Component and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a component comprising at least one opening in which an insert is arranged, wherein the insert has a connecting portion as well as a first functional portion at a first end and a second functional portion at a second end, wherein the functional portions rest against the component on both sides, wherein the connecting portion projects through the opening, and wherein the opening has a basic shape which is adapted to a cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion, and wherein extensions formed in pairs extend radially outward from the basic shape in such a way that the diameter of the basic shape is enlarged in certain areas, which makes it easier to insert at least the first functional portion through the opening in order to arrange the insert.

Description

[0001] Component and motor vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a component comprising at least one opening in which an insert is arranged, as well as to a motor vehicle.

[0003] Inserts of the type in question are also known as rubber grommets or cable bushings. They function, for example, as cut protection, sealing elements, or serve to decouple (vibration) parts / components. In reality, the assembly or arrangement of such inserts is not without its problems. Such inserts must fit tightly. However, assembly must not be too difficult, and it must be ensured that the insert is not damaged during installation. In this context, DE 10 2006 052 213 A1 discloses a rubber grommet that is designed in two parts. This may simplify assembly, but it increases the complexity of assembly. Furthermore, additional costs are to be expected.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a component and a motor vehicle, wherein the arrangement of an insert in the component is to be carried out reliably and quickly.

[0005] This object is achieved by a component according to claim 1 and by a motor vehicle according to claim 10. Further advantages and features emerge from the subclaims as well as the description and the attached figures.

[0006] According to the invention, a component comprises at least one opening in which an insert is arranged, wherein the insert has a web and a first functional section at a first end and a second functional section at a second end, wherein the functional sections bear against the component on both sides, wherein the web projects through the opening, and wherein the opening has a basic shape which is adapted to a cross-sectional shape of the web, and wherein extensions formed in pairs extend radially away from the basic shape such that a diameter of the basic shape is enlarged in some regions, whereby guiding at least the first functional section through the opening for arranging the insert is facilitated. According to a preferred embodiment, the insert is designed as a cable duct or a rubber grommet. Preferred materials for this purpose are, in particular, plastic or rubber materials.Such inserts serve, for example, the purpose of sealing the opening in which they are arranged. They can also additionally or alternatively serve the purpose of simultaneously allowing another element, such as one or more cables, to pass through the opening. The insert then acts, for example, as cut protection. Such an insert can also be a rubber bearing, which serves to mount another component, such as a shaft that passes through the insert. Such inserts can also be used to decouple two components from each other in terms of vibration, etc.

[0007] The insert has functional sections at both ends, which preferably lie flat against the component. The functional sections have a larger diameter than the web. This means that passing the functional sections through an opening whose diameter is adapted to the web is not without problems. Although such inserts typically have a certain degree of softness or flexibility, there is a risk that damage may occur if they are deformed too much. In addition, installation can take a long time, which can be disadvantageous in terms of the cycle time of the respective process. Advantageously, at least two extensions formed in pairs are provided, which extend radially away from the basic shape of the opening in such a way that the passage of at least one of the functional sections is made easier.The extensions therefore expediently describe a diameter which is larger than a diameter of the basic shape, particularly preferably approximately at a diameter which is adapted to the size or diameter of at least one functional section.

[0008] Typically, the functional sections have the same shape and / or size. Alternatively, they can also be designed in different sizes. The functional sections are preferably plate-shaped or disc-shaped, in particular circular disc-shaped.

[0009] The extensions are preferably formed opposite one another. The extensions expediently cause the diameter of the opening to increase in some areas. This can expediently make it easier to pass the functional section(s) through. The extensions expediently cover an angular range of, for example, 5 to 15° in the circumferential direction. However, they are relatively small in relation to the overall circumference of the opening. This advantageously ensures that the insert is securely fixed in the opening via the web. According to a preferred embodiment, the extensions have a semicircular shape. A more rounded contour can generally have advantages in order to avoid damage when the insert is passed through. Alternatively, for example for manufacturing reasons, it can also be advantageous to design the extensions in an angular manner, for example in particular in a square shape.

[0010] As already mentioned, the functional sections formed at the ends are preferably plate-shaped or circular disk-shaped. When the insert is in the assembled state, the functional sections preferably lie flat against the respective component. The spacing between the functional sections expediently corresponds approximately or at least approximately to the thickness of the component in the region of the insert. According to one embodiment, the component can also be formed from several parts. This means that the component has several component sections or individual component parts, with the first functional section being arranged on a first component section and the second functional section on a second component section. The opening is accordingly formed by the two component sections, which are arranged one above the other.

[0011] The functional sections conveniently cover the extensions. The functional sections are therefore designed or dimensioned in such a way that the extensions are covered or sealed. In other words, the extensions are no longer visible once the insert is in place. This ensures that, for example, a sealing effect is still guaranteed.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the opening can also have several pairs of extensions. This can be useful for making the arrangement or arrangement direction of the insert more variable.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the insert has at least one recess extending along a longitudinal axis. As already mentioned, the insert can expediently serve to arrange, guide, support, or the like other components. Typically, the recess is round, in particular circular, but can also have different shapes. The recess is preferably formed centrally in the web and extends into the functional sections, thus forming a through-opening or a through-hole. According to one embodiment, the component comprises a plurality of openings, each comprising a pair of extensions, wherein the paired extensions are each differently oriented. For example, with three openings, the extensions have an angular offset of 120° from one another; with four openings, each angular offset is 90°, etc.This ensures that when the inserts are used to fasten the component, no unwanted longitudinal or rotational movement can occur.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the component is designed or intended for use in a motor vehicle. For example, the component is a sheet metal component, and the openings are mounting holes, for example, for electrical components such as control units. The extensions can expediently be produced or machined using the same manufacturing process as the openings themselves, preferably in the same work step. This is possible, for example, by punching.

[0015] Advantageously, the opening or hole contour of a component is widened by at least two lateral cutouts, referred to here as extensions. The width and diameter of the cutouts as well as the transition radii are adapted to the elastically deformed contour of the insert. The cutouts or extensions allow the slightly deformed insert to be threaded through without excessive crushing. After the insert has been released, it is conveniently centered in the middle thanks to the remaining opening walls. For assembly, the insert is lightly pressed together, for example by hand. The insert can then be inserted halfway into the hole contour, the part still lying outside is pivoted in and, with slight pressure from above, fully engaged in the opening.The widespread use of such rubber grommets as a common decoupling element and cut protection for cables in through-holes and feedthroughs advantageously results in a very wide field of application.

[0016] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one component according to the invention.

[0017] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of an insert or a component with reference to the attached figures.

[0018] They show:

[0019] Fig. 1: an embodiment of an insert; Fig. 2: an embodiment of a component according to the invention.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view in the upper half of the image, a side view of an insert 40. A web 42 can be seen, which has a first functional section 44 and a second functional section 46 at its end. The insert 40 extends along a longitudinal axis L. In the lower half of the image, the insert is shown folded downwards by 90°, so that a recess 48 extending along the longitudinal axis L can be seen. This recess is used, for example, for the arrangement of a fastening means such as a screw or for the passage of elements such as cables, in particular power cables or the like. The first functional section 44 and the second functional section 46 are designed identically in the present case, and in particular are therefore also the same size.

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a component 10 comprising three openings 20, each of which has paired extensions 24. In particular, it can be seen that the openings 20 each have a basic shape 22, which can be described as circular. The extensions 24 extend radially away from this basic shape in such a way that the diameter of the basic shape 22 is radially expanded in some regions. This advantageously makes it possible to pass a functional section of an insert, as sketched in Fig. 1, for example, through such a pair of extensions. The arrangement of an insert 40 is schematically shown in the left-hand opening 20; see the first functional section 44, shown in dashed lines, which covers the extensions 24 of the corresponding opening 20. Also sketched is a recess 48 of the insert, which extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and along a longitudinal axis L.It can be seen that the extensions 24 are each offset from one another by an angular offset, in this case 120°. This expediently prevents unwanted longitudinal or rotational movement of the component when the inserts are used to arrange fastening means. The diameter of the opening 20 can expediently be radially expanded in certain areas via the extensions. In other words, the basic shape 22 is radially expanded in certain areas, whereby an insert, such as a rubber grommet or a cable duct, can advantageously be threaded through without excessive squeezing. At the same time, the basic shape 22 ensures centering of the insert in the opening. For assembly, the insert, which is expediently made of an elastically deformable material, in particular a suitable plastic or rubber material, is lightly compressed.The insert can be inserted halfway into the opening, the remaining part is swung inward and fully inserted into the opening by applying light pressure from above. List of reference symbols.

[0022] 10 components

[0023] 20 Opening 22 Basic shape

[0024] 24 Extension

[0025] 40 Use, use

[0026] 42 jetty

[0027] 44 first functional section 46 second functional section

[0028] 48 recess

[0029] L Longitudinal axis, central axis

Claims

Claims 1. A component (10) comprising at least one opening (20) in which an insert (40) is arranged, wherein the insert (40) has a web (42) and a first functional section (44) at a first end and a second functional section (46) at a second end, wherein the functional sections (44, 46) bear against the component (10) on both sides, wherein the web (42) projects through the opening (20), and wherein the opening (20) has a basic shape (22) which is adapted to a cross-sectional shape of the web (42), and wherein extensions (24) formed in pairs extend radially away from the basic shape (22) in such a way that a diameter of the basic shape (22) is enlarged in some regions, whereby guiding at least the first functional section (44) through the opening (20) for arranging the insert (40) is facilitated.

2. Component (10) according to claim 1, wherein the extensions (24) are formed opposite one another.

3. Component (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extensions (24) have a semicircular shape.

4. Component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end functional sections (44, 46) are plate-shaped.

5. Component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional sections (44, 46) cover the extensions (24).

6. Component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising several pairs of extensions (24).

7. Component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (40) has at least one recess (46) extending along a longitudinal axis (L).

8. Component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (10) has a plurality of openings (20), each comprising a pair of extensions (24), and wherein the paired extensions (24) are each differently oriented.

9. Component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (10) is designed or intended for use in a motor vehicle.

10. Motor vehicle comprising at least one component (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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