DE102005021940A1 - Connector, e.g. for vehicle cladding, has base fitted with arms that can be fitted into bore of elements to be connected and pin fitted with arrangement for aligning arms that is designed to reversibly connect pin - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector has a base (1) and a pin (2) deployable relative to the base, whereby the base is fitted with arms (8) that can be fitted into a bore of the elements to be connected and the pin is fitted with an arrangement for aligning the arms that is designed to reversibly connect the pin. An independent claim is also included for the following: (A) a shaping device (B) and a method of manufacturing an inventive device.

Description

The The present invention relates to a connecting device according to the preamble of claim 1, a shaping device according to claim 12, as well as a method for producing the connecting device according to claim 15th

connecting devices of the aforementioned type comprise a main body and a pin, preferably moved within the body can be. Furthermore, the body comprises cantilever arms, preferably by a different surface structures of the Pen can be spread and thus make it possible the main body in a bore of a body panel, for example for fastening a Body paneling, to fix.

When disadvantageous in this context, however, proves the handling such two-piece connecting devices. In particular, the Connecting devices assembled accordingly before assembly become.

Here employs the present invention and makes it its mission to provide a connecting device of the aforementioned type, which allows easier handling, in particular It can be ensured that the individual components are not get lost.

According to the invention this Task solved by that means for aligning the arms continue to set up are, the pin solvable connect to. Accordingly, it can be ensured that the Unit of pin and body Captive are interconnected, so that continues to ensure can be that a delivered connection device without Time Delay can be mounted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention can be provided that the means for aligning the arms continue are adapted to the pen in a tool-dropping condition solvable connect to. The tool-dropping state is particularly noticeable by a state in which the connecting device has a shaping device, For example, a plastic injection machine leaves immediately. Accordingly can be ensured that the connecting device in one Unit is present and, if necessary, can be installed immediately, which ultimately the handling can be improved and production costs can be reduced.

Also can be advantageously provided that the means for alignment the arms are still set to the pen in a delivery condition solvable connect to. The delivery state can be, for example, from differ from the tool-dropping condition, in particular to that that the connecting device here already in a pre-assembly state located in the connecting device by pressure on the pin or pin head are transferred directly into a connection state can. By this measure can continue a significant amount of assembly time at the user inventive connecting devices be saved.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention can be provided that the funds continue pen-side annular grooves and a arm-side locking lug include. Such a design let yourself achieve manufacturing technology in a simple way.

It can be further advantageously provided that the body a Includes plate with a central slot, with the arms at the edge of the insertion opening are arranged. The plate puts the counter bearing to the arms in a Fixierzustand. A large-scale design of the plate is advantageous here as a support on the elements to be connected to serve.

It can be further advantageously provided that the pin each end equipped with a pen tip and a pen head is, resulting in further handling benefits, in particular If necessary, the pin can be introduced into the intended opening in a simple manner and be moved, for example, by pressure on the pin head.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention can further advantageously be provided that a sequence of four circumferential annular grooves, in particular a first annular groove, a second annular groove, a third annular groove, and a fourth annular groove are provided between the pen tip and the pen head. By a corresponding configuration, in particular the ring groove depth and sequence of annular grooves, can different states the connecting device are shown.

In this context, it may be advantageously provided that the first annular groove is suitable for aligning the arms in a delivery state or preassembly state, wherein the arms in the delivery state are preferably aligned perpendicular to the plate. The delivery state is characterized in particular by the fact that the connecting device by pressure can be placed on the pin or pin head in a connection state.

Also can advantageously be provided that the second annular groove suitable for aligning the arms in a connecting position, wherein the arms in the connecting position at least in sections are angled. Accordingly, at least undercut the arms sections of the bore of the elements to be joined, resulting in ultimately an at least positive connection between the Elements results.

It can be further advantageously provided that the third Ring groove suitable for aligning the arms in a disassembly position is, wherein the arms in the disassembly position preferably perpendicular aligned with the plate. Accordingly, the connection between the elements in a simple way by pressing on the pin head, so also from a position in the only Plate accessible is solved become.

to advantageous handling of the connecting device according to the invention can also be provided that the annular grooves equipped with chamfers are. According to the steepness of the slope offers a simple possibility to be exercised Pressure to influence the displacement of the pen.

A Another object of the present invention is to provide an advantageous Shaping device for producing a connecting device according to the invention propose.

The The object is achieved by a Shaping device with the characterizing features of the claim 12 solved. Characterized in that the second shaping space at least partially formed from a section of the pen, can be an originally elaborate produced connection device manufactured in a simple manner become. In particular, the main body and the pen can be immediate in a connected position (tool falling state) made and the aforementioned components do not have to be after the manufacturing process be connected manually or separately.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the shaping device according to the invention can be provided that the first injection molding tool a first Injection mold, a second injection mold, a third injection mold, a fourth injection mold, as well as a stamp, which includes a forming the first shaping space. The division of the shaping device in individual injection molds or stamp allows a very flexible Adaptation to required Design rooms. About that can out the injection molds are moved individually, so that the injection molding tool assembly opened in a simple way can be.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present injection molding tool assembly can be provided that the second injection molding tool a fifth Injection mold, a sixth injection mold, a seventh injection mold, an eighth injection mold, as well as the stamp covers, which one Forming second shaping space. Accordingly, here too due to the modular design a high degree of adaptation of the injection molding tool assembly possible.

A Another object of the present invention is to provide an advantageous To propose method for producing a connecting device. Solved This object is achieved by the method steps according to claim 15, namely Forming the pin with the first injection molding tool assembly, release a portion of the pin, by removing at least one Injection tool of the first injection molding tool assembly, enclosing the released Part of the pen with the second injection molding device, wherein the second shaping space at least in sections of the shared portion of the pin is formed, as well as molding of the basic body in the second forming room. By the method proposed here the pen is molded around in its manufacturing process and so on falls in one already solvable connected state from the shaping device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method can be provided be that the shared portion of the pin at least the fourth annular groove, wherein the fourth annular groove for forming the Latch is suitable. Accordingly, the annular groove, the locking lug form in a work process, as well as make a detachable connection, whereby the pin and the main body connected in a reasonably secure manner.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention can continue to be provided that the main body of a different material than the pin is formed. This allows further advantageous properties over the Material selection can be set.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings the pictures. Show in it

1 a schematic representation of a first injection molding tool assembly;

2 a schematic representation of a first injection molding tool assembly with a filled first shaping space (Material X - pin);

3 a schematic representation of a first injection molding tool assembly, in which by removing the third and fourth injection molding tool, a portion of the pin has been exposed;

4 a schematic representation of a second injection molding tool assembly;

5 a schematic representation of a second injection molding tool assembly with a filled second shaping space (material Y - body);

6 a schematic representation of the sequence of the opening of the individual injection molds (demolding);

7 a schematic representation of a connecting device in a tool-generating state;

8th a schematic representation of a connecting device in a pre-assembly state or delivery state;

9 a schematic representation of a connecting device, used in a bore between two elements to be connected;

10 an installation situation (connection state) of a connecting device with arms bent in sections;

11 a disassembly situation (disassembly state) of a connecting device;

12 an indication of a transfer of the connecting device in a new pre-assembly state.

First, on the 8th to 12 Referenced.

An inventive fastening means essentially comprises a base body 1 , as well as a pen 2 ,

The main body 1 has a substantially flat plate 11 on which arms are 8th extend in an approximately vertical direction. The poor 8th line a slot 14 for the pen 2 within which the pin 2 can be moved. End of the arms 8th are latching noses 9 provided in the insertion opening 14 protrude.

The pencil 2 has an elongated shape, and each end a pen tip 3 and a flat pin head 10 on. Between the pen tip 3 and the pen head 10 are circumferential annular grooves, in particular a first circumferential annular groove 4 , a second circumferential annular groove 5 , a third circumferential ring groove 6 and a fourth circumferential annular groove 7 arranged.

The operation and further structural details of the connecting device according to the invention can be advantageously based on an assembly or disassembly sequence, as in the 8th to 12 illustrated, explain.

Basically it is possible the pen 2 within the body 1 , especially within the arms 8th to move formed insertion opening. The locking lugs 9 the poor 8th However, engage in the respective annular grooves of the pin 2 and lock it in the respective position. The poor 8th are elastic, so the pin 2 moved by a predeterminable force against the latching connection and can be placed in any other detent position.

In 8th is now a pre-assembly state or a delivery state of the connecting device according to the invention can be seen, in which the locking lugs 9 in the first ring groove 4 intervene and the pin 2 fix in a first position. In this first position, the pin head protrudes 10 at least in sections above the plate 11 out. Also, the first ring groove points 4 a diameter at which the arms 8th a substantially elongated orientation can take.

In 9 is the connecting device according to the invention in a bore 15 for fastening a panel 13 on a sheet 12 shown. It is recognizable that the arms 8th or the pen 2 at least in sections through the hole 15 of the sheet 8th passed through.

In 9 the connection device according to the invention is shown in a locked state. Here was the pin 2 by appropriate pressure on the pin head 10 moved so that the locking lugs 8th now in the second annular groove 5 can engage. Since the Ringnutboden the second annular groove 5 a larger diameter than the Ringnutboden the first annular groove 4 has, the locking lugs 9 slightly bent, but at least so far that the hole 15 of the sheet 12 undercut and the connecting device can be fixed.

In 11 the connecting device according to the invention is shown in a disassembled state. Here is the pen 2 in a third position, where the latch 9 in the third ring groove 6 can intervene. The pencil 2 was here by another pressure on the pin head 10 transferred from the second position to the third position. Because the third ring groove 6 by an at least comparable or smaller diameter than the first annular groove 4 excels, the arms can 8th assume a starting position, wherein the connecting device in a simple manner from the bore 15 taken out and the connection between the sheet metal 12 and the disguise 13 can be solved.

In principle, the connecting device according to the invention can be reused without restriction. In the 12 is shown that the pin 2 by pressure on the tip 3 back to the first position according to 8th can be transferred. Basically, the pen 2 also taken out and on the part of the plate 11 be plugged in again.

The ring grooves 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 each have bevelled side portions in the form of start flanks, at least in sections with the also bevelled flanks of the locking lugs 9 can correspond. For example, it is provided that the shape of the latch 9 essentially the first annular groove 4 as well as the fourth ring groove 7 is adjusted. While the form correspondence between the catch 9 and the fourth annular groove, as will be described later, is due to the manufacturing process, provides the first annular groove 4 by a high degree of corresponding form a high degree of positive engagement, so that the arms 8th the pencil 2 safely in a first position, which corresponds to the pre-assembly state or the delivery state can hold. In principle, however, the connection can also be caused by adhesion.

In the 1 to 7 now the manufacturing process according to the invention of a connecting device according to the invention is shown.

In 1 is a shaping device 100 comprising a first injection molding tool assembly comprising a first injection molding tool 101 , a second injection mold 102 , a third injection mold 103 , a fourth injection mold 104 , as well as a stamp 109 which is suitable for producing a connecting device according to the invention, preferably consisting of two different materials X and Y.

The injection molds have suitable recesses, resulting in a first shaping space 111 complement, which in its contour the pin 2 equivalent.

In a first operation, the first forming space thus formed becomes 111 filled with a first material X and hardens to a pen 2 out. Subsequently, the third and fourth injection molds 103 and 104 open, leaving the area of the pen originally enclosed by these injection tools 2 is released. This condition is in 3 shown.

In a subsequent operation, the thus released area of the pen 2 from a second injection molding tool assembly comprising a fifth injection molding tool 105 , a sixth injection mold 106 , a seventh injection mold 107 and an eighth injection mold 108 enclosed and a second forming room 112 formed, in its form the basic body 1 corresponds and at least partially from the fourth annular groove 7 of the pen 2 is trained. By this measure, the already formed fourth annular groove 7 as a shaping agent for the locking lugs 9 serve. It is also possible, for example, by a suitable material selection or setting the temperature to produce a predetermined breaking point, if the latch 9 and the fourth ring groove 7 stick together easily. In principle, however, the connection can also come about by positive locking or frictional connection.

The thus created second shaping space 112 can, as in 5 represented filled with a material Y and forms after curing of the material Y the main body 1 out.

In 6 is now indicated, as the entire connecting device from the shaping device 100 can be removed by first the first injection mold 101 and the second injection mold 102 , then the fifth injection mold 105 and sixth injection mold 106 , then the seventh injection mold 107 and the eighth injection mold 108 , and then the stamp 109 be removed.

Consequently, a connecting device according to the invention as in FIG 7 shown result. The connecting device could therefore be by slight pressure on the pen tip 3 in an initial state 8th be brought and installed.

Optionally, however, it can also be provided that the connecting device in the shaping device into a pre-assembly state or delivery state, as in 8th is shown, transferred. For this purpose, it may in particular be provided that initially the first injection molding tool 101 and the second injection mold 102 , then ßend the fifth injection mold 105 and sixth injection mold 106 to be removed with the stamp. During the movement of injection mold 105 and 106 may be a plunger (not shown) by pressure on the pen tip 3 this in a pre-assembly state or delivery state 8th bring.

1

body

2

pen

3

pen tip

4

first circumferential annular groove

5

second circumferential annular groove

6

third circumferential annular groove

7

fourth circumferential annular groove

8th

poor

9

locking lug

10

pinhead

11

Plate

12

sheet

13

paneling

14

insertion opening

15

drilling

100

shaping device

101

first injection mold

102

second injection mold

103

third injection mold

104

fourth injection mold

105

fifth injection mold

106

sixth injection mold

107

seventh injection mold

108

eighth injection mold

109

stamp

111

first forming space

112

second forming space

Claims (19)

Connecting device, at least comprising - a basic body ( 1 ), and - one opposite the main body ( 1 ) movable pen ( 2 ), where - the basic body ( 1 ) with arms ( 8th ), whereby - the arms ( 8th ) into a hole ( 15 ) of the elements to be connected are insertable, wherein - the pin ( 2 ) is equipped with means for aligning the arms ( 8th ), characterized in that the means for aligning the arms ( 8th ) are further adapted to the pen ( 2 ) releasably connect. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for aligning the arms ( 8th ) are further adapted to the pen ( 2 ) releasably connect in a tool-falling state. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for aligning the arms ( 8th ) are still open to the pen ( 2 ) releasably connect in a delivery state. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means pin-side annular grooves ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) and a arm-side latch ( 9 ). Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basic body ( 1 ) a plate ( 11 ) with a central insertion opening ( 14 ), the arms ( 8th ) at the edge of the insertion opening ( 14 ) are arranged. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin ( 2 ) at each end with a pen tip ( 3 ) and a pen head ( 10 ) Is provided. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sequence of four circumferential annular grooves, in particular a first annular groove ( 4 ), a second annular groove ( 5 ), a third annular groove ( 6 ), as well as a fourth annular groove ( 7 ) between the pen tip ( 3 ) and the pen head ( 10 ) is provided. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first annular groove ( 4 ) for aligning the arms ( 8th ) is in the delivery condition, the arms ( 8th ) in the delivery state, preferably perpendicular to the plate ( 11 ) are aligned. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second annular groove ( 5 ) for aligning the arms ( 8th ) in a connecting position, wherein the arms ( 8th ) are at least partially angled in the connecting position. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third annular groove ( 6 ) for aligning the arms ( 8th ) in a disassembly position, wherein the arms ( 8th ) in the disassembly position preferably perpendicular to the plate ( 11 ) are aligned. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular grooves ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) are equipped with run-on slopes. Shaping device ( 100 ) to the manufacturer A connecting device according to one of the features 1 to 11, characterized by - a first injection molding tool arrangement with a first shaping space, wherein - the first shaping space has the shape of the pin ( 2 ) - a second injection tool assembly having a second shaping space, characterized in that the second shaping space at least partially from a portion of the pin ( 2 ) is formed. Shaping device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first injection molding tool arrangement comprises a first injection molding tool ( 101 ), a second injection mold ( 102 ), a third injection mold ( 103 ), a fourth injection molding tool ( 104 ), as well as a stamp ( 109 ) comprising a first forming space ( 111 ). Shaping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second injection-molding arrangement is a fifth injection-molding tool ( 105 ), a sixth injection molding tool ( 106 ), a seventh injection mold ( 107 ), an eighth injection mold ( 108 ), as well as the stamp ( 109 ) comprising a second forming space ( 112 ). Method for producing a connecting device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, having a shaping device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by the following features: - molding of the pin ( 2 ) with the first injection molding tool assembly, - releasing a portion of the pin ( 2 ), by removing at least one injection molding tool of the first injection molding tool assembly, - enclosing the released portion of the pin ( 2 ) with the second injection molding device, wherein the second shaping space is at least partially separated from the released partial region of the pin ( 2 ), - forming the base body in the second shaping space Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the released portion of the pin ( 2 ) at least the fourth annular groove ( 7 ), wherein the fourth annular groove ( 7 ) for forming the detent ( 9 ) suitable is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basic body ( 1 ) of a different material than the pen ( 2 ) is formed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in order to remove the entire connecting device from the shaping device ( 100 ) is provided that first the first injection molding tool ( 101 ) and the second injection tool ( 102 ), then the fifth injection mold ( 105 ) and sixth injection mold ( 106 ), then the seventh injection mold ( 107 ) and the eighth injection mold ( 108 ), and then the stamp ( 109 ) are removed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that first the first injection molding tool ( 101 ) and the second injection tool ( 102 ), then the fifth injection mold ( 105 ) and sixth injection mold ( 106 ) with the stamp ( 109 ), it being further provided that during the movement of injection molding ( 105 ) and injection mold ( 106 ) a plunger by pressure on the pen tip ( 3 ) brings this in a pre-assembly state or delivery condition.