JP2008101780A - Adjustable connector device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To bring a space tolerance compensation into a connector aggregate while ensuring a region as large as possible and compensating in many shafts in an automobile. <P>SOLUTION: An adjustable connector device is installed between a support body (2), specially an automobile body part and a plate element, specially a door covering. The connector device is provided with a connector member having an upper portion (3) capable of being mounted on the plate element, and a lower portion (4) which is connected to the support body (2). A neck-type intermediate region (5) fitted in a locking element (10) is installed between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4). A region in front of an intermediate region extends crossing an engaging piece (12) which can be embedded in a support body opening (7). Interference between the intermediate region and the engaging piece presses the intermediate region and spreads radially outward in the back of the support body opening (7). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fastener, and more particularly to an adjustable connector device of the type used to hold a plate element on a support member.

  A type of connector that has been taken into account is commonly used in automotive technology and provides an adjustable connection between the door covering member and the vehicle body. Typically, the upper portion of the connector assembly is attached to a plate element such as a door cover, and the lower portion of the connector assembly is attached to a support member such as an automobile body. However, the connector assembly is adjustable so that the relative distance between the door covering and the body portion can be selected when the fastener is installed.

  Such a basic non-adjustable connecting element is disclosed in US Pat. There, the connector is shown as having a pair of flanges provided above a second flange disposed in a circumferential direction having a different elasticity than the pair of flanges. In that device, a pair of flanges are inserted laterally into a pocket formed in the upper contact area. The lower sealing lip can act on the upper region of the support when the device is in a worn state and makes a somewhat tight connection.

Furthermore, the state of the art has an upper part that can be attached to the plate element, a central part, and a special holding element. Such a connection is shown in US Pat. The connector configuration shown in that application can compensate for mounting tolerances that are particularly useful in the automotive industry. However, the tolerance compensation is possible only in a plane extending parallel to the support member.
European patent application EP 0726401A1 German patent application DE 4014589C1

  Fasteners of the type described above for mounting an automobile door covering device to an automobile body cause several assembly problems. In particular, the above-described apparatus cannot adjust the distance between the door covering and the main body panel support member.

  Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an adjustable connector device that holds plate elements in a spaced relationship with respect to a support member.

  It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems and to provide a new and improved adjustable connector device and structure which provides the connector assembly with clearance tolerance compensation that compensates for the largest possible area and within multiple axes in the vehicle. Is to provide.

  In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, an intermediate neck region is provided between the upper or upper part and the lower or lower part of the connector. The intermediate neck region is fitted with a plurality of locking elements that enter into an engagement piece that can be embedded and connected in an operatively associated support opening in the front region of the connector. As the neck region penetrates into the support opening, the implantable engagement piece selectively expands behind the support opening. At least one companion locking element on the engagement piece is adapted to selectively engage a plurality of locking elements disposed on the intermediate neck. Due to the interaction between the locking element in the neck-shaped intermediate region and the compensatory locking element provided on the engagement piece, tolerance compensation is provided over a large region across the transverse axis of the vehicle, ie the “Y-axis”. The horizontal axis intersects the driving direction, that is, extends from the driver's seat door to the passenger seat door. As a result of the ability of the intermediate region to traverse the engagement piece and expand the engagement piece radially outward behind the door opening, the present invention provides a guarantee of a fixed sealing attachment of the automobile support member connection piece.

  According to another idea of the invention, the engagement piece or member of the invention is made from two materials. The two-component part produced in this way has a holding element made of a first hard material and an embedding element made of a second soft material. Preferably, both materials are synthetic materials such as a hard material which is a PA-type material and a soft material which is a TPE material, for example. With mixing of materials, a small pressure input is required to embed the intermediate piece within the contact piece to ensure a tight seal. In addition to the above, a very high withdrawal force is required to pull the intermediate region out of the engaging member because the companion locking piece embeds itself in the locking element. Therefore, a highly effective connection element can be obtained in all respects.

  According to yet another aspect of the invention, the retaining element is at least partially embedded within the embedded element. Furthermore, the retaining element so formed has a cross piece. The cross piece can be embedded in an embedding element made of a soft material.

  Further in accordance with the present invention, the retaining element can be formed to include four opposing cross pieces formed adjacent to the cross-designed end region embedded within the embedded element. The intersecting design end region has at least two companion locking elements. Since the locking elements may each be arranged in the region between the two intersecting beams, for example, there are four competing locking elements that can embed themselves within one of the locking elements .

  According to a further concept of the invention, the intermediate region is designed with a cylindrical end portion. The cylindrical end portion is provided between at least two elastic guide vanes extending diagonally and the cone. The cone is adapted to mechanically act on the inner wall of the engagement piece to radially expand the engagement piece to engage behind the support opening. The guide vanes, in one embodiment, protrude from the engagement piece and provide excellent mounting assistance while mounting the connecting element in the support opening.

  According to a further concept of the invention, the holding element provided with the compensatory locking element has a circumferential inward recess for receiving the embedding element. Furthermore, the opposite elastic locking element may be provided above a recess, for example in the cross piece. In this configuration, several intersecting pieces may be arranged diagonally opposite each other.

  According to a further concept of the invention, the embedding element consists of a ring embedded in the recess and a spreading element connected therewith, whereby the spreading element takes an annular shape. During use of the adjustable connector device, before the final mounting in the support body, the spreading element is embedded in the groove in the intermediate region and does not interfere with the mounting process. More particularly, the spreading element is embedded in the groove in the intermediate region and does not prevent the insertion of the connection according to the invention into the support opening. It is under the influence of the pressure caused by the intermediate piece pushed into engagement with the engagement piece that the spreading element is pushed out of the groove and embedded in the expanded state behind the support opening. There is only one time. Since the embedding element itself is made of a soft material, an overall improved and excellent sealing effect is guaranteed.

  In yet another aspect of the invention, the inner recess of the retaining element has an inverted U shape and has a leg member that penetrates the support opening on the side facing the intermediate region. On the front side of the leg member, the leg member itself can be embedded together with the expanding element into the groove in the intermediate region. Furthermore, according to this concept of the present invention, the front side of the leg member can be embedded in the circumferential recess of the spreading element. In such a configuration, the groove in the intermediate region may be followed forward by a guide cone, preferably designed, for example, to have a cross-section that is cross-shaped. This shape also makes it easy to insert a connecting element formed according to the invention into the associated support opening.

  According to a further concept of the invention, the holding element is formed with a contour area which can be embedded in the embedding element. As an alternative, the retaining element is designed in the form of a ring that is at least partially embedded within the embedded element. In that case, at least one part of the holding element forms a protruding region which simultaneously forms the companion latching member.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, the upper portion of the connecting member has an intermediate region having a plurality of vertically extending cross pieces formed on the outer periphery. The cross piece is fitted on the front face to at least one locking element. In this concept of the present invention, the lower part of the connector assembly has a housing with a recess adapted to take the cross-sectional shape of a plurality of longitudinally extending cross pieces formed in the upper part. The inside of the housing is fitted to at least one companion locking member to engage a plurality of locking elements formed on the surface of the upper cross piece. The pair of cross pieces are formed diagonally opposite each other, whereby the cross pieces have different widths. A single cross piece may have various widths, whereby the locking elements are preferably arranged in a cross piece region having a width corresponding to the width of the face of the single cross piece. In this case, the housing has cross sections of different widths adapted to receive longitudinally extending cross pieces.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, the cross pieces are bundled at their ends by conical tapered insertion regions. The insertion region may include, for example, elastic stop protrusions that face each other on at least two diagonal lines.

  According to yet another concept of the invention, the intermediate region between the cross piece and the insertion region has a contracted region.

  The upper housing, in another aspect of the invention, has at least one longitudinally extending groove that connects to the recess. Preferably, several grooves may be formed to extend on at least one side of the housing and / or at least one lateral side.

  According to a further concept of the invention, the lower part of the adjustable connector device may be formed as a two-component part, so that the region of the first rigid material including the housing and the upper part of the sealing flange, and the sealing flange And a region of a second soft material that includes at least one spreading element that extends through the support opening. The spreading element can be expanded behind the support opening through the upper intermediate region of the adjustable connector device.

  According to yet another aspect of the invention, the region formed behind the sealing flange is made of a second soft material and can be selectively embedded in the contracted portion of the intermediate region. May be provided. After the upper part is inserted and moved into the lower part, at least two latching members are spread out by an inclined surface provided in an intermediate region above the contraction part so that it can expand behind the support opening.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, several opposing cross pieces are provided in the lower portion above the sealing flange. The crosspieces are respectively fitted on the inner side to the companion locking members that engage the corresponding locking elements formed in the intermediate region.

  As an alternative, in another embodiment of the invention, the lower part is made of two materials. A two-component part made in this way has a region of hard material. This region consists of the cross piece, the upper part of the sealing flange and the spreading element which can penetrate the support opening. The region made of the second soft material has a lower portion of the sealing flange.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, the lower portion is formed so as to include a region made of a soft material provided between two regions of hard material. In the lower part, a circumferential sealing lip is provided.

  The upper portion of the intermediate region may be formed to have a variety of optional different features, such as, for example, a feature having a tube connection, a cable clamp region, and a retaining element region.

  Referring to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only, but not limited thereto, FIG. 1 shows an adjustable connector device formed in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the invention. . FIG. 1 shows a connecting portion (connector member) 1 that can connect a support body 2 such as a main body of an automobile to a plate element (not shown) such as a door covering member of the automobile. The connecting part 1 has an upper part 3 that is selectively attached to the plate element and a lower part 4 that is adapted to be selectively connected to the associated support 2. The upper part 3 can take any shape. In the preferred embodiment shown, however, the upper portion has three flanges. The uppermost flange has a plurality of spirally extending ribs, as best shown in FIG.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 1 and 3, the neck-shaped intermediate region 5 is disposed between the upper portion 3 and the lower portion 4. A plurality of locking elements 10 are provided in the intermediate region 5 as illustrated. The locking element 10 may be formed, for example, as a circumferential ring in a serrated screw region, a hook-like structure or the like.

  As best shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate region has a forward region that can traverse the engagement member 12 during mounting of the adjustable connector device. The engagement member 12 can be selectively embedded in the support opening 7 and can be expanded behind the support opening when the intermediate region is received in the engagement member 12. The final or assembled state of the adjustable connector device is best shown in schematic cross section in FIG. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the engagement member 12 has at least one biphasic locking unit 14 that can be selectively embedded within the locking element 10. In this way, the intermediate region 5 is selectively adjusted with respect to the engagement piece 12 and is adjusted in the range of the distance between the upper part 3 and the engagement member 12, as indicated by Y in FIG.

  The engagement member is preferably formed from two materials as two component parts. As best shown in the cross section of FIGS. 3 and 4, the engagement member 12 has a retaining element 16 made of a hard plastic material and an embedding element 18 made of a soft plastic material. The holding element 16 has a plurality of companion locking units 14. As shown in the figure, the companion locking unit 14 can be engaged with a plurality of locking elements 10 formed in the intermediate region 5.

  A first preferred embodiment of the retaining element 16 is shown in FIGS. In these drawings, the holding element has four diagonally opposite cross piece members 20 embedded in the embedding element 18 according to FIG. Preferably, an intersecting end region fitted to the mutual locking element 14 is arranged adjacent to the intersecting piece member 20 as shown in FIG. The compensatory locking elements 14 may be respectively provided between the regions between the pair of crossed beams a, b, c, d, as particularly shown in FIGS. The cross beam is preferably designed in the form of a thin cross piece and thus has a predetermined elasticity. As shown in FIG. 6, the cross piece preferably protrudes into the space between the cross beams a, b, c, d.

  In this way, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the retaining element 16 is completely embedded in the embedding element 18 made of a material softer than the material forming it.

  The leading end of the intermediate region 5 is shown in FIGS. The cylindrical member 22 is formed in an intermediate region as shown in the figure, and supports at least two elastic guide vanes 23. The guide vanes extend diagonally outward from the cylindrical member 22. A cone or conical surface 25 is formed in the intermediate region 5 between the plurality of locking elements 10 and the cylindrical member 22. The conical surface 25 can engage and compress the inner wall 30 of the engagement member 12. In this relationship as shown in FIG. 4, the guide vane 23 protrudes outward beyond the engagement member 12. The pair of guide vanes comprises, for example, in FIG. 5 a mounting aid for inserting a connection according to the invention into the associated support opening 7. However, it is possible to use several guide vanes that are separated from one another by grooves, for example. In that example, the guide vanes preferably have ramps that extend at an angle to facilitate insertion into the support opening.

  During the mounting of the connector device, during compression of the connection 1 to the support opening 7, the wings 23 press against the lower region of the embedding element 18 made of a soft material, thereby compressing the embedding element. This results in a very good attachment to the associated support. When the position shown in FIG. 3 is reached, the elastic wing 23 expands diagonally outward. In this respect, as shown in FIG. 3, there is a possibility of moving the cone 25 by the pressure in the direction of the arrow X, so that the engaging member 12 consisting of the holding element 16 and the embedding element 18 is spread out, thereby As best shown in FIG. 2, the engagement member itself is gripped in the front area behind the opening 7 of the support 2. At the same time, the companion locking unit 14 of the holding element made of hard material embeds itself in the corresponding locking element 10 within the tolerance (tolerance) range Y of FIG. This allows excellent tolerance compensation of the spacing between the support 2 and the operatively related support or plate element (not shown) throughout the Y direction. The plate element can be embedded, for example, in FIG. 2 by inserting a pocket (not shown) or the like in the upper part 3 composed of three discs. This ensures a fixed connection with the support member 2 in a functionally correct position.

  Since the embedding element 18 is made of a softer material than the holding element 16, the soft material completely traverses the support opening 7 as shown in FIG. Embedding and even more easily guarantee a watertight coating of the support opening 7.

  9 and 10, a second preferred embodiment of the adjustable connector device is shown. In these drawings, as best shown in FIG. 10, the retaining element 16 ′ forms a circumferential inner recess 27. In this embodiment, the embedding element 18 ′ embeds itself in the recess 27. The embedding element 18 ′ is formed, for example, from a ring 28 and a spreading element 29 connected integrally to the ring 28. The spreading element 29 may be designed in an annular shape and is preferably embedded in a groove 32 formed in the intermediate region 5 ′ before mounting the adjustable connector device in the associated support opening 7. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the elastic bi-directional locking unit 14 ″ is arranged on a holding element 16 supported by a plurality of cross pieces 40. These cross pieces 40 are shown in FIG. As best shown in FIG. 9, they are arranged diagonally opposite each other.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, the leading end of the intermediate region 5 'has a groove 32 designed to have a cross-sectional shape in the form of a cross that provides a guiding aid during mounting of the intermediate region in the holding element. And a guide conical region 36. Further, the cross section formed by the guide cone 36 helps to mount the connector device within the support opening by providing an introduction profile, as best shown in FIGS.

  In FIG. 10, if the connector device according to the present invention is pre-mounted on the support opening and then the pressure is applied again in direction X, the opposite locking unit 14 'locks in the functionally correct position in the Y direction. Thereby, the spreading element 29 is simultaneously pushed out of the groove 32 and engages behind the support opening 7 with itself spreading radially. Thus, the intermediate region 5 'pushes the spreading element 29 radially outward and engages behind the support member 2, thus locking the holding element 16' in place. A plurality of bilateral locking mechanisms 14 'then hold the intermediate region 5' with respect to the holding element 16 '.

  FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of another preferred modified embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the spreading element 29 is designed to have a different profile than the spreading element shown in FIG. Overall, the spreading element shown in FIG. 11 engages an additional volume in the groove 32 formed in the intermediate region 5 ′.

  Referring to FIG. 12, another preferred modified embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown there, the groove 32 is not provided in the intermediate member. Rather, the spreading element 29 has two regions 37, 37a that are opposed to each other at an angle. As a result of the orientations that are opposite to each other at an angle, a radial spreading action occurs when the intermediate region 5 'is pressed into the holding element 16'. When that happens, the embedded element 18 ′ ″ is expanded radially outward and engages behind the support opening 7.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-15, the inner recess 17 ′ of the holding element 16 ″ has an inverted U shape with a leg member 33 provided on the side facing the intermediate region 5 ′. The inverted U-shaped part of the holding element passes through the support opening 7. In this configuration, the front side of the leg member 33 is embedded in the recess of the spreading element 29.

  Again, like the special embodiment shown in FIG. 12, a pair of surfaces 37, 37a are provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. The paired surfaces face each other at an angle, resulting in a radial expansion process leading to the final mounted state shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 shows a plurality of bilateral elastic locking units 14 ′ ″ formed as part of the holding element 16 ″ ″. The companion locking unit is provided on the illustrated cross piece 40. When the connector member 1 is installed in the support opening as shown in FIG. 15, the leg member 33 and the spreading element 29 initially remain in the groove 32, producing a pre-mounted insertion effect. Therefore, it is possible to generate pressure in the intermediate piece in the direction indicated by X in the drawing. As a result of the pressure generation in the X direction, the spreading element is pushed out of the groove 32, resulting in the final mounted state or structure shown in FIG.

  Although not shown in the drawing, it is possible to give the holding element a contour region embedded in the embedded element 18. The contour region may be formed, for example, in the shape of a shank, so that the holding element fitted to the corresponding companion locking unit attaches to the embedding element. Further, although not specifically shown in the drawings, the retaining element may be formed as at least partially embedded within the embedded element, so that at least one region protrudes from the embedded element and simultaneously the opposite chain Form a lock unit. For example, the ring may be formed such that the ring consists of an outer annular region embedded in the embedded piece. The embedded piece is connected to the inner annular region where several other opposing locking units are located through a cross piece.

  There are various other possible shapes for the neck shape. Accordingly, instead of the two guide rings 23 shown in FIG. 7, for example, a conical region may be provided so as to be fitted at several rearward ends to several parallel extending pieces.

  Figures 16-22 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown there, the upper part 3 has an intermediate region 5 provided with intersecting pieces 48, 49 extending vertically on the outer periphery. The crosspiece has a front surface provided with a plurality of locking elements 10 ', as best shown in FIG. The intersecting pieces 48, 49 are diagonally opposite each other, so that preferably four intersecting pieces are provided. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the cross piece may have various widths such that the cross piece 48 has a narrower width than the cross piece 49. The cross piece 49 converges to a narrower design or contour under the locking element 10 '. The contour member 58 is located at the intersection between the cross pieces 48, 49 as best shown in FIG. In addition to the above, the upper part 3 is formed in such a way that the intersecting pieces 48, 49 are bound on one side by a conical tapered insertion region 47.

  17 and 18 show the lower part 4 in detail. As shown therein, the lower portion is cross-sectioned to engage the upper portion 3. Preferably, the lower part may be formed from a combination of two components. The first region I is made of a hard material and has a housing 44 having a recess 45, a companion latching member 14, and an upper portion of the sealing flange 42. The second region II is formed integrally with the first region, but is made of a second soft material. The second region II has a lower part of the sealing flange 42 and a number of spreading elements 57 separated from each other by a groove.

  As specifically shown in FIG. 18, the housing member 44 has at least one longitudinally extending groove 55 or 55 ′ connected to the recess 45. In this construction, the groove 55 is provided in at least one surface of the housing member 44, while the groove 55 'extends into at least one lateral wall of the housing member.

  Further, as is apparent from FIG. 18, the housing member 44 having the recess 45 is sectioned to engage the intermediate region 5 of the upper portion 3. That is, the housing member can receive four cross pieces 48, 49.

  FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the adjustable connector device of this embodiment, which is shown in a pre-mounted state and which comprises an upper part 3 shown in FIG. 16 and a lower part 4 formed according to FIGS.

  In FIG. 20, the pre-mounted adjustable connector device is mounted in the opening 7 of the associated support 2. By way of example, the support 2 may be provided with a recess or groove 66. The lower region of the sealing flange 42 is preferably made of a soft material and, in the embodiment shown, has a circumferential sealing lip 38 which acts on the surface of the recess 66 of the support 2 as shown in FIG. ing.

  After the adjustable connector device is provided in the structure shown in FIG. 20, pressure in the direction indicated by X in FIG. 21 is applied to the upper portion 3. Due to the pressure in the X direction, the conical taper insertion region 47 of the upper part 3 pushes against the spreading element 57 of the lower part 4 and pushes the spreading element as best shown in FIGS. Push behind the support opening 7. The spread is caused by the interaction between the crosspieces 48, 49 and the profile member 58. Due to the inward pressing action, the companion latching members 14 are arranged at different heights in the recesses 45 of the housing member 44 and latch in the corresponding locking element 10 ′ outside the upper part 3, and The positive coupling unit shown in FIG. 22 is held in a functionally fixed state in the opening of the support 2.

  Figures 23 to 34 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As best shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the upper portion has diagonally opposed crossing pieces 48 ', 49' provided with locking elements 10 '. The contraction region 53 is provided under the cross pieces 48 ', 49'. A pair of opposing elastic latching stop members 51 are disposed adjacent to the contraction region 53 as shown. As shown, a pair of opposing recesses 52 are provided in the contraction region 53.

  FIGS. 25 to 28 show the lower part which can be engaged with the upper part 3 in FIGS. The housing member 44 is formed in a sealing flange, and has a recess 45 provided with a mutual latching member 14 on the inside as shown in the figure. Preferably, the companion latch members are arranged at a staggered height as best shown in FIGS. Similar to the special embodiment described above, the lower part 4 is preferably composed of a two-component part having a first region I made of a first hard material and a second region II made of a second soft material. . The second region II made of the second soft material has a lower portion of the sealing flange 42 and is provided with a circumferential sealing lip 38 as shown. As best shown in FIG. 27, the first region I made of the first hard material has a lower portion that preferably passes through the support opening, and a latching member 60 that is staggered.

  The unit consisting of the upper part 3 and the lower part 4 can be mounted in the opening 7 of the associated support 2 in a pre-mounted configuration, as best shown in FIGS. 29-31. The latching member 60 of the lower part 4 has not yet been expanded at the position shown in the figure, and embeds itself in the contraction region 53 in the front part of the intermediate region 5. This orientation results in a pre-mounted configuration of the adjustable connector device.

  When pressure is generated in the X direction on the upper part 3 shown in FIG. 32, the latching member 60 on the lower part 4 slides along the inclined surface 61 (FIGS. 23 and 33), and as shown in FIG. Inflates behind the body opening 7. The latch member 60 is placed behind the support opening and holds the entire connector device of the present invention having upper and lower portions 3, 4 so as to be functionally fixed on the support 2.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 32 and 34, the latch stop member 51 is freely present under the support 2 and serves as an additional connection for other parts and the like (not shown).

  The companion latching member 14 in the recess 45 of the housing member 44 embeds itself in the corresponding locking element 10 'of the upper part 3, so that the connected assembly of parts as a unit is functionally fixed. It is advantageously made as being clamped to the support 2 and closed within itself.

  35-39, another modified preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown therein, the lower portion 4 has a number of opposing resilient cross pieces 63 disposed above the sealing flange 42 as best shown in FIGS. 37-39. The opposing elastic cross pieces 63 are provided with the opposite latch members 14 on their inner surfaces.

  The lower part 4 is preferably made from a two-component extrusion process and has a first region I made of a first hard material and a second region II made of a second soft synthetic material. As is apparent from FIG. 35, the second region II made of the second soft synthetic material forms the lower region of the sealing flange 42 and is preferably provided with an elastic sealing lip 38.

  In the lower region of the lower part 4, as shown best in FIGS. 38 and 39, there are a number of diagonally opposed elastic spreading elements 57 '. In this structure, the cross piece 63 is preferably provided with a spreading element 57 ′ in a circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis formed by the lower part 4 and the intermediate region 5.

  The upper part 3 is preferably made to have a cylindrical intermediate region 5 provided with a locking element 10, as shown in FIG. The upper part and the lower part are preferably used together so as to provide a preloading unit to be mounted in the support opening 7. When pressure is applied to the upper part, the front part of the intermediate region 5 acts to spread the spreading element 57 radially outward from the lower part. In this way, the connection part according to the invention is suitable for tightening to the support member 2.

  40 and 41 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the lower portion 4 has a first region I made of a first hard material and a second region II made of a second soft material. The second region II forms a circumferential sealing lip 38. The first region I has a plurality of spreading elements of the type described above in connection with another preferred embodiment described above. The spreading element can be opened radially outward by its engagement with a corresponding inclined surface 61 provided in the front part of the intermediate region 5 after its insertion into the opening 7 of the support 2.

  All of the above-described preferred embodiments of the connector device according to the invention have the common feature that the upper part 3 above the intermediate region 5 has three flanges spaced apart from each other. In this way, according to FIG. 42a, a lateral insertion is made into the pocket 70 of the associated part 75. Another part (not shown) may be arranged above the first part.

  According to FIG. 42b, the upper part 3 is provided with three flanges spaced apart from each other and a pair of well-known tube holding devices spaced parallel to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 42c, the upper portion is provided with a loop string 72 to fit the adjustable connector device to form a loop around a plurality of pipelines or the like (not shown).

  In FIG. 42d, a plurality of tube clamping devices 71 'of different designs are formed in the upper part 3 to accommodate an adjustable connector for connecting the tube or the like to the support member.

  In the structure shown in FIG. 42e, the upper portion is provided with a dish-like longitudinal recess so that one or more tubular devices (not shown) can be placed substantially parallel to the surface of the support member 2. The operatively related tubular member is then tightened using one or more cable ties (not shown) or other suitable lace members.

  According to a plurality of other preferred embodiments according to the invention, a simple but effective connection is provided between the support 2, in particular the body of the motor vehicle, and the plate element, in particular the door covering of the motor vehicle. An effective seal of the support opening is provided by the connector device. Furthermore, excellent tolerance compensation in the Y direction is ensured for a large range, especially for automobiles.

  As described above, the first invention of the present invention is an adjustable connector device (1) between a support (2), in particular, an automobile body, and a panel element, particularly a door / trim panel. In an adjustable connector device (1) comprising a connection part having an upper part (3) fastened to the panel element and a lower part (4) connected to the support (2), the neck-shaped design and hooking An intermediate region (5, 5 ') provided with a stop element (10) is provided between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) and can be inserted into the support opening (7) An engagement portion (12), which passes through the intermediate region (5, 5 ') of the connection portion in the front region thereof and expands behind the support opening (7). 12) at least one phase inserted into the latching element (10) Latching (14, 14 '14' ', 14' '') is adjustable connector apparatus characterized by being provided with (1).

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the upper part (3) of the connector member (1) has a plurality of radially extending cross-piece members (48, 48) formed along the longitudinal axis of the intermediate region (5, 5 '). 49, 48 ', 49'), each of the members (48, 49, 48 ', 49') supports a set of the plurality of locking elements (10 ') and the connector member (1 ) Has a housing member (44) and a sealing flange (42) for supporting the housing member (44). The housing member (44) is formed in the upper portion (3). Forming a cross-sectional recess (45) adapted to receive the plurality of radially extending cross piece members, the housing member (44) extending in a plurality of radial directions of the upper portion (3); A plurality of locking elements (10 ') supported by cross piece members; 1st invention characterized by supporting at least one companion locking unit (14) which works to fit together, and selectively fastening said intermediate region (5, 5 ') to said sealing flange (42) The adjustable connector device according to claim 1.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the plurality of radially extending cross piece members (48, 49, 48 ', 49') have cross-sections, and each cross piece member is disposed on opposite diagonal lines with respect to each other. The adjustable connector device according to the second aspect of the invention.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, each of the plurality of radially extending cross piece members has a different width, and the recess (45) receives the plurality of radially extending cross piece members having a different width. The adjustable connector device according to the third aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a cross-sectional shape.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of locking elements (10 ') are each of the plurality of cross piece members extending in the radial direction in a spaced relationship along the longitudinal axis of the intermediate region (5, 5'). The adjustable connector device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of cross piece members extend in opposite radial directions, the at least two cross piece members have different widths, and the at least two of the cross piece members extend in the opposite radial direction. Each of the two cross piece members has a respective set of locking elements (10 ') having different widths formed based on the different widths of the opposing radially extending cross piece members (49, 49'). Is an adjustable connector device according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the lower portion (4) forms a conical tapered insertion region (47, 47 ') on an end thereof, and the plurality of cross piece members (48, 49, 48') are formed. 49 ') is an adjustable connector device according to the sixth invention, characterized in that the conical tapered insertion region (47, 47') is in contact with each end of the member. .

  According to an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the insertion region (47 ') supports at least two elastic latching protrusions (51) extending in a diagonal direction facing the intermediate region. Adjustable connector device.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the end portion of the lower portion (4) includes the at least elastic latching protrusion (51) and the plurality of radially extending cross piece members (48, 49, 48 ', 49'). At least one recess (52) formed between the elastic projection and the elastic latch when the latching projection is deflected radially inwardly. The adjustable connector device according to the eighth invention, characterized in that the tip of the protrusion (51) is received.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the lower portion (4) includes a contraction region (53) disposed between the plurality of cross-piece members (48 ', 49'), and the conical tapered insertion. The adjustable connector device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a region (47, 47 ').

  In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the engaging member (12) has a hard region (I) made of a hard material and a soft region (II) made of a soft material, The hard region (I) has a pair of cross piece members (63), the upper part of the sealing flange (42) and an expanding element (57 '), and the soft region (II) is the sealing flange (42). The adjustable connector device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it has a lower portion.

  In a twelfth aspect, the set of cross pieces (63) is arranged along a longitudinal axis formed by the spreading elements (57, 57 ') and the intermediate region (5, 5'), and The adjustable connector device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the adjustable connector device is spaced circumferentially around the longitudinal axis.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the housing member (44) supports a plurality of locking units (14), and each locking member (14) is staggered with respect to the sealing flange (42). 2) The adjustable connector device according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the adjustable connector device is arranged above.

  In a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the housing member (44) has at least one longitudinally extending groove (55, 55 ') formed in the housing member continuous with the recess (45). An adjustable connector device as set forth in the thirteenth invention.

  In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the housing member (44) has a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves (50, 55), and the grooves are formed on at least one surface and a lateral side of the housing member (44). The adjustable connector device according to the fourteenth invention, wherein the adjustable connector device extends.

  In a sixteenth aspect of the invention, the lower part (4) is made of a hard material (I) made of a hard material forming the housing member (44) and a soft material forming a lower part of the sealing flange (42). A two-component part having a soft region (II) made, whereby the spreading element (57) extends through the support opening (7), the spreading element (57) is adapted to expand radially outwardly behind the support opening (7) through engagement with the intermediate region (5, 5 ') of the upper piece (3). An adjustable connector device according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention.

  In a seventeenth aspect of the invention, the intermediate region (5, 5 ') has a plurality of contour members (58) formed between the plurality of intersecting pieces (48, 49), and the contour members are formed on the support opening. The adjustable connector device according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, characterized in that it acts on the expanding member (57) so as to be engaged behind (7) and is spread radially outward. is there.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, the soft region (II) has at least two latches (60) disposed adjacent to the sealing flange (42), and the at least two latches are arranged in the intermediate region (5). 5 '), and the at least two latches (60) can be embedded in an inclined surface (61) formed in the intermediate region by engaging the contraction region (61). 53) The support, following the insertion movement of the upper part (3) into the lower part (4), forcing a radially outward spreading movement of the at least two latches (60) above The adjustable connector device according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the adjustable connector device is configured to engage behind the opening (7).

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the lower portion (4) has a plurality of opposed cross piece members (63) adjacent to the sealing flange (42), and each opposed cross piece member has at least one counter latch (14). Wherein the at least one counter latch is adapted to make contact with the plurality of locking elements (10, 10 ') of the intermediate region (5, 5'). It is an adjustable connector apparatus as described in 18th invention.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, the lower portion of the sealing flange (42) has a circumferential sealing lip (38) disposed on the outer periphery of the sealing flange. Adjustable connector device.

  The twenty-first invention is characterized in that the lower part (4) of the connector member is made of a hard material and a soft material, and the second soft material forms a circumferential sealing lip (38). The adjustable connector device according to the first invention.

  According to a twenty-second invention, the upper piece (3) of the intermediate region (5, 5 ') has a pipe clamping device, a cable gripping region, or a panel holding element. An adjustable connector device as described.

1 is a side view of an adjustable connector device constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a top view of the adjustable connector apparatus shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the adjustable connector apparatus seen from the III-III line of FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, showing a final mounted state in which the adjustable connector device is partially retracted. It is a fragmentary perspective view of 1st Example of the holding element which consists of an adjustable connector apparatus of this invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of FIG. 5. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the intermediate area of 1st Example based on this invention shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the intermediate region shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 6 is a side view of an adjustable connector device constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the adjustable connector device shown in FIG. 4, showing a pre-assembled state after first being inserted into an operationally relevant support opening. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an adjustable connector device constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment, showing the state after insertion into an operationally relevant support opening. It is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of another Example of the latching mechanism used for this adjustable connector apparatus. FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, showing the state after the final insertion into the support opening. It is a side view of the Example of this adjustable connector apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the present adjustable connector device shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and shows a pre-cast state. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the upper portion of another preferred embodiment of the adjustable connector device constructed in accordance with the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the upper part of the adjustable connector apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lower part of the adjustable connector device that can engage with the upper part shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the upper and lower portions of the adjustable connector device shown in FIGS. 16-18, showing the engaged relationship. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the center seen through the upper part of this adjustable connector apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a side view of the adjustable connector device shown in FIGS. 16-20, showing a final assembled condition. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the adjustable connector apparatus seen from the XXII-XXII line | wire of FIG. FIG. 6 is a top side view of an adjustable connector device constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment. FIG. 24 is a side view of the upper portion of the adjustable connector device shown in FIG. 23, showing a state rotated by 90 degrees. FIG. 25 is a top view of the lower portion of the adjustable connector device capable of receiving the upper portion of the connector device shown in FIGS. It is a side view of the lower part of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower part seen from the XXVII-XXVII line of FIG. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower part of the connector apparatus seen from the XXVIII-XXVIII line | wire of FIG. FIG. 30 is a side view of the upper and lower portions of the connector device shown in FIG. 23-29, showing a state following mounting in the support opening. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector apparatus seen from the XXX-XXX line of FIG. It is a perspective view of the adjustable connector apparatus shown to FIG. FIG. 32 is a side view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 29-31, showing a final mounting state. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector apparatus seen from the XXXIII-XXXIII line | wire of FIG. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an assembled connector device constructed according to the device shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 and disposed in an associated support opening. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the present adjustable connector device, showing the state after installation in the associated support opening. FIG. 36 is a top view of the connector device shown in FIG. 35. It is a perspective view of the lower part of the connector apparatus shown to FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower part shown in FIG. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower part shown in FIG. 36 seen from another angle. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the present adjustable connector device in an assembled state. It is a perspective view of the Example of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 42a to 42e are central longitudinal sectional views of the upper part of the connector device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and each modification is shown.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Connection part (connector member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Support body 3 ... Upper part 4 ... Lower part 5 ... Middle area | region 10 ... Locking element 12 ... Engagement member 14 ... Asymmetric locking unit (member)
16 ... Holding element 18 ... Embedded element 20 ... Cross piece (member)
23. Elastic guide wing

Claims (1)

Adjustable connector device (1) between a support body (2), in particular an automobile body, and a panel element, in particular a door trim panel, an upper part (3) clamped to said panel element, and said support In an adjustable connector device (1) comprising a connection having a lower part (4) connected to the body (2),
An intermediate region (5, 5 ') having a neck-shaped design and provided with a latching element (10) is provided between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4); An engaging part (12) which can be inserted into (7) is provided, which passes through the intermediate area (5, 5 ') of the connecting part in the front area and expands behind the support opening (7). The engagement member (12) is provided with at least one mutual latch (14, 14 ', 14 ", 14"') which is inserted into the latch element (10). Adjustable connector device (1).

Images