Support structure in the form of an assembly forming an assembly unit

Abstract

Support structure in the form of an assembly forming an assembly unit for supporting a functional unit, with a support base which has at least two receiving areas spaced apart from one another in a spacing direction a receptacle for anchoring a support part having a shaft body which is elongated in an axial direction, and with at least two such support parts which, in the assembled state of the assembly, are anchored in the receptacles on an axial side of their shaft body and project towards the side of their other end from the respective axial height level of the receiving areas in the axial direction by a projecting length dimension in order to support the functional unit at a height level of this receiving area in the axial direction by a possiblyto be able to support a holding level spaced apart from the support distance extending up to the projecting length dimension, wherein the anchoring-side end of the shaft body is at a depth below the receiving area height level and wherein the anchoring is of the type of the boundary condition of a walled-in beam with respect to transverse forces introduced, for example, at the level of the holding level by the functional unit into a support part and having a force component in the distance direction, with an increase in the elastic compliance of the support structure with respect to such transverse forces caused by a level of the boundary condition being axially lowered by a lowering depth compared to the receiving area height level.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support structure in the form of an assembly forming an assembly unit for supported carrying of a functional unit, with a support base which has at least two receiving areas spaced apart from one another in a spacing direction a receptacle for anchoring a support part having a shaft body which is elongated in an axial direction, and with at least two such support parts which, in the assembled state of the assembly, are anchored in the receptacles on an axial side of their shaft body and project towards the side of their other end from the respective axial height level of the receiving areas in the axial direction by a projecting length dimension in order to support the functional unit at a height level of this receiving area in the axial direction by a possiblyto be able to support a support level spaced apart from the projecting length dimension, wherein the anchoring-side end of the shaft body lies at a depth below the receiving area height level and wherein the anchoring is of the type of boundary condition of a walled-in beam with respect to transverse forces introduced, for example, at the height of the support level from the functional unit into a support part and having a force component in the distance direction.

[0002] Such support structures and assemblies are, of course, well known, for example, by inserting pins, bolts, or the like into a base whose receptacles are formed, for example, in the form of a bore that accommodates the shaft body of the support part or into which the support part is countersunk. A functional unit can then be attached to the support parts and thus supported by the support parts.

[0003] One property that such support structures are often intended to have is to prevent the support distance between the functional unit and the height level of the support base's receiving areas from increasing, in other words, to prevent the support parts from being pulled out of the support base's receptacles. The forces with which the support part is secured against being pulled out of the support base depend on the design of the receptacle, the type of anchoring, etc. Press fits are known to be used for this purpose. In order to provide even higher threshold values for the axial pull-out force required to pull the support parts out of the support base, additional deformations can be achieved with or without the use of tools. Such variants are disclosed, for example, in US 2007 / 0226984 A1, DE 10 108 189 C2, DE 10 2022 003 696 A1 or DE 10 2011 008 168 A1.A comparatively large penetration depth is important for the teachings of DE 10 2022 003 696 A1, for example, because the support part, when inserted into the support base's receptacle, removes material from the inner wall of the bore, pushes it forward, and finally receives it in a recess near the tip of the support part, where it then forms a securing plug. To ensure that sufficient material can be absorbed for this securing plug, the deformation path is correspondingly long, thus ensuring the penetration depth is as large as possible. The implemented press fits and additional securing features also ensure overall high stability and rigidity for the secure support of additional parts.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of improving support structures of the type mentioned above with regard to increased variability of their possible applications while maintaining satisfactory operational reliability.

[0005] This object is achieved by the invention in terms of device technology by a further development of the support structure as explained at the outset, which is essentially characterized by an increase in the elastic compliance of the support structure with respect to such transverse forces caused by a level of the boundary condition that is lowered axially by a lowering depth compared to the receiving area height level.

[0006] The invention is based on the realization that the consideration previously adopted in the prior art, which is primarily limited to loads due to axial forces, is not sufficient to produce support structures improved with a view to greater application variability. The invention, on the other hand, also takes more detailed account of the occurrence of transverse forces, including transverse forces which do not point in the same direction with regard to the two support parts as far as the force component in the distance direction is concerned, i.e. different from what would apply to transverse forces, which would at best lead to an overall displacement movement of the functional unit relative to the support base, for example due to lateral impact forces, against which the functional unit is usually protected by a protective housing anyway. In particular, transverse forces which are based on different thermal expansion between the functional unit and the support base are considered.Due to the lowering of the level of the boundary condition of the embedded beam provided according to the invention, the elastic compliance of the support structure is increased and thus any expansion-related forces that occur can be better absorbed by the support structure without detrimentally impairing the operational reliability of the functional unit by damaging it or undesirably modifying its hold. This means that the support structure can also be used in cases in which it is exposed to greater temperature fluctuations. Preferably, a deflection in the distance direction of 20 µm induced at the level of the projecting length dimension is achieved as a result of a transverse force introduced at this height with a force component in the distance direction of less than 100 N, preferably less than 92 N, more preferably less than 84 N, in particular less than 73 N.

[0007] In a preferred development, it is provided that, in the assembled state, a first ratio of the axial length of a second section of the shaft body corresponding to the lowering depth to the axial length of a first section of the shaft body corresponding to the walled-in section is greater than 0.4, preferably than 0.52, in particular than 0.64 and / or less than 1.6, preferably than 1.3, in particular than 1.0. This provides a reasonable compromise between a satisfactory increase in elastic compliance on the one hand and axial holding forces, taking into account installation space requirements for the entire installation space depth below the receiving area height level on the other.

[0008] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that in the assembled state, a second ratio between the axial length of the second section of the shaft body corresponding to the lowering depth and the projecting length dimension is greater than 0.61-0.5 with λ=1, preferably with λ=1.09, more preferably with λ=1.17, in particular with λ=1.24, also with λ=1.28, even with λ=1.32 and / or less than 0.6A-0.5 with λ=3, preferably with λ=2.4, in particular with λ=2. This ensures a reasonable compromise between a satisfactory increase in elastic compliance and installation space requirements which relate to the height range above the receiving area height level.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that in the assembled state, a third ratio formed from the sum of the axial length of the second section of the shaft body corresponding to the lowering depth and half of the projecting length dimension divided by the effective diameter of the shaft body at the level of the boundary condition height level is less than 4, preferably less than 3.5, in particular less than 3 and / or greater than 1.5, preferably greater than 2, in particular greater than 2.4. This ensures a reasonable compromise between a satisfactory increase in elastic compliance on the one hand and still satisfactory stability and / or rigidity, in particular with regard to the axial forces occurring during assembly of the component parts. The effective diameter is defined as twice the fourth root of the factor 4π multiplied area moment of inertia of the shaft body (at this level) against bending in the distance direction.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a clearance between the shaft body and the inner wall of the support base receptacle is created at least partially, in particular entirely, over a predetermined axial length above the boundary condition height level by a cross-sectional narrowing of the shaft body with respect to its cross-sectional area at the level of the boundary condition height level. This increases the variability of possible applications with regard to potentially occurring high axial tensile forces, in that, despite the lowering of the boundary condition level provided according to the invention, the inner wall is still available as a satisfactory material source during the assembly process.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that in the assembled state, in an axial section of the area above the boundary condition height level and below a possibly provided positioning cone (introduction bevel), a fourth ratio of the axial length of the second section of the shaft body corresponding to the lowering depth to the distance between the shaft body and an inner wall of the receptacle of the support base in the spacing direction is less than 140, preferably less than 110, in particular less than 80 and / or greater than 4, preferably greater than 10, in particular greater than 20. This further increases the variability of the method with regard to the design freedom of structures utilizing the support structure, which in connection with thermal expansion during temperature changes can lead to constraints on the overall system, and improves the aforementioned increased usability for higher axial pull-out forces.If the shaft body is designed cylindrically, this distance is preferably not greater than 10%, more preferably not greater than 7%, in particular not greater than 4%, even not greater than 2.5% of its diameter.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that at least over an azimuthal range portion of more than π / 3, preferably over the full azimuthal range in the assembled state, the cross-sectional area of the inner wall of the support base receptacle does not retreat in the radial direction relative to its position at the level of the boundary condition height level, preferably over at least an axial length of at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, in particular at least 40% of the axial length of the second section of the shaft body. This increases the design freedom in the design of the support base receptacle while still satisfactorily ensuring the ability to achieve high resistance to high pull-out forces.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional constriction of the shaft body extends axially to the level of the receiving area height level, and in particular beyond, in the assembled state. This can further increase the elastic compliance, at least slightly, while maintaining satisfactory stiffness / stability.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the support part (preferably several, in particular all support parts) consists only of the shaft body. This further increases the variability in the form of a modular component in that the functional unit supported by the support structure only needs to have coupling structures to couple to the protruding shaft body end, for example in the form of complementary receptacles or openings. For example, depending on the design of the coupling areas, the support distance can be adjusted during assembly even if the components of the assembly are designed or adjusted for a fixed, predetermined depth of the anchoring-side end of the shaft body.

[0015] In this context, it is preferably provided that a functional component which has the support structure according to one or more of the aforementioned aspects as well as the functional unit is adjusted with respect to the support distance such that a fifth ratio between the support distance and the projecting length dimension is less than 0.9, preferably less than 0.8, in particular less than 0.7 and / or greater than 0.2, preferably greater than 0.3, in particular greater than 0.4.

[0016] The support structure can have two, three, four, or even more support parts; preferred are designs with three, in particular four, support parts. Preferably, the height of the receiving areas is essentially the same (except for manufacturing tolerances) for all support parts, or the heights preferably differ from each other by no more than 40%, in particular no more than 20%, based on the projecting length dimension.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the receiving areas are elevations relative to an otherwise lower height level of the support base with a plateau area that defines the axial height level of the receiving area. The transverse dimensions of the support base in the plane orthogonal to the axial direction are preferably of a cross-sectional area of less than 100 cm 2 , preferably less than 60 cm 2 , especially less than 30 cm 2 , and can even be less than 24 cm 2 or even as 18 cm 2 In this respect, the support structure is preferably a comparatively small-sized structure. It is also intended that the projecting length dimension is preferably no greater than 24 mm, preferably no greater than 16 mm, in particular no greater than 10 mm. Variants in which this length dimension is less than 8 mm, or even less than 6 mm, are also particularly contemplated.

[0018] Preferably, the support base extends in the plane orthogonal to the axial direction in every direction beyond the corresponding extent of the functional unit. In a further preferred embodiment, the support base is part of a housing that at least partially encloses the functional unit, wherein the enclosing is preferably directed towards a substantially complete enclosing in such a way that only functional openings are formed, if necessary, for the functional coupling of the functional unit to the housing exterior. The functional unit itself can contain an electronic component, in particular a printed circuit board with coupling regions for coupling to the support parts.

[0019] In a preferred variant for producing the assembled state of the assembly from its non-assembled state with a shaft body of axial extension having a penetration depth in the receptacle, it is provided that the shaft body is introduced into the receptacle by an applied axial assembly force in the insertion direction parallel to the axial direction, wherein a circumferential first region (shaft region) of the shaft body, which protrudes radially beyond the inner wall of the receptacle during the insertion of the shaft body, predominantly axially displaces material from this inner wall during its axial movement,a second circumferential region (shaft region) of the shaft body, which is located in front of the first region in the direction of insertion and radially recedes relative to the first region, creates a receiving region for the displaced material, and the displaced material entering therein forms a barrier for a third circumferential region (shaft region) of the shaft body, which is located in front of the second region in the direction of insertion and radially protrudes relative to the second region, but radially recedes relative to the first region, which counteracts a movement of the shaft body against the direction of insertion.

[0020] The first area, which in the assembled state is then radially facing the inner wall created after the axial material displacement, pushes material from the inner wall of the original non-assembled state in front of it during its axial movement, which penetrates into the receiving area and, in the course of the axial movement up to the final penetration depth (corresponding to the depth (T0)), forms an enlarging and axially further pushed material area until the barrier is formed when the penetration depth is reached.

[0021] This utilizes the flowability of the support base material over longer axial distances to create the barrier through the shaft body itself, without the need for an additional tool body and without requiring any further complex structural design. The axial position of the barrier is thus essentially determined by the transitions from the first to the second to the third area and is not located at the mouth of the receptacle, but rather is positioned at a desired depth, e.g., according to the preferred designs also specified below. The support part could have additional components integrally connected to the shaft body or could consist solely of the shaft body.

[0022] The assembly force will depend on the material, size, shape of the components of the assembly, and the radial projection of the first area, and ideally should be as low as possible. Particularly for very small-sized shaft bodies, a preferred process design provides for the axial assembly force per cross-sectional area of the material-displacing first area in N per mm 2 is greater than 200, preferably greater than 400, in particular greater than 800, and / or less than 3000, preferably 2400, in particular 2000.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the material-displacing axial movement of the first region extends over an axial height of at least 20%, preferably of at least 30%, in particular of at least 40% of the transverse dimension of the cross-sectional opening of the support base receptacle and / or by at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, in particular at least 1.4 mm (in the case of non-circular cross-sectional shapes, the diameter of a circular area equal to the cross-sectional area is considered the transverse dimension). The insertion movement to create the barrier is preferably unidirectional and occurs without a change in the direction of movement.

[0024] The shaft areas are surface areas of the shaft body that extend in the circumferential direction, but not necessarily over 360°, and can also extend over several circumferentially spaced sub-areas.

[0025] Accordingly, in a preferred design of the support structure, it is provided that the shaft body has a circumferential first region which, during insertion, projects radially beyond the inner wall of the receptacle existing in the non-assembled state and predominantly axially displaces material from this inner wall during its axial movement, a second circumferential region located in front of the first region as seen in the axial insertion direction, recedes radially relative to the first region and creates a receptacle region receiving the displaced material, and a third circumferential region which projects radially relative to the second region but recedes radially relative to the first region and for which third circumferential region the displaced material which has penetrated into the receptacle region forms a barrier in the assembled state of the assembly which counteracts a movement of the shaft body opposite the insertion direction.This ensures higher resistance to axial pull-out forces or moments as well as simple and universal manufacturability of the assembly state with variability via the axial positioning of the lock.

[0026] The radial projection of the first region is selected to suit the material, flowability of the support base, and the assembly force used, as is readily understood. In a preferred embodiment, the radial projection of the first region is greater than 0.02 mm, preferably greater than 0.03 mm, in particular greater than 0.04 mm, and / or less than 4 mm, preferably less than 2.4 mm, in particular less than 1.2 mm.

[0027] In this context, it is also preferably provided that the radial recess of the third region relative to the first circumferential region is greater than 0.02 mm, preferably than 0.03 mm, in particular than 0.04 mm, and / or less than 6 mm, preferably than 4.8 mm, in particular than 3.6 mm.

[0028] For a stable holding of the shaft body in combination with satisfactorily high required extraction forces, it is preferred that the second circumferential region, seen in the direction of insertion, is deeper than 16%, preferably than 24%, more preferably than 32%, in particular than 40%, even 50% or 60% of the total penetration depth of the shaft body below the zero level and / or in which the material-displacing axial movement of the first region extends over an axial height of at least 20%, preferably of at least 30%, in particular of at least 40% of the transverse dimension of the cross-sectional opening of the receptacle of the support base and / or by at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, in particular at least 1.4 mm.

[0029] With a view to achieving the highest possible extraction forces, it is further preferably provided that the third region, in the assembled state, is essentially free of play or press-fitted with the receptacle of the support base or with a radial play that is preferably less than the product of the radial projection of the circumferential first region with the penetration depth of the second circumferential region in the assembled state and the reciprocal of the axial extension of the second region, more preferably less than 4 / 5 of this product, more preferably than 2 / 3 of this product, in particular than 1 / 2 of this product. The extraction force required to extract the second component is preferably at least 80 N, more preferably at least 120 N, in particular at least 200 N.Furthermore, the quotient of this pull-out force and the cross-sectional area of the shaft body in the first shaft region is preferably greater than 10 MPa, more preferably greater than 30 MPa, even more preferably greater than 50 MPa, in particular greater than 70 MPa.

[0030] With regard to the design of the first region for material displacement, a design is preferably provided in which, viewed in axial section, the first region extends to the second region at an angle to the insertion direction of greater than 5°, preferably greater than 10°, in particular greater than 15° and / or less than 160°, preferably less than 135°, in particular less than 110°. This angle, at which the transition from the first to the second shaft region runs, is even more preferably less than 90°, more preferably less than 80°, in particular less than 70°, even less than 60°.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the carrier part is, for example, a connecting or contact pin, and in particular any axial contact of a possible flange at most rests against a radially and circumferentially extending edge surface of the mouth opening of the receptacle, but without material displacement there.

[0032] With regard to the material of the support base, a metallic material is provided, preferably an extrudable material. The material preferably comprises one or more of the metals aluminum, magnesium and copper, and consists in particular of an alloy with one of these metals as the main component. The support base is particularly preferably a formed component, in particular an extruded component, more preferably a cold-formed component, in particular a cold-extruded component. In a specific embodiment, the receiving material can thus be an extruded component, in particular made of light metal, for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or can contain another metal, e.g. copper or magnesium, or consist of a corresponding alloy.

[0033] In one embodiment, the receptacle in the support base can be provided in the form of a cylindrical bore, optionally with a positioning cone (introduction bevel). The bore can be a blind hole, as shown below.

[0034] It is understood that in this preferred design, the support part is harder than the support base in order to be able to displace the material of the support base (and not vice versa). In this regard, it is preferably provided that the material of the support part has a hardness that is at least 8%, preferably at least 16%, and in particular at least 24% higher than that of the support base.

[0035] Preferably, a very small shaft body is provided, which has a diameter in the single-digit millimeter range, which can even be less than 3, in particular less than 2, or even less than 1.7 mm. The shaft body is preferably not hollow, but formed from solid material. Thus, the carrier part can be a contact pin, for example. A connecting pin can be used to establish contact, for example, with the functional unit, which has a receptacle that fits the connecting pin, thus establishing a connection between the carrier base and the functional unit.

[0036] If the shaft body is implemented as a mechanical connecting or contact pin, in one specific embodiment it could be made of copper with a nickel and / or tin coating. However, the choice of material for the contact pin is not necessarily restricted; it could also be a different material, preferably metallic, which is harder than the material of the receiving component, e.g. brass. A coating could also be omitted in another embodiment, particularly if, for example, a form-fitting or press-fitting is sufficient for the contact of the contact pin. The nickel and / or tin coating, on the other hand, is suitable as a solderable material for a more secure contact via a soldered connection.In further embodiments, the coating could also comprise or consist of other solderable materials, either individually or as an alloy with other components already mentioned, such as nickel and / or tin. Other thermal treatments to improve contact via an adhesive layer are also being considered, such as melting or partial melting, and in this context, plastic materials, such as thermoplastics, for the contact pin.

[0037] In addition to these possibilities of a mechanical contact mediated by the pin, mediated electrical contact is also conceivable. If, for example, the functional unit is multi-component with current-carrying components, an electrically conductive connection between the components could be created via the contact pin or its coating. The coating could also reduce the risk of contact corrosion. However, if aspects of required electrical insulation are important for the application, the contact pin could also be made of a ceramic material, for example. In this respect, a wide variety of applications are conceivable. For example, battery applications are conceivable; the functional unit could be a component of a battery system.The functional unit could contain or be an electronic component with a wide range of applications, including electrical contact, or an electronic component with a purely mechanical connection mediated by the pin. The functional unit could also have a mechanical function.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention provides for the provision of such an assembly.

[0039] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, of which Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the components of the support structure in an assembled state, Fig. 2 an enlarged section of Fig. 1 is, Fig. 3 shows a representation of only one support part and its anchoring, the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 successively enlarged representations of areas of Fig. 3 are, Fig. 7 shows an explanatory view for a mounting mechanism, and Fig. 8 AC sections of a representation of different mounting positions of an embodiment.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows the components of an assembly, namely a support base 10 and two support parts 20 in the form of pins, which are pressed into a respective receptacle in the form of a blind hole extending in the axial direction Z, in a longitudinal section in the XZ plane, where X is the distance direction between the two pins 20. In this embodiment, the pins 20 are cylindrical and penetrate with their axial lower end to a depth which is Fig. 1 is designated by the reference symbol T0, whereas the height level of the receiving areas 30, 30, in which the receptacles are formed, is designated by the reference symbol H0, the zero level. Both pins 20 protrude from this zero level by an axial length L3.

[0041] The distance between the two pins 20 in the spacing direction is shown very small purely for illustration purposes, and can actually be many times larger and usually will be, for example this distance could be five to twenty times the projecting length L3.

[0042] In Fig. 1 To the left of the left pin are shown possible exemplary height levels at which a functional unit could be arranged between the pins 20 at a distance from the zero level H0. Two exemplary possibilities are shown, one for a distance H Z1, which is approximately half of the projecting length L3, or a height level H T2 at H Z2 spaced from the zero level, for supporting a functional unit (not shown).

[0043] In the case of, for example, a strip-shaped shape in the plane orthogonal to the axial axis Z, the support structure could, for example, consist of the base 10 and the two pins 20 shown. In a preferred embodiment, with a design that tends to be more uniform, four pins 20 could also be provided, which can, for example, describe the corner points of a quadrilateral, in particular a rectangle, or even a square. Better in the enlarged representation of Fig. 2 than in Fig. 1 it can be seen that the pins 20 are not firmly embedded in the support base 10 up to the zero level H0, but only up to a depth T Δlowered level T1, ie the (second) length section of axial length L2 assigned to the area in the assembled state in this area above the level of the boundary condition for a (now only over a remaining length L1) walled-in beam, does not lie against the inner wall W of the blind hole, contrary to the usual press fits, but is spaced from it by an annular gap with, in this embodiment, a very small gap dimension of 0.02 mm. Now, as in Fig. 1, transverse forces Q on the pins 20, the elastic compliance is increased due to the lowered level of the walling compared to the reference of a walling at the height level H0 and the construction designed in this way forms a compensation mechanism which, for example, offers less resistance to thermal expansion of the functional unit in the distance direction X, so that the forces opposing the forces Q, acting as compression forces on the functional unit, are weakened and therefore make the support structure usable for larger temperature ranges, or for applications with corresponding temperature fluctuations. Fig. The transverse forces shown in Figure 1 are shown for the example case where the thermal expansion of the functional unit is greater than that of the support base due to a higher thermal expansion coefficient.

[0044] In the Fig. 3 to 6, a second embodiment is described, however, with increasing magnification level only one pin 20 and anchorage is shown ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 6), or only the pin 20 or a part of it itself ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

[0045] In this embodiment, the pin 20 has a special design at its anchoring-side end region, which is explained further below in connection with the assembly method.

[0046] From the presentation of Fig. 5 it is best seen that the pin 20 has an area with (compared to a cross-sectional area of π4D2 with D here 1.44 mm in the example) has a reduced cross-section, for example produced by turning with additional radial feed d r of 20 µm in this embodiment, which results in a predominantly length section L 2Sof the length section L2, an annular gap of corresponding width is formed between pin 20 and inner wall W of the blind hole, so that a ring gap is formed from the axial extension of a centering cone realized here (exaggerated in the figurative representation) and the length section L 2S composite lowering depth T Δ In a concrete example, L3 is 4.65 mm, L2 is 1.51 mm, L1 is 1.84 mm, and L 2S : 1 mm.

[0047] The diameter D of the pin 20 below the area with reduced cross-section is larger than the diameter of the inner walls W0 in the unassembled state. As explained in more detail below, when the pin 20 is inserted into the receptacle, a plastic deformation of the support base occurs along the insertion movement on the cylindrical inner wall surface D0. The material advanced along the axial U-shaped path ultimately forms a plug in an undercut near the anchoring-side pin end, which significantly increases the required axial pull-out forces compared to a pure press fit. Thus, despite the reduced level of the boundary condition, a sufficient axial deformation path still remains for satisfactory plug formation.

[0048] Further details of this mounting mechanism are also explained below using the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 explained.

[0049] In Fig. 8 shows, from left to right, three snapshots of an assembly process for inserting the pin 20 into the receptacle of the receiving component 10. Fig. 8C shows the final assembly state, in which the pin 20 is received with the final penetration depth (H0-T0) along the insertion direction Z in the receptacle of the component 10. In the present embodiment, this receptacle is provided predominantly in the form of a cylindrical bore. As can be seen in the previous figures, the bore in the illustrated embodiments is a blind hole.

[0050] It should be understood, however, that although the cylindrical receptacle shape is one of the preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the receptacle is not further limited, and the receptacle could also have any other cross-sectional shape, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, or other irregular cross-sectional shape.

[0051] In the present embodiment, a very small shaft body 20 is provided, which has a diameter in the single-digit millimeter range, which can even be less than 3, in particular less than 2, or even less than 1.7 mm. However, it is understood that the invention, although the aforementioned small dimensions are among the preferred embodiments, is not limited to such small size scales, and larger shaft bodies with a diameter of, for example, cm can also be used.

[0052] The exemplary representation of the shaft body as a contact pin, in this specific embodiment made of brass or copper with a nickel and / or tin coating, is not limited in terms of material; it could also be any other material, preferably metallic material, which has a higher hardness than the material of the receiving component 10.

[0053] In the specific embodiment, the receiving material 10 is an extruded component made of an aluminum alloy, but it could also be another metallic component, preferably made of light metal and in particular extrudable and / or extruded, e.g. also made of copper or magnesium or a corresponding alloy.

[0054] For assembly, a force source is provided, which applies an insertion force to the pin 20 in the insertion direction Z. The force to be applied depends on the geometry, material, and size of the pin 20 used and the support base 10; in the example shown, a force of approximately 400 N is sufficient.

[0055] How best to Fig. 7, which is Fig. 8A, but is enlarged again and has radial dimensional differences and reference symbols shown, the front region of the shaft body 20 in the insertion direction Z is designed as follows. The end face 5 of the shaft body 20 tapers conically in a region 4 to a (third) shaft region 3, at the axial height of which the shaft body 20 is arranged essentially free of play with the inner wall W0 of the receptacle, i.e. the diameter of the shaft body 20 in the third region is essentially adapted to the inner diameter W0 of the receptacle (or to the respective transverse dimension in the case of non-cylindrical receptacles). Adjoining the third region 3, opposite the insertion direction Z, is a second shaft region 2 in which the shaft diameter is smaller than that of the third region and which in this way defines a receiving space 22 between the shaft body and the inner wall W0 of the receptacle.In this exemplary embodiment, at an angle of approximately 45° to the insertion direction Z, the second shaft region 2 transitions into a first shaft region 1, in which the shaft diameter (or the relevant shaft transverse dimension) is larger than the corresponding dimension of the receptacle. The first shaft region 1 thus protrudes beyond the inner wall W0 of the receptacle at a radial distance Δr18 in the radial direction (transverse direction in the radial plane orthogonal to the insertion direction Z).

[0056] A radial recess of the second shaft region 2 relative to the first shaft region 1 is designated (in the region of the smallest shaft diameter) in this embodiment approximately at the axial center of the second shaft region 2 as Δr21; the radial protrusion of the third shaft region 3 relative to the second shaft region 2 as Δr32, and the radial recess of the third shaft region 3 relative to the first shaft region 1 as Δr31.

[0057] In Fig. 8A shows the snapshot in which, during the axial forward movement of the shaft body 20 along the insertion direction Z, the first shaft region 1, which projects radially beyond the inner wall W0 of the receptacle, at some point axially impacts material of the receiving component 10.

[0058] During the further insertion movement, the pressing contact of the first shaft region 1 on the material of the receiving component 10 leads to a plastic material displacement of this material with a clearly predominant portion in the axial insertion direction Z. The material of the receiving component 10 is displaced axially and, in an evasive movement, reaches the receiving area 22 formed by the second shaft region 2 in an axial-radial manner. In a further insertion movement, an accumulation of material in the receiving area 22 which increases in volume during the course of the movement is pushed further in the insertion direction Z, whereby the first shaft region 1 further axially displaces material from the original inner wall W0 of the receptacle in the area of its radial projection.

[0059] An intermediate snapshot of the insertion movement is shown in Fig. 8B, approximately halfway through the penetration depth of the subsequent total penetration depth. In this instantaneous situation, the receiving area 22 is already partially, but not yet completely, filled with the material of the receiving component 10 that has been axially displaced and radially penetrated into this area.

[0060] The continued axial insertion movement up to the final assembly state of Fig. 8C ensures that the receiving area 22 continues to fill with material. In this embodiment, the receiving area 22 is even completely filled.

[0061] As from Fig. 8C, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the axially displaced material volume is even larger than the receiving area, and still ensures an accumulation of material in the area of the conical slope 4 of the shaft body 20. In other designs, however, the receiving area 22 could be sufficient to receive all of the displaced material.

[0062] In the final assembly state of Fig. 8C clearly shows that a material accumulation 228 has formed that is firmly bonded to the remaining material of the receiving component 10 and acts as a barrier against the shaft body 20 being pulled out of the receptacle counter to the insertion direction Z. This is due to the fact that the third shaft region 3 protrudes radially relative to the second shaft region 2. Compared to conventional press-fitting of shaft bodies or contact pins, this significantly increases the force required for withdrawal; thus, improvements of 30% to even over 40% and more have been achieved in this regard, even compared to very strong press fits of purely cylindrical shaft bodies.

[0063] A further advantage of this assembly method and the assembly that can be produced thereby in the assembled state is that only the axial insertion force has to be applied and no further tool is required to directly act on the material of the receiving component 10, since the shaft body 20, due to its design in coordination with the receptacle, ensures the creation of the material barrier 228 solely through its axial movement.

[0064] It is also evident that no additional design is required for a support part 20 comprising the shaft body, such as additional mandrels flanged radially from the shaft body, for which a corresponding flange body would be additionally provided. It is understood that, in addition to the illustrated embodiment, further design features of the support part 20 could certainly be provided.

[0065] Furthermore, it can be seen that with this design, the material barrier 228 can be brought to a depth in the receptacle that is close to the total penetration depth T0. In the specific embodiment, this depth is, for example, approximately 60% to 90% of the total penetration depth T0 (calculated from the axial center of the second shaft region 2). This proves to be advantageous for achieving the high required extraction forces. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2007 / 0226984 A1

[0003] DE 10 108 189 C2

[0003] DE 10 2022 003 696 A1

[0003] DE 10 2011 008 168 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Support structure (100) in the form of an assembly forming an assembly unit for supporting a functional unit, with a support base (10) which has at least two receiving areas (30, 30) spaced apart from one another in a spacing direction (X) a receptacle for anchoring a support part having a shaft body elongated in an axial direction, and with at least two such support parts (20, 20), which in the assembled state of the assembly are anchored in the receptacles on one axial side of its shaft body and project towards the side of its other end from the respective axial height level (H0) of the receptacle areas in the axial direction by a projecting length dimension (L3), in order to support the functional unit at a holding level (H T), wherein the anchoring-side end of the shaft body is located at a depth (T0) below the receiving area height level (H0) and wherein the anchoring is, for example, at the height of the holding level (H r ) transverse forces (Q) introduced by the functional unit into a support part (20) and having a force component in the distance direction (X) are of the type of boundary condition of a walled-in beam, characterized by a lowering depth (T) axially offset relative to the receiving area height level (H0) Δ ) lowered level (T Δ ) of the boundary condition caused an increase in the elastic compliance of the support structure with respect to such transverse forces. [2] Support structure according to claim 1, wherein in the assembled state a first ratio of the axial length (L2) of one of the lowering depth (T Δ) corresponding second section of the shaft body to the axial length (L1) of a first section of the shaft body corresponding to the walled-in section is greater than 0.4, preferably than 0.52, in particular than 0.64 and / or less than 1.6, preferably than 1.3, in particular than 1.

0. [3] Support structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the assembled state a second ratio of the axial length (L2) of the lowering depth (T Δ ) corresponding second section of the shaft body to the projecting length dimension (L3) is greater than 0.6λ-0.5 with λ=1, preferably with λ=1.09, more preferably with λ=1.17, in particular with λ=1.24 and / or is less than 0.6λ-0.5 with λ=3, preferably with λ=2.4, in particular with λ=2. [4] Support structure according to one of the preceding claims, in which in the assembled state a third ratio is formed from the sum of the axial length (L2) of the lowering depth (T Δ) corresponding second section of the shaft body and half (0.5·L3) of the projecting length dimension (L3) divided by the effective diameter of the shaft body at the level of the boundary condition height level (T Δ ) is less than 4, preferably less than 3.5, in particular less than 3 and / or greater than 1.5, preferably greater than 2, in particular greater than 2.

4. [5] Support structure according to one of the preceding claims, in which, in the assembled state, a free space between the shaft body and the inner wall of the receptacle of the support base is at least over a predetermined axial length (L 2S ) above the boundary condition height level (T Δ ) at least partially, in particular holistically, by a cross-sectional narrowing of the shaft body with respect to its cross-sectional area at the level of the boundary condition height level (T Δ ) is effected. [6] Support structure according to claim 5, wherein in the assembled state in an axial section of the region above the boundary condition height level (T Δ ) and below a positioning cone, if provided, a fourth ratio of the axial length (L2) of the lowering depth (T Δ ) corresponding second section of the shaft body to the distance between the shaft body and an inner wall of the receptacle of the support base in the spacing direction is less than 140, preferably less than 110, in particular less than 80 and / or greater than 4, preferably greater than 10, in particular greater than 20. [7] Support structure according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least over an azimuthal range portion of more than π / 3 in the mounted state, the cross-sectional area of the inner wall of the receptacle of the support base is not radially displaceable relative to its position at the level of the boundary condition height level (T Δ), preferably over at least an axial length of at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, in particular at least 40% of the axial length (L2) of the second portion of the shaft body. [8] Support structure according to claim 5, 6 or 5 and 7, wherein the cross-sectional constriction of the shaft body extends axially in the assembled state up to the level of the receiving area height level (H0) and in particular beyond. [9] Support structure according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one support part consists only of the shaft body. [10] Support structure according to one of the preceding claims, in which the shaft body can be inserted into the receptacle in the axial direction (Z) by an applied axial assembly force, and the shaft body has a first shaft region (1) which, during insertion, projects radially beyond the inner wall (W0) of the receptacle existing in the non-assembled state and predominantly axially displaces material from this inner wall during its axial movement, a second shaft region (2) which, viewed in the axial insertion direction, is located in front of the first shaft region, recedes radially relative to the first shaft region and creates a receiving region receiving the displaced material, and a third shaft region (3) which projects radially relative to the second shaft region but recedes radially relative to the first shaft region,for which the displaced material which has penetrated into the receiving area forms a barrier (228) in the assembled state of the assembly which counteracts a movement of the shaft body opposite to the direction of insertion. [11] Functional component with a support structure according to one of the preceding claims and a functional unit held by the support parts of the support structure. [12] Functional component according to claim 11, wherein a fifth ratio of the support distance (Az) to the projecting length dimension (L3) is less than 0.9, preferably less than 0.8, in particular less than 0.7 and / or greater than 0.2, preferably greater than 0.3, in particular greater than 0.

4. [13] Method for moving a support structure according to one of the preceding claims from its non-assembled state to its assembled state. [14] Method according to claim 13, in which the shaft body is introduced into the receptacle by an applied axial assembly force in the axial insertion direction (Z), and a first shaft region (1) of the shaft body, which projects radially beyond the inner wall (W0) of the receptacle during the insertion of the shaft body, predominantly axially displaces material from this inner wall during its axial movement, a second shaft region (2) of the shaft body, which is located in front of the first shaft region as seen in the insertion direction and radially recedes relative to the first shaft region, creates a receiving region (22) receiving the displaced material, and the displaced material entering therein forms a barrier (228) counteracting a movement of the shaft body opposite to the insertion direction for a second shaft region, which is located in front of the second shaft region as seen in the insertion direction and radially protrudes relative to the second shaft region,but forms a third shaft region (3) of the shaft body which is radially recessed from the first region.

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