EP2109719A2

EP2109719A2 - Fastening system for installing components and subassemblies and an installation method, in particular for fastening seats in vehicles

Info

Publication number: EP2109719A2
Application number: EP07856099A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Prang; Frank Kloss
Original assignee: ATN Applikationstechnik Neugersdorf GmbH
Current assignee: ATN Applikationstechnik Neugersdorf GmbH
Priority date: 2006-12-10
Filing date: 2007-12-10
Publication date: 2009-10-21
Also published as: DE102007013433A1; WO2008071179A2; WO2008071179A3

Abstract

The present invention is based on the object of providing a fastening system which permits the fastening of components to corresponding retaining elements in an easy and rapid manner. In particular, the fastening system is intended to be suitable for internal structures in cars, such as, for example, seats. Simple installation, also by means of robots, is intended to be possible. The connection is intended to be releasable, but the intention is that no twisting, such as, for example, in the case of a screw connection, is to be necessary during installation. The fastening system, in particular for fastening seats in vehicles, is characterized in that the fastening elements (3) which are screwed to the seat rail (12) enter, with the use of a connecting element (6) or connecting material (6), into a connection with the retaining elements (5) which are fixed on the vehicle floor. The fastening element (3) and receptacle of the retaining element (5) are preferably designed with an undercut, such as, for example, a truncated cone. In addition, a solidifying connecting material (6) is generally used. The field of use of the invention is the installation of structural elements, in particular seats in vehicles.

Description

Mounting system for the assembly of components and assemblies and a mounting method, in particular for mounting seats in vehicles

The fastening system for the assembly of components and assemblies, in particular for mounting seats in vehicles consists of a fastening element and a holding element. The fastening element is usually connected to the component or the module. In a specific application, the seat is the component that is introduced into the vehicle body. In this case, the fastener is connected to the seat rail mounted on the seat.

The fastening element is introduced into a holding element, which is connected to the holding member to which the component is to be attached. In the special case, the retaining element is indirectly or directly connected to the bottom plate of the vehicle body. By joining the fastener with the holding element a positive and / or positive connection is made. To make the connection, the fastening elements and the holding elements by a connecting material and / or an embodiment with undercut or a design which allows hooking of both elements together, are connected.

Fasteners, especially in vehicle especially for mounting seats, are known in various designs. A conventional attachment is done with screws, with a mother or another counterpart firmly or secured against rotation with the holding element, such as vehicle floor, is connected. These are mostly Sheet metal elements, which are fastened by spot welds on the vehicle floor, for example, to reinforce the vehicle floor and for receiving the nut or the threaded element attached. Screwed connections with a fixed nut or threaded element make it difficult to produce the connection, since an extremely precise arrangement of the bores and of the nuts or threaded elements is required. Correspondingly, the component or the assembly must be aligned in order to produce the screw connections.

Movable nuts or threaded elements allow certain tolerances that facilitate assembly.

Both solutions have the disadvantage that in each case the screw or the nut must be rotated. This is particularly problematic when the screws, as in car seats, are difficult to access and thus obstructs the work of fitters or makes difficult and makes the automatic assembly very complicated or excludes.

Another possibility for fastening is the screw-dowel connection, for which there are a multiplicity of variants. However, in each case a rotation of the screws or nuts with the mentioned disadvantages is required. Likewise, this is true, albeit to a lesser extent, for bayonet connections.

In DE 10351701 an attachment of seats in automobiles is described. Seat rails and seat are separated. Thus, the screw heads are easily accessible for mounting, on the other hand, the operation of screwing the screws is still required. The invention has for its object to provide a fastening system that allows the attachment of components to corresponding holding elements easily and quickly. In particular, the attachment system for internals in automobiles, such as seats, are suitable. The fastening system should include a simple assembly by vending machines. The connection should be solvable. On the other hand, a rotation such as in a screw connection should not be necessary during assembly. The compound should meet the strength and safety requirements for mounting the seats in automobiles.

The fastening system, in particular for fastening seats in vehicles, is characterized in that the fasteners bolted to the seat rail enter into a connection with the retaining elements attached to the vehicle floor using a connecting element or connecting material. As a result, it is not necessary during assembly to carry out a rotational movement of the fastening element. The connection of the fastening element with the component (seat or seat rail) by a screw takes place before the assembly of the component on the holding member. By the screw on the other hand, the connection is detachable and allows disassembly and reassembly, such as in a repair or replacement of the component. The connection between the fastening element and retaining element allows mounting tolerances. There are only a few assembly steps to make. The assembly with the fastening system according to the invention can therefore be done by appropriate machines. Overall, this can be a safer and cost-effective attachment system for the Assembly of seats and other components in automobiles will be provided. Likewise, the fastening system is advantageously used in other industries. The compound of the invention realized by the connecting element a vibration damping, which has a positive effect on sound minimization.

Advantageous embodiments of the fastening system and the method for attachment of seat rails sliding seats in vehicles resulting from the dependent claims. The mounting method is described in claim 22.

In the development according to claim 2, a connecting substance or connecting element is introduced between the fastening element and the retaining element. Installation and production-related dimensional differences are compensated by the corresponding cavities are filled. Thus, at the same time a frictional and / or positive connection is made. According to the embodiment according to claim 3 is the

Connecting substance liquid, viscous or powdery and is fixed by introducing the fasteners into the retaining element recess by curing or thermal action. This is a solid and accurate material in the space between the holding element and Befestigungsiguhgselement and serves to accommodate corresponding forces.

The development according to claim 4 provides that the compound during curing its volume is eager to increase. This will create a tension in the

Constructed connecting element, which corresponds to the bias of a screw and thus causes a better grip. According to claim 5, the compound has an adhesive effect, which receives additional forces for attachment of the component.

According to the embodiment according to claim 6, the connecting element is arranged at the bottom of the fastener sheet metal ring, which folds by powerful insertion into the retaining element recess and thus ensures a permanent connection by filling the corresponding gap. According to claim 7 hooks the correspondingly shaped fastener in the support member and thus establishes a connection between the two. According to the invention according to claim 8 fastener and retaining element recess are executed with undercut. As a result, a wedge effect between the fastening element and retaining element is realized. The wedge effect causes the fastening system increases the strength self-reinforcing when tensile forces occur. With the development according to claim 9 of

Undercut / wedge angle an angle from 1 to 5. This is an optimum between the compatibility of fastener and retaining element and the strength of the connection found. The development according to claim 10 provides a frusto-conical embodiment of the fastening element. For a concrete rotationally symmetrical shape of the conical design of fastener and retaining element recess is described, which is easy to manufacture and assemble. By filling the gap with the compound a durable positive connection is realized. The fastener can be introduced due to the dimensions claimed in the retaining element recess. According to the embodiment according to claim 11, the fastening elements are provided with at least two key surfaces. This is on the one hand holding the fastener when screwing with the component / assembly possible. Furthermore, it prevents that with later dismantling rotates the fastener and makes it difficult to loosen the screw. The fact that the compound to the

Key slap presses, the fastener is secured against twisting.

The development according to claim 12 provides that deviates by a pressure point, a bead or another shape or deformation of the retaining element of this on the inside of the rotationally symmetrical shape. Thus, as in the aforementioned claim twisting when loosening the screw connection is prevented. The connecting material presses against the elevation or depression of the retaining element. This is a positive rotation is given. With the development according to claim 13 fastener and retaining element recess are executed in a truncated pyramid. The durability of the compound results according to claim 10. In addition, a positive lock against the

Twist, for example, given in solution of the fastening system. The base of the truncated pyramid may be polygons, such as triangles, squares, etc. The development according to claim 14 provides a wedge-shaped embodiment of the fastener and the corresponding counterpart. Thus, the force is applied to two opposing surfaces. According to the embodiment of claim 15 rod and annular fasteners are included. In this way, the area for power transmission can be considerably increased. The embodiment according to claim 16 provides the connection of the seat and the holding element by a seat rail. Thus, the attachment system is particularly suitable for use in sliding front seats of vehicles. With the development according to claim 17, the fasteners are inextricably connected, for example by welding to the Ξitzschiene. A solution of the seats is possible in this case only by dissolution or liquefaction of the compound eg by heating. In a further embodiment according to claim 18 component and holding member are additionally glued. Thus, the seat rail can be additionally glued to the bottom plate, which increases the adhesive surface and thus the dischargeable forces. The compound is therefore also separated only by dissolution of the adhesive.

The development according to claim 19 provides that the fastening element is integrated into the component, in particular that the seating rail connected to the seat or a part thereof is designed as a wedge-shaped linear fastening element. This assembly can be simplified and an additional component omitted. According to the embodiment according to claim 20, a Verrastungsstift is introduced between the seat rail and bottom plate. For a simple locking option is described, which fixes the components to each other for the time of curing of the compound. According to the embodiment according to claim 21, the electrical connections between the seat and the vehicle by two opposite, provided with magnets contact boxes and contact plug are made. Due to the magnets, the exact position of the contact plug parts or sockets and the contact pressure by the magnets is produced automatically during assembly. The contacts are just as easily disassembled when disassembled again. The mobility of one or both plates in the millimeter range is realized by correspondingly flexible cable connections.

Advantageous embodiments of the method for automatic mounting of the seats with the holding device according to the invention are described in the claims 23 and 24.

According to the embodiment according to claim 23, the introduction of the connection or the adhesive is provided prior to the positioning of the seats. Before the compound has cured, the vehicle seat is introduced with the corresponding fastening elements in the recesses of the holding elements. For a fast, fully automatic assembly with the fastening system according to the invention can be realized. According to claim 24 immediately before the introduction of the seat of the connecting material in the form of one or more Verbindungsstofffolienkissen is introduced with a gripping means in the retaining element recesses. In the subsequent operation of the seat is introduced with the fasteners by the gripping means in the vehicle and fixed in the retaining element recesses. When inserting the seat, the splice foil pillows are or will be destroyed and the splice can produce the desired bond. Several embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 representation of the basic structure of

Fixing system on Example of the seat attachment, Fig. 2, the execution of the fastener with

Stator core,

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of the fastener with radial

grooves

4 shows the execution of a frusto-conical fastening element,

Fig. 5, the execution as a truncated pyramid

Fastener,

Fig. 6 shows the execution of an integrated on the component

Fastening element as a wedge-shaped linear or in section dovetail-shaped fastening element,

Fig. 7 shows the embodiment with an additional

Latch pin,

Fig. 8 shows a wedge-shaped in the component or seat rail integrated fastener, Fig. 9, the execution of a fastener with

Wrench flats and retaining element with bead,

10 is a holding element with pressure point and

Fig. 11 shows the arrangement of a contact plug and a

Contact can. The description of the mounting system for the assembly of components and assemblies is based on a preferred embodiment, the attachment of

Sitting in vehicles, in several variants.

Process variants are made in the description of the corresponding fastening system variants.

In Fig. 1, the basic structure of

Mounting system on the example of the attachment of a

Seat 1 shown with seat rails 12. The Fastener 3 is connected by a screw 2 with the component 1 and the seat rail 12 and inserted in the recess of the holding member 5, which is connected to the holding member 4.

The vehicle seat 1 is connected to a seat rail 12. The seat rail 12 is used in the front seats 1 to that they can be moved forward or backward. With the seat rail 12, two fasteners 3, hereinafter referred to as inserts 3 are connected by a respective screw or bolt 2 in the rule. The inserts 3 are provided with undercut, e.g. conical, executed. The counterpart to the inserts 3 form each of the bottom plate 4 directly or via a reinforcing member attached holding elements 5 for receiving the insert 3. The cup-shaped holding elements 5 are also made on the inside of conical. Thus, the inserts 3 can be inserted into the retaining element recesses 5. Due to the conical shape, the lateral surfaces of insert 3 and the inside of the holding element 5 are arranged parallel to each other. However, there is a distance between the two, which results from the angle of the rear cut, advantageously 1 to 5, and the length of the insert 3.

In order to realize a durable connection between insert 3 and retaining element 5, this distance is filled by a previously introduced in the retaining element recess 5 liquid compound 6. After a corresponding amount of the bonding agent 6 is introduced, the seat 1 is moved with the inserts 3 attached thereto so that the inserts 3 are pressed into the retaining element recesses 5. In this case, the connecting material 6 in the Interspace between retaining element recesses 5 and inserts 3 displaced. Subsequently, the connecting material 6 solidifies and forms a load-bearing spacer 6, the form-fitting corresponding to the seat 1 acting forces in the bottom plate 4 dissipates. It is particularly advantageous if the solidification of the connecting substance 6 is accompanied by the endeavor to expand in the no longer liquid state. As a result, a voltage according to the bias of a screw is constructed. This additionally realizes a non-positive connection. In addition, if the bonding agent 6 has an adhesive effect, forces can be additionally derived in this way. Instead of the adhesive, it is also possible to introduce a connecting substance 6 which hardens, for example, by or after heating.

The shape of the insert can, as shown in Fig. 4, be designed frustoconical. In this case, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, e.g. Wrench surfaces 10 on the insert 3 and pressure points 11 on the holding element 5 as rotation protection when loosening advantageous.

A further embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig. 5, realized by a truncated pyramid insert 3. The corresponding counterpart of

Holding element recess 5 has the. same shape. The forces are in turn transmitted from the inclined surfaces. As a positive force-transmitting spacer 6 also serves the solidified compound 6. The bases of the truncated pyramid inserts 3 may preferably be triangular or square. In a further variant, in FIG. 6, the inserts 3 are designed in the form of a wedge-trunk or dovetailed in section. The above applies accordingly. The wedge-shaped design with two tragungsflachen over can thus also be designed rod-shaped. This is due to a large area with only one insert 3, a high force in the bottom plate 4 can be discharged.

In the o.g. Embodiments, it is advantageous to make a fixation between insert 3 and 5 holding element by a locking pin 13. The fixation of both parts to each other is important for the time of curing of the bonding agent 6, to ensure complete filling of the cavity between the insert 3 and retaining element 5.

In another variant of the invention, shown in FIG. 2, a connecting element 6 in the form of a sheet-metal collar 7 secured to the underside of the insert 3 is realized instead of the liquid introduced connecting substance 6. When pushing the insert 3 into the holding element recess 5, the sheet metal ring 7 is flanged by a correspondingly shaped bottom 8 of the holding element 5. Thus, the gap between insert 3 and holding element 5 is filled to transmit power.

Another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, also comes without connecting material 6 from. The insert 3 is provided on the lateral surface with sawtooth-shaped radial grooves 9. The holding element 5 has a sharp edge on the underside. When pushing the insert 3 into the holding element 5, the holding element 5 hooks into the sawtooth-shaped radial grooves 9 and thus establishes a connection.

All embodiments of the fastening system according to the invention are on the one hand insoluble, because by pressing in the insert 3 in the

Holding element recess 5 a non-violent connection is created. On the other hand, the connection remains releasable by the preassembled screw 2. By loosening the screws 2, the insert 3 is to be separated from the component 1 or seat 1. Thus, the seats 1 are removable and can be remounted.

In Fig. 6, the insert 3 is directly connected to the seat rail 12, e.g. connected by welding. In addition, the

Seat rails 12 are glued to the bottom plate 4. If the seats 1 are not detachable from the seat rails 12, the seats 1 can only be replaced by liquefaction or dissolution of the bonding agent 6, e.g. be dismantled by heating a thermoplastic compound 6 or by adding a solvent.

The electrical connection between seat 1 and vehicle body is shown in Fig. 11. It is fixed by magnets with contact pins 15 and

Contact boxes 14 made. The contact plug 15 or contact boxes 14 are fixed to the bottom plate 4 and the seat 1 or seat rail 12 and connected to the electrical lines. The mobility of contact plug 15 and contact socket 14 is given by flexible cables and attachment. The attached to contact plug 15 and contact boxes 14 magnets are used for automatic positioning. When introducing the seats 1 with a gripping means, when a certain distance is exceeded, the magnets are effective and specify the exact fixation of the contact plug 15 and contact socket 14 to each other and thus establish the electrical contacts. At the same time a contact pressure is ensured.

The fastening system allows automation of the assembly of seats 1. A gripping means with a nozzle brings in a first operation, the liquid compound 6 in the holding element 5 a. Thereafter, in a second operation, the seat 1 with the inserts 3 attached thereto is placed opposite the holding elements 5 and displaces the connecting material 6 into the spaces between the insert 3 and the holding element 5. The locking pins 13 fix the position for the duration of hardening of the connecting substance 6 After that, the connection is loadable.

In another variant of the method for fixing seats in vehicles is immediately before the

Inserting the seat 1 of the connecting material 6 in the form of one or more Verbindungsstofffolienkissen with a gripping means in the Halteelementaussparungen 5 introduced. In the subsequent operation of the seat 1 is introduced with the fasteners 3 by the gripping means in the vehicle and fixed in the retaining element recesses 5. Upon penetration of the fastening means 3 or lying in the Halteelementaussparung 5 Verbindungsstofffolienkissen be destroyed and the adhesive thus released. The adhesive or the connecting material 6 spreads between the retaining element recesses 5 and the fastening elements 3 and thus it comes to the secure connection of these parts. According to the compound 6 used, the use of heat can also take place here.

Compilation of the reference numerals

1 - component, assembly, seat

2 - screws, bolts, screw connection 3 - fastener, insert

4 - Holding component, housing, bottom plate

5 - retaining element, retaining element recess

6 - connecting material, connecting element, spacer,

Glue 7 - sheet metal ring

8 - bottom of the retaining element

9 - radial groove

10 - Wrench areas

11 - Pressure point, beading, elevation 12 - Seat rail

13 - locking pin

14 - contact socket

15 - contact plug

Claims

Claims:

1. Fastening system for the assembly of components and assemblies, in particular for mounting seats in vehicles, a component or assembly (1) by screws (2) or bolts (2) with one or more

Fastening elements (3) or an insert (3) is connected and in each case a positive or non-positive connection between the fastening elements (3) and on a holding member (4) or housing (4) attached or integrated therein retaining elements (5) is given wherein the shape of the fastening element (3) is adapted to the shape of the receptacle of the holding element (5).

2. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that a connecting substance (6) or connecting element (6) is introduced between the fastening element (3) and the retaining element (5).

3. Fastening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting material (6) is liquid or viscous and curable or powdery and when heated liquid or viscous and is solidified on subsequent cooling, without reducing the volume.

4. Fastening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting substance (6) strives to increase its volume during hardening or hardening or causes a corresponding bias between the fastening element (3) and retaining element (5).

5. Fastening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting substance (6) is an adhesive.

6. The fastening system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (6) engages with the

Fastening element (3) is connected sheet-metal rim (7), which is umbördelbar with the introduction into the recess of the holding element (5) by spherical segment-shaped design of the bottom (8) of the holding element (5) to the outside.

7. Fastening system according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening element (3) has radial grooves (9) with sawtooth profile and a greater length than the

Has depth of the holding element (5) and the holding element (5) is designed to be open at the bottom, so that the lower

Conclusion of the holding element (5) with the radial grooves (9) of the fastening element (3) is hooked.

8. Fastening system according to claim 1 to 5, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e s in that the fastening elements (3) and / or the recesses of the holding elements (5) are designed conically with undercut.

9. Fixing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the undercut is made at an angle of 1.5 to 5.

10. Fastening system according to claim 8 and 9, characterized in that the fastening elements (3) and the holding elements (5) are designed as a holding element recess (5) frustoconical, wherein the largest diameter of the fastening element (3) is slightly smaller than the smallest diameter of the holding element (3). 5).

11. Fastening system according to claim 8 to 10, d a d u r c h e c e n e c i n e s in that the fastening elements (3) are provided with at least two key surfaces (10).

12. Fastening system according to claim 8 to 11, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e s in that the holding elements (5) on the inside with a pressure point (11), a bead (11) or another elevation (11) are provided.

13. Fastening system according to claim 8 and 9, characterized in that the fastening elements (3) and the retaining element (5) are executed in a truncated pyramid.

14. Fastening system according to claim 8 and 9, d a d u r c h e c e n e c i n e s in that the fastening elements (3) and the retaining element (5) are designed in the form of a wedge-trunk.

15. Fastening system according to claim 14, characterized in that the wedge-shaped shape of the fastening elements (3) and retaining elements (5) are designed to be linear or annular.

16. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the fastening elements and the seat are connected indirectly by a seat rail.

17. Fastening system according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e in that the fastening elements (3) with the component (1) or seat (1) or seat rail (12) are permanently connected.

18. Fastening system according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the components (1) or seat rails (12) with the holding member (4) and the fastening element (3) with the holding element (5) are glued.

19. Fastening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (3) in the component (1) is integrated, in particular that the seat (1) connected to the seat rail (12) or a part thereof as a wedge-shaped linear fastener (3 ) is executed.

20. Fastening system according to one of the preceding

Claims, that is, that the assembly (1) and the holding member (4) by a

Locking pin (13) are connected.

21. Fastening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electrical contact boxes (14) or contact plug (15) on the component (1) or holding member (4) are movably mounted and that to contact boxes (14) as contact plugs (15) opposite one another Magnets are arranged.

22. A method for mounting seats in vehicles, characterized in that a gripping means of a mounting robot brings the seat (1) with the associated fasteners (3) from outside the vehicle compartment in the vehicle compartment so that the fastening elements (3) in the Halteelementaussparungen ( 5) are guided.

23. A method for fixing seats in vehicles according to claim 22, characterized in that immediately before the introduction of the seat (1) of the connecting material (6) with a nozzle disposed on the gripping means nozzle is metered and mixed in the retaining element recesses (5) is introduced and in following operation of the seat (1) with the fasteners (3) introduced by the gripping means in the vehicle and in the

Holding element recesses (5) fixed and then the area of the retaining element recesses (5) with the fastening elements (3) for curing the bonding material (6) is heated.

24. Method for fixing seats in vehicles according to claim 22 and 23, wherein a connecting piece (6) in the form of one or more parts is provided immediately prior to the introduction of the seat (1)

Verbindungsstofffolienkissen be introduced with a gripping means in the retaining element recesses (5) and in the subsequent operation of the seat (1) with the fastening elements (3) by the gripping means in the vehicle in the holding members (4) and in the

Holding element recesses (5) introduced accordingly while the Verbindungsstofffolienkissen are destroyed and the connecting material (6) between the retaining element recesses (5) and the fastening elements (3) spreads and the seat (1) is thus fixed in the retaining element recesses (5).