CONNECTING DEVICE

Abstract

A connecting device, in particular for connecting two components, includes a housing device, having an axial shaft portion delimiting a receiving space, and a radial flange portion having a screw through-passage terminating into the receiving space, wherein a face of the flange portion facing the shaft portion is a connecting wall, and a face of the shaft portion opposite the connecting wall is a fastening wall, wherein the axial shaft portion is adapted to be inserted into a through passage of a first component and a nut device is in particular axially displaceably and rotatably arranged in the receiving space, wherein the nut device can preferably only be inserted laterally into the receiving space.

Claims

1. A connecting device (1), in particular for connecting two components, comprising a housing device (4), with an axial shaft portion (6) delimiting a receiving space (8) and a radial flange portion (7) having a screw through-passage (9) terminating into the receiving space (8), wherein a face of the flange portion (7) facing the shaft portion (6) is a connecting wall (10) and a face of the shaft portion (6) opposite the connecting wall (10) is a fastening wall (11), wherein the axial shaft portion (6) is adapted for insertion into a through passage of a first component (2), and a nut device (12) rotatably arranged in the receiving space (8), wherein the nut device (12) can be inserted laterally into the receiving space (8).

2. The connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft portion (6) is approximately rectangular, preferably square, and comprises a bottom wall (14) that is connected to the flange portion (7) by two diametrically opposed wall sections, wherein at least one lateral insertion opening (16) is provided between the wall sections, and wherein the insertion opening (16) is adapted for lateral insertion of the nut device (12) into the receiving space (8).

3. The connecting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the nut device (12) comprises at least one and preferably two retaining elements (32) extending radially outward, wherein a plate-shaped component can be fixed in a final assembly position (25) between the retaining elements (32) and the connecting wall (10) and/or wherein a further plate-shaped component can be fixed between the fastening wall (11) and a screw head (35) of a screw device (38).

4. The connecting device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a pre-assembly receiving area is provided in the area of the bottom wall (14) for accommodating the retaining elements (32) of the nut device (12) in a pre-assembly position, in which the nut device (12) can be arranged in an axially fixed location, wherein, when a torque is exerted on a screw head (35) of the screw device, an inner thread (31) is cut into a bore of the nut device (12), or wherein the inner thread (31) is already pre-formed such that an external thread of a screw device (38) engaged with the inner thread (31) of the nut device (12) allows the nut device (12) is laterally rotatable from the pre-assembly receiving area into an assembly region (18) of the receiving space (8) and the nut device (12) is axially displaceable in the assembly region (18) until the final assembly position (25) is reached.

5. The connecting device (1) according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that on the wall sections, in particular in the area of corners of the wall sections, the catching elements (23) extending radially outward and preferably diametrically opposite one another are adapted to engage behind a through passage of a component.

6. The connecting device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the radial flange portion (7) is formed with a sealing device (26) that forms a seal when a first component (2) abuts the connecting wall (10) and/or that forms a seal when a second component (3) abuts the fastening wall (11) and/or that forms a seal by delimiting the screw through-passage (9).

7. The connecting device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the sealing device (26) is formed from a soft component, preferably from TPE, wherein an integral chemical bond is made to the flange portion (7) by means of a 2-component injection molding process.

8. A connection system comprising a connecting device (1) according to any claims 1 to 7, a screw device (38), and preferably an assembly tool for laterally inserting a nut device (12) into a receiving space (8) of the connecting device (1).

9. The connecting system according to claim 8, characterized in that the nut device (12) comprises one and preferably two lateral receiving recesses for accommodating the fork-like assembly tool for inserting the nut device (12) into the receiving space (8).

10. A method for connecting two components using a connecting device (1), in particular according to any of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: laterally insert the nut device (12) into a receiving space (8) of a housing device (4) of the connecting device (1), insert the connecting device (1), in particular a shaft portion (6) of the connecting device (1), into a through passage of a first of the two components to be connected, arrange a through passage of a second component (3) on a flange portion (7) of the connecting device (1), insert a screw device (38) into the through passage of the second component (3) and into a conically tapered region of a sealing element of the connecting device (1), penetrate the conically tapered region of the sealing element with the screw device (38), preferably by applying a torque on a drive of the screw device (38), insert the screw device (38) into the nut device (12) of the connecting device (1), and exert a torque on the screw device (38) such that the nut device (12) is rotated laterally from a pre-assembly region (17) of the housing device (4) into an assembly region (18) of the screw device (38), and axially displace the nut device (12) in the assembly region (18), to create a positive locking sealed connection between retaining elements (32) of the nut device (12), the first component (2), the flange portion (7), the second component (3) and a screw head (35) of the screw device (38).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The present invention will be described below on the basis of an embodiment shown in the figures.

[0048] FIG. 1 an exploded perspective view of the connecting device with a housing device and a nut device,

[0049] FIG. 2 a perspective view of the connecting device in a pre-assembly position,

[0050] FIG. 3 a further perspective view of the connecting device in a pre-assembly position,

[0051] FIG. 4 an inventive connecting system when connecting two components in a side view in a pre-assembly position,

[0052] FIG. 5 a perspective view of the connecting system in a final assembly position, and

[0053] FIG. 6 a further perspective view of the connecting system in a final assembly position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The following provides a more detailed description of the inventive connecting device 1 for connecting a first component 2 to a second component 3 based on an exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 6).

[0055] The connecting device 1 comprises a housing device 4 with a shaft portion 6 extending in an axial direction 5 and a radial flange portion 7 extending in a radial direction.

[0056] The flange portion 7 has an approximately circular disk shape and comprises a screw through-passage 9 at its center. Otherwise, the flange portion 7 is formed from solid material and is free of voids.

[0057] The shaft portion 6 is approximately cuboid and is adapted for insertion in an assembly direction 13 into a through passage of a first component 2, with a correspondingly adapted cross-section.

[0058] In the context of the present invention, the assembly direction 13 is defined as a direction that extends in axial direction 5 and approximately orthogonally to a surface of a component 2, 3 delimiting a through passage.

[0059] The shaft portion 6 in connection with the flange portion 7 delimits a receiving space 8.

[0060] A surface of the flange portion 7 facing the shaft portion 6 is referred to as connecting wall 10. A surface of the shaft portion 6 opposite the connecting wall 10 is referred to as the fastening wall 11.

[0061] The receiving space 8 is thus formed by the connecting wall 10 and a bottom wall 14, which are connected to each other by two connecting walls 15 that are diametrically opposite and formed at an angle.

[0062] Insertion openings 16 are formed in the region of the two connecting walls 15 located opposite to one another. The insertion openings 16 delimit a pre-assembly region 17 of approximately rectangular shape, which is delimited by a step in the area of the fastening wall 11.

[0063] The pre-assembly region 17 terminates into an assembly region 18 of the insertion opening 16, which is also approximately rectangular in shape.

[0064] An insertion slope 19 is formed at a corner of the bottom wall in the transition from the pre-assembly region 17 to the assembly region 18. The insertion slope 19 facilitates the insertion of a nut device 12 into the receiving space 8.

[0065] Captive retention grooves 20 are formed in the area of the inner corners of the connecting walls 15, as well as in axially aligned portions of the bottom wall 14.

[0066] A radially circumferential first, and second, overmolding edge 21, 22 is formed in the connecting wall 10 and in the fastening wall 11.

[0067] Furthermore, catching elements 23 extending radially outward and preferably arranged on the outer corners of the connecting walls 15 are formed on the connecting walls 15.

[0068] The catching elements 23 have corresponding locking surfaces 24, which extend in a final assembly position 25 approximately parallel to a surface of a component 2, 3 and are thus preferably arranged parallel to the flange portion in the final assembly position 25.

[0069] A sealing device 26 is formed radially circumferentially in the region of the first overmolding edge 21 and the second overmolding edge 22.

[0070] The sealing device 26 partially encloses the flange portion 7. In particular, three concentrically and radially circumferentially arranged sealing lips 27 extending in the assembly direction 13 are formed in the area of the fastening wall 11.

[0071] In the area of the connecting wall 10, the sealing device is adapted approximately like a cart wheel in a top plan view such that sealing struts 28 extend outward in the radial direction, wherein in the area of the screw through-passage 9, a screw sealing element 29 is also formed that delimits an insertion opening conically tapered in the assembly direction 13.

[0072] The nut device 12 can have a bore or a circular-cylindrical bore extending in the axial direction with an inner thread 31, wherein two retaining elements 32 extending radially in the outward direction are formed on the nut device 12.

[0073] The inner thread 31 of the nut device is preferably cut by a screw device 38 into the circular-cylindrical bore of the nut device 12 such that the bore of the nut device 12 is initially formed without a thread. The inner thread 31 can therefore be produced either in advance or preferably by means of the screw device 38.

[0074] The retaining elements each have a retaining surface 33, which extends opposite the assembly direction 13 to abut a component surface.

[0075] The nut device 12 can be inserted into the receiving space 8, respectively, in lateral direction through one of the two insertion openings 16, which also comprise the pre-assembly region 17 and the assembly region 18.

[0076] The pre-assembly region 17 is adapted such that when applying a torque to a drive 34 of a screw head 35 of a screw device 38 of an external thread 36 of the screw device 38 that is engaged with the inner thread 31 of the nut device 12, the nut device 12 can be rotated in the radial direction in the pre-assembly region 17 such that it can be transferred to the assembly region 18.

[0077] By exerting a further corresponding torque, the nut device 12 is displaced in the assembly region 18 opposite to the assembly direction 13 or in the axial direction 5, respectively, until the final assembly position 25 is achieved, wherein the retaining elements 32 abut a surface of a component 2 to be connected.

[0078] Further, the nut device 12 has captive retention springs 39 corresponding to the captive retention grooves 20 to captively arrange the nut device 12 in the receiving space 8 by means of a type of press fit.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a connecting system is provided with a connecting device 1 described above, which also comprises the screw device 38 and an assembly tool (not shown) for laterally inserting the nut device 12 into the receiving space 8.

[0080] The following briefly describes an inventive method for connecting two components to an inventive connecting device.

[0081] Two approximately rectangular mounting recesses 40 are formed laterally in the nut device 12.

[0082] An assembly tool may be provided for inserting the nut device into the receiving space 8 of the connecting device. However, such an assembly tool is not mandatory. Alternatively, the nut device is inserted into the receiving space 8 manually.

[0083] First, the assembly tool is arranged in the mounting recesses 40 of the nut device 12. The nut device 12 can then be inserted into the receiving space 8 of the flange portion 7 through the insertion opening 16 using the assembly tool.

[0084] By correspondingly engaging the captive retention springs 39 of the nut device into the captive retention grooves 20 of the receiving space 8, the nut device is arranged captively in the receiving space. In this way, a corresponding transport safety is also formed.

[0085] To counteract unintended twisting, two dimples 41 are formed on a surface of the nut device 12 facing the flange portion 7. The dimples 41 can be arranged in correspondingly formed dimple recesses 42 of the flange portion 7 in order to secure the nut device 12 against twisting with respect to the housing device 4.

[0086] A sufficiently high torque is only applied upon threading in the screw device 38 to release the nut device 12 from this pre-assembly position.

[0087] Thereafter, the connecting device or the shaft portion 6 of the connecting device 1 is inserted into a through passage of a first component 2 in the assembly direction 13 and held in a pre-assembly position by means of the catching elements 23.

[0088] A second component 3 is then placed on a flange portion 7 of the connecting device.

[0089] Finally, the screw device is inserted through the through passage of the second component 3 and a conically tapered area of the sealing device 26 in the area of the screw through-passage such that the screw device penetrates the conically tapered area of the sealing element.

[0090] Then, a torque is exerted on a drive of the screw device.

[0091] The screw device is now inserted into the nut device of the connecting device.

[0092] Lastly, a torque is exerted on the screw device such that the nut device is rotated laterally from a pre-assembly region of the housing device into an assembly region of the screw device until the latter abuts a radial dead stop of the assembly region such that these can only be displaced opposite to the assembly direction 13 or in axial direction 5, respectively, until the retaining elements and the screw head connect the two components to each other such that these abut the sealing device 26 of the connecting wall 10 and the fastening wall 11 to form a seal. In this way, a secure and reliable connection is formed.

[0093] Another aspect provides a method of manufacturing the inventive fastening device, comprising the steps of:

injection-molding a housing device described above by means of a 1-component, and preferably a 2-component injection molding process for forming the housing device from a first plastic (hard component) and a sealing element from a second plastic (soft component), Injection molding a nut device using a 1-component injection molding process.

[0094] The method of manufacture is carried out in a single manufacturing device having a plurality of machines, wherein the assembly tool is provided for laterally inserting the nut device into the housing device.

[0095] In addition, a flange portion of the housing device comprises two blind holes in order to be held by a gripping device of the manufacturing device such that the nut device can be laterally inserted with the assembly tool into a receiving space of the housing device through an insertion opening.

[0096] The inventive connecting device 1 is inserted into a first component 2, and the first component 2 is connected to a second component 3 using the connecting device 1, analogously to the methods described in the yet unpublished patent application with application number DE 10 2021 109 163 and DE 10 2017 128 842 A1. Reference to these two applications is hereby made in full.

[0097] DE 10 2017 128 842 A1 discloses a connector, wherein the connector is adapted to connect a first component to a second component, wherein the components each have an opening differing from a circular cross-section, preferably with angular, particularly preferably rectangular or square, cross-sections, wherein the connector comprises a cage portion having a radial flange at one end, and having a shaft portion different from a circular cross-section, preferably with an angular, particularly preferably rectangular or square, cross-section that can be inserted into the opening of the second component such that the flange abuts the front side of the second component, wherein the connector comprises a nut part at least partially accommodated by the cage part that

[0098] is indexable from a first indexed position in the cage portion to a second indexed position,

[0099] has an axial opening for accommodate a screw fastener,

[0100] has opposing wing portions on

the exterior that are adapted
to be pulled by the rotation of the screw fastener in the nut part against a rear face of the second component after indexing the nut part from the first to the second indexing position when a head of the screw fastener abuts the first component and presses it against the flange of the cage portion, wherein the wing sections lie radially within the outer contour of the cage portion in the first indexing position and in the second indexing position project radially beyond the outer contour of the cage portion while abutting against a dead stop of the cage portion, wherein the nut part has a cylindrical portion with an outer diameter at an axial end, and wherein the cage portion in the area of the shaft portion, preferably at the end of the shaft portion opposing the flange, comprises a transverse face, preferably a bottom face, that preferably terminates the shaft portion, wherein the transverse face comprises a circular opening having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter, wherein the nut part is arranged, or arrangeable, in the cage portion at least in the first indexing position such that the cylindrical portion projects into or through the circular opening.

[0101] This makes the assembly more reliable as the likelihood of the nut part being misaligned in the cage portion is reduced.

[0102] The nut part may be metal or plastic. The cage portion may be made of metal or plastic, but is preferably made of plastic.

[0103] Preferably, the nut part does not have a thread in the axial opening, such that a thread is only cut into the axial opening by threading in the screw fastener. Alternatively, an inner thread adapted to the screw fastener may be formed in the axial opening.

[0104] The cage portion preferably comprises one or more recesses in which the wing portions of the nut part can be arranged. Preferably, there is a dedicated recess for each wing portion. The cylindrical section is preferably so long that it projects into the circular opening over at least 20%, preferably 50%, particularly preferably 100% of the rotational movement. A further inventive connector provides that the cage portion comprises at least one, preferably two or more, first guide regions having an angled face area oblique to the tangential direction, preferably in the range of 5° to 70°, particularly preferably about 20°, and the nut part comprises at least one, preferably two or more, radial projections whose axial end face has a second guide region having an angled face area oblique to the tangential direction, preferably in the range of 5° to 70°, particularly preferably about 20° that is preferably adapted to the first guide region. This facilitates rotation of the nut part, which facilitates assembly of the connector. The radial projection may have a second guide region on both axial sides or only on one axial side.

[0105] Preferably, the radial projection comprises the second guide region on the side facing away from the flange region of the cage portion. The radial projection is preferably formed in part by the wing portion. Preferably, the radial projection is larger than the wing portion in the tangential direction and includes the latter. Preferably, the first guide region and the second guide region are in partial regions respectively convex and/or concave in relation to each other in order to obtain smoother transitions.

[0106] Alternatively, the radial projection is formed by, or coincides with, a partial region of the wing portion.

[0107] Preferably, one of the recesses of the cage portion, preferably all recesses, comprise(s) the first guide area as the recess edge. Preferably, the first guide region is arranged between two substantially axially aligned dead stop regions of the recess(s) serving as a dead stop of the second indexing position and as a dead stop of the second indexing position, each forming a dead stop for the first and second indexing position of the nut part.

[0108] A further inventive connector provides that the face area of the second guide region is beveled correspondingly over a tangential angle range of at least 10°, preferably a maximum of 120°, particularly preferably about 80-90°. This results in a particularly effective guide.

[0109] A further inventive connector provides that the cage portion and the nut part can be snapped together in the first indexing position such that the nut part can only be rotated to the second indexing position after overcoming a certain threshold torque. This facilitates assembly as the nut part is more reliably aligned in the first indexing position at the start of the assembly operation.

[0110] A further inventive connector provides that one of of the cage portion and the nut part comprises a radial, preferably rounded, preferably axially rounded on both sides, preferably annular catch projection that is adapted to snap behind a radial projection of the other of the cage portion and the nut part when the nut part is in the first indexing position. A snap mechanism is as a result easily implemented.

[0111] A further inventive connector provides that the nut part comprises the catch projection, and that the catch projection is arranged in or adjacent to the cylindrical section such that the catch projection is adapted to snap behind the inner edge of the circular opening in the first indexing position. This facilitates a simple design that takes advantage of an already existing inner edge of the cage portion.

[0112] The catch projection preferably has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the circular opening.

[0113] Alternatively, the nut part comprises the catch projection or a catch groove serving as the inner edge axially in the region or above the wing portions.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0114] 1 Connecting device [0115] 2 First component [0116] 3 Second component [0117] 4 Housing device [0118] 5 Axial direction [0119] 6 Shaft portion [0120] 7 Flange portion [0121] 8 Receiving space [0122] 9 Screw through-passage [0123] 10 Connecting wall [0124] 11 Fastening wall [0125] 12 Nut device [0126] 13 Assembly direction [0127] 14 Bottom wall [0128] 15 Connecting wall [0129] 16 Insertion opening [0130] 17 Pre-assembly region [0131] 18 Assembly region [0132] 19 Insertion slope [0133] 20 Captive retention groove [0134] 21 First overmolding edge [0135] 22 Second overmolding edge [0136] 23 Catching element [0137] 24 Locking surface [0138] 25 Final assembly position [0139] 26 Sealing device [0140] 27 Sealing lip [0141] 28 Sealing struts [0142] 29 Screw sealing element [0143] 30 Insertion opening [0144] 31 Inner thread [0145] 32 Retaining element [0146] 33 Retaining surface [0147] 34 Drive [0148] 35 Screw head [0149] 36 Inner thread [0150] 37 Mounting flange [0151] 38 Screw device [0152] 39 Captive retention spring [0153] 40 Mounting recess [0154] 42 Dimple [0155] 43 Dimple mating recess