Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to a connecting element for the mechanical connection of at least two components, in particular two components of a motor vehicle door, with a bearing collar for bearing against a first component, with a crossbar that has bearing flanks for bearing against a second component and for clamping the latter against the first component in a rotated final assembly position, and with a shaft section, which bears the crossbar, for rotatably passing through corresponding openings in the components. In this case, a means is provided for fastening to the first component in a defined preassembly position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding connecting arrangement comprising at least two components each having an aperture, and a connecting element of this type, with the connecting element being held on the first component in a preassembly position.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a connecting element for the mechanical connection of at least two components, in particular two components of a motor vehicle door, with a bearing collar for bearing against a first component, with a crossbar having bearing flanks, wherein the bearing flanks are designed for bearing against a second component and for prestressing the latter against the first component in a rotated final assembly position, and with a shaft section for rotatably passing through corresponding openings in the components. The invention furthermore relates to a connecting arrangement comprising at least two components each having an aperture, and an abovementioned connecting element, wherein the connecting element reaches through the axially aligned apertures of the components in a final assembly position, and is rotated in relation to a first insertion angular position into a final angular position in order to produce the connection. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A connecting element of this type is used in particular for the mechanical connection of an inside door panel of a motor vehicle to a unit carrier, for the connection of the unit carrier to a decorative support shell or for the connection of all three components. In this case, at least two plate-like components are connected to each other by means of a rapid-action fastening such that, for example, the subassemblies of motor vehicle doors can be fitted rapidly and without tools being used. 
     DE 198 38 560 A1 discloses a rotary rapid-action fastening in the form of a rotatable retaining element with a head section and a shaft section for the interconnection of a plurality of components, in particular for the connection of an inside door panel of a motor vehicle, a unit carrier and a decorative support shell. 
     EP 0 943 824 A1 furthermore discloses a mechanical connecting element with a head, with a bolt provided on one side of the head and with a web-shaped locking bar. 
     For the assembly, the components which are to be connected are first of all placed on one another in situ with their apertures in alignment. Subsequently, the known connecting elements are inserted into the aligned apertures of the components and rotated into the final assembly position with a clamping force being formed. The disadvantage of this process is that it is time-consuming, since the components that are to be connected frequently have to be placed onto one another in restricted space conditions and without direct sight of the connecting point. In addition, the connecting elements can easily be lost. 
     It is furthermore known from G 93 11 243 U1 and from U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,437 to configure a connecting element for a preassembly position on the first component, the connecting element in this case being supported with its crossbar on the first component. This reduces the outlay on assembly. In addition, the connecting element which is fastened to the first component can be repeatedly used after the second component is detached. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary aim of the invention is to provide a connecting element which can be fitted as easily as possible. In particular, the connecting arrangement is intended to be produced rapidly and as simply as possible. A further aim of the invention is to provide precautions which can prevent the connecting element from being lost. 
     A connecting arrangement according to the invention for the mechanical connection of at least two components, constructional units and/or modules in a defined assembly position and/or installed position by means of a connecting element that reaches through axially aligned apertures of the at least two components in a final assembly position and that is rotated in relation to a first insertion angular position into a final angular position is characterized in that the connecting element is held on the first component in a preassembly position in which the crossbar is located in the aperture of the first component. 
     The invention is based on the consideration that the known connecting arrangements which are provided with preassembly of the connecting element sometimes considerably interfere with and/or impair the assembly sequence and any assembly freedom which may be required, since the crossbar that is supported on the first component and the shaft end of the locking element protrude considerably out of the aperture of the first component in the preassembly position. 
     The arrangement according to the invention is now distinguished in that the crossbar of the connecting element is located in the aperture of the first component in the preassembly position. To this extent, the assembly sequence of the two components is not impaired by means of protruding corners and edges of the connecting elements pre-fitted thereto. The assembly freedom is considerably increased in comparison to the prior art. 
     The arrangement provided is suitable in particular for the connection of door components of a motor vehicle, in particular for the common fixing of a unit carrier and/or a decorative support shell to an inside door panel of a vehicle door. After its preliminary placing in one of the components that has a corresponding aperture for a shaft section and/or a bearing collar for the exact positioning, the connecting element is held in the component without its shaft end protruding substantially beyond the aperture. It is thereby possible to ensure that the parts can be reliably fitted even in unfavorable installation positions. After the parts that are to be connected are joined together, the connecting element is located in its position and can be brought into a locked final position in a simple manner. The locking of the connecting element can optionally take place without a tool, i.e. manually, or with the aid of a suitable tool. 
     The connecting element is advantageously held in the preassembly position in such a manner that it does not protrude over the rear side of the first component, which side faces the second component, in particular in such a manner that it is aligned with the rear side of the first component. This permits even easier fitting of the first component to the second component, in particular in the case of constricted installation spaces, since guidance of the first component in relation to the second component is in no way obstructed by the connecting element. 
     In a preferred development, the connecting element is latched to the first component. This makes it possible for the connecting element to be positioned captively on the first component such that the connecting element is reliably available at the assembly site for the final assembly. 
     A furthermore advantageous configuration of the connecting arrangement provides that, in the preassembly position, the connecting element at least partially reaches through the aperture of the first component and is latched in the aperture of the first component. This latching is preferably designed in such a manner that the connecting element is firstly prevented from dropping out and secondly is not pushed too far in the direction of the final assembly position by the first component so as not to impair the installation or the precisely fitting joining together of the components that are to be connected. However, if appropriate, the connecting element may protrude through the aperture of the first component in the latched preassembly position to the extent such that it can serve as a positioning aid, for example by sections of the connecting element that are locked to the second component in the final assembly position firstly only forming a more or less loose guide in order to precisely meet the second aperture of the second component, which aperture is aligned with the first aperture of the first component. 
     Furthermore, it is expedient if the connecting element is latched in the second aperture of the second component in the final assembly position. This latching may take place, if appropriate, without a tool. It is important that the connecting element cannot be detached by itself, and is securely locked and remains latched under all operating conditions even if the assembly lasts for a relatively long amount of time. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the connecting arrangement, the connecting element can bear with its stop collar against an axial stop of the first component in the final assembly position. This ensures a frictional and form-fitting connection. The second component is clamped to the first component via the stop surfaces bearing against each other. 
     In addition, the first component can have a centering device for axially and radially securing the connecting element and/or for visually displaying the insertion angular position and the final angular position. For this purpose, for example, guide elements in the form of guide webs or the like can be provided, the guide elements ensuring exact positioning of the locked connecting element and/or ensuring that the connecting element can be brought in an exactly predetermined direction into the final assembly position. The guide webs can additionally serve as a visual check for the two final angular positions of the connecting element, which is rotatable between an unlocked and locked position, for example by provision of corresponding markings that can be brought to coincide with each other by rotation of the element. 
     Furthermore, an additional seal can be provided in the region of the axial bearing collar, the seal being able to ensure a certain elastic prestress and sealing of the components if this is desired. An axial prestress by means of such a seal is provided in particular also to compensate for tolerances and to ensure a firm fit of the connecting element. The seal can be assigned in this case either to the connecting element or to the first component. 
     In an advantageous embodiment, the centering device is formed by the aperture of the first component, the aperture corresponding to the crossbar of the connecting element in the preassembly position. As an addition or alternative, the centering device can be formed by an in particular annular enclosure of the bearing collar that is attached to the first component. This brings about reliable centering and therefore a secure connection in the final assembly position. Lateral yielding of the connecting element is thereby prevented. 
     A reliable connection of the at least two components by means of the connecting element can be ensured in that the connecting element clamps the first component and the second component against each other with a defined clamping force in the final assembly position. For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the connecting element engages behind the second component by means of bearing flanks in the final assembly position. The at least two components are therefore connected to each other by the bearing collar and the bearing flanks. Latching devices are expediently provided, the latching devices ensuring, in interaction with the bearing flanks or independently thereof, a slight latching of the connecting element in its final angular position such that, in addition to the prestressing force of the bearing flank, which is beveled or provided with a suitable ramp, additional protection against inadvertent detachment, for example in the case of relatively strong shaking or vibrations, is provided. 
     The object is furthermore achieved by a connecting element for the mechanical connection of at least two components, in particular two components of a motor vehicle door, with a bearing collar for bearing against a first component, with a crossbar having bearing flanks, wherein the bearing flanks are designed for bearing against a second component and for prestressing the latter against the first component in a rotated final assembly position, and with a shaft section, which bears the crossbar, for rotatably passing through corresponding openings in the components, with a means for fastening to the first component being formed in a defined preassembly position. 
     In other words, the connecting element for the mechanical connection of the at least two components has essentially three functional sections that can be connected in particular integrally to one another. The first functional section is formed here by a bearing collar that bears against the first component in the final assembly position. The second functional section is formed by a shaft section, the diameter of which corresponds to the openings of the two apertures of the components and which is rotatable therein. The third functional section comprises the bearing flanks that bear against the second component in the final assembly position and clamp the component against the first component. An additional fourth functional section of the connecting element is provided by a means for fastening the connecting element to the first component in a defined position in the preassembly position. 
     The means for fastening to the first component in a defined preassembly position can be provided, for example, by means of a releasable frictional connection or form-fitting connection such that the connecting element can easily be placed into the preassembly position of the first component and can also be easily transferred again during the assembly into the final assembly position. 
     The fastening means is advantageously provided by a latching device. The latching device can be formed, for example, by at least one latching tongue that is arranged in the region of the shaft section and that engages in a corresponding receptacle in the region of the first aperture of the first component in the preassembly position. A latching tongue of this type can protrude, for example, out of the rear side of the bearing collar of the connecting element and can be arranged in the vicinity of the shaft section and parallel to the direction of its longitudinal extent such that it is pressed elastically against the shaft section, when the shaft section is pushed into the opening provided for it in the first component, and can latch into a matching receptacle, groove or opening in the region of the circumferential surface of the aperture or at another suitable location as soon as the preassembly position is reached. 
     The preassembly position is expediently characterized in that the connecting element is not fully pushed into the aperture of the first component, and therefore the shaft section only partially enters it. Two or more such latching tongues that are expediently arranged symmetrically around the shaft section of the connecting element can optionally be provided. 
     Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the latching device comprises an additional locking device which, in interaction with an offset in the region of the first aperture of the first component, forms a means of securing against dropping out and a means of securing against rotation. The locking device can be formed in particular by at least one snap-in tongue that is arranged in the region of the shaft section and/or in the region of the bearing flank of the connecting element. When the shaft section is pushed through the aperture, such a snap-in tongue can slide along the edge of the aperture and can easily be compressed such that, after a defined insertion length, it engages behind the first component and forms a type of barb that prevents the connecting element from being able to unintentionally drop out of the aperture of the first component when the latter is in its installed position and is brought into contact with the second component. In particular, two or four of the snap-in tongues that are expediently placed in a symmetrical arrangement on the shaft section can be provided. It can thereby be prevented that the shaft section can be brought out of engagement with the first component by means of slight tilting. In order to form the barb function described, it is appropriate in particular to form the snap-in tongues with their free end against the supporting surface. This configuration at the same time brings about a means of securing against rotation, since the crossbar is held in the aperture, which makes rotation impossible. Simple assembly is therefore made possible, since the connecting element secured in this manner can be guided, without a rotational movement, through the further aperture of the second component, which aperture is axially aligned with the first aperture. 
     The snap-in tongues can furthermore advantageously be configured in such a manner that they can serve as an additional position and centering aid when the first component is placed on the second component. 
     It is furthermore advantageous if a stop to limit the rotation of the connecting element during the assembly is provided. In particular, the stop is designed in such a manner that, in interaction with the first component, it permits the rotation to at maximum 90° in relation to the preassembly position. The position that is rotated through 90° in relation to the preassembly position then corresponds to the final assembly position. 
     In a further advantageous configuration, in the preassembly position, the connecting element at least partially penetrates the aperture of the first component, and, in a preassembly angular position rotated against the insertion angular position, is supported in a manner such that it is latched against the contour of the aperture of the first component. This configuration ensures that the connecting element cannot be pressed through in the preassembly position in the direction of the final assembly position. This is prevented by the connecting element being located in a preassembly angular position that is rotated against the insertion angular position, with it being supported here against the contour of the aperture. By means of a latching of the rotated preassembly position, inadvertent rotation in the insertion angular position is prevented. Only when the connecting element is rotated out of the preassembly angular position to the insertion angular position is a further axial movement through the aperture possible. 
     Expediently, the contour of the aperture here on the first component is designed in such a manner that the connecting element is moved out of the supported, latched position during rotation from the preassembly angular position into the insertion angular position, and the crossbar can be guided axially through the aperture. In other words, in the preassembly position with a preassembly angular position of the connecting element, the crossbar of the connecting element can be introduced only as far as a stop in the contour of the aperture, with latching taking place at the same time. In this position, further pressing through the connecting element is not possible. When the connecting element is rotated from the preassembly angular position into the insertion angular position, the latching is released and the crossbar passes in the process into an angular position such that it can be passed axially through the correspondingly configured aperture. The connecting element with its crossbar can therefore only be passed through the aperture by means of a combination of a linear and a rotational movement. In this case, the contour of the aperture can in particular be designed in such a manner that the crossbar can be introduced linearly only with an orientation of the connecting element in the preassembly angular position until the connecting element strikes and latches. In the latched position, the connecting element can then be rotated into the insertion angular position in which the crossbar can then be guided linearly further through the aperture. 
     To configure this predetermined sequence of movement, it is expedient to form the latching device with the locking device on the connecting element by means of at least one snap-in tongue and by means of at least one radial latching pin that is arranged on the shaft section in a manner offset axially with respect to the snap-in tongue and is designed for stopping against a circumferential projection in sections of the contour of the aperture of the first component. During the initial linear movement of the connecting element into the aperture of the first component, the latching pin protruding radially from the shaft section strikes against the circumferential projection provided in sections of the contour of the aperture. The latching tongue can then be designed to latch in relation to the contour and in particular in relation to the circumferential projection in sections thereof. If the connecting element is rotated from the preassembly angular position into the insertion angular position, then the latching pin runs along the circumferential projection in sections in the circumferential direction until the circumferential projection ends. At the end of the circumferential projection, further guidance of the connecting element axially is then possible, since the latching pin has no more means of stopping it. 
     The latching with the circumferential projection of the contour of the aperture, which prevents the connecting element from rotating further and also from dropping out of the aperture, is expediently brought about by the snap-in tongue being designed to engage behind the circumferential projection on the first component. For this purpose, the circumferential projection that is in sectional form advantageously has an axially countersunk receiving groove in which the latching pin of the connecting element is held in the preassembly position under prestress by means of the snap-in tongue engaging behind the circumferential projection. By means of this configuration, a force has to be applied to the snap-in tongue in order to rotate the connecting element from the preassembly angular position into the insertion angular position. 
     In order to achieve a secure fit of the connecting element to the contour of the aperture of the first component in the preassembly position, the crossbar advantageously has at least one supporting surface, which faces away from the bearing collar, for stopping against a surface projection in sections of the aperture of the first component. In the preassembly position, the connecting element is then not only supported with the radial latching pin against the circumferential projection but at the same time is also supported via the supporting surface of the crossbar against a corresponding surface projection in sections of the aperture. By means of this repeated and also planar mounting, a secure fit of the connecting element to the first component is obtained in the preassembly position. 
     When, in the present context, mention is always made of at least two components that can be connected to each other by means of the connecting element, this does not in any way rule out the connection of three or more parts in the manner described. For example, an inside door lining, a door module with functional elements, such as a window opener or the like, and an inside door panel can be connected to one another in the manner described. 
     Further features, aims and advantages of the invention are revealed from the description below of an embodiment of the invention, which does not serve as a limiting example and makes reference to the attached drawings. In this case, identical components basically have the same reference numbers and some of them are not explained more than once. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 : An illustration of a connecting element of a connecting arrangement. 
         FIG. 2 : A further view of the connecting element according to  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3 : A third view of the connecting element according to  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4 : An illustration of an aperture for receiving the connecting element. 
         FIG. 5 : A further view of the aperture according to  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6 : An illustration of the connecting element that is inserted into the aperture in a preassembly position. 
         FIG. 7 : A further view of the connecting element in the preassembly position. 
         FIG. 8 : An illustration of the locking element that is inserted into the aperture in a final assembly position but is not yet locked. 
         FIG. 9 : A further view of the connecting element that is in the final assembly position but is not yet locked. 
         FIG. 10 : An illustration of the connecting element that is in the final assembly position and is locked. 
         FIG. 11 : A further view of the connecting element that is in the final assembly position and is locked. 
         FIG. 12 : An illustration of a further connecting arrangement, with the connecting element being in a preassembly angular position. 
         FIG. 13 : A further connecting arrangement according to  FIG. 12  from a different perspective. 
         FIG. 14 : A top view of the contour of the passage of the further connecting arrangement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An exemplary embodiment of a connecting arrangement  10  according to the invention is illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 11  described below, the connecting arrangement comprising a connecting element  12  (cf.  FIGS. 1 to 3 ) that serves for the mechanical connection of two or more components, of which, however, only a first component  14 , which has an aperture  15  (cf.  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) for receiving the connecting element  12 , is illustrated for the sake of giving a better overview. The first component  14  can be fixed to a second and, if appropriate, third component (not illustrated) in a manner flush with the surface thereof by means of the lockable connecting element  12 . 
     The connecting element  12  has essentially three functional sections which are explained with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . A first functional section is formed by a bearing collar  16  that is designed as a round bearing disk and on the outer side of which a hexagon head  18  for the fitting of a tool is arranged. An additional hexagonal socket  20  is arranged in the raised hexagon head  18  such that the locking of the connecting element (cf.  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) can optionally take place with a ring or fork spanner or with a hexagonal spanner. Two marking arrows  24  are arranged on the front side  22  of the bearing collar  16 , which side is visible from the outside, the marking arrows, in conjunction with corresponding markings on the outer side of the component, into which the connecting element  12  is inserted, indicating the unlocked and the locked state of the connecting arrangement  10 . On the rear side  26  of the bearing collar  16 , a sealing ring  28  which forms the supporting edge of the bearing collar  16  can optionally be provided. 
     On the rear side  26  of the bearing collar  16 , the connecting element  12  continues in a shaft section  30  which forms a second functional section. To the side of the shaft section  30  latching tongues  32  can be seen, the latching tongue protruding perpendicularly out of the rear side  26  of the bearing collar  16  in the vicinity of the shaft section  30  and, in interaction with the correspondingly contoured aperture  15 , being able to ensure latching of the connecting element  12  in a preassembly position in which it is not yet fully inserted into the aperture  15 . To ensure a correct and centered guidance of the connecting element  12  in the correspondingly shaped aperture  15 , the two latching tongues  32 , which are arranged symmetrically, each have small guide lugs  34  on their outer sides, the guide lugs engaging in corresponding guide grooves  36  and being able to ensure that the connecting element  12  is centered there in the aperture. Furthermore, the latching tongues  32  are each provided with latching projections  38  on the outer surfaces of their free ends, the latching projections protruding slightly over the outer contour of the aperture  15  in the relaxed state of the two latching tongues  32  such that, when the connecting element  12  is inserted into the aperture  15 , the latching tongues  32  are slightly compressed in the direction of the shaft section  30  until the latching projections  38  have passed the inner edge of the aperture  15  and spring back again into their relaxed original position. 
     However, this is only the case when the connecting element  12  is to be fully inserted. The preassembly state according to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  is characterized in that the latching projections  38  each bear against the edge of the opening of the aperture  15  and in that the latching tongue  32  are not yet compressed. In order to insert the connecting element  12  into the component  14  and to bring it into the preassembly state, it is brought, albeit with the aid of the snap-in tongues  40  described below, into a locked state that is characterized in that the connecting element  12  no longer drops out of the aperture  15  of the component  14 , but forms a resistance to further insertion. 
     The snap-in tongues  40  are arranged on the rear side of a third functional section of the connecting element  12 , the functional section being formed by a crossbar  42  that is arranged on the shaft section  30 . The crossbar  42  serves to lock the connecting element  12  by means of rotation through an angle of approximately 90° by the components that are to be connected to one another being engaged behind. In order to produce a prestressing force at the same time as the parts are locked, the crossbar  42  is provided with two bearing flanks  44  that are arranged opposite each other and the wedge-shaped inlet flanks  45  of which slide, during rotation of the connecting element  12  into the locked final assembly position, on corresponding supporting surfaces of the second or third component (not illustrated) to be connected to the first component  14  and, as the angle of rotation increases, clamp the parts more strongly together. 
     Finally, two symmetrically arranged latching wedges  46  are provided at the foot of the shaft section  30 , in a manner protruding into the rear side  26  of the bearing collar  16 , the latching wedges, in interaction with correspondingly shaped latching grooves  48  in the guide surface  50  of the component  14  for the bearing collar  16 , ensuring an additional slight latching of the connecting element  12  in the locked final position. Owing to the fact that, when the final position is reached, the prestressing force applied by the bearing flanks  44  is slightly reduced by the latching wedges  46  sliding into the corresponding latching grooves  48 , a latching is provided. In order to rotate the connecting element  12  back, a correspondingly higher opening force has to be applied. 
     The lateral guidance of the bearing collar  16  in the fully inserted state of the connecting element  12  is assisted on the first component  14  by means of bearing webs  52  that laterally bound the guide surface  50 . The bearing webs  52  here form parts of an annular enclosure. Furthermore, two marking lugs  54  can be seen, the marking lugs identifying the locked state when the marking arrows  24  are rotated in a manner such that they are aligned with the lugs  54  (cf.  FIG. 10 ). 
     The connecting element  12  can only be pushed in a single angular position into the aperture  15  of the component  14 . In this case, the crossbar  42  passes through the elongate aperture opening that resembles the contour of a rectangle.  FIG. 6  illustrates the insertion of the connecting element  12  until the latching projections  38  of the latching tongues  32  rest on the edge of the aperture  15  (cf.  FIG. 6 ). The connecting element  12  is now pushed a short distance further, with the four snap-in tongues  40  being slightly compressed (cf.  FIG. 7 ) until they finally snap into the corresponding steps  56  on the opposite longitudinal sides of the aperture  15  and, in the process, are relaxed. The connecting element  12  is now located in the preassembly position, in which it is not yet rotated, but is already secured against dropping out and is slightly latched and in which the component  14  can easily be brought to its desired installation site and positioned there without there being the risk of the connecting element  12  dropping out and becoming lost. The preassembly position is therefore also suitable for transporting the components  14  from the supplier to the final assembly site. In particular, the connecting element  12  is aligned in this position with the rear side of the first component  14  such that the first component  14  with the connecting elements  12  arranged therein can easily be introduced even into narrow installation spaces. The inserted connecting elements  12  do not obstruct a movement of the first component  14  in relation to the further component to be connected to it. 
       FIG. 9  shows an installed state in which the connecting element  12  is already pushed onto its axial stop such that the bearing collar  16  rests on the guide surface  50 . The crossbar  42  is pushed here through a second and/or third component (not illustrated) that have openings that are largely aligned with the aperture  15  of the first component  14 . However, various functional surfaces and edges can be omitted, for example the steps  50  or the guide grooves  36 , since the elements are merely required for fixing the connecting element  12  in the first component  14  in its preassembly position. The alignment of the two components to be connected is made easier in this position, since the aperture of the further component can easily be found by the connecting element  14  protruding on the rear side of the first component  14 . 
     After the components are attached to one another and the connecting element  12  is rotated through approximately 90° into its final assembly position corresponding to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the marking arrows  24  are aligned with the marking lugs  54  ( FIG. 10 ), and the crossbar  42  with the bearing flanks  44  is located transversely with respect to the direction of longitudinal extent of the aperture  15  such that the bearing flanks  44  are clamped (cf.  FIG. 11 ) against the corresponding bearing surfaces of the further component (not illustrated). At the same time, the clamping via the seal  28  ensures a high quality of seal between a wet space and a dry space. 
     In order to prevent over-rotation of the connecting element  12  beyond the maximum angle of rotation of 90° and in order to ensure a mechanical stop, additional stop steps  58  are provided next to the latching wedges  46  on the base of the shaft section  30  (cf.  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), the bearing of which stop steps against a mating surface  60  can be seen in the rotated final assembly position according to  FIG. 11 . This mating surface  60  is also indicated particularly clearly in  FIG. 5 . A further mating surface  60  for the other stop step  58  is located diagonally opposite the mating surface  60  denoted in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a further connecting arrangement  10 ′ that differs from the connecting arrangement  10  according to the preceding  FIGS. 1 to 11  in the configuration of the contour of the aperture  15  on the first component  14 ′ and in the functional elements corresponding thereto on the crossbar  42  and on the shaft section  30  of the connecting element  12 ′. In particular, the further connecting arrangement  10 ′ is configured in such a manner that, in the preassembly position of the connecting element  12 ′, no further pressing of the connecting element  12 ′ through the aperture  15  in the axial direction is possible. For this purpose, an additional rotation of the connecting element  12 ′ has to take place first. The operation of the further connecting arrangement  10 ′ shown is now explained in detail. 
     In  FIG. 12 , the connecting element  12 ′ is in a preassembly angular position, which corresponds to the preassembly position, in relation to the first component  14 ′. It can be seen that, in the angular position illustrated, the crossbar  42  can be partially introduced into the contour of the aperture  15 . 
     Two snap-in tongues  40 , of which only one can be seen in the view shown, are arranged opposite each other at the end of the shaft section  30 . In this case, the snap-in tongues  40  are upwardly curved at their end toward the bearing collar  16 , i.e. corresponding to  FIG. 12 . Two latching pins  60  protruding radially from the shaft are fitted opposite each other on the shaft section  30 , in each case at a distance in the axial direction from the snap-in tongues  40 . Again, only one of the latching pins  60  can be seen in the illustration shown. 
     Like the connecting element  12 , the connecting element  12 ′ shown in  FIG. 12  also has a hexagonal socket  20  on the upper side of the bearing collar  16  and two marking arrows  24  for checking the alignment. 
     An encircling web  62  on which a continuous pinch seal  63  is fitted is located on the first component  14 ′. In a final assembly position of the connecting element  12 ′, the pinch seal  63  serves to securely seal off a wet side from a dry side. In addition, the pinch seal  63  brings about an elastic prestress such that, in the final assembly position, a secure fit of the connecting element  12 ′ is ensured irrespective of any mechanical tolerances. 
     In the interior of the encircling web  62 , the aperture  15  is located in an outer guide surface  50  that partially surrounds it. The guide surface  50  here serves to support the bearing collar  16  of the connecting element  12 ′. A circumferential projection  65  that has an axially countersunk receiving groove  66  is furthermore arranged in sections of the contour of the aperture  15 . The aperture  15  is overall configured point-symmetrically with respect to the central axis such that a further circumferential projection  65  with a corresponding receiving groove  66  is located on that side of the contour of the aperture  15  that faces the viewer but is not visible. 
     It can be seen that, upon further axial guidance of the connecting element  12 ′, which is already in the preassembly angular position, the latching pins  60  each come to a stop against the respective circumferential projection  65 . The latching pins  60  are each located here in the axially recessed receiving grooves  66 . The latching tongues  40  are configured and dimensioned in such a manner that they engage behind the corresponding circumferential projection  65 , when the latching pins  60  come to a stop in the respective recessed receiving groove  66 , as a result of which the connecting element  12 ′ is latched in relation to the first component  14 ′ in the preassembly position. 
     It can furthermore be seen that, upon a rotation of the connecting element  12 ′ in the clockwise direction from the preassembly angular position shown, with the latching pins  60  each lying in the receiving groove  66 , a force has to be applied in relation to the snap-in tongues  40  which each engage behind the correspondingly circumferential projection  65 . 
     Furthermore, further rotation is only possible in the clockwise direction when the connecting element  12 ′ is partially introduced into the aperture  15  until the latching pins  60  come to a stop on the respective receiving groove  66 . Then, upon a rotation anticlockwise, the crossbar  42  comes to a stop against a corresponding stop surface  67  on the contour of the aperture  15 . 
     Furthermore, guide grooves  68  are again provided in the guide surface  50  in a point-symmetrical manner with respect to the central axis and a respective latching groove  48  is provided at the end of the guide grooves. The two guide grooves  68  and the two latching grooves  48  serve here to reliably rotate the connecting element  12 ′ from its preassembly position into the final assembly position. For this purpose, two corresponding latching wedges  46  (see  FIG. 13 ) are each embedded on the lower side of the bearing collar  16  and are guided along the guide grooves  68  until they finally latch in the latching grooves  48  at the end. This configuration also ensures that an over-rotation of the connecting element  12 ′ is made more difficult and/or the final assembly position is reliably indicated to the fitter by this means. In addition, a rotation back of the connecting element  12 ′ out of the final assembly position, in which the latching wedges are each latched in the latching grooves  48 , is possible only with a certain noticeable counterforce. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the further connecting arrangement  10 ′ according to  FIG. 12  from a different perspective. The two latching wedges  46  on the lower side of the bearing collar  16  can now be clearly seen. It is also apparent that two snap-in tongues  40  which lie opposite each other with respect to the central axis are arranged at the end of the shaft section  30 . 
     The circumferential projection  65 , against which a snap-in tongue  40  is latched in a preassembly position of the connecting element  12 ′, can be seen from below through the aperture  15 . 
       FIG. 14  shows in detail the contour of the aperture  15  of the first component  14 ′, into which the connecting element  12 ′ according to  FIGS. 12 and 13  can be introduced. 
     The encircling web  62  and the guide surface  50  arranged in the interior of the web  62  can be seen. The two opposite guide grooves  68 , at the respective end of which a latching groove  48  for receiving the latching wedges  46  apparent in  FIG. 13  is provided, can each be seen in the guide surface. 
     The sectional circumferential projections  65  with the respective axially countersunk receiving grooves  66  can be seen on the contour of the aperture  15 . The latching pins  60  of the connecting element  12 ′ strike against the circumferential projections  65  when introduced in the preassembly angular position. At the same time, the snap-in tongues  40  each engage behind the circumferential projections  65 . 
     Furthermore, it can now be seen clearly that the connecting element  12 ′ in the preassembly position cannot be moved anticlockwise. This is because the crossbar  42 , which is partially introduced into the aperture  15 , would run here against the stop surface  67 . 
     In order to obtain a secure fit of the connecting element  12 ′ in the preassembly position in the aperture  15  of the first component  14 ′, two surface projections  72  that lie opposite each other with respect to the central axis are furthermore provided on the contour of the aperture  15 , and the crossbar  42  with its correspondingly configured supporting surfaces  70  (see  FIG. 13 ) is supported against them in the preassembly position. 
     It can once again be seen clearly in  FIG. 14  that, when the connecting element  12 ′ is introduced axially in a preassembly angular position, it is first of all supported in a latched manner on the contour of the aperture  15 . From this position, further linear guidance of the connecting element  12 ′ through the aperture  15  is not possible. Only upon a rotation in the clockwise direction from the preassembly angular position into an insertion angular position is the crossbar  42  brought from the latched position into a position into which it can be passed through the aperture  15 .

Technology Classification (CPC): 5