Connecting element for producing a connection between a hollow profiled element and a further component

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting element (1) for producing a connection between a hollow profiled element (16) and a further component (17), wherein the connecting element (1) is designed for at least interlockingly engaging with the hollow profiled element (16) and for connecting to the further component (17). According to the invention, at least two contact surfaces (2, 3), which are arranged at an offset to each other in height, are provided on the connecting element (1) for contact with at least two sections (18, 19) of the hollow profiled element (16) that correspond to said contact surface.

Claims

1. A connection between a hollow profile (16) and another component (17), comprising: a hollow profile (16) comprising opposing wall sections (18, 19), each wall section comprising at least one recess (24, 25); and a connecting element (1) comprising opposing contact surfaces (2, 3), and positive-fit means (5) adjacent to each of the opposing contact surfaces (2, 3); wherein the hollow profile is connected to another component (17) by inserting the connecting element (1) in the hollow profile (16) such that the contact surfaces (2, 3) and the positive-fit means (5) engage with opposing sides of the recesses (24, 25) in the wall sections (18, 19) by bayonetting.

2. The connection according to claim 1, wherein the at least two contact surfaces (2, 3) run in planes (20, 21) that are configured approximately parallel to each other.

3. The connection according to claim 1, wherein the positive-fit means (5) wraps around the hollow profile (16) in order to affix the connecting element (1) to a wall section (18, 19) of the hollow profile (16).

4. The connection according to claim 3, wherein each contact surface (2, 3) is associated with the positive-fit means (5) for establishing a positive-fit connection with the corresponding wall section (18, 19) of the hollow profile (16).

5. The connection according to claim 3, wherein the positive-fit means (5) comprises insertion aids on one side facing away from a corresponding contact surface (2, 3).

6. The connection according to claim 5, wherein the insertion aids are insertion bevels (11).

7. The connection according to claim 3, further comprising at least one latching means (6) on at least one contact surface (2, 3) in order to secure connection of the connecting element to the hollow profile (16).

8. The connection according to claim 7, wherein the at least one latching means (6) is at least one detent (28).

9. The connection according to claim 3, wherein the at least one positive fit means (5) is a latching hook (22).

10. The connection according to claim 1, further comprising sealing means (13) on at least one of the contact surfaces (2, 3) to create a sealing contact on a wall section (18, 19) of the hollow profile (16).

11. The connection according to claim 10, wherein the sealing means (13) are arranged on a circumferential sealing track (29).

12. The connection according to claim 1, further comprising a key placement surface (30), on the connecting element (1).

13. The connection according to claim 12, wherein the key placement surface is on a wall section that connects the contact surfaces (2, 3).

14. The connection according to claim 1, comprising: wherein the recesses (24, 25) have different diameters (D24, D25); and further comprising at least one connecting cutout (23) that passes through the at least two wall sections of the hollow profile; wherein, in order to establish a connection between the hollow profile (16) and [a] the connecting element (1), at least one of the recesses (24, 25) of the hollow profile (16) has at least one radial widened area (26) so that the positive-fit means (5) of the connecting element (1) can be passed through.

15. The connection according to claim 14, wherein when the connecting element (1) is in [its] an installed state, the contact surfaces (2, 3) are in contact with corresponding wall sections (18, 19) of the hollow profile (16), and wherein the positive-fit means (5) of the connecting element (1) wrap around at least one of the wall sections (18, 19), so that part of the wall section (18, 19) comes to lie between the positive-fit means (5) and the contact surface (2, 3).

16. The connection according to claim 15, wherein when the connecting element (1) is in its installed state, the connecting element (1) is secured against rotating in a plane (20, 21) of one of the contact surfaces (2, 3), with a positive and/or frictional fit, and with an integrally bonded connection.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The figures show the following:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic perspective view of a connecting element according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 a schematic sectional view of the connecting element according to the invention,

(4) FIG. 3 a bottom view of a connecting element according to the invention,

(5) FIG. 4 a schematic side sectional view of a hollow profile component with an inserted connecting element,

(6) FIG. 5 a schematic perspective view of a hollow profile,

(7) FIG. 6 a perspective view of a hollow profile with several connecting elements,

(8) FIG. 7 a schematic perspective view of a hollow profile with connecting elements,

(9) FIG. 8 a schematic sectional view of a hollow profile with an inserted connecting element during installation,

(10) FIG. 9 a view according to FIG. 8, but after the completed installation of the connecting element, and

(11) FIG. 10 a hollow profile connection in the installed position on another component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) For the sake of clarity, identical components or those having the same effect are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures shown below, making reference to several embodiments.

(13) A connecting element 1 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the connecting element 1 that, in the present embodiment, is configured as a so-called screw bushing or screw sleeve. The connecting element 1 fundamentally has an essentially rotation-symmetrical base with an approximately cylindrical head section 9 that is connected to an annular collar 10 via a section 4 that is cylindrically shaped, at least on the outside. The section 4 of the connecting element 1 is recessed in terms of its diameter D.sub.4 vis-à-vis the diameter D.sub.10 of the annular collar 10, thereby forming a first contact surface 2.

(14) For purposes of describing the invention, the following definitions of directions are used: the direction “upwards” is the direction in which the head section 9 extends away from the section 4. The direction “downwards” is the direction in which the annular collar 10 extends away from the section 4. The circumferential direction is the direction in which, for example, the circumferential surface of the section 4 extends.

(15) The head section 9 of the connecting element 1 is recessed in terms of its diameter D.sub.9 vis-à-vis the diameter D.sub.4 of the section 4, thereby forming a second contact surface 3.

(16) The contact surfaces 2 and 3 thus have the same direction, in this case, upwards, and their heights are configured offset relative to each other. In this context, it is possible for the two contact surfaces 2 and 3 to extend in planes 20, 21 that run approximately parallel to each other. “Approximately parallel” means that the planes have to be seen as being parallel to each other within the shape and position tolerances associated with them. However, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the planes 20, 21 in which the contact surfaces 2, 3 run are not parallel to each other.

(17) On each head section 9 and on each section 4 of the connecting element 1, there are positive-fit means 5 in the form of latching hooks 22 that project radially from the head section 9 or from the section 4 and that, at the same time, are at a distance upwards from the appertaining contact surfaces 2, 3. In the present embodiment, three positive-fit means 5 can be seen on the head section 9 and on the section 4, whereby a fourth positive-fit means 5 is provided on the rear of the connecting element 1, but it is concealed in this view. However, it is also possible for more or fewer positive-fit means 5 to be provided. In order to affix the connecting element 1, there is a need for at least one positive-fit means 5 that is arranged either on the section 4 or on the head section 9. When several positive-fit means 5 are provided, it is preferable for the positive-fit means 5 to be arranged so as to be uniformly distributed along the circumference.

(18) Additional latching means 6 can be provided on the appertaining contact surfaces 2, 3. In the present embodiment, these latching means 6 are configured as detents 28. The latching means 6 are preferably arranged in the circumferential direction so as to be offset relative to the positive-fit means 5.

(19) The connecting element 1 is configured in the head section 9 for the connection to another component 17. This other component 17 is shown, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 10, and it can be a vehicle body sill 34. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the head section 9 for the connection to another component 17 is achieved by providing a screw hole 7 that is preferably arranged concentrically with the head section 9 or with the section 4 and the collar 10.

(20) In the case of the concentric shape of the connecting element 1—aside from the positive-fit means 5 and the latching means 6—the section 4 forms a circumferential surface 14, at least on the outside, that surrounds a receiving space 8 shown in FIG. 2 for a fastening means such as, for example, a screw 32 shown in FIG. 10.

(21) Deviating from the rotation-symmetrical circumferential surface of the circumferential section 14, it is also possible for the receiving space 8 for the fastening means not to be rotation-symmetrical in shape on the inside, so as to concurrently form a means 12 for the placement of a tool. The means 12 can thus also be referred to as a tool socket means. In the present embodiment, these means 12 are configured as a key surface 30, this forming, for example, part of an internal hexagon shape, as is shown in FIG. 3. The circumferential section 14 thus has a cylindrical circumferential surface and an internal surface with a hexagonal cross section.

(22) Moreover, on the contact surfaces 2, 3 that form the tops of the collar 10 as well as of the section 4, a sealing means 13 can also be arranged or sunk in there, which can be configured as a sealing track 29 that runs along the circumferential direction. Here, it is conceivable for a sealing means 13, which also functions as an adhesive, to augment or replace the latching means 6 provided on the contact surfaces 2, 3. This also applies if the sealing means is not configured to be adhesive but rather to be compressible. Moreover, sealing means 13 can also be provided on just one of the contact surfaces 2, 3.

(23) FIGS. 4 through 10 show a hollow profile 16 into which a connecting element 1 can be inserted or has been inserted.

(24) When the connecting element 1 is in its installed state, it is held with a positive fit in the hollow profile 16. This is achieved in that the positive-fit means 5 configured as latching hooks 22 wrap around sections 18, 19 of the hollow profile 16 on which, in turn, the appertaining contact surfaces 2, 3 of the connecting element 1 rest.

(25) A connecting cutout 23 is made in the hollow profile 16 in order to accommodate the connecting element 1 and the recesses 24, 25 of the connecting cutout 23 extend upwards and downwards in the hollow profile 16, thereby passing through the upper section 19 of the hollow profile 16 and the lower section 18 of the hollow profile 16. Here, the diameter D.sub.24 of the recess 24 formed in this manner on the lower section 19 of the hollow profile 16 is configured at least so large that the circumferential section 14 of the connecting element 1—except for the positive-fit means 5 shaped thereupon—can be passed through. The diameter D.sub.25 of the second recess 25 on the upper section 19 of the hollow profile 16 is configured in such a way that the head section 19—except for the positive-fit means 5 shaped thereupon—an be passed through.

(26) In addition, radial widened areas 26, which correspond to the positive-fit means 5 arranged on the connecting element 1, are formed on the recesses 24, 25.

(27) For the installation, the connecting element 1 is inserted in an insertion direction 33 through the larger recess 25 into the hollow profile, whereby the positive-fit means provided on the circumferential section 14 match the corresponding recesses 26. When the upper section 18 of the hollow profile 16 is reached, then the head section 9 is passed through the upper recess 25 of the hollow profile 16, whereby for this purpose, the positive-fit means 5 also have to be aligned with the corresponding radial widened areas 26.

(28) The state in which the connecting element 1 is inserted into the hollow profile 16 is shown in FIG. 8 in which the positive-fit means 5 match the radial widened areas 26. In order to affix the connecting element 1 to the hollow profile 16, the connecting element 1 is then rotated in the circumferential direction so that the positive-fit means 5 no longer match the appertaining radial widened areas 26, in order to wrap around the corresponding section 18, 19 of the hollow profile 16, as shown in FIG. 9.

(29) In order to facilitate the insertion of the connecting element 1 into the hollow profile 16, the positive-fit means 5 are at least partially provided with an insertion aid created, for example, in the form of insertion bevels 11 that extend on the side of the positive-fit means 5 facing away from the contact surfaces 2, 3. In one embodiment, the insertion bevels are to be provided, for instance, only on the positive-fit means 5 that are arranged on the section 4 of the connecting element. A centering and alignment of the connecting element 1 relative to the hollow profile 16 achieved by these insertion bevels can already be sufficient to allow the insertion of the head section 9 into the second recess 25 in the proper position. The opposite case is likewise possible in which only the positive-fit means 5 that are shaped onto the head section 9 have insertions aids in the form of insertion bevels 11.

(30) At the same time, the connecting element 1 inserted into the hollow profile 16 can pass through a reinforcement element 31 that has been inserted into the hollow profile and can be partially in contact with an inner surface of the reinforcement element 31 in the area of the circumferential section 14. In this manner, the connecting element 1 can have the additional function of absorbing forces that stem from the reinforcement element 31 and that act in the direction of the circumferential section 14 and of introducing these forces into the hollow profile 16 via the lateral engagement of the head section 9 as well as of the circumferential section 14.

(31) This applies, for example, in case of a crash, in which the reinforcement element 31 can be moved so as to be laterally deformed.

(32) The present connecting element 1 can preferably be used in vehicle applications in which hollow profile components are made of the hollow profile 16 described here, and can be screwed to other components 17, for example, to a vehicle frame. Here, the hollow profile 16 is preferably pre-tensioned in the insertion direction 33 against the other component 17, whereby the contact surfaces 2, 3 introduce the occurring forces into the hollow profile along the insertion direction.

(33) In such applications, there are regularly substantial vibration stresses that could cause the connection between the connecting element 1 and the hollow profile 16 to come loose of its own accord. Due to their contact with the appertaining section 18, 19 of the hollow profile, the latching means 6 provided on the connecting element 1 counter an undesired autonomous rotation of the connecting element 1 relative to the hollow profile 16.

(34) Moreover, a welded connection 15 can be provided that secures the connecting element 1—as is shown in FIG. 4—against rotation. Instead of the welded connection 15 and the latching means 6, however, other securing modalities with a positive fit and/or a frictional fit or with an integrally bonded connection are also conceivable in order to prevent autonomous rotation of the connecting element 1. For example, the connecting element can be additionally glued or soldered onto the hollow profile 16. It is likewise conceivable for the sealing means 13 to concurrently serve as frictional latching means 6 or as an adhesive connection.

(35) FIGS. 6 and 7 show a complete hollow profile 16 that forms, for example, part of a side frame of a battery box for an electric vehicle. The connecting elements 1 inserted into the hollow profile 16 are used to screw the hollow profile 16 to the vehicle frame of an electric vehicle (not shown here). In this context, it is particularly relevant that a battery box of an electric vehicle—as a wearing part—has to be detachably connected to the vehicle, which is why the connecting elements that are to be screwed are preferably configured as a screw sleeve or screw bushing.

(36) FIG. 10 shows the attachment of the hollow profile 16 to another component 17 in the form of a vehicle body sill 34 by means of the hollow profile connection 27. Here, a fastening means in the form of a screw 32 affixes the connecting element 1, which is connected to the hollow profile 16, to a threaded bushing 35 of the vehicle body sill 34, so as to serve as a fastening means of the other component 17.

(37) The holding force applied by the screwed connection between the screw 32 and the threaded bushing 35 is transmitted via a screw head 36 to the inner surface of the receiving space 8 of the connecting element 1 and is then introduced via the equidirectional contact surfaces 2, 3 into the hollow profile 16 which, in this manner, is secured to the vehicle body sill 34 as the other component 17.

(38) The basic principle of the hollow profile connection shown here can also be viewed as a bayonet-type connection since the connection between the connecting element 1 and the hollow profile 16 is made by an approximately straight insertion of the connecting element 1 into the hollow profile 16, followed by a rotation of the connecting element 1 in a plane 20, 21, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction 33.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(39) 1 connecting element 2 contact surface 3 contact surface 4 circumferential section 5 positive-fit means 6 latching means 7 screw hole 8 receiving space 9 head section 10 collar 11 insertion bevel 12 means 13 sealing means 14 circumferential section 15 welded connection 16 hollow profile 17 another component 18 section (bottom) 19 section (top) 20 plane 21 plane 22 latching hook 23 connecting cutout 24 recess (bottom) 25 recess (top) 26 radial widened area 27 hollow profile connection 28 detent 29 sealing track 30 key surface 31 reinforcement element 32 screw 33 insertion direction 34 vehicle body sill 35 threaded bushing 36 screw head D.sub.4 diameter D.sub.9 diameter D.sub.10 diameter D.sub.24 diameter D.sub.25 diameter