System with self-locking fastening device

Abstract

System (10) comprising a support part (14), a fastening part (16) and a fastening device (18) for positive and force-fit fastening of the fastening part (16) to the support part (14), the fastening device (18) comprising: - a support element (20) arranged on the support part (14) with a guide section (22), a holding section (24) and a base section (26) connecting the guide section (22) and the holding section (24); and - a fastening element (28) arranged on the fastening part (16) with a clamping section (30); wherein the clamping section (30) is inserted into a space (38) bounded by the guide section (22), the retaining section (24) and the bottom section (26) along a joining axis (32) and contacts the retaining section (24) under pretension.

Description

State of the art

[0001] Design elements, structural components, and technical parts of vehicles are typically fastened to headlights, front lights, or rear lights using screws or clips. The use of such fasteners requires additional parts, such as tools, and is therefore expensive. In many cases, the process is technically complex and very time-consuming. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to a system with a self-locking fastening device, a support part and a fastening part.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a system with a support part and a fastening part which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use, wherein the support part is connected to the fastening part.

[0004] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a system with the features of claim 1. The invention relates to a system with a support part, with a fastening part, and with a fastening device for positive-locking and / or force-locking fastening of the fastening part to the support part, the fastening device comprising: a support element arranged on the support part with a guide section, a retaining section, and a base section connecting the guide section and the retaining section; and a fastening element arranged on the fastening part with a clamping section; wherein the clamping section is inserted into a space bounded by the guide section, the retaining section, and the base section along a joining axis and contacts, preferably surrounding, the retaining section with a pre-tensioned tension, in particular with a defined tension.

[0005] The fastening device can be used without screws or additional tools, significantly reducing assembly time and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the support element and / or the fastening element are preferably manufactured without undercuts, which further simplifies production. The guide section ensures easy and precise insertion of the fastening element, so that the fastening part is positioned accurately and without play on the support element. The pre-tensioned arrangement of the clamping section on the holding section provides a force-fit, and in particular friction-fit, connection. The clamping section preferably forms a fastening in the form of a clamping disc.

[0006] All statements refer to the fastening state, i.e., the state in which the fastening part is attached to the support part with the fastening device, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0007] Preferably, the support element and the fastening element are designed to be complementary to each other, at least in sections.

[0008] An advantageous aspect of the invention is that the clamping section is hook-shaped. The clamping section is preferably flexible. Accordingly, the clamping section can be pre-tensioned relative to the holding section.

[0009] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the clamping section has at least one engagement section that contacts the holding section. Preferably, the clamping section has several, in particular two, three, or four, engagement sections. The engagement sections can be evenly distributed around the joining axis. The engagement sections can be spaced apart from one another, so that a gap is provided between two adjacent engagement sections. Accordingly, the engagement sections can be deflected radially outwards in a controlled manner. Preferably, the engagement sections are pre-tensioned towards the holding section.

[0010] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the at least one engagement section extends transversely to the joining axis. The at least one engagement section forms an engagement angle with the joining axis, which preferably lies in a range between 20° and 90°, and particularly between 30° and 60°. The at least one engagement section preferably extends radially inwards from the shaft section.

[0011] The preload of at least one engagement section and thus the holding force of the fastening device can be adjusted by changing the engagement angle, the length of the engagement section and / or the material, in particular the elasticity, of the engagement section.

[0012] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the clamping section further comprises a shaft section, wherein the shaft section is supported on the base section and / or the guide section, such that the at least one engagement section is pre-tensioned against the holding section. The shaft section and the at least one engagement section preferably form a clamping hook. This ensures that the clamping section is securely clamped between the base section and the holding section, and in particular between the guide section. Preferably, the clamping section provides radial clamping between the holding section and the guide section, and axial clamping between the holding recess and the base section. This ensures a secure connection and self-locking.

[0013] An advantageous aspect of the invention is that the retaining section, particularly before and especially during the fastening process, is designed without undercuts. This makes the retaining section particularly easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0014] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the clamping section, in particular the at least one engagement section, defines a through-opening parallel to the joining axis. Before the fastening state, the inner diameter of the through-opening of the clamping section is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the holding section. Accordingly, the at least one engagement section, in particular its free end, is forced radially outwards by the holding section in the fastening state.

[0015] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the clamping section and the holding section are designed such that the clamping section sinks into the holding section, forming a retaining recess in the holding section to create an undercut into which the clamping section engages. This can be achieved by elastic or plastic deformation of the holding section. The retaining recess acts like a latch, prevents pull-out, and creates a positive and non-positive fit without additional locking mechanisms. Depending on the design of the at least one engagement section, the retaining recess can be configured after deformation as one or more pockets or as an annular or circular groove extending around the joining axis. The retaining recess is recessed relative to a cylindrical or conical surface of the pin. Before the fastening state, the holding section has a constant cross-section parallel to the joining axis.

[0016] The clamping section is preferably pressed into the gap. This can result in a partially plastic and partially elastic deformation of the holding section. Stress relaxation at the holding section allows the at least one engagement section to dig into it. The partially elastic and partially plastic deformation can transition into purely plastic deformation during further assembly or over time. A positive-locking connection is thus formed parallel to the joining direction. Removing the clamping section from the gap is therefore only possible by destroying the fastening device, in particular the at least one engagement section. Destruction of the engagement section and / or the holding section is accompanied by the abrasion of chips.

[0017] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the clamping section, in particular the at least one engagement section, and the holding section are designed such that a noise is generated during the joining process, indicating a correct connection. It is conceivable that the noise is generated only when the clamping section comes into contact with the base section or is about to do so. The noise can be achieved, for example, by a specific surface finish of the clamping section and the holding section.

[0018] An advantageous aspect of the invention is that the retaining section extends along the guide axis. The retaining section is preferably pin-shaped, particularly round pin-shaped. This ensures reliable axial force transmission from the clamping section to the fastening element. The retaining section can be cylindrical or conical. The retaining section is preferably made of a solid material.

[0019] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the retaining section has a free retaining end. In the fastened state, the at least one engagement section preferably extends towards the free retaining end.

[0020] An advantageous aspect of the invention is that the guide section is collar-shaped and parallel to the guide axis, and at least partially surrounds the holding section and / or the clamping section radially. This ensures secure guidance of the clamping section. The fastening element is thus held radially with precision. Furthermore, the gap is sufficiently large to accommodate the clamping section. The preload of the at least one engagement section can also be adjusted based on the radial extent of the gap. The guide section is preferably hollow cylindrical or otherwise shaped.

[0021] If the at least one engagement section forms the retaining recess in the retaining section, the retaining recess has a bevel on a first recess side facing the bottom section, such that the at least one engagement section rests flat against this bevel. The bevel preferably has the same angle to the joining axis as the at least one engagement section. This protects the at least one engagement section and prevents it from coming into contact with a sharp edge. The second recess side preferably runs perpendicular to the joining axis. Therefore, the retaining recess is V-shaped.

[0022] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the holding section, the guide section, and / or the clamping section are designed to be mirror-symmetrical or rotationally symmetrical. In this case, the clamping section has a single circumferential engagement section. This allows for simple and angularly position-independent manufacturing of the fastening device. Furthermore, the forces are introduced symmetrically. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the holding section, the guide section, and / or the clamping section are polygonal with a uniformly distributed profile. This allows a rotational / preferred position to be defined. The fastening device can also incorporate a poka-yoke mechanism.

[0023] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the clamping section has several individual, in particular hook-shaped, clamping elements which are preferably evenly distributed along the circumference.

[0024] The bottom section preferably extends perpendicular to the joining axis. The gap is preferably ring-shaped, in particular circular.

[0025] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the fastening element has a flange section which preferably connects to the shaft section. This provides an axial stop that ensures the clamping section is not inserted too far into the gap. The flange section preferably projects radially outwards from the shaft section. The flange section preferably faces a free guide end of the guide section. Thus, the flange section and the guide section form an axial stop.

[0026] An advantageous aspect of the invention is that the shaft section and the holding section are flush on one side opposite the base section. This makes it easy to determine whether the clamping section has been moved sufficiently into the gap and is firmly attached to the holding section.

[0027] An advantageous aspect of the invention is that the fastening device is designed to irreversibly and / or self-lockingly and / or rotationally restrictively fasten the fastening part to the support part. This prevents unintentional loosening or rotation, thus increasing operational reliability.

[0028] An advantageous aspect of the invention is that the fastening element is connected to the support element by means of a single joining movement along the joining axis. This ensures rapid assembly. For example, no screwdriver is required. The fastening element is inserted linearly into the gap along the guide axis, wherein the clamping section contacts the holding section with a defined tension, in particular by gripping it, and / or wherein the clamping section perforates the holding section.

[0029] An advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the support part and the support element are formed in one piece, and / or that the fastening part and the fastening element are formed in one piece. This reduces the number of parts. Furthermore, the fastening device is thus securely attached to the system. If both parts are manufactured in a single piece, assembly connections within the components themselves can be eliminated.

[0030] Preferably, the system comprises several fastening devices as described above, wherein the joining axes of the fastening devices run parallel to each other.

[0031] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a support part with the features of claim 14. The invention relates to a support part with a previously described support element. The support part can be, for example, a body, a door frame, a headlight, a headlight housing, a front or rear light, or a bracket.

[0032] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a fastening part with the features of claim 15. The invention relates to a fastening part with a fastening element described above. The fastening part can be, for example, a decorative strip, a door panel, a design element, a structural element, a cover, a headlight module, or a sensor.

[0033] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a system described above.

[0034] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which various embodiments of the invention are illustrated with reference to the drawing. The features mentioned in the claims and the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0035] They show: Fig. 1. A top view of a system with a support part and a fastening part; Fig. 2 a perspective top view of the system according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3A a sectional view of a fastening device; Fig. 3B a sectional view of another fastening device; Fig. 4A a sectional view of a support element of a fastening device with a constant cross-section; Fig. 4B a sectional view of the support element according to Fig. 4A after deformation by the clamping section; and Fig. 5 a sectional view of a fastening element of a fastening device.

[0036] System 10 is part of a vehicle 12 and includes, according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a support part 14 and a fastening part 16. The fastening part 16 is attached to the support part 14 by means of a fastening device 18 in a force-fit without play and preferably also in a form-fit manner.

[0037] The fastening device 18 has according to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B a support element 20 integrally arranged on the support part 14 with a guide section 22, with a retaining section 24 and with a bottom section 26 connecting the guide section 22 and the retaining section 24; and a fastening element 28 integrally arranged on the fastening part 16 with a clamping section 30.

[0038] The support element 20 and the fastening element 28 are joined by a joining movement relative to each other along a joining axis 32. Preferably, the fastening element 28 is inserted into the support element 20 by a linear movement.

[0039] The stopping section 24 extends according to Fig. 4A along the joining axis 32, is pin-shaped and has a free retaining end 34 opposite the bottom section 26. The retaining section 24 has according to Fig. 4A, which shows the manufacturing state, has a constant cross-section along the guide axis 32.

[0040] Section 22 of the command structure extends according to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B parallel to the joining axis 32, is collar-shaped and / or hollow cylindrical and at least partially radially encloses the holding section 24 and the clamping section 30.

[0041] <Der Bodenabschnitt 26 verbindet gemäß Fig. 4 the holding section 24 and the guide section 22 and extends perpendicularly to the joining axis 32. A ring-shaped gap 38 is formed between the guide section 22, the holding section 24 and the bottom section 26.

[0042] The clamping section 30 of the fastening element 28 is according to Fig. The 5 hook-shaped section has a shaft section 40 extending parallel to the joining axis 32 and several engagement sections 42 extending transversely to the joining axis 32. The several engagement sections 42 together form an engagement cone that comes into contact with the holding section. The engagement sections 42 are evenly distributed around the joining axis 32, spaced apart from each other, and contact the holding section 24. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows four equally distributed intervention sections 42 as an example. Alternatively, a single intervention section 42 extending along the circumference can also be provided.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 3A shows a first embodiment of a fastening device 18 in the fastening state, wherein the fastening part 16 is attached to the support part 14.

[0044] For this purpose, the fastening element 28 is positioned in front of the support element 20 and then joined by a single linear joining movement relative to the support element 20 (with the arrow pointing inwards). Fig. (3 indicated) moves. The clamping section 30 engages in the gap 38. As the clamping section 30 is inserted into the gap 38, it is radially deformed, in particular compressed, between the holding section 24 and the guide section 22. The connection is established as soon as the clamping section 30 comes to rest against the base section 26.

[0045] In the tightened position, the clamping section 30 contacts the retaining recess 36 via the engagement sections 42 and the base section 26 via the shaft section 40. This results in axial clamping, ensuring a backlash-free fastening. The radial extent of the clamping section 40 is greater than the radial extent of the gap 38, causing the engagement sections 42 to deform radially outwards at their free ends. Consequently, the clamping section 40 is supported on the retaining section 24 via the engagement sections 42 and on the guide section 22 via the shaft section 40, thus also clamping the clamping section 40 radially. This combined axial and radial clamping is particularly advantageous for backlash-free fastening.

[0046] The clamping section 30 has a through-opening 50, which is limited by the engagement sections 42. Before the clamping state, the inner diameter of the through-opening 50 of the clamping section 30 is determined according to... Fig. 5 smaller than the outer diameter of the holding section 24. Accordingly, an alternative or additional radial clamping is achieved during joining.

[0047] The clamping section 30 and the holding section 24 are according to Fig. 3A is designed such that the engagement sections 42 are deformed by the retaining section 24. For this purpose, the retaining section 24 preferably has a higher strength than the engagement sections 42.

[0048] In another embodiment of the fastening device 18, the clamping section 30 and the holding section 24 are arranged according to Fig.3B is designed such that the engagement sections 42 elastically or plastically deform the retaining section 24. In this case, the engagement sections 42 sink into the retaining section 24. Accordingly, the clamping section 30 forms a retaining recess 36 in the retaining section 24, which forms an undercut for the engagement sections 42. In the fastened state, the engagement sections 42 are arranged in the retaining recess 36. This arrangement forms an additional locking mechanism for the fastening device 18. By undercutting the retaining section 24, the clamping section 30 further secures the fastening part 16 to the support part 14 in a self-locking, irreversible, and non-destructive manner. The plastic deformation forms one or more V-shaped retaining recesses 36, so that the engagement sections 42 are received particularly gently.

[0049] The guide section 22 and the clamping section 30 are rotationally symmetrical.

[0050] The fastening element 28 has a flange section 44 which abuts the shaft section 40 between the base section 26 and a free clamping end 48 of the shaft section 40. This provides an axial stop that ensures the clamping section 30 is not inserted too far into the space 38. The flange section 44 preferably projects radially outwards from the shaft section 40 and faces a free guide end 46 of the guide section 22. Thus, the flange section 44 and the guide section 22 form an axial stop.

[0051] The clamping section 30 has a free clamping end 48 opposite the base section 26. The retaining section 24, in particular the free retaining end 34, and the clamping section 30, in particular the free clamping end 48, are flush. The free clamping end 48 projects axially from the guide section 22 and the flange section 44. This makes it easy to determine whether the clamping section 30 has been moved sufficiently into the space 38 and is firmly attached to the retaining section 24. Reference symbol list 10 System 12 vehicles 14 Carrier part 16 Fastening part 18 Fastening device 20 support element 22 Leadership section 24 Stop section 26 floor section 28 Fastening element 30 clamping section 32 Joining axis 34 free holding end 36 Retaining recess 38 space 40 shaft section 42 Intervention section 44 Flange section 46 free guided tour end 48 free exciting 50 Through opening

Claims

[1] System (10) comprising a support part (14), a fastening part (16) and a fastening device (18) for positive and force-fit fastening of the fastening part (16) to the support part (14), the fastening device (18) comprising: - a support element (20) arranged on the support part (14) with a guide section (22), a holding section (24) and a base section (26) connecting the guide section (22) and the holding section (24); and - a fastening element (28) arranged on the fastening part (16) with a clamping section (30); wherein the clamping section (30) is inserted into a space (38) bounded by the guide section (22), the retaining section (24) and the bottom section (26) along a joining axis (32) and contacts the retaining section (24) under pretension. [2] System (10) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping section (30) has several engagement sections (42) evenly distributed around the joining axis (32), spaced apart from each other and contacting the holding section (24). [3] System according to claim 2, wherein the engagement sections (42) extend transversely to the joining axis (32). [4] System (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the clamping section (30) has a shaft section (40) which is supported on the bottom section (26) and / or on the guide section (22) so that the engagement sections (42) are pre-tensioned against the holding section (24). [5] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining section (24) is designed without undercuts before the fastening state. [6] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping section (30) defines a through-opening (50), wherein, prior to the fastening state, the inner diameter of the through-opening (50) of the clamping section (30) is smaller than an outer diameter of the holding section (24). [7] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping section (30) and the holding section (24) are designed such that the clamping section (30) sinks into the holding section (24), so that the clamping section (30) forms a holding recess (36) in the holding section (24) for forming an undercut into which the clamping section (30) engages. [8] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining section (24) is formed in a pin shape along the guide axis. [9] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide section (22) is collar-shaped parallel to the guide axis and at least partially radially surrounds the holding section (24) and / or the clamping section (30). [10] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding section (24) and / or the guide section (22) are rotationally symmetric. [11] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (28) has a flange section (44) adjoining the shaft section (40), wherein the flange section (44) projects radially outwards relative to the shaft section (40) and is opposite a free guide end (46) of the guide section (22). [12] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening device (18) is designed for irreversibly and / or self-locking and / or rotationally locking fastening of the fastening part (16) to the support part (14). [13] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support part (14) and the support element (20) are formed in one piece, and / or wherein the fastening part (16) and the fastening element (28) are formed in one piece. [14] Support part (14) with a support element (20) according to one of claims 1 to 13. [15] Fastening part (16) with a fastening element (28) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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