FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT, COMPONENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT, AND METHOD FOR SECURING A FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT TO A HOLDING COMPONENT

Abstract

A functional component which is designed to be secured to a holding component by pressing a connecting element into a depression of the holding component. In a non-deformed state, the connecting element protrudes in a press-in direction from a base body of the functional component and is designed to be deformed by applying a force to the base body, so that the connecting element is widened in an end area and the end area is introduced into a wall of the depression. The base body includes a contact surface surrounding the connecting element which abuts a support surface of the holding component in a coupled state of the functional component. A functional module of the functional component is provided by a partial area of the base body facing away from the contact surface.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A composite component having at least one functional component for a motor vehicle, and having a holding component, wherein the functional component is secured to the holding component by pressing a connecting element of the functional component into a depression provided in the holding component and designed like a blind hole, wherein the connecting element protrudes from a base body of the functional component in a press-in direction in a non-deformed state and is designed to be converted into a deformed state by applying a force acting in the press-in direction to the base body, in which the connecting element is widened in a free end area and the free end area of the connecting element is introduced into a wall of the holding component delimiting the depression of the holding component in the circumferential direction, wherein the base body of the functional component includes a contact surface extending around the connecting element which, in a coupled state of the functional component, in which the functional component is secured to the holding component by pressing the connecting element into the depression, abuts a support surface of the holding component, wherein a functional module of the functional component is provided by a partial area of the base body facing away from the contact surface.

12. The composite component as claimed in claim 11, wherein the functional module, designed in particular to secure a further component to the functional component, is designed to produce a welded connection of the functional component to a further component and comprises a pin-shaped extension which is aligned with the connecting element, wherein the contact surface is formed on a side of a collar-like web of the functional component facing away from the pin-shaped extension and extending around the pin-shaped extension.

13. The composite component as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pin-shaped extension includes an end area which is widened in relation to a shaft area of the pin-shaped extension, and includes an external thread, in particular designed as a coarse thread or as a metric thread.

14. The composite component as claimed in claim 11, wherein an end face of the free end area is designed to be inclined in relation to the contact surface, wherein an inner edge of the end face is closer to the contact surface than an outer edge of the end face.

15. The composite component as claimed in claim 11, wherein in the non-deformed state, the connecting element includes an indentation in the free end area, which is delimited in the circumferential direction by a wall of the connecting element.

16. The composite component as claimed in claim 11, wherein the holding component is formed from a softer material than the at least one functional component, at least in the area of the depression.

17. The composite component as claimed in claim 11, wherein the holding component is designed as a die-cast component, in particular as a die-cast component formed from an aluminum alloy, and/or the at least one depression has the shape of a truncated cone that widens counter to the press-in direction.

18. The composite component as claimed in claim 11, wherein in the deformed state of the connecting element, an intermediate space is formed between an outer side of the connecting element and a wall of the holding component delimiting the depression of the holding component in the circumferential direction.

19. A method for securing a functional component for a motor vehicle, to a holding component by pressing a connecting element of the functional component into a depression provided in the holding component and designed like a blind hole, wherein the connecting element protrudes from a base body of the functional component in a press-in direction in a non-deformed state, wherein the connecting element is converted into a deformed state by applying a force acting in the press-in direction to the base body, in which the connecting element is widened in a free end area, wherein the free end area of the connecting element is introduced into a wall of the holding component delimiting the depression of the holding component in the circumferential direction, wherein the base body of the functional component includes a contact surface extending around the connecting element which, to effectuate a coupled state of the functional component, in which the functional component is secured to the holding component by pressing the connecting element into the depression, is brought into contact with a support surface of the holding component, wherein a functional module of the functional component is provided by a partial area of the base body facing away from the contact surface.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein a length of the connecting element in the press-in direction is reduced to a length which corresponds to a depth of the depression by converting the connecting element into the deformed state.

21. The composite component as claimed in claim 12, wherein an end face of the free end area is designed to be inclined in relation to the contact surface, wherein an inner edge of the end face is closer to the contact surface than an outer edge of the end face.

22. The composite component as claimed in claim 13, wherein an end face of the free end area is designed to be inclined in relation to the contact surface, wherein an inner edge of the end face is closer to the contact surface than an outer edge of the end face.

23. The composite component as claimed in claim 12, wherein in the non-deformed state, the connecting element includes an indentation in the free end area, which is delimited in the circumferential direction by a wall of the connecting element.

24. The composite component as claimed in claim 13, wherein in the non-deformed state, the connecting element includes an indentation in the free end area, which is delimited in the circumferential direction by a wall of the connecting element.

25. The composite component as claimed in claim 14, wherein in the non-deformed state, the connecting element includes an indentation in the free end area, which is delimited in the circumferential direction by a wall of the connecting element.

26. The composite component as claimed in claim 12, wherein the holding component is formed from a softer material than the at least one functional component, at least in the area of the depression.

27. The composite component as claimed in claim 13, wherein the holding component is formed from a softer material than the at least one functional component, at least in the area of the depression.

28. The composite component as claimed in claim 14, wherein the holding component is formed from a softer material than the at least one functional component, at least in the area of the depression.

29. The composite component as claimed in claim 15, wherein the holding component is formed from a softer material than the at least one functional component, at least in the area of the depression.

30. The composite component as claimed in claim 12, wherein the holding component is designed as a die-cast component, in particular as a die-cast component formed from an aluminum alloy, and/or the at least one depression has the shape of a truncated cone that widens counter to the press-in direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter. In the figures:

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a first step in securing a functional component to a holding component, wherein the holding component is designed as a die-cast component formed from an aluminum alloy;

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a further step in securing the functional component to the holding component, wherein a connecting element of the functional component is in contact with a base of a depression which is formed in the holding component;

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a further step in connecting the functional component to the holding component, wherein the functional component has reached its end location or end position and an end area of the connecting element has penetrated into a wall which peripherally delimits the depression formed in the holding component;

[0044] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the functional component as a spot welding foot;

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the functional component as a ball pin;

[0046] FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the functional component as a coarse threaded pin; and

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the functional component as a threaded pin having a metric thread.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The exemplary embodiments explained hereinafter are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention to be considered independently of one another, which each also refine the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is also intended to comprise combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those represented. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further ones of the above-described features of the invention.

[0049] In the figures, same reference numerals respectively designate elements that have the same function.

[0050] FIG. 1 very schematically shows a functional component 10 for a motor vehicle, which is to be connected to a holding component 12 or secured to the holding component 12. In the present case, the holding component 12 is designed as a die-cast component formed from an aluminum alloy. When the holding component 12 is manufactured by die-casting the aluminum alloy, that is to say by aluminum die-casting, a depression 14 designed in the manner of a blind hole is also produced in the holding component 12. In this regard, it can be seen from FIG. 1 that a wall 16, which delimits the depression 14 in the circumferential direction, is designed to be inclined. Accordingly, the wall 16 has a demolding bevel which facilitates the demolding of the holding component 12 from a die-casting mold (not shown).

[0051] Alternatively, the depression 14 can be designed as a blind hole, which is produced in the holding component 12 in particular by drilling or similar machining. In such a case in particular, the wall 16 of the blind hole can be formed straight or parallel to a press-in direction 18 which is illustrated in FIG. 1 by an arrow. The press-in direction 18 also coincides with a longitudinal axis of the functional component 10.

[0052] To produce a composite component 20 shown in FIG. 3, which comprises the functional component 10 and the holding component 12, a connecting element 22 of the functional component is pressed into the depression 14 which is formed in the holding component 12. The connecting element 22 protrudes from a base body 24 of the functional component 10 in the press-in direction 18. The connecting element 22, which is designed in the manner of an extension, is shown in FIG. 1 in a state that has not yet been deformed.

[0053] To secure the functional component 10 to the holding component 12 by pressing the connecting element 22 into the depression 14, a force is applied to a collar-like web 26 of the functional component 10. This force is illustrated by arrows 28 in FIG. 1. In particular, the force can be applied to the web 26 via a pressure piece 30, which is shown schematically in FIG. 1 and which can be designed in particular as a circular cylinder.

[0054] By applying this force acting in the press-in direction 18 to the base body 24 and especially to the web 26 in the present case, it is first ensured that a free end area 32 of the connecting element 22 comes into contact with a bottom area or base 34 of the depression 14 (cf. FIG. 2). The pressing of the connecting element 22 into the bore or depression 14 is preferably force-controlled.

[0055] When the connecting element 22 is pressed into the depression 14, the free end area 32 of the connecting element 22, designed in the manner of a spreading foot, first comes into contact on the base 34 of the depression 14. In this state, shown in FIG. 2, however, a contact surface 36 of the base body 24 extending around the connecting element 22 is still spaced apart from a support surface 38 of the holding component 12. The press-in process is then continued. This continues until the collar-like web 26 or collar of the functional component 10 comes into contact with the holding component 12. Accordingly, the contact surface 36 of the functional component 10, which is presently formed on the web 26 or collar, then also abuts, in particular flatly, the support surface 38 of the holding component 12. This state, in which the component assembly 20 is formed or produced, is shown in FIG. 3.

[0056] Pressing the connecting element 22 into the depression 14 results in the free end area 32 of the connecting element 22 being converted into a state shown in FIG. 3, in which the free end area 32 is deformed. This deformed state of the connecting element 22 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the free end area 32 of the connecting element 22, which is designed in the manner of a spreading foot, is clamped in the depression 14 or bore of the cast part or holding component 12. In other words, the free end area 32 penetrates into the wall 16 which delimits the depression 14 of the holding component 12 in the circumferential direction. This penetration or this introduction of the free end area 32 into the wall 16, which delimits the depression 14 of the holding component 12 in the circumferential direction, is shown schematically in FIG. 3.

[0057] An end stop for the pressing process or press-in process is provided by the web 26 or collar, which extends around the connecting element 22 in the present case and on which the contact surface 36 is formed. This results in a very repeatable process when connecting the functional component 10 to the holding component 12 by pressing the connecting element 22 into the depression 14. This is because after the collar or web 26 has been placed on the surface or support surface 38 of the holding component 12, there is a clearly noticeable increase in force. This indicates that the press-in process is complete.

[0058] Furthermore, a very repeatable seat of the press-in element or functional component 10 in relation to the surface of the holding component 12 or cast component can be achieved, both with regard to the angle and with regard to a height 40 of the functional component 10 above the support surface 38. This is because on the one hand it can be ensured by the collar or web 26 that the functional component 10 is aligned straight in relation to the holding component 12, i.e., such that the press-in direction 18 and thus the longitudinal axis of the functional component 10 extends, for example, perpendicularly to the support surface 38 of the holding component 12. For this purpose, the contact surface 36 is also formed perpendicular to the press-in direction 18 in the present case. Furthermore, during this press-in process, the height 40 of the functional component 10 in relation to the support surface 38 is also specified very precisely, which in the present case corresponds to a distance between an upper end of the base body 24 and the support surface 36.

[0059] In addition, the expansion force of the free end area 32 or spreading foot is introduced into the cast component or holding component 12 in the area of the base 34 of the bore or depression 14. In this way, very good force absorption can be achieved via the cast component or holding component 12.

[0060] Furthermore, in the present case, the functional elements or functional components 10 are introduced independently of the production of the holding component 12, which is carried out in the present case by die-casting the aluminum alloy. It is therefore not necessary, for example, for a functional element or functional component 10 to already be inserted into the mold at a desired point during die casting in order to achieve the connection to the cast component or holding component 12. Rather, respective depressions 14 can first be provided in the holding component 12 at a plurality of points, and only the depression 14 required for a specific intended application is then equipped with the corresponding functional component 10.

[0061] It is also apparent, for example from FIG. 1, that a further bore 42 or depression can be formed on the base 34 of the depression 14. Overall, the depression 14 can thus be designed in the manner of a stepped bore. The further bore 42 can be provided in particular in order to locally reduce a wall thickness of the holding component 12. This can be useful in order to avoid the formation of sink marks or the like upon cooling of the holding component 12, which is in the present case designed as an aluminum die-cast part.

[0062] It is apparent in particular from FIG. 3 that an intermediate space 44 can be formed between an outer side 46 of the connecting element 22 and the wall 16 of the holding component 12 delimiting the depression 14 of the holding component 12 in the circumferential direction. This intermediate space 44, which is designed in the manner of an air pocket, ensures that stresses due to different thermal expansions of the material of the functional component 10 and the material of the holding component 12 can be compensated for. This is advantageous, for example, when the functional component 10 is formed from steel.

[0063] In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 the functional component 10 is only shown very schematically. Accordingly, the functional component 10 includes a functional module 48 which is provided by a partial area of the base body 24 facing away from the contact surface 36. Depending on the design of this functional module 48, the functional component 10 can provide different functions. This is to be clarified with reference to the following figures.

[0064] For example, according to FIG. 4, the functional component 10 can be designed as a welding foot for producing a connection by spot welding. In this case, a surface 50 of the functional component 10 opposite to the contact surface 36 of the collar-like web 26 or collar is formed flat. A connection of a further component (not shown) to the component assembly 20 can be established on this planar surface 50 in the present embodiment shown as an example, which comprises the functional component 10 shown in FIG. 4 and the holding component 12 to which the functional component 10 is secured. The surface 50 can also have a shape or form deviating from the planar shape in order to be suitable for establishing a connection to the further component (not shown) by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0065] In contrast, in the embodiments of the functional component 10 shown schematically in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the functional module 48 includes an extension or projection which is aligned with the connecting element 22 and is formed or arranged on a side of the web 26 which is opposite to the contact surface 36. In other words, in this functional component 10 the contact surface 36 is formed on that side of the web 26 which faces away from or is opposite to the extension or projection.

[0066] Further exemplary embodiments of the functional component 10 are to be illustrated with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, in which the functional component 10 includes such a substantially pin-shaped extension 56. Thus, in the embodiment of the functional component 10 shown as an example in FIG. 5, the pin-shaped extension 56 includes a head-shaped end area 52, which is widened in relation to a shaft area 54 of the pin-shaped extension 56. Accordingly, the functional component 10 shown in FIG. 5 is designed in the manner of a ball pin, by which a latching function can be provided. Instead of the head-shaped end area 52 shown here as an example, the functional component 10 can also include another contour suitable for a latching behind or latching of a further component with the composite component 20.

[0067] In the embodiment of the functional component 10 shown in FIG. 6, the pin-shaped extension 56 has an external thread designed as a coarse thread 58.

[0068] In contrast, in the functional component 10 shown in FIG. 7, the pin-shaped extension 56 includes an external thread, which is designed as a metric thread 60.

[0069] Both in the functional component 10 shown in FIG. 6 and in the functional component 10 shown in FIG. 7, projections designed as nubs 66 are arranged on a lower side of the web 26 or collar facing toward the support surface 38 of the holding component 12 the composite component (cf. FIG. 3), which protrude in the press-in direction 18 from the lower side or contact surface 36 of the web 26.

[0070] When the functional component 10 is connected to the holding component 12 by being pressed in, these nubs 66 penetrate into the holding component 12 until the contact surface 36 of the base body 24 is in contact with the support surface 38 of the holding component 12. By providing these nubs 66 or at least one such projection, torsional forces in particular, which occur when screwing another component (not shown), such as a nut together with the external thread of the functional component 10, can be introduced well into the holding component 12. The nubs 66 thus provide an anti-twist device for the functional component 10 in the composite component 20 (cf. FIG. 3).

[0071] In a manner not shown in detail here, an end face 62 (cf. FIG. 1) of the free end area 32 can be formed inclined in relation to the contact surface 36. In this case, an inner edge of the end face 62 is preferably closer to the contact surface 36 than an outer edge of the end face 62. This inclined geometry of the end face 62 of the free end area 32 is particularly effective in ensuring that the connecting element 22 spreads in the free end area 32 and thus penetrates into the wall 16 after the outer edge of the end face 62 has come into contact with the base 34 of the depression 14 (cf. FIG. 2).

[0072] It is furthermore apparent from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in particular that the connecting element 22 has an indentation 64 in the free end area 32 in the not yet deformed state, which is delimited in the circumferential direction by a wall of the connecting element 22. This indentation 64 also contributes to the fact that when the connecting element 22 is pressed into the depression 14, the connecting element 22 can spread or widen well in the free end area 32.

[0073] Overall, the examples show how functional elements or functional components 10 can be provided for the holding component 12 in the form of the aluminum die-cast part in an advantageous manner.