SCREW FOR SCREWING INTO PLASTIC

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a screw, in particular for screwing into plastic, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] US 5,795,120 B, EP 1 877 233 A2, JP 5243906 B2, and DT 25 43 960 A1 each disclose a screw for insertion into a component provided with a pilot hole. The screw has a formed thread area and a supporting thread area, wherein the thread profile in the formed thread area is proportionally larger than the thread profile in the supporting thread area.

[0003] This design has the disadvantage that, particularly when the screw is used in plastics, the component is subjected to high loads if a larger pitch and a smaller flank angle are to be achieved.

[0004] A similar screw, in particular a concrete screw, as in EP 1 887 233 A2 is disclosed in DE 10 2015 120 470 A1, wherein in this case, in addition to the known reduction of the outer diameter, there may also be a flank angle which is larger in the area of ​​the self-tapping thread than in the area of ​​the supporting thread.

[0005] EP 2 703 658 B1 discloses a screw for soft materials with different flank angles in a forming area and a supporting area, wherein a pitch jump is provided between the forming area and the supporting area in order to compensate for the resulting gap and thereby increase the fastening forces.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a screw which achieves low mechanical stress on the component with low screwing torque and can achieve high extraction values.

[0007] The problem is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1 in conjunction with its preamble features.

[0008] The subclaims form advantageous developments of the invention.

[0009] In a known manner, a screw has a screw central axis, a drive and a thread-bearing shank. The shank carries at least one thread turn which extends at least partially along the shank in a helix of constant pitch, thus forming a main thread with a changing profile contour that has an average thread radius over its length. The profile contour is formed by the intersection of the thread turn in a sectional plane of the helix, with the screw central axis lying in the sectional plane. The thread radius is the maximum orthogonal distance from the screw central axis to the profile contour of the thread turn. The main thread has a load-bearing region and a forming region, with a forming profile contour with a forming region radius being produced in the forming region and a supporting profile contour with a supporting region radius being produced in the supporting region.

[0010] The form profile contour is defined by the projection of the thread pitch along the helix, particularly in the direction of the drive, over an axially extending area with a length of three times the average thread radius, starting from the free end of the shaft, onto a sectional plane of the helix, with the screw center axis M lying in the sectional plane. The projection therefore corresponds to the projection of the rectilinear development of the thread pitch onto a sectional plane of the helix in which the screw center axis lies. This results in a form profile contour with a maximum extent that depicts the effective form profile contour. This form profile contour has a maximum orthogonal distance to the screw center axis, which defines the form area radius.

[0011] The forming area ends at the point on the helix where the maximum extension of the forming profile contour closest to the drive is in the range of 85% of the mean thread radius in the radial direction outwards, before the subsequent profile contours are again within the forming profile contour.

[0012] The support profile contour is formed by projecting the thread pitch onto a sectional plane of the helix along the helix, particularly in the direction of the drive, over an axially extending region that begins at a distance of 2 / 3 of the mean thread radius from the end of the forming region and ends at 5 / 3 of the mean thread radius. This region forms at least a partial region of the support region. This can extend further along the main thread in the direction of the drive, as long as the profile contour does not protrude beyond the support profile contour. This support profile contour has a maximum orthogonal distance to the screw center axis, which defines the support region radius.

[0013] In this way, it is ensured that the transition area from the forming area to the supporting area is as short as possible and that a sufficiently long supporting area is provided so that a basic holding function of the screw is fulfilled.

[0014] Furthermore, the support profile contour and the form profile contour are coordinated in such a way that when the support profile contour and the form profile contour overlap along the helix, the support profile contour lies completely within the form profile contour at least in the area that extends from 85% of the form area radius in the radial direction outwards.

[0015] This ensures that springback of the material in the grooved nut thread can be taken into account and a low screwing torque can be achieved.

[0016] According to the invention, the shaped profile contour delimits a shaped profile surface which, measured in a range of 10% of the shaped area radius starting from the maximum orthogonal distance of the shaped profile contour to the screw center axis radially inwards, is larger than a supporting profile surface delimited by the supporting profile contour, measured in a range of 10% of the shaped area radius starting from the maximum orthogonal distance of the supporting profile contour to the screw center axis radially inwards.

[0017] The profile contour adjustment according to the invention allows springback compensation in the nut thread to be achieved even with relatively small flank angles, while ensuring sufficient flank overlap. This prevents damage to the component material, as occurs with a screw with a proportionally enlarged thread form area.

[0018] Preferably, the shaped profile contour and the supporting profile contour have a flank angle of less than 35°. The flank angle of the shaped profile contour corresponds to 180° less the sum of the two base angles of a trapezoid, which is formed by the base sides of the trapezoid being formed by the intersection lines parallel to the screw axis at 85% of the shaped profile radius RF and at 95% of the shaped profile radius RF. Base angles are the angles on the longer base side of the trapezoid, i.e., at the intersection line at 85%.

[0019] The analogous rule for determining the flank angle applies to the supporting profile contour, where the cutting lines are placed at 85% of the supporting profile radius RT and 95% of the supporting profile radius RT.

[0020] The flank angle is typically between 20° and 30°. This is a proven flank angle for plastic screw connections.

[0021] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the support area radius is between 1% and 3% smaller than the forming area radius. This results in minimal material damage to the plastic component, while still allowing a sufficiently large distance between the forming profile contour and the support profile contour to accommodate the material springback.

[0022] It is particularly advantageous if the support profile contour has an axial width at 95% of the support area radius that is smaller than the axial width of the formed profile contour at 95% of the formed area radius. This allows for a simple design of the thread profile so that the formed profile area is larger than the support profile area.

[0023] In particular, the width of the support profile contour is at least 10%, in particular at least 20% smaller than the width of the shaped profile contour.

[0024] For the purpose of easier production, the shaped profile contour and / or the supporting profile contour can be symmetrical.

[0025] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the forming area is less than 2 x the pitch. Preferably, the thread pitch increases up to its forming profile contour and then remains constant over a range up to the end of the forming area.

[0026] Preferably, the ratio of core radius to mean thread radius is 0.6 to 0.8. These are typical ratios for plastic screws.

[0027] Furthermore, in a further development of the invention, it can be provided that in the area extending radially within 85% of the forming area radius, the support profile contour lies at least partially outside the forming profile contour. This allows for a more flexible design of the flank transition to the thread root, which can better accommodate the material properties.

[0028] It can further preferably be provided that the core diameter in the forming area is smaller than or equal to the core diameter in the supporting area.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the shaft can have a starting thread at the free end of the screw shaft, wherein the starting thread comprises at least two starting thread turns, the radius of which reaches at most 90% of the forming area radius and forms a starting area.

[0030] The attachment thread area is formed where the attachment threads have the same diameter profile and the thread radius of the main thread is less than or equal to the thread radius of the attachment threads.

[0031] This has the advantage that the screw can be inserted particularly straight, resulting in the nut thread, which is grooved in the plastic part by the subsequent forming area, and the thread of the supporting area following the forming area being aligned as precisely as possible, allowing for the plastic's springback to be precisely accounted for. This further reduces or even eliminates friction in the supporting area during screwing in.

[0032] Preferably, the main thread in the attachment area has the same thread radius as the attachment thread, while maintaining the same axial distance from the free end of the screw shaft. In this way, at least three identical attachment points are realized by the attachment threads, in particular two, and the main thread, which enable particularly straight attachment of the screw.

[0033] Preferably, all threads in the attachment area begin in the same cross-sectional plane. Furthermore, all threads in the attachment area have the same cross-sectional contour. They are thus of similar design. For example, the main thread and the two attachment threads begin at the same point and follow the same path.

[0034] Alternatively, at least three attachment threads can be provided, in which case the thread radius of the main thread in the attachment area is in particular smaller than the radius of the attachment thread.

[0035] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the attachment threads begin at the core, with the radius of the attachment threads steadily increasing from the core to the end of the attachment area. This ensures continuous and even attachment of the screw.

[0036] Furthermore, the threads with the same thread radius can be evenly distributed around the circumference at the same axial height in the attachment area. This ensures symmetrical engagement with the pilot hole of the plastic component.

[0037] In particular, the diameter of the free end of the screw is at least 20%, in particular at least 30%, in particular at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, in particular at least 60% of twice the forming area radius. Such a blunt tip is common for plastic screws.

[0038] The starting thread can be directly connected to the free end of the screw. This ensures that the screw is perfectly guided from the first insertion.

[0039] Alternatively, the thread can begin at a distance from the free end of the screw. This allows the area toward the end of the screw to serve as a search function.

[0040] For ease of manufacture, the starting thread and the main thread may be rolled threads.

[0041] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the threads in the attachment area can have a more obtuse flank angle than the main thread outside the attachment area. This has the advantage of good centering without one-sided grooving of the attachment threads and facilitates repeat assembly.

[0042] The threads can taper abruptly at the end of the starting area. This has the advantage of minimizing friction when screwing the screw further into a narrow pilot hole.

[0043] According to a further advantageous development, the attachment thread can extend over a maximum of two turns. This promotes efficient screwing while still ensuring optimal alignment of the screw.

[0044] Interruptions in the threads may be provided within a thread, but the interpolated course of the thread radius remains the same.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, this relates to a method for producing a screw connection comprising a screw according to the invention as described above. The screw according to the invention is screwed into a pilot hole in a plastic component, wherein a counter thread or nut thread with the shaped profile contour is formed into the plastic in the forming area. As soon as the counter thread is no longer engaged with the forming area, it springs back in the supporting area so that the nut thread does not come into contact with the thread in the supporting area during the screwing-in process. The thread in the supporting area is only pressed against the counter thread when the screw is finally tightened in the component.

[0046] Preferably, the screw according to the invention is screwed into a pilot hole whose radius corresponds to approximately 80% of the mold area radius.

[0047] Furthermore, the invention relates to a screw connection produced according to the method described above.

[0048] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0049] In the drawing: Fig. 1 a side view of a screw according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the developed thread; Fig. 3a a perspective view of the developed thread over 3 x RM; Fig. 3b a front view of the developed thread; Fig. 3c the shaped profile contour obtained from the projection of the developed thread; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the developed thread with an image of the end of the shaped area; Fig. 5a a perspective view of the developed thread in the supporting area; Fig. 5b a front view of the developed thread; Fig. 5c a supporting thread contour resulting from projection; Fig. 6 an overlay of the shaped thread contour from Fig. 3c and the supporting thread contour Fig. 5c Fig. 7 an enlargement of the overlay according to Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8a a representation of the shaped profile surface; Fig. 8b a representation of the supporting profile surface; Fig. 9 a representation of the shaped profile flank angle; Fig. 10 a superposition of a shaped profile contour and a supporting profile contour; Fig. 11 a superposition of a shaped profile contour and a supporting profile contour; Fig. 12 a side view of a screw according to the invention with a starting thread; Fig. 13a an enlargement of the starting area from Fig. 12 ; Fig. 13b cross-section through the attachment area; Fig. 13c another cross-section through the attachment area; Fig. 13d a cross-section through the screw shaft outside the attachment area; Fig. 14 a sectional view of a screw connection according to the invention Fig. 15a an enlargement of the form thread area from Fig. 14 Fig. 15b Enlargement of the supporting thread area from Fig. 14

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a screw 10 according to the invention, comprising a screw center axis M, a drive 12 and a thread-bearing shank 14. The direction along the screw center axis M is referred to below as the axial direction. The shank 14 carries at least one thread turn 16, which extends in a helix of constant pitch along the shank and thus forms a main thread 18 with a changing profile contour 20. The main thread 18 has a mean thread radius RM over its length. The mean thread radius RM is the average thread radius across the main thread 18 and will usually lie between the forming area radius and the supporting area radius. The mean thread radius RM will therefore approximately correspond to the nominal radius.

[0051] The profile contour 20 is formed by the section of the thread in a section plane H of the helix in which the screw center axis M lies.

[0052] The thread radius R is defined as the maximum orthogonal distance from the screw center axis M to the profile contour 20 of the thread pitch 16. This is Fig. 3a explained in more detail.

[0053] The main thread 18 has a supporting area T and a forming area F, whereby in the forming area a forming profile contour 24 with a forming area radius RF is produced and in the supporting area T a supporting profile contour 22 with a supporting area radius RT is produced.

[0054] The profile contour 24 is defined by the projection of the thread 16 along the helix over an axially extending area of ​​a length of three times the mean thread radius (3 x RM ) starting from the free end of the shaft 25 onto a cutting plane of the helix H. This is shown in the Fig. 3c described in more detail.

[0055] The projection therefore corresponds to the projection of the straight development of the thread onto the section plane H of the helix, which contains the screw center axis M.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows the screw 10 in side view with the screw center axis M. The axial area of ​​the screw 10 from the beginning of the thread 16 over an axial length of 3 x RM, which is then developed over the length L1. Furthermore, the section plane H is shown, in which the screw center axis M lies.

[0057] The perspective view of the development of the thread 16 is shown in the Fig. 3a The developed view schematically shows thread pitch 16 with length L1, where L1 corresponds to the length of thread pitch 16 in the developed view, resulting from an axial extension of 3 x RM. The radius R is shown as a dashed line at various points on thread pitch 16. This allows the average thread radius to be determined over the entire length of main thread 18.

[0058] The Fig.3 b shows the front view of the development, which corresponds to a section plane of the helix. Thus, the projection onto the section plane results in the profile contour 24 according to Fig. 3c with a maximum extension that represents the effective form profile contour 24, which then creates the nut thread in the component.

[0059] The forming area F ends at the forming area end FE, i.e. at the point of the main thread 18, at which the maximum extension of the forming profile contour 24 closest to the drive in the area of ​​85% of the mean thread radius in the radial direction outwards is still present, before the following profile contour in the area up to the end of L1, i.e. the corresponding length of the thread to the length 3 x RM in the axial direction, is again within the forming profile contour 24. The position of the forming area end FE is in Fig. 4 shown. At the point FE, the form profile contour 24, starting from the beginning of the thread, is present for the last time before the profile contour, after a transition area, transitions into the support profile contour 22, which in the present example is maintained over the remaining screw length of the main thread 18.

[0060] The support profile contour 22 is formed by projecting part of the thread pitch 16 onto a sectional plane H of the helix along the helix over an axially extending region, which begins at an axial distance of 2 / 3 of the mean thread radius RM from the forming area end FE and ends at an axial distance of 5 / 3 of the mean thread radius RM from the forming area end FE. This region forms at least a partial region of the support area T. Fig. 4 The area of ​​thread 18 is shown in the developed view, which results analogously to the specified dimensions in the axial direction. Thus, L2 is the length of thread pitch 16, which results from the developed axial area of ​​2 / 3 x RM. The length L3 is the length of thread pitch 16, which results from the developed axial area of ​​5 / 3 x RM.

[0061] By starting the area for determining the support profile contour 22 at 2 / 3 x RM, it is ensured that the transition area from the forming area F to the support area T is as short as possible. Thus, the transition area is shorter than L2 in the developed view and less than or equal to 2 / 3 x RM in the axial direction. The support area T has a length of at least L3 - L2 in the developed view, so that a basic holding function of the screw is fulfilled. The developed view of the part of the thread 16, which at least partially forms the support area, is shown in Fig. 5a shown. Fig. 5b shows a front view of the development and Fig. 5c the corresponding projection of the development onto the section plane H of the helix, which defines the support profile contour 22. The front view and the projection are identical in this case, since the profile contour in the support area in this case consistently corresponds to the support profile contour 22.

[0062] In Fig. 6 It is shown that the support profile contour 22 and the shaped profile contour 24 are matched to one another in such a way that when the support profile contour 22 and the shaped profile contour 24 overlap, at least in the area E, which extends from 85% of the forming area radius RF in the radial direction outwards, the support profile contour 22 lies completely within the shaped profile contour 24. An enlargement of the area E is shown in Fig. 7 The distance A1 between the flanks of the shaped profile contour 24 and the supporting profile contour 22 can be adjusted to the elasticity of the material, but is preferably between 0.03 mm and 0.05 mm, in particular 0.04 mm, for a screw with a nominal diameter of 5 mm. The distance preferably remains constant over the entire flank, at least in area E.

[0063] Fig. 8a shows an enlargement of the area E of the shaped profile contour 24, which delimits a shaped profile surface 26, which is formed radially inwards, measured in a range of 10% of the shaped area radius, starting from the maximum orthogonal distance of the shaped profile contour to the screw center axis. Fig. 8b shows an enlargement of the area E of the support profile contour 22, wherein the support profile contour 22 delimits a support profile surface 28 which is measured radially inwards in a range of 10% of the forming area radius RF starting from the maximum orthogonal distance of the support profile contour, which corresponds to RT, to the screw center axis.

[0064] According to the invention, the shaped profile surface 26 is larger than the supporting profile surface 28. This has the advantage that even acute flank angles can be realized without excessively stressing the material into which the screw is screwed, and a high extraction force is achieved with a low screwing-in torque.

[0065] The flank angle alpha of the form profile contour 24 is, as in Fig. 9 It corresponds to 180° minus the sum of the base angles (beta 1, beta 2) of a trapezoid formed by the base sides of the trapezoid being formed by the intersection lines parallel to the screw axis at 85% of the profile radius RF and at 95% of the profile radius RF. Base angles are the angles on the longer base side of the trapezoid, i.e., at the intersection line at 85%.

[0066] The flank angle is less than 35°, especially between 20° and 30°.

[0067] The analogous rule for determining the flank angle is obtained for the support profile contour 22, where the cutting lines are placed at 85% and 95% of the support profile radius RT.

[0068] Fig. 10 shows the comparison of the width BF of the shaped profile contour at 95% of the shape radius and the width of the supporting profile contour BT . The width BF of the shaped profile contour 24 is greater than the width BT of the supporting profile contour 22. In the example of the Figur 10 The width BT of the support profile contour 22 is approximately 10% smaller than the width BF of the shaped profile contour 24. In this example, both the shaped profile contour 24 and the support profile contour 22 are symmetrical. The axis of symmetry is orthogonal to the screw center axis M, which intersects the profile contours 22 and 24 at half the width BT and BF, respectively.

[0069] Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of the thread in the supporting area T, wherein the transition from the thread flank to the thread root is flatter than in the previously described figures. Accordingly, the supporting profile contour 22 lies at least partially outside the forming area contour 24 in the area radially within 85% of the forming area radius.

[0070] Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a screw according to the invention, wherein the shaft further comprises a starting thread 30 at the free end of the screw shaft. The starting thread comprises at least two starting thread turns 32, 34, the radius of which reaches a maximum of 90% of the forming area radius RF and forms a starting area AB in which the starting thread turns 32, 34 have the same radius profile over their associated helix and, moreover, the thread radius of the main thread is less than or equal to the thread radius of the starting thread turns at the same axial distance from the free end 25 of the screw.

[0071] In the present example, the thread pitch 16 of the main thread 18 in the starting area has the same thread radius R as the starting thread 30, while maintaining the same axial distance from the free end of the screw. The starting thread pitches 32, 34 begin directly at the free end 25 of the screw shaft at the core. This ensures that ideal guidance of the screw is achieved immediately upon initial insertion. In the present example, the starting thread 30 extends over approximately one turn, with the starting area ending at approximately one-third of a turn.

[0072] In the present example, the diameter of the free end of the screw shaft corresponds to at least 65% of twice the forming area radius RF .

[0073] The starting area is in the Figuren 13a bis 13d described in more detail.

[0074] Fig. 13a shows an enlarged side view of the free end 25 of the screw shaft with three cross-sectional lines. The first cross-sectional line PP lies in the center of the attachment area AB. The cross-sectional line QQ lies at the end of the attachment area AB, and the cross-sectional line SS lies above the attachment area. Fig. 13b shows the cross section at the cross section line PP. In Fig. 13b It is clearly visible that all threads in the attachment area, namely the two attachment threads 32, 34 and thread pitch 16, have the same thread radius. The same applies to Fig. 13c at the end of the starting area, where all existing threads 16, 32, 34 still have the same thread radius R at the same axial distance from the free end of the screw axis.

[0075] Fig. 13d Finally, the cross-section along cross-section line SS illustrates the thread radii of the two locating threads 32, 34 and the thread pitch 16 of the main thread outside the locating area AB. In this area, the thread radii R of the locating threads 32, 34 are significantly smaller than the thread radius of the thread pitch 16 of the main thread 18 at this cross-section line. In this example, the locating threads taper off gently after the locating area, whereas the main thread pitch continues to grow until it reaches its profile contour.

[0076] Fig. 14 shows a sectional view when creating a screw connection 40.

[0077] The screw connection 40 comprises a screw 42 and a plastic component 46 provided with a pilot hole 44. The front shaped area F of the screw 42 pre-grooves a thread in the plastic component 46, into which the subsequent supporting area T of the thread then engages. Thus, a detail 1 in Fig. 15a which shows the engagement of the thread in the forming area F and detail 2 which shows the engagement of the thread in the supporting area of ​​the main thread.

[0078] The form profile contour 50 is in Fig. 15a The following thread with the support profile contour 58 in the support area of ​​the screw is shown in Fig. 15b shown in the detailed view. In the detailed view of Fig. 15bthe thread in the nut thread is shown in its spring-backed state with the contour line 56. The thread flanks of the support profile contour 58 are still spaced A2 from the spring-backed nut thread despite the spring-back of the nut thread. In this way, the thread of the support area can be screwed into the nut thread with almost no friction. Only when the screw 42 is finally tightened is the thread in the support area pressed against the flank of the nut thread, creating a force-locking connection in the direction of rotation. By making the area of ​​the tip area of ​​the support profile contour 58 smaller than the area of ​​the shaped profile contour 50, both a low screw-in torque and a high pull-out strength can be guaranteed, since damage to the plastic material is avoided and there is still a sufficient distance between the thread flanks of the spring-backed nut thread and the thread in the support area.

Claims

1. Screw (10) having a screw central axis (M), comprising a drive (12) and a threaded shank (14), having a thread (16) which extends in some regions at least in a helix of constant pitch along the shank and forms a main thread (18) which has an average thread radius (RM) that corresponds to the average thread radius over the entire length of the main thread (18), the thread radius (R) being the maximum orthogonal distance from the screw axis (M) to the profile contour (20) of the thread, the main thread (18) having a bearing area (T) and a forming area (F), wherein, in the forming area (F), there is a forming profile contour (24) having a forming area radius (RF) which corresponds to the maximum orthogonal distance of the forming profile contour (24) to the screw central axis, and in the bearing area (T), there is a bearing profile contour (22) having a bearing area radius (RT), wherein the forming profile contour (24) is defined by the projection of the thread turn along the helix over an axially extending area having a length of three times the mean thread radius (RM) starting from the free end (25) of the shank onto a section plane (H) of the helix, wherein the forming area (F) ends at a forming area end (FE), i.e. at the point of the helix where the forming profile contour (24) closest to the drive (12) in the area starting from 85% of the mean thread radius lies outwards in the radial direction, and the profile contour (20) following the end of the forming area (FE) lies again within the forming profile contour (24), the bearing profile contour (22) being defined by the projection of the thread turn along the helix onto a section plane (H) of the helix in an area which begins at an axial distance of 2 / 3 times the mean thread radius (RM) from the forming area end (FE) and ends at an axial distance of 5 / 3 times the mean thread radius (RM), and that, when the bearing profile contour (22) and the forming profile contour (24) overlap, at least in the area which extends radially outwards from 85% of the forming area radius (RF), lies completely within the forming profile contour (24), characterized in that a forming profile surface (26) which is delimited by the forming profile contour (24), measured within 10% of the forming area radius (RF) starting from the maximum orthogonal distance of the forming profile contour (24) to the screw central axis radially inwards, is larger than a bearing profile surface (28) which is delimited by the bearing profile contour (22), measured within 10% of the forming area radius (RF), starting from the maximum orthogonal distance of the bearing profile contour (22) from the screw central axis radially inwards.

2. Screw according to claim 1, characterized in that the forming profile contour (24) and the bearing profile contour (22) have a flank angle (alpha) of less than 35°.

3. Screw according to any one of claims 1 or 2 above, characterized in that the bearing area radius (RT) is smaller by between 1% and 3% than the forming area radius (RF).

4. Screw according to any one of claims 1 to 3 above, characterized in that the bearing profile contour (22) has a width (BT) at 95% of the bearing area radius (RT) which is smaller than the width (BF) of the forming profile contour (24) at 95% of the forming area radius (RF).

5. Screw according to claim 4, characterized in that the width (BT) of the bearing profile contour (22) is smaller by at least 10%, in particular by at least 20%, than the width (BF) of the forming profile contour (24).

6. Screw according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the forming profile contour (24) and / or the bearing profile contour (22) is / are symmetrical.

7. Screw according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the forming profile contour (24) does not increase further over a length of less than twice the pitch.

8. Screw according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the core diameter to twice the mean thread radius (RM) is between 0.6 and 0.8.

9. Screw according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the area which extends radially within 85% of the forming area radius (RF), the bearing profile contour (22) lies at least partially outside the forming profile contour (24).

10. Screw according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core diameter in the forming area is smaller than or equal to the core diameter in the bearing area (T).

11. Screw according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shank has a setting thread (30) in the area of the free end (25) of the screw shank, which setting thread (30) comprises at least two setting thread turns (32, 34), which in their radius reach at most 90% of the forming area radius (RF) and form a setting area (AB) in which the setting thread turns (32, 34) have the same radius profile and, moreover, in the setting area (AB), the thread radius of the main thread (18) is smaller than or equal to the thread radius of the setting thread turns (32, 34).

12. Screw according to claim 11, characterized in that in the setting area (AB), the main thread (18) has the same thread radius (R) as the setting thread (32, 34).

13. Screw according to claim 11, characterized in that at least three setting threads (32, 34) are provided, with the thread radius (R) of the main thread (18) in the setting area (AB) being smaller than that of the setting thread.

14. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 13 above, characterized in that the setting threads (32, 34) start at the core and increase continuously in their thread radius (R) in the direction of the bearing area (T).

15. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 14 above, characterized in that, in the setting area (AB), the thread turns (16, 32, 34) having the same thread radius (R) are evenly distributed around the circumference.

16. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 15 above, characterized in that the core diameter of the free end of the screw is at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60% of twice the forming area radius.

17. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 16 above, characterized in that all the thread turns (16, 32, 34) in the setting area (AB) have their start in the same cross-sectional plane.

18. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 17 above, characterized in that all the threads (16, 32, 34) in the setting area (AB) have the same profile contour.

19. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 18 above, characterized in that the setting thread (30) directly adjoins the free shank end (25).

20. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 19 above, characterized in that the setting thread (30) starts at a distance from the free shank end (25).

21. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 19 above, characterized in that the setting thread (30) and the main thread (18) are rolled threads.

22. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 21 above, characterized in that the threads in the setting area (30) have a blunter flank angle in the contact area (30) than the main thread (18) outside the setting area (AB).

23. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 22 above, characterized in that the setting thread (30) runs out abruptly.

24. Screw according to any one of claims 11 to 23 above, characterized in that the setting thread (30) extends over a maximum of two turns.

25. Method of making a screw connection comprising a screw (10, 42) of the type specified in any one of claims 1 to 24 above, characterized in that the screw (42) is screwed into a pilot hole (44) in a plastic component (46), with a mating thread with the forming profile contour (50) being formed into the plastic in the forming area (F), whereupon the mating thread springs back again in the bearing area so that it does not come into contact with the thread in the bearing area (T) during the screwing-in process, and the thread in the bearing area (T) is only pressed against the mating thread when the screw is tightened in the component.

26. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that the radius of the pilot hole corresponds to 80% of the forming area radius.

27. Screw connection (40) comprising a screw (42) and a plastic component (46), which screw is manufactured using the method specified in claims 25 and / or 26 above.