DE102010062592A1 - Holding element for insertion into mounting region in e.g. hand-held production machine of automotive industry, has fixing member comprising obstruction element that projects into aperture such that size of portion is reduced - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (10) has a fixing member comprising an aperture (31) that comprises an opening portion (32) and exhibits maximum length (lmax1) in a longitudinal direction (L) and maximum width (bmax1) in a transverse direction (Q1). The member exhibits maximum width (bmax2) in the transverse direction and maximum depth in another transverse direction (Q2). The length is greater than the width of the member, and the width of the aperture is greater than the depth. The member comprises an obstruction element (33) that projects into the aperture such that size of the portion is reduced.

Description

The invention relates to a holding element for insertion into a mounting area, in particular for use in a machine. The fastening element has a longitudinal direction, a first transverse direction and a second transverse direction. The retaining element has a head part which is suitable for forming an abutment in the fastening region. The retaining element has a fastening part which is suitable for being inserted longitudinally into the fastening region, the fastening part having an opening.

Such a retaining element is made DE 24 10 949 A1 known. The holding element is used in particular for connecting two parts via a coaxial opening. The described holding element has a rear stop flange. The stop flanges serve, in conjunction with the head part, to prevent the jamming of two such holding elements within a feed of a machine.

The invention has for its object to provide a holding element that prevents a plurality of holding elements can get caught, especially if they are present as bulk material.

To solve this problem is provided according to the invention in a holding element with the above features in accordance with claim 1, that the fastening part is elastically deformable in the first transverse direction to be compressible for insertion into the mounting area and to hold in the mounting area by a by the elasticity the fastening part conditional restoring force to be decompressed. The opening has an opening area and has a first maximum length in the longitudinal direction and a first maximum width in the first transverse direction. The fastening part has a second maximum width in the first transverse direction and a second maximum depth in the second transverse direction. The first maximum length is greater than the second maximum width and the first maximum width is greater than the second maximum depth. The fastening part has at least one obstruction element, which projects into the opening and is designed such that the opening area is reduced.

The dimensioning of the opening of the retaining element according to the invention makes it possible to ensure the desired flexibility, which is required for insertion of the fastening part in the mounting area, as well as a sufficiently high peel force of the retaining element. Furthermore, a sufficient frictional connection between the holding element and the fastening area can be achieved.

The obstruction element reduces the opening area such that the insertion of a fastening part of a further retaining element is prevented. This ensures that two fasteners of two retaining elements can not get caught in each other. In this way it is prevented that retaining elements according to the invention which are present in particular as bulk material catch on being fed into an automatic machine, whereby a jam in the machine can be avoided. The above-mentioned machine can be, for example, a hand-held or also a robotic manufacturing machine, or an industrial robot, which is preferably used in the automotive industry. According to the invention corresponds to the opening area of the opening, minus the space occupied by the obstruction. Preferably, the longitudinal direction, the first transverse direction and the second transverse direction are each arranged orthogonal to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the head part comprises a base and at least one flange extending in the second transverse direction. The flange is wedge-shaped and has at least one end. The flange has, in the second transverse direction, a first width which is variable in the first transverse direction and a first height which varies in the longitudinal direction. The first width and the first height continuously decrease in the second transverse direction from the base to the end.

This embodiment prevents the head part of a retaining element from becoming caught in a fastening part of a further retaining element, since the first width and the second width continuously decrease from the cross-section of the flange in the opening of the retaining element when it is withdrawn.

In a further embodiment, the obstruction element extends substantially in a plane orthogonal to the second transverse direction.

As a result of this embodiment, the entire fastening part extends in one plane, as a result of which the blocking elements can not catch on another retaining element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the holding element is integrally formed. The one-piece design allows a simple production, for example by means of injection molding.

In a further preferred embodiment, the holding element is made of plastic.

This configuration enables a cost-effective production, and ensures the for the Insertion into the holding area and required for holding in the holding area flexibility of the fastening part.

Preferably, the obstruction element has an approximately rectangular and / or circular cross-section.

This embodiment ensures that the obstruction element sufficiently reduces the opening area. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible for the holding elements, in a simple manner, to be produced in one piece with the holding element during production, for example by injection molding.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening part has at least one retaining surface which is suitable for holding the retaining element in the fastening region.

This embodiment has the advantage that the withdrawal force of a holding element is increased from the attachment area. Thus, a secure attachment of a retaining element is ensured in the mounting area.

In a further embodiment, the holding surface is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

This ensures that the holding element is held in the attachment area and the withdrawal force is further increased.

In a further preferred embodiment, the holding element has an orthogonal to the second transverse direction projection plane in which the fastening part is projected. The holding element has an arbitrarily selected first direction lying in the projection plane and a second direction lying in the projection plane and orthogonal to the first direction. The holding element has an opening area surface contained in the projection plane, which is defined by the projection of the opening area into the projection plane. The holding member has a rectangular area contained in the opening area area, the area being formed by a first edge extending in the first direction and a second edge extending in the second direction, each area having a first edge being longer is the second maximum depth, has a second edge that is shorter than the second maximum width, and wherein each surface that has a second edge that is longer than the second maximum width has a first edge that is shorter than that second maximum depth is.

In the above-mentioned configuration, the opening area is configured such that the opening area area in the projection plane has the above-described characteristics. A rectangular area with the dimensions of the second maximum depth and the second maximum width corresponds to the outlines of the projection of the fastening part in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. If no such rectangular area is present in the opening area surface in a projection plane running orthogonally to the second transverse direction, in which the holding element is projected, this means that no fastening part of a further holding element can penetrate completely through the opening area. Accordingly, it is prevented by the above-mentioned preferred embodiment that two retaining elements can hook into each other by the penetration of the fastening part of the first retaining element in the fastening part of the second retaining element.

In a further embodiment, the fastening part has a geometry adapted to the contour of the fastening area.

Thus, a positive fit of the retaining element is ensured in the mounting area. Thus, for example, the retaining surfaces of the fastening part abut against corresponding abutment surfaces of the attachment region, whereby the withdrawal force is further increased.

Furthermore, a combination of at least two holding elements is provided according to the invention to achieve the object, wherein the holding elements are configured so that the obstruction of the first holding member prevents the hooking of the fastening part of the second holding member in the opening.

Details and further advantages of the holding element according to the invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below. In the drawings, which only schematically illustrate the exemplary embodiments, illustrate in detail:

1a a schematic view of a holding element according to a first embodiment in a direction parallel to a second transverse direction viewing direction;

1b a schematic view of a holding element according to the embodiment in a direction parallel to a second transverse direction viewing direction;

2 a schematic view of the holding member according to the first embodiment of a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of view;

3 a perspective view of the holding member according to the first embodiment of a parallel to a first transverse direction viewing direction;

4 a top view of a holding element according to the first embodiment in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of view;

5 a perspective view of the holding element according to a second embodiment in a direction parallel to the second transverse direction viewing direction;

6 a perspective view of the holding member according to a third embodiment in a direction parallel to the second transverse direction of sight;

7 a perspective view of a holding element according to a fourth embodiment in a direction parallel to the second transverse direction of sight;

8th a perspective view of a holding member according to a fifth embodiment in a direction parallel to the second transverse direction of sight;

9 a perspective view of a holding element according to a sixth embodiment in a direction parallel to the second transverse direction of sight;

10 a perspective view of a holding element according to a seventh embodiment in a direction parallel to the second transverse direction of view.

That in the 1a to 4 illustrated holding element 10 is made in one piece by injection molding of plastic and has a head part 20 and a fastening part 30 on. The headboard 20 has a base 21 and two flanges extending in the second transverse direction Q ₂ 22 on. Each of the flanges 22 points opposite to the base 21 an end 23 on.

How the particular 3 and 4 to identify, the flange points 22 in the second transverse direction Q ₂ a variable in the first transverse direction Q ₁ first width b ₁ and a variable in the longitudinal direction L first height h ₁ . The first width b ₁ and the first height h ₁ take in the second transverse direction Q ₂ from the base 21 to the end 23 down continuously. This wedge-shaped configuration of the flanges 22 prevents the headboard 20 in a fastening part 30 another holding element 10 can get caught. This embodiment of the head part 20 also facilitates the removal of the retaining element during manufacture 10 from an injection mold.

How the particular 1a to recognize, has the attachment part 30 an opening 31 on, through which the fastening part 30 in the first transverse direction Q _{1 is} elastically deformable. For insertion into a mounting area 50 is the fixing part 30 compressible. Furthermore, the fastening part 30 to hold in the mounting area 50 by a by the elasticity of the fastening part 30 Conditional restoring force decompressible.

The opening 31 has an opening area 32 and has in the longitudinal direction L a first maximum length l _max1 and in the first transverse direction Q ₁ a first maximum width b _max1 . The opening 31 is through a first leg 35 , a second leg 36 and one the first leg 35 with the second leg 36 connecting tip 37 educated. Due to the sufficiently large dimensions of the opening 31 is the fixing part 30 sufficiently flexible to fit in the mounting area 50 be introduced, while ensuring a sufficiently high withdrawal force is guaranteed.

The fastening part 30 has a second maximum width b _max2 in the first transverse direction Q ₁ and a second maximum depth t _{max 2} in the second transverse direction Q ₂ . The first maximum length l _max1 is greater than the second maximum width b _max2 and the first maximum width b _max1 is greater than the second maximum depth t _max2 . The fastening part 30 has at least one locking element 33 on that in the opening 31 protrudes and is configured such that the opening area 32 is reduced.

In the in 1a reproduced first embodiment of the holding element 10 has the fastening part 30 three obstruction elements 33 on that in the opening 31 protrude and the opening area 32 out. The barrier elements 33 extend substantially in a direction orthogonal to the second transverse direction Q ₂ level. The barrier elements 33 have an approximately circular cross-section. One each of the obstruction elements 33 is on the first leg 35 , on the second leg 36 and to the top 37 of the fastening part 30 arranged.

The fastening part 30 of the holding element 10 has two holding surfaces 34 on, with a holding surface 34 on the first leg 35 and a holding surface 34 on the second leg 36 is arranged. The holding surfaces 34 extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L level. The holding surfaces 34 lie in the imported state of the retaining element 10 in the attachment area 50 at corresponding mating surfaces of the mounting area 50 at. Thus, the withdrawal force of the holding element continues to be 10 elevated.

How the particular 2 to recognize are both the first leg 35 as well as the second leg 36 formed in a transverse to the longitudinal direction L extending cross section approximately arcuate. Overall, the attachment part 30 one to the contour of the mounting area 50 customized geometry. Thus, in addition to the restoring force of the fastening part 30 conditional adhesion also achieved a positive connection.

The in the 5 to 10 reproduced embodiments of the holding element according to the invention 10 differ in particular by the design of the obstruction elements 33 ,

This in 5 reproduced holding element 10 has only one obstruction element 33 on which at the top 37 of the fastening part 30 is arranged. The obstruction element 33 has a rectangular cross-section, and protrudes into the opening 31 into it, that the opening area 32 is sufficiently reduced to the penetration of another fastening part 30 to prevent.

The in the 6 . 7 . 9 and 10 reproduced holding elements 10 each have two rectangular obstruction elements 33 on. The rectangular obstruction elements 33 are each on the first leg 35 and on the second leg 36 arranged and extend substantially in a transverse to the second transverse direction Q ₂ extending plane. Furthermore, the holding elements 10 in the attachment part 30 a third obstruction element 33 on which at the top 37 is arranged and has a circular cross-section. The obstruction element 33 with a circular cross-section also extends in a plane which is orthogonal to the second transverse direction Q ₂ . The on the first leg 35 and on the second leg 36 arranged obstruction elements 33 can, as in the 9 and 10 reproduced at opposite positions of the first leg 35 and the second leg 36 be arranged in another embodiment, the obstruction elements 33 also in the transverse to the second transverse direction Q ₂ extending plane offset from each other. Are the obstructing elements 33 staggered to each other, so they can during compression of the fastening part 30 to move past each other.

This in 8th reproduced embodiment shows a holding element 10 which is two rectangular obstruction elements 33 having. The first obstruction element 33 is in the forefront 37 of the fastening part 30 arranged. The further obstruction element 33 is opposite the first obstruction element 33 adjacent to the headboard 20 arranged. This embodiment offers the advantage that the compressibility of the fastening part 30 is further increased, as the obstruction elements 33 during compression of the fastening part 30 do not move towards each other.

Regardless of the reproduced in the figures, different embodiments is an inventive retaining element 10 with a fastening part 30 provided, which at least one obstruction element 33 that is in the opening 31 protrudes and is configured such that the opening area 32 is reduced. Project the fastening part 30 in a plane of projection P orthogonal to the second transverse direction Q ₂ , as in FIG 1b reproduced, one obtains an included in the projection plane P, by the projection of the opening area 32 opening area O defined in the projection plane P, and if a first direction X is arbitrarily selected in the projection plane P and a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X, forms a first edge x extending in the first direction X and one in the first direction X second direction Y extending second edge y a surface F. If this surface F is now completely contained in the opening area O, so the fastening part 30 another holding element 10 then completely through the opening 31 when the first edge x is longer than the second maximum depth t _max2 and the second edge y is greater than the maximum width b _max2 . Conversely, no attachment part 30 another holding element 10 through the opening 31 of the holding element 10 when each face F completely contained in the opening area O and _having a first edge x longer than the second maximum depth t _max2 has a second edge y shorter than the second maximum width b _max2 and if each face F completely contained in the opening area O and _having a second edge y longer than the second maximum width b _max2 has a first edge x shorter than the second maximum depth t _max2 .

If one now defines a point U, which lies in the opening area O, with an associated position vector u →, which defines the position of the point U from an origin O _xy , an area F can be formally defined in the following way: ∀O _xv , x →, y → εP, ∀x → · y → = 0, ∀UεO, ∀s ₁ , s ₂ ε [0; 1]: F = U + s ₁ · x → + s ₂ · y → where the vector x → of the first edge x, and the vector y → of the second edge y, so that the length of the vector x → equals the length of the first edge, the length of the vector y → the length of the second edge equals the direction of the vector x → is equal to the first direction X and the direction of the vector y → equals the second direction Y, and where the vectors x → and y → are orthogonal to each other, since their scalar product is zero, then the above-described embodiment of the holding element applies 10 the following statement:

Each of the reproduced in the embodiments retaining elements 10 has the advantage that by sizing the opening 31 the desired flexibility of the fastening part 30 is achieved, whereby a low assembly force and a high pull-off force is ensured. Furthermore, by the obstruction 33 prevents a second holding element 10 with the fastening part 30 in the opening 31 can be introduced by the obstruction elements 33 the opening area 32 the opening, 31 out.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

retaining element

20

headboard

21

Base

22

flange

23

The End

30

attachment portion

31

opening

32

opening area

33

Versperrungselement

34

holding surface

35

first leg

36

second leg

37

top

50

fastening area

l _max1

first maximum length

b _max1

first maximum width

b _max2

second maximum width

t _max2

second maximum depth

b ₁

first width

h ₁

first height

P

projection plane

O

Opening area surface

F

area

U

Point

x

first edge

y

second edge

_Oxy

origin

X

first direction

Y

second direction

L

longitudinal direction

Q ₁

first transverse direction

Q ₂

second transverse direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 2410949 A1 [0002]

Claims (11)

Retaining element for insertion into a fastening area ( 50 ), in particular for use in a machine of the automotive industry, comprising: a longitudinal direction (L); a first transverse direction (Q ₁ ); a second transverse direction (Q ₂ ), a head part ( 20 ), which is suitable in the attachment area ( 50 ) to form an abutment and a fastening part ( 30 ), which is suitable, in the longitudinal direction (L) in the mounting area ( 50 ) to be introduced; the fastening part ( 30 ) an opening ( 31 ), through which the fastening part ( 30 ) is elastically deformable in the first transverse direction (Q ₁ ) in order to be inserted into the fastening area (Q ₁ ). 50 ) compressible and for holding in the mounting area ( 50 ) by a by the elasticity of the fastening part ( 30 ) conditional restoring force to be decompressible; the opening ( 31 ) an opening area ( 32 ) having; the opening ( 31 ) has a first maximum length (l _max1 ) in the longitudinal direction (L) and a first maximum width (b _max1 ) in the first transverse direction (Q ₁ ); the fastening part ( 30 ) has a second maximum width (b _max2 ) in the first transverse direction (Q ₁ ) and a second maximum depth (t _max2 ) in the second transverse direction (Q ₂ ); wherein the first maximum length (l _max1 ) is greater than the second maximum width (b _max2 ) and the first maximum width (b _max1 ) is greater than the second maximum depth (t _max2 ), and wherein the fastening part ( 30 ) at least one obstruction element ( 33 ), which in the opening ( 31 ) and is configured such that the opening area ( 32 ) is reduced. Retaining element according to claim 1, characterized in that the head part ( 20 ) One Base ( 21 ) and at least one in the second transverse direction (Q ₂ ) extending flange ( 22 ); the flange ( 22 ) is wedge-shaped and at least one end ( 23 ) having; the flange ( 22 ) (In the second transverse direction Q ₂₎ (in the first lateral direction Q variable ₁₎ first width (b comprises ₁₎ and a (in the longitudinal direction L) variable first height (h _1); and wherein, the first width (b ₁ ) and the first height (h ₁ ) in the second transverse direction (Q ₂ ) from the base ( 21 ) to the end ( 23 ) decrease continuously. Retaining element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the obstructing element ( 33 ) extends substantially in a plane orthogonal to the second transverse direction (Q ₂ ). Retaining element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining element ( 10 ) is integrally formed. Retaining element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the retaining element ( 10 ) is made of plastic. Retaining element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the obstructing element ( 33 ) has an approximately rectangular and / or circular cross-section. Retaining element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastening part ( 30 ) at least one holding surface ( 34 ), which is suitable for the holding element ( 10 ) in the attachment area ( 50 ) to keep. Retaining element according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding surface ( 34 ) is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L). Retaining element according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized by a projection plane (P) extending orthogonally to the second transverse direction (Q ₂ ), in which the fastening part ( 30 ) is projectable; an arbitrarily selected first direction (X) lying in the projection plane (P); a second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction (X) in the projection plane (P); an opening area (O) contained in the projection plane (P), which is defined by the projection of the opening area (P) 32 ) is defined in the projection plane (P); a rectangular area (F) included in the opening area (O); the surface (F) being formed by a first edge (x) extending in the first direction (X) and a second edge (y) extending in the second direction (Y); wherein each face (F) having a first edge (x) longer than the second maximum depth (t _max2 ) has a second edge (y) shorter than the second maximum width (b _max2 ); and wherein each face (F) having a second edge (y) that is longer than the second maximum width (b _max2 ) has a first edge (x) that is shorter than the second maximum depth (t _max2 ) , Retaining element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fastening part ( 30 ) one to the contour of the attachment area ( 50 ) has adapted geometry. Combination of at least two retaining elements ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the holding elements ( 10 ) are designed so that the Locking element ( 33 ) of the first retaining element ( 10 ) the hooking of the fastening part ( 30 ) of the second holding element ( 10 ) in the opening ( 31 ) prevented.

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