CN120576166A

CN120576166A - Connectors

Info

Publication number: CN120576166A
Application number: CN202510217000.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马蒂亚斯·沃尔夫; 亚历山大·林佩特
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2024-03-01
Filing date: 2025-02-26
Publication date: 2025-09-02
Also published as: DE102025105501A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection for functionally connecting a functional element (joint head link) to a component (actuation rod), said component comprising at least one first through opening arranged along a first longitudinal axis of said component. The connection comprises a base plate having a mounting surface and a functional surface opposite a fastening surface, the mounting surface extending along a second longitudinal axis between a first end section and a second end section and being applicable flat at an end region of the component, a connection element arranged on the functional surface and being coupleable to the functional element, and a fastening element arranged on the fastening surface, the fastening element extending in the direction of the component during use and being capable of being brought into a releasable connection position with the component via the at least one first through opening.

Description

Connecting piece

The present invention relates to a connection piece or a connection clip or an adapter for connecting a functional element, in particular a joint head for coupling to a connecting rod, to a component, in particular to a sensor lever or an actuating lever of a sensor.

Background

In a range of safety and comfort enhanced vehicle devices (e.g., mobile chassis, level controllers, and automatic beamwidth controllers), it is often necessary to record the corresponding inclination or other angular changes of the vehicle. Such angle measurement devices typically utilize ball joints (e.g., joint heads/sockets) that couple the actuation rod of the sensor to the corresponding links. Such angle measuring devices are generally known and are used by default as part of a linkage for sensor control in a vehicle. Fig. 1 shows such an angle measuring device 10, in which, for example, a printed circuit board 12 moves a metal rotor 16 of an actuating lever 14 connected to a sensor to influence an electromagnetic field, so that a field change can be registered as a function of the lever position of the sensor and then assigned to a corresponding angle range.

To form a ball joint, the actuation rod 14 includes, for example, a ball stud 18, which is then coupled to a corresponding socket 20 of a connecting rod 22. Typically, the ball stud 18 is then attached or mounted to the actuator rod 14. To this end, a ball stud made of, for example, metal or plastic may be attached to the actuation rod by screwing, riveting, welding, or another suitable type of connection (which is a force, friction, or material locking). The ball stud may also be integrally formed with the actuator rod by a suitable manufacturing method. Disadvantageously, however, previously known force, friction or material locking ball studs require additional components (screws, threads, etc.) or materials (glue, welded materials, etc.) and additional attachment steps to functionally secure the ball stud to the actuator rod. Thus, previously known ball studs (or other joint components) are either attached to the actuator rod in such a way that they cannot be removed, or require a large number of assembly and disassembly steps to ensure a secure fixation.

If the joint head (ball stud or socket) is damaged or defective, the entire sensor device typically needs to be replaced, as repairing the damaged actuator rod is often not profitable. Disassembly and assembly of the ball stud typically requires tools and additional fasteners, which require a significant amount of time and increase costs.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connection piece, i.e. a connection clip or an adapter clip, for connecting a functional element, in particular a joint head, with a component, in particular a sensor rod or an actuating rod, which connection piece not only has a simple design, but can also be fastened firmly and reliably to a component, for example an actuating rod, suitable for this purpose in the simplest manner and with the least possible assembly movements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a connection, i.e. a connection clip or an adapter clip, for connecting a functional element, in particular a joint head, to a component, in particular a sensor rod or an actuator rod, which connection can be brought into a connection with a component suitable for this purpose, for example an actuator rod, which connection is easy to release but ready for operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a connection piece, i.e. a connection clip or an adapter clip, for connecting a functional element, in particular a joint head, to a component, in particular a sensor rod or an actuating rod, which connection piece can be manufactured in a simple and more cost-effective manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a connection, i.e. a connection clip or an adapter clip, which represents an alternative to the devices known from the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

One or more of these objects are achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous configurations are specified in the respective dependent claims.

According to one embodiment, a connection for functionally connecting a functional element (joint head link) to a component (actuation rod) having at least one first through opening provided along a first longitudinal axis of the component is provided. The connector comprises:

A base plate having a fastening surface and a functional surface opposite the fastening surface, the fastening surface extending along a second longitudinal axis between a first end section and a second end section and being flatly attachable to an end region of the component;

a connecting element provided on the functional surface, the connecting element being capable of being coupled to the functional element, and

A fastening element provided on the fastening surface, which fastening element extends towards the component during use and can be brought into a releasable connection position with the component via the at least one first through opening.

The fastening element, which can be releasably connected to the at least one through opening present in the component, allows the connector to be attached to the component as simply as possible in an operationally safe manner. In particular, the fastening element extending in the direction of the component allows for an extremely simple assembly step, i.e. the connector can be firmly attached to the component by a simple movement. The simple design and the preferably integrally formed connection allow particularly inexpensive manufacture.

Advantageously, the fastening element comprises at least one latching means for engagement behind a surface of the component facing away from the fastening surface. Furthermore, the latching device comprises at least one connecting link which can be inserted into the first through opening, wherein two latching elements are arranged in an elastically deflectable manner on opposite sides of the connecting link and engage behind the surface of the component in a positive locking manner in the connecting position.

Advantageously, the connecting link is arranged to extend perpendicularly from the fastening surface along the second longitudinal axis towards the first end section of the base plate. Furthermore, the cross-sectional profile of the connecting link is configured to be complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the first through opening.

Thus, the connecting link simplifies the functional alignment between the connector and the component before the connecting link is releasably engaged into the through opening of the component. The cross section of the connecting link complementary to the through opening improves the positive locking connection between the connecting piece and the component. Thus, even large forces can be reliably transferred between the connection piece and the component without the connection piece slipping or even separating from the component.

Advantageously, on at least one, and preferably on both, of the edge regions arranged laterally opposite the second longitudinal axis, the latching means comprise a latching element having a resiliently deflectable latching arm for engagement in a positive locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the latching arm in the connected position.

Since the latch arm engages on one side of the component edge, in combination with the latch connecting link, a particularly secure attachment between the component and the connector is achieved. The connection piece, which engages in three positions, and the positive locking fit between the connection link and the first through opening can resist particularly high tensile and rotational forces between the connection piece and the component in the connection position.

Advantageously, the fastening device further comprises a hook spaced apart from the connecting link along the second longitudinal axis and extending away from the first end section of the base plate, the hook being adapted to engage in positive locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the hook. In a preferred embodiment, the hook has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile and is spaced apart from the connecting link in the connecting position such that it can be introduced into a second through opening provided along the first longitudinal axis of the component. Furthermore, the fastening element formed on the base plate can be brought into a connection position with the component by a pivoting movement of the base plate about the hook engaging the second through opening.

The outwardly facing hooks can be inserted into the second through openings in a simple manner and by a single assembly movement in order then to provide suitably spaced pivot points for a pivoting movement which engages the connecting links into the first through openings. This further simplifies the assembly of the connector, as the user can attach the connector to the component (i.e. the actuation lever with corresponding through hole) by one simple insertion and pivoting movement (one hand is conceivable).

Advantageously, a spring element extending in the direction of the component in the connection position is provided on an edge region of the first end section of the base plate, said spring element being adapted to provide a pretension between the connection piece and the component in the connection position.

Pretensioning between the connectors engaged with the component caused by the spring element prevents or at least minimizes possible rattling noise of the connectors attached to the component (e.g., during operation or actuation of the sensor). In this case, the spring element can simply be formed integrally as a leaf spring at the edge region of the end section of the base plate. For example, the spring element may extend obliquely forward away from the edge region as a simple flat projection, i.e. in the connected position towards the component. The flat projection can be elastically deflected such that the pretensioning force acts between the connection piece and the component in the connection position by means of a spring element.

Advantageously, a positioning wall extending towards the component in the connected position and contacting and engaging the edge regions of the component is formed on one and preferably both of the edge regions disposed laterally across the second longitudinal axis. The lateral positioning walls provide additional reinforcement to the fastening element, which may counteract a possible torque of the connection.

Preferably, the connection is formed from at least one plastic (1K or 2K), for example by an injection molding process.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for further illustration in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following shows:

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is an example assembly of a sensor device known in the art, (a) having a linkage coupled via a ball joint, and (b) having an actuation lever on the sensor device shown in an open view;

FIG. 2 is an actuating rod of the sensor device shown (a) in a top perspective view, (b) in a bottom perspective view, and (C) in a top perspective view of a cross-sectional view along a C-C cross-sectional plane;

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a connector or connector clip or adapter clip of the present invention shown (a) in a front perspective view and (b) in a bottom perspective view;

FIG. 4 is the connector of FIG. 3 shown in (a) a top view, (b) a side view, (c) a front view, and (d) a top view;

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of (a) the connector of FIG. 4 along A-A cross-sectional plane and (B) the connector of FIG. 3 along B-B cross-sectional plane;

FIG. 6 is (a) a top perspective view and (b) a bottom perspective view of the connector of the present invention secured to an actuator lever (without a sensor device), i.e., the connector is in a connected position with the actuator lever;

FIG. 7 is (a) the attachment to the actuator rod shown in cross-section along cross-sectional plane D-D and (b) the connector of FIG. 6 shown in cross-section along cross-sectional plane E-E, and

Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a side view of the connector of the present invention after the hook has been inserted into the second through opening of the actuation rod, with arrows indicating a subsequent pivoting movement that connects the connection link and the lateral latch arm with the actuation rod by latching them together.

Detailed Description

Specific terms such as "right", "left", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "upper" and "lower" in the drawings indicate orientations with respect to the corresponding components, devices or apparatus when they are operatively mounted. The terms "inner" and "outer" refer to directions relative to a geometric central axis or the center of a component, device or apparatus, respectively, as described, wherein the meaning is clearly apparent from the description. The terms connector, connector clip, adapter clip and clip are used interchangeably.

Furthermore, the terms "connected," "attached," "coupled," "mounted" each describe a direct connection between two elements or components, i.e., without intermediate elements, but also describe an indirect connection between elements or components, i.e., with at least one intermediate element.

Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc., merely indicate different instances of like objects, and are not intended to imply that the objects must be in any particular sequence, either temporally, spatially, or in any particular order of preference.

Examples of embodiments of the connector 100 for a sensor device (e.g. a beamwidth control device) with an actuation lever as described herein represent all possible variants of the invention, i.e. the connector is not limited to a specific actuation lever for a sensor device, but may be used for all suitable articulated couplings between functional elements and components.

An actuator rod 200 suitable for the embodiments of the invention described herein is shown in fig. 2. The actuator lever 200 includes a flat formed lever arm 208 that extends from the pivot bearing region 202 to the linkage region 206 along the first longitudinal axis 204. The pivot bearing region 202 is typically rotatably coupled to an angle measurement device (not shown) wherein the free end of the lever arm 208 includes a coupling region for attaching the connector 100 of the present invention. The actuation rod 200 has a first through opening 210 disposed along the first longitudinal axis 204 and a second through opening 212 disposed along the first longitudinal axis in the direction of the free end of the coupling region 206 spaced from the first through opening 210. In the example described herein, the first through opening has a rectangular opening profile and the second through opening has a square opening profile, wherein the opening profile may also have any other shape that matches the fastening element of the connector 100 of the present invention. The actuation rod 200 described herein is configured to taper toward the free end.

With reference to fig. 3, 4 and 5, an exemplary embodiment of a connector 100, also referred to as a connector clip or adapter clip or simply clip, which is particularly suitable for the actuation lever 200 of the angle measuring device of the beam width control device will now be described.

The joining clip 100 includes a base plate 102 extending along a second longitudinal axis (i.e., plate longitudinal axis) 104 between a first end section 106 and a second end section 108. In this example, the base plate 102 tapers toward the second end section 108. The base plate 102 includes a fastening surface 110 disposed on the bottom and a functional surface 112 disposed on the top opposite the fastening surface 110. Both surfaces, i.e., the fastening surface 110 and the functional surface 112, are formed flat. The joint head 114 is arranged on the functional surface 112 on the second end section 108 and extends perpendicularly to the functional surface 112. The joint head 114 is configured to form a ball joint with a corresponding counterpart (i.e., socket) of the connecting rod. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the joint head may also form any other functional element for connecting to a corresponding counterpart of the connecting rod.

On the second end section 108, a hook element 116 (also referred to as a hook) extends perpendicularly away from the fastening surface 110 directly opposite the joint head 114. The hooks 116 are directed forward in an L-shape from the second end section 108, whereby the front stop surface 120 of the hooks 116 is disposed flush with the edge of the base plate 102. On the rear wall 122 of the hook 116, a centrally disposed rib member 118 sloping toward the hook end is configured to strengthen the strength of the hook 116. Thus, the taper of the rib member 118 allows the hook 116 to be inserted into a corresponding second through opening 212 (see fig. 2) of the actuation lever 200 without inhibiting subsequent pivotal movement of the clip 100. The spacing between the hook 116 and the connecting link 124 is determined by the spacing between the first through opening 210 and the second through opening 212 of the actuator rod 200. In alternative embodiments, the hooks may also be directed in an L-shape from the second end section 108 towards the rear, i.e. towards the first end section 106. This allows the hook 116 to engage around the front edge region of the lever arm even without the second through opening 212.

A latch extending perpendicularly from the fastening surface 110 is disposed on the first end section 106 of the base plate 102 and releasably attached to the lever arm 208 in conjunction with the first through opening 210.

The latching device includes a connecting link 124 disposed to extend from the fastening surface 110 at the first end section 106 along the second longitudinal axis 104, and two opposing arms 126, each disposed laterally on an edge region of the base plate 102 relative to the connecting link 124.

The connecting link 124 has a cross-section (e.g., rectangular) that is complementary to the first through opening 210 such that the connecting link 124 can be inserted through the first through opening 210 with minimal play. A resiliently deflectable latch element 128 is provided on each of the two opposite side surfaces of the connecting link 124. In the connected position, the opposing latch elements 128 are adapted to releasably engage behind and secure the lower surface of the lever arm 208. That is, the latch element 128 initially resiliently deflects inwardly upon penetration of the connecting link 124 into the first through opening 210 to then resiliently pop out and engage behind the connecting link as it exits the first through opening 210. Meanwhile, upon insertion of the connecting link 124, the arm 126 is deflected laterally outward by the edge region of the base plate 102 and then springs back to engage behind the lever arm after the connecting link 124 has completely penetrated into the first through opening 210.

Fig. 5 (B) shows the profile of the latch in detail in a sectional view along a sectional plane B-B. The arm 126 and the latch element 128 are configured and sized to mate with a corresponding actuation rod 200.

Two positioning walls 130 are formed on an edge region of the base plate 102 parallel to the latch arms 126, spaced apart from the latch arms 126 toward the first end section 106. The laterally disposed positioning wall 130 enhances the lateral stability of the connection between the connector 100 and the actuation lever 200, in particular the connection exposed to varying forces (by rotation of the lever).

The spring element 132 is arranged at an edge region of the first end section 106 of the base plate 102 such that a pretension is applied between the actuating lever 200 and the connecting clip 100 in the connecting position. The pretension prevents rattling noise caused by movement between the actuating lever 200 and the connecting clip 100. The spring elements of the embodiments of the invention described herein are formed as resiliently deflectable protrusions extending obliquely downward (i.e., toward lever arm 208) from the edge region of base plate 102. Thus, the dimensions (length, width, thickness, material) of the spring element 132 are selected such that the desired tension between the actuating lever 200 and the connecting clip 100 is active in the connecting position.

The attachment clip 100 is preferably made of durable plastic, but may also be formed of metal or a combination of different materials. The attachment clip 100 is preferably manufactured inexpensively by an injection molding process.

Turning now to fig. 6, 7 and 8, the attachment and removal of the attachment clip 100 will be described.

Fig. 6 and 7 show the connecting clip 100 in a connected position with the actuating lever 200, once from above (fig. 6 (a)) and once from below (fig. 6 (b)). As shown, the hook 116 engages in the front second through opening 212 such that the hook engages behind it, the connecting link 124 engages in the first through opening 210 via its latch element 128, and the latch arm engages laterally behind the edge of the base plate 102. The connector 100 is secured to the actuation lever 200 in a pretensioned manner by the spring member 132 pushing against a latch device engaged behind the lever arm 208. This results in a rattle-free connection, which is further reinforced by the laterally mounted positioning wall 130.

Fig. 8 illustrates the assembly movement required to secure the attachment clip 100 to a suitable actuation rod 200 (i.e., through holes having the proper spacing and dimensions). To this end, the hooks 116 of the attachment clip 100 are simply inserted into the second through openings 212, and the base plate 102 and the attachment links 124 disposed thereon are inserted directly into the first through openings 210 via the engagement hooks 116 serving as pivot points until the spring elements 132 contact the upper surface of the lever arms 208. The respective latch element 128 and latch arm 126 are thereby resiliently deflected inwardly and outwardly, respectively. When the spring element 132 contacts the surface of the lever arm 208, the latch element 128 is also inserted into the first through opening 210 and the latch arm 126 still abuts the edge region of the base plate 102 in a laterally deflected manner. The compressive force exerted on the second end section 108 of the functional surface 112 and the contacted spring element 132 then pushes the connecting link 124 through the lever arm 208 by the latch element 128 and the laterally arranged latch arm 126, such that the latch element 128 and the latch arm 126 spring out at the bottom surface of the lever arm 208 and counteract the force exerted by the spring element 132. The connector 100 is now in the connected position.

The attachment clip 100 may be separated from the lever arm 208 by simply pushing in the latch element 128 and by simultaneously laterally deflecting the latch arm 126. Thereafter, the base plate 102 is pivoted only about the hooks 116 still in the second through openings 212 until the hooks 116 can be released from engagement with the second through openings 212 and pulled out. The connector 100 and the actuator rod configured to mate with the connector 100 together form a mounting assembly in accordance with the present invention that may/can be used with a wide variety of sensor devices and/or linkages.

List of reference numerals

10. Angle measuring device 200 actuating lever

12. Printed circuit board 202 swivel bearing area

14. The first longitudinal axis of the actuating rod 204

16. Rotor 206 coupling area

18. Ball stud 208 lever arm

20. First through opening of socket 210

22. A second through opening of the connecting rod 212

100 Connector, clip

102. Substrate board

104. Second longitudinal axis

106. First end section

108. A second end section

110. Fastening surface

112. Functional surface

114. Joint head

116. Hook

118. Rib member

120. Stop surface

122. Rear wall

124. Connecting rod

126. Latch arm

128. Latch element

130. Positioning wall

132. Spring element

Claims

1. A connector for functionally connecting a functional element to a component, the component having at least one first through opening disposed along a first longitudinal axis of the component, the connector comprising:

2. The connector according to claim 1,

It is characterized in that

The fastening means comprises at least one latching means for engagement behind a surface of the component facing away from the fastening surface.

3. The connector according to claim 2,

It is characterized in that

The latching device comprises at least one connecting link which can be inserted into the first through opening and is arranged such that it can be deflected on two opposite sides of the connecting link, and a latching element which engages in a positive locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the latching element in the connecting position.

4. A connector according to claim 3,

It is characterized in that

The connecting link is disposed along the second longitudinal axis toward the first end section of the base plate and extends perpendicularly from the fastening surface.

5. The connector according to one of claims 3 and 4,

It is characterized in that

The connecting link has a cross-sectional profile configured to complement a cross-sectional profile of the first through opening.

6. The connector according to one of claims 3 to 5,

It is characterized in that

The latching device comprises latching elements which are provided on at least one and preferably on two of the edge regions arranged laterally opposite the second longitudinal axis, each edge region having a resiliently deflectable latching arm for engagement in positive locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the latching arm in the connected position.

7. The connector according to one of claims 3 to 6,

It is characterized in that

The fastening element comprises a hook spaced apart from the connecting link along the second longitudinal axis and extending away from the first end section of the base plate, the hook being adapted to engage in positive locking manner behind a surface of the component facing away from the hook.

8. The connector according to claim 7,

It is characterized in that

The hook has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile and is spaced apart from the connecting link in the connecting position such that it can be inserted into a second through opening arranged along a first longitudinal axis of the component.

9. The connector according to claim 8,

It is characterized in that

A fastening element formed on the base plate is brought into a connection position with the component by a pivoting movement of the base plate about the hook engaging the second through opening.

10. The connection piece according to one of the preceding claims,

It is characterized in that

A spring element extending in the direction of the component in the connection position is arranged on an edge region of the first end section of the base plate, which spring element is adapted to provide a pretension between the connection piece and the component in the connection position.

11. The connection piece according to one of the preceding claims,

It is characterized in that

A positioning wall extending towards the component and contacting an edge region of the component in the connected position is formed on one and preferably both of the edge regions arranged laterally opposite the second longitudinal axis.