A fastening device with tolerance compensation function and fastening method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fastening device with a tolerance compensation function and a fastening method thereof. The fastening method of the fastening device with a tolerance compensation function can simply and efficiently fasten a first component to a second component firmly. The fastening device includes a locking bolt, a receiving groove arranged on the first component, a stopper arranged on the second component, and a tolerance compensation element. The tolerance compensation element is installed in the receiving groove, and the tolerance compensation element can perform Y-direction rotational movement and Y-direction translational movement relative to the receiving groove; the locking bolt is installed in the tolerance compensation element and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, and the locking bolt can perform Y-direction rotational movement, X-direction translational movement, and Z-direction translational movement relative to the tolerance compensation element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening device with tolerance compensation function and a fastening method thereof, and is particularly applied to the field of automobile production and assembly, for positioning a first component in the automobile on a second component and compensating for tolerances between the first component and the second component in various directions. Background Art

[0002] When assembling two or more components together, there must be certain tolerances. First, there are certain dimensional tolerances when producing a single component, that is, during the manufacturing process of the parts, due to factors such as processing or measurement, there is always a certain error in the actual size after completion; second, when two or more components are fastened, there must be position tolerances. The existence of tolerances runs through almost the entire life cycle of the product, affecting the product quality, processing route, testing, production and manufacturing costs, and the assembly of the final product.

[0003] US7891927B2 describes a positioning device with tolerance compensation, which is used to position a first automotive component relative to a second automotive component. The positioning device with tolerance compensation of US7891927B2 includes a screw and an intermediate component with an internal thread that cooperates with the screw. The intermediate component also has an (external) thread that is screwed into an insert fixed relative to the second automotive component. The tightening of the screw and the intermediate component positions the first automotive component relative to the second automotive component. However, the components of the positioning device with tolerance compensation of US7891927B2 have complex geometries, which make it difficult for these components to become control units and force these components to be made of plastic. Despite this, these plastic components may creep and cannot withstand the considerable forces necessary to maintain a durable and low-vibration fastening. In addition, the positioning device of US7891927B2 requires the operator to make position adjustments during the assembly of automotive components.

[0004] CN109154317A describes a fixing device for fixing a first component on a second component, which has: a spacing element, the spacing element is configured to position the first component with a spacing from the second component along a first axis (Y) and fix the first component with a spacing from the second component, the spacing element has a stop surface, which is used to support the fixing device on the second component, and the spacing element is configured as an integral part; and a tolerance compensation element, which is configured to movably accommodate the spacing element along a first direction (Y) and to compensate for the tolerance between the first component and the second component along the second axis (X) and along the third axis (Z), and the tolerance compensation element is configured as an integral part. Compared with US7891927B2, the fixing device has been optimized and improved, but it is still not simple and convenient enough. It still requires locking screws, spacing elements of special structures and tolerance compensation elements, all of which are indispensable, and in order to achieve the installation and matching of the three, it is necessary to form a specific matching structure on the handle base and the door sheet metal, which leads to the overall structure is still relatively complicated and is not particularly convenient to install. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a fastening device and a fastening method thereof which have fewer parts and are easier to operate and have a tolerance compensation function.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the technical problem is: a fastening device with tolerance compensation function, used to fasten a first component to a second component, the fastening device with tolerance compensation function includes:

[0007] A locking bolt having a screw head portion for cooperating with a driving tool, a threaded portion for connecting various components, and an abutment portion for limiting and located between the screw head portion and the threaded portion;

[0008] A receiving groove, which is arranged on the first component;

[0009] A stopper, which is arranged on the second member, and has a threaded hole in the stopper that matches with the threaded portion on the locking bolt;

[0010] A tolerance compensation element, which is provided with a through hole for the locking bolt to enter and exit, and the tolerance compensation element can abut against the stop platform;

[0011] Wherein, the tolerance compensation element is installed in the receiving groove, and the tolerance compensation element can perform Y-direction rotational movement and Y-direction translational movement relative to the receiving groove;

[0012] The locking bolt is installed in the tolerance compensation element and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, and the locking bolt can perform Y-direction rotational movement, X-direction translational movement and Z-direction translational movement relative to the tolerance compensation element.

[0013] Preferably, a plurality of bosses are provided on the inner wall of the accommodating groove, and a plurality of spiral guide grooves matched with the bosses are provided on the outer wall of the tolerance compensation element.

[0014] Preferably, the spiral guide groove has a straight section extending straight along the Y direction and a spiral section extending curved along the Y direction, the starting end of the straight section is an open end for the boss to enter and exit, the end of the straight section is a conversion end, the starting end of the spiral section is the conversion end, and the end of the spiral section is a closed end.

[0015] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is cylindrical, the shape of the receiving groove is adapted to the tolerance compensation element, and the boss is arranged in the receiving groove close to the second component.

[0016] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is provided with a limiting surface at one end close to the second component, and the abutting portion of the locking bolt can abut against the limiting surface and drive the tolerance compensation element to rotate along the Y direction when the locking bolt rotates.

[0017] Preferably, the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the threaded portion of the locking bolt, and the locking bolt is threadedly connected to the threaded hole after passing through the through hole.

[0018] Preferably, a plurality of limit spring buckles are provided on the inner wall of the tolerance compensation element, and the limit spring buckles and the locking bolts can be in contact and connected to form a limit fit.

[0019] Preferably, the limit spring buckle is arranged to be inclined from outside to inside along the Y direction, wherein the inner end of the limit spring buckle and the screw head part of the locking bolt can be contacted and connected to form a limit fit, and the lower end of the limit spring buckle and the abutting part of the locking bolt can be contacted and connected to form a limit fit.

[0020] Preferably, the threaded portion of the locking bolt has a guide surface.

[0021] The present invention also provides a fastening method. When the fastening method is applied to a handle device in a car, the handle device comprises a first component, a second component and the fastening device with tolerance compensation function as described above, wherein the first component is a handle base and the second component is a door sheet metal; the installation method comprises the following steps:

[0022] Step 1: Place the door sheet metal and handle base in the workspace, and prepare the matching number of locking bolts and tolerance compensation components;

[0023] Step 2: Install the tolerance compensation element into the receiving groove in the handle base;

[0024] Step 3: Install the locking bolt into the tolerance compensation element;

[0025] Step 4: Match the position of the tolerance compensation element on the handle base with the position of the stopper on the door sheet metal. After the matching is completed, move the handle base close to the door sheet metal and operate the positioning tool to limit the position to achieve pre-positioning. At this time, there is a Y-direction deviation gap between the stopper and the tolerance compensation element, and there are X-direction deviation gaps and Z-direction deviation gaps between the threaded hole on the stopper and the through hole on the tolerance compensation element.

[0026] Step 5. Screw the locking bolt into the threaded hole. When the locking bolt is screwed in, it drives the tolerance compensation element to move toward the stop platform until the tolerance compensation element abuts against the stop platform and is locked, so as to fasten the handle base and the door sheet metal together to achieve tolerance compensation in the X, Y and Z directions.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0028] 1. A fastening device with a new structure and a tolerance compensation function is provided to realize the fastening connection between the first component and the second component. During the tightening process of the locking bolt, the tolerance compensation element can be driven to automatically absorb various tolerances originally existing between the components. After the locking bolt is tightened, the fastening and tolerance compensation functions are realized.

[0029] 2. A fastening method using a fastening device with a tolerance compensation function is provided. The fastening method has few parts and the interconnection relationship is clear, so the assembly is very convenient and quick. After the locking bolts are tightened, there is no need to manually adjust the positions of the components, which effectively saves assembly time.

[0030] 3. The tolerance compensation element and the locking bolt are in extrusion contact, and the locking bolt and the stopper on the door sheet metal are connected by metal threads, which can effectively avoid the occurrence of insufficient strength and twisting.

[0031] 4. The fastening device of the present invention has strong practicability, a small number of parts, a simple and reliable structure and low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the state before the first component and the second component are fastened.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the state when the first component and the second component are pre-positioned.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the state after the first component and the second component are positioned and fastened.

[0036] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view before the first component and the second component are fastened.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view when the first component and the second component are pre-positioned.

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view after the first component and the second component are positioned and fastened.

[0040] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the enlarged portion B.

[0041] Fig.10 is the front view of the tolerance compensation component.

[0042] Fig.11 is a top view of the tolerance compensation element.

[0043] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a tolerance compensation element.

[0044] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking bolt.

[0045] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional view of the receiving tank.

[0046] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view of the locking bolt, tolerance compensation element and receiving groove during assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 15, a fastening device with tolerance compensation function, used for fastening a first component 1 to a second component 2, the fastening device with tolerance compensation function comprising: a locking bolt 3, which has a screw head portion 7 for matching a driving tool, a threaded portion 8 for connecting various components, and abutment portion 9 for limiting and located between the screw head portion 7 and the threaded portion 8; an accommodating groove 5, which is arranged on the first component 1; a stopper 6, which is arranged on the second component 2, and a threaded hole 10 is formed in the stopper 6 to match the threaded portion 8 on the locking bolt 3; a tolerance compensation element 4, which has a through hole 11 for the locking bolt 3 to enter and exit, and the tolerance compensation element 4 can abut against the stopper 6;

[0049] In which, the tolerance compensation element 4 is installed in the accommodating groove 5, and the tolerance compensation element 4 can perform Y-direction rotational movement and Y-direction translational movement relative to the accommodating groove 5; the locking bolt 3 is installed in the tolerance compensation element 4 and threadedly connected with the threaded hole 10, and the locking bolt 3 can perform Y-direction rotational movement, X-direction translational movement and Z-direction translational movement relative to the tolerance compensation element 4.

[0050] In order to realize that the tolerance compensation element 4 can perform Y-direction rotational movement and Y-direction translational movement relative to the accommodating groove 5, this embodiment provides a preferred solution, specifically: a plurality of bosses 12 are convexly provided on the inner wall of the accommodating groove 5, and a plurality of spiral guide grooves 13 adapted to the bosses 12 are provided on the outer wall of the tolerance compensation element 4. Further, the spiral guide groove 13 has a straight section 14 extending straight along the Y direction and a spiral section 15 extending curved along the Y direction, the starting end of the straight section 14 is an open end 16 for the boss 12 to enter and exit, the end of the straight section 14 is a conversion end 17, the starting end of the spiral section 15 is the conversion end 17, and the end of the spiral section 15 is a closed end 18. Among them, the setting of the straight section 14 enables the boss 12 to enter from the open end 16 of the spiral guide groove 13, thereby realizing the function of the tolerance compensation element 4 to perform Y-direction translational movement relative to the said accommodating groove 5; in addition, the setting of the spiral section 15 enables the boss 12 to complete the change in movement mode from the node of the conversion end 17, that is, after the boss 12 enters into the spiral section 15, the function of the tolerance compensation element 4 to perform Y-direction rotational movement relative to the said accommodating groove 5 is realized.

[0051] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element 4 is cylindrical, the shape of the receiving groove 5 is adapted to the tolerance compensation element 4, and the boss 12 is arranged in the receiving groove 5 near the second member 2. This preferred manner allows the tolerance compensation element 4 to rotate more smoothly in the receiving groove 5.

[0052] In order to realize the function of the locking bolt 3 driving the tolerance compensation element 4, this embodiment provides a preferred solution, that is, a limiting surface 19 is provided at one end of the tolerance compensation element 4 close to the second member 2, and the abutting portion 9 of the locking bolt 3 can abut against the limiting surface 19 and drive the tolerance compensation element 4 to rotate along the Y direction when the locking bolt 3 rotates. After the locking bolt 3 is screwed into a certain position, the abutting portion 9 contacts the limiting surface 19 and generates a sufficiently large friction force, so that the locking bolt 3 and the tolerance compensation element 4 no longer move relative to each other, and then when the locking bolt 3 is further screwed, the tolerance compensation element 4 and the locking bolt 3 can move synchronously.

[0053] In order to realize the function that the locking bolt 3 can perform X-direction translational movement and Z-direction translational movement relative to the tolerance compensation element 4, the aperture of the through hole 11 is larger than the diameter of the threaded portion 8 of the locking bolt 3, and the locking bolt 3 is threadedly connected with the threaded hole 10 after passing through the through hole 11, that is, a clearance fit is formed, so that when the locking bolt 3 is not fully tightened, the locking bolt 3 can change its position in the X-direction and Z-direction relative to the through hole 11, and then in the process of screwing the locking bolt 3 along the Y direction, the tolerance compensation function of the locking bolt 3 in the X-direction and Z-direction relative to the tolerance compensation element 4 is realized.

[0054] In this embodiment, a plurality of limit spring buckles 20 are further provided on the inner wall of the tolerance compensation element 4, and the limit spring buckles 20 can be in contact with and connected to the locking bolt 3 to form a limit fit. In a further preferred arrangement, the limit spring buckles 20 are arranged to be inclined from outside to inside along the Y direction, wherein the inner end of the limit spring buckle 20 can be in contact with and connected to the screw head portion 7 of the locking bolt 3 to form a limit fit, and the lower end of the limit spring buckle 20 can be in contact with and connected to the abutting portion 9 of the locking bolt 3 to form a limit fit. By setting the limiting spring buckle 20, firstly, when the locking bolt 3 has not been screwed into the threaded hole 10 at the initial stage of assembly and the locking bolt 3 has been installed in the tolerance compensation element 4, the limiting function of the locking bolt 3 can be realized to prevent the locking bolt 3 from being lost during operation; secondly, a limiting space 21 is formed between the limiting spring buckle 20 and the limiting surface 19, and the screw head part 7 and the abutting part 9 of the locking bolt 3 are located in the limiting space 21, and there are gaps in the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction, so as to provide effective adjustment space during the tightening process of the locking bolt 3 and realize the automatic tolerance compensation function in all directions.

[0055] Preferably, the threaded portion 8 of the locking bolt 3 has a guide surface 22. Since the line of sight is poor during the assembly process, the setting of the guide surface 22 allows the threaded portion 8 to enter the threaded hole 10 more easily, facilitating the screwing operation of the locking bolt 3, and also preventing the threaded hole 10 or the locking bolt 3 from being screwed out due to poor alignment.

[0056] The present invention also provides a method for using a fastening device with a tolerance compensation function. When the fastening method is applied to a handle device in a car, the handle device comprises a first component 1, a second component 2 and the fastening device with a tolerance compensation function as described above, wherein the first component 1 is a handle base, and the second component 2 is a door sheet metal; the installation method comprises the following steps:

[0057] Step 1: Place the door sheet metal and handle base in the workspace, and prepare a matching number of locking bolts 3 and tolerance compensation elements 4. Preferably, three sets of locking bolts 3 and tolerance compensation elements 4 are used in one set of handle devices, forming a triangular distribution form, which is more stable after fixation;

[0058] Step 2: Install the tolerance compensation element 4 into the receiving groove 5 in the handle base. During installation, first align the boss 12 with the open end 16 of the spiral guide groove 13, and then install it in translation along the Y direction so that the boss 12 moves to the conversion end 17 of the spiral guide groove 13;

[0059] Step 3, install the locking bolt 3 into the tolerance compensation element 4. In this step, the locking bolt 3 is placed into the tolerance compensation element 4 from the end away from the limiting surface 19, and the locking nut is pressed along the Y direction to pass through the limiting spring buckle 20, and the threaded portion 8 of the rear locking bolt 3 passes through the through hole 11, and the inner end of the limiting spring buckle 20 and the screw head portion 7 of the locking bolt 3 can be in contact and connected to form a limiting fit, and the lower end of the limiting spring buckle 20 and the abutting portion 9 of the locking bolt 3 can be in contact and connected to form a limiting fit;

[0060] Step 4: Match the position of the tolerance compensation element 4 on the handle base with the position of the stopper 6 on the door sheet metal. After the matching is completed, move the handle base close to the door sheet metal, and operate the positioning tool (positioning fixture, operating tool, etc.) to limit the position to achieve pre-positioning. At this time, there is a Y-direction deviation gap 23 between the stopper 6 and the tolerance compensation element 4, and there are X-direction deviation gaps and Z-direction deviation gaps between the threaded hole 10 on the stopper 6 and the through hole 11 on the tolerance compensation element 4;

[0061] Step 5. Screw the locking bolt 3 into the threaded hole 10. When the locking bolt 3 is screwed in, it drives the tolerance compensation element 4 to move toward the stop platform 6 until the tolerance compensation element 4 abuts against the stop platform 6 and is locked, so as to fasten the handle base and the door sheet metal together to achieve tolerance compensation in the X, Y and Z directions.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modification, change and equivalent structural change made to the above embodiment according to the technical essence of the invention still falls within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fastening device with tolerance compensation function, used for fastening a first component to a second component, characterized in that: The fastening device with tolerance compensation function comprises: A locking bolt having a screw head portion for cooperating with a driving tool, a threaded portion for connecting various components, and an abutment portion for limiting and located between the screw head portion and the threaded portion; A receiving groove, which is arranged on the first component; A stopper, which is arranged on the second member, and has a threaded hole in the stopper that matches with the threaded portion on the locking bolt; A tolerance compensation element, which is provided with a through hole for the locking bolt to enter and exit, and the tolerance compensation element can abut against the stop platform; Wherein, the tolerance compensation element is installed in the receiving groove, and the tolerance compensation element can perform Y-direction rotational movement and Y-direction translational movement relative to the receiving groove; The locking bolt is installed in the tolerance compensation element and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, and the locking bolt can perform Y-direction rotational movement, X-direction translational movement and Z-direction translational movement relative to the tolerance compensation element; A plurality of limit spring buckles are also provided on the inner wall of the tolerance compensation element, and the limit spring buckles and the locking bolts can be in contact and connected to form a limit fit; The tolerance compensation element is provided with a limiting surface at one end close to the second component, and the limiting spring buckle is arranged to be inclined from outside to inside along the Y direction, wherein the inner end of the limiting spring buckle and the screw head part of the locking bolt can be contacted and connected to form a limiting fit, and the lower end of the limiting spring buckle and the abutting part of the locking bolt can be contacted and connected to form a limiting fit, and a limiting space is formed between the limiting spring buckle and the limiting surface, the screw head part and the abutting part of the locking bolt are located in the limiting space, and there are gaps in the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction.

2. The fastening device with tolerance compensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of bosses are convexly arranged on the inner wall of the accommodating groove, and a plurality of spiral guide grooves matching with the bosses are opened on the outer wall of the tolerance compensation element.

3. The fastening device with tolerance compensation function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spiral guide groove has a straight section extending straight along the Y direction and a spiral section extending curved along the Y direction. The starting end of the straight section is an open end for the boss to enter and exit, and the end of the straight section is a conversion end. The starting end of the spiral section is the conversion end, and the end of the spiral section is a closed end.

4. The fastening device with tolerance compensation function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tolerance compensation element is cylindrical, the shape of the receiving groove is adapted to the tolerance compensation element, and the boss is arranged in the receiving groove close to the second component.

5. The fastening device with tolerance compensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The abutting portion of the locking bolt can abut against the limiting surface and drive the tolerance compensation element to rotate along the Y direction when the locking bolt rotates.

6. The fastening device with tolerance compensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aperture of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the threaded portion of the locking bolt, and the locking bolt is threadedly connected with the threaded hole after passing through the through hole.

7. The fastening device with tolerance compensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The threaded portion of the locking bolt has a guide surface.

8. A fastening method, characterized in that: When the fastening method is applied to a handle device in a car, the handle device comprises a first component, a second component and a fastening device with tolerance compensation function as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first component is a handle base and the second component is a door sheet metal; the fastening method comprises the following steps: Step 1: Place the door sheet metal and handle base in the workspace, and prepare the matching number of locking bolts and tolerance compensation components; Step 2: Install the tolerance compensation element into the receiving groove in the handle base; Step 3: Install the locking bolt into the tolerance compensation element; Step 4: Match the position of the tolerance compensation element on the handle base with the position of the stopper on the door sheet metal. After the matching is completed, move the handle base close to the door sheet metal and operate the positioning tool to limit the position to achieve pre-positioning. At this time, there is a Y-direction deviation gap between the stopper and the tolerance compensation element, and there are X-direction deviation gaps and Z-direction deviation gaps between the threaded hole on the stopper and the through hole on the tolerance compensation element. Step 5. Screw the locking bolt into the threaded hole. When the locking bolt is screwed in, it drives the tolerance compensation element to move toward the stop platform until the tolerance compensation element abuts against the stop platform and is locked, so as to fasten the handle base and the door sheet metal together to achieve tolerance compensation in the X, Y and Z directions.

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