add-on element 3 Bodywork 4 vehicles 5 locking element 6 First outdoor area 7 Second outdoor area 8 basic shapes 9 Flange element 10 Outer surface of the base body 11th rib 12 Exclusion 13 cut 14 Circumferential ring 15 Door 16 Opening 100 Center axis 200 First End 300 Second End

Claims

[1] Fastening element (1) for attaching an attachment (2) to a body (3) of a vehicle (4), comprising: • a basic body (8) with a closed cross-section and a central axis (100), wherein the basic body (8) extends between a first end (200) and a second end (300), • a flange element (9) arranged at the second end (300), • a plurality of locking elements (5) extending around the central axis (100) on an outer surface (10) of the base body (8) and having a first outer surface (6) and a second outer surface (7), • wherein each first outer surface (6) slopes down towards the first end (200) in the direction of the central axis (100), • wherein every second outer surface (7) is arranged between the first outer surface (6) and the second end (300) and adjoins an outer surface (10) of the base body (8), and • wherein the flange element (9) is arranged opposite the second outer surface (7) and spaced apart from the second outer surface (7), wherein • on the outside (10) of the base element (8) between the second outer surfaces (7) and the flange element (9) at least one rib (11) is arranged along the central axis (100), • and wherein the flange element (9) has a recess (12) directly on the base body (8) which extends at least partially parallel to the central axis (100), characterized by , that the flange element (9) has a cut (13) which extends outwards from the recess (12), away from the central axis (100). [2] Fastening element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that each grid element (5) has a constant thickness. [3] Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the fastening element (1) is conically shaped along that area of ​​the central axis (100) over which the first outer surfaces (6) extend, so that the fastening element (1) can be passed through an opening within the body (3), while the fastening element (1) can be anchored to the body (3) by the second outer surfaces (7) and the flange element (9). [4] Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each grid element (5) has a triangular cross-section perpendicular to the central axis (100), wherein every second outer surface (7) adjoins a first outer surface (6). [5] Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the basic body (8) has a round cross-section that can be determined perpendicular to the central axis (100). [6] Attachment part (2) for a vehicle (4) comprising a fastening element (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [7] Vehicle (4) comprising an attachment (2) according to claim 6.

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