DE102018006297B4 - Multi-part clip for attaching one element to another element - Google Patents

Abstract

Multi-part clip for fastening one element to another element, wherein the clip has at least a first component (1) and a securing means (2), wherein the first component (1)
- a head (3) and
- a shaft (4) extending away from the head (3) along a shaft axis and having a tip (5), wherein the shaft (4) has a base body (6) and a locking element (7), wherein the locking element (7) has a contact surface (8) pointing away from the tip (5) and the head (3) has a contact surface (9) facing the tip (5), wherein the locking element (7) is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein a part of the locking element (7) protrudes from the base body (6) of the shaft (4) in the first position and the locking element (7) protrudes from the base body (6) either less than in the first position or does not protrude from the base body (6) at all in the second position, wherein a test area (10) is provided in the base body (6) of the shaft (4), in which test area no portion of the locking element (7) is located when the locking element (7) is in the first position, and in which a section of the locking element (7) is located when the locking element (7) is in the second position, wherein the securing means (2) has an outer part (11) which is intended to remain outside the component (1), and an inner part (12) which can be pushed into the base body (6) in an insertion direction up to an end position, wherein the inner part (12) has a locking pin (13) which has a section (19) which extends into the test area (10) when the inner part (12) is pushed into the end position, wherein the locking pin (13) has a nose (14) extending at an angle to the insertion direction, which nose, in an intermediate position in which the inner part (12) is partially pushed into the base body (6) but has not yet reached the end position, passes through an opening (15) in the base body (6) of the shaft (4), characterized in that the nose (14) is connected to an edge of the Opening (15) comes into contact, so that further insertion of the securing means (2) beyond the intermediate position is prevented, wherein the nose (14) can be pressed by force on the part of the nose (14) protruding from the opening (15) so far in the direction of the interior of the base body (6) until further insertion of the securing means (2) beyond the intermediate position can take place, wherein in the intermediate position the securing pin (13) does not contact a locking element (7) located in the first position.

Description

The invention relates to a multi-part clip according to the preamble of claim 1. These clips serve, in particular, to make it visually recognizable whether a fastening by them has been carried out securely or not.

Such clips are made of US 2015 / 0 300 388 A1 A disadvantage of conventional clips is that the locking element in the first position contacts the locking pin in the intermediate position. The locking element and locking pin are coupled in such a way that when the locking element is pressed into the second position, the locking pin is carried along, causing it to move out of an opening in the base body. As a result, the locking device is no longer secure in the intermediate position and can be displaced from this position, for example, in the event of an impact. In the worst case, the locking device can fall out of the opening in the component.

Another disadvantage of conventional clips is that the securing device can accidentally slip during final assembly due to external forces. This changes the relative position between the securing device and the component, which indicates whether the clip has securely locked the connection, which can lead to an incorrect assessment of the locking connection. In the worst case, the securing device can also fall out of the component.

US 2015 / 0 300 388 A1 describes a clamp fastening device for mounting a part to a support portion, comprising a fastening clip with a deformable catch element defining a clamping surface, the catch element being intended to be pushed through the part and through the support portion and having a clamping surface that is elastically retractable into the clip.

In a fastener according to US 2011 / 0 020 093 A1 consisting of a holding part which is formed with a carrier plate and spreading jaws, and a locking part which is slidably guided in the holding part, are formed adjacent to the carrier plate, there are self-supporting walls which are offset radially outwards with respect to a guide wall, which lie flush against the shaft section to guide the locking part.

The object of the present invention is therefore to increase the reliability of clips of this type.

The object is achieved according to the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the subclaims and the description below.

The core idea underlying the invention according to claim 1 is that in the intermediate position the locking pin does not contact a locking element located in the first position. As a result, the locking pin in the intermediate position is decoupled from the locking element in the first position. This has the advantage that the locking element cannot displace the locking pin when the locking element is moved from the first position to the second position. Thus, the contact between the nose of the locking pin and the edge of the opening in the base body cannot be canceled by the locking element. In this case, the locking means therefore remains securely in the intermediate position regardless of the movement of the locking element. This is advantageous, for example, if the locking element is pressed in during a pre-assembly stage and the locking means remains in the intermediate position at the same time. This ensures that the locking pin does not accidentally fall out of the component until final assembly, when the locking pin is in the end position. One reason for the locking pin to fall out could be, for example, forces acting during transport of the pre-assembled product that tend to push the locking pin out of the component. Another cause could be, for example, the weight of the locking pin, which is in the intermediate position with its head facing down.

A further advantage is that the clip according to claim 1 enables new assembly methods in which the locking element is in the second position in a pre-assembly state, but the locking pin remains securely in the intermediate position until it is moved to the end position in a subsequent assembly step. The absence of interaction between the locking element and the locking pin in the intermediate position therefore enables new applications in assembly, e.g., stepped assembly.

The at least first component is a fastening device. The first component has the task of fastening a first element to a second element. The component has a head and a shaft with a tip. The shaft extends from the head along a shaft axis to the tip. The shaft has a base body and a locking element. The locking element has a contact surface facing away from the tip. The head, however, also has a contact surface, but its contact surface faces the tip. The contact surfaces thus face each other. Two elements that are to be attached to each other can be placed between these contact surfaces. In particular, the elements are clamped between the contact surfaces to achieve a secure connection.

To secure the component, the tip is inserted into recesses in the elements. The locking element passes the edge of the recesses and moves from the first position to the second. This movement is possible because the locking element is usually spring-loaded. Once the locking element has passed the elements during progressive insertion and is therefore no longer in contact with the edge of the recesses, the locking element springs back into the first position. The elements are then located between the contact surface of the head and the contact surface of the locking element, ensuring secure fastening.

Secure fastening is only achieved if the locking element springs back into its original position after being inserted. If this springback does not occur, the elements are not clamped between the contact surfaces and the fastening is not secure. To prevent this, a locking device is used. The relative position between the locking device, which is inserted into the component, and the component itself is a signal that indicates whether or not fastening is secure. If the relative position indicates that fastening is not secure, corrective measures can be taken by the assembly personnel, e.g. pressing the component more forcefully into the recess in the elements.

The force exerted by the contact surfaces on the elements to secure them together (clamping force) depends, among other things, on the thickness of the element sections and, if applicable, the thickness of other components (e.g., washers) to be arranged between the contact surfaces (packing thickness). Typically, the distance between the contact surfaces is constant or essentially constant. However, to ensure that the first component can always exert sufficient clamping force despite varying packing thicknesses, compensating elements can be used. Compensating elements are, in particular, spring elements that can compensate for thickness differences and, at the same time, increase the clamping force.

The base body of the shaft has a test area. When the locking element is in the first position, no section of the locking element is located in the test area. However, when the locking element is in the second position, a section of the locking element is located in the test area. The section of the locking element located in the test area also serves to prevent the inner part from being moved into the end position of the base body.

The locking pin of the inner part has a section that extends into the test area when the inner part is pushed into its end position. However, if the section of the locking element is located in the test area, this section comes into contact with the aforementioned section of the locking pin when attempting to push the locking pin into the test area, thereby preventing further insertion of the inner part into the base body. In particular, the outer part of the locking device is thus at a greater distance from the head of the component than in the case where the locking connection is secure (i.e., when the inner part of the locking device can be pushed into the base body up to its end position). This makes it clearly visible whether a secure locking connection has been achieved or not.

For the purposes of the invention, “not in contact” means that in the intermediate position, the locking pin does not contact a locking element located in the first position, or at least only contacts it in such a way that the locking pin does not change its position as a result of the locking element being moved from the first to the second position. Preferably, the locking pin does not contact the locking element in the intermediate position, even when the locking element is in the second position. In particular, the locking pin preferably does not contact the locking element in the intermediate position, even when the locking element is moved from the first position to the second position.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking pin is designed to be resilient and the nose can be pressed against an increasing restoring force from the position in which the nose is in contact with the edge of the opening into the interior of the base body.

In the sense of the invention, a "nose" is understood to mean a part of the locking pin which, in an intermediate position, passes through an opening in the base body of the shaft and comes into contact with an edge of the opening, so that further insertion of the locking means beyond the intermediate position is prevented, wherein the nose can be pressed so far towards the interior of the base body until further insertion of the locking means beyond the intermediate position can take place.

The phrase "the nose extends through the opening" means that at least part of the nose is located in the opening. This phrase also particularly includes embodiments in which at least part of the nose protrudes outward from the base body through the opening (protruding part of the nose). This phrase also encompasses embodiments in which the nose touches the edge of the opening (as is the case in the intermediate position), but also embodiments in which the nose does not touch the edge of the opening.

Preferably, the protruding part of the nose serves to act upon a force intended to push the nose towards the interior of the base body. The process of pushing the nose towards the interior of the base body is referred to herein as restoring. Accordingly, the force that causes this restoring is called the restoring force. The magnitude of the restoring force depends in particular on the point of force application, the shape of the protruding part, and the type of connection between the nose and the locking pin. The restoring force can vary during the restoring process, for example, it can increase or decrease. This can be the case, for example, if the point of application moves during the restoring process, e.g. because the edge of an element moves along the protruding part of the nose when the clip is inserted. The cause of the restoring force can therefore be contact between the protruding part of the nose and an element. It is also conceivable that the restoring force is generated by the action of a tool on the protruding part of the nose.

In particular, the protruding part of the nose is designed such that a restoring force, which runs parallel to the insertion direction but opposite to it and acts on the protruding part of the nose, brings about the restoring. To achieve this, the protruding part comprises an outer contour, some of which is not parallel to the insertion direction (bevel), e.g., an outer side or outer edge. Advantageously, the bevel has an angle of substantially 45°, 60°, 65°, or 75° to the insertion direction, with the part of the bevel closest to the opening being closer to the tip than the part of the bevel furthest from the opening.

This preferred function and nature of the protruding portion of the nose allows the nose to be pushed from the edge of the opening of the element toward the interior of the base body when the clip is inserted into the opening of an element. Preferably, the resetting effect achieved in this way does not result in the nose being pushed completely into the interior of the base body.

The nose extends from the locking pin at an angle to the insertion direction. This angle is preferably substantially 90°. The nose is advantageously attached to a surface of the locking pin that is substantially parallel to the insertion direction. Preferably, the nose is attached to the end of the inner part facing away from the outer part, so that when the inner part is inserted into the component, the nose is the first part of the locking pin to penetrate the component.

The reset function is ensured by the fact that the locking pin is spring-loaded.

According to the invention, in the intermediate position, the nose extends through an opening in the base body of the shaft and comes into contact with an edge of the opening, thus preventing further insertion of the securing means beyond the intermediate position. This is achieved in particular in that the nose has a section that contacts the edge of the opening when no restoring force acts on the nose of the securing pin in the intermediate position (blocking section). The blocking section preferably has a side that is intended to be in contact with the edge of the opening in the intermediate position and that runs substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction.

In particular, the tab in the intermediate position also prevents the securing device from being pulled out of the component. This is achieved in particular by the tab striking the edge of the opening when attempting to pull the securing device out of the component. Preferably, sliding the securing device against the insertion direction is only possible once the tab has been fully pressed into the base body. The tab is fully pressed into the base body when it no longer extends through the opening.

The nose can be pushed towards the interior of the base body until further insertion of the securing device beyond the intermediate position is possible. In particular, this is achieved by the blocking section of the nose no longer coming into contact with the edge of the opening, but rather a section of the nose that allows further insertion of the securing device, such as the bevel of the protruding part of the nose. For example, upon further insertion of the securing device Slide along the bevel on one edge of the opening until the nose has fully penetrated the base body.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner part has a second locking pin which has a section which, when the inner part is pushed into the end position, extends into the test area, and the second locking pin has a nose which extends at an angle to the direction of insertion and which, in the intermediate position, passes through a second opening in the base body of the shaft and comes into contact with an edge of the second opening, so that further insertion of the locking means beyond the intermediate position is prevented until the contact between the nose and the edge of the second opening is released, wherein in the intermediate position the second locking pin does not contact a locking element located in the first position.

The second locking pin is preferably of the same type as the first locking pin. In particular, they have the same size and shape and are made of the same material. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first locking pin to be of one type and the second locking pin to be of a different type.

Preferably, the first locking pin and the second locking pin are arranged opposite one another with respect to a plane having the longitudinal axis of the inner part, in particular arranged opposite one another in a mirror image.

In a preferred embodiment, the shaft has a second locking element. The second locking element has a contact surface facing away from the tip and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the second locking element protrudes from the base body of the shaft. In the second position, the second locking element either protrudes from the base body by less than in the first position or does not protrude from the base body at all.

The locking element is movable between a first and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the locking element protrudes from the base body of the shaft. This portion has the contact surface facing away from the tip. This contact surface can thus interact with the contact surface of the head facing the tip in such a way that elements can be clamped between these contact surfaces.

In the second position, the locking element protrudes either less from the base body than in the first position or not at all from the base body.

The locking element is preferably designed to be resilient. Particularly preferably, the locking element is in the first position in the unloaded state and can be moved to the second position under the application of force, with the locking element returning to the first position when the force is removed.

The contact surface preferably consists of several, in particular two, partial surfaces. The partial surfaces are preferably spatially separated from one another. The partial surfaces are preferably linked to one another in such a way that they move synchronously with one another.

The second locking element is preferably of the same type as the first locking element. In particular, they have the same size and shape and are made of the same material. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first locking element to be of one type and the second locking element to be of a different type.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer part of the securing device has a flat visible surface. A wing is connected via a hinge to the part of the outer part where the flat visible surface is located. The wing can be pivoted between a position at a greater angle to the visible surface and a position at a lesser angle to the visible surface.

The position of the wing serves as a signal indicating whether the clip has been securely fastened or not. Preferably, the wing pivots from a position more angled to the visible surface to a position less angled to the visible surface as the wing is continuously pressed against the head by progressive insertion of the securing device into the component.

The term "hinge" within the meaning of the invention is to be understood as a means that connects two parts to one another in such a way that the parts can be rotated relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of this means. This term also includes a hinge as generally defined (e.g., a hinge for connecting a door and a frame). However, according to the inventive understanding of the term "hinge," any means that fulfills the function of a generally defined hinge is to be understood as a hinge. Accordingly, for example, a means that is flexible and elastic due to its shape or material can be understood as a hinge within the meaning of the invention if it connects two parts to one another in such a way that the parts can be rotated relative to one another about The longitudinal axis of this device is rotatable. The connection can be made without fasteners such as screws, pins, or adhesive, for example, if the device and the parts were formed from a single material (e.g., by injection molding).

Preferably, two wings are attached to the visible surface. Particularly preferably, the wings are attached to two opposite sides of the visible surface.

For the purposes of the invention, "less angled" also includes the case where the angle between the sash and the visible surface is 0°. In particular, in this case, the sash is flush with the visible surface. Due to its clear geometry, this arrangement of the sash and visible surface is well suited to signaling the secure attachment of the clip.

In particular, the sash is in a position that is less angled to the visible surface when the inner part is pushed into the base body in the insertion direction up to the end position.

In a preferred embodiment, the first component is made of metal and/or the securing means is made of plastic.

The component is preferably made of metal. Alternatively, the component can be made of plastic. Embodiments are also conceivable in which one part of the component is made of metal and another part of plastic.

The securing means is preferably made of plastic. It can be produced, for example, by injection molding. Alternatively, the securing means can be made of metal. Embodiments are also conceivable in which one part of the securing means is made of metal and another part is made of plastic.

The core idea underlying claim 2 is to secure the securing means so that the inner part cannot be accidentally moved out of the opening in the head. The relative position between the securing means and the component, which is defined by the insertion depth of the inner part in the component, is a signal as to whether or not a secure attachment by the clip has been achieved. The unintentional movement of the inner part out of the opening in the head changes this relative position and carries the risk of a false assumption as to whether the attachment has been achieved securely. The invention according to claim 2 creates a multi-part clip according to the preamble of claim 2, which has increased reliability.

The invention achieves this in that the inner part has at least one resilient locking finger, which can be moved from a protruding position to a less protruding position under the application of force and springs back from the less protruding position toward the protruding position when the force is removed. The locking finger has a locking surface that faces opposite to the insertion direction. The securing means cannot be pulled out of the opening in the head when the locking finger is in the protruding position because the locking surface engages behind the edge of the opening.

The head of the component has an opening defined by a rim. The inner part of the securing device can be inserted through this opening in an insertion direction. The opening is preferably located on a surface of the head facing away from the tip. The opening is preferably located in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction.

Preferably, a force acts on the locking finger to move the locking finger into a less protruding position when the locking finger is continuously pressed against the edge of the opening by progressive insertion of the securing device into the component. The locking finger slides along the edge of the opening until a certain insertion depth is reached, at which point the locking finger springs back.

For the purposes of the invention, a "protruding position" refers to a position of the locking finger in which it is further away from the longitudinal axis of the inner part than in the less protruding position. The position of the locking finger in which it is furthest from the longitudinal axis of the inner part is the absolutely protruding position. In this position, no force acts on the locking finger that tends to move it in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the inner part.

For the purposes of the invention, "springs back" means that the locking finger moves from the less protruding position toward the more protruding position. The locking finger does not necessarily have to move back to the completely protruding position (although this is conceivable), but can also be moved to a second, less protruding position, with the locking finger being further away from the longitudinal axis of the inner part in the second, less protruding position than in the less protruding position. In this case, the force applied does not disappear, but rather merely decreases in magnitude.

The term “elimination of the force effect” in the sense of the invention covers the cases in which the force acting on the locking finger to move it into The force required to move the locking finger in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the inner part is eliminated and the magnitude of this force is reduced. The case in which this term applies depends on whether the locking finger springs back into the absolutely protruding position or into a (relatively) protruding position.

The shape of the locking finger can be one reason for the springback. For example, the shape may have a recess at the end of the section intended to be pressed against the edge of the opening, so that after this section has passed the edge of the opening, this end reaches the edge of the opening, causing the locking finger to spring back.

It is conceivable that the end of the locking finger has a section that protrudes from the opening in the head when the inner part is pushed into its end position, so that this section can be pressed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the inner part to release the locking device from the component. This allows, for example, reuse of the locking device.

The locking finger has a locking surface that faces opposite the insertion direction. The locking surface serves to prevent the securing device from being pulled out of the opening in the head when the locking finger springs back into the protruding position after being pushed into the opening.

The securing device cannot be pulled out of the opening in the head when the locking finger is in the protruding position because the locking surface engages behind the edge of the opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking surface engages behind the edge of the opening when the inner part has reached the end position. Since the inner part can preferably only be pushed into the end position when the locking connection has been securely established by the clip, the inner part can no longer move in the end position due to the fact that the locking surface engages behind the edge of the opening according to this preferred embodiment, so that the relative position between the securing means and the component remains unchanged. Since the relative position between the securing means and the component is a signal as to whether the locking connection has been securely established or not, this preferred embodiment provides a reliable signal, even if, for example, external forces attempt to change this relative position during the assembly process.

In a preferred embodiment relating to the second aspect of the invention, the inner part has a further resilient locking finger which can be moved from a protruding position under the application of force into a less protruding position and which springs back from the less protruding position towards the protruding position when the application of force is removed. The further locking finger has a locking surface which points opposite to the direction of insertion. The securing means cannot be pulled out of the opening in the head when the locking finger is in the protruding position because the locking surface of the further locking finger engages behind the edge of the opening. The further locking finger is arranged opposite the first locking finger with respect to a plane which has the longitudinal axis of the inner part.

The additional locking finger is preferably of the same type as the first locking finger. In particular, they have the same size and shape and are made of the same material. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first locking finger to be of one type and the additional locking finger to be of a different type.

The additional locking finger is arranged opposite the first locking finger with respect to a plane that includes the insertion direction. In particular, the first locking finger and the additional locking finger are arranged opposite each other in a mirror-inverted manner with respect to this plane.

The use of an additional locking finger according to this embodiment increases the reliability of the connection between the inner part and the base body. Accidental loosening of this connection becomes less likely, especially if the inner part is positioned at an angle within the base body. Furthermore, the force tending to pull the inner part out of the base body is distributed across multiple locking fingers, reducing the load per locking finger.

In a preferred embodiment relating to the second aspect of the invention, the inner part can be pushed into the base body in an insertion direction up to an end position, wherein the inner part has a locking pin which has a section which, when the inner part is pushed into the end position, reaches into the test area, and the locking pin has a nose which extends at an angle to the insertion direction and which, in an intermediate position in which the inner part is partially pushed into the base body but has not yet reached the end position, passes through an opening in the base body of the shaft and comes into contact with an edge of the opening, so that further insertion of the locking means beyond the intermediate position is prevented until the nose can be pressed so far towards the interior of the base body until further insertion of the locking means beyond the intermediate position can take place, wherein in the intermediate position the locking pin has a section which is in the first The locking element in the tenth position is not contacted.

This embodiment realizes the first and second aspects of the invention. Thus, the advantages of both aspects of the invention are realized in one embodiment. In particular, the reliability of the clip according to the invention is increased.

Preferably, the first locking element and the second locking element are arranged opposite one another with respect to a plane that has the longitudinal axis of the base body, in particular arranged in a mirror image. Preferably, the opening in the base body through which the nose of the first locking pin extends and the opening in the base body through which the nose of the second locking pin extends are arranged opposite one another with respect to a plane that has the longitudinal axis of the base body, in particular arranged in a mirror image. Particularly preferably, these two planes are substantially perpendicular to one another. Particularly preferably, the base body has four sides and the two locking elements are attached to two opposite sides, while the openings are attached to the other two opposite sides. Particularly preferably, the openings are attached closer to the head than the locking elements.

The invention also relates to a system comprising one element and another element, and a clip according to the invention. The contact surface of the head rests against one element, and the contact surface of the locking element rests against the other element.

Flat parts are particularly suitable as elements. These can be, for example, panels or metal sheets that are designed as part of a frame in a vehicle interior.

• 1 eine beispielhafte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen mehrteiligen Clips, bei der sich das Innenteil des Sicherungsmittel in der Zwischenposition befindet;
• 2 eine Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform aus 1;
• 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Sicherungsmittels aus 1;
• 4 eine weitere Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform aus 1;
• 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht des ersten Bauteils aus 1;
• 6 eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen mehrteiligen Clips, die sich von der Ausführungsform aus 1 dadurch unterscheidet, dass ein Federelement als Ausgleichselement vorgesehen ist;
• 7 den mehrteiligen Clip aus 1, wobei sich das Innenteil des Sicherungsmittel in der Endlage befindet;
• 8 eine Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform aus 7;
• 9 eine weitere Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform aus 7.

The invention is illustrated by the following drawings, which show merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

• 1 an exemplary embodiment of the multi-part clip according to the invention, in which the inner part of the securing means is in the intermediate position;
• 2 a sectional view of the embodiment of 1 ;
• 3 a perspective view of the securing device 1 ;
• 4 another sectional view of the embodiment from 1 ;
• 5 a perspective view of the first component 1 ;
• 6 a further embodiment of the multi-part clip according to the invention, which differs from the embodiment of 1 differs in that a spring element is provided as a compensating element;
• 7 the multi-part clip 1 , with the inner part of the securing device in the end position;
• 8 a sectional view of the embodiment of 7 ;
• 9 another sectional view of the embodiment from 7 .

1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-part clip for attaching one element to another element, which encompasses both aspects of the invention. The clip comprises a first component 1 and a securing means 2.

The first component 1 has a head 3 and a shaft 4 extending from the head along a shaft axis and having a tip 5. The shaft 4 has a base body 6 and two locking elements 7. The locking elements 7 each have a contact surface 8 pointing away from the tip 5. In the present example, the contact surface 8 consists of two partial surfaces 8a and 8b. The head 3 has a contact surface 9 facing the tip 5.

The locking elements 7 are movable between a first position and a second position, wherein a part of the locking elements 7 in the first position (as in 1 shown) protrudes from the base body 6 of the shaft and the locking elements 7 in the second position (not shown) according to this embodiment do not protrude from the base body 6 at all.

2 shows a sectional view of the clip. In the base body 6 of the shaft 4, as 2 As shown, a test area 10 is provided in which no portion of a locking element 7 is located, since the locking elements 7 are in the first position. If the locking elements 7 are fully pressed in and thus in the second position, at least a portion of the locking elements 7 is located in the test area 10.

The following refers to the 3 Reference is made to: The securing means 2 has an outer part 11 which is intended to remain outside the component 1 (as can be seen from the 1 can be seen). It further comprises an inner part 12, which can be inserted into the base body 6 in an insertion direction up to an end position. The inner part 12 has two locking pins 13, each of which has a section 19 that extends into the test area 10 when the inner part 12 is inserted into the end position.

Each locking pin 13 further comprises a nose 14 extending at an angle to the insertion direction, which in an intermediate position, in which the inner part 12 is partially inserted into the base body 6 but has not yet reached the end position, passes through an opening 15 in the base body 6 of the shaft (see 1 ) and comes into contact with an edge of the opening 15, so that further insertion of the securing means 2 beyond the intermediate position is prevented. 1 shows the securing device 2 in the intermediate position.

In the following, reference is made to 4 taken, which shows a further sectional view of the clip in which the securing means 2 is in the intermediate position. The nose 14 can be pushed so far towards the interior of the base body 6 (see force A) that a further insertion of the securing means 2 can take place beyond the intermediate position (see force B). In the intermediate position, each securing pin 13 does not contact a locking element 7 located in the first position. This is clearly shown in 4 to recognize.

The head 3 of the component has an opening 16 limited by an edge (see 5 ), through which the inner part 12 of the securing means 2 can be pushed in the direction of an insertion direction (as shown in the synopsis of 1 and 3 becomes clear).

The following refers to 2 Reference is made: In the present example, the inner part 12 has two resilient locking fingers 17, which can be moved from a protruding position to a less protruding position under the action of force and spring back from the less protruding position towards the protruding position when the force is removed. 2 the resilient locking fingers 17 are in the protruding position.

Each locking finger 17 has a locking surface 18 facing opposite to the insertion direction. The securing means 2 cannot be pulled out of the opening 16 of the head 3 when the locking finger 17 is in the protruding position because the locking surface 18 engages behind the edge of the opening 16 (see 8 ).

In the following, reference will continue to be made to the 2 The outer part 11 of the securing device 2 has a flat visible surface 20. In the present example, two wings 21 are connected via a hinge 22 to the part of the outer part 11 on which the flat visible surface 20 is formed. The wings 21 can be pivoted between a position at a greater angle to the visible surface 20 and a position at a lesser angle to the visible surface 20. In 2 the more angled position is shown.

The position of the wings 21 serves as a signal indicating whether the clip has been securely fastened or not. In this case, the wings 21 are moved from a position more angled to the visible surface 20 (see, for example, 2 ) to a position less angled to the viewing surface 20 (see for example 8 ) pivoted when the wings 21 are continuously pressed against the head 3 by the progressive insertion of the securing means 2 into the component 1 and slide against the head 3 until they are almost in line with the visible surface 20. This arrangement of wings 21 and visible surface 20 is well suited to signaling the secure fastening of the clip due to its simple geometry. This arrangement is therefore established when the inner part 12 has been pushed into the end position, and the locking elements 7 have therefore moved back into the first position after being inserted into the recesses in the elements. This is because it is only when the locking elements 7 are in the first position that it is possible to push the inner part 12 into the end position, since the test area 10 (see 2 ) for section 19 (see 3 ) is free.

In the following, reference is made to 6 : The force exerted by the contact surfaces 8a, 8b and 9 on the elements to fix them together (clamping force) depends, among other things, on the thickness of the sections of the elements and, where appropriate, on the thickness of other components (e.g. washers) that are sandwiched between the contact surfaces 8a, 8b and 9 (the contact surface 9 [that of the head] is in 6 not visible) are to be arranged (packing thickness). In the present example, the distance between the contact surfaces 8a, 8b, and 9 is essentially constant. However, so that the first component 1 can always exert sufficient clamping force with varying packing thicknesses, a spring element 23 can be provided as a compensating element, which, on the one hand, compensates for differences in thickness and, on the other hand, increases the clamping force.

In the following, reference is made to 7 , which contains the multi-part clip from 1 shows. In contrast to 1 is in 7 The securing device 2 is not in the intermediate position, but in the end position. The nose 14 no longer extends through the opening 15 in the base body 6. Instead, the nose is completely located in the base body. This is in 9 which shows a cut view of the multi-part clip from 7 shows.

Claims (9)

Multi-part clip for fastening one element to another element, wherein the clip has at least a first component (1) and a securing means (2), wherein the first component (1) has - a head (3) and - a shaft (4) extending from the head (3) along a shaft axis and having a tip (5), wherein the shaft (4) has a base body (6) and a locking element (7), wherein the locking element (7) has a contact surface (8) pointing away from the tip (5) and the head (3) has a contact surface (9) facing the tip (5), wherein the locking element (7) is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein a part of the locking element (7) protrudes from the base body (6) of the shaft (4) in the first position and the locking element (7) protrudes from the base body (6) in the second position either less than in the first position or not at all from the base body (6), wherein in the A test area (10) is provided on the base body (6) of the shaft (4), in which test area no section of the locking element (7) is located when the locking element (7) is in the first position, and in which a section of the locking element (7) is located when the locking element (7) is in the second position, wherein the securing means (2) has an outer part (11) which is intended to remain outside the component (1), and an inner part (12) which can be pushed into the base body (6) in an insertion direction up to an end position, wherein the inner part (12) has a locking pin (13) which has a section (19) which extends into the test area (10) when the inner part (12) is pushed into the end position, wherein the locking pin (13) has a nose (14) extending at an angle to the insertion direction, which nose in an intermediate position, in which the inner part (12) is partially inserted into the base body (6) is inserted but has not yet reached the end position, passes through an opening (15) in the base body (6) of the shaft (4), characterized in that the nose (14) comes into contact with an edge of the opening (15) so that further insertion of the securing means (2) beyond the intermediate position is prevented, wherein the nose (14) can be pressed by force on the part of the nose (14) protruding from the opening (15) so far in the direction of the interior of the base body (6) until further insertion of the securing means (2) beyond the intermediate position can take place, wherein in the intermediate position the securing pin (13) does not contact a locking element (7) located in the first position. Clip after Claim 1 , characterized in that the head (3) of the component (1) has an opening (16) delimited by an edge, through which the inner part (12) of the securing means (2) can be pushed in the direction of the insertion direction, wherein the inner part (12) has at least one resilient locking finger (17) which can be moved from a protruding position into a less protruding position under the action of force and springs back from the less protruding position in the direction of the protruding position when the action of force is removed, wherein the locking finger (17) has a locking surface (18) which points opposite to the insertion direction, and the securing means (2), when the locking finger (17) is in the protruding position, cannot be pulled out of the opening (16) of the head (3) because the locking surface (18) engages behind the edge of the opening (16). Clip after Claim 2 , characterized in that the inner part (12) has a further resilient locking finger (17) which can be moved from a protruding position under the action of force into a less protruding position and springs back from the less protruding position in the direction of the protruding position when the action of force is removed, wherein the further locking finger (17) has a locking surface (18) which points opposite to the direction of insertion, and the securing means (2), when the further locking finger (17) is in the protruding position, cannot be pulled out of the opening (16) of the head (3) because the locking surface (18) of the further locking finger (17) engages behind the edge of the opening (16), wherein the further locking finger (17) is arranged opposite the first locking finger (17) with respect to a plane which has the longitudinal axis of the inner part (12). Clip after one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the locking pin (13) is designed to be resilient and the nose (14) can be pressed against an increasing restoring force from the position in which the nose (14) is in contact with the edge of the opening (15) into the interior of the base body (6). Clip after one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the inner part (12) has a second securing pin (13) which has a section (19) which, when the inner part (12) is pushed into the end position, extends into the test area (10), and the second securing pin (13) has a nose (14) extending at an angle to the direction of insertion, which nose in the intermediate position passes through a second opening (15) in the base body (6) of the shaft (4) and comes into contact with an edge of the second opening (15), so that further insertion of the securing means (2) beyond the intermediate position is prevented, wherein the nose (14) is so far can be pressed towards the interior of the base body (6) until the securing means (2) can be pushed in further beyond the intermediate position, wherein in the intermediate position the second securing pin (13) does not contact a locking element (7) located in the first position. Clip after one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the shaft (4) has a second locking element (7), wherein the second locking element (7) has a contact surface (8) pointing away from the tip (5), wherein the second locking element (7) is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein a part of the second locking element (7) protrudes from the base body (6) of the shaft (4) in the first position and the second locking element (7) in the second position either protrudes less from the base body (6) than in the first position or does not protrude from the base body (6) at all. Clip after one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the outer part (11) of the securing means (2) has a flat visible surface (20) and that a wing (21) is connected via a hinge (22) to the part of the outer part (11) on which the flat visible surface (20) is formed, and the wing (21) can be pivoted between a position at a greater angle to the visible surface (20) and a position at a lesser angle to the visible surface (20). Clip after one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the first component (1) is made of metal and/or the securing means (2) is made of plastic. System with one element and another element and a clip after one of the Claims 1 until 8 , characterized in that the contact surface (9) of the head rests against one element and the contact surface (8) of the locking element (7) rests against the other element.