Device and method for the error-free assembly of components

Abstract

Device for the error-free assembly of components, preferably in automotive engineering, comprising a locking device (5) for connecting the components (1, 3), characterized in that the locking device is designed as a locking wedge (5), on the side of which facing the components (1, 3) to be connected a locking hook (9) is formed, which is pre-assembled and positioned between two spring-loaded metal rollers (11, 13), wherein the metal rollers (11, 13) are mounted near an opening (17) of one of the components (13) in which the component (13) can be fixed, and is designed in an end position to prevent the two metal rollers (11, 13) from shifting, wherein the locking wedge (5) only assumes the end position after the two spring-loaded metal rollers (11, 13) have been compressed and then released.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the error-free assembly of components, preferably in automotive engineering, comprising a locking device for connecting the components, and a method for the error-free assembly of components.

[0002] DE 10 2005 003 293 A1 describes a fastening device for sensors or actuators, characterized by one or more snap or detent hooks connected to a supporting element of the sensor or actuator, a first detent step in the area of ​​the snap or detent hooks suitable for snapping into a holder or support, and at least a second chamfer or, in particular, a second snap or detent step in the area of ​​the snap or detent hooks, wherein this chamfer provides a further elastic force component F due to a radial elastic deformation of the snap or detent hook. E generated in the axial direction on the sensor or actuator.

[0003] From DE 20 2013 382 U1, a locking device for attaching a lid to a roller, in particular for an animal restraint system, is known, wherein the lid has at least one locking hook which can be engaged with a locking receptacle of the roller to create a locking connection between the lid and the roller. To create the locking connection, the locking hook engages at least partially in the locking receptacle radially from the outside to the inside.

[0004] From DE 20 2007 009 721 U1, a positive-locking retaining device is known, which is preferably used for attaching grab handles and door handles to a vehicle body. The retaining device comprises a support part and an expanding element that extends through an opening in the component. A locking element is inserted into the prefabricated component / expansion element unit, which has at least one clamping leg that bears against the component. During assembly, the expanding element is inserted through the hole in the component, with the upper leg of the clamping leg contacting the hole in the component in the insertion direction, thereby pushing the locking element out against the support part.In the further assembly process, the upper leg parts of the locking element are pivoted towards each other by compressing the radially deflectable tongues of the spreading element, and the lower leg parts of the locking element are spread open below the hole.

[0005] DE 20 2009 017 354 U1 discloses a locking element for connecting two components in the form of a ball locking pin, in which at least one component is provided with a mounting opening that has a longitudinal axis with a sleeve in which a locking pin is coaxially arranged and slidably guided. The locking pin has at least one recess, while the sleeve has at least one lateral opening. The recess and opening are designed and aligned such that at least one ball can be moved from a release position, in which the ball is received in the recess, to a locking position, in which the ball protrudes from the lateral opening of the sleeve. If the ball is not completely moved into the locking position, the sleeve is moved back into its first position by the elastic preload, thereby lifting the locking element away from the component.

[0006] In automotive manufacturing, a large number of components have to be installed during assembly, sometimes in difficult-to-access locations. It can happen that components are not properly locked into place, which can lead to quality defects.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for the error-free assembly of components which are suitable for assembly in inaccessible installation spaces of the vehicle.

[0008] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Further features, applications, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1 or 2.

[0010] In the device described above for the error-free assembly of components, preferably in automotive manufacturing, comprising a locking device for connecting the components, the locking device is designed as a locking wedge. On the side of the wedge facing the components to be joined, a locking hook is formed, which is pre-assembled and positioned between two spring-loaded metal rollers. The metal rollers are located near an opening in one of the components, in which the component can be fixed, and are designed in an end position to prevent the two metal rollers from shifting. The locking wedge only assumes this end position after the two spring-loaded metal rollers have been compressed and then released. A defective installation is visually indicated by the locking wedge not being fully inserted. Time-consuming manual inspection is therefore unnecessary.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for the error-free assembly of components, preferably in automotive manufacturing, using a device described in this patent application. In this method, after pre-assembly of the locking device, designed as a locking wedge, with the components to be assembled, the locking hook of the locking wedge is moved from a locked position to an end position when the two spring-loaded metal rollers are pressed. This occurs because the two metal rollers are released after being pressed together and return to their initial position. Proper assembly is achieved with easy visual identification of potential errors, thus saving time and money.

[0012] In one embodiment, the two spring-mounted metal rollers are pressed together from their initial position, and after they return to their initial position, the locking wedge is engaged. Due to the two-stage assembly process, the locking wedge can only be inserted if the detent hook no longer prevents it.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the locking wedge is pressed into a component opening for assembly. This represents the final position of the locking wedge. This position of the locking wedge indicates that the components have been correctly engaged.

[0014] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which at least one exemplary embodiment is described in detail. The described features can, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, optionally also independently of the claims, and can, in particular, also be the subject matter of one or more separate applications.

[0015] They show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the device according to the invention in a locked position, Fig. 2 an exploded view of the device according to the invention before assembly Fig. 3 an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0016] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in a latched position, as used for connecting components in automotive engineering. An attachment 1 is latched to a vehicle body 3. The attachment 1 can, for example, be a roof grab handle. A locking wedge 5 is inserted into the two superimposed components 1 and 3, and a locking hook 9 is axially formed at the free end of an arm 7 of the locking wedge facing the components. This locking hook 9 is spring-mounted between two metal rollers 11 and 13, which are radially mounted on a projection 15 of the attachment 1. The projection 15 of the attachment 1 is inserted into an opening 17 of the vehicle body 3, and the attachment 1 is held against the vehicle body 3 by the two metal rollers 11 and 13 when correctly installed.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the device according to the invention in the sequence in which the components are axially stacked on top of each other during assembly.

[0018] The assembly process, which is in Fig. As shown in 3, in Fig. 3a The metal rollers 11, 13 are laterally spring-mounted in a recess 19 of the projection 15 of the attachment 1. The locking hook 9 of the locking wedge 5 is inserted into a groove 21 of the projection 15, which separates the metal rollers 11, 13. When the locking hook 9 is inserted, the metal rollers 11, 13 are pushed apart and the springs, which are not visible, are released. The locking hook 9 engages in the insertion direction between a metal roller 13 and a receiving wall 23, thus preventing the locking wedge 5 from being pressed in.

[0019] During the assembly of the attachment part 1, the projection 15 of the attachment part 1 is pushed into the opening 17 of the vehicle body, whereby the metal rollers 11, 13 lift the vehicle body 3 over the locking hook 9 to such an extent that it slides out of the receptacle 19. The locking hook 9 can then no longer spring back to its initial position behind the receptacle wall 23 ( Fig. 3b) . After this pre-assembly, the metal rollers 11, 13 relax again and return to their initial position. Since the springs are relaxed again, the locking wedge 5 can now be pressed, as the detent hook 9 no longer prevents this ( Fig. 3c). The metal rollers 11, 13 are now located inside the body component 3 above the opening 17. After this final assembly, according to Fig.3d The locking wedge 5 is manually pressed completely into the groove 21, whereby the metal rollers 11, 13 are locked by the arm 7 of the locking wedge 5 which carries the locking hook 9, and the attachment part 1 is locked to the body component 3. The locking wedge now rests completely against the attachment part 1, allowing the service technician to visually verify that the assembly has been carried out correctly.

Claims

[1] Device for the error-free assembly of components, preferably in automotive engineering, comprising a locking device (5) for connecting the components (1, 3), characterized by , that the locking device is designed as a locking wedge (5) on the side of which facing the components (1, 3) to be connected a locking hook (9) is formed, which is pre-assembled and positioned between two spring-loaded metal rollers (11, 13), wherein the metal rollers (11, 13) are mounted near an opening (17) of one of the components (13) in which the component (13) can be fixed, and is designed in an end position to prevent the two metal rollers (11, 13) from moving out of position, wherein the locking wedge (5) only assumes the end position after the two spring-loaded metal rollers (11, 13) have been compressed and then released. [2] Method for the error-free assembly of components, preferably in automotive engineering, using a device according to claim 1, characterized by, that after pre-assembly of the locking hook (9) designed as a locking wedge (5) with the components (1, 3) to be mounted, when pressing the two spring-loaded metal rollers (11, 13) the locking hook (9) of the locking wedge (5) is moved from a locked position to an end position, by the two metal rollers (11, 13) being relaxed again after being pressed together and returning to their initial position. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by , that the two spring-mounted metal rollers (11, 13) are compressed from an initial position and, after their return to the initial position, the locking wedge (5) is pressed. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the locking wedge (5) is pressed into a component opening (17) for the assembly of the components (1, 3).

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