EP0640404B1 - Covering cap - Google Patents

Covering cap Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0640404B1
EP0640404B1 EP93113510A EP93113510A EP0640404B1 EP 0640404 B1 EP0640404 B1 EP 0640404B1 EP 93113510 A EP93113510 A EP 93113510A EP 93113510 A EP93113510 A EP 93113510A EP 0640404 B1 EP0640404 B1 EP 0640404B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
covering cap
threaded stud
fastening
cap
add
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93113510A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0640404A1 (en
Inventor
A.C. Werner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nedschroef Plettenberg GmbH
Original Assignee
Nedschroef Plettenberg GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nedschroef Plettenberg GmbH filed Critical Nedschroef Plettenberg GmbH
Priority to AT93113510T priority Critical patent/ATE159870T1/en
Priority to DE59307648T priority patent/DE59307648D1/en
Priority to ES93113510T priority patent/ES2112362T3/en
Priority to EP93113510A priority patent/EP0640404B1/en
Publication of EP0640404A1 publication Critical patent/EP0640404A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0640404B1 publication Critical patent/EP0640404B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/16—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/20—Masking elements, i.e. elements defining uncoated areas on an object to be coated

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing a paint-free connection to an add-on part by means of a protruding threaded bolt of a metal sheet, and to a device for carrying out this method.
  • a typical application for this is in automotive engineering, where threaded bolts are attached to a sheet metal part by means of stud welding or rivets or spot welding a so-called T-screw (threaded bolts with sheet metal tabs protruding on both sides at the end) etc. and attachments are attached to the sheet metal in a metallic connection after the sheet has been painted.
  • T-screw threaded bolts with sheet metal tabs protruding on both sides at the end
  • both a nut screwed onto the threaded bolt and a slid-on sleeve with a retracting counter-directed barb or projections can be used to fasten the attachment, such as the earth cable, to the sheet metal surface with sufficient pressure.
  • the latter can only be released without destroying or losing the contact pressure if special measures are provided, such as arranging the projections only in two opposite areas, so that by pressing the cover cap in a direction transverse to the connecting axis of the two areas, the projections in or can be disengaged from the thread.
  • cover cap which is preferably made of metal, is used both for covering and for later pressing on.
  • the still loose threaded bolt is first screwed into the cover cap, and then the entire unit is brought up to the sheet metal by means of a corresponding handling device and riveted or bolt-welded.
  • the use of a metallic cover cap has heretofore been seen as a disadvantage, since the arc could inadmissibly build up between the sheet metal and the facing end face of the cover cap instead of between the sheet metal and the facing end face of the threaded bolt.
  • the assembly time is greatly reduced, since the handling tool does not first take hold of the cover cap, after fastening the bolt and unscrewing the cover cap there must be a separation of the tool and cover cap, with the mounting nut subsequently being accommodated in the same or analog tool.
  • the cover cap is inserted into the handling tool, for example a motor-driven hexagon nut, only once at the beginning of the process, and the screwing forwards or backwards is then carried out therewith.
  • the end face and thus the flange of the cover cap facing the sheet metal is chosen so large in its outer dimensions that it is the same size or larger than the contact surface of the add-on part which later lies directly against the sheet metal.
  • the sleeve at the end of the earth cable to be fastened could have an annular area which protrudes against the sheet metal and has a defined inner and outer diameter, which is matched to the area around the bolt which is kept free of paint, while the overall dimensions of the eyelet may even be larger at the end of the ground cable.
  • the cover cap In order not to allow an arc between the sheet and the end face of the cover cap facing it when welding the threaded bolt, the cover cap is not screwed on so far in this process step that its cover surface is already at the same height as the end face of the threaded bolt facing the plate.
  • metal cover caps according to the invention there is a further advantage that the handling during stud welding is exclusively by contact with the The outer surface of the cover cap is sufficient, since the current flow from the metal cover cap via the welding bolt into the sheet metal is thus ensured, which was not possible with the disposable cover caps made of non-conductive material previously used, so that there is a grasping of the protruding from the cover cap Parts of the threaded bolt due to the electrically conductive arrangement was necessary.
  • the free-running end of the threaded stud is moved against the sheet metal and welded, while in the other case the welding stud has a widened, plate-shaped, round base at its end to be connected to the sheet.
  • This base is used so that despite the poses caused by the welding, there is as flat a contact surface as possible for the attachment of the add-on part, namely the ring-shaped end face of the base of the threaded bolt pointing away from the sheet metal, around the thread, while the arising Threats on the lower level, namely the contact surface of the opposite end face of the base and the outer surface of the sheet.
  • an undercut is incorporated into the annular edge of the inner circumference of the striking surface of the covering cap directed against the sheet metal, which absorbs the resulting poses if the welding stud does not have a widened base described above. If the welding stud has a base, the lower, thread-less and therefore thicker end of the welding stud is accommodated in the undercut.
  • the paint also applied to the cover cap is then damaged as little as possible and thus corresponds to the visual requirements when tightening or loosening the usually.
  • polygon e.g. Hexagon
  • formed outer circumference does not occur in the edge areas of the pressing surfaces, as is usual in the case of normal hexagon nuts, that is to say in the vicinity of the contact edges of the six pressing surfaces, but is offset toward the center of the pressing surfaces. This prevents the paint from jumping off at the edge areas of the individual pressing surfaces in the vicinity of their contact edges.
  • the cover cap - if it is made of steel - is protected against corrosion anyway by appropriate coating with nickel, copper or the like, the lacquer applied to the cover cap additionally improves the corrosion resistance.
  • protrusions are used that are arranged in segments, in order to enable the cover cap to be pushed on quickly instead of being screwed on, it must be made of metal or another material there - be elastically deformable in the transverse direction to the projections so that the projections which are in engagement with the thread become disengaged and, when the deformation force is removed, return to their original position in order to another pushing open, this time to fasten the cable harness, to offer the same old strength again.
  • the undercut on the inner circumference of the face of the cover cap does not have a rectangular cross-section from a bevel of this annular edge, but instead, e.g. has a rectangular cross section, the surfaces of which lie essentially parallel to the end face and the inner circumference of the opening of the cover cap. This prevents the liquid metal spraying away during stud welding from being thrown back by the bevel in the direction of the thread.
  • Fig. 1 basically shows the procedure, with a distinction being made as to whether the welding stud used has a widened base or not and whether the attachment can be placed over the free end of the welding stud or pushed sideways onto the welding stud.
  • the procedure is shown if the cover cap 6 is screwed onto the threaded bolt 3 in whole or in part from the beginning and is handled together with it during welding.
  • the procedure is shown in which the welding stud is handled alone until it is firmly connected to the sheet metal, and only then is the cover cap 6 applied.
  • the two parts can be non-location-specific beforehand and possibly. fully automatically connected to each other to the desired extent, for example screwed, so that only a single item has to be stored at the production site itself.
  • the functional unit 28, consisting of threaded bolt 3 and cover cap 6, is guided against the sheet metal 1, with which it is welded at a sufficiently small distance or by means of an arc using the stud welding method.
  • the majority of threaded bolts 3 with a widened base 5 are used, on which the end cap 7 of the cover cap 6 is seated.
  • the base 5 can easily be held on the circumference by means of holding tongs 27 during the welding process, so that the welding process takes place reliably between the base surface of the base 5 and the sheet metal 1.
  • gripping or picking up is also possible directly and exclusively on the hexagon socket 11 of the cover cap 6 by means of a tool such as a nut 26 during the approach and welding.
  • a tool such as a nut 26 during the approach and welding.
  • the threaded bolt 3 must protrude sufficiently far from the cover cap 6 during welding to only between the free thread surface of the threaded bolt 3 and the Sheet 1 to cause an arc.
  • the cover cap 6 is screwed in the direction against the sheet metal until the cover cap bears with its end face 7 on the counter surface 4.
  • this is the sheet metal surface surrounding the threaded bolt, in the case of a threaded bolt with a base 5 this is the line surface directed upward in FIG. 1.
  • the now lacquered cover cap 6 is first completely unscrewed from the threaded bolt 3 by means of a nut 26, then component 2 is placed over the threaded bolt 3 and the cover cap 6 is screwed on again until the add-on part 2 is pressed against the paint-free counterpart, either the base of the threaded bolt or the sheet metal, with the required nominal pressure.
  • the lower row of pictures shows the use of non-closed, for example U-shaped attachments that can be pushed laterally onto the threaded bolt. It is not necessary to completely unscrew the cap, it is sufficient to screw up by a distance that must at least correspond to the thickness of the attachment.
  • the cover cap After pushing the add-on part and resting it on the paint-free counter surface, the cover cap is screwed back in the direction of the sheet metal to fasten the add-on part. This saves valuable assembly time since only a shorter distance has to be screwed back and forth again.
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view with a threaded bolt 3 without a widened base.
  • the threaded bolt 3 which is welded to the sheet 1, can be seen.
  • a melt 24 is formed briefly in the transition area between the two parts, and thereby also a projection 21 that arises in the annular edge between the threaded bolt 3 and the sheet metal 1.
  • the thread 13 of the threaded bolt 3 does not extend to the sheet-metal end 1, but ends one or a few mm beforehand.
  • the thread 13 of the threaded bolt 3 fits on an opposing external thread 16 or correspondingly shaped projections 17 in the inner circumference of the cover cap 6.
  • This consists of a nut part 9 in the middle, which is designed on the outside in a known manner as an external hexagon 11, and in Internal thread has the internal thread 16.
  • a widened flange 25 adjoins the nut part 9, the outer diameter of which determines the size of the end face 7 and thus the covered area on the counter surface.
  • the outer diameter of the covering end face 7 of the cover cap 6 is chosen to match the outer diameter of the support surface 20 of the attachment 2 so that the outer diameter of the end face 7 is the same or slightly larger is the outer diameter of the contact surface 20 of the attachment 2.
  • the cap part 10 connects with an approximately semicircular outer contour at the free end.
  • the cap part and nut part are preferably formed in one piece, but a multi-part design and simple connection by means of locking elements etc. is also possible.
  • the nut part 9 applying the contact pressure could be made of metal, while the only purpose of covering 10 would be plastic, etc.
  • the diameter of the blind hole 18 can be larger in the area of the cap part 10 than in the area of the nut part 9 or the internal thread 16.
  • this undercut 8 has no function.
  • the base 5 usually has a round outer circumference and in adaptation thereto, the flange 25 also has a round outer circumference at the lower end of the cover cap 6.
  • the melt 24 now occurs in the connection area between the lower end face of the base 5 in FIG. 3 and the sheet 1.
  • a two-part embodiment of the cover cap is also shown, in which a nose 28 as the outer circumference at the lower end of the cap part 10 is engaged behind a projection 29 on the inner circumference of the nut part.
  • FIGS. 4a to 4c show a cover cap 6, which on its inner circumference does not have a circumferential internal thread 6, but rather only at two opposite points of projections 17.
  • FIGS. 4a and 4b show a cross-sectional representation along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.
  • Fig. 4a it can be seen how in the unloaded state of the cap 6, the projections 17 engage in the threads of the external thread 13 of the threaded bolt 3, and thus give the same positive locking effect as with a circumferential thread. The fine adjustment can still be made by screwing the cover cap 6 against the threaded bolt 3.
  • the projections 17 are designed accordingly, screwing on from the free end of the threaded bolt 3 can be avoided by, for example, pushing the cover cap with the projections 17 onto the bolt in the axial direction when the individual projections are sufficiently elastic, to snap over the slopes of the individual threads in the next.
  • an embodiment as shown in FIG. 4c is favorable, in which the individual projections 17 do not protrude to the bottom of the threads of the thread 13, but end beforehand and have a sufficient free length, interrupted by notches between the individual projections 17, have to allow a deflection and thus a pushing.
  • the solution with projections 17 is particularly interesting in the two-part design of the cover cap, since in this case the elasticity of a cap part made of plastic can be used, while nut part 9 and flange 25 consist of metal or less elastic, more dimensionally dimensioned plastic.

Landscapes

  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
  • Coating With Molten Metal (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
  • Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
  • Sealing Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for producing, on a metal plate, by means of a projecting threaded bolt of said metal plate, a coating-free connection to an attachment part, and the invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out this process. The object of the present invention is thus to provide a process and a covering cap for carrying out the process, in order to avoid the previous disadvantages of such processes and, in particular, to shorten the assembly time which is necessary. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren, um mittels eines vorstehenden Gewindebolzens eines Bleches an diesem Blech eine lackfreie Verbindung mit einem Anbauteil herzustellen, sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for producing a paint-free connection to an add-on part by means of a protruding threaded bolt of a metal sheet, and to a device for carrying out this method.

Ein typischer Anwendungsfall hierfür ist im Automobilbau gegeben, wo Gewindebolzen an einem Blechteil mittels Bolzenschweissen oder Nieten oder Punktschweißen einer sog. T-Schraube (Gewindebolzen mit am Ende beidseits quer abstehenden Blechlaschen) etc. befestigt sind und Anbauteile in metallischer Verbindung an dem Blech befestigt werden müssen, nachdem das Blech lackiert wurde.A typical application for this is in automotive engineering, where threaded bolts are attached to a sheet metal part by means of stud welding or rivets or spot welding a so-called T-screw (threaded bolts with sheet metal tabs protruding on both sides at the end) etc. and attachments are attached to the sheet metal in a metallic connection after the sheet has been painted.

Um dies zu erreichen, wurde bisher wie folgt vorgegangen:

  • Auf das nicht mit Blech zu verbindende Ende des Gewindebolzens wurde eine Abdeckkappe, bestehend aus Kunststoff, Pappe oder ähnlichem Material, aufgeschraubt und der Gewindebolzen mit dem aus dieser Abdeckkappe hervorstehenden Ende gegen das Blech bewegt und dort mittels Bolzenschweissen oder Nieten etc. mit dem Blech verbunden,
  • spätestens jetzt wurde die Abdeckkappe mit ihrer dem Blech zugewandten Stirnseite in feste Anlage an die Oberfläche des Bleches bzw. des verbreiterten Sockels des Gewindebolzens (falls ein solcher vorhanden war) gebracht,
  • das Blech bzw. die gesamte Karosserie wurde einzelnen Lackierschritten mittels Tauchlackieren und Einbrenn-Spritzlackieren unterworfen,
  • nach der Trocknung des Lackes wurde die Abdeckkappe abgeschraubt und aufgrund ihrer Beschichtung mit dem Lack als Sondermüll entfernt bzw. weiterbehandelt,
  • das Anbauteil wie etwa die geschlossene Öse des Massekabels wurde über den Gewindebolzen gesteckt und
  • mittels einer auf den Gewindebolzen aufgeschraubten Hut-Mutter in metallische, feste Anlage an die Oberfläche des Bleches gebracht.
So far, this has been done as follows:
  • A cover cap consisting of plastic, cardboard or similar material was screwed onto the end of the threaded bolt that was not to be connected to sheet metal, and the threaded bolt with the end protruding from this cover cap was moved against the sheet metal and connected to the sheet metal there by means of stud welding or rivets etc. ,
  • at the latest now the cover cap with its end facing the sheet metal was brought into firm contact with the surface of the sheet metal or the widened base of the threaded bolt (if there was one),
  • the sheet metal or the entire body was subjected to individual painting steps by means of dip painting and stoving spray painting,
  • after the paint had dried, the cover cap was unscrewed and, because of its coating with the paint, removed or treated as special waste,
  • the attachment, such as the closed eyelet of the earth cable, was placed over the threaded bolt and
  • by means of a cap nut screwed onto the threaded bolt in metallic, firm contact to the surface of the sheet.

Dia Nachteile dieses bisherigen Verfahrens bestehen darin, daß zum einen die verwendeten Abdeckkappen Einwegprodukte aufgrund der Benetzung durch Lack waren und hierdurch eine große Menge Abfall entstand, der zudem als Sondermüll einzustufen war. Als Material für die Abdeckkappen konnte weder ein gut recyclebares noch ein besonderes preiswertes Material verwendet werden, da das Material auch bei den hohen Temperaturen der EinbrennVorgänge sich nicht so weit verformen durfte, daß ein Eindringen des Lackes aufgrund Kapillarwirkung hinter die abdeckende Stirnfläche der Abdeckkappe möglich wäre.The disadvantages of this previous method are that, on the one hand, the cover caps used were single-use products due to the wetting by lacquer and this resulted in a large amount of waste, which was also to be classified as hazardous waste. Neither an easily recyclable nor a particularly inexpensive material could be used as the material for the cover caps, since the material, even at the high temperatures of the baking processes, was not allowed to deform to such an extent that penetration of the lacquer behind the covering end face of the cover cap was possible due to capillary action .

Ein weiterer Nachteil besteht darin, daß der Zeitaufwand bei dieser Vorgehensweise relativ groß ist, da nach der Lackierung die Abdeckkappe über die vollständige vorhandene Gewindelänge des Gewindebolzens abgeschraubt und über die gleiche Länge auf die Befestigungs-Muttern aufgeschraubt werden muß. Da mit zunehmender Elektrifizierung der Nebenfunktionen eines modernen Kfz bis zu 300 und mehr derartiger Verbindungsstellen an einem Auto vorhanden sind, summieren sich hierdurch die notwendigen Zeiten zu erheblichen Summen an Montagezeit.Another disadvantage is that the time required for this procedure is relatively large, since after the painting the cover cap has to be unscrewed over the complete thread length of the threaded bolt and screwed onto the fastening nuts over the same length. Since with increasing electrification of the secondary functions of a modern motor vehicle there are up to 300 or more such connection points on a car, the times required add up to considerable sums of assembly time.

Weitere Nachteile dieser Vorgehensweise bestehen in optischer Hinsicht, da bei der bisherigen Vorgehensweise die aufzubringende Mutter in ihrer Farbe nicht der Farbe des Bleches entsprach, während gerade bei hochpreisigen Automobilen die Forderung besteht, auch derartige Verbindungsstellen - soweit sichtbar, z.B. im Motorraum - optisch zu optimieren, indem durchgängig die Farbe der Lackierung vorherrscht, also auch die Befestigungsmutter in Wagenfarbe lackiert ist. Dabei kommt beim herkömmlichen Verfahren weder ein Nachlackieren der aufgebrachten Befestigungsmuttern noch deren Vorlackierung in Wagenfarbe aufgrund Mehrzeit bzw. hohem Lagerhaltungsaufwand in Frage.Further disadvantages of this procedure exist from an optical point of view, since in the previous procedure the nut to be applied did not correspond in color to the color of the sheet metal, whereas there is a demand, particularly in the case of high-priced automobiles, to also provide such connection points - as far as visible, e.g. in the engine compartment - to be optically optimized by the color of the paint predominating, i.e. the fastening nut is also painted in the vehicle color. In the case of the conventional method, it is not possible to repaint the attached fastening nuts or to pre-coat them in the vehicle color due to additional time or high storage costs.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren sowie eine Abdeckkappe zur Durchführung des Verfahrens zu schaffen, um die bisherigen Nachteile zu vermeiden und insbesondere die notwendige Montagezeit zu verkürzen.It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method and a cover cap for carrying out the method in order to avoid the previous disadvantages and in particular to shorten the necessary assembly time.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale der Ansprüche 1 und 6 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claims 1 and 6. Advantageous embodiments result from the subclaims.

Grundsätzlich kann zum Befestigen des Anbauteiles wie etwa des Massekabels an der Blechfläche mit ausreichendem Druck sowohl eine auf den Gewindebolzen aufgeschraubte Mutter als auch eine aufgeschobene Hülse mit einem zurückziehenden gegengerichteten Widerhaken oder Vorsprüngen dienen. Letztere kann ohne Zerstörung bzw. Verlust der Anpresskraft nur gelöst werden, wenn spezielle Maßnahmen vorgesehen werden, wie etwa das Anordnen der Vorsprünge nur in zwei gegenüberliegenden Bereichen, sodaß durch Zusammendrücken der Abdeckkappe in einer Richtung quer zur Verbindungsachse der beiden Bereiche die Vorsprünge in bzw. außer Eingriff mit dem Gewinde gebracht werden können.In principle, both a nut screwed onto the threaded bolt and a slid-on sleeve with a retracting counter-directed barb or projections can be used to fasten the attachment, such as the earth cable, to the sheet metal surface with sufficient pressure. The latter can only be released without destroying or losing the contact pressure if special measures are provided, such as arranging the projections only in two opposite areas, so that by pressing the cover cap in a direction transverse to the connecting axis of the two areas, the projections in or can be disengaged from the thread.

Diese sowie andere Alternativen zum Aufbringen der Anpresskraft in der Umgebung des Gewindebolzens können auch im vorliegenden Fall Verwendung finden. Dabei wird sowohl zum Abdecken als auch zum späteren Anpressen die gleiche Abdeckkappe verwendet, die vorzugsweise aus Metall besteht.These and other alternatives for applying the contact pressure in the vicinity of the threaded bolt can also be used in the present case. The same cover cap, which is preferably made of metal, is used both for covering and for later pressing on.

Dabei wird wie bei der bekannten Vorgehensweise der noch lose Gewindebolzen zunächst in die Abdeckkappe eingeschraubt, und dann die gesamte Einheit mittels einer entsprechenden Handhabungsvorrichtung an das Blech herangeführt und vernietet oder bolzen-verschweißt. Bei letzterem Verfahren wurde dabei bisher die Verwendung einer metallischen Abdeckkappe als Nachteil gesehen, da sich hierbei unzulässigerweise der Lichtbogen statt zwischen dem Blech und der zugewandten Stirnseite des Gewindebolzens auch zwischen dem Blech und der zugewandten Stirnseite der Abdeckkappe aufbauen könnte.As in the known procedure, the still loose threaded bolt is first screwed into the cover cap, and then the entire unit is brought up to the sheet metal by means of a corresponding handling device and riveted or bolt-welded. In the latter method, the use of a metallic cover cap has heretofore been seen as a disadvantage, since the arc could inadmissibly build up between the sheet metal and the facing end face of the cover cap instead of between the sheet metal and the facing end face of the threaded bolt.

Die Vorteile des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens liegen jedoch auf der Hand: Es wird kein separates Abdeckteil in Sondermüll verwandelt, und gleichzeitig hat die den Druck aufbringende Befestigungs-Mutter die Farbe des umgebenden Bleches, was optisch als auch aufgrund zusätzlicher Schutzschichten durch den Lack Korrosions-Vorteile bringt.However, the advantages of the method according to the invention are obvious: no separate cover part is converted into special waste, and at the same time the fastening nut applying the pressure has the color of the surrounding sheet metal, which brings corrosion advantages both optically and due to additional protective layers from the paint .

Die Montagezeit wird stark reduziert, da das Handhabungswerkzeug nicht zunächst die Abdeckkappe fassen, nach Befestigung des Bolzens und dem Abschrauben der Abdeckkappe eine Trennung von Werkzeug und Abdeckkappe erfolgen muß, mit anschließender Aufnahme der Befestigungs-Mutter in demselben oder analogen Werkzeug.The assembly time is greatly reduced, since the handling tool does not first take hold of the cover cap, after fastening the bolt and unscrewing the cover cap there must be a separation of the tool and cover cap, with the mounting nut subsequently being accommodated in the same or analog tool.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren wird nur einmal zu Beginn des Vorganges die Abdeckkappe in dem Handhabungswerkzeug, beispielsweise einer motorisch angetriebenen Sechskant-Nuß, eingebracht und anschließend damit das Vorwärts- bzw. Rückwärtsschrauben vollzogen. Die Stirnseite und damit der dem Blech zugewandte Flansch der Abdeckkappe wird dabei so groß in seinen Außenabmessungen gewählt, daß er gleichgroß oder größer wie die später direkt am Blech anliegende Anlagefläche des Anbauteiles ist. Zu diesem Zweck könnte beispielsweise die Hülse am Ende des zu befestigenden Massekabels einen gegen das Blech vorstehenden, ringförmigen Bereich aufweisen, der einen definierten, auf die vom Lack freigehaltene Fläche um den Bolzen herum abgestimmte inneren und äußeren Durchmesser, aufweist, während die Gesamtabmessungen der Öse am Ende des Massekabels sogar größer sein können. Dadurch ist es möglich, daß die Anlagefläche des Anbauteiles vollständig auf der unlackierten Fläche um den Gewindebolzen herum aufliegt, und nicht auf einer Seite bereits auf dem Rand der Lackierung aufsitzt, was deren Beschädigung mit sich bringt und eine Verringerung der Anlagefläche und damit eine Vergrößerung des elektrischen Widerstandes bedingt.In the method according to the invention, the cover cap is inserted into the handling tool, for example a motor-driven hexagon nut, only once at the beginning of the process, and the screwing forwards or backwards is then carried out therewith. The end face and thus the flange of the cover cap facing the sheet metal is chosen so large in its outer dimensions that it is the same size or larger than the contact surface of the add-on part which later lies directly against the sheet metal. For this purpose, for example, the sleeve at the end of the earth cable to be fastened could have an annular area which protrudes against the sheet metal and has a defined inner and outer diameter, which is matched to the area around the bolt which is kept free of paint, while the overall dimensions of the eyelet may even be larger at the end of the ground cable. This makes it possible for the contact surface of the add-on part to rest completely on the unpainted surface around the threaded bolt, and not already sit on one side on the edge of the paint, which causes damage and a reduction in the contact surface and thus an increase in the electrical resistance.

Um keinen Lichtbogen zwischen dem Blech und der ihm zugewandten Stirnseite der Abdeckkappe beim Verschweissen des Gewindebolzens zu ermöglichen, wird die Abdeckkappe bei diesem Verfahrensschritt noch nicht soweit aufgeschraubt, daß sich ihre Abdeckfläche bereits auf gleicher Höhe mit der dem Blech zugewandten Stirnfläche des Gewindebolzens befindet. Bei Verwendung von metallenen Abdeckkappen gemäß der Erfindung besteht ein weiterer Vorteil darin, daß die Handhabung beim Bolzenschweissen ausschließlich durch Kontakt mit der Außenfläche der Abdeckkappe ausreichend ist, da der Stromfluß von der metallenen Abdeckkappe über den Schweißbolzen in das Blech damit gewährleistet ist, was bei den bisher verwendeten Wegwerf-Abdeckkappen aus nicht-leitendem Material nicht möglich war, sodaß dort ein Ergreifen der noch aus der Abdeckkappe vorstehenden Teile des Gewindebolzens durch die elektrisch leitende Anordnung notwendig war.In order not to allow an arc between the sheet and the end face of the cover cap facing it when welding the threaded bolt, the cover cap is not screwed on so far in this process step that its cover surface is already at the same height as the end face of the threaded bolt facing the plate. When using metal cover caps according to the invention there is a further advantage that the handling during stud welding is exclusively by contact with the The outer surface of the cover cap is sufficient, since the current flow from the metal cover cap via the welding bolt into the sheet metal is thus ensured, which was not possible with the disposable cover caps made of non-conductive material previously used, so that there is a grasping of the protruding from the cover cap Parts of the threaded bolt due to the electrically conductive arrangement was necessary.

Bei der am häufigsten angewandten Befestigungsmethode des Bolzenschweissens werden grundsätzlich zwei verschiedene Arten von Schweißbolzen verwendet: Im einen Fall wird das frei auslaufende Ende des Gewindebolzens, bei dem höchstens am Ende kein Gewinde mehr aufgebracht ist, gegen das Blech gefahren und verschweißt, während im anderen Fall der Schweißbolzen an seinem mit dem Blech zu verbindenden Ende einen verbreiterten, plattenförmigen, runden Sockel aufweist.In the most commonly used method of fastening stud welding, two different types of welding stud are basically used: In one case, the free-running end of the threaded stud, at which no more thread is applied at the end, is moved against the sheet metal and welded, while in the other case the welding stud has a widened, plate-shaped, round base at its end to be connected to the sheet.

Dieser Sockel dient dazu, daß trotz der Aufwerfungen, die durch das Schweissen entstehen, eine möglichst ebene Anlagefläche für das Anliegen des Anbauteiles vorhanden ist, nämlich die vom Blech wegweisende, ringförmige Stirnfläche des Sockels des Gewindebolzens, um das Gewinde herum, während sich die entstehenden Aufwerfungen auf der tieferliegenden Ebene, nämlich der Berührungsfläche der entgegengesetzten Stirnfläche des Sockels und der Außenfläche des Bleches, befinden.This base is used so that despite the poses caused by the welding, there is as flat a contact surface as possible for the attachment of the add-on part, namely the ring-shaped end face of the base of the threaded bolt pointing away from the sheet metal, around the thread, while the arising Threats on the lower level, namely the contact surface of the opposite end face of the base and the outer surface of the sheet.

Da eine erfindungsgemäße Abdeckkappe in beiden Fällen universell anwendbar sein muß, ist in die ringförmige Kante des Innenumfanges der gegen das Blech gerichteten Strinfläche der Abdeckkappe ein Freistich eingearbeitet, der die entstehenden Aufwerfungen aufnimmt, wenn der Schweißbolzen keinen oben beschriebenen verbreiterten Sockel besitzt. Wenn der Schweißbolzen einen Sockel besitzt, wird in den Freistich das untere, herstellungsbedingt gewindelose und damit dickere Ende des Schweißbolzens aufgenommen.Since a covering cap according to the invention must be universally applicable in both cases, an undercut is incorporated into the annular edge of the inner circumference of the striking surface of the covering cap directed against the sheet metal, which absorbs the resulting poses if the welding stud does not have a widened base described above. If the welding stud has a base, the lower, thread-less and therefore thicker end of the welding stud is accommodated in the undercut.

Dadurch ist auch in diesem Fall zuverlässig eine enge und dichte Anlage der Stirnfläche der Abdeckkappe auf dem Blech gewährleistet, sodaß bei der Lackierung dazwischen kein Lack eindringen kann, sofern die Abdeckkappe mit ausreichendem, jedoch relativ geringem, Drehmoment vor der Lackierung des Bleches angezogen wurde.As a result, a tight and tight contact of the end face of the cover cap on the sheet metal is reliably ensured in this case as well, so that no paint is in between during the painting can penetrate, provided that the cap was tightened with sufficient, but relatively low, torque before painting the sheet.

Der dabei auch auf die Abdeckkappe aufgebrachte Lack wird dann möglichst wenig beschädigt und entspricht somit den optischen Forderungen, wenn das Festziehen bzw. Lösen des i.d.R. als Vielkant, z.B. Sechskant, ausgebildeten Außenumfanges nicht wie bei normalen Sechskant-Muttern üblich in den Randbereichen der Pressflächen, also in der Nähe der Berührungskanten der sechs Pressflächen, geschieht, sondern versetzt gegen die Mitte der Anpressflächen zu. Dadurch wird das Abspringen des Lackes an den Randbereichen der einzelnen Pressflächen in der Nähe deren Berührungskanten vermieden.The paint also applied to the cover cap is then damaged as little as possible and thus corresponds to the visual requirements when tightening or loosening the usually. as polygon, e.g. Hexagon, formed outer circumference does not occur in the edge areas of the pressing surfaces, as is usual in the case of normal hexagon nuts, that is to say in the vicinity of the contact edges of the six pressing surfaces, but is offset toward the center of the pressing surfaces. This prevents the paint from jumping off at the edge areas of the individual pressing surfaces in the vicinity of their contact edges.

Dies kann erreicht werden, indem entweder die einzelnen Pressflächen an den Berührungskanten abfallend, also etwas ballig, ausgebildet sind, und/oder das handhabende Werkzeug, beispielsweise die Nuß, mit umgekehrt balligen Flächen ausgebildet ist, um die größte Flächenpressung nicht im Bereich der Berührungskanten, sondern mitten in den Pressflächen aufzubringen.This can be achieved by either designing the individual pressing surfaces to be sloping, i.e. somewhat spherical, and / or by designing the handling tool, for example the nut, with reversely spherical surfaces so that the greatest surface pressure is not in the area of the contact edges. but to apply in the middle of the press areas.

Da die Abdeckkappe - sofern sie aus Stahl besteht - ohnehin durch entsprechende Beschichtung mit Nickel, Kupfer oder ähnlichem korrosionsgeschützt ist, entsteht durch den bei der Lackierung des Bleches auf der Abdeckkappe aufgebrachten Lack eine zusätzliche Verbesserung des Korrosionswiderstandes.Since the cover cap - if it is made of steel - is protected against corrosion anyway by appropriate coating with nickel, copper or the like, the lacquer applied to the cover cap additionally improves the corrosion resistance.

Wenn anstelle eines herkömmlichen Innengewindes in der meist aus Mutternteil und Kappenteil einstückig gebildeten Abdeckkappe gegeneinander gerichtete, in nur Segmenten angeordnete Vorsprünge verwendet werden, um anstelle des Aufschraubens ein schnelles Aufschieben der Abdeckkappe zu ermöglichen, muß diese - egal ob sie aus Metall oder einem anderen Material besteht - in der Querrichtung zu den Vorsprüngen soweit elastisch verformbar sein, daß hierdurch die in Eingriff mit dem Gewinde stehenden Vorsprünge außer Eingriff geraten und beim Entfernen der Verformungskraft wieder ihre ursprünglich Lage einnehmen, um bei einem erneuten Aufschieben, diesmal zum Befestigen des Kabelstranges, wieder die gleiche alte Kraft zu bieten.If instead of a conventional internal thread in the cover cap, which is usually made in one piece from the nut part and the cap part, protrusions are used that are arranged in segments, in order to enable the cover cap to be pushed on quickly instead of being screwed on, it must be made of metal or another material there - be elastically deformable in the transverse direction to the projections so that the projections which are in engagement with the thread become disengaged and, when the deformation force is removed, return to their original position in order to another pushing open, this time to fasten the cable harness, to offer the same old strength again.

Weitere Vorteile werden erreicht, wenn der Freistich am Innenumfang der Strinfläche der Abdeckkappe einen rechteckigen Querschnitt nicht aus einer Abschrägung dieser ringförmiger Kante besteht, sondern z.B. einen rechteckigen Querschnitt besitzt, dessen Flächen im wesentlichen parallel zur Stirnfläche und dem Innenumfang der Öffnung der Abdeckkappe liegen. Dadurch wird vermieden, daß das beim Bolzenschweissen wegspritzende flüssige Metall durch die Schräge in Richtung auf das Gewinde zurückgeworfen wird.Further advantages are achieved if the undercut on the inner circumference of the face of the cover cap does not have a rectangular cross-section from a bevel of this annular edge, but instead, e.g. has a rectangular cross section, the surfaces of which lie essentially parallel to the end face and the inner circumference of the opening of the cover cap. This prevents the liquid metal spraying away during stud welding from being thrown back by the bevel in the direction of the thread.

Eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand der Figuren beschrieben. Es zeigen

Fig. 1
die einzelnen Schritte des Verfahrens,
Fig. 2
eine Querschnittsdarstellung bei einem Schweißbolzen ohne Sockel,
Fig. 3
eine Querschnittsdarstellung bei einem Schweißbolzen mit Sockel und
Figuren 4
Querschnittsdarstellungen der Lösung mit Vorsprüngen.
An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the figures. Show it
Fig. 1
the individual steps of the process,
Fig. 2
a cross-sectional view of a welding stud without a base,
Fig. 3
a cross-sectional view of a welding stud with a base and
Figures 4
Cross-sectional representations of the solution with protrusions.

Fig. 1 zeigt grundsätzlich die Vorgehensweise, wobei danach unterschieden ist, ob der verwendete Schweißbolzen einen verbreiterten Sockel besitzt oder nicht und ob das Anbauteil über das freie Ende des Schweißbolzens gelegt oder seitlich an den Schweißbolzen herangeschoben werden kann.Fig. 1 basically shows the procedure, with a distinction being made as to whether the welding stud used has a widened base or not and whether the attachment can be placed over the free end of the welding stud or pushed sideways onto the welding stud.

In den beiden oberen Reihen ist dabei die Vorgehensweise dargestellt, wenn von Anfang an die Abdeckkappe 6 ganz oder teilweise auf den Gewindebolzen 3 aufgeschraubt und mit diesem zusammen beim Verschweissen gehandhabt wird. In der dritten Ablaufreihe ist die Vorgehensweise dargestellt, bei der der Schweißbolzen alleine gehandhabt wird, bis er fest mit dem Blech verbunden ist, und erst anschließend die Abdeckkappe 6 aufgebracht wird.In the two upper rows, the procedure is shown if the cover cap 6 is screwed onto the threaded bolt 3 in whole or in part from the beginning and is handled together with it during welding. In the third sequence, the procedure is shown in which the welding stud is handled alone until it is firmly connected to the sheet metal, and only then is the cover cap 6 applied.

Dies birgt prinzipiell den Nachteil, daß Schweißbolzen und Abdeckkappe getrennt an die Produktionsstelle des Kraftfahrzeuges angeliefert, dort bevorratet werden müssen und das Aufbringen der Abdeckkappe nach dem Verschweissen des Bolzens ortsgebunden am Kraftfahrzeug und damit nicht vollautomatisch, sondern maximal halbautomatisch vonstatten gehen kann.In principle, this has the disadvantage that the welding stud and cover cap have to be delivered separately to the production site of the motor vehicle, must be stored there, and the application of the cover cap after the welding of the stud can be carried out locally on the motor vehicle and therefore not fully automatically, but at most semi-automatically.

Wird dagegen die Abdeckkappe von Anfang an zusammen mit dem Schweißbolzen gehandhabt, können die beiden Teile vorher ortsungebunden und u.U. vollautomatisch miteinander im gewünschten Maß in Verbindung gebracht, beispielsweise verschraubt, werden, sodaß an der Produktionstelle selbst nur ein einziger Gegenstand bevorratet werden muß.If, on the other hand, the cover cap is handled together with the welding stud from the start, the two parts can be non-location-specific beforehand and possibly. fully automatically connected to each other to the desired extent, for example screwed, so that only a single item has to be stored at the production site itself.

Im folgenden wird bezüglich der Fig. 1 deshalb die Verfahrensweise gemäß der beiden oberen Ablauflinien erläutert.The procedure according to the two upper flow lines is therefore explained below with reference to FIG. 1.

Schritt A,B:Step A, B:

Die Funktionseinheit 28, bestehend aus Gewindebolzen 3 und Abdeckkappe 6, wird gegen das Blech 1 geführt, mit dem es bei ausreichend geringem Abstand bzw. Berührung mittels Lichtbogen nach dem Bolzenschweiß-Verfahren verschweißt wird. Mehrheitlich werden dabei Gewindebolzen 3 mit verbreitertem Sockel 5 verwendet, auf welchem die Abdeckkappe 6 mit ihrer Stirnfläche 7 aufsitzt. Dadurch kann der Sockel 5 am Umfang problemlos mittels Haltezangen 27 beim Schweißvorgang gehalten werden, sodaß der Schweißvorgang zuverlässig zwischen der Bodenfläche des Sockels 5 und dem Blech 1 stattfindet.The functional unit 28, consisting of threaded bolt 3 and cover cap 6, is guided against the sheet metal 1, with which it is welded at a sufficiently small distance or by means of an arc using the stud welding method. The majority of threaded bolts 3 with a widened base 5 are used, on which the end cap 7 of the cover cap 6 is seated. As a result, the base 5 can easily be held on the circumference by means of holding tongs 27 during the welding process, so that the welding process takes place reliably between the base surface of the base 5 and the sheet metal 1.

Wie in der oberen Ablaufreihe dargestellt, ist auch das Ergreifen bzw. Aufnehmen direkt und ausschließlich an dem Außensechskant 11 der Abdeckkappe 6 durch ein Werkzeug wie etwa eine Nuß 26 beim Heranführen und Verschweissen möglich. Dabei muß jedoch sichergestellt sein, daß kein Verschweissen zwischen dem Blech und der Stirnfläche 7 der Abdeckkappe 6 eintritt, und zu diesem Zweck muß der Gewindebolzen 3 ausreichend weit aus der Abdeckkappe 6 beim Verschweissen hervorstehen, um nur zwischen der freien Strinfläche des Gewindebolzens 3 und dem Blech 1 einen Lichtbogen entstehen zu lassen.As shown in the upper sequence of steps, gripping or picking up is also possible directly and exclusively on the hexagon socket 11 of the cover cap 6 by means of a tool such as a nut 26 during the approach and welding. However, it must be ensured that no welding occurs between the sheet and the end face 7 of the cover cap 6, and for this purpose the threaded bolt 3 must protrude sufficiently far from the cover cap 6 during welding to only between the free thread surface of the threaded bolt 3 and the Sheet 1 to cause an arc.

Schritt C:Step C:

Die Abdeckkappe 6 wird in Richtung gegen das Blech verschraubt, bis die Abdeckkappe mit ihrer Stirnfläche 7 an der Gegenlage 4 anliegt. Bei einem Gewindebolzen 3 ohne Sockel ist dies die den Gewindebolzen umgebende Blechfläche, bei einem Gewindebolzen mit Sockel 5 ist dies die in Fig. 1 nach oben gerichtete Strinfläche.The cover cap 6 is screwed in the direction against the sheet metal until the cover cap bears with its end face 7 on the counter surface 4. In the case of a threaded bolt 3 without a base, this is the sheet metal surface surrounding the threaded bolt, in the case of a threaded bolt with a base 5 this is the line surface directed upward in FIG. 1.

In beiden Fällen ist der umlaufende Freistich im Innenumfang, also der Öffnung, der Stirnfläche 7 der Abdeckkappe 6 notwendig. Bei einem Gewindebolzen 3 ohne Sockel wird darin die durch das Verschweissen oder Vernieten bedingte Aufwerfung um den Grund des Gewindebolzens herum aufgenommen, bei einem Gewindebolzen 3 mit Sockel 5 die Verdickung im unteren Bereich, also am Übergang zwischen dem eigentlichen Gewindebolzen 3 und dessen Sockel 5, die daraus resultiert, daß beim Aufschneiden des Gewindes auf diesen Gewindebolzen 3 das Gewindeschneiden nicht ganz bis an den Sockel heran möglich ist, sondern 1 bis 2 mm davor endet.In both cases, the circumferential undercut in the inner circumference, that is to say the opening, of the end face 7 of the cover cap 6 is necessary. In the case of a threaded bolt 3 without a base, the throwing caused by the welding or riveting around the base of the threaded bolt is included therein, in the case of a threaded bolt 3 with a base 5 the thickening in the lower region, that is to say at the transition between the actual threaded bolt 3 and its base 5, which results from the fact that when the thread is cut on this threaded bolt 3, thread cutting is not possible up to the base, but ends 1 to 2 mm before it.

Schritt D:Step D:

Nach Anliegen der Strinfläche 7 der Abdeckkappe 6 an der Gegenlage mit entsprechender Vorspannung zur Aufrechterhaltung der Dichtigkeit wird die ganze Anordnung lackiert.After the line surface 7 of the cover cap 6 bears against the counter-layer with a corresponding pretension to maintain the tightness, the entire arrangement is painted.

Schritt E,F:Step E, F:

Bei Verwendung einer geschlossenen Öse als Anbauteil 2, wie in der oberen Bildreihe dargestellt, wird zunächst die inzwischen lackierte Abdeckkappe 6 z.B. mittels einer Nuß 26 vollständig vom Gewindebolzen 3 abgeschraubt, dann Bauteil 2 über den Gewindebolzen 3 gesteckt und die Abdeckkappe 6 wieder aufgeschraubt, bis das Anbauteil 2 mit dem notwendigen Solldruck gegen die lackfreie Gegenlage, entweder den Sockel des Gewindebolzens oder das Blech, gepresst wird.When using a closed eyelet as add-on part 2, as shown in the upper row of images, the now lacquered cover cap 6 is first completely unscrewed from the threaded bolt 3 by means of a nut 26, then component 2 is placed over the threaded bolt 3 and the cover cap 6 is screwed on again until the add-on part 2 is pressed against the paint-free counterpart, either the base of the threaded bolt or the sheet metal, with the required nominal pressure.

In der unteren Bildreihe ist die Verwendung nicht-geschlossener, z.B. U-förmiger Anbauteile dargestellt, die seitlich an den Gewindebolzen herangeschoben werden können. Dabei ist das vollständige Abschrauben der Abdeckkappe nicht notwendig, sondern es genügt das Hochschrauben um eine Distanz, die mindestens der Dicke des Anbauteiles entsprechen muß.The lower row of pictures shows the use of non-closed, for example U-shaped attachments that can be pushed laterally onto the threaded bolt. It is not necessary to completely unscrew the cap, it is sufficient to screw up by a distance that must at least correspond to the thickness of the attachment.

Nach dem Heranschieben des Anbauteiles und Aufliegen auf der lackfreien Gegenlage wird die Abdeckkappe zum Befestigen des Anbauteiles wieder in Richtung gegen das Blech geschraubt. Dadurch wird wertvolle Montagezeit gewonnen, da nur eine kürzere Strecke zurück und wieder vorwärts verschraubt werden muß.After pushing the add-on part and resting it on the paint-free counter surface, the cover cap is screwed back in the direction of the sheet metal to fasten the add-on part. This saves valuable assembly time since only a shorter distance has to be screwed back and forth again.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Querschnittsdarstellung mit einem Gewindebolzen 3 ohne verbreiterten Sockel.Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view with a threaded bolt 3 without a widened base.

In der linken Bildhälfte ist der Gewindebolzen 3, der mit dem Blech 1 verschweißt ist, zu erkennen. Beim Verschweissen entsteht in dem Übergangsbereich zwischen beiden Teilen kurzfristig eine Schmelze 24, und dadurch auch eine in der ringförmigen Kante zwischen dem Gewindebolzen 3 und dem Blech 1 entstehende Aufwerfung 21.In the left half of the picture, the threaded bolt 3, which is welded to the sheet 1, can be seen. When welding, a melt 24 is formed briefly in the transition area between the two parts, and thereby also a projection 21 that arises in the annular edge between the threaded bolt 3 and the sheet metal 1.

Das Gewinde 13 des Gewindebolzens 3 reicht herstellungsbedingt nicht bis an das blech-seitige Ende 1 heran, sondern endet einen oder wenige mm vorher.Due to the manufacturing process, the thread 13 of the threaded bolt 3 does not extend to the sheet-metal end 1, but ends one or a few mm beforehand.

Auch das Gewinde 13 des Gewindebolzens 3 paßt auf ein entgegengesetztes Außengewinde 16 bzw. entsprechend geformte Vorsprünge 17 im Innenumfang der Abdeckkappe 6. Diese besteht aus einem Mutternteil 9 in der Mitte, welches außen in an sich bekannter Weise als Außensechskant 11 gestaltet ist, und im Innenumfang das Innengewinde 16 aufweist. In Längsrichtung gegen das Blech hin schließt sich an dem Mutternteil 9 ein verbreiterter Flansch 25 an, dessen Außendurchmesser die Größe der Stirnfläche 7 und damit der abgedeckten Fläche an der Gegenlage bestimmt.The thread 13 of the threaded bolt 3 fits on an opposing external thread 16 or correspondingly shaped projections 17 in the inner circumference of the cover cap 6. This consists of a nut part 9 in the middle, which is designed on the outside in a known manner as an external hexagon 11, and in Internal thread has the internal thread 16. In the longitudinal direction towards the sheet metal, a widened flange 25 adjoins the nut part 9, the outer diameter of which determines the size of the end face 7 and thus the covered area on the counter surface.

Der Außendurchmesser der abdeckenden Stirnfläche 7 der Abdeckkappe 6 ist dabei in Anpassung an den Außendurchmesser der Auflagefläche 20 des Anbauteiles 2 so gewählt, daß der Außendurchmesser der Stirnfläche 7 gleich oder geringfügig größer ist als der Außendurchmesser der Auflagefläche 20 des Anbauteiles 2.The outer diameter of the covering end face 7 of the cover cap 6 is chosen to match the outer diameter of the support surface 20 of the attachment 2 so that the outer diameter of the end face 7 is the same or slightly larger is the outer diameter of the contact surface 20 of the attachment 2.

Oberhalb des Mutternteiles 9 schließt sich das Kappenteil 10 mit einer etwa halbrunden Außenkontur am freien Ende an. Kappenteil und Mutternteil sind vorzugsweise einstückig ausgebildet, jedoch ist auch eine mehrteilige Ausbildung und einfache Verbindung mittels Rastelementen etc. möglich. Dabei könnte beispielsweise der die Anpresskraft aufbringende Mutternteil 9 aus Metall, das lediglich Abdeckungszwecken 10 dagegen aus Kunststoff etc. bestehen.Above the nut part 9, the cap part 10 connects with an approximately semicircular outer contour at the free end. The cap part and nut part are preferably formed in one piece, but a multi-part design and simple connection by means of locking elements etc. is also possible. In this case, for example, the nut part 9 applying the contact pressure could be made of metal, while the only purpose of covering 10 would be plastic, etc.

Der Durchmesser des Sackloches 18 kann im Bereich des Kappenteiles 10 größer sein als im Bereich des Mutternteiles 9 bzw. des Innengewindes 16.The diameter of the blind hole 18 can be larger in the area of the cap part 10 than in the area of the nut part 9 or the internal thread 16.

Wie in Fig. 2 in der linken Bildhälfte zu erkennen, ist beim Abdecken für das Lackieren - wobei der Lack 12 mit nichtdurchgezogener Linie über die Außenkontur der Abdeckkappe 6 durchgehend eingezeichnet ist - die Aufwerfung 21 auf.As can be seen in FIG. 2 in the left half of the figure, when covering for painting - the paint 12 is drawn in with a non-continuous line over the outer contour of the covering cap 6 - the projection 21 is on.

Bei der in der rechten Bildhälfte dargestellten Verschraubung des Anbauteiles 2 mittels der Abdeckkappe 6 ist dieser Freistich 8 funktionslos.In the screwing of the add-on part 2 by means of the cover cap 6 shown in the right half of the figure, this undercut 8 has no function.

In Fig. 3 ist eine ähnliche Anordnung, jedoch bei Verwendung eines Gewindebolzens 3 mit verbreitertem Sockel 5, dargestellt. Der Sockel 5 hat dabei i.d.R. einen runden Außenumfang und in Anspassung daran besitzt auch der Flansch 25 am unteren Ende der Abdeckkappe 6 einen runden Außenumfang. Die Schmelze 24 tritt nun im Verbindungsbereich zwischen der in Fig. 3 unteren Stirnseite des Sockels 5 und dem Blech 1 auf.3 shows a similar arrangement, but when using a threaded bolt 3 with a widened base 5. The base 5 usually has a round outer circumference and in adaptation thereto, the flange 25 also has a round outer circumference at the lower end of the cover cap 6. The melt 24 now occurs in the connection area between the lower end face of the base 5 in FIG. 3 and the sheet 1.

Bei der in der linken Hälfte wiederum dargestellten Abdeckung für das Lackieren wird im Freistich 8 der Abdeckkappe 6 dabei nicht die Aufwerfung 21, verursacht durch die Schmelze 24 aufgenommen, die sich nun außerhalb der Abdeckkappe 6 befindet, sondern der i.d.R. verdickte und nicht exakt ausgebildete Außenumfang des Gewindebolzens 3 am Übergang zu seinem einstückigen Sockel 5.In the case of the cover for painting, which is again shown in the left half, in the undercut 8 of the cover cap 6, the raised portion 21 caused by the melt 24, which is now located outside the cover cap 6, is not taken up, but rather the thickened and not exactly formed Outer periphery of the threaded bolt 3 at the transition to its one-piece base 5.

In der rechten Bildhälfte der Fig. 3 ist wiederum zu erkennen, daß nach Zwischenlegen des Anbauteiles 2 sich diese undefinierte Kontur zwischen Gewindebolzen 3 und Sockel 5 durch die Öffnung 23 im Anbauteil 2 aufgenommen wird, die mindestens dem Umfang des Freistiches 8 entspricht, und der Freistich 8 funktionslos ist durch nunmehriges Aufliegen der Stirnseite 7 der Abdeckkappe 6 auf der Oberseite des Anbauteiles 2, die nunmehr als Gegenlage 4 dient.In the right half of Fig. 3 it can be seen again that after inserting the attachment 2 this undefined contour between the threaded bolt 3 and base 5 is received through the opening 23 in the attachment 2, which corresponds at least to the circumference of the undercut 8, and Undercut 8 has no function due to the end face 7 of the cover cap 6 now resting on the upper side of the add-on part 2, which now serves as a counter-support 4.

In der linken Bildhälfte der Fig. 3 ist weiterhin eine zweiteilige Ausführungsform der Abdeckkappe dargestellt, in dem eine Nase 28 als Außenumfang am unteren Ende des Kappenteiles 10 hinter einen Vorsprung 29 am Innenumfang des Mutternteiles eingerastet ist.In the left half of FIG. 3, a two-part embodiment of the cover cap is also shown, in which a nose 28 as the outer circumference at the lower end of the cap part 10 is engaged behind a projection 29 on the inner circumference of the nut part.

Die Figuren 4a bis 4c zeigen eine Abdeckkappe 6, die an ihrem Innenumfang kein umlaufendes Innengewinde 6, sondern lediglich an zwei gegenüberliegenden Stellen gegeneinandergerichtete Vorsprünge 17 aufweisen.FIGS. 4a to 4c show a cover cap 6, which on its inner circumference does not have a circumferential internal thread 6, but rather only at two opposite points of projections 17.

In den Figuren 4a und 4b ist eine Querschnittsdarstellung entsprechend der Linie IV - IV der Fig. 3 - dargestellt. Bei Fig. 4a ist dabei zu erkennen, wie im unbelasteten Zustand der Abdeckkappe 6 die Vorsprünge 17 in die Gewindegänge des Außengewindes 13 des Gewindebolzens 3 eingreifen, und damit den gleichen formschlüssigen Rückhalteeffekt ergeben, wie bei einem umlaufenden Gewinde. Die Feineinstellung kann dabei nach wie vor durch die Verschraubung der Abdeckkappe 6 gegenüber dem Gewindebolzen 3 erfolgen.FIGS. 4a and 4b show a cross-sectional representation along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3. In Fig. 4a it can be seen how in the unloaded state of the cap 6, the projections 17 engage in the threads of the external thread 13 of the threaded bolt 3, and thus give the same positive locking effect as with a circumferential thread. The fine adjustment can still be made by screwing the cover cap 6 against the threaded bolt 3.

Dagegen kann bei entsprechender Ausbildung der Vorsprünge 17 das Aufschrauben vom freien Ende des Gewindebolzens 3 her vermieden werden, indem beispielsweise die Abdeckkappe mit den Vorsprüngen 17 in axialer Richtung auf den Bolzen aufgeschoben wird, wenn die einzelnen Vorsprünge ausreichend elastisch sind, um über die Schrägen der einzelnen Gewindegänge in den nächsten einzurasten.On the other hand, if the projections 17 are designed accordingly, screwing on from the free end of the threaded bolt 3 can be avoided by, for example, pushing the cover cap with the projections 17 onto the bolt in the axial direction when the individual projections are sufficiently elastic, to snap over the slopes of the individual threads in the next.

Zu diesem Zweck ist eine Ausbildung wie in Fig. 4c dargestellt günstig, in dem die einzelnen Vorsprünge 17 nicht bis auf den Grund der Gewindegänge des Gewindes 13 ragen, sondern vorher enden und eine ausreichende freie Länge, unterbrochen durch Einkerbungen zwischen den einzelnen Vorsprüngen 17, aufweisen, um ein Auslenken und damit ein Überschieben zu ermöglichen.For this purpose, an embodiment as shown in FIG. 4c is favorable, in which the individual projections 17 do not protrude to the bottom of the threads of the thread 13, but end beforehand and have a sufficient free length, interrupted by notches between the individual projections 17, have to allow a deflection and thus a pushing.

Auf diese Art und Weise ist ein schnelles Lösen der Abdeckkappe jedoch nicht möglich, da hierdurch eine gute formschlüssige Verbindung zwischen der Abdeckkappe und einem Zug-Werkzeug notwendig wäre. Das zeitaufwendige Abschrauben ist selbstverständlich möglich.In this way, however, a quick release of the cover cap is not possible, since this would require a good positive connection between the cover cap and a pulling tool. Time-consuming unscrewing is of course possible.

Schneller ist das Abnehmen jedoch möglich, wenn der Bereich der Abdeckkappe, in deren Höhenlage sich die Vorsprünge 17 befinden, quer zur Verbindungslinie zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Vorsprüngen 17, entsprechend der Darstellung in Fig. 4b, durch Einwirken der Kraft 30 soweit zu einem Oval zusammengedrückt werden kann, daß die Vorsprünge 17 außer Eingriff mit dem Gewinde 13 geraten. Zu diesem Zweck empfiehlt es sich, die Vorsprünge 17 nicht in dem schwer zu verformenden Mutternteil, sondern in dem darüber angeordneten und bei Bedarf mit dünneren Wänden ausbildbaren Kappenteil anzuordnen. Bei dem Zusammendrücken entsprechend der Pfeile 30 müssen sich das Mutternteil 9 und der Sockel 25 nicht unbedingt mitverformen.Removal is faster, however, if the area of the cover cap, in the high position of which the projections 17 are located, is compressed to an oval by the action of the force 30, transversely to the connecting line between the opposite projections 17, as shown in FIG. 4b can that the projections 17 disengage from the thread 13. For this purpose, it is advisable not to arrange the projections 17 in the hard-to-deform nut part, but in the cap part arranged above it and which can be formed with thinner walls if necessary. When compressed according to the arrows 30, the nut part 9 and the base 25 do not necessarily have to deform as well.

Daher ist die Lösung mit Vorsprüngen 17 vor allem bei der zweiteiligen Ausbildung der Abdeckkappe interessant, da in diesem Fall die Elastizität eines Kappenteiles aus Kunststoff genutzt werden kann, während Mutternteil 9 und Flansch 25 aus Metall oder wenig elastischem, stärker dimensioniertem Kunststoff bestehen.Therefore, the solution with projections 17 is particularly interesting in the two-part design of the cover cap, since in this case the elasticity of a cap part made of plastic can be used, while nut part 9 and flange 25 consist of metal or less elastic, more dimensionally dimensioned plastic.

Claims (16)

  1. Method for the paint-free, electrically conductive fastening of an add-on part (2) to a matching location (4) in the case of a threaded stud (3) of an otherwise painted metal sheet (1), having the following method steps:
    - fastening the covering cap (6) to a threaded stud (3),
    - fastening the threaded stud (3) to a metal sheet (1),
    and then, one after another:
    - applying the paint (12) to the covering cap (6) and to the metal sheet (1), after the end face (7) of the covering cap (6) is resting on the matching location (4),
    - loosening the covering cap (6) from the matching location (4),
    - interposing the add-on part (2) and
    - pressing the add-on part (2) on the matching location (4) by pressing the covering cap (6) onto the add-on part (2).
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fastening of the threaded stud (3) on the metal sheet (1) is done by means of stud welding.
  3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fastening of the threaded stud (3) on the metal sheet (1) is done by means of riveting.
  4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening or loosening of the covering cap (6) on the threaded stud (3) is done by means of an internal thread (16) in the covering cap (6).
  5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening or loosening of the covering cap (6) on the threaded stud (3) is done by means of projections (17) which project into the blind hole (18) in the covering cap (6) and engage removably into the thread (13) of the threaded stud (3).
  6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end face (7) is brought to the same height as the matching location (4) even before fastening the threaded stud (3) on the metal sheet (1).
  7. Covering cap for covering the area surrounding a threaded stud (3) and fastening an add-on part (2), in particular according to the method of Claims 1 to 6, having
    - a blind hole (18),
    - a flat end face (7) around the opening (19) of the blind hole (18) and
    - projections (17) which project from the walls of the blind hole (18) into the interior thereof, transversally to the longitudinal direction of the blind hole,
    characterized in that
    a) the end face (7) has external dimensions which are equal to or larger than the bearing surface (20) of the add-on part (2) and
    b) a clearance (8) arranged on the inner circumference of the opening (19) in the blind hole (18), the said clearance being dimensioned such that material (21) thrown out from the welding or riveting of the threaded stud (3) or of the thread (13) finds room therein.
  8. Covering cap according to Claim 7, characterized in that the projections (17) are an internal thread (16) fitting the external thread (13).
  9. Covering cap according to one of the preceding Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the covering cap (6) consists of a nut part (9) and a cap part (10), the nut part (9) having an external contour of a regular polygon with mutually adjacent contact faces (15).
  10. Covering cap according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the contact faces (15) of the outer face of the nut part (9) fall away towards its contact edges (22).
  11. Covering cap according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the tool to engage on the outer contour of the nut part (9) is configured such that the force transmission to the contact faces (15) is not applied in the vicinity of their contact edges (22).
  12. Covering cap according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the clearance (8) has a rectangular cross-sectional contour with the edges essentially parallel to the end face (7) and/or the inner circumference of the blind hole (18).
  13. Covering cap according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that
    - the projections (17) are arranged only in two opposite sectors of the circumference of the blind hole (18), and the covering cap (6) can be pressed together resiliently to such an extent that the projections (17) and the thread (13) come into or out of engagement,
    - the cap part (10) and the nut part (9) can be locked into one another and the projections (17) are arranged in the cap part (10) made of plastic.
  14. Covering cap according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the covering cap (6) consists of metal.
  15. Covering cap according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the covering cap (6) has a large and protected surface.
  16. Covering cap according to one of the preceding Claims 7 to 15, characterized in that the opening in the add-on part (2) to receive the threaded stud (3) does not have a closed circumference but is open to such an extent that the add-on part (2) can be pushed along transversely to make it rest on the threaded stud (3).
EP93113510A 1993-08-24 1993-08-24 Covering cap Expired - Lifetime EP0640404B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT93113510T ATE159870T1 (en) 1993-08-24 1993-08-24 COVER CAP
DE59307648T DE59307648D1 (en) 1993-08-24 1993-08-24 Cover cap
ES93113510T ES2112362T3 (en) 1993-08-24 1993-08-24 HOOD OF PROTECTION.
EP93113510A EP0640404B1 (en) 1993-08-24 1993-08-24 Covering cap

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP93113510A EP0640404B1 (en) 1993-08-24 1993-08-24 Covering cap

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0640404A1 EP0640404A1 (en) 1995-03-01
EP0640404B1 true EP0640404B1 (en) 1997-11-05

Family

ID=8213201

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93113510A Expired - Lifetime EP0640404B1 (en) 1993-08-24 1993-08-24 Covering cap

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0640404B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE159870T1 (en)
DE (1) DE59307648D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2112362T3 (en)

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DE19749383A1 (en) * 1997-11-07 1999-05-27 Trw Nelson Bolzenschweisstechn Collar bolt with anti-twist device
US6357110B1 (en) * 1998-12-31 2002-03-19 Emhart Inc. Stud electrical connection method
US6077096A (en) * 1999-03-10 2000-06-20 Emhart Inc. Weld stud
DE19937047A1 (en) * 1999-08-05 2001-02-08 Opel Adam Ag Earth contact for motor vehicle, has threaded bolt, hat nut for threaded bolt with metal clamp flange and threaded part and plastic cap closing threaded bore on side remote from contact flange
US7156670B2 (en) 2001-01-10 2007-01-02 Newfrey Llc Electrical capped contact stud and method of fastening an electrical contact
US7788802B2 (en) 2001-01-10 2010-09-07 Newfrey Llc Method of fastening an electrical contact
WO2002056422A1 (en) * 2001-01-10 2002-07-18 Newfrey Llc Electrical capped contact stud and method of fastening an electrical contact
DE102004050675B4 (en) * 2004-10-18 2015-05-07 Volkswagen Ag Mounting arrangement for at least one cable lug on a welding bolt
DE102005013953A1 (en) * 2005-03-26 2006-09-28 Jungheinrich Ag Power connection for a power and control unit of a battery-operated truck
DE102006012761B4 (en) 2006-03-17 2019-03-21 Volkswagen Ag Mounting arrangement for at least one cable lug on a welding bolt
DE102006056065B4 (en) 2006-11-20 2018-08-09 Newfrey Llc Pre-assembled contacting unit and mounting arrangement
DE102007046690A1 (en) 2007-09-28 2009-04-02 Volkswagen Ag Weldable clamp for providing electrical contact in body of motor vehicle, has hexagon cap nut formed between clamping surface and free end of contact studs of free space for accommodating electrical contact
DE102015216259A1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2017-03-02 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Ground connection for an aluminum construction, in particular body part
DE102016104396A1 (en) 2016-03-10 2017-09-14 Newfrey Llc Electrical grounding system and ground connection manufacturing method
DE102016114512A1 (en) * 2016-08-05 2018-02-08 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Method for producing a battery case
CN107214029B (en) * 2017-08-07 2022-07-12 中国重汽集团济南动力有限公司 Self-suction type stud protection device
US11542979B2 (en) 2017-11-30 2023-01-03 Abb Schweiz Ag Seal arrangement, kit of parts and method
DE102019214348A1 (en) * 2019-09-20 2021-03-25 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Arrangement for covering screw contact surfaces on a flange of a gear housing and mounting the same

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US3922050A (en) * 1974-03-21 1975-11-25 Boeing Co Blind, shank expanding electrical terminal structure
US5207588A (en) * 1980-02-02 1993-05-04 Multifastener Corporation Electrical grounding stud
EP0307932B1 (en) * 1987-09-18 1993-12-22 Nagoya Oilchemical Co., Ltd. A masking member
JPH0549114A (en) * 1991-08-14 1993-02-26 Toshiba Corp Member for electrically connecting structural members of electric device and method of grounding the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2112362T3 (en) 1998-04-01
EP0640404A1 (en) 1995-03-01
DE59307648D1 (en) 1997-12-11
ATE159870T1 (en) 1997-11-15

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