COUPLING BOLT OF A PLUG-IN COUPLING, FIRST COMPONENT WITH THE COUPLING BOLT, ASSOCIATED PLUG-IN COUPLING AND CONNECTING STRUCTURE OF TWO COMPONENTS

Abstract

A coupling bolt includes a connecting portion with which the coupling bolt is fastenable to or in a first component, and a shaft extending from the connecting portion and defining a longitudinal axis of the coupling bolt. The shaft has a pre-fixation portion and a fastening portion, and along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connecting portion the pre-fixation portion comprises a first head portion with a first diameter, a subsequent first, tapering transition portion and a first locking portion with a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter. Along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connecting portion, the fastening portion includes a second transition portion adjacent to the first locking portion, a subsequent second head portion with a third diameter that is larger than the first diameter, a third tapering transition portion and a second locking portion.

Claims

1. Coupling bolt of a plug-in coupling, including a. a connecting portion with which the coupling bolt is fastenable to or in a first component, b. a shaft extending from the connecting portion, with the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the coupling bolt, wherein c. along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connecting portion, the shaft comprises a pre-fixation portion and a fastening portion and d. along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connecting portion, the pre-fixation portion comprises a first cylindrical head portion with a first diameter, an adjoining first, conically tapering transition portion and a first locking portion with a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter, wherein e. the fastening portion comprises along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connecting portion a second conically widening transition portion adjacent to the first locking portion, an adjoining second cylindrical head portion with a third diameter which is larger than the first diameter, a third conically tapering transition portion and a second locking portion.

2. The coupling bolt according to claim 1, with the second locking portion having a fourth diameter corresponding to the second diameter.

3. The coupling bolt according to claim 1, wherein the first and/or the second locking portion is/are configured cylindrically.

4. The coupling bolt according to claim 1, the pre-fixation portion of which has an inserting portion adjacent to the first cylindrical head portion and facing away from the connecting portion.

5. The coupling bolt according to claim 4, the inserting portion of which has the shape of a spherical section or a spherical disc.

6. The coupling bolt according to claim 1, wherein a fourth conically widening transition portion and/or a shaft portion adjoins the second locking portion of the fastening portion.

7. The coupling bolt according to claim 1, wherein a step is provided between shaft and connecting portion and/or wherein the connecting portion is configured with two steps.

8. The coupling bolt according to claim 1, with the coupling bolt being made of a plastic material or of a metallic material.

9. A first component, in or to which a coupling bolt according to claim 1 is fastened.

10. The first component according to claim 9, into which the connecting portion of the coupling bolt is at least partly molded or embedded.

11. A plug-in coupling comprising a coupling bolt according to claim 1 as well as a coupling seat.

12. The plug-in coupling according to claim 11, wherein the coupling seat is a coupling seat that is configured as one part, which is lockable in an elongated hole-like installation opening of a second component, provides a receiving space in which the coupling bolt is releasably lockable in a pre-fixation position and a fastening position and is linearly movable in the receiving space in a locked state.

13. The plug-in coupling according to claim 12, wherein the coupling seat furthermore comprises the following features: a. a closed circumferential wall of a dome-like vault encompasses the receiving space of the coupling bolt, wherein the vault includes an outer locking structure for fastening the coupling seat in the installation opening of the second component, an open end with an elongated hole-like plug-in opening for a plugging-in of the coupling bolt in a plug-in direction and a closed end with an adjacent inner locking structure for the coupling bolt, b. an elongated-hole like opening cross-section of the plug-in opening as well as an elongated hole-like inner vault cross section of the receiving space each perpendicular to the plug-in direction are defined by a longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis extending transversely to the same, and c. at an inner wall of the receiving space, the inner locking structure of the dome-like vault includes two inner locking webs being arranged opposite to each other, which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner vault cross section and form an undercut opposite to the inserting direction, wherein d. the inner locking structure does not include any locking webs parallel to the transverse axis of the inner vault cross-section and allows a movement of a locked coupling bolt along the inner locking webs in the receiving space transverse to the plug-in direction.

14. A connecting structure including a first component, a second component as well as a plug-in coupling according to claim 11, with the coupling bolt being fastened in or at the first component and the coupling seat being fastened in or at the second component and the coupling bolt being locked in the coupling seat.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In the following, the present disclosure will be described in detail with respect to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference signs denote the same components and/or elements. It shows:

[0035] FIG. 1 a lateral view of an embodiment of a coupling bolt of a plug-in coupling,

[0036] FIG. 2 a perspective view of the coupling bolt of FIG. 1,

[0037] FIG. 3 a view of the coupling bolt of FIG. 1 along the longitudinal axis in direction of the connecting portion,

[0038] FIG. 4 a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupling seat,

[0039] FIG. 5 a lateral view of the coupling seat of FIG. 4,

[0040] FIG. 6 a top view onto the coupling seat of FIG. 4,

[0041] FIG. 7 a lateral view of the coupling seat according to FIG. 4 with partial cut,

[0042] FIG. 8 a first perspective view of the coupling bolt of FIG. 1 in connection with the coupling seat of FIG. 4,

[0043] FIG. 9 a second perspective view of the coupling bolt of FIG. 1 in combination with the coupling seat of FIG. 4,

[0044] FIG. 10 a sectional view of the coupling bolt that is inserted into the coupling seat along the transverse axis of the coupling seat in an initial state,

[0045] FIG. 11 a sectional view of the coupling bolt that is inserted into the coupling seat along the longitudinal axis of the coupling seat in an initial state,

[0046] FIG. 12 a sectional view of the coupling bolt that is inserted into the coupling seat along the transverse axis of the coupling seat in a pre-fixation position,

[0047] FIG. 13 a sectional view of the coupling bolt that is inserted into the coupling seat along the longitudinal axis of the coupling seat in a pre-fixation position,

[0048] FIG. 14 a sectional view of the coupling bolt that is inserted into the coupling seat along the transverse axis of the coupling seat in a fastening position,

[0049] FIG. 15 a sectional view of the coupling bolt that is inserted into the coupling seat along the longitudinal axis of the coupling seat in a fastening position, and

[0050] FIG. 16 flow chart of an embodiment of a connecting method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In the following and with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a coupling bolt 1 is first of all explained based on FIGS. 1-3. The coupling bolt 1 includes a connecting portion 10 and a shaft 20 extending from the connecting portion 10, with the shaft defining a longitudinal axis L.sub.1 of the coupling bolt. The coupling bolt 1 may be made of a plastic. Alternatively, the coupling bolt 1 may be made of a metallic material.

[0052] The coupling bolt 1 is fastenable at or in a first component A with the connecting portion 10. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a step 12 is present between the shaft 20 and the connecting portion 10. Furthermore, there is a second step 14 within the connecting portion 10. That means, the connecting portion 10 is configured with two steps. The advantages of this construction will become obvious later in the explanation regarding the use of the coupling bolt 1.

[0053] Along the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 in the direction of the connecting portion 10, the shaft 20 comprises a pre-fixation portion 30 as well as a fastening portion 40. Along the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 in the direction of the connecting portion 10, the pre-fixation portion comprises an inserting portion 32. With the inserting portion, the force necessary for the initial inserting can be adapted to the respective application. In the illustrated embodiment, the inserting portion 32 has the shape of a spherical disc. A spherical disc or spherical layer results when a part of a ball or a spherical body is cut out from two parallel planes. Thus, the spherical disc provides an inserting portion which is flattened centrally in the portion of the longitudinal axis.

[0054] Alternatively, the inserting portion may have the shape of a spherical section. A spherical section or also a spherical segment results when a part of a ball or a spherical body is separated by the cut with one plane. In other words, the spherical section provides an inserting portion that is formed round in the portion of the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 centrally, too.

[0055] Adjoining to the inserting portion 32, a first cylindrical head portion 34 with a first diameter D.sub.1 is provided. The term cylindrical, as used herein, requires that an extension of the respective portion along the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 with constant diameter is present.

[0056] Adjacent to the first cylindrical head portion 34 and facing the connecting portion 10, i.e., adjoining the first cylindrical head portion along the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 in the direction of the connecting portion 10, a first conically tapering transition portion 36 is provided. The term conical refers to a portion the diameter of which changes continuously. In the present case, the diameter in the conical portion changes from the first diameter D.sub.1 to a second diameter D.sub.2.

[0057] The second diameter D.sub.2 is provided in a first locking portion 38. Due to the configuration as the first locking portion 38, the second diameter D.sub.2 is smaller than the first diameter D.sub.1. The technical effects and functionalities which are present due to the chosen cylindrical and conical shape are explained in detail in the following in the description regarding the establishing of the connection.

[0058] Along the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 in the direction of the connecting portion 10, the fastening portion 40 first of all has a second conically widening transition portion 42. It adjoins the first locking portion 38 of the pre-fixation portion 30. Adjoining to the second conically widening transition portion 42, a second cylindrical head portion 44 with a third diameter D.sub.3 is provided. The third diameter D.sub.3 is greater than the first diameter D.sub.1. In other words, the second cylindrical head portion 44 has a greater third diameter D.sub.3 than the first cylindrical head portion 34 with the first diameter D.sub.1. This feature will become apparent later in the description of the establishment of the connection, too.

[0059] Adjoining to the second cylindrical head portion 44, a third conically tapering transition portion 46 is provided. A second locking portion 48 adjoins.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the second locking portion has a fourth diameter D.sub.4 which corresponds to the second diameter D.sub.2 of the first locking portion 38. Furthermore, the first 38 and the second locking portion 48 are configured cylindrically. Due to the cylindrical configuration, an adaption of length of the coupling bolt 1 to the desired application can be made within the respective locking portion.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, a fourth conical transition portion 22 adjoins the second cylindrical locking portion 48. The fourth transition portion 22 is a fourth conically widening transition portion 22. In addition to that or alternatively, a cylindrical or conical shaft portion 24 can adjoin the second cylindrical locking portion 48 or the fourth conically widening transition portion 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft portion 24 is a conical shaft portion 24. These configuration possibilities offer the possibility of adapting the coupling bolt 1 optimally to the respective application case.

[0062] With respect to FIGS. 4-7, the coupling seat 3 is now discussed. The coupling seat 3 is a coupling seat 3 configured as one part, which is lockable in an elongated hole-like installation opening of a second component B. The coupling seat 3 provides a receiving space 50. In the receiving space 50, the coupling bolt is releasably lockable in a pre-fixation position and a fastening position. Furthermore, the coupling bolt is movable in a straight-lined manner in a locked state in the receiving space 50. These functionalities become obvious later in the explanation of the establishment of the connection.

[0063] The coupling seat 50 includes a closed circumferential wall 52 of a dome-like vault which encompasses the receiving space 50 of the coupling bolt 1. The vault comprises an outer locking structure 54 for fastening the coupling seat 3 in the installation opening of the second component B. An open end is configured with an elongated hole-like plug-in opening 56 for a plugging-in of the coupling bolt 1 in a plug-in direction. Furthermore, a closed end 58 with an adjacent inner locking structure 60 for the coupling bolt 1 is provided.

[0064] An elongated hole-like opening cross section of the plug-in opening 56 as well as an elongated hole-like inner vault cross section of the receiving space 50 each perpendicular to the plug-in direction are defined by a longitudinal axis L.sub.56 and a shorter transverse axis Q.sub.56 extending transversely to it. The plug-in direction may run along the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 of the coupling bolt 1, as explained in the beginning. In other words, the plug-in direction is perpendicular to the plane which is defined by the longitudinal axis L.sub.56 and the transverse axis Q.sub.56.

[0065] At an inner wall of the receiving space 50, the inner locking structure 60 of the dome-like vault includes two inner locking webs 62 arranged opposite to one another. The inner locking webs 62 run parallel to the longitudinal axis L.sub.56 of the inner vault cross section and form an undercut contrary to the plug-in direction.

[0066] No locking webs are provided parallel to the transverse axis Q.sub.56 of the inner vault cross section. Furthermore, a movement of a locked coupling bolt 1 along the inner locking webs 62 in the receiving space transverse to the plug-in direction is allowed.

[0067] Depending on the application case, a sealing 64 can furthermore be provided at the coupling seat 3.

[0068] With respect to the details of a corresponding coupling seat 5 as is shown in FIGS. 4-7, additional reference is made to DE 10 2018 124 406 A1. There, a correspondingly configured coupling seat is described in detail with respect to the configuration, the functionality as well as the materials used.

[0069] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the coupling bolt 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 in alignment with the coupling seat 3 according to FIGS. 4 to 7 and thus an embodiment of a plug-in coupling 5. The components which are to be connected with each other are not yet illustrated in these figures for reasons of clarity.

[0070] With respect to FIGS. 10-16, a possible connecting method and the resulting steps are now explained. Firstly, in a first step A, a providing of a first component A with a coupling bolt 1 fastened to it or in it takes place. In case of the embodiment with the two-step configuration of the connecting portion 10, it may be advantageous that the connecting portion 10 of the coupling bolt 1 is at least partly molded or embedded into the first component A. Because due to the molding or embedding of the coupling bolt 1 via the connecting portion 10 into the first component A, a reliable fastening of the coupling bolt 1 in or at the first component A may be guaranteed. Furthermore, this fastening can take place when producing the first component A, particularly when the first component A consists of a plastic material. Thus, the production method for the first component with the coupling bolt 1 formed in it is not more complex than compared with the production of the first component A without coupling bolt. Rather, an additional step for fastening the coupling bolt 1 at or in the first component A can be avoided with this approach.

[0071] In a second step B which takes place before, at the same time of or after the first step, a providing of a second component B with a coupling seat 3 arranged to it or in it takes place.

[0072] Now, in a step C, the first A and the second component B are arranged relative to one another in a way that the coupling bolt 1 is insertable into the coupling seat 3. Additional reference is made to FIGS. 10 and 11 in this context, in which the coupling bolt 1 is inserted into the coupling seat 3 so far that the inserting portion 32 abuts the inner locking webs 62.

[0073] In step D, the inserting of the coupling bolt 1 into the coupling seat 3 in a pre-fixation position now takes place. This is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. This means that the inner locking webs 62 were moved along the first cylindrical head portion 34, with the inserting portion having to pass the inner locking webs 62, first. This can be detected by the fact that the necessary inserting force increases to a first value. This first value decreases in the portion of the first cylindrical head portion 34 to a constant second value. As soon as the first cylindrical head portion 34 has passed the inner locking structure 60 and thus the inner locking webs 62, the inner locking webs 62 move along the first conically tapering transition portion 36 up to the first locking portion 38. Now, the coupling bolt 1 and thus the first component A are in a pre-fixation position.

[0074] Due to the combination of the first cylindrical head portion 34 with the first conically tapering transition portion 36, the force necessary for the inserting of the coupling bolt 1 may not decrease discontinuously. Rather, a constant decrease of the inserting force may be provided. In the course of the manual establishing of the connection, this may lead to the worker not having to experience a spontaneous decrease of the necessary inserting force after overcoming the inner locking structure or the inner locking webs 62, as in case of a spherically formed bolt head. The same applies analogously to the inserting by means of a corresponding automatic machine, robot, or the like.

[0075] The pre-fixation position may be advantageous in case of first components which comprise a plurality of coupling bolts 1 and which must be fastened to a second component B. Because this pre-fixation position, may enable that the first component A is reliably held at a defined distance to the second component B on the one hand and on the other hand, it provides the option that the first component A is aligned correctly with respect to the second component B, for example to consider the presence of a sealing 64 and its positioning. Such an alignment takes place in step F. The elongated hole-like design of the coupling seat 3 may support such an alignment.

[0076] Once the first A and the second component B have been aligned to one another correctly in step F, the coupling bolt 1 is moved further in the plug-in direction into the coupling seat 5 into a fastening position in step E. Accordingly, the inner locking webs 62 of the coupling seat 3 now move along the second conically widening transition portion 42, which is already part of the fastening portion 40. Due to the conical design, the inserting force may not change discontinuously but continuously.

[0077] Once the second conically widening transition portion 42 has been passed, the inner locking webs 62 move along the second cylindrical head portion 44. As is the case with the pre-fixation portion, a further moving of the coupling bolt 1 in the inserting direction now causes the inner locking webs 62 to move along the third conically tapering transition portion 46 up to the second locking portion 48. Now, the coupling bolt 1 and thus the first component A is in a fastening position. This is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Due to the larger diameter of the second cylindrical head portion 44 in comparison with the first cylindrical head portion 34, the fastening position provides a higher pull-out force compared with the pre-fixation position.

[0078] A disassembling of the components takes place in the reverse order. Accordingly, the same explanations regarding the inserting force analogously apply to a pull-out force.

[0079] The specific advantage of the coupling bolt 1 is the combination of the respective cylindrical head portion 34, 44 with the adjoining conical transition portion(s) 36, 42, 46. This may be what may facilitate the inserting of the coupling bolt 1 into the coupling seat 3 and enables an optimized handling when establishing the connection due to the course of the inserting force. This is independent of whether the inserting takes place manually or in an automated manner. In addition, the cylindrical design of the respective cylindrical head portion 34, 44 ensures that no punctual or linear forces act upon the coupling bolt 1 in the prefixation position and/or the fastening position. Rather, there is a plane abutment at the coupling seat 3, which has an advantageous effect on the durability of the connection which is established by the plug-in coupling.