TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for fastening a component to a carrier component, in particular a vehicle body part.

BACKGROUND

[0002] DE 102017 117 002 A1 discloses an apparatus for fastening a component to a carrier component.

[0003] DE 102011 009 683 A1 describes a method for mounting a component by means of a fastening clip, the fastening clip having a latching section and a head element, and the head element being moved out of a preliminary mounting position into a final mounting position in order to mount the component. A release element is provided which is moved out of a first position, in which a machine-readable code which is attached to the fastening clip cannot be read, into a second position, in which the code can be read, when the head element is moved into the final mounting position.

[0004] DE 102015 120 331 A1 discloses a method for checking the correct mounting of a fastening clip, the fastening clip having a spreading element which is moved translationally out of a preliminary mounting position into a final mounting position in the case of the mounting operation, a head with a tab being provided on the spreading element, the orientation of which tab relative to the head is changed when the spreading element is moved out of the preliminary mounting position into the final mounting position, and at least two reference elements being provided, of which one is arranged on the tab, comprising the following steps:

- the spreading element is displaced out of the preliminary mounting position into the final mounting position,

- the position of the reference elements relative to one another is measured; - the position which the reference elements assume in the case of a spreading element which is situated in the final mounting position is compared with a comparison value;

- the mounting operation is recognized as being in order or not in order in a manner which is dependent on the result of the comparison.

[0005] Furthermore, a fastening clip is proposed which can be used in accordance with the corresponding method.

SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for fastening a component to a carrier component, which apparatus makes it possible to check a final mounting position of the apparatus in a simple way.

[0007] A further object of the present invention consists in providing an apparatus for fastening a component to a carrier component, which apparatus makes it secure and reliable to detect that a final mounting position is reached, and therefore to prevent incorrect mounting.

[0008] Said object is achieved by way of the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous refinements thereof are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, an apparatus for fastening a component to a carrier component is provided. Said apparatus comprises: a base body, the base body having at least one first latching means for preliminary mounting of the apparatus on a component to be fastened, in which preliminary mounting the first latching means is connected to the component in a preliminary mounting position, and a verification fastening element, the verification fastening element having at least one second latching means for final mounting of the apparatus in a mounting direction which extends orthogonally with respect to a surface of the carrier component, in which final mounting the second latching means is connected to the carrier component in a final mounting position, characterized in that at least one verification tab is provided which is connected to the verification fastening element, is preferably formed integrally with the verification fastening element, and is configured to be deformed elastically in the case of the transfer of the verification fastening element from the preliminary mounting position into the final mounting position by way of contact with a surface of the component or the carrier component or the base body, which surface faces the mounting direction, in such a way that a verification device which is formed integrally with the verification tab brings about visual and/or haptic feedback which indicates that the apparatus is mounted correctly on the carrier component.

[0010] The component to be mounted can be interior trim elements for motor vehicles, such as trunk trim panels or carpets or else wheel arch covers, or holders for control units.

[0011] The carrier component can be, for example, a vehicle body part.

[0012] The inventors of the present invention have recognized that, in the case of apparatuses for fastening a component to a vehicle body part, there is frequently not the possibility to check correct mounting of an apparatus of this type. In the case of apparatuses of this type, however, correct mounting is extremely important, since further components can be fastened to the apparatus. Therefore, it is provided according to the invention that, after the transfer of the apparatus from a preliminary mounting position into a final mounting position, visual and/or haptic feedback of the apparatus takes place, which feedback indicates that the apparatus is mounted correctly on a carrier component.

[0013] The verification device can comprise at least one surface of the at least one movable verification tab and preferably two or more verification tabs and a surface of the verification fastening element, which surface faces the mounting direction, the verification tabs and that surface of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction being called a verification surface, and the verification tab being connected in an articulated manner via an integral hinge to that surface of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction.

[0014] If the verification surface is planar or the verification surface extends orthogonally with respect to the mounting direction, a user can determine in a simple way by way of the visual and/or haptic feedback whether the apparatus is arranged incorrectly in the final mounting position.

[0015] In particular, the apparatus according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the verification tab or tabs is/are configured as spring elements and/or is/are coupled to a spring element, in such a way that, in the case of incorrect latching of the second latching means to the carrier component, the verification fastening element is loaded with a spring force which acts counter to the mounting direction in such a way that the verification fastening element is moved counter to the mounting direction.

[0016] Two verification tabs are preferably provided which are configured as spring elements. In addition and/or as an alternative, separate spring elements can also be provided which are coupled, for example, to the base body and the verification tabs, and load the latter with a spring force which acts counter to the mounting direction.

[0017] A movement of the verification fastening element counter to the mounting direction is understood to mean, in particular, a transfer or a return of the verification fastening element counter to the mounting direction into the preliminary mounting position.

[0018] In this way, it is made possible securely and reliably to detect that the final mounting position is reached. In the case where the final mounting position is not reached, the spring force of the verification tabs or the separate spring element, which spring force acts counter to the mounting direction, ensures that the tabs are withdrawn inward in the radial direction into a preliminary mounting position. This state can be easily detected both haptically and visually.

[0019] For easier detection of the incorrectly mounted state, verification markings can be arranged in a radially circumferential manner on an edge region of a surface of the base body, which surface faces the mounting direction. [0020] The verification markings are then concealed completely by the verification tabs in the final mounting position and are therefore no longer visible. In the preliminary mounting position, in which the tabs are folded radially inward, they are visible in contrast and can be seen easily. In the preliminary mounting position, the verification markings can be seen easily in a plan view from above in the radial direction laterally next to the verification tabs. If the final mounting position is not correctly reached, in which final mounting position the second latching means engage behind a component edge of a carrier component and the verification tabs move back in the radial direction, the verification markings are visible. This indicates to the user that the apparatus according to the invention has not reached the final mounting position.

[0021] Furthermore, a surface of the verification tab, which surface faces the mounting direction, can terminate flush in the final mounting position with a surface of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction, the planar verification surface which results therefrom and extends orthogonally with respect to the mounting direction bringing about the haptic and/or the visual feedback.

[0022] That surface of the verification tab which faces the mounting direction terminates flush in the final mounting position with that surface of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction, with the result that the resulting feedback indicates to the user whether the mounting has taken place correctly. The resulting planar verification surface is called a haptic or visual addition marking which brings about the haptic or the visual feedback.

[0023] In addition, a surface of the verification tab, which surface faces the mounting direction, and that surface of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction can in each case have a color and/or pattern marking which, in the final mounting position, produce a predefined verification image on the verification surface when viewed together, the verification image bringing about the visual and/or the haptic feedback.

[0024] By virtue of the fact that the movable verification tab of the verification device is configured as a spring element or is coupled by way of its free end to a spring element and the spring element is deformed elastically, in the case of the transfer of the verification fastening element and the base body from the preliminary mounting position into the final mounting position, by way of contact with a surface of the base body, which surface faces the mounting direction, or, as an alternative, a surface of the carrier component or a stop surface of the component, the verification tab of the verification device is used to bring about the feedback.

[0025] In the region of the integral hinge, the verification tab and that surface of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction can have the color and/or pattern marking which, in the final mounting position, produce a predefined verification image when viewed together, the verification image bringing about the visual feedback.

[0026] As a result of the provision of a color and/or pattern marking on the verification tab and that surface of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction, the two color and/or pattern markings of the verification tabs and that surface of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction result in a predefined verification image in the final mounting position, the verification image being called a visual addition marking which brings about the visual feedback in the following text.

[0027] The base body can be of grommet-like configuration, the base body comprising: a circularly annular stop section with that surface of the base body which faces the mounting direction, and a receiving opening for receiving the verification fastening element, and a preliminary mounting section with preferably two webs which extend in the mounting direction and on which the first latching means are arranged, and preferably with a guide pin with at least one guide groove which extends in the mounting direction.

[0028] The verification fastening element can have the approximately circular disk-shaped verification device with the verification surface and the two verification tabs which are connected in an articulated manner via the integral hinges to the verification surface, the verification fastening element having a preferably tubular fastening section, on which the second latching means are provided.

[0029] Furthermore, a transport anti-rotation safeguard can be provided which comprises at least one anti-rotation safeguard element which is formed on the base body and extends approximately transversely with respect to the mounting direction, and at least one anti rotation safeguard recess which is configured in a corresponding manner on the verification fastening element.

[0030] In the preliminary mounting position, the anti-rotation safeguard element of the base body is arranged in the anti-rotation safeguard recess of the verification fastening element and, as a result, prevents a relative rotational movement between the verification fastening element and the base body. It is ensured in this way that the apparatus is always available in exactly the same position before mounting, and simple and reliable mounting of the apparatus is possible. As an alternative, the anti-rotation safeguard element can also be arranged on the verification fastening element, and the anti-rotation safeguard recess can be arranged on the base body.

[0031] In addition, a guide/anti-rotation safeguard device can be provided which comprises the guide pin with at least the one guide groove which extends in the mounting direction, and the tubular fastening section with at least one guide web which extends in the mounting direction.

[0032] In the case of the transfer of the apparatus from the preliminary mounting position into the final mounting position, the verification fastening element and the base body are moved in the mounting direction. The linear rotational movement in the mounting direction relative to the verification fastening element and the base body is ensured by way of the sliding of the at least one guide web of the verification fastening element, which guide web extends in the mounting direction, in the corresponding guide groove of the guide pin of the base body, which guide groove extends in the mounting direction.

[0033] In this way, incorrect mounting of the apparatus according to the invention is prevented securely and reliably. In addition, simple mounting is ensured, since the linear movement in the mounting direction of the verification fastening element and the base body is guided via the guide/anti-rotation safeguard device.

[0034] Furthermore, a seal device can be provided which comprises a first seal element which is arranged in the receiving opening of the base body, and which comprises a second seal element which is arranged on a sealing surface of the circularly annular stop section, which sealing surface points in the mounting direction. [0035] As a result of the provision of the sealing device or the first sealing element, penetration of water into the region between the verification fastening element and the base body is prevented, and penetration of water between the base body and a component surface of a component to be mounted is prevented by way of the second sealing element. In this way, the apparatus according to the invention is also suitable for applications, in which a certain watertightness is required.

[0036] A dismantling device can be arranged in the verification surface, which dismantling device is provided such that it is configured as a Torx or polygonal or hexagonal or Allen connection.

[0037] The apparatus can be removed in a simple way without damage from a carrier component by way of the introduction of a tool of corresponding configuration into the dismantling device.

[0038] The first and second latching means can be configured as corresponding latching elements with latching edges and/or latching lugs, as full or partial threads, as a clip-in connection or other suitable latching elements.

[0039] The component and the carrier component then have corresponding edges or latching means of corresponding configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In the following text, the present invention will be described on the basis of an exemplary embodiment which is shown in the figures, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a base body of an apparatus for fastening a component to a carrier component,

[0042] Figure 2 shows a further perspective illustration of the base body,

[0043] Figure 3 shows a further perspective illustration of the base body,

[0044] Figure 4 shows a perspective illustration of a verification fastening element of the apparatus for fastening a component to a carrier component, [0045] Figure 5 shows a lateral partially sectioned illustration of the apparatus with a component and a carrier component in a preliminary mounting position,

[0046] Figure 6 shows a partially cut-away lateral illustration of the apparatus with a component and a carrier component in a final mounting position,

[0047] Figure 7 shows a plan view of the apparatus, the component and the carrier component from Figure 5,

[0048] Figure 8 shows a plan view of the apparatus, the component and the carrier component from Figure 6,

[0049] Figure 9 shows a partially cut-away illustration of the apparatus, the component and the carrier component in the case of dismantling of the apparatus, and

[0050] Figure 10 shows a partially cut-away lateral illustration of the apparatus, the component and the carrier component in a further dismantling position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In the following text, the apparatus 1 according to the invention for fastening a component 2 to a carrier component 3 will be described more precisely (Figures 1-10).

[0052] The apparatus 1 comprises a base body 4 and a verification fastening element 5.

[0053] The base body 4 is of grommet-like configuration (Figures 1-3) and comprises a circularly annular stop section 6 with a surface which faces the mounting direction 8 and is called a stop surface 7.

[0054] A receiving opening 9 for receiving the verification fastening element 5 is configured in the circularly annular stop section 6.

[0055] Furthermore, the base body 4 has a preliminary mounting section 10 with at least one, two, three or more webs 11 which extend in the mounting direction 8.

[0056] A first latching means 12 is arranged in each case on the webs 11. The first latching means 12 can be a latching recess 12 which extends inward in the radial direction or a latching element 12 which is of resilient configuration, extends outward in the radial direction, and has at least one corresponding latching edge 14.

[0057] The first latching means 12 are provided for engaging behind a corresponding opening 13 of a component 2 to be mounted, and have corresponding latching edges 14 which extend counter to the mounting direction 8.

[0058] Furthermore, the two webs 11 of the base body 4 are connected to one another via a connecting section 16.

[0059] A guide pin 17 of tubular configuration which extends counter to the mounting direction 8 is formed integrally on the connecting section 16. Guide grooves 19 which extend in a radially circumferential manner and spaced apart from one another uniformly in the mounting direction 8 are formed on an outer shell wall 18 of the guide pin 17.

[0060] An anti-rotation safeguard recess 21 is formed on a surface 20 of the circularly annular stop section 6, which surface 20 points in the mounting direction 8.

[0061] Furthermore, verification markings 25 which are arranged so as to be radially circumferential and spaced apart from one another uniformly are provided on an edge region of the stop surface 7.

[0062] The base body 4 is preferably configured in one piece in a single-component injection molding method.

[0063] In addition, a first seal element 22 is provided on the surface 20. In addition, a second seal element 23 is provided in the receiving opening 9. The first seal element 22 and the second seal element 23 together configure a seal device 24. The seal device 24 can preferably be connected to the base part 2 by means of a 2-component injection molding method.

[0064] The verification fastening element 5 comprises an approximately circular disk shaped verification device 26.

[0065] The verification device 26 has two verification tabs 27 which are configured in a circular segment-shaped and spring element-like manner and he diametrically opposite one another, and a surface 41 of the verification fastening element 5, which surface 41 faces the mounting direction 8.

[0066] The verification tabs 27 are connected in each case via an integral hinge 28 to that surface 41 of the verification fastening element 5 which faces the mounting direction 8. A verification surface 29 comprises the surface 41 which points counter to the mounting direction 8.

[0067] The apparatus according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the verification tabs 27 are configured as spring elements in such a way that, in the case of incorrect latching of the second latching means 31 to the carrier component 3, the verification fastening element 5 is loaded with a spring force which acts counter to the mounting direction 8 in such a way that the verification fastening element 5 is moved in a relative manner out of the base body 4 counter to the mounting direction 8.

[0068] A movement of the verification fastening element counter to the mounting direction 8 is understood to mean, in particular, a transfer or a return of the verification fastening element 5 counter to the mounting direction into the preliminary mounting position.

[0069] This securely and reliably makes it possible to detect that the final mounting position is reached. In the case where the final mounting position is not reached, the spring force of the verification tabs 27 which acts counter to the mounting direction 8 ensures that the tabs 27 are withdrawn inward in the radial direction into a preliminary mounting position 40. This state can be easily detected both haptically and visually.

[0070] Furthermore, those surfaces 42 of the verification tabs 27 which face the mounting direction 8 terminate flush in a final mounting position 39 with that surface 41 of the verification fastening element 8 which faces the mounting direction, the resulting planar verification surface 29 which extends orthogonally with respect to the mounting direction 8 bringing about the haptic and/or the visual feedback.

[0071] That surface 41 of the verification tab which faces the mounting direction terminates flush in the final mounting position 39 with that surface 40 of the verification fastening element which faces the mounting direction 8, with the result that the resulting feedback indicates to the user whether the mounting has taken place correctly. The resulting planar verification surface 29 is called a haptic or visual addition marking which brings about the haptic or the visual feedback.

[0072] In addition or as an alternative, those surfaces 41 of the verification tabs 27 which face the mounting direction 8 and that surface of the verification fastening element 41 which faces the mounting direction 8 can in each case have a color and/or pattern marking (not shown) which, in the final mounting position 39, produce a predefined verification image on the verification surface 29 when viewed together, the verification image bringing about the visual and/or the haptic feedback.

[0073] By virtue of the fact that the movable verification tabs 27 of the verification device 26 are configured as spring elements and, in the case of the transfer of the verification fastening element 8 and the base body 4 from the preliminary mounting position 8 into the final mounting position 39, the verification tabs 27 are deformed elastically by way of contact with the circularly annular stop section 6 of the base body 4 in the mounting direction 8, the surface of the verification tabs 27 of the verification device 26 is used to bring about the feedback.

[0074] In addition and/or as an alternative, the verification tabs 27 and that surface 41 of the verification fastening element 5 which faces the mounting direction 8 can have the color and/or pattern marking in the region of the integral hinges 28, which markings produce a predefined verification image when viewed together in the final mounting position, the verification image bringing about the visual feedback.

[0075] By way of the provision of color and/or pattern marking on the surfaces 42 of the verification tabs 27 and that surface 41 of the verification fastening element 5 which faces the mounting direction, the two color and/or pattern markings of the verification tabs 27 and that surface 41 of the verification fastening element 5 which faces the mounting direction result in the final mounting position 39 in a predefined verification image, the verification image being called a visual addition marking which brings about the visual feedback in the following text.

[0076] In addition, the verification fastening element 5 has a tubular fastening section 30 which extends in the mounting direction 8. [0077] Second latching means 31 which extend outward in the radial direction and so as to lie diametrically opposite one another are provided on the fastening section 30. The second latching means 31 are configured as resilient latching elements 32 with a latching edge 33 which extends counter to the mounting direction 8. The latching edges 33 of the latching elements 32 are provided for engaging behind a surface of a carrier component, which surface lies in the mounting direction 8, in order to fix the apparatus 1 including the corresponding component 2 on the carrier component 3.

[0078] Four guide webs 35 which extend in the mounting direction 8 and are arranged radially spaced apart uniformly from one another are formed in a passage recess 34 of the tubular fastening section.

[0079] Furthermore, two anti-rotation safeguard elements 36 which he diametrically opposite one another and extend outward in the radial direction are formed on the tubular fastening section 30 of the verification fastening element 5.

[0080] A corresponding guide/anti -rotation safeguard device 37 of the apparatus 1 comprises the guide pin 17 with the guide grooves 19 of the base body 4 which extend in the mounting direction 8 and the tubular fastening section 30 with the 4 guide webs 35 of the verification fastening element 5 which extend in the mounting direction.

[0081] A transport anti-rotation safeguard 38 comprises the two anti-rotation safeguard elements 36 which are formed on the fastening section 30 of the verification fastening element 5, and the two anti-rotation safeguard elements 36 which are arranged so as to he diametrically opposite one another and are formed on the verification fastening element 8.

[0082] A dismantling device 43 is arranged in the verification surface 29. The dismantling device 42 is configured as a Torx or polygonal or hexagonal or Allen connection.

[0083] In the following text, the method of operation of the apparatus according to the invention will be described on the basis of the exemplary embodiment (Figures 5 to 8).

[0084] First of all, the base body 4 is connected to a component 2 to be mounted, usually at a component supplier. For this purpose, the base body 4 is introduced in the mounting direction 8 into a recess which is of corresponding configuration with respect to the geometry (in a plan view from below) of the base body 4, and is fixed by means of the first latching means 12 in such a way that the latching edges 14 of the first latching means 12 engage behind an edge of the carrier component 3 to be mounted, which edge lies in the mounting direction 8.

[0085] Here, pressure can be exerted both on the base body and/or on the verification fastening element 5 or the verification surface.

[0086] Subsequently, the apparatus 1 together with the component 2 to be mounted is then introduced at a manufacturer into a recess of a carrier component 3, which recess is of corresponding configuration to the geometry (in a plan view from below) of the base body 4.

[0087] Subsequently, the verification surface 29 of the verification fastening element 5 is loaded with a force which acts in the mounting direction 5. Here, both the base body 4 and the verification fastening element 5 move in the mounting direction 8.

[0088] The relative movement between the verification fastening element 5 and the base body is guided in a linearly secure and reliable manner in the mounting direction by way of the guide/anti-rotation safeguard device 37.

[0089] In the case of the movement in the mounting direction, the first latching means 12 of the base body pass out of engagement with the carrier component 3 to be mounted, in such a way that the base body 4 can move in the mounting direction into the recess of the carrier component 3. The movement in the mounting direction 8 over the verification fastening element 5 takes place until the two latching means 31 thereof or the latching edges 33 of the latching elements 32 engage behind an edge of the recess of the carrier component, which edge lies in the mounting direction.

[0090] At the same time, the verification tabs 27 fold outward in the radial direction, as has already been described above, and configure the planar verification surface 29 as soon as the apparatus has reached its final mounting position 39.

[0091] Should the apparatus not correctly assume its final mounting position, in which the latching edges 33 of the latching elements 32 of the second latching means 31 engage behind that edge of the recess of the carrier component which lies in the mounting direction 8, the verification fastening element is moved counter to the mounting direction by way of the spring force of the two verification tabs 27, and the verification markings 25 become visible.

[0092] In this way, it is indicated securely and reliably to the user whether the apparatus 1 has reached the final mounting position 39 or springs back into the preliminary mounting position 40.

[0093] In order to dismantle the apparatus 1 from the carrier component 3 (Figures 9 and 10), a tool is introduced into the dismantling device 43.

[0094] By means of the tool, the verification fastening element 5 is turned until the second latching means 31 pass out of engagement with the carrier component 3.

[0095] Subsequently, the apparatus 1 can be removed from the carrier component 3.

List of Designations Apparatus Component Carrier component Base body Verification fastening element Circularly annular stop section Stop surface Mounting direction Receiving opening Preliminary mounting section Web First latching means Opening Latching edge Latching element Connecting section Guide pin Outer shell wall Guide groove Surface Anti-rotation safeguard recess First seal element Second seal element Seal device Verification marking Verification device Verification tab Integral hinge Verification surface Tubular fastening section 1 Second latching means Latching elements Latching edge Passage recess Guide webs Anti-rotation safeguard element Guide/anti-rotation safeguard device Transport anti-rotation safeguard Final mounting position Preliminary mounting position Surface Surface