WO2008080662A1

WO2008080662A1 - Connecting arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2008080662A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/061680
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Huck; Tarek Mili
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2006-12-28
Filing date: 2007-10-30
Publication date: 2008-07-10
Also published as: DE102006061703A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting arrangement for interconnecting two components (1, 2) by engagement, in particular for the interconnection by engagement of two housing covers of a housing of a power-window motor in a motor vehicle, wherein a first resilient detent element (3) is provided on a first component (1) and a second detent element (5) is provided on a second component (2), wherein the detent elements (3, 5) connect the two components (1, 2) to each other by means of engagement, and wherein the second detent element (5) forms a resilient insertion opening (7) in such a manner that the second detent element (5) deflects the first detent element (3) when it is inserted through the insertion opening (7), and therefore, when the first detent element (3) is inserted, an opening extent (X) of the insertion opening (7) is increased.

Description

title

joint assembly

State of the art

The invention relates to a connection arrangement for latching interconnecting two components, in particular for latching interconnecting two housing cover of a housing of a window motor in a motor vehicle.

Known housing used in motor vehicles for different applications often consist of a lower shell and an upper shell. In order to minimize the need for additional components to connect the two housing components, a snap connection is usually used, in which the latching elements are integrally formed with the housing components made of plastic. Frequently, it is required to provide a sealing element between the two housing parts, in particular when the housing is to be used in moisture-critical areas. However, there are also applications in which it is possible to dispense with such a sealing element. Leaving the sealing element between the housing components away, the housing components no longer sit firmly together due to the smaller distance between the two housing parts and there is rattling noises during driving. Therefore, it has hitherto been necessary to provide housing parts with differently dimensioned and / or configured latching elements for the different applications.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a connection arrangement of two components, both with and without a intermediate sealing element ensures a firm connection between the two components.

Technical solution

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. All combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures also fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention is based on the idea to provide two, preferably in the circumferential direction of the components spaced sides of the locking elements each having at least one support element, with a defined system of components to each other and a defined distance between the components is maintained. This distance is preferably to be dimensioned so that it allows the placement of a, preferably circumferential seal at a given sealing pressure between the two housing parts to be joined. In order to ensure a firm connection of the two components with each other both when using a sealing element and without the use of a sealing element, the support elements on which the respective opposing component is supported, dimensioned such that the first locking element and / or the second locking element in the mere mating of the two components, that can not spring into its locking position in a large-scale pressurization. For this purpose, the first and / or the second latching element are dimensioned too short in relation to the support element extension. Only a local pressurization in Zusammenstecksteckrichtung in an area between the two support elements makes it possible that at least one of the two components in the direction of the opposite component, in particular elastically, deflected from its basic shape (suppressed), so that the first locking element in the transverse direction in can pivot his rest position. Since preferably at least one of the two opposing components, at least within certain limits, has elastic properties, it endeavors to assume its original position or basic shape again, whereby the latched latching connection is subjected to tensile force and the two components are firmly connected to each other. Instead of or in addition to at least one of the components to be connected, the support elements, at least within certain limits in Zusammenstecksteck elastic, ie be resilient. Another significant advantage of the connection arrangement according to the invention is that it is simple and inexpensive to produce and no additional parts are needed to securely attach the two components together under axial bias can.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the support elements in the circumferential direction are preferably equally spaced from at least one of the locking elements, so that the pressurization in Zusammenstecksteckrichtung of the two components preferably can be done directly in the region of the locking elements. This arrangement allows intuitively correct procedure during assembly.

Preferred is an embodiment in which the first latching element is provided with a latching head, which engages behind the second latching element in a latching position, that forms a rear handle. This latching head is preferably spring-loaded by the resilient action of at least one of the connected components and / or the support elements against the Zusammensteckrichtung, so that a secure, rattle-free hold of the two components together, with or without seal, is guaranteed.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous to design not only the first latching element, but also the second latching element resiliently, wherein the second latching element is to be arranged such that it limits an insertion opening for insertion and / or passage of the first latching element. When inserting the first locking head of the first locking element in the insertion opening, the second locking element is deflected in a first transverse direction such that increases the cross section of the insertion and the way in Zusammensteck-, ie insertion for the first locking head of the first locking element is released. Due to the fact that the support elements are dimensioned correspondingly long, the Rotate latching elements only in their rest position when pressure is exerted on at least one of the two components in the insertion. When pivoting the locking elements in their rest position, the second locking element moves against the first transverse direction, ie, contrary to its original

Deflection back and thus reduces the cross-sectional area of the passage opening, to a degree that makes sliding out of the locking head back through the insertion impossible, so that shaking or swinging of the components to be joined together can not allow unintentional release of the connection.

Preferably, the connection arrangement is designed such that between the two components, a circumferential seal can be arranged, wherein preferably corresponding plant contours are provided for conditioning the seal. During the fastening process of the two components, the seal is compressed in the pressurization of at least one of the two components in the mating direction and therefore exerts a tensile force on the latching connection with interconnected components, which additionally prevents rattling noises.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first locking head of the first locking element is provided with a chamfer, which is arranged such that the insertion results in an adjustment on at least one of the two locking elements in the transverse direction and thus the opening dimension of the passage opening is increased during the insertion process.

Preferably, the second locking element has a cooperating with the first chamfer of the first locking head second chamfer, which is preferably located on a second locking head of the second locking element.

Preferably, not only a slight clearance is provided between the free end of the first latching element and the insertion opening, at least in an upper region of the insertion opening, in order to facilitate the assembly operation and the position finding. Preferably, the insertion opening tapers in the insertion direction, which preferably also applies to the first latching element.

So that the first detent element exerts a spring force in the direction of its detent position, is preferably in the upper region of the

Insertion, in particular radially outward, an inlet bevel provided, which cooperates with the first latching element such that the first latching element is deflected in a second, the first transverse direction opposite second transverse direction.

In order to achieve an optimal connection of the two components with each other, it is preferably provided that a plurality of locking element combinations, in particular with lateral support elements distributed over the circumference of the components are arranged. In this case, the latching elements can be arranged such that between each two adjacent latching element combinations only one support element must be provided.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in:

1 shows three successive stages during the connecting process of two components designed as a housing cover of a window regulator housing,

2 shows a lower housing part with a window lift motor accommodated therein and a window motor assigned to it

Transmission,

Fig. 3: the two housing cover during the connection process in a perspective view. Embodiments of the invention

In the figures, the same components and components with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals.

In the Fig. Ia to Ic three different stages during the connecting process of a first component 1 with a second component 2 are shown, which in this embodiment in the two components 1, 2 to the housing cover (upper shell and lower shell) and a power window motor housing made of plastic is.

At the top of the drawing in the first component 1, a first locking element 3 is formed, which is oriented in an insertion or Zusammensteckrichtung E substantially. The pointing in the insertion direction E free end of the first locking element 3 has a first locking head 4 with a transverse to the insertion direction E oriented thickness Y. The elongated first locking element 3 made of plastic is formed transversely to the insertion direction E resilient.

At the lower in the plane of the drawing component 2, a second latching element 5 is arranged made of plastic, whose also pointing in the insertion direction E free end is designed as a second latching head 6. The second locking element 5 is also formed resiliently transversely to the insertion opening E.

Of the second locking element 5 is bounded radially outwardly in the plane of the drawing from top to bottom leading insertion 7 for the first locking element 3. Before the insertion process, an opening dimension X of the insertion opening 7 in the radial direction is smaller than the identically oriented thickness extension Y of the latching head 4.

When inserting in the insertion direction E, the first locking element 3 slides with a radially outer first chamfer 8 along an inlet slope 9 in an upper region of the insertion opening 7, so that the first locking element 3 is deflected radially inwardly in a second transverse direction Q2 and thus in the insertion direction in can slide in the insertion opening. In a lower area of the Insertion 7 meets the first locking head 4 with its first chamfer 8 on a second chamfer 10 of the second locking head 6, as shown in Fig. Ib. As a result, the first locking element 3 is further deflected with the first locking head 4 in the second transverse direction Q2, wherein at the same time the second locking element 5 is deflected with its second locking head 6 in the opposite, first transverse direction Ql radially outward, so that the original opening dimension X the insertion opening 7 expands, to a degree, so that the second locking head 6 can be moved past with its thickness extension Y in the insertion opening E to the second locking head 6 and finally occupies the latching position shown in Fig. Ic, in which the first locking head. 4 engages behind the second locking head 6 in the transverse direction Ql. At the latest in this locking position or shortly before reaching this locking position, the first locking head 4 pivots in the first transverse direction 1 and the second locking head 6 in the opposite second transverse direction, so that the opening dimension of the insertion opening 7 in the transverse direction, ie in the radial direction, again reduced. In particular, the second locking element pivots 5 with second locking head 6 until the second locking head on the first locking element 3 above the first locking head 4. The opening dimension of the insertion 7 in the locking position is smaller than the thickness Y of the first locking head, so that it does not oppose the insertion direction E can be moved out of the insertion opening 7.

As can be seen, a ring seal 11 is arranged in a lower portion of the upper in the plane of the first component 1, which serves to seal the connection assembly, wherein on the opposite side of the ring seal 11, d. H. on the first component 1 facing top of the second component 2, an annular bead 12 is provided, which ensures a defined pressure of the ring seal 11.

The latching position shown in Fig. Ic is not made here by large-scale, in particular centric compression of the two components 1, 2. This prevent support elements 13, which are arranged on both sides of the latching elements 3, 5 opposite in the circumferential direction of the components 1, 2. There are two on The support elements 13 situated on different sides of the latching elements 3, 5 are approximately equidistant from the latching elements 3, 5 in the circumferential direction. The locking elements 13 are dimensioned such that upon exercise of a surface pressure in the insertion direction E, approximately in the middle of the components 1, 2, the two locking elements 3, 5 can not pivot into its locking position, since the locking elements 3, 5 in relation to the Support elements 13 are dimensioned too short. At least one of the two components 1, 2 must therefore be "overpressed" in an area between two adjacent support elements 13 in the insertion direction, so that the latching element 3 and / or the

Latching element 5 accordingly pivot in the transverse directions Q2, Ql and occupy the latching position shown in Fig. 1. For this purpose, the components 1, 2 in or against the insertion direction E elastically deformable, so that when the locking position is reached, a tensile force on the first locking element 3 acts. Even when omitting the ring seal 11, the components 1, 2 must be suppressed so that the locking heads 4, 6 can swivel toward each other in the transverse direction, whereby a rattle-free connection is ensured even in this case.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, an electric motor 14 are received with a gear 16 in the assembled state between the two components 1, 2.

In Fig. 3, the combination of the first locking element 3 and the second locking element 5 is shown in perspective in a view from radially outside. It can be seen that the first latching element 3 viewed in the circumferential direction U viewed in the insertion opening E, tapers symmetrically in the circumferential direction U. Likewise, the insertion opening 5 is tapered. In Fig. 3 it can be clearly seen that the distance in the circumferential direction U between the free end of the first locking element 3 to the circumferentially spaced apart from each other in the peripheral side walls 17, 18 of the insertion opening 7 in an upper region is several millimeters, so that a simple Finding the insertion is guaranteed. As can also be seen from FIG. 3, the second latching element 5 is formed by circumferentially spaced clearances 19, 20 from a radially outer wall 21 of the insertion opening 7.

Claims

claims

1. Connecting arrangement for non-locking interconnecting two components (1, 2), in particular for latching interconnecting two housing cover of a housing of a window lift motor in a motor vehicle, wherein on a first component (1) a first resilient latching element (3) and on a second component (2) a second latching element (5) are provided, wherein the latching elements (3, 5) interconnect the two components (1, 2) by latching, characterized in that the second latching element (5) forms a resilient insertion opening (7) such that the second latching element (5) the first latching element (3) during insertion through the

Insertion opening (7) deflects, whereby an opening dimension (X) of the insertion opening (7) increases during insertion of the first latching element (3).

2. Connecting arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the first latching element (3) has a latching head (4) which engages behind the second latching element (5) in the latched state.

3. Connecting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, and the opening dimension (X) of the insertion opening (7) in the locked state is less than the width dimension (Y) of the first locking head (4).

4. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on two opposite sides of

Locking elements (3, 5) each have a support element (13) on the first and / or on the second component (2) for defined contact of the respective opposing component (1, 2) is provided, and that the support elements (13) so dimensioned and / or arranged that the first and / or the second latching element (5) can be moved into its latching position only by an overpressing of the first component (1) and / or the second component (2).

5. Connecting arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the latching elements (3, 5) in the circumferential direction (U) of the components (1, 2) are arranged approximately centrally between the support elements (13).

6. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the components (1, 2), a preferably circumferential, seal (11) can be arranged.

7. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking head (4) is provided on a with the second locking element (5) cooperating side with a first chamfer (8).

8. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second latching element (5), preferably a second latching head (6) of the second latching element, provided on the first latching head (4) cooperating side with a second chamfer (10) is.

9. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion opening (7) in the circumferential direction (U), at least in an upper region, several millimeters wider than the extension of the first locking element (3) in the circumferential direction (U) and that the insertion opening (7) is tapered conically in the insertion direction (E).

10. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in an upper region of the insertion opening (7) on the first chamfer (8) of the locking head (4, 6) opposite side with the locking head (4, 6) during the insertion process cooperating inlet slope (9) is provided.

11. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of combinations of first and second latching elements (1, 2) are provided over the circumference of the components.