TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

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

[0003] EP 2481 935 B1 describes a fastening clip. It is provided here that a machine- readable code can be read by a reading unit correctly only when the fastening clip is situated in its final mounting position and a separate verification pin has been introduced completely into the clip.

[0004] DE 202005 018 240 U1 discloses a latching connector which interacts with a holding clip, the latching connector first of all being pushed into the holding clip only as far as into a preliminary fixing position. In the case of the final mounting, the latching connector is pressed further into the holding clip, two hooks which are arranged on the holding clip and were previously concealed by way of the latching connector snapping over an end section of the latching connector, with the result that a visual check of a final mounting position is possible.

SUMMARY

[0005] 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 the final mounting position of the apparatus in a simple way.

[0006] Said object is achieved by way of the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous refinements thereof are specified in the subclaims.

[0007] According to the invention, an apparatus for fastening a component to a carrier component, in particular a vehicle body part of a motor vehicle, is provided. It comprises a base body, the base body having first latching means for fastening the apparatus to a vehicle body part, and it being possible for the base body to be transferred in a mounting direction which extends orthogonally with respect to an upper surface of the vehicle body part, from a starting position into a final mounting position, in which the first latching means are connected to the vehicle body part. The apparatus is distinguished by the fact that at least one spring element is provided which is connected to the base body, is preferably formed integrally with the base body, and is set up to be deformed elastically in the case of the transfer of the base body from the starting position into the final mounting position by way of contact with a surface of the vehicle body part or of another component which bears against the vehicle body part, which surface faces the mounting direction, in such a way that a mechanical verification device which is coupled to said spring element and is preferably formed integrally with the base body brings about visual and/or haptic feedback which indicates that the apparatus is mounted correctly on a vehicle body part.

[0008] 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. However, in the case of apparatuses of this type, correct mounting is extremely important, since further components can be fastened to the apparatus. It is therefore provided according to the invention that, after the transfer of the apparatus from a starting position into a final mounting position, visual and/or haptic feedback of the apparatus occurs, which feedback indicates whether the apparatus is mounted correctly in the final mounting position on a carrier component, in particular on a vehicle body part.

[0009] The verification device preferably has a movable arm which is coupled by way of one end to the spring element, and its free end bringing about the feedback.

[0010] By virtue of the fact that the movable arm of the verification device is coupled by way of its one end to the spring element, and the spring element is deformed elastically in the case of the transfer of the base body from the starting position into the final mounting position by way of contact with a surface of the vehicle body part or of another component which bears against the vehicle body part, which surface faces the mounting direction, the free end of the arm of the verification device is used, in order to bring about the feedback. [0011] The free end of the arm can have a color and/or pattern marking which, in the final mounting position, produces a predefined verification image when viewed in combination with a color and/or pattern marking which is provided on the base body, the verification image bringing about the visual feedback.

[0012] As a result of the provision of a color and/or pattern marking at the free end of the arm and as a result of the provision of a color and/or pattern marking of this type on the base body, the two color and/or pattern markings of the verification device and of the base body 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.

[0013] The free end of the arm can have a planar surface which, in the final mounting position, terminates approximately flush with a surface of the base body, the resulting verification surface bringing about the haptic feedback.

[0014] In addition and/or as an alternative to the color and/or pattern markings, the free end of the arm can have the planar surface, said surface terminating flush with a surface of the base body in the final mounting position, with the result that the resulting feedback indicates to the user whether the mounting has taken place correctly. The resulting verification surface is called a haptic addition marking which brings about the haptic feedback.

[0015] The base body can have a receiving section for receiving a holding device which is connected to the vehicle body part, the holding device having second latching means which are configured in a corresponding manner with respect to the first latching means of the base body.

[0016] The first and second latching means can be configured as corresponding latching elements with latching lugs, as full or partial threads, as a clip-in connection or other suitable latching elements.

[0017] The first latching means can be in engagement completely with the second latching means of the holding device in the final mounting position, with the result that the holding device is received completely in the receiving section of the base body and is connected to the latter via the latching means.

[0018] Within the context of the present invention, the complete engagement of the first and second latching means is understood to mean that the holding device is arranged completely in the receiving section of the base body, the spring element lies approximately with its full surface area on the upper surface of the vehicle body part, and therefore the final mounting position is reached. Here, all the provided latching means do not have to be in engagement with corresponding latching means. It is sufficient that the final mounting is brought about securely and reliably.

[0019] In addition to the spring element which is connected to the verification device, further (preferably, four) spring elements are provided which are arranged radially circumferentially and spaced apart from one another approximately uniformly on the base body, and which extend in the radial direction transversely with respect to the mounting direction.

[0020] The provision of a plurality of radially circumferentially arranged spring elements ensures that, in the case of the applying or mounting of the apparatus on the holding element, mounting takes place in the mounting direction and tilting of the base body or of the apparatus with respect to the holding device is avoided.

[0021] The holding device can be of approximately cylindrical configuration, and the receiving section of the base body can have a cylindrical recess of corresponding configuration.

[0022] The base body can be configured in one piece. This means that the first latching means are preferably likewise formed in one piece on the base body.

[0023] In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the base body can also be configured from two parts (in two pieces).

[0024] Here, the base body comprises a fastening element (second part) of clip-like configuration which can be arranged in a fastening element receptacle of corresponding configuration of the base body (first part), the fastening element comprising the receiving section and having the first latching means for fastening the apparatus to a carrier component.

[0025] The fastening element of clip-like configuration can be introduced in the manner of a clip into the fastening element receptacle of corresponding configuration of the base body, and can be connected to the latter.

[0026] Here, the fastening element can be connected to the base body by means of spring force and/or corresponding latching means.

[0027] The first and/or the second latching means can be configured as latching elements with latching lugs and/or latching edges, as full or partial threads, as a clip-in connection or other suitable connecting devices or latching connections.

[0028] The verification image which brings about the visual feedback can be arranged on a shell wall of the base body and/or on a top wall of the base body, which top wall extends transversely with respect to the mounting direction.

[0029] The verification surface which brings about the haptic feedback can be arranged on a shell wall of the base body and/or on a top wall of the base body, which top wall extends transversely with respect to the mounting direction.

[0030] By virtue of the fact that the verification image, which brings about the visual feedback, and/or the verification surface which brings about the haptic feedback are/is arranged on a shell wall of the base body and/or on a top wall of the base body, which top wall extends transversely with respect to the mounting direction, a readily accessible (haptic) and/or readily visible (visual) variant can be selected depending on the installation situation and/or the configuration or the geometry of the component to be fastened, which variant makes it possible to check securely and reliably whether the desired final mounting position is reached.

[0031] A component to be fastened by means of the apparatus according to the invention can be, for example, a cable bracket. A cable bracket of this type is connected to the base body in the region of a top wall. A single-piece connection can preferably be provided, produced by way of a single-component injection molding method. [0032] In the case of an embodiment of this type, the component to be fastened or the cable bracket would conceal the verification surface for haptic and/or visual feedback. Accordingly, it can be provided that, in addition and/or as an alternative, the verification surface is provided on a shell wall of the base body.

[0033] The spring elements can have sharp contact edges for making contact with an upper surface of a carrier component, which contact edges are configured in such a way that, in the case of the apparatus being dismantled or a holder device which is connected to the carrier component being unscrewed, the contact edges penetrate into an upper surface of the carrier component.

[0034] By virtue of the fact that the sharp contact edges are configured in such a way that, in the case of the apparatus being dismantled, the contact edges penetrate into an upper surface of the carrier component, unintentional release is at least impeded or even prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In the following text, the present invention will be described on the basis of three exemplary embodiments which are shown in the figures, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment in a final mounting position,

[0037] Figure 2 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0038] Figure 3 shows a perspective illustration of a fastening element of the apparatus,

[0039] Figure 4 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus without a fastening element in a mounting position,

[0040] Figure 5 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position,

[0041] Figure 6 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0042] Figure 7 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a final mounting position, [0043] Figure 8 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 6, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line A-A,

[0044] Figure 9 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 7, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line A-A,

[0045] Figure 10 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a mounting position,

[0046] Figure 11 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position,

[0047] Figure 12 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0048] Figure 13 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a mounting position,

[0049] Figure 14 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 12, which illustration is sectioned laterally along the line B-B,

[0050] Figure 15 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 13, which illustration is sectioned laterally along the line B-B,

[0051] Figure 16 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position,

[0052] Figure 17 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a final mounting position,

[0053] Figure 18 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment in a final mounting position,

[0054] Figure 19 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0055] Figure 20 shows a perspective illustration of a fastening element of the apparatus,

[0056] Figure 21 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus without a fastening element in a mounting position, [0057] Figure 22 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position,

[0058] Figure 23 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0059] Figure 24 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a final mounting position,

[0060] Figure 25 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 23, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line C-C,

[0061] Figure 26 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 24, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line C-C,

[0062] Figure 27 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a mounting position,

[0063] Figure 28 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position,

[0064] Figure 29 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0065] Figure 30 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a mounting position,

[0066] Figure 31 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 29, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line D-D,

[0067] Figure 32 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 30, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line D-D,

[0068] Figure 33 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position,

[0069] Figure 34 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a final mounting position,

[0070] Figure 35 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment in a final mounting position, [0071] Figure 36 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0072] Figure 37 shows a perspective illustration of a fastening element of the apparatus,

[0073] Figure 38 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus without a fastening element in a mounting position,

[0074] Figure 39 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position,

[0075] Figure 40 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0076] Figure 41 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a final mounting position,

[0077] Figure 42 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 40, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line G-G,

[0078] Figure 43 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 41, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line E-E,

[0079] Figure 44 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a mounting position,

[0080] Figure 45 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position,

[0081] Figure 46 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a starting position,

[0082] Figure 47 shows a plan view of the apparatus in a mounting position,

[0083] Figure 48 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 46, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line H-H,

[0084] Figure 49 shows an illustration of the apparatus from Figure 47, which illustration is sectioned laterally, along the line F-F,

[0085] Figure 50 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a starting position, [0086] Figure 51 shows a side view of the apparatus without a fastening element in a final mounting position, and

[0087] Figure 52 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus with a cable bracket in a starting position.

[0088] Figure 53 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus with the cable bracket in a final mounting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] In the following text, the apparatus 1 according to the invention (Figures 1 to 50) will be described in general and, in particular, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment (Figures 1 to 17).

[0090] The apparatus 1 according to the invention is configured to fasten a further component 32, such as a cable bracket, to a vehicle body part 2. Here, the further component is connected to the apparatus 1, in one piece or via suitable connecting means.

[0091] The apparatus 1 comprises a base body 3. The base body 3 has a receiving section 17 which is configured in the form of a cylindrical recess 20. First latching means 4 are provided on an inner shell wall of the cylindrical recess 20 of the receiving section 17. In the present exemplary embodiment, they are configured as threads, in particular as partial threads.

[0092] A direction orthogonally with respect to an upper surface of a vehicle body part 2, to which the apparatus 1 is to be fastened, is called the mounting direction 5 in the following text.

[0093] Spring elements 8 which extend approximately orthogonally with respect to the mounting direction 5 and are arranged radially circumferentially and spaced apart uniformly from one another are provided on the base body 3. For example, four spring elements 8 are provided. One, two, three, five or six or more spring elements 8 can also be provided, however. [0094] “Approximately orthogonally” is understood to mean that, in a starting position 6, the spring elements 8 extend both in the mounting direction 5 and also transversely with respect thereto. In the final mounting position 7, the spring elements 8 are deformed elastically in such a way that they he approximately flatly on the upper surface of a vehicle body part 2.

[0095] A holding device (not shown) is received in the cylindrical recess 20 of the receiving section 17. The holding device is preferably of approximately cylindrical configuration and has second latching means (not shown) which are of corresponding configuration with respect to the first latching means 4 of the base body 3. The holding device can be a threaded bolt, a mounting bolt with latching means or the like.

[0096] In the present case, “corresponding” is understood to mean that the second latching means 19 do not have to be approximately identical to the first latching means 4, but rather that said second latching means can engage completely into the first latching means in such a way that secure and reliable fastening or mounting of the apparatus 1 to/on a carrier component, for example a vehicle body part 2, takes place by means of the holding device.

[0097] At least one or else a plurality of the spring elements 8 are connected to a verification device 9. The verification device 9 comprises an arm 10 which, in the starting position 6, extends approximately in the mounting direction 5 and is connected by way of its one end to the spring element 8. Therefore, the arm 10 extends approximately parallel to a shell wall of the base body 3 in the mounting direction 5.

[0098] In the case of the transfer of the base body 3 from the starting position 6 into the final mounting position 7, the spring elements 8 are deformed elastically by way of a contact with a surface of a vehicle body part or of another component which bears against the vehicle body part, which surface faces the mounting direction 8, in such a way that the arm 10 of the verification device 9 is displaced inward in the radial direction or tilts in said direction.

[0099] A color or pattern marking (a color marking in the present exemplary embodiment) 11 is provided on that upper surface of the base body 3 which extends counter to the mounting direction 4 and approximately orthogonally with respect to the latter. [00100] The free end of the arm 10 of the verification device 9 is provided with an identical color or pattern marking 12.

[00101] In the final mounting position 7, the color or pattern marking 11 of the base body 3 is arranged immediately adjacently with respect to the color or pattern marking 12 of the arm 10, with the result that a predefined verification image 13 is produced. The two color markings 11, 12 then result in a verification image 13 when viewed in combination, which verification image 13 is called a visual addition marking and brings about visual feedback for the user.

[00102] In addition and/or as an alternative, the free end of the arm 10 can have a planar surface 14 which, in the final mounting position 7, terminates flush with a surface 15 of the base body 3. The surface 15 is preferably a top wall of the base body or is arranged on the latter.

[00103] The surface 15 of the base body 3 can preferably be the same surface which also comprises the color or pattern marking 11. When viewed together, the surface 14 of the arm 10 of the verification device and the surface 15 of the base body 3 result in combination in a verification surface 16 which is called a haptic addition marking which brings about the haptic feedback.

[00104] In accordance with said exemplary embodiment, the visual and/or the haptic feedback are/is visible, in particular with a view in the mounting direction of the upper surface 22 or the top wall 32 of the base body 3, 52.

[00105] The base body 3 can be configured in one piece. This means that the first latching means 4 are preferably likewise formed in one piece on the base body 3.

[00106] In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the base body 3 is configured from two parts.

[00107] Here, the base body 3 comprises a fastening element 29 of clip-like configuration which is arranged in a fastening element receptacle 33 of corresponding configuration of the base body 3 and is connected to the latter. [00108] The fastening element 29 then has the receiving section 17 and the first latching means 4 for fastening the apparatus to a carrier component 2.

[00109] The fastening element 29 of clip-like configuration is introduced in the manner of a clip into the fastening element receptacle 33 of corresponding configuration of the base body and is connected to the latter.

[00110] The fastening element receptacle comprises substantially two limbs 34, 35 which are connected to one another and configure the receiving section 17.

[00111] Here, the fastening element 29 can be connected to the base body by means of spring force of its two limbs 34, 35 and/or corresponding latching means.

[00112] The apparatus 1 according to the invention for fastening a component to a carrier component will be described further in the following text on the basis of the first exemplary embodiment. Unless described otherwise, the first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 has the same technical features which were disclosed in the preceding text on the basis of the general description of the apparatus 1.

[00113] It is provided in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment (Figures 1 to 17) that the apparatus 1 has merely one visual verification device 9. This means that the base body 3 has the top wall 32, on which the color marking 11 is arranged. Accordingly, a surface 14 is provided on the movable arm 10, which surface 14 extends approximately transversely with respect to the mounting direction 5.

[00114] The surface 14 of the arm 10 has the color marking 12. The color marking 12 on the arm 10 configures the verification image 13 in conjunction with the color marking 11 on the top wall XX of the base body 3.

[00115] In accordance with said exemplary embodiment, in addition and/or as an alternative, a corresponding pattern marking 11 can also be provided on the base body 3, and a corresponding pattern marking 12 can also be provided on the arm 10. Accordingly, a verification surface 16 would then additionally be provided, which brings about the haptic feedback. [00116] It can occur in the case of apparatuses 1 of this type, however, that a corresponding component has already been fastened or connected to the apparatus 1 before it is mounted. The visual and/or haptic feedback on the upper surface 22 or the top wall cannot then always be seen precisely, since the upper surface 22 of the base body 3 is concealed by the component 32 to be fastened.

[00117] Therefore, in accordance with a second alternative exemplary embodiment (Figures 18 to 51) and, in particular, in accordance with a second and third exemplary embodiment of the present invention (Figures 3, 4, 9, 10, 12 and 18 to 51), a side arm 23 which extends approximately orthogonally with respect to the arm 10 is provided on the arm 10 of the verification device 9.

[00118] Unless described otherwise, the apparatus 1 in accordance with the alternative (second) exemplary embodiment comprises all the technical features of the above- described general exemplary embodiment and the first exemplary embodiment.

[00119] The side arm 23 is situated at the free end of the arm 10 of the verification device 9 and, at its free end which extends approximately in the mounting direction 5, has a further color or pattern marking 24. A corresponding counterpart or a further color or pattern marking 25 is provided on an outer shell wall 26 of the base body 3 in the region of the free end of the side arm 23.

[00120] In an analogous manner with respect to the operating principle of the first exemplary embodiment, the color or pattern markings 24, 25 are arranged in the final mounting position in such a way that a predefined verification image is produced which configures a visual addition marking and therefore brings about the visual feedback.

[00121] In addition, corresponding planar surfaces 27, 28 which terminate flush with one another in the final mounting position 7 can also be provided, in addition and/or as an alternative, on the outer shell wall 26 of the base body 3 in the region of the free end of the side arm 21, the resulting verification surface 16 configuring a haptic addition marking which brings about the haptic feedback. [00122] Therefore, in the case of an apparatus 1 according to the invention in accordance with the alternative (second) exemplary embodiment, correct mounting of the apparatus 1 on a vehicle body part can also be checked or verified in a side view.

[00123] In accordance with the second exemplary embodiment (Figures 18 to 34), both haptic and visual feedback are provided. Unless described otherwise, said exemplary embodiment has the same technical features as the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[00124] In accordance with said exemplary embodiment, the base body 3 is likewise configured in two pieces, and comprises the fastening element 29 which is of clamp or clip-like configuration.

[00125] It can be provided in accordance with said exemplary embodiment that the arm has a corresponding color/pattem marking 12 in the region of the shell wall 26 and/or in the region of the top wall 32.

[00126] In accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 (Figures 35- 51), the apparatus 1 has a securing device 36. Unless described otherwise, said apparatus has the same technical features as the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[00127] The securing device 36 is configured by way of the spring elements 8.

[00128] It is provided here that, depending on whether they have a left-handed or right- handed thread, the spring elements 8 have sharp contact edges which are provided for making contact with an upper surface of a carrier component 2. The contact edges are configured in such a way that, in the case of the apparatus being screwed on, they penetrate into a surface of the carrier component 2 and thus prevent corresponding unscrewing or screwing in.

[00129] In accordance with the third exemplary embodiment, the color/pattem markings 11 of the base body 3 can again be provided on the top wall of the base body and/or on the shell wall 26 of the base body 3 and/or on the shell wall 26 of the fastening element. [00130] The arm 10 has corresponding color/pattem markings 12 on a surface which extends transversely with respect to the mounting direction and on a surface which extends in the mounting direction 5.

[00131] It is provided in accordance with one preferred exemplary embodiment that the free end of the arm 10 or its planar surface 14 extends approximately in the mounting direction, a surface 15, with which the planar surface 14 terminates flush, being provided on the shell wall 26 of the base body 3, with the result that the resulting verification surface likewise extends approximately in the mounting direction 5 and brings about the haptic feedback.

[00132] In accordance with all the exemplary embodiments, a verification surface 16, which extends transversely with respect to the mounting direction 5 or in the mounting direction 5 and which brings about the haptic feedback, and/or a corresponding color and/or pattern marking 12 can be provided at the free end of the arm, said surface 14 extending either transversely with respect to the mounting direction 5 and/or in the mounting direction, and a corresponding color and/or pattern marking 11 which likewise extends approximately transversely with respect to the mounting direction 5 or approximately in the mounting direction 5 being provided on the base body, with the result that a predefined verification image 13 is produced, the verification image 13 bringing about the visual feedback.

[00133] All of the technical features which are indicated in the preceding text can be combined freely with one another.

List of reference designations Apparatus Carrier component/vehicle body part Base body First latching means Mounting direction Starting position Final mounting position Spring element Verification device Arm Color/pattem marking, base body Color/pattem marking, arm Verification surface Surface, arm Surface, base body Verification surface Receiving section Holding device Radial direction Cylindrical recess Upper surface, base body Side arm Color/pattem marking, base body (lateral) Color/pattem marking, side arm Outer shell wall Surface, side arm Surface, base body (lateral) Fastening element Shell wall Top wall Component Fastening element receptacle Limb Limb Safety device