Fastening device for connecting a rail element to a structural element of a vehicle and rail element

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening device for connecting a rail element to a structural element of a vehicle and a rail element with such a fastening device.

[0002] Typical fastening devices for connecting a rail element of an adjustment device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat are usually manufactured as a pre-assembled unit, which is only connected to a vehicle seat on the one hand and to a structural element of the vehicle, such as a vehicle floor, on the other hand during their final assembly.

[0003] Fastening devices for rail systems are known, for example, from EP 1 529 965 A2 and EP 1 927 500 B1.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a fastening device of the type mentioned above, which is designed to be pre-assembled and pre-fixed and which has improved strength. Furthermore, a rail element with an improved fastening device is to be provided.

[0005] With regard to the fastening device, the problem is solved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 1. With regard to the rail element, the problem is solved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 14.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention with a fastening device which has the technical features of claim 1, wherein, for example, the first strength is smaller than the second strength and wherein the bolt is pre-fixed and held in the through-hole by means of self-locking.

[0007] The retaining washer can have at least one lug for pre-fixing the bolt to an inner circumference of the through-hole. This lug can project into the through-hole. It can also project or protrude from the inner circumference of the through-hole. The bolt can be pre-fixed by self-locking within the through-hole via the lug. When the bolt and retaining washer are joined, the excess lug can engage with the external thread(s) of the bolt. Due to the lower strength of the retaining washer, this can lead to deformation of the lug without damaging the bolt, particularly the external thread. For example, the surface of the lug may be smoothed. This reduces the excess of the lug to a level sufficient to create an effective frictional engagement.

[0008] The retaining washer can have multiple lugs, for example two lugs, and in particular three or more lugs, to pre-fix the bolt by means of self-locking on an inner circumference of the through-hole. The lugs are formed on the inner circumference of the through-hole with a height offset from each other, in particular by embossing. In the assembled state, the lugs engage with the external threads of the bolt and are pre-fixed and held by friction. For this purpose, the lugs may, for example, have larger dimensions than the external threads of the bolt. When the bolt and retaining washer are joined, the excess lugs thus engage with the external threads of the bolt in a frictional engagement. Due to the lower strength of the retaining washer, the lugs may deform without damaging the bolt, in particular the external thread. For example, the surfaces of the lugs may become smoothed.This reduces the excess of the lugs to a level that creates and effectively establishes a frictional connection. In other words, the excess of the lugs results in plastic deformation and a frictional connection between the locking washer and bolt when they are joined. The lugs can be symmetrically distributed around the inner circumference, in particular by being molded or arranged. For axially symmetrical pre-fixation of the bolt in the locking washer, three lugs are preferably provided symmetrically distributed around the inner circumference of the through-hole. The locking washer can also have two opposing lugs. This arrangement of the bolt in the locking washer with three symmetrically distributed lugs is also referred to as the three-point bolt position in the locking washer.

[0009] The retaining washer can have an internal thread with an internal thread pitch on the inner circumference of the through-hole to pre-fix the bolt by means of self-locking. The bolt has at least one external thread with an external thread pitch. The internal thread pitch of the through-hole differs from the external thread pitch of the bolt. In other words, when assembled, the bolt is pre-fixed and held in the retaining washer by means of the self-locking action of the external and internal threads. The external thread pitch of the bolt is different from the internal thread pitch of the through-hole of the retaining washer.

[0010] The locking washer can be designed as a flat washer. The locking washer can have a square or rectangular outer contour. The locking washer can have a relatively thin wall thickness, for example, from 2 mm to 5 mm, with increased strength achieved through tempering.

[0011] For pre-fastening the bolt or screw, the locking washer can have a vulcanized ring in the through-hole. The ring can be made of a rubber material, such as EPDM. The ring can be at least partially bonded to the through-hole. Pre-fastening the bolt or screw in the locking washer eliminates the need for further pre-fastening of the shear washer. The locking washer can be guided in a channel and held in position by the bolt or screw. The ring can be an annular sealing element. When the bolt or screw is inserted into the locking washer, it can engage with the ring in the through-hole in a self-locking manner, particularly a frictional engagement.

[0012] One embodiment provides that the retaining washer or washer can encompass the recess on its outer circumference, particularly in an arc-shaped or angular form. For example, the recess on the outer circumference can be created by embossing into the outer contour of the retaining washer. The recess is, for example, a clearance. The recess is stamped into the outer contour of the retaining washer or washer. The recess is designed as an arc or as a corner. The recess is created, for example, by embossing on a side facing a profile.

[0013] Additionally, directional elements and / or marking elements, such as directional projections and / or marking projections, can be provided on the outer circumference, in particular on a side circumference.

[0014] One embodiment provides that at least one directional element projects from one surface side of the locking washer. To prevent incorrect installation of the locking washer or washer, at least one directional element and / or marking element is provided. The directional element and / or marking element is / is incorporated into the locking washer or washer as a lug, particularly for a so-called Poka-Voke measure. This prevents the locking washer or washer from being inserted upside down into a guide channel of the rail element.

[0015] The problem is solved according to the invention with a rail element comprising at least one profile rail connectable to a structural element of a vehicle, which has a bottom area with at least one mounting opening and two side walls projecting from the bottom area, as well as one or more guide surfaces or guide tracks arranged internally in the profile rail on the side walls, wherein the fastening device described above can be arranged in the rail element such that the locking washer with its through-opening lies above the mounting opening and the bolt can be arranged between the side walls in the through-opening of the locking washer, passing through it and partially engaging in the mounting opening of the profile rail, and in particular can be pre-fixed and held in the through-opening of the locking washer by means of self-locking.

[0016] The advantages achieved with the invention lie particularly in the fact that such a fastening device for a rail element of a longitudinal adjuster can be mounted variably and securely. Furthermore, it enables greater strength of the fastening device and thus of the connection of the rail element to a structural element of the vehicle.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. These show: Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle seat with a longitudinal adjustment device according to the prior art; Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a first embodiment, which does not belong to the claimed invention, of a locking washer for a fastening device of a rail element of a longitudinal adjustment device; Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of a first embodiment, which does not belong to the claimed invention, of a fastening device with a locking washer and a pre-fixed bolt; Figure 4 schematically shows a top view of the locking washer according to Figure 2Figure 5 schematically shows a first embodiment, not belonging to the claimed invention, of a rail element with an inserted locking washer; Figure 6 schematically shows a first embodiment, not belonging to the claimed invention, of the rail element with an inserted locking washer and with a bolt pre-fixed in the locking washer; Figure 7 schematically shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the rail element with an inserted locking washer and in the assembled state with a structural element of a vehicle, wherein the bolt connects the rail element and the structural element; Figure 8 schematically shows a perspective view of a rail element with an inserted locking washer; Figure 9 schematically shows a perspective view of a rail element with an inserted locking washer and a pre-fixed bolt.Figure 10 schematically in perspective view a second embodiment of a locking washer for a fastening device belonging to the claimed invention, Figure 11 schematically in side view a second embodiment belonging to the claimed invention of a rail element with a fastening device with an inserted locking washer, Figure 12 schematically a sectional view of the second embodiment of the rail element with an inserted locking washer and with a bolt pre-fixed in the locking washer, Figure 13 schematically a sectional view of the second embodiment of the rail element with an inserted locking washer and in the assembled state with a structural element of a vehicle, wherein the bolt connects the rail element and the structural element, Figure 14 schematically in perspective view a first alternative form of a locking washer,Figure 15 schematically shows a second alternative form of a locking washer that does not belong to the claimed invention, Figure 16 schematically shows a third alternative form of a locking washer that belongs to the claimed invention, Figure 17 schematically shows the locking washer according to the claimed invention in a sectional view. Figure 16 Figure 18 schematically shows the locking washer in top view. Figure 16 , and Figure 19 schematically shows the locking washer in perspective. Figure 16 .

[0018] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0019] One in the Figure 1A vehicle seat 1, schematically depicted according to the prior art, is described below using three mutually perpendicular spatial directions. A longitudinal direction X, in a vehicle seat 1 installed in a vehicle, runs largely horizontally and preferably parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, corresponding to the vehicle's usual direction of travel. A transverse direction Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, is also horizontally oriented in the vehicle and runs parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle. A vertical direction Z runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. In a vehicle seat 1 installed in a vehicle, the vertical direction Z preferably runs parallel to a vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0020] The position and direction terms used, such as front, rear, top, and bottom, refer to the viewing direction of an occupant seated in vehicle seat 1 in a normal seating position, where vehicle seat 1 is installed in the vehicle, in a suitable position for passenger transport with the backrest 2 upright, and oriented in the direction of travel as usual. However, vehicle seat 1 can also be installed or moved in a different orientation, for example, perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0021] The backrest 2 can be pivotably arranged on a seat section 3 of the vehicle seat 1. For this purpose, the vehicle seat 1 can include a fitting 5, in particular a swivel fitting, such as a locking fitting or a swivel fitting.

[0022] The vehicle seat 1 can include a longitudinal adjustment device 4, in particular a rail arrangement with a first rail element 41 and a second rail element 42. The first rail element 41 is adjustable relative to the second rail element 42 in the longitudinal direction X. The first rail element 41 is attached to the seat part 3. The second rail element 42 is attached to a structural element 9 of a vehicle, for example, a vehicle floor.

[0023] Figure 2 Figure 1 schematically shows in perspective a first embodiment of a locking washer 6 for a fastening device 7 (shown in Figure 2). Figure 3 The second rail element 42 can be attached to a structural element 9 (shown in the fastening device 7) by means of the fastening device 7. Figure 7 ), such as the floor of a vehicle.

[0024] The fastening device 7 comprises at least one locking washer 6 and one bolt 8, which is inserted into the Figures 3 , 6 , 7 , 9 , 12 and 13 is shown.

[0025] The retaining washer 6 comprises a through-opening 61. For pre-fixing the bolt 8 by means of self-locking, for example on an inner circumference 62 of the through-opening 61, the retaining washer 6 comprises a plurality of lugs 63, in particular three or more lugs 63. The lugs 63 are arranged vertically Z with a height offset from one another. In particular, the lugs 63 are integrally formed on the inner circumference 62, in particular embossed. For example, the lugs 63 can be arranged in notches 64, in particular elongated recesses. The lugs 63 have such dimensions and / or shape that they project partially beyond the inner circumference 62 into the through-opening 61.

[0026] The lugs 63 can be arranged symmetrically around the inner circumference 62. For axially symmetrical pre-fixation of the bolt 8 in the retaining washer 6, preferably three lugs 63 are provided symmetrically around the inner circumference 62 of the through-opening 61. This pre-fixation of the bolt 8 in the retaining washer 6 with three symmetrically arranged lugs 63 is also referred to as the three-point position of the bolt 8 in the retaining washer 6.

[0027] The retaining washer 6 can additionally include at least one recess 66, in particular two recesses 66, on its outer circumference 65. The recesses 66 can be arc-shaped. The respective recess 66 can also have another suitable shape, for example, a polygonal shape. The respective recess 66 on the outer circumference 65 can, for example, be formed by embossing into the outer contour of the retaining washer 6.

[0028] The locking washer 6 has in particular a thickness or wall thickness of 3 mm to 5 mm, in particular of 4 mm to 4.5 mm, preferably of 4.5 mm.

[0029] The locking washer 6 has a high wall thickness and therefore high rigidity. This improves the force transmission from the screw or bolt 8 (shown in Figure 3 ) to the second rail element 42, in particular an aluminum profile of a bottom rail. The problem may still exist that directly to the side of a bolt head 83 (shown in Figure 3 ) a stress concentration exists in the second rail element 42, particularly in the bottom rail profile. The locking washer 6 has recesses 66, in particular a clearance, on its outer circumference 65 in these areas to improve the stress distribution in the second rail element 42, for example, a bottom rail profile.

[0030] The clearance or recess 66 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the recess 66 can be stamped into the outer contour of the locking washer 6. The recess 66 can be curved or rectangular. Alternatively, the recess 66 can be formed by an indentation on the side facing the second rail element 42.

[0031] In a second embodiment, not shown in detail, the locking washer 6 for pre-fixing the bolt 8 by means of self-locking has an internal thread 67 with an internal thread pitch instead of the lugs 63 on the inner circumference 62 of the through-hole 61. The bolt 8 has at least one external thread 81 (shown in Figure 3) with an external thread pitch. The internal thread pitch of the internal thread 67 in the through-hole 61 of the retaining washer 6 differs from the external thread pitch of the external thread 81 of the bolt 8. In other words, in the assembled state, the bolt 8 is pre-fixed and held in the through-hole 61 of the retaining washer 6 by means of self-locking between the external thread 81 and the internal thread (not shown). The external thread pitch of the bolt 8 is different from the internal thread pitch in the through-hole 61 of the retaining washer 6.

[0032] Due to the differing pitch of the external thread 81 of the bolt 8 and the internal thread 67 of the locking washer 6, the bolt 8 becomes self-locking in the through-hole 61 of the locking washer 6.

[0033] The inner diameter of the through-hole 61 can also be designed such that the locking washer 6 is disengaged from the external thread 81 in the area where the bolt 8 is screwed through. For this purpose, the bolt 8 has only a partial thread, for example M10, and a shank diameter of approximately 9 mm. The bore diameter of the through-hole 61 can be, for example, between 9.2 mm and 9.5 mm. The bolt 8 has at least a partial external thread. This partial external thread of the bolt 8 is necessary to ensure a secure tightening.

[0034] Figure 3 The figure shows schematically in side view the first embodiment of the fastening device 7 with the locking washer 6 with three lugs 63 in the through-hole 61 for self-locking pre-fixation of the bolt 8.

[0035] The retaining washer 6 has a first strength and the bolt 8 a second strength. Preferably, the first strength of the retaining washer 6 is lower than the second strength of the bolt 8. Due to the lower first strength of the retaining washer 6 compared to the second strength of the bolt 8, deformation of the lugs 63 is permitted without damaging or deforming the bolt 8.

[0036] The bolt 8 has at least one external thread 81 with several external thread turns 82.

[0037] During assembly and in the assembled state, the lugs 63 engage in the external threads 82 of the bolt 8. This pre-fixes and holds the bolt 8 by means of self-locking, in particular by friction. The friction holds the bolt 8 in position. The lugs 63, for example, have larger dimensions than the external threads 82 of the bolt 8.

[0038] The height offset of the noses 63 corresponds to the pitch of the external thread 81 of the bolt 8.

[0039] When bolt 8 and locking washer 6 are joined, these excess lugs 63 engage in a frictional fit with the external threads 82 of bolt 8. Due to the lower strength of the locking washer 6, the lugs 63 deform without damaging bolt 8, particularly the external thread 81. For example, the surfaces of the lugs 63 are smoothed. In particular, the excess of the lugs 63 is reduced to an excess that creates and effectively creates a frictional fit. The excess, especially the height, of the lugs 63 is designed, for example, such that the lugs 63 disengage from the external thread 81 in the threaded section of bolt 8. For this purpose, the screw or bolt 8 may, for example, have only a partial external thread, such as M10, and a shank diameter of approximately 9 mm.

[0040] In other words, due to the excess of the noses 63, plasticization occurs when the locking washer 6 and bolt 8 are joined, resulting in a frictional connection between bolt 8 and locking washer 6.

[0041] Figure 4 schematically shows a top view of the fastening device 7 with locking washer 6. Figure 2 with the lateral recesses 66 in the form of indentations in the outer circumference 65 and the lugs 63 in the inner circumference 62 and the bolt 8 pre-fixed to the lugs 63 by means of self-locking according to Figure 3 .

[0042] Figure 5 Figure 1 schematically shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of a second rail element 42, in particular a lower rail profile, the longitudinal adjustment device 4 with a locking washer 6 inserted into the second rail element 42.

[0043] The second rail element 42 has a base section 43 with at least one mounting opening 44, in particular a through-hole. Two side walls 45 project vertically from the base section 43. The second rail element 42 also includes one or more guide tracks 46 arranged internally on the side walls 45. The guide tracks 46 serve, for example, as rolling surfaces or sliding surfaces for rollers or sliding elements of the first rail element 41.

[0044] The fastening device 7 described above can be arranged, and in particular inserted, into the second rail element 42. Specifically, the locking washer 6 is inserted into a guide channel 47 formed between a lower surface 48 of the guide tracks 46 and the base area 43, and is arranged to be longitudinally movable in this guide channel 47, in particular movable in the longitudinal direction X relative to the second rail element 42. The guide channel 47 and the guide tracks 46 can, in particular, extend over the entire length of the second rail element 42.

[0045] The locking washer 6 is inserted into the guide channel 47 and positioned such that its through-opening 61 lies above the mounting opening 44. The second rail element 42 can have one or more, in particular two or three, mounting openings 44. Corresponding to the number of mounting openings 44, a corresponding number of locking washers 6 can be inserted into the second rail element 42, in particular into the guide channel 47, and each locking washer 6 can be positioned above one of the mounting openings 44. In other words, the locking washers 6 can be variably positioned within the second rail element 42.

[0046] Figure 6 Figure 1 schematically shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the second rail element 42 with a locking washer 6 inserted and a bolt 8 pre-fixed in the locking washer 6.

[0047] The bolt 8 is inserted between the side walls 45 into the through-opening 61 of the retaining washer 6. The bolt 8 comprises the bolt head 83 and a shank 84. The shank 84 has an insertion area 841, a partially threaded area 842, and a threadless area 843. The external thread 81 extends over the partially threaded area 842. The insertion area 841 and the threadless area 843 have external dimensions that are smaller than the external dimensions of the partially threaded area 842.

[0048] The insertion area 841 can also be designed without threads and serves to ensure the safe, in particular tilt-free, insertion of the bolt 8 into the locking washer 6 and subsequently into the mounting opening 44.

[0049] The bolt 8, in particular its partial thread section 842, engages in a self-locking engagement, specifically a frictional engagement, with the lugs 63 in the through-hole 61 when assembled with the retaining washer 6. This pre-fixes and holds the bolt 8 in the retaining washer 6. Due to this pre-fixing of the bolt 8, in particular a screw, by means of self-locking in the retaining washer 6, no further pre-fixing of the retaining washer 6 is required. The retaining washer 6 can be positioned and held in the second rail element 42 with or without the pre-fixed bolt 8.

[0050] Preferably, the bolt 8 with its insertion area 841 passes through the locking washer 6, so that at least the insertion area 841 projects into the mounting opening 44 of the second rail element 42 or alternatively projects through the mounting opening 44.

[0051] Figure 7Figure 1 schematically shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the rail element 42 with inserted locking washer 6 and in the assembled final state with a structural element 9, in particular a vehicle floor of a vehicle.

[0052] The second rail element 42 and the structural element 9 are connected to each other by means of the fastening device 7. The locking washer 6 is made, for example, of a solid material, in particular S700MC material. The locking washer 6 has a wall thickness in the millimeter range, in particular from 3 mm to 6 mm, for example from 4 mm to 5 mm, preferably 4.5 mm. This material with such a wall thickness exhibits good strength at low material costs and does not require heat treatment. The increased wall thickness of the locking washer 6 also increases its stiffness. This, in turn, improves force transmission in the assembled state from the bolt 8 to the second rail element 42, for example, an aluminum profile of a bottom rail.

[0053] To ensure a sufficiently firm connection between the second rail element 42 and the structural element 9, a fastening element 10, in particular a nut, is arranged on a surface side of the structural element 9 facing away from the rail element 42.

[0054] In the assembled final state, the external thread 81 of the bolt 8 engages in a connecting internal thread 101 of the fastener 10. The bolt 8 is inserted into the fastener 10 such that the unthreaded section 843 is located in the area of ​​the through-hole 61 of the retaining washer 6. Thus, the bolt 8, in particular its partial thread section 842, and the retaining washer 6, in particular its lugs 63, are disengaged.

[0055] When the bolt 8 is inserted into the fastening element 10, the self-locking pre-fixation of the bolt 8 in the retaining washer 6 is overcome. For this purpose, the retaining washer 6 is arranged and held in the guide channel 47 in a manner that prevents rotation and axial movement.

[0056] Figure 8Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a second rail element 42, in particular a lower rail, with an inserted and longitudinally movable locking washer 6. The locking washer 6 is inserted in the guide channel 47 and has dimensions such that its edge regions are located below the underside 48 of the guide tracks 46. This secures the locking washer 6 against falling out in the vertical direction Z. The locking washer 6 has a rectangular shape. In particular, the locking washer 6 has external dimensions such that it is arranged in the guide channel 47 in a rotationally secure manner, at least against a rotation of more than 90°.

[0057] Figure 9 The figure schematically shows in perspective the second rail element 42 with the fastening device 7 with inserted locking washer 6 and pre-fixed bolt 8.

[0058] Figure 10Figure 1 schematically shows a second embodiment of a locking washer 60 for the fastening device 7 in a perspective view. Instead of the arcuate recess 66 of the locking washer 60, the recess 66 is rectangular. To prevent incorrect installation of the locking washer 60 into the second rail element 42, the locking washer 60 can additionally have directional elements 11, in particular directional lugs. This prevents the locking washer 60 from being inserted upside down into the guide channel 47. The directional element 11 is arranged on a side opposite the recess 66. For example, the directional element 11 is introduced into the locking washer 60 by means of punches and / or dies.The locking washer 60 can be deformed in the vertical direction such that a recess 66 is created on a first surface side 68 and a directional element 11 is created on a second surface side 69 opposite the first surface side 68.

[0059] The previously described lugs 63 or the previously described, not shown, internal thread for self-locking pre-fixation of the bolt 8 can be provided on the inner circumference 62 of the through-opening 61.

[0060] Figure 11 schematically shows in side view the second embodiment of the locking washer 60 according to Figure 10 in the state introduced into the second rail element 42, in particular into the guide channel 47.

[0061] Figure 12Figure 1 schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the locking washer 60 with a bolt 8 pre-fixed in it. The same bolt 8 as previously described can be used and can be pre-fixed in the locking washer 60 in an analogous manner by means of self-locking, for example by means of lugs 63 or by means of an internal thread 67.

[0062] Figure 13 Figure 1 schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the locking washer 60 in the assembled final state of the second rail element 42 with the structural element 9 by means of the fastening device 7, which connects them together, as described above.

[0063] Figure 14Figure 1 schematically shows, in perspective view, an alternative form of a locking washer 600 with a through-opening 61 for self-locking pre-fixation of the bolt 8, without a recess 66 and without a directional element 11. For pre-fixing the bolt 8, the locking washer 600 can have a ring 13 in the through-opening 61. The ring 13 can, for example, be an O-ring or a sealing ring. The ring 13 can be arranged at at least one axial end of the through-opening 61 or the locking washer 600. The ring 13 can extend axially, at least partially, over the through-opening 61. The inner circumference 62 of the through-opening 61 can be provided with the ring 13. The ring 13 can, for example, be frictionally, positively, and / or materially bonded to the inner circumference 62. The height of the ring 13 can be designed to correspond to the wall thickness of the locking washer 600.A material bond between the inner circumference 62 of the through-opening 61 and the ring 13 can be achieved by vulcanizing the ring 13 at least partially or section by section into the through-opening 61. The ring 13 can, for example, be made of a rubber material. The ring 13 can be made of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. A thread can be provided on the inner circumference of the ring 13. The thread, for example an internal thread, of the ring 13 can be configured to correspond to the external thread 81 of the bolt 8.

[0064] Figure 15Figure 1 schematically shows, in perspective view, another alternative form of a locking washer 6000 with a through-opening 61 for self-locking pre-fixation of the bolt 8 and without a recess 66 and without a directional element 11. For pre-fixing the bolt 8, the locking washer 6000 can have a ring 13 in the through-opening 61. The ring 13 can, for example, be an O-ring or a sealing ring. The ring 13 can be arranged at at least one axial end of the through-opening 61 or of the locking washer 6000. The inner circumference 62 of the through-opening 61 can be provided with the ring 13. The ring 13 can, for example, be frictionally, positively, and / or materially bonded to the inner circumference 62. The height of the ring 13 can correspond to the wall thickness of the locking washer 6000. The ring 13 can extend axially, at least in sections, across the through-opening 61.A material bond between the inner circumference 62 of the through-opening 61 and the ring 13 can be achieved by vulcanizing the ring 13, at least partially or section by section, into the through-opening 61. The ring 13 can, for example, be made of a rubber material. The ring 13 can be made of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. A thread can be provided on the inner circumference of the ring 13. The thread, for example an internal thread, of the ring 13 can correspond to the external thread 81 of the bolt 8.

[0065] Figure 16 The diagram schematically shows another alternative form of a locking washer 60000 in a bottom view. Figure 17 schematically shows the locking washer 60000 in a sectional view, Figure 18 schematically shows the locking washer 60000 in a top view and Figure 19 The diagram schematically shows the locking washer 60000 in perspective.

[0066] The locking washer 60000 includes a through-hole 61. The locking washer 60000 has a first strength and the bolt 8 has a second strength. For example, the first strength is lower than the second strength.

[0067] The locking washer 60000 has an internal thread 67 with an internal thread pitch for pre-fixing the bolt 8 by means of self-locking on the inner circumference 62 of the through-hole 61. The bolt 8 has at least one external thread 81 with an external thread pitch. The internal thread pitch of the internal thread 67 in the through-hole 61 of the locking washer 60000 differs from the external thread pitch of the external thread 81 of the bolt 8. In other words, in the assembled state, the bolt 8 is pre-fixed and held in the through-hole 61 of the locking washer 60000 by means of self-locking between the external thread 81 and the internal thread 67. The external thread pitch of the bolt 8 differs from the internal thread pitch in the through-hole 61 of the retaining washer 60000. Alternatively, the through-hole 61 can also be provided with a previously described ring 13 for pre-fixing the bolt 8 in the through-hole 61.Alternatively, the through-hole 61 and its internal thread 67 can be coated with a rubber material.

[0068] Due to the differing pitch of the external thread 81 of the bolt 8 and the internal thread 67 of the locking washer 60000, the bolt 8 becomes self-locking in the through-hole 61 of the locking washer 60000.

[0069] The inner diameter of the through-hole 61 can also be designed such that the locking washer 60000 is disengaged from the external thread 81 in the area where the bolt 8 is screwed through. For this purpose, the bolt 8 has only a partial thread, for example M10, and a shank diameter of approximately 9 mm. The bore diameter of the through-hole 61 can be, for example, between 9.0 mm and 9.7 mm. The through-hole 61 can, for example, be designed as an M10x1.45 thread for clamping the bolt 8. In this case, the bore diameter, in particular the inner diameter of the through-hole 61, can be 9.5 mm to prevent the core diameter of the bolt 8 from binding. The bolt 8 has at least a partial external thread. The partial external thread of the bolt 8 is necessary to ensure a secure tightening.

[0070] The retaining washer 60000 has two opposing recesses 66 on its outer circumference 65. The recesses 66 are arc-shaped. Each recess 66 can also have another suitable shape, for example, a polygonal shape. The recess 66 on the outer circumference 65 can be formed, for example, by embossing into the outer contour of the retaining washer 60000. The retaining washer 60000 is deformed at its end and / or on its outer circumference 65, for example, by a stamping and / or punching process. The recesses 66 are formed as deformation areas 12 in the retaining washer 60000. This enables a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process with only a few production steps. The formation of each recess 66 and a corresponding directional element 11, in the form of a nose or a projection, occurs simultaneously.

[0071] By stamping and / or punching, a predetermined area of ​​the locking washer 60000 is deformed in a vertical direction such that a recess 66 is created on a first surface side 68 and a directional element 11 is created on a second surface side 69 opposite the first surface side 68.

[0072] Thus, each deformation area 12 of the locking washer 60000 has a recess 66 and a directional element 11. The deformation areas 12 are arc-shaped and / or semicircular. The diameter of each deformation area 12 is, for example, between 8 mm and 17 mm, e.g., 15 mm.

[0073] The deformation areas 12 are, for example, essentially conical, funnel-shaped or cylindrical.

[0074] The locking washer 60000 has in particular a thickness or wall thickness of 3 mm to 5 mm, in particular of 4 mm to 4.5 mm, preferably of 4.5 mm.

[0075] The locking washer 60000 has a high wall thickness and thus high rigidity. This improves the force transmission from the screw or bolt 8 to the second rail element 42, in particular an aluminum profile of a bottom rail. However, the problem can still arise that a stress concentration occurs directly to the side of a bolt head 83 in the second rail element 42, especially in the bottom rail profile. To address this, the locking washer 60000 has recesses 66, in particular a clearance, on its outer circumference 65 in these areas to improve the stress distribution in the second rail element 42, for example, a bottom rail profile.

[0076] To prevent incorrect installation of the locking washer 60000 in the second rail element 42, the locking washer 60000 has a directional element 11, in particular a directional nose or projection. This prevents the locking washer 60000 from being inserted upside down into the guide channel 47. The directional element 11 projects from the surface side 69 of the locking washer 60000. The respective recess 66 on the first surface side 68 thus forms the directional element 11 on the second surface side 69. In the assembled state, the first surface side 68 of the locking washer 60000 faces the bottom area 43 of the second rail element 42. The second surface side 69 faces into a profile recess of the second rail element 42. Reference symbol list

[0077] 1 Vehicle seat 2 Backrest 3 Seat section 4 Longitudinal adjustment device 41 First rail element 42 Second rail element 43 Floor area 44 Mounting opening 45 Side wall 46 Guide track 47 Guide channel 48 Underside of guide track 5 Fitting 6, 60, 600, 6000, 60000 Locking washer 61 Through opening 62 Inner circumference 63 Nose 64 Notch 65 Outer circumference 66 Recess 67 Internal thread 68, 69 Surface side 7 Fastening device 8 Bolt 81 External thread 82 External thread pitches 83 Bolt head 84 Shank 841 Insertion area 842 Partial thread area 843 Threadless area 9 Structural element 10 Fastening element 101 Internal nut thread 11 Directional element 12 Deformation area 13 Ring XLongitudinal direction Ytransverse direction Zvertical direction

Claims

1. Fastening device (7) for a rail element (42) of a longitudinal adjustment device (4) comprising at least one securing plate (60, 60000) with a through-opening (61) and a bolt (8) with at least one external thread (81), wherein the bolt (8) is able to be prefixed and held in the through-opening (61) by means of self-locking, and wherein the securing plate (60, 60000) has a first strength and the bolt (8) has a second strength, characterized in that the securing plate (60, 60000) is deformed in the height direction in such a way that at least one recess (66) is formed on a first surface side (68) and a direction element (11) is formed on a second surface side (69) opposite the first surface side (68).

2. Fastening device (7) according to Claim 1, wherein the first strength is lower than the second strength.

3. Fastening device (7) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the securing plate has a number of noses (63) on an inner circumference (62) of the through-opening (61) to prefix the bolt (8).

4. Fastening device (7) according to Claim 3, wherein at least two noses (63) are provided, which are moulded with a height offset from one another on the inner circumference (62) of the through-opening (61).

5. Fastening device (7) according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein, in the assembled state, the noses (63) are arranged to engage in external thread flights (82) of the bolt (8).

6. Fastening device (7) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the through-opening (61) of the securing plate is provided with a ring (13).

7. Fastening device (7) according to Claim 6, wherein the ring (13) is provided to enter into self-locking engagement with the bolt (8) when the bolt (8) is joined with the securing plate.

8. Fastening device (7) according to one of Claims 6 to 7, wherein the ring (13) is a sealing element.

9. Fastening device (7) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the ring (13) is connected to the through-opening (61) at least in a materially integral manner.

10. Fastening device (7) according to one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the ring (13) is vulcanized into the through-opening (61).

11. Fastening device (7) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the securing plate (60, 60000) has an internal thread (67) with an internal thread pitch on an inner circumference (62) of the through-opening (61) to prefix the bolt (8), wherein the internal thread pitch of the through-opening (61) is formed differently from an external thread pitch of the bolt (8).

12. Fastening device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one recess (66) is designed to be arcuate or angular.

13. Fastening device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the direction element (11) is designed in the form of a nose or a protrusion which protrudes from a surface side (69) of the securing plate (6, 60, 60000).

14. Rail element (42) for a longitudinal adjustment device (4), comprising a bottom region (43) that is connectable to a structural element (9) of a vehicle and has at least one mounting opening (44) and two side walls (45) protruding from the bottom region (43), and a fastening device (7) according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 13, wherein the fastening device (7) is arranged between the side walls (45) and on the bottom region (43) in such a manner that the securing plate (60, 60000) lies with its through-opening (61) over the mounting opening (44) of the rail element (42).

15. Rail element (42) according to Claim 14, wherein the bolt (8) is able to be guided through the through-opening (61) of the securing plate (60, 60000) and is able to be arranged so as to partially engage in the mounting opening (44) of the rail element (42).