DE102018222052B4 - Procedure for controlling a connection - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for checking a connection between a first component (2) and a second component (4), the first component (2) having a clip (8) which is designed to fasten the first component (2) to the second component ( 4) to latch, the clip (8) enclosing an area (10), an elongate base body (16) of a control element being threaded through the area (10) enclosed by the clip (8) and having an end section ( 14) with a maximum dimension X, wherein the two components (2, 4) are to be connected to one another during assembly, wherein the area (10) enclosed by the clip (8) in a first case, when the two components (2 , 4) are correctly connected to each other, has a dimension A that is at least as large as the dimension X, and wherein the area (10) enclosed by the clip (8) in a second case, when the two components (2, 4 ) are not connected to each other, has a dimension B, which is smaller than the dimension X, wherein the control element is pulled out of the clip (8) in the first case, wherein the control element is prevented from being pulled out in the second case.

Description

The invention relates to a method for checking a connection between two components and a checking system.

During assembly, a first component can be assembled in a second component via a clip or multiple clips. Such clips can have different appearances, but what they have in common is a relative movement of a respective clip during an assembly process perpendicular to an assembly direction.

A visual inspection is usually used to check whether all the clips are actually engaged. Such a test may be necessary, for example, to ensure the tightness of an assembly assembled from the components.

In addition, a visual inspection is very difficult to implement robustly due to the small relative distances between the components. A difference between an unlatched clip and a latched clip can range from e.g. B. only 1 - 3 mm. In the case of limited viewing windows, time constraints due to short assembly cycles and limited lighting or exposures, such a visual inspection can be extremely difficult or even impossible.

A safety clip for anchoring a component is from the publication DE 10 2016 012 951 A1 known.

The pamphlet DE 202 04 461 U1 describes an assembly consisting of a steering wheel with two latching hooks and a gas bag module with a leg spring, the steering wheel and the gas bag module being movable relative to one another in such a way that the latching hook and the leg spring can enter into a latching connection, with the assembly being able to assume an incorrectly locked state, in which the latching hook and the torsion spring are in close proximity to one another but have not yet engaged in a latching connection, and a correctly locked state in which the latching hook and the torsion spring have entered into a latching connection. A band is integrated into the assembly, with the band, the steering wheel and the gas bag module, the locking hook and the torsion spring being designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that the band cannot be removed from the assembly if the assembly is not correctly locked and the strap is removable from the assembly when the assembly is in the properly latched condition.

The pamphlet GB 2 364 092 A describes a clip for connecting a panel to a component.

A fastener with improved assembly verification is from the reference DE 10 2016 110 879 A1 known.

Against this background, it was an object to reliably assemble a first component in a second component and also to check an assembled or provided subassembly for correct assembly.

This object is achieved by a method and a control system having the features of the independent patent claims. Embodiments of the method and the control system emerge from the dependent patent claims.

The method according to the invention is provided for checking, for example checking, a connection between a first component and a second component or a connection of the first component with the second component. The first component has at least one clip, which is designed to latch the first component on and/or in the second component, wherein the first component can be latched with the at least one clip on and/or in the second component, i . H. should be locked. The at least one clip of the first component encloses an area, with an elongate base body of a control element being threaded through the area enclosed by the at least one clip as an additional part, which has an enlarged end section with a maximum dimension X at a first end. The two components are to be connected to one another during assembly or should be connected during assembly, with a specification being taken into account by definition. In a first case, if the two components are or have been correctly connected to one another via the at least one clip during assembly, the area enclosed by the at least one clip has a dimension A that is at least as large as dimension X, for example. Larger than the X dimension. On the other hand, the area enclosed by the at least one clip has a dimension B that is smaller than dimension X in a second case, when the two components are not or have not been correctly connected to one another during assembly. In the first case, the control element is pulled out of the at least one clip in the method. On the other hand, in the second case, the control element cannot be pulled out or is prevented. A maximum width, e.g. a maximum diameter of the elongate base body is at least smaller than dimension X, usually smaller than dimension B.

In one refinement, the assembly is repeated if the two components are not connected to one another during assembly, in particular are or are or have been correctly connected.

In an embodiment, if the connection between the two components is correct, usually according to the definable specification for assembly, it is provided that a closing edge of the second component is arranged in the clip and surrounded by the clip, the components being correctly connected to one another via the at least one clip become or are

In addition, it is possible for the first component to have a plurality of clips, with the base body being threaded through the plurality of clips before assembly. In this case, the two components are correctly connected to one another when all the clips each enclose an area of dimension A, with the control element being able to be pulled out through all the clips.

In one embodiment, the control element is pulled as an additional part at a position along the elongate body in a pulling direction, with a section of the elongate body lying in the area of the clip, i. H. surrounded by the clip portions thereof, is placed between the position along the body and the end portion.

The method is carried out for two components, which are components of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle. In this case, the first component is designed, for example, as a steering grommet and is inserted into an opening of a second component designed, for example, as a wall, in particular as an end wall. The procedure is used to check whether, for example, the guide grommet as the first component is correctly inserted into the wall as the second component.

The first component is locked to the second component when it is possible to pull the control cord out of the clip, otherwise the two components are not locked or still detached from each other when the control cord with the thickened end cut in or on the at least one clip is blocked.

The control system according to the invention has at least one control element and is designed to control, for example to check, a connection of a first component to a second component. In this case, the first component has at least one clip which is designed to latch the first component on and/or in the second component. The at least one clip encloses an area, with an elongate base body of the at least one control element being or being threaded through the area surrounded by the at least one clip, the base body having an enlarged end section at a first end with a maximum dimension X, usually at a widest point. During assembly, the two components are to be connected or can be connected to one another, usually in accordance with a specification provided for this purpose. Accordingly, in a first case, if the two components are correctly connected to one another via the at least one clip in accordance with the specification, the area enclosed by the at least one clip has a dimension A that is at least as large as, usually larger than, the dimension X of the end section is. In contrast to this, the area enclosed by the at least one clip has a dimension B that is smaller than dimension X in a second case, when the two components are not connected to one another via the at least one clip. In the first case, the control element can be or can be pulled out of the at least one clip, whereas in the second case, it is prevented or prevented from being pulled out of the control element from the at least one clip. A maximum width, e.g. a maximum diameter of the elongate body is smaller than dimension B.

The at least one control element is designed, for example, as a control cord, with the base body being designed to be flexible and easily deformable. Alternatively, it is possible for the base body to be rigid or rigid, for example as a bar or rod, and can only be deformed with difficulty in comparison to a cord. Furthermore, it is possible for the end section to be rotationally symmetrical, for example spherical or conical, and to have a diameter as dimension X, with the end section having a larger diameter than the base body. The end section can only be pulled through the clip if it is correctly engaged. The end section can be designed as a local thickening or as a nose at the end of the, for example, elongate base body. If the control element is designed as a rigid component, with the base body being formed, for example, as a wire, the end section can be formed as a sheet metal or sheet metal extension at the end of the wire as the base body, which can be removed in the configuration by turning or only by turning the control element from the fully engaged clip.

The at least one control element can be attached to the first component via a predetermined breaking point. However, it is also possible that the at least one control element and the first component are initially separated from one another until the at least one control element, ie its elongated base body, is threaded into the at least one clip. After successful testing of the connection of the two components, e.g Components via the at least one clip, if the at least one control element has been pulled out of the at least one clip during the test, it can be threaded into the at least one clip of a further first component and used to check the connection of this further first component with a further second component be used.

In the method, two components are connected to one another using a snap-in action of a clip. In this case, the first component has the clip and the control element, which can be designed as a so-called control cord. The control element can only be detached or detached from the first and additional second components, which are to be connected to one another, when the clip is previously latched and thus relieved. The clip is in an end position and is therefore locked. The control element, embodied, for example, as a control cord, is attached or arranged on the clip of the first component. Before assembly, the control element is either introduced into the first component in a detachable manner or is already made detachable together with it. A base body of the control element, for example a limp base body of a control cord, has a thickened or enlarged end section at one end, which can have different shapes and can be e.g. spherical or conical, with a diameter of the end section varying. A diameter of the control element can also vary. In one embodiment, the additional part is used to connect two components, with the first component being used as a guide grommet in the second component designed as a wall.

The steering grommet is, for example, the first component that seals a passage and thus the opening in the wall, for example the front wall, as the second component, with a steering shaft or steering rod being guided through the steering grommet. Thus, a passenger compartment at this point, i. H. in the opening of the wall as a second component, sealed by the steering grommet as the first component both acoustically and against liquid in relation to a front end and/or engine compartment. The steering grommet consists of several materials, namely on the one hand of elastically deformable material, usually rubber, in order to be able to seal and also translational movements of the steering shaft, e.g. B. to compensate for vibrations or a steering wheel adjustment.

With an embodiment of the control system according to the invention and an embodiment of the associated method or assembly process according to the invention, both a short assembly time and secure locking of the components are ensured without the need to inspect the clips.

In this case, the control element, embodied, for example, as a control cord, is to be attached or attached to the at least one clip, for example to a plurality of clips, on and/or on the first component. The control cord can only be pulled out of the clip when it is relieved, i. H. is locked in its intended correct end position.

In the process, the control element, for example the control cord, is inserted into the first component as an additional part in a first step. Such an insertion of the control cord into the first component can be carried out either in a feed section or preparation section, d. H. be carried out shortly before the actual final assembly or in preparation for assembly, for example by a supplier of the first component. It is also possible to manufacture the control element together with the first component in preparation for assembly, so that the first component and the control element z. B. still related via a predetermined breaking point. In a second step, the first component is mounted in the second component. In a third step, successful locking is checked by checking whether the control element, e.g. the control cord, can be easily detached. If this is not possible, the second step is carried out again. In a fourth step, the control element is removed or returned as a revolving part to the set-up line and/or for the first step, the control element being fed to the set-up line or feed line and used again in the next assembly process.

The method and the control element designed, for example, as a control cord can be used for different components that are mounted using clips.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

• 1 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung ein Beispiel für einen Zustand von Bauteilen, die miteinander korrekt verbunden sind, was bei Durchführung einer ersten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens überprüft wird.
• 2 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung die Bauteile aus 1 in einem Zustand, in dem sie miteinander nicht korrekt verbunden sind, was bei Durchführung einer zweiten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens überprüft wird.

The invention is shown schematically in an embodiment in the drawing and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawings.

• 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a state of components that are correctly connected to one another, which is checked when carrying out a first embodiment of the method according to the invention.
• 2 shows the components in a schematic representation 1 in a state where they are not correctly connected to each other, which is checked when a second embodiment of the method according to the invention is carried out.

The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner, and the same reference symbols are assigned to the same components.

The 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of a first component 2, a second component 4 and a control cord 6 as an embodiment of a control element. These two components 2, 4 are configured or designed to be locked together. The first component 2 has a curved clip 8 at one end, which has a first clip section 9 and a second clip section 11 and encloses an area 10 , an undercut 12 being arranged at one end of the first clip section 9 of the clip 8 . An end section 14 is arranged at one end of the control line 6, which is designed here as a spherical thickening and has a dimension X at its widest point, here a larger diameter X than an elastically deformable, here pliable base body 16 of the control line 6. The control cord 6 is guided through the area 10 enclosed by the clip 8 . In addition, the second component 4 has a linear terminal edge 18 which is curved here, for example.

In both embodiments of the method, the control line 6, i. H. whose base body 16 is guided, for example threaded, in a first step through the area 10 enclosed by the clip 8 . In a second step, the first component 2 is mounted on the second component 4 .

During assembly, the closing edge 18 is arranged between the two clip sections 9, 11 in a second step of the first embodiment of the method, with the in 1 schematically shown state results. After successful or correct installation, the area 10 enclosed by the clip 8 or by the clip sections 9, 11 has a width or dimension A that is at least as large as the diameter X of the end section 14, e.g. is larger than the diameter X of the end portion 14 when the terminal edge 18 is clipped into the clip 8. In this first embodiment, it is possible to pull the control line 6 and thus the control element in a designated pulling direction, which is indicated by an arrow 20, completely from the first component 2, ie from the clip 8, since the end portion 14 through the of the Clip 8 enclosed area fits.

In contrast, during assembly in a second step of the second embodiment of the method, the first clip section 9 is inadvertently pinched between the second clip section 11 and the closing edge 18, with the in 2 schematically shown state results. In this case, the area 10 enclosed by the clip 8 or by the clip sections 9, 11 has a width or dimension B after incorrect assembly, which is smaller than a diameter X of the end section 14. In this second embodiment, it is not possible to pull the control line 6 and thus the control element out of the first component 2, ie out of its clip 8, in the intended pulling direction, since the end section 14 does not fit through the area 10 surrounded by the clip 8 and is thus blocked. In this case the arrow 20 is crossed out.

In this way, in both embodiments of the method, it is checked in the third step whether the two components 2, 4 are correctly connected to one another or not.

In possible configurations, the end section 14 can have different shapes, with a widest point of the end section 14 with the dimension, here diameter, X being larger than the dimension B and smaller than the dimension A. The end section 14 is rotationally symmetrical in design, for example as a sphere or cone, with such a rotationally symmetrical shape preventing the end section 14 from tilting in the area 10 . The base body 16 of the control element designed here as a control cord 6 is made of a flexible material, for example plastic, or a flexible part. Alternatively, it is possible that the base body 16 is formed as a rigid, solid part made of rigid, solid material. Regardless of a material composition and/or deformability of the control element, a diameter of the elongate base body 16 is smaller than dimension B. H. threaded through a clip 8. Alternatively, it is possible that the base body 16 of the control element is or is threaded through a number of clips 8 of the first component 2 in the first step. The control element can be cast on the first component 2, for example on the at least one clip 8, with a predetermined breaking point. An increase in width, eg. An increase in diameter, of the end portion 14 or other local changes in shape, z. B. removed by turning the control element.

Reference List

2

first component

4

second component

6

control cord

8th

clip

9, 11

clip section

10

Area

12

undercut

14

end section

16

body

18

finishing edge

20

Arrow

Claims (9)

Method for checking a connection between a first component (2) and a second component (4), the first component (2) having a clip (8) which is designed to fasten the first component (2) to the second component ( 4) to latch, the clip (8) enclosing an area (10), an elongate base body (16) of a control element being threaded through the area (10) enclosed by the clip (8) and having an end section ( 14) with a maximum dimension X, wherein the two components (2, 4) are to be connected to one another during assembly, wherein the area (10) surrounded by the clip (8) in a first case, when the two components (2 , 4) are correctly connected to each other, has a dimension A that is at least as large as the dimension X, and wherein the area (10) enclosed by the clip (8) in a second case, when the two components (2, 4 ) are not connected to each other, has a dimension B, which is smaller than the dimension X, wherein the control element is pulled out of the clip (8) in the first case, wherein the control element is prevented from being pulled out in the second case. procedure after claim 1 , in which the assembly is repeated when the two components (2, 4) are not connected to each other. procedure after claim 1 or 2 , in which, when the two components (2, 4) are correctly connected, a closing edge (18) of the second component (2) is arranged in the clip (8) and is surrounded by the clip (8). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first component (2) has a plurality of clips (8), the base body (16) being threaded through the plurality of clips (8) before assembly. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first component (2) is designed as a guide sleeve and is inserted into a second component (4) designed as a wall. Control system which has at least one control element and is designed to control a connection between a first component (2) and a second component (4), the first component (2) having a clip (8) which is designed to the first To latch component (2) on the second component (4), the clip (8) enclosing an area (10), whereby the area (10) enclosed by the clip (8) includes an elongate base body (16) of the at least one control element is threaded, which has an end section (14) with a maximum dimension X at one end, the two components (2, 4) being to be connected to one another during assembly, the area (10) enclosed by the clip (8) in a first case, when the two components (2, 4) are correctly connected to each other, has a dimension A that is at least as large as the dimension X, and the area (10) enclosed by the clip (8) is in a second case, when the two components (2, 4) are not correctly connected to each other, has a dimension B smaller than dimension X, in the first case the control element is to be extracted from the clip (8), extraction of the Control element is prevented in the second case. control system after claim 6 In which the at least one control element is designed as a control cord (6), the base body (16) being designed to be flexible. control system after claim 6 or 7 , in which the end section (14) is rotationally symmetrical and has a diameter as dimension X. Control system according to one of Claims 6 until 8th , in which the at least one control element is attached to the first component (2) via a predetermined breaking point.

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