Holding element for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle comprising a holding element

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding element (10) for a motor vehicle, said holding element being designed to secure a first motor vehicle component (12) to a second motor vehicle component (14), wherein the holding element (10) can be adjusted from a starting state (38) into an installation state (41), in which the first motor vehicle component (12) is connected to the second motor vehicle component (14), and in the installation state (41), an electronically readable marking (36) is released which cannot be electronically read in the starting state (38) of the holding element (10).

Description

[0001] Holding element for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with a holding element

[0002] The invention relates to a holding element for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with a holding element.

[0003] DE 20 2017 104 318 U1 discloses an installation-indicating retaining clip for securing an insulation part to a substrate on a vehicle. The retaining clip comprises a pair of spaced and opposed curved retaining clip arms, a flat foam part retaining element, and an installation-indicating assembly. This assembly includes a housing attached to the retaining element and an axially movable, elongated installation indicator with a substrate contact end extending between the arms and a visually apparent indicator end.

[0004] Furthermore, EP 1 607666 B1 discloses a mounting clip for attaching cables to a motor vehicle undercarriage. The mounting clip comprises recesses for accommodating the cables and a through-hole for screwing the mounting clip to a fastener on the undercarriage of the motor vehicle.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 2 060 447 A1 discloses a method for securely attaching a sensor to a motor vehicle. In a first step, the sensor is attached to a motor vehicle, and in a second step, a marking component of the sensor is moved from a first position to a second position that is visibly different from the first position. The second step can only be performed if the first step was performed correctly.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution which enables a particularly simple fastening of a first motor vehicle component to a second motor vehicle component, whereby correct assembly can be proven particularly reliably afterwards.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the description, and the figures. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments presented in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded at least analogously as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the subclaims.

[0008] The invention relates to a holding element for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. The holding element is designed to fasten a first motor vehicle component to a second motor vehicle component. The holding element can be adjusted from an initial state into an assembled state connecting the first motor vehicle component to the second motor vehicle component. In the assembled state, an electronically readable marking is exposed, which cannot be electronically read in the initial state of the holding element. This means that the marking can only be electronically read once the holding element has been fully brought into the assembled state and thus correctly connects the first motor vehicle component to the second motor vehicle component.If the holding element has not correctly connected the first motor vehicle component to the second motor vehicle component, then the holding element is not yet in the assembled state. This means that the holding element is only in the assembled state and the marking can therefore be read electronically when the first motor vehicle component is correctly connected to the second motor vehicle component via the holding element. Because the marking could be read electronically, it can be subsequently proven, for example by storing the electronically read marking in a system, that the first motor vehicle component was correctly mounted on the second motor vehicle component. The holding element therefore makes it possible to reliably and robustly prove that the motor vehicle components were correctly fastened to one another by means of the holding element.

[0009] In one possible development of the invention, the marking is provided in the form of a data matrix code. A data matrix code is a 2D code. The size of the code image, which is usually square but sometimes rectangular, can be determined from a large selection. Symbol elements in the code image can be square or round depending on the manufacturing process, which also applies to the edge pattern of the data matrix code. The data matrix code comprises four or five main components. The first component of the data matrix code (DMC) is two pairs of solid, continuous and broken edges as boundary lines, which are also referred to as the finder pattern. The DMC also comprises a surrounding quiet zone. In addition, the DMC comprises a corner opposite the closed edges and an alignment pattern.Furthermore, the DMC contains a data area containing the actual binary information in coded form. The DMC can be read particularly easily by an electronic reader, thereby minimizing the probability of errors when reading the DMC.

[0010] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the holding element has a pin element, wherein the assembled state is established when the pin element is inserted into an opening of the first motor vehicle component. Furthermore, the holding element comprises a clamp with a first clamping element and a second clamping element, wherein the assembled state is established when the clamping elements additionally form a snap connection with one another, whereby the second motor vehicle component is clamped between the clamping elements.

[0011] Snap connections are functional elements for the simple, detachable and permanent, form-fitting joining of components. In this case, one joining part deforms elastically and then interlocks, either detachably or permanently, with the other joining part. This creates a form-fitting connection. In particular, one of the clamping elements comprises a locking hook, which interlocks with the other clamping element, forming the snap connection. Snap connections utilize the elasticity of the materials, usually plastics or spring steel, to connect two components, in this case the clamping elements.

[0012] The assembly state is therefore only achieved when the pin element is inserted into the opening of the first motor vehicle component and the clamping elements form the snap connection with one another. The pin element can have a plurality of circumferential, inclined collars by means of which the pin element can hook into the opening. In particular, the assembly state is only achieved when the pin element is inserted into the opening of the first motor vehicle component to at least a predetermined insertion depth. To form the snap connection, two locking elements of the clamping elements engage with one another. For example, one of the clamping elements can have a locking lug as a locking element and the other of the clamping elements can have a locking recess as a locking element. As soon as the locking lug has snapped into the locking recess, in particular by snapping into place, the snap connection between the clamping elements is established.The clamping elements can jointly enclose an area circumferentially when connected to one another, with the second motor vehicle component being clamped in this enclosed area in the assembled state. This means that the second motor vehicle component is completely encompassed circumferentially by the two clamping elements in certain areas and thereby clamped. This ensures that the second motor vehicle component is held particularly securely on the holding element in the assembled state.

[0013] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the marking is arranged beneath a cover element, wherein the cover element is configured to be raised in the assembled state, whereby the marking can be read electronically. This means that in the initial state, the marking is covered by the cover element in such a way that the marking cannot be read electronically. By adjusting the holding element from the initial state to the assembled state, the cover element is raised, whereby access to the electrically readable marking is released for a reading device. As a result, the reading device can read the marking electronically.By lifting the cover element in the assembled state, it is possible to remove the cover element from a remainder of the retaining element, whereby the marking, which was covered by the cover element in the initial state, is no longer covered in the assembled state. The cover element can be used to ensure, particularly simply and reliably, that the marking cannot be electronically read in the initial state, whereas in the assembled state, the marking can be electronically read.

[0014] In this context, it can be provided, in particular, that the holding element comprises a connecting device which is configured to be adjusted between a neutral state, which does not raise the cover element, and a raised state, which raises the cover element in the assembled state. The connecting device is configured to be adjusted from the neutral state to the raised state in the assembled state by being supported on one of the motor vehicle components. In particular, the connecting device transitions to the raised state upon adjustment of the assembled state of the holding element. In particular, the connecting device is configured to transition to the raised state only when the holding element is arranged in the assembled state.This ensures that the cover element is only lifted by means of the connecting device to enable the electronic reading of the marking when the holding element is reliably arranged in the assembled state.

[0015] In this context, it can be provided, in particular, that the connecting device comprises a plurality of pin elements, one of which is arranged in the first clamping element and another of which is arranged in the second clamping element. In the assembled state, the pin elements are arranged against one another in a force-transmitting manner, whereby the connecting device can lift the cover element by being supported on the motor vehicle component. The pin elements are not connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner when the holding element is not arranged in the assembled state. Because the pin elements are not connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner when the holding element is not arranged in the assembled state, force is not transmitted via the pin elements to the cover element, even if one of the pin elements is supported on one of the motor vehicle components, whereby in this case the cover element is prevented from being lifted by means of the connecting device.In other words, the cover element is only lifted by the pin elements when all pin elements of the connecting device are connected to each other in a force-transmitting manner and supported on one of the vehicle components. This is only the case when the retaining element is correctly positioned in the assembled state.

[0016] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the cover element is a film. In this case, the film is in particular glued over the marking. In the assembled state, the cover element and thus the film are lifted, whereby an electronic reader can read the marking beneath the film or whereby a person or a robotic device is enabled to peel off the film, whereby the marking can be read electronically. In particular, it is only possible with great effort or not at all to peel off the film if it has not been lifted in the assembled state due to the correct installation of the holding element.

[0017] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is configured to fasten line elements to the first motor vehicle component. The line element can be, for example, part of a hydrogen line or part of a brake line. Especially with hydrogen lines or brake lines, it is important to ensure that they have been correctly installed in the motor vehicle. The retaining element thus makes it possible to subsequently determine, based on the electronically read marking, that the line was initially correctly installed.

[0018] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with a holding element as already described in connection with the holding element according to the invention. The holding element is fastened to a first motor vehicle component and a second motor vehicle component is in turn held on the holding element. As a result, the second motor vehicle component is held on the first motor vehicle component via the holding element. The assembled state of the holding element is achieved when the holding element is correctly fastened to the first motor vehicle component and the second motor vehicle component is correctly fastened to the holding element. This means that the assembled state of the holding element is only achieved when both motor vehicle components are securely held on the holding element and to one another via the holding element. As soon as the assembled state of the holding element is reached, the marking of the holding element can be read electronically.By electronically reading the marking, it can be subsequently verified that the retaining element has been correctly mounted and that the second motor vehicle component has thus been securely attached to the first motor vehicle component during assembly.

[0019] In this context, it can be provided, in particular, that the holding element is arranged in the assembled state when the pin element of the holding element is inserted into the opening of the first motor vehicle component up to a predetermined end position and the clamping elements form the snap connection with one another, whereby the second motor vehicle component is encompassed by the clamping elements and clamped between them. In particular, the pin element of the holding element can hook into the opening of the first motor vehicle component in order to prevent the holding element from becoming detached from the first motor vehicle component. The clamping elements are, in particular, designed to encompass a line element as the second motor vehicle component and to clamp it between one another, whereby the line element can be held particularly securely on the first motor vehicle component via the holding element.The holding element enables the first motor vehicle component to be held particularly easily and securely on the second motor vehicle component, whereby the electronically readable marking can be used to particularly reliably verify whether the motor vehicle components have been correctly assembled.

[0020] Further features of the invention may emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0021] The drawing shows:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a holding element for fastening a first motor vehicle component to a second motor vehicle component;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the retaining element, wherein the retaining element is not correctly fastened to the first motor vehicle component and the second motor vehicle component is correctly fastened to the retaining element; and Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the retaining element, wherein the retaining element is arranged in an assembled state in which the retaining element is correctly fastened to the first motor vehicle component and the second motor vehicle component is correctly held on the retaining element.

[0024] In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a holding element 10 for a motor vehicle. The holding element 10 is designed to fasten a second motor vehicle component 14 to a first motor vehicle component 12. In this case, the holding element 10 has a pin element 16 which is designed to be inserted into an opening 18 in the first motor vehicle component 12, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The pin element 16 can be a Christmas tree-shaped pin element. In this case, the holding element 10 further comprises a disc spring 20 which radially surrounds the pin element 16 on the circumferential side. In this case, the disc spring 20 protrudes circumferentially from the pin element 16 in the form of a collar. By means of the disc spring 20, a preload of the holding element 10 on the first motor vehicle component 12 can be adjusted.In particular, it is provided that the pin element 16 is inserted into the opening 18 of the first motor vehicle component 12 up to a predetermined end position in order to ensure that the holding element 10 is securely held on the first motor vehicle component 12. Figures 2 and 3 show schematic sectional views of the holding element 10, wherein the second motor vehicle component 14 is fastened to the holding element 10 and the pin element 16 of the holding element 10 is inserted into the opening 18 of the first motor vehicle component 12. In the state shown in Fig. 2, the pin element 16 is not inserted sufficiently deeply into the opening 18 of the first motor vehicle component 12. In the state shown in Fig. 3, the pin element 16 is inserted into the opening 18 up to the predetermined end position, whereby the disc spring 20 is brought into contact with the first motor vehicle component 12 and is thereby tensioned.When the retaining element 10 is correctly mounted on the first motor vehicle component 12, the disc spring 20 is thus applied to the first motor vehicle component 12, in particular in a surface area adjacent to the opening 18, and subjected to preload. As can also be seen particularly clearly in Fig. 1, the retaining element 10 further comprises two clamping elements 22, 24. The clamping elements 22, 24 can be pivoted relative to one another about a pivot axis 26. In this case, the pivot axis 26 runs perpendicular to an insertion direction of the pin element 16 into the opening 18. When the clamping elements 22, 24 are pivoted about the pivot axis 26, the clamping elements 22, 24 can be pivoted toward or away from one another. In particular, the clamping elements 22, 24 can be pivoted towards each other until the clamping elements 22, 24 together form a snap connection 30, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.To produce this snap connection 30, a snap hook 32 of a first of the clamping elements 22 is elastically deformed and snaps into a recess 34 of the second clamping element 24. Once the snap connection 30 is established, the first clamping element 22 and the second clamping element 24 together form a positive connection, whereby the clamping elements 22, 24 are securely held together. The snap connection 30 is correctly produced when the snap hook 32 is at least substantially free of mechanical stresses. This means that to produce the snap connection 30, the snap hook 32 is elastically deformed and then elastically recovers, whereby the snap connection 30 is correctly produced. If the snap hook 32 is in a deformation state that is elastically deformed to its original state, then the snap connection 30 has not been correctly produced.

[0026] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the clamping elements 22, 24 together enclose an area on the circumference in which the second motor vehicle component 14 can be received. In the present case, the second motor vehicle component 14 is a line element which, when arranged in the area enclosed by the clamping elements 22, 24, is clamped between the clamping elements 22, 24. By clamping the line element between the clamping elements 22, 24, the line element is securely held on the holding element 10. Since the first clamping element 22 is firmly held on the second clamping element 24 due to the snap connection 30, the risk of the snap connection 30 becoming loose and, as a result, of the second motor vehicle component 14 becoming loose from the holding element 10 is particularly low.As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the line element is radially encompassed by the clamping elements 22, 24 around its entire circumference and, in particular, clamped in place. As a result, the line element is held particularly securely on the holding element 10. In order to be able to verify that the holding element 10 has been correctly fastened to the first motor vehicle component 12 and that the second motor vehicle component 14 has been correctly fastened to the holding element 10, the holding element 10 is provided with an electronically readable marking 36, in this case a data matrix code. In an initial state 38 of the holding element 10 shown in Fig. 1, this marking 36 is covered by a cover element 40, whereby the marking 36 cannot be read in the initial state 38, in particular cannot be read electronically. The cover element 40 is a film in this case.3, the holding element 10 is shown in an assembled state 41 in which the holding element 10 is correctly fastened to the first motor vehicle component 12 and the second motor vehicle component 14 is correctly fastened to the holding element 10. In the assembled state 41 of the holding element 10, the cover element 40 is raised, as a result of which the marking 36 can be read electronically. In particular, after it has been raised, the cover element 40 can be removed, in particular pulled off, from a remainder of the holding element 10, as a result of which the marking 36 can be read electronically particularly easily. In this case, the marking 36 can be scanned, for example, so that it can be stored in an electronic storage device that the holding element 10 having this individual marking 36 has been correctly mounted.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a state of the retaining element 10 in which the second motor vehicle component 14 is correctly attached to the retaining element 10, but the retaining element 10 is not correctly attached to the first motor vehicle component 12. As a result, the cover element 40 is not raised, and the marking 36 cannot be read electronically.

[0028] In order to enable the cover element 40 to be reliably lifted in the assembled state 41 of the holding element 10 so that the marking 36 can be read electronically, it is provided that the holding element 10 comprises a connecting device 42. The connecting device 42 comprises a first pin element 44 and a second pin element 46. The first pin element 44 is held on the first clamping element 22. In the present case, the first pin element 44 extends through a channel in the first clamping element 22. The second pin element 46 is held on the second clamping element 24. In the present case, the second pin element 46 extends through a channel of the second clamping element 24. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the pin elements 44, 46 are applied to one another in a force-transmitting manner in the assembled state 41. The pin elements 44, 46 are not arranged to transmit force to one another when the holding element 10 is not arranged in the assembled state 41.By pivoting the clamping elements 22, 24 about the pivot axis 26 relative to one another and forming the snap connection 30, the pin elements 44, 46 are arranged one above the other in the insertion direction, in particular with their respective longitudinal extension directions parallel to one another and in particular parallel to the insertion direction. By inserting the pin element 16 into the opening 18, the second pin element 46 is brought into contact with the first motor vehicle component 12. By inserting the pin element 16 up to the predetermined end position and by supporting the second pin element 46 on the first motor vehicle component 12, the first pin element 44, as can be seen in Fig. 3, is displaced within the channel of the first clamping element 22, whereby the cover element 40 is lifted off by means of the first pin element 44, in particular off the marking 36.The connecting device 42 can thus be adjusted from a neutral state, in which the pin elements 44, 46 do not abut one another or at least do not abut one another in a force-transmitting manner, into a lifting state in which the cover element 40 is lifted, in which force is transmitted from the second pin element 46 to the first pin element 44, thereby lifting the cover element 40. By adjusting the holding element 10 to the assembled state 41, the connecting device 42 is adjusted to the lifting state.

[0029] Alternatively, the marking may be applied directly to the first pin element 44. The pin element 44 may be flattened on its upper side or configured with a flag having a machine-readable code printed directly thereon as a marking 36, whereby this marking 36 is released when the first pin element 44 is removed from the first clamping element 22.

[0030] The holding element 10 is a clip which only releases the marking 36 as a scannable code after correct assembly, which a worker can scan after an assembly step. This makes it possible to prove that the holding element 10 was correctly installed for the first time. The holding element 10 is, in particular, a plastic clip. In particular, the holding element 10 is injection-molded from a plastic. The data matrix code is located on the top side of the holding element 10 and is concealed by the cover element 40 designed as an opaque film. When the clamping elements 22, 24 are correctly locked together and the pin element 16 is correctly locked in the opening 18, a mechanical connection is created via the pin elements 44, 46, which lifts the opaque film attached to the top of the holding element 10. This film can only now be removed, after which the marking 36 becomes visible and scannable.This allows for easy testing and documentation of the proper installation of the retaining element 10. The retaining element 10 is only correctly installed when the pin element 16 is inserted into the opening 18 of the first motor vehicle component 12 until it reaches a stop or until the disc spring 20 is over-pressed. In this case, the opening 18 can be formed by a bore in the first motor vehicle component 12. The second motor vehicle component 14 is, in particular, a hydrogen line, a high-voltage line, or a brake line.If the clamping elements 22, 24 do not properly form the snap connection 30 with one another, then a path which the second pin element 46 travels relative to the second clamping element 24 when the pin element 16 is correctly inserted into the opening 18 by being supported on the first motor vehicle component 12 is not sufficient to move the first pin element 44 far enough relative to the first clamping element 22 that the cover element 40 is lifted.

[0031] During initial assembly in the factory, the retaining element 10 can be pre-assembled to the line or cable as the second motor vehicle component 14, and the locking of the enclosure can be securely engaged, thus forming the snap connection 30. Multiple parts of the marking 36 can be provided, each of which can be designed as a data matrix code and which are made visible successively for each of the two clipping processes by means of separate connecting devices 42. This means that a first part of the marking 36 becomes electronically readable as soon as the retaining element 10 is correctly attached to the first motor vehicle component 12, and the second part of the marking 36 becomes electronically readable as soon as the retaining element 10 is correctly attached to the second motor vehicle component 14. Overall, the invention shows how verifiability of the correct installation of retaining clips, in this case the retaining element 10, can be achieved.

[0032] List of reference symbols

[0033] 10 Holding element

[0034] 12 first motor vehicle component

[0035] 14 second motor vehicle component

[0036] 16 tenon element

[0037] 18 Opening

[0038] 20 disc springs

[0039] 22 first clamping element

[0040] 24 second clamping element

[0041] 26 Swivel axis

[0042] 30 snap connection

[0043] 32 snap hooks

[0044] 34 recess

[0045] 36 Marking

[0046] 38 Initial state

[0047] 40 cover element

[0048] 41 Assembly status

[0049] 42 Connecting device

[0050] 44 first pin element

[0051] 46 second pin element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Holding element (10) for a motor vehicle, which is designed to fasten a first motor vehicle component (12) to a second motor vehicle component (14), wherein the holding element (10) can be adjusted from an initial state (38) into an assembly state (41) connecting the first motor vehicle component (12) to the second motor vehicle component (14), wherein in the assembly state (41) an electronically readable marking (36) is released, which cannot be read electronically in the initial state (38) of the holding element (10).

2. Holding element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the marking (36) is a data matrix code.

3. Holding element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding element (10) has a pin element (16), the assembly state (41) being established when the pin element (16) is inserted into an opening (18) of the first motor vehicle component (12), and the holding element (10) comprises a clamp with a first clamping element (22) and a second clamping element (24), and the assembly state (41) being established when, in addition, the clamping elements (22, 24) form a snap connection (30) with one another, as a result of which the second motor vehicle component (14) is clamped between the clamping elements (22, 24).

4. Holding element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marking (36) is arranged under a cover element (40), wherein the cover element (40) is designed to be raised in the assembled state (41), whereby the marking (36) can be read electronically.

5. Holding element (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that a connecting device (42) is provided which is designed to be adjusted between a neutral state which does not lift the cover element (40) and a lifting state which lifts the cover element (40) in the assembled state (41), wherein the connecting device (42) is designed to be adjusted from the neutral state to the lifting state in the assembled state (41) by being supported on one of the motor vehicle components (12, 14).

6. Holding element (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting device (42) comprises a plurality of pin elements (44, 46), one of which is arranged in the first clamping element (22) and another is arranged in the second clamping element (24), wherein the pin elements (44, 46) are applied to one another in a force-transmitting manner in the assembled state (41), whereby the connecting device (42) can lift the cover element (40) by being supported on the motor vehicle component (12, 14), wherein the pin elements (44, 46) are not connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner when the holding element (10) is not arranged in the assembled state (41).

7. Holding element (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the cover element (40) is a film.

8. Holding element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element (10) is designed to fasten a line element to the first motor vehicle component (12).

9. Motor vehicle, with a holding element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (10) is fastened to a first motor vehicle component (12) and a second motor vehicle component (14) is held on the holding element (10), whereby the second motor vehicle component (14) is held on the first motor vehicle component (12) via the holding element (10).

10. Motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the holding element (10) is arranged in the assembled state (41) when a pin element (16) of the holding element (10) is inserted into an opening (18) of the first motor vehicle component (12) up to a predetermined end position and clamping elements (22, 24) of the holding element (10) form a snap connection (30) with one another, whereby the second motor vehicle component (14) is encompassed by the clamping elements (22, 24).

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