WO2020086437A1

WO2020086437A1 - Fastening device for fastening an add-on part to a carrier element

Info

Publication number: WO2020086437A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/057163
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Pfeiffer
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2018-10-23
Filing date: 2019-10-21
Publication date: 2020-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-23
Also published as: DE102018126362A1

Abstract

A fastening device (100) for fastening an add-on part to a carrier element. The fastening device (100) is in the form of a plug element with a plugging-in region (1) insertable into a fastening opening of the carrier element, and a holding region (2) assigned to the add-on part and designed as a holding head, the plugging-in region and holding region being connected to each other. At least one latching element (3) is shiftable radially relative to the plugging-in region (1), for engaging behind the carrier element in the state plugged into the fastening opening. The at least one latching element (3) has at least one externally actuable manipulation element (4) for shifting that latching element radially inwards relative to the plugging-in region (1) from a radially expanded state in order to release the rear engagement of the at least one latching element (3).

Description

FASTENING DEVICE FOR FASTENING AN ADD-ON PART

TO A CARRIER ELEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates in general to fastening devices which can be used for connecting components to one another.

BACKGROUND

[0002] According to embodiments of the present invention, the fastening devices are provided in particular for use in the automobile sector in order to fasten interior trim parts, in particular trim panels, to respective carriers which consist, for example, of metal body structures. Accordingly, according to embodiments of the invention, the fastening device can serve for fastening an add-on part to a carrier element, in particular a body of a motor vehicle, wherein the fastening device has a plug element which has a plugging-in region which is insertable into a fastening opening of the carrier element and a holding region which is assigned to the add-on part and is designed in particular as a holding head, said plugging-in region and holding region being connected to each other.

[0003] The fastening device preferably has at least one latching element, which is shiftable radially relative to the plugging-in region and which is designed for engaging behind the carrier element in the state plugged into the fastening opening.

[0004] Fastening devices of this type are known at least according to the principle from the prior art. For the installation of add-on parts, such as, for example, wheel arch panels, door panels and sill panels to vehicles, fastening openings are required in the body shell, for example on the body, in particular on a carrier element of the body.

[0005] Conventionally, the fastening devices known from the prior art, as soon as they are introduced during use into a fastening opening, are not capable of being reused if the fastening devices are removed again. For example, parts of the fastening device may buckle or break in some other way during the removal, or simply may no longer provide sufficient holding force. [0006] As a rule, fastening devices which are used for connecting components to one another have a plugging-in region with a W shape. Such fastening devices with a W- shaped insertion region provide rapid and simple installation. In addition, the W-shaped plugging-in regions securely hold moulded parts of structural panels while they are also relatively easy to remove.

[0007] The fastening devices with W-shaped plugging-in regions generally have a pin with wings which expand outwards. The wings may buckle or break in some other way during the removal of the pin. In addition, after the pin has been removed, a gromet of the fastening element customarily remains in a fastening hole of a component.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the problem that in general fastening devices are not capable of being reused since components of the fastening device may be damaged after the removal.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for fastening devices which can easily be reused. In particular, there is a need for fastening devices which remain undamaged after they have been removed from a fastening opening.

SUMMARY

[0010] In view of these requirements, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a fastening device is provided for fastening an add-on part to a carrier element, wherein the fastening device has a plug element with a plugging-in region which is insertable into a fastening opening of the carrier element and a holding region which is designed in particular as a holding head. The plugging-in region and the holding region of the plug element are connected to each other preferably fixedly or, alternatively thereto, releasably.

[0011] The fastening device according to these embodiments of the present disclosure furthermore has at least one latching element, which is shiftable radially relative to the plugging-in region, for example in the form of a wing, wherein said latching element, which is shiftable radially relative to the plugging-in region, is designed for engaging behind the carrier element in a state plugged into the fastening opening. [0012] In order to enable the fastening device to be removed from the fastening opening of the carrier element simply and in particular without being damaged, it is provided according to the invention that the at least one latching element is assigned an externally actuable manipulation element via which, in particular in the state plugged into the fastening opening, the at least one latching element when required can be shifted radially inwards relative to the plugging-in region from a radially expanded state in order thereby to release the rear engagement of the at least one latching element.

[0013] Various solutions are suitable for the manipulation element. According to embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention, it is provided that the manipulation element has at least one flexible arm region. Said flexible arm region of the manipulation element has a first end region which is connected to the at least one latching element. The flexible arm region of the manipulation element furthermore has a second end region which lies opposite the first end region and which can be manipulated in such a manner that, in order to release the rear engagement of the at least one latching element, a force component pointing radially inwards with respect to the plugging-in region acts on the at least one latching element.

[0014] It is conceivable in this context, for example, if the second end region of the at least one flexible arm region is connected to a drive part which is releasably connectable to an external manipulator in order to externally actuate the drive part and therefore the at least one manipulation element.

[0015] Plug-in parts, such as, for example, a polygonal plug-in part, in particular a triangular, tetragonal, hexagonal or dodecagonal plug-in part, an internal polygonal plugin part, in particular internal hexagonal plug-in part, a multiple-tooth XZN plug-in part or a groove-nut plug-in part are particularly suitable as the drive part.

[0016] Irrespective of which embodiment is selected for the drive part of the manipulation element, said drive part should preferably be formed in a correspondingly complementary manner with respect to a tool part of an external manipulator so that the drive part is releasably connectable to the tool part of the external manipulator. [0017] The manipulation element can be designed to generate a force component which points radially inwards with respect to the plugging-in region and acts on the at least one latching element when the manipulation element is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the fastening device or when the manipulation element is, for example, rotated.

[0018] With regard to the last alternative, it is conceivable, for example, if the manipulation element has a flexible arm region, wherein an end region of the flexible arm region is connected to a drive part, and wherein said drive part is at least partially rotatable relative to the at least one latching element about an axis of rotation running at least substantially along the longitudinal axis of the fastening device.

[0019] Alternatively thereto, it is however also conceivable if the at least one arm region of the manipulation element is movable in the longitudinal direction of the fastening device relative to the plugging-in region of the fastening device in order thereby to generate a corresponding force component which acts on the at least one latching element and points radially inwards.

[0020] According to embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention, the latter has at least two latching elements which are in particular arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference of the plugging-in region. It is conceivable here for each manipulation element assigned to the respective latching elements to have an arm region with a first end region which is connected to the corresponding latching element, wherein the second end regions, which respectively lie opposite the first end regions, of the arm regions can be connected to one another.

[0021] The first end regions of the arm regions are preferably connected in an articulated manner to the corresponding latching element such that the arm regions are at least partially pivotable relative to the latching elements in a plane running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device. [0022] Alternatively or additionally thereto, the second end regions of the arm regions are connected to one another such that the arm regions are at least partially pivotable relative to the latching elements in a plane running parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fastening device.

[0023] These refinements have the advantage that the at least one manipulation element is movable with the aid of an external manipulator in the direction of the plugging-in region of the fastening device or in an opposed direction in order to generate the force component which is necessary for actuating the at least one latching element and points radially inwards with respect to the plugging-in region.

[0024] According to embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention, it is provided that the latching element has a first end region assigned to the holding region of the fastening device and an opposite second end region, wherein the latching element is connected via its second end region in an articulated manner to the plugging-in region of the fastening device, and wherein the at least one manipulation element is connected to the first end region of the latching element.

[0025] In this connection, it is appropriate if the manipulation element is movable relative to the at least one latching element in the longitudinal direction of the fastening device in order to release the rear engagement of the at least one latching element.

[0026] According to embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention, the manipulation element has a coupling device which is formed at least in regions in a complementary manner to a coupling device of an external manipulator. The two coupling devices can be designed in such a manner that a tensile force, shearing force or rotational force can be transmitted via the external manipulator to the manipulation element in order to correspondingly actuate the latter.

[0027] It is particularly preferably provided that the fastening device is designed at least in regions as a hollow body which is open in particular at the holding region, wherein preferably an external manipulator can be inserted at least in regions via the opening in the holding region into the fastening device in order to actuate the at least one manipulation element. Of course, in this connection, it is, however, alternatively or additionally also conceivable if the fastening device is formed at least in regions as a hollow body which is open at the plugging-in region, wherein preferably an external manipulator can be inserted at least in regions via the opening in the plugging-in region into the fastening device in order to actuate the at least one manipulation element.

[0028] In principle, it is of advantage in the last-mentioned embodiments if at least one guide is provided in the interior of the hollow body in order to guide the external manipulator during the insertion into the fastening device. It is thereby ensured that the at least one manipulation element is actuated after a previously definable event sequence.

[0029] According to embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention, it is provided that the at least one latching element has a first end region assigned to the holding region of the fastening device and an opposite second end region, wherein the latching device is connected via its second end region in an articulated manner to the plugging-in region of the fastening device, and wherein the manipulation element is connected to the first end region of the latching element. The at least one manipulation element is preferably designed here to prestress the at least one latching element into its radially expanded state when the manipulation element is not actuated.

[0030] According to embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention, said fastening device has a flange region between the plugging-in region and the holding region. The flange region can have a seal, in particular in the form of a sealing ring, for sealing the flange region against a surface of the carrier element in the state of the fastening device in which the latter is plugged into the fastening opening.

[0031] The invention furthermore relates to a system consisting of a fastening device of the abovementioned type and an external manipulator for releasing the rear engagement of the at least one latching element of the fastening device as required. The external manipulator can be inserted here at least in regions into the fastening device in order to actuate the manipulation element of the fastening device. A stop is preferably provided for limiting a movement of the external manipulator relative to the fastening device when the external manipulator is inserted into the fastening device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic and isometric view of a first exemplary embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention;

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a schematic and isometric sectional view of the fastening device according to FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a schematic front view of the fastening device according to FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the fastening device according to FIG. 3;

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of the fastening device according to FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the fastening device according to FIG. 5;

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a schematic top view of the fastening device according to FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 8 shows a schematic and isometric sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention;

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a schematic sectioned side view of the fastening device according to FIG. 8;

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a schematic and isometric sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention;

[0043] FIG. 11 shows a schematic top view of the fastening device according to FIG. 10; [0044] FIG. 12 shows a schematic and isometric view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention;

[0045] FIG. 13 shows a schematic and isometric sectional view of the fastening device according to FIG. 12;

[0046] FIG. 14 shows a schematic front view of the fastening device according to FIG. 12;

[0047] FIG. 15 shows a schematic sectional view of the fastening device according to FIG. 14;

[0048] FIG. 16 shows a schematic side view of the fastening device according to FIG. 12;

[0049] FIG. 17 shows a schematic bottom view of the fastening device according to FIG. 12;

[0050] FIG. 18 shows a schematic and isometric view of a first exemplary embodiment of an external manipulator for actuating the fastening device according to the invention;

[0051] FIG. 19 shows a schematic and isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of an external manipulator for actuating the fastening device according to the invention;

[0052] FIG. 20 shows a schematic front view of the external manipulator according to FIG. 19; and

[0053] FIG. 21 shows a schematic side view of the external manipulator according to FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The fastening devices 100 according to the embodiments illustrated schematically in the drawings serve, for example, for fastening an add-on part to a carrier element, in particular a body of a motor vehicle. [0055] A common feature of the embodiments shown is that all of the fastening devices 100 are in the form of a plug element or have a plug element which has a plugging-in region 1 which is insertable into a fastening opening of the carrier element and a holding region 2 which is assigned to the add-on part and is designed in particular as a holding head.

[0056] Although the embodiments of the fastening device 100 according to the invention that are shown in drawings are each shown as a single-part component, it is, however, of course also conceivable for the fastening device 100 to be of multi-part design and, for example, for the holding region 2, which is designed as a holding head, to be configured separately from the plugging-in region 1 of the fastening device 100, with said two components being connectable releasably to each other.

[0057] The embodiments of the fastening device 100 furthermore have latching elements 3 which are shiftable radially relative to the plugging-in region 1 and, in a state plugged into the fastening opening, serve for engaging behind the carrier element from behind.

[0058] Said latching elements which are shiftable radially relative to the plugging- in region 1 are in each case assigned an externally actuable manipulation element 4. Via the correspondingly assigned, externally actuable manipulation element 4, the latching elements 3 when required can be shifted radially inwards relative to the plugging-in region 1 from a radially expanded state, as is shown in the drawings, in order thereby to release the rear engagement of the latching elements 3 when required.

[0059] It can be gathered from the side views and front views of the exemplary embodiments of the fastening device 100 according to the invention that the fastening device 100 can have a flange region 9 which is preferably assigned to the holding region 2.

[0060] According to embodiments of the fastening device 100 according to the invention, the flange region 9 is what is referred to as a spring plate. This is an optionally flexible portion which is (intentionally) formed when the fastening device 100 is installed and then presses with a certain prestress against the surface in which the part is installed. Parts can therefore be installed with a different prestress in different sheet-metal thicknesses. The advantage is the compensation for the sheet-metal thickness and the prevention of rattling noises.

[0061] The flange region 9 preferably has a seal 10 in particular in the form of a sealing ring in order, in the state of the fastening device 100 in which the latter is plugged into the fastening opening, to seal the flange region 9 against a surface of a carrier element. However, the provision of such a flange region 9 or of such a seal 10 should not be considered as being essential to the invention.

[0062] In the first exemplary embodiment of the fastening device 100 according to the invention according to the illustrations in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, it is provided that each manipulation element 4 assigned to the two latching elements 3 has a flexible arm region 5. Each arm region 5 of each manipulation element 4 has a first end region which is connected to the correspondingly assigned latching element 3. By contrast, the opposite second end regions of the arm regions 5 can be manipulated with the aid of an external manipulator 50 in such a manner that, in order to release a rear engagement of the two latching elements 3 or in order to shift the latching elements 3 radially inwards, a force component pointing radially inwards with respect to the plugging-in region 1 of the fastening device 100 acts on the respective latching element 3.

[0063] Possible embodiments of external manipulators 50 will be described subsequently with respect to the illustrations in FIGS. 18 to 21.

[0064] In detail, in the first exemplary embodiment of the fastening device 100 according to the invention according to FIGS. 1 to 7, it is provided that the two latching elements 3 are in particular arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference of the plugging-in region 1 of the fastening device 100.

[0065] Furthermore, it is provided that each manipulation element 4 assigned to the respective latching elements 3 has an arm region 5 with a first end region which is connected to the corresponding latching element 3, wherein the second end regions, which respectively lie opposite the first end regions, of the arm regions 5 are connected to one another, in particular are connected to one another in an articulated manner. [0066] In particular, it can be gathered from the sectional view according to FIG. 4 that the first end regions of the arm regions 5 are preferably connected in an articulated manner to the corresponding latching element 3 such that the arm regions 5 are at least partially pivotable relative to the latching elements 3 in a plane running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device 100. Alternatively or additionally thereto, the second end regions of the arm regions 5 can also be connected to one another in an articulated manner such that the arm regions 5 are at least partially pivotable relative to the latching elements 3 in a plane running parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fastening device 100.

[0067] A common feature of the embodiments of the fastening device 100 according to the invention that are shown schematically in the drawings is in particular also that they are designed at least in regions as hollow bodies, wherein the corresponding manipulation element 4 for actuating the latching elements 3 is accommodated at least in regions in the hollow body. In detail, it is provided in the exemplary embodiments that the fastening device 100 is designed as a hollow body which is open at the holding region 2 and at the plugging-in region 1.

[0068] This makes it possible for an external manipulator 50, for example for an external manipulator 50 according to the refinements shown in FIGS. 18 to 21, to be able to be inserted into the hollow body either (from below) via the plugging-in region 1 or (from above) via the holding region 2 in order then to correspondingly actuate the at least one manipulation element 4 which is accommodated in regions in the hollow body.

[0069] Although, of course, other refinements are conceivable, it is provided in the exemplary embodiments of the fastening device 100 according to the invention that are shown in the drawings that the latching elements 3 each have a first end region facing the holding region 2 of the fastening device 100 and an opposite second end region, wherein the latching elements 3 are each connected via their second end region in an articulated manner to the plugging-in region 1 of the fastening device 100, and wherein the manipulation element 4 assigned to the corresponding latching element 3 is preferably connected to the first end region of the latching element 3. [0070] The latching elements 3 are preferably designed in such a manner that, in a non-loaded state, they are present in their radially expanded state, as is shown in the drawings. In order to assist said prestress into the radially expanded state, it is conceivable if the at least one manipulation element 4 is designed at least in regions as a spring element in order to prestress the correspondingly assigned latching element 3 into its radially expanded state, specifically when the manipulation element 4 is not actuated, for example, with the aid of an external manipulator 50.

[0071] The first exemplary embodiment of the fastening device 100 according to the invention according to FIGS. 1 to 7 is distinguished in particular in that the corresponding manipulation elements or the manipulation element 4 are/is movable relative to the associated latching element 3 in the longitudinal direction of the fastening device 100, and in particular in the direction of the plugging-in region 1 of the fastening device 100.

In order to permit this, an external manipulator 50 is insertable via the holding region 2 of the fastening device 100.

[0072] A guide 8 is provided at least in regions in the interior of the fastening device 100 designed as a hollow body, in order to correspondingly guide the external manipulator 50 during the insertion into the fastening device 100 and in order to ensure that the manipulator front edge 51 of the external manipulator 50 is aligned with the articulated connection between the two second end regions of the arm regions 5 of the two manipulation elements 4.

[0073] The second exemplary embodiment of the fastening device 100 according to the invention that is shown schematically in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 substantially corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment described previously with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 1 to 7, with, however, the holding region 2 of the fastening device 100 being configured differently.

[0074] In detail, the holding region 2 of the second exemplary embodiment of the fastening device 100 according to the invention is of cylindrical design at least in regions and in the upper end region has an encircling seal in the form of a sealing ring. By means of said cylindrical configuration of the holding region 2, an external manipulation 4, such as, for example, an external manipulation element 4 according to the illustration in FIG. 18, can be permanently inserted in the fastening device 100. By a certain compressive force being exerted on the external manipulator 50, the latter is moved counter to the force of the sealing ring in the direction of the plugging-in region 1 of the fastening device 100 and thus actuates the at least one manipulation element 4.

[0075] The third exemplary embodiment of the fastening device 100 according to the invention according to FIGS. 10 and 11 substantially corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 7, with, however, use being made here only of a single manipulation element 4 which is assigned to the two latching elements 3. The two opposite end regions of the manipulation element 4 designed as an arm region 5 are connected here in an articulated manner to the corresponding latching elements 3.

[0076] A slot-shaped opening is provided as a coupling device 7 in the central region of the manipulation element 4 designed as an arm region 5, wherein the manipulator front edge 51 of an external manipulator 50 can be inserted into said slot-shaped opening in order then to move/to pull the manipulation element 4 designed as an arm region 5 in the direction of the holding region 2 in order thereby to generate a corresponding force which points radially inwards with respect to the plugging-in region 1 and correspondingly acts on the two latching elements 3.

[0077] The fourth exemplary embodiment of the fastening device 100 according to the invention which is shown schematically in FIG. 14 to FIG. 17 essentially differs in particular from the first exemplary embodiment by the configuration of the manipulation element 4. In detail, the manipulation element 4 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment has flexible arm regions 5 which are each connected to one of the latching elements 3 via a first end region. The opposite second end regions of the arm regions 5 can be manipulated again in such a manner that, in order to release a rear engagement of the latching elements 3, a force component pointing radially inwards with respect to the plugging- in region 1 acts on the latching elements 3.

[0078] In particular - in contrast to the previously described embodiments of the fastening device 100 according to the invention - it is provided in the fourth exemplary embodiment that the second end regions of the arm regions 5 of the manipulation element 4 are connected to a drive part 6, wherein said drive part 6 is connectable releasably to an external manipulator 50 (not illustrated in the drawings).

[0079] Plug-in parts, such as, for example, a polygonal plug-in part, in particular triangular, tetragonal, hexagonal or dodecagonal plug-in part, an internal polygonal plugin part, in particular internal hexagonal plug-in part, a multiple-tooth XZN plug-in part or a groove-nut plug-in part are in particular suitable as the drive part 6.

[0080] Irrespective of which embodiment is selected for the drive part 6 of the manipulation element 4, said drive part should be formed in a correspondingly complementary manner with respect to a tool part of an external manipulator 50 so that the drive part 6 is connectable releasably to the tool part of the external manipulator 50.

[0081] The drive part 6 is at least partially rotatable relative to the latching elements 3 about an axis of rotation running at least substantially along the longitudinal axis of the fastening device 100 in order thereby to generate as required the force component pointing radially inwards and acting on the latching elements 3.

[0082] In an advantageous manner, it is also provided, in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the fastening device 100 according to the invention, that the arm regions 5 of the manipulation element 4 are in the form of a spring element in order to prestress the drive part 6 into a position in which the latching elements 3 are each present in their radially expanded state.

[0083] FIGS. 18 to 21 show various embodiments of an external manipulator 50 for releasing the rear engagement of the latching elements 3 of the fastening device 100 as required.

[0084] As illustrated, the external manipulator 50 can have a manipulator tip or manipulator front edge 51 which is designed, for example, as a flat, rectangular region. The side edges of the manipulator tip or manipulator front edge 51 are preferably designed in such a manner that they can correspondingly interact with the at least one guide 8 provided in the interior of the hollow body of the fastening device 100. [0085] The upper region of the external manipulators 50 preferably has a head re gion 52 in order to ensure as large a surface as possible for introducing force into the ma nipulator tip or manipulator front edge 51 and furthermore in order to prevent the exter nal manipulator 50 from not being able to be removed, or only under some circumstances, from the interior of the fastening device 100.

[0086] According to preferred realizations, the fastening device 100 is formed as a single-piece plastics part. Of course, however, multi-part designs are also suitable.

[0087] The invention is not restricted to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather emerges from an overall view of all of the features disclosed here.

Claims

FASTENING DEVICE FOR FASTENING AN ADD-ON PART TO A CARRIER ELEMENT PATENT CLAIMS

1. Fastening device (100) for fastening an add-on part to a carrier element, in particular a body of a motor vehicle, wherein the fastening device (100) is in the form of a plug element which has a plugging-in region (1) which is insertable into a fastening opening of the carrier element and a holding region (2) which is assigned to the add-on part and is designed in particular as a holding head, said plugging-in region and holding region being connected to each other, wherein the fastening device (100) furthermore has at least one latching element (3), which is shiftable radially relative to the plugging-in region (1), for engaging behind the carrier element in the state plugged into the fastening opening, wherein the at least one latching element (3) is assigned at least one externally actuable manipulation element (4) via which, in particular in the state plugged into the fastening opening, the at least one latching element (3) when required can be shifted radially inwards relative to the plugging-in region (1) from a radially expanded state in order to release the rear engagement of the at least one latching element (3).

2. Fastening device (100) according to Claim 1,

wherein the at least one manipulation element (4) has at least one flexible arm region (5), wherein the at least one arm region (5) has a first end region which is connected to the at least one latching element (3), and a second end region which can be manipulated in such a manner that, in order to release the rear engagement of the at least one latching element (3), a force component pointing radially inwards with respect to the plugging-in region (1) acts on the at least one latching element (3).

3. Fastening device (100) according to Claim 2,

wherein the second end region of the at least one arm region (5) is connected to a drive part (6), wherein the drive part (6) is releasably connectable to an external manipulator (50).

4. Fastening device (100) according to Claim 3,

wherein the drive part (6) has a polygonal plug-in part, in particular triangular, tetragonal, hexagonal or dodecagonal plug-in part, an internal polygonal plug-in part, in particular internal hexagonal plug-in part, a torx plug-in part, a multiple-tooth XZN plug-in part or groove-nut plug-in part, which is releasably connectable to a tool part, which is formed in a correspondingly complementary manner with respect thereto, of the external manipulator (50), and wherein the drive part (6) is at least partially rotatable relative to the at least one latching element (3) about an axis of rotation running at least substantially along the longitudinal axis of the fastening device (100).

5. Fastening device (100) according to Claim 3 or 4,

wherein the at least one arm region (5) is in the form of a spring element which prestresses the drive part (6) into a position in which the at least one latching element (3) is present in its radially expanded state.

6. Fastening device (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5,

wherein the fastening device (100) has at least two latching elements (3) which are in particular arranged distributed uniformly over the

circumference of the plugging-in region (1).

7. Fastening device (100) according to Claim 6,

wherein each manipulation element (4) assigned to the respective latching elements (3) has an arm region (5) with a first end region which is connected to the corresponding latching element (3), and wherein the second end regions, which respectively lie opposite the first end regions, of the arm regions (5) are connected to one another.

8. Fastening device (100) according to Claim 7,

wherein the first end regions of the arm regions (5) are connected in an articulated manner to the corresponding latching element (3) such that the arm regions (5) are at least partially pivotable relative to the latching elements (3) in a plane running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device (100); and/or wherein the second end regions of the arm regions (5) are connected to one another in an articulated manner such that the arm regions (5) are at least partially pivotable relative to the latching elements (3) in a plane running parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fastening device (100).

9. Fastening device (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 8,

wherein the manipulation element (4) is movable relative to the at least one latching element (3) in the longitudinal direction of the fastening device (100) in order to release the rear engagement of the at least one latching element (3).

10. Fastening device (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9,

wherein the manipulation element (4) has a coupling device (7) which is formed at least in regions in a complementary manner to a coupling device and in particular in a complementary manner to a manipulator tip or manipulator front edge (51) of an external manipulator (50).

11. Fastening device (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 10,

wherein the fastening device (100) is designed at least in regions as a hollow body which is open at the holding region (2), and wherein an external manipulator (50) can be inserted at least in regions via the opening in the holding region (2) into the fastening device (100) in order to actuate the at least one manipulation element (4).

12. Fastening device (100) according to Claim 11,

wherein at least one guide (8) is provided in the interior of the hollow body in order to guide the external manipulator (50) during the insertion into the fastening device (100).

13. Fastening device (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 12,

wherein the at least one latching element (3) has a first end region facing the holding region (2) of the fastening device (100) and an opposite second end region, wherein the latching element (3) is connected via its second end region in an articulated manner to the plugging-in region (1) of the fastening device (100), and wherein the manipulation element (4) is connected to the first end region of the latching element (3), and wherein the at least one manipulation element (4) is preferably designed to prestress the at least one latching element (3) into its radially expanded state when the manipulation element (4) is not actuated.

14. Fastening device (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 13,

wherein the fastening device (100) has a flange region (9) between the plugging-in region (1) and the holding region (2), wherein the flange region (9) preferably has a seal (10), in particular in the form of a sealing ring, for sealing the flange region (9) against a surface of the carrier element in the state of the fastening device (100) in which the latter is plugged into the fastening opening.

15. System consisting of a fastening device (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 14 and an external manipulator (50) for releasing the rear engagement of the at least one latching element (3) of the fastening device (100) as required, wherein the external manipulator (50) can be inserted at least in regions into the fastening device (100) in order to actuate the manipulation element (4) of the fastening device (100), and wherein a stop (11) is preferably provided for limiting a movement of the external manipulator (50) relative to the fastening device (100) when the external manipulator (50) is inserted into the fastening device (100).