阅读说明：本技术 插入车身部件开口中的紧固元件以及组装这种紧固元件的方法 (Fastening element for insertion into an opening of a vehicle body part and method for assembling such a fastening element ) 是由 马丁·克鲁格 玛蒂娜·布劳蒂加姆 于 2020-02-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于插入到部件(51),尤其是车身部件,的开口(50)中的紧固元件(1),其中该紧固元件(1)具有：头部区域(2)；凸缘区域(3),该凸缘区域经由第一杆部区域(4)与该头部区域(2)相连接；以及第二杆部区域(5),该第二杆部区域在与该头部区域(2)相反的一侧上从该凸缘区域(3)继续延伸并且形成以使得：该第二杆部区域在该紧固元件(1)已插入该开口(50)中的状态下至少部分地延伸穿过该开口(50)并且与该部件(51),尤其是车身部件,形成卡合连接,其中该紧固元件(1)与至少一个指示元件(6)相关联以便尤其在听觉上和/或在视觉上指示该紧固元件(1)的组装状态。(The invention relates to a fastening element (1) for insertion into an opening (50) of a component (51), in particular a vehicle body component, wherein the fastening element (1) has: a head region (2); a flange region (3) which is connected to the head region (2) via a first shaft region (4); and a second shank region (5) which continues from the flange region (3) on the side opposite the head region (2) and is formed such that: the second shank region extends at least partially through the opening (50) in the inserted state of the fastening element (1) in the opening (50) and forms a snap-fit connection with the component (51), in particular a vehicle body component, wherein the fastening element (1) is associated with at least one indicator element (6) in order to indicate, in particular acoustically and/or visually, the assembled state of the fastening element (1).)

1. A fastening element (1) for insertion into an opening (50) of a component (51), in particular a vehicle body component, wherein the fastening element (1) has: a head region (2); a flange region (3), the flange region (3) being either a bottom part of the head region (2), for example, the bottom side facing the component (51), the flange region (3) being either spaced apart from the head region (2) and connected to the head region (2) via a first shank region (4); and a second shank region (5), the second shank region (5) continuing from the flange region (3) on the side opposite the head region (2) and being formed such that: in the state in which the fastening element (1) has been inserted into the opening (50), the second shank region (5) extends at least partially through the opening (50) and forms a snap-fit connection with the component (51), in particular a vehicle body component, wherein the fastening element (1) is associated with at least one indicator element (6) for the audible indication of the assembled state of the fastening element (1).

2. The fastening element (1) according to claim 1,

wherein the at least one indicator element (6) is formed for audibly indicating that, during assembly of the fastening element (1), a minimum pressure has been achieved on the second shank region (5) via the head region (2) of the fastening element (1), which minimum pressure is necessary in order for the second shank region to extend at least partially through the opening (50) to such an extent that a snap connection can be formed with a border or edge region of the opening (50) by means of the second shank region (5) of the fastening element (1).

3. The fastening element (1) according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the at least one indicator element (6) is designed as a destructively formed indicator element (6) which is formed for the audible, preferably also visual, indication of the assembled state of the fastening element (1) in a non-reproducible manner, preferably by means of a "click" sound produced by bending or breaking a predetermined bending point (8) or a predetermined breaking point of the indicator element (6).

4. The fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the at least one indicator element (6) is designed as an element which protrudes at least partially radially from the fastening element (1), which element is connected to the flange region (3) or the first shank region (4) of the fastening element (1) via at least one engagement region (7) in such a way that, when the fastening element (1) is assembled into the opening (50), the indicator element (6) is pressed against the flange region (3) and/or against the first shank region (4) by a boundary or edge region of the opening (50) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element (1).

5. The fastening element (1) according to claim 4,

wherein the at least one joining region (7) has at least one predetermined bending point (8), the at least one predetermined bending point (8) being formed for breaking off in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element (1) under a predetermined or predeterminable critical pressure load, wherein the critical pressure load is determined in the following manner: the critical pressure load is reached when a minimum pressure required for assembling the fastening element (1) is applied to the fastening element (1) in the insertion direction.

6. The fastening element (1) according to claim 5,

wherein the at least one indicator element (6) is associated with a fixing device formed such that: the indicator element (6) is not physically separated from the fastening element (1) even in the event of a break at the at least one predetermined bending point (8).

7. The fastening element (1) according to claim 6,

wherein the fixing device is designed as a film hinge or film joint, preferably formed in the region of the at least one predetermined bending point (8).

8. The fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

wherein the at least one indicator element (6) has a cantilever region (9) extending at least partially in the insertion direction of the fastening element (1), wherein a distal end region of the cantilever region (9) lies in a plane which is spaced further apart from a plane in which the head region (2) of the fastening element (1) lies or extends than a plane through which a flange region (3) of the fastening element (1) lies or extends.

9. The fastening element (1) according to claim 8,

wherein the cantilever region (9) of the at least one indicator element (6) is hingedly connected with the first shank region (4) or the flange region (3) of the fastening element (1) in such a way that the cantilever region (9) can be moved in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element (1) relative to the first shank region (4) and/or the flange region (3) of the fastening element (1), wherein the at least one indicator element (6) is associated with a recess arrangement or at least one recess (10) into which the distal region of the cantilever region (9) engages when it is moved relative to the first shank region (4) and/or the flange region (3) of the fastening element (1).

10. The fastening element (1) according to claim 8 or 9,

wherein the fastening element (1) has a seal (11) on the flange region (3), the seal (11) having a circumferential outer sealing surface,

a) wherein in the unassembled state of the fastening element (1), the external sealing surface lies in a plane which is spaced further apart from a plane in which the head region (2) of the fastening element (1) lies or extends through than a plane through which the distal end region of the at least one indicator element (6) lies or extends; and/or

b) Wherein a distal end region of the at least one indicator element (6) is arranged radially outside the outer sealing surface.

11. The fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

wherein the at least one indicator element (6) is formed in one piece at least with the flange region (3) and with the first and/or second shank region (5) and has, together with the flange region (3) and the first and/or second shank region (5), a monolithic construction, in particular made of plastic.

12. The fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

wherein a plurality of, and preferably exactly three, indicator elements (6) are provided, which are arranged preferably uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the fastening element (1).

13. The fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12,

wherein the second shank region has at least one spring element (12), the at least one spring element (12) being formed for reaching under a border or edge region of the opening (50) in the assembled state of the fastening element (1).

14. The fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13,

wherein the fastening element (1) is a plastic injection-molded part, and is designed in particular as a vehicle panel fastener, and is formed for insertion into a through-hole (50) in a component (51) of a vehicle body.

15. The fastening element (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the head region (2) has a centering spring for radially centering an object (52) to be fastened to the head region (2), wherein the centering spring is produced in one piece with the fastening element (1) in a multicomponent injection molding process, wherein the centering spring is formed from a softer material than the flange region (3) and/or the second shank region (5).

16. The fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular claim 15, wherein the at least one indicator element (6) and preferably all indicator elements of the fastening element (1) each have an axially extending pin element which is held in an axial opening of a radially outwardly extending tab of the flange region (3) or first shank region (4) by means of at least two, preferably three, preferably radially extending predetermined breaking points and which is designed for being axially displaced relative to the tab to such an extent that the predetermined breaking points break off when a minimum pressure has been exerted on the second shank region (5), in particular via a head region (2) of the fastening element (1), during assembly of the fastening element (1).

17. Method for assembling a fastening element (1), in particular for assembling a fastening element in a through-hole of a vehicle body part (51), wherein the method has the following method steps:

-providing a fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16;

-introducing the second shank region (5) of the fastening element (1) into the through hole (50) of the body part (51); and

-applying a pressure acting in the insertion direction to the fastening element (1),

wherein the pressure exerted on the fastening element (1) is selected to be at least large enough to cause the at least one indicator element (6), and preferably all indicator elements, of the fastening element (1) to respond and indicate, in particular audibly and/or visually: the minimum pressure required for assembling the fastening element (1) has been applied to the fastening element (1).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a fastening element for insertion into an opening of a component, in particular a vehicle body component. The fastening element according to the invention can be designed as a one-piece clamping element, in particular made of plastic, which is used, for example, for fastening a vehicle closure trim (panel), such as an interior trim part, or, for example, for fastening a door seal in a frame of a vehicle or a vehicle body. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to such an application range.

Background

For rapid assembly of, in particular, vehicle closure trims, for example, interior door trims, so-called "panel fasteners" are used, which generally have a shank region with engaging means which can be snapped into place elastically, and a head region of suitable shape which is so shaped that it latches into the inside of a receiving structure (for example a seat) on the trim panel. The force required for the engagement (latching) of the engagement means for resiliently snapping into place is preferably less than the force required for releasing it.

Such fastening elements are also used, for example, for fastening other components to the vehicle body, such as seals or sealing strips attached in the frame of the vehicle.

It is known to provide a shaft region of the fastening element with at least one spring element, which is temporarily deformed when inserted into an opening of the vehicle body and then abuts from the other side against a catch shoulder or the like below the border or edge region of the opening, in order to thereby fix the fastening element against being pulled out.

It is also known to provide an elastic flange region spaced apart from the head, which flange region bears against the opposite side of the vehicle body after assembly of the fastening element, in order to seal the opening. In most cases, the flange region is generally tapered to apply the spring force.

Such fastening elements are usually pre-installed at the interior trim panel or at the component to be fastened, wherein such a sub-structural assembly is subsequently fastened at a body component of the vehicle, for example at the inside of a door or the like. In order to quickly mount the pre-mounted sub-structural assembly by simply pressing it onto the body part of the vehicle, the body part is provided with corresponding through-holes (openings) which are positioned so that they correspond to the fastening elements pre-mounted on the sub-structural assembly.

According to the embodiment of the fastening elements considered here, the through-openings (openings) provided in the body part have plastic bushings into which the respective shank regions of the fastening elements pre-mounted on the sub-structural assembly and the elastic locking means on the shank regions of these fastening elements are locked in place by latching.

It can be seen as a disadvantage of the fastening elements known from the prior art that it is not possible, or at least only possible with relatively great effort, to check whether these fastening elements are reliably and satisfactorily positioned (in particular aligned) and fixed in the corresponding openings of the body component.

On the other hand, particularly when fastening elements are used for fastening, for example, sensors in safety-critical applications (for example airbag systems), it is often of great importance to reliably assemble the mounting component by means of the fastening elements.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on the problems set forth, the basic object of the invention is to develop a fastening element of the type mentioned at the outset, which has the effect: it is possible to check or confirm that the fastening element is reliably and correctly assembled and/or positioned in the opening of the vehicle body component without using relatively great effort.

It can be seen as a further essential object of the invention to provide a corresponding method for assembling a fastening element, in particular in a through-hole of a vehicle body component.

The basic object of the invention is achieved in respect of the fastening element by the subject matter of patent independent claim 1, wherein advantageous refinements of the fastening element according to the invention are given in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

As regards the method, the basic object of the invention is achieved by the subject-matter of another patent independent claim 16.

Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a fastening element for insertion into an opening of a component, in particular a vehicle body component, wherein the fastening element has: a head region; a flange region, which is either a bottom part of the head region, for example, the side facing the component, which is either spaced apart from the head region and connected to the head region via a first shank region; and a second stem region. A second shank region of the fastening element continues from the flange region on a side opposite the head region and is formed such that: the second shank region extends at least partially through the opening in the inserted state of the fastening element and forms a snap-fit connection with the component, in particular a vehicle body component. When the flange region is part of the head region, no first shank region is provided between the flange region and the head region-however for reasons of consistent presentation in this case, even if there is no first shank region between the flange region and the head region, the second shank region is still represented as the second shank region. Preferably, the head region has a centering spring for radially centering an object to be fastened to the head region.

The fastening element according to the invention is in particular embodied as a one-piece plastic fastening clip. However, the present invention is not limited to a one-piece construction of the fastening element. Conversely, the fastening element can also be of multi-part design.

It is also conceivable for a corresponding plastic bush, into which the second shank region is introduced during assembly of the fastening element, to be accommodated in the opening of the body part.

In order to be able to verify the correct assembly of the fastening element, it is proposed according to the invention, in particular: at least one indicator element is associated with the fastening element for indicating, in particular acoustically and/or visually, the assembled state of the fastening element. Preferably, the at least one indicator element of the fastening element is designed for indicating the assembled state of the fastening element acoustically and/or visually.

The advantages obtainable by means of the present invention are evident: by providing at least one indicator element, the assembly of the fastening element is particularly simple, since the person performing the installation obtains an audible and/or visual feedback by means of the at least one indicator element when the fastening element has reached a fixed installation position by means of the second shank region and in particular by means of a correspondingly provided spring element in the second shank region, in which installation position the second shank region or a correspondingly provided spring element or the like effectively already forms or can effectively form a snap-in connection with the body part.

The at least one indicator element is in particular formed for indicating, preferably acoustically and/or visually, that the fastening element is in at least one of the following installation states:

the provision of a minimum pressure during the assembly of the fastening element, in particular by means of the second shank region, which is necessary to extend the second shank region at least partially through the opening of the body part to such an extent that a snap-fit connection can be produced with the second shank region of the fastening element with the boundary or edge region of the opening;

a snap connection is formed in the second lever region with a boundary or edge region of the opening in the vehicle body part;

positioning the fastening element positionally accurately in the opening in the body part; and

after the fastening element has previously been pressed into the opening (in particular of the body part) with minimal pressure, the fastening element is used again.

In a particularly easy to implement, but still effective manner, according to an embodiment of the fastening element, the at least one indicator element is designed as an element which projects radially from the fastening element at least in certain regions, which element is connected to the flange region or the first shank region of the fastening element via at least one engagement region, such that, when the fastening element is assembled in the opening of the body component, the projecting element is pressed against the flange region and/or the first shank region of the fastening element by a boundary or edge region of the opening in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element.

In other words, in this embodiment, an element which projects at least partially radially from the fastening element serves as an indication as to the positioning of the fastening element in the opening of the body part, since the indication element, depending on the depth to which the fastening element or the second shank region of the fastening element is introduced into the opening of the body part, assumes a different position which is perceptible, in particular visually.

According to an embodiment of the fastening element according to the invention, the at least one indicator element can be designed as a destructively formed indicator element which is formed for indicating the installation state of the fastening element in a non-reproducible manner, in particular visually and/or acoustically.

This non-reproducible construction of the indicator element has the following advantages: it is easy to discern whether the fastening element has been used or assembled and subsequently removed and reused.

In a particularly easy-to-implement, but nevertheless effective development of the previously mentioned embodiment, wherein the at least one indicator element is designed as a destructively formed indicator element which is designed as an element which at least partially protrudes radially from the fastening element, which element is connected via at least one engagement region with the flange region or the first shank region, so that, when the fastening element is assembled, the protruding element is pressed against the flange region and the first shank region by the border or edge region of the opening in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element.

The at least one joining region can have at least one predetermined breaking point and in particular a predetermined bending point, which are formed to break under a predetermined or determinable critical pressure load in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element. The critical pressure load of the at least one predetermined breaking point and in particular of the predetermined bending point is preferably determined in the following manner: this critical pressure load is reached when a minimum pressure required for assembling the fastening element is applied to the fastening element in the insertion direction.

As already indicated, it is advantageous: the at least one engagement region, via which the at least one indicator element, which projects at least partially radially from the fastening element, is connected in an articulated manner to the flange region or the first shank region, is designed as a predetermined bending point or has at least one predetermined bending point.

Such predetermined bending points have the decisive advantage, compared with the predetermined breaking point, that: in the event that the predetermined inflection point responds, this does not result in the predetermined inflection point breaking completely.

In other words, the indicator element is (still) physically connected to the fastening element by the predetermined bending point even after the predetermined bending point has responded; however, in the state mentioned, no force can be transmitted via the predetermined bending point anymore, or the region can then no longer act as a joining region, that is to say no longer a joining region before responding to the predetermined bending point.

Of course, it is also conceivable: the at least one engagement region, via which the indicator element, which projects at least partially radially from the fastening element, is connected in an articulated manner to the flange region or the first shank region of the fastening element, has at least one predetermined breaking point.

However, the following situation is advantageous: a securing device is associated with the at least one indicator element, the securing device being configured such that the indicator element is not physically separated from the fastening element even if the at least one predetermined breaking point breaks. A possible example of such a fastening device is a film hinge or a film joint, which is preferably formed in the region of the at least one predetermined breaking point.

In order to optimize the response behavior of the at least one indicator element, embodiments of the fastening element according to the invention provide that: the at least one indicator element has a cantilever region extending at least partially in the insertion direction of the fastening element, wherein a distal end region of the cantilever region lies in a plane that is spaced further from a plane in which the head region of the fastening element lies or extends, than the plane in which the flange region of the fastening element lies or extends.

As already indicated above, it is not necessarily necessary: the at least one indicator element of the fastening element is designed as a destructively formed indicator element which is formed for indicating the assembled state of the fastening element in a non-reproducible manner, in particular visually and/or acoustically. Conversely, it is also conceivable for the indicator element to be embodied as a reproducibly formed indicator element.

As an example of such a reproducibly formed indicator element, mention may be made of an indicator element which has a cantilever region which extends at least partially in the insertion direction of the fastening element, wherein the cantilever region is connected in an articulated manner to the first shank region or to the flange region of the fastening element, so that the cantilever region can be moved relative to the first shank region and/or the flange region of the fastening element in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element. In particular, it can be provided here that: the engagement region, via which the cantilever region of the indicator element is connected in an articulated manner to the first shank region or the flange region of the fastening element, is designed without a corresponding predetermined breaking point and in particular a predetermined bending point.

Instead of such a predetermined breaking point and in particular a predetermined bending point, the indicator element can instead be associated with a notch arrangement or at least one notch into which the distal end region of the cantilever region of the indicator element engages when it is moved relative to the first shank region of the fastening element and/or relative to the flange region of the fastening element and emits a corresponding audible signal to the person assembling the fastening element (in addition to the audible signal generated as a result of the predetermined bending point bending or predetermined breaking point breaking).

However, other embodiments of the indicator element, which are correspondingly reproducibly designed, are of course also conceivable.

In order to be able to produce the fastening element particularly advantageously and in particular to produce it in series, it is proposed according to an embodiment of the invention that: the at least one indicator element is formed in one piece with at least the flange region and with the first and second shank regions of the fastening element and has, together with the flange region and the first and second shank regions, a monolithic construction, in particular of plastic material.

In particular, at least the indicator element can be formed together with the flange region and the first and second shank regions in the region of a plastic melting process. The plastic melting process may be an ultrasonic melting process or a hot injection molding process or a hot riveting process. The plastic can be thermally melted in a simple manner by means of ultrasound, as is known from ultrasonic plastic welding.

In addition or alternatively, the fastening element can be provided with a region formed from a softer plastic, for example a sealing region, in a two-component injection molding process. The plastic melting process can then be carried out in a particularly simple manner in terms of production technology in a casting mold for two-component injection molding.

Embodiments of the fastening element according to the invention provide in particular that: the fastening element has, in particular at the flange region, a seal with a circumferential outer sealing surface, wherein in the unassembled state of the fastening element the outer sealing surface lies in a plane which is spaced further apart from a plane in which the head region of the fastening element or through which it extends than a plane in which the distal region of the at least one indicator element lies.

Preferably, a plurality of indicator elements are provided for each fastening element. In particular, it is preferred that a total of three and in particular exactly three indicator elements are provided for each fastening element, which indicator elements are arranged preferably uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the fastening element. In this way, the installation state of the fastening element can be indicated by means of this embodiment by means of three indicator elements which are distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction. This embodiment delivers a particularly accurate feedback by a correct definition of the position of at least the second shank region in the opening of the vehicle part.

According to an embodiment, the fastening element is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical. A body is rotationally symmetric (also called radially symmetric) if it is rotated through an angle about its axis of symmetry causing it to coincide with itself again.

The fastening element may in particular be rotationally symmetrical n times, where n is the number of indicating elements.

The head region of the fastening element can have a centering spring for radial centering of an object to be fastened to the head region, wherein the centering spring is preferably produced integrally with the fastening element in a multicomponent injection molding process, and wherein the centering spring is formed in particular from a softer material than the flange region and/or the second shank region.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one indicator element and preferably all indicator elements of the fastening element each have an axially extending pin element which is held in an axial opening of the radially outwardly extending web of the flange region or first shank region by means of at least two, preferably three, preferably radially extending predetermined breaking points or predetermined bending points and which is designed for axial displacement relative to the web to such an extent that the predetermined breaking points or predetermined bending points break when a minimum pressure has been achieved on the fastening element in particular on the head region (2) of the fastening element (1) when it is assembled on the second shank region.

The invention also relates to an optimized method for assembling a fastening element, in particular in a through-hole of a vehicle body part, wherein a fastening element of the aforementioned type according to the invention is first provided. Subsequently, the second shank region of the fastening element is introduced into the through-opening and a pressure is applied to the fastening element in the insertion direction. The pressure exerted on the fastening element is here selected at least to be sufficiently great for the at least one indicator element of the fastening element to respond and in particular to indicate acoustically and/or visually that the minimum pressure required for mounting the fastening element has been exerted on the fastening element. Preferably, it is provided here that the pressure exerted on the fastening element is at least selected to be large enough for all indicator elements of the fastening element to respond.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the fastening element according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows schematically and in an isometric view a first exemplary embodiment of a fastening element according to the present invention;

fig. 2 shows schematically and in a sectional view a fastening element according to fig. 1;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a detail view of the region indicated by reference character C in FIG. 2;

fig. 4 shows schematically and in an isometric view a second exemplary embodiment of a fastening element according to the present invention;

fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a fastening element according to fig. 4 schematically and in a side view;

FIG. 6 schematically shows a detail view of the region indicated by reference numeral D in FIG. 5;

fig. 7 shows schematically and in an isometric view a third exemplary embodiment of a fastening element according to the present invention;

fig. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a fastening element according to fig. 7 schematically and in a side view;

fig. 9 schematically shows a detail view of the region indicated by reference sign E in fig. 8;

fig. 10 shows schematically and in an isometric view a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fastening element according to the present invention;

fig. 11 shows schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of a fastening element according to the invention in a mounted state; and

fig. 12 shows schematically and in a sectional view the fastening element according to fig. 11 in the mounted state.

The same reference numerals are used in the drawings to designate the same or functionally the same components, unless otherwise specified.

Detailed Description

The exemplary embodiment of the fastening element 1 according to the invention, which is schematically illustrated in the figures, relates in particular to a "systolic flex (Heartflex) panel fastener". However, the invention is not in any way limited to this type of fastener.

The fastening element 1 shown in the figures is formed from a plastic material, wherein certain regions of the fastening element 1, in particular the seal 11 provided on the fastening element 1, are formed from a softer plastic than the remaining regions of the fastening element 1. In this way, higher flexibility is provided in those areas formed of softer plastic. This is required on the one hand for the seal 11 to be able to effectively close the opening 50 formed in the body part 51 in the assembled state of the fastening element 1.

On the other hand, in some embodiments of the fastening element 1 according to the invention, some regions of the head region 2 of the fastening element 1 or of the transition between the head region 2 and the first shank region 4 of the fastening element 1 are also formed from a relatively soft, flexible material plastic material, in order to thus ensure a higher flexibility of the head region 2 relative to the rest of the fastening element 1.

Of course, it is also conceivable in principle, however, for the fastening element 1 to be produced entirely from the same plastic material, in particular during the injection molding process.

In short, the exemplary embodiments of the fastening element 1 according to the invention shown in the figures have substantially the same configuration: these embodiments of the fastening element 1 comprise: a head region 2; a flange region 3 which is connected to the head region 2 via a first shaft region 4; and a second shank region 5 which extends further from the flange region 3 on the side opposite the head region 2. The second shank region 5 is formed such that: in the state in which the fastening element 1 has been inserted into the opening 50 of the body part 51, it extends at least partially through the opening 50 and forms a snap-fit connection with the body part 51, as can be seen in particular from the schematic sectional view of fig. 12.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the flange region 3 is formed relatively flat. It is however conceivable that the flange region 3l is designed to be slightly conical.

The already mentioned seal 11 is formed in part at the flange region 3. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the entire flange region 3 to be designed as a seal 11. The flange region 3 with the integrally formed seal 11 is formed generally conically and is resilient-owing to the softer plastic material of the seal 11.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the first shank region 4, which connects the flange region 3 of the fastening element 1 with the head region 2, is designed overall at least substantially cylindrical.

In the exemplary embodiment of the fastening element 1 according to the invention shown in the figures, the second shank region 5, which in the installed condition (see, for example, fig. 12) extends at least partially through a through-opening 50 formed in the body part 51, is embodied as a tripod systolic (Heartflex) clip, although this embodiment should not be regarded as limiting.

In detail, as can be taken from the schematic sectional views in fig. 2 and 12, the second shaft region 5 has an elongated and substantially rectangular cross section and is therefore formed relatively flat.

This second shank section has a tip at the end region of the distal end of the fastening element 1. Starting from the tip, a total of three spring elements 12 are integrally formed offset by 120 ° relative to the second shaft region 5, which spring elements 12 extend obliquely upward (i.e. in the direction of the proximal end region of the fastening element 1 or of the head region 2 of the fastening element 1).

The invention is not limited, however, to a total of three spring elements 12 per fastening element 1 in the figures; on the contrary, embodiments with, for example, two spring elements 12 or with more than three spring elements 12 are also conceivable.

Each of the three total spring elements 12 has a shoulder or a detent surface at its proximal end region (i.e. at the end region facing the flange region 3 of the fastening element 1): when the fastening element 1, and in particular the second shank region 5 of the fastening element 1, is inserted into the fastening hole (opening 50), this shoulder or latching surface can reach under the hole edge (i.e. the border or edge region of the opening 50 provided in the body part 51). In this case, the spring element 12 is deformed in the direction of the shank region of the fastening element 1 or of the shank region of the fastening element 1 until the latching surface engages behind the hole edge.

Such a function is at least in principle known per se and is therefore not further described here.

In order to ensure that, when the fastening elements 1 are assembled, they are inserted correctly into the openings 50 in the body part 51 so that an effective snap-fit connection can be produced between the fastening elements 1 and the body part 51 on the other hand, the fastening elements 1 illustrated by way of example in the drawings are each formed with a corresponding indicator element 6.

In detail, in the individual embodiments of the fastening element 1 according to the invention shown in the figures, a total of three indicator elements 6 are provided, which are arranged preferably uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the fastening element 1.

It is thereby possible to indicate, in particular acoustically and/or visually, by means of the indicating element 6: the corresponding fastening element 1 position has been positioned exactly in the opening 50 of the body part 51 and, for example, the second shank region 5 of the fastening element 1 is not inclined relative to the opening 50.

The indicating element 6 is thus designed to indicate: the spring element 12 connected to the second shank region 5 of the fastening element 1 has reached its installation position and can form a corresponding snap connection with the body part 51.

In detail, the indicator element 6 used in the exemplary embodiment of the fastening element 1 according to the invention is designed in particular for: it is indicated acoustically and/or visually that a minimum pressure has been exerted on the second shank region 5 during assembly of the fastening element 1, in particular via the head region 2 of the fastening element 1, which minimum pressure is necessary in order to extend this second shank region 5 at least partially through the opening 50 of the body part 51 by means of the spring element 12 formed there at the tip of the second shank region 5, to such an extent that a snap-fit connection can be produced with the second shank region 5 of the fastening element 1 and in particular with the spring element 12 on the second shank region 5 with the boundary of the opening 50 in the body part 51.

The indicator elements 6 are each designed here as elements which project at least partially radially from the fastening element 1. This can be taken from fig. 2 and 12 in particular and also from the detail views of fig. 3, 6 and 9.

The detail views in fig. 3 (first exemplary embodiment), fig. 6 (second exemplary embodiment) and fig. 9 (third exemplary embodiment) can be used to derive, in particular: an indicator element 6, which projects at least partially radially from the fastening element 1, is connected to the flange region 3 of the fastening element 1 via an engagement region 7.

In detail, this articulated connection is formed such that, when the fastening element 1 is mounted or installed in an opening 50 in a motor vehicle body part 51, the radially projecting indicator element 6 is pressed against the flange region 3 of the fastening element 1 and against the first shank region 4 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (i.e. in the direction of the head region 2 of the fastening element 1) by a boundary or edge region of the opening 50.

The at least one indicator element 6 used in the fourth exemplary embodiment is also designed as an element which projects at least partially radially from the fastening element 1 and is connected (at least indirectly) via the joining region 7 to the flange region 3 of the fastening element 1.

However, in principle, it is also conceivable to replace this: instead of being connected to the flange region 3 of the fastening element 1 via a corresponding joining region 7, the indicator element 6 is, for example, connected in an articulated manner to the first shank region 4 of the fastening element 1.

In the first, second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the indicator elements 6 used there are designed as destructively formed indicator elements 6 which are formed in particular for the purpose of indicating the assembled state of the fastening element 1 in a non-reproducible manner, in particular visually and acoustically.

For this purpose, in the case of these indicator elements 6, it is proposed that: the joining region 7, via which the indicator element 6 is (at least indirectly) connected in an articulated manner to the flange region 3 of the fastening element 1, has at least one predetermined bending point 8. The predetermined bending point 8 is formed here for breaking off at a predetermined or ascertainable critical pressure load opposite the insertion direction of the fastening element 1 (i.e. in the direction of the head region 2 of the fastening element 1) and thus losing its function as a joining region 7.

The critical pressure load is preferably determined here in such a way that it is reached when a minimum pressure required for the assembly of the fastening element 1 is applied to the fastening element 1 in the insertion direction (i.e. in the direction towards the distal end region of the fastening element 1).

Of course, if (as in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures) a plurality of indicator elements 6 is used for each fastening element 1, a corresponding adjustment of the critical pressure load of each engagement region 7 of the indicator elements 6 should be made.

The joining regions 7 used in the case of the indicator element 6 according to at least the first, second and fourth embodiments are equipped with fixing means, since the joining regions 7 do not have predetermined breaking points but rather predetermined bending points 8. These predetermined bending points differ in that: after the predetermined bending point 8 has responded, the joining areas 7 are kept physically connected to each other by the film hinge or the film joint.

In a third exemplary embodiment of the fastening element 1 according to the invention, the indicator element 6 is preferably formed non-destructively and is designed such that it can indicate the assembled state of the fastening element 1, in particular acoustically and in a reproducible manner.

For this purpose, the indicator elements 6 each have a cantilever region 9 which extends at least partially in the insertion direction. The cantilever region 9 is hingedly connected to the flange region 3 (or optionally to the first shank region 4) of the fastening element 1, so that the cantilever region 9 can be moved relative to the first shank region 4 and relative to the flange region 3 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element 1.

Furthermore, as can be derived in particular from the detail view in fig. 9, a notch arrangement or at least one notch 10 is associated with the indicator element 6 used in this (third) exemplary embodiment, into which notch arrangement or at least one notch 10 the distal end region of the cantilever region 9 engages when it is moved relative to the first shank region 4 and relative to the flange region 3 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening element 1. This engagement provides additional audible feedback to the person assembling the fastening element 1.

The cantilevered region 9 of each indicator element 6, which extends at least partially in the insertion direction, has a distal region which (in the unassembled state of the fastening element 1) lies in a plane that is spaced further apart from the plane in which the head region 2 of the fastening element 1 lies or extends than the plane in which the flange region 3 of the fastening element 1 lies or extends.

In the exemplary embodiment of the fastening element 1 according to the invention shown in the figures, the region between the flange region 3 and the head region 2 serves for receiving an object 52 to be fastened to a body part 51, as can be derived in particular from the illustrations in fig. 11 and 12.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, but follows from an overview of all features disclosed herein.