Length-adjustable assembly comprising a connecting element, and method for manufacturing the assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a length-adjustable assembly (100) comprising a connecting element (210) for connecting the assembly (100) to a component in such a way that the connection can withstand tensile and compressive loads, the connecting element (210) being plugged onto an axial end (110) along a longitudinal axis (LA) relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the assembly (100). The connecting element (210) comprises at least one locking arm (211) which is elastically bendable relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) in the mounted configuration of the connecting element (210) for plugging the connecting element (210) onto the end (110), wherein the at least one locking arm (211) comprises at least one locking element (212), wherein the at least one locking element (212) is adapted to cooperate with at least one mating locking element (112) of the end (110), the mating locking element (112) having a shape complementary to the locking element (212) and being assembled onto the end (110) along the longitudinal axis (LA) in the operating configuration of the connecting element (210). The invention also relates to a manufacturing method for an assembly (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly with adjustable length, comprising a connecting element for connecting the assembly to a component in such a way that the connection can withstand tensile and compressive loads, the connecting element being plugged into an axial end along a longitudinal axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an assembly.

[0002] Such assemblies with corresponding connecting elements are used, for example, in the form of spindle drives / linear drives, spring struts, fluid dampers and pneumatic springs, in particular in the motor vehicle sector, for example for opening, holding and / or closing tailgates, doors, engine hoods and the like. Prior art

[0003] An assembly of the above-mentioned type is known from DE 10 2012 201174 A1. The variable length assembly comprises an outer part formed by an outer tube. A connecting element is arranged at the mounting end of the outer tube. The attachment of the tube has a circumferential groove, in which a circumferential web engages to rotatably hold the connecting element on the tube. By means of a snap ring arranged in the circumferential groove of the tube and the circumferential groove of the connecting element, the connecting element can be rotatably held on the tube. However, this solution leads to a complicated and long manufacturing process and is therefore not satisfactory.

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an assembly of the type mentioned at the outset which allows simple and rapid assembly with a stable connection.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] The invention provides an assembly which solves the technical problem. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method according to the invention.

[0008] The connecting element according to the invention is designed to enable a component which is adjustable in length along a longitudinal axis (e.g. a gas pressure spring, a fluid damper, a linear actuator, in particular a spindle actuator, or a spring strut) to be connected in a tensile and compressive load-resistant manner to a component, such as a body or a flap of a vehicle.

[0009] The connecting element is designed to be plugged into the shaft end along the longitudinal axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly. The end can be, for example, tubular, in particular cylindrical and / or coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

[0010] The connecting element comprises at least one locking arm which can be elastically bent outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis in an installation configuration in which the connecting element is used to be plugged into the end, wherein the at least one locking arm comprises at least one locking element, wherein the at least one locking element is suitable for positively mating with at least one mating locking element of the end along the longitudinal axis, and the mating locking element is shaped to complement the locking element when the connecting element is adapted to be in an operating configuration on the end.

[0011] The use of locking elements and mating locking elements allows significantly easier assembly of connecting elements. The locking arms and / or locking elements can be designed in such a way that they can be elastically deformed radially outwards (with respect to the longitudinal axis) in the installed configuration so as to lock into the mating locking element. The locking arms and / or locking elements can be further configured so that in the operational configuration, they cannot be elastically deformed radially outwards (with respect to the longitudinal axis) to remain (rigidly) locked to the mating locking element. The operational configuration can be achieved by another component, for example, installed after engagement.

[0012] The connecting element can preferably be subjected to tensile and compressive loads with forces typical of vehicle fender actuation.

[0013] The connecting element may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more, preferably at least 2, in particular 4, locking arms, each having at least one locking element. The more locking arms used, the easier it is to mount the connecting element on the assembly and the more uniform it remains. However, the manufacturing effort and the risk of damage to the locking arms also increase, which is why the use of 4 locking arms has proven to be a good compromise.

[0014] The component does not necessarily have to have the same number of cooperating locking elements as the connecting element, but some, in particular all, of the locking elements can also be locked with a common cooperating locking element (for example, with an annular groove around the longitudinal axis) and vice versa.

[0015] The bendability of the locking arm in the radial direction should be large enough so that the risk of damage caused by pushing the connecting element onto the end of the assembly is as small as possible. Preferably, the at least one locking arm is elastically deformable radially (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) by at least 1 mm, preferably at least 10 mm. Preferably, the at least one locking arm is elastically deformable radially (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) by at least the radial thickness of the at least one locking element. The radial thickness of the locking element is, for example, the length by which the locking element protrudes radially from the locking arm (in particular inwardly towards the longitudinal axis) in the non-deformed state of the locking arm. Since the locking element is not necessarily arranged at the axial end of the locking arm, it may be necessary for the locking arm to have a significantly higher elastic deformability than the radial thickness of the locking element (e.g. 1.5 to 2 times radially outward).

[0016] The connecting element according to the invention is therefore easy and uncomplicated to mount on the component and achieves a very stable connection of the connecting element to the component with respect to tensile or compressive loads along the longitudinal axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element is one-piece and preferably made of an elastically deformable plastic, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic, particularly preferably a polyamide, in particular a glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide. Such plastics are easy and simple to manufacture (e.g. by injection molding). Fiber-reinforced plastics can withstand high tensile and compressive loads in the fiber direction and remain flexible transversely to the fiber direction.

[0018] In another embodiment, the connecting element comprises a coupling region, preferably a ball socket, a ball stud, an eyelet or a bolt, for coupling, which can withstand tensile and compressive loads, preferably rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, and a coupling element with a complementary shape is coupled to the coupling region, preferably a ball socket, a ball stud, an eyelet or a bolt, of the component. The connection of the assembly is achieved with a single, preferably one-piece, connecting element via the coupling element to the component, such as a tailgate. The assembly thus comprises a small number of individual components and is simple and inexpensive in structure.

[0019] The component according to the invention is adjustable in length along the longitudinal axis and can be designed, for example, as a gas pressure spring, a hydraulic damper, a linear drive, in particular a spindle drive, or a spring strut.

[0020] The assembly is equipped with at least one connecting element, in particular according to the invention, for connecting the assembly to a component, such as a body or a fender of a vehicle, in such a way that the connection can withstand tensile and compressive loads.

[0021] The connecting element is plugged onto the axial end relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly, wherein the connecting element comprises at least one locking arm which can be elastically bent outward relative to the longitudinal axis in the mounted configuration of the connecting element for plugging onto the end. The end can be, for example, tubular, in particular cylindrical and / or coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The at least one locking arm comprises at least one locking element, the end comprises at least one mating locking element, the at least one mating locking element is complementarily formed with the at least one locking element, wherein the at least one locking element positively mates with the at least one mating locking element along the longitudinal axis in the operating configuration of the component.

[0023] The advantages and design options of the connecting element according to the invention resulting from the design of the assembly according to the invention have been described.

[0024] Preferably, in the operational configuration of the assembly, the at least one locking element cooperates with the at least one mating locking element in a rotatable manner about the longitudinal axis. For this purpose, the at least one mating locking element may, for example, be rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the locking element and the mating locking element are rotatable relative to each other by 360° about the longitudinal axis. One example of this is a mating locking element in the form of a circumferential annular groove, in which the locking element is locked, so that a relative rotation of the connecting element and the end (or the rest of the assembly) is possible.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one locking element comprises a projection for engagement in a mating locking element designed as a groove, preferably as an annular groove around the longitudinal axis. This embodiment enables simple assembly and relative rotatability of the locking element and the mating locking element in a simple manner. In addition, there is usually a greater material thickness and installation space in the end than in the locking arm. Therefore, it is safer, more space-saving and easier to produce a groove in the end than in the connecting element.

[0026] Preferably, the assembly comprises at least one fixing element arranged to prevent at least one locking arm of the connecting element from bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis in the operating configuration of the assembly. The term "prevent" here should be understood to mean that the locking arm can only be bent to such an extent that a rigid connection between the locking element and the mating locking element along the longitudinal axis is maintained in the operating configuration.

[0027] In one embodiment, in the operating configuration, the fixing element is assembled onto or inserted into the connecting element radially outside at least one locking arm relative to the longitudinal axis, preferably along the longitudinal axis. In the operating configuration, the fixing element and the connecting element interact with each other, preferably in a friction-locking manner along the longitudinal axis and / or in a form-locking manner radially relative to the longitudinal axis. This allows the at least one locking arm to elastically bend in the mounting configuration for mounting the connecting element onto an end. In the operating configuration, i.e., when the fixing element is in place, the at least one locking arm cannot bend open and thus prevents the locking element and the mating locking element from disengaging from each other.

[0028] Preferably, the connecting element includes at least one protective portion which is arranged radially outside the fixing element relative to the longitudinal axis in the operating configuration for protecting the fixing element and preferably for frictionally holding the fixing element along the longitudinal axis. In this way, a tight fit of the fixing element in the connecting element can be achieved in the operating configuration. Then, in the operating configuration, the fixing element occupies the space where the locking arm can elastically bend radially outwards in the mounting configuration.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one fixing element and preferably the at least one protective portion are each substantially hollow cylindrical and / or arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the at least one fixing element and the at least one protective portion are hollow cylindrical and arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis. This solution is easy to manufacture and, due to rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis, is easy to assemble and particularly stable.

[0030] In one embodiment, the assembly includes at least one spring element acting along the longitudinal axis, wherein the spring element biases the fixing element towards the connecting element along the longitudinal axis in the operating configuration of the assembly. Preferably, the spring element is a helical compression spring. Preferably, the spring element can be a spring element already present on the assembly.

[0031] Preferably, the assembly includes at least one support element, preferably attached to or integrally formed with the fixing element, for supporting the fixing element at an end and / or on the spring element, wherein the at least one support element is preferably provided in the shape of an annular disc and / or arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis and / or has a greater width radially relative to the longitudinal axis than the fixing element. The support element serves as an auxiliary guide for inserting the fixing element onto or into the connecting element along the longitudinal axis. The shape design of the annular disc is easy to manufacture and provides a uniform stabilizing effect. The support element having a greater width radially relative to the longitudinal axis than the fixing element provides a larger bearing surface for the spring element. The spring element is thus stabilized and prevented from slipping during assembly and operation.

[0032] According to the invention, the method for producing the component according to the invention comprises the following steps, in particular in the order described:

[0033] a) provide the ends of the assembly,

[0034] b) producing at least one cooperating locking element on the end and

[0035] c) plugging the connecting element of the assembly into the end along the longitudinal axis of the assembly,

[0036] d) wherein at least one locking arm of the connecting element is bent outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis during the plugging step, and

[0037] e) wherein the at least one locking arm is elastically bent back toward the longitudinal axis at the end of the plugging step so that the at least one locking element of the at least one locking arm cooperates with the at least one mating locking element in a form-fitting manner along the longitudinal axis.

[0038] The cooperating locking element is formed, for example, as an annular groove around the longitudinal axis of the assembly, preferably including forming of the end, for example cold forming, in particular beading.

[0039] Preferably, at least one fixing element is connected to the connecting element such that the fixing element prevents the at least one locking arm from bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.By connecting the fixing element, a transition of the assembly from the installed configuration to the operational configuration is achieved.

[0040] Preferably, connecting the at least one fixing element comprises inserting the fixing element into the connecting element or fitting the fixing element onto the connecting element along the longitudinal axis. For example, the fixing element may be inserted into a groove in the connecting element radially outside the locking arm and radially inside the protective portion (if present). If no protective portion is provided, the fixing element is preferably fitted onto the connecting element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention are explained with the aid of the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. Features that are at least functionally substantially corresponding in the accompanying drawings may be marked with the same reference numerals, so these features are not necessarily numbered and explained in all the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 A longitudinal section through an assembly according to the invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A cross section through a connecting element according to the invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 1

[0045] Figure 1 A longitudinal section of an assembly 100 according to the invention, such as a spindle drive, is shown along its longitudinal axis LA.

[0046] The assembly 100 comprises a connecting element 210 according to the invention for connecting the assembly 100 to a component, for example to a body of a vehicle (not shown), in such a way that the connection can withstand tensile and compressive loads.

[0047] The component 100 includes a coupling area 213, such as a ball seat, which is used to couple with a coupling element (not shown) of the component in a tensile and compressive load-resistant manner. The coupling element is complementarily formed with the coupling area 213, such as a ball stud, and the coupling area 213 is preferably rotatable about at least one rotation axis, such as a rotation axis transverse to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0048] The connecting element 210 is plugged onto the axial end portion 110 relative to the longitudinal axis LA of the assembly 100. For example, the end portion 110 is configured as a substantially cylindrical tube coaxial with the longitudinal axis LA.

[0049] The connecting element 210 includes at least one locking arm 211, which can be elastically bent outward relative to the longitudinal axis LA in the installation configuration of the connecting element 210 (not shown) for being plugged into the end 110, wherein at least one locking arm 211 includes at least one locking element 212, such as a locking nose.

[0050] The end portion 110 comprises a mating locking element 112 having a complementary shape to the at least one locking element 212 , such as an annular groove extending around the longitudinal axis LA.

[0051] The at least one locking element 212 is Figure 1 In the operating configuration of the assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the assembly 100 cooperates with at least one cooperating locking element 112 in a form-fitting manner along the longitudinal axis LA and is preferably rotatable about the longitudinal axis LA.

[0052] The shown connecting element comprises a fixing element 120 adapted to prevent at least one locking arm 211 of the connecting element 210 from bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis LA in the operating configuration of the assembly 100 .

[0053] In the operating configuration shown, the fixing element 120 is configured, for example, as a cylindrical sleeve, which is inserted into the connecting element 210 radially outside the at least one locking arm 111 relative to the longitudinal axis LA (in particular, coaxial with the longitudinal axis LA), and the fixing element 120 and the connecting element 210 interact with each other, for example, in a friction locking manner along the longitudinal axis LA and in a shape-fitting manner radially relative to the longitudinal axis LA in the operating configuration.

[0054] The connecting element 210 comprises a protecting portion 220 which is arranged radially outside the fixing element 120 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA in the operating configuration for protecting the fixing element 120 and preferably frictionally retaining the fixing element 120 along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0055] The assembly 100 comprises a support element 130 for supporting the fixing element 120 at the end 110 , wherein the support element 130 is preferably annular and arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis LA and has a greater width than the fixing element 120 in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0056] Figure 2

[0057] Figure 2 A cross section of a connecting element 210 according to the invention is shown transversely to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0058] The connecting element 210 can be designed, for example, as follows Figure 1 The connecting element 210 is shown in FIG.

[0059] The connecting element 210 comprises, for example, four locking arms 211 , evenly distributed around the longitudinal axis LA, each locking arm 211 having a locking element 212 .

[0060] The connecting element 210 comprises a protective portion 220 , for example cylindrical, and arranged outside the locking arm 211 coaxially with the longitudinal axis LA.

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 100 components 210 connecting elements

[0063] 110 end 211 locking arm

[0064] 112 matching locking element 212 locking element

[0065] 120 fixed element 213 coupling area

[0066] 130 support element 220 protection part

[0067] LA longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A component (100) whose length along a longitudinal axis (LA) is adjustable, wherein the component (100) is designed as a gas pressure spring, a fluid damper, a linear actuator or a spring strut, a) comprises at least one connecting element (210) for connecting the assembly (100) to a component in such a way that the connection is able to withstand tensile and compressive loads, b) the at least one connecting element (210) is plugged onto the axial end (110) relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the assembly (100), c) the at least one connecting element (210) comprises at least one locking arm (211), d) the at least one locking arm (211) comprises at least one locking element (212), e) wherein the end portion (110) comprises at least one mating locking element (112) having a shape complementary to that of the at least one locking element (212), f) wherein the at least one locking element (212) cooperates with the at least one mating locking element (112) along the longitudinal axis (LA) in the operational configuration of the assembly (100), g) wherein the assembly (100) comprises at least one spring element acting along the longitudinal axis (LA), It is characterized in that h) the at least one locking arm (211) is elastically bendable outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) in the mounted configuration of the connecting element (210) for plugging into the end portion (110), i) wherein the assembly (100) comprises at least one fixing element (120), j) the fixing element (120) is arranged to prevent the at least one locking arm (211) of the at least one connecting element (210) from bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) in the operational configuration of the assembly (100), k) The spring element biases the at least one fixing element (120) toward the connecting element (210) along the longitudinal axis (LA) in the operational configuration of the assembly (100).

2. The assembly (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The connecting element (210) is integral and consists of elastically deformable fiber-reinforced plastic.

3. The assembly (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that a) the connecting element (210) comprises a coupling region (213) selected from a ball socket, a ball stud, an eyelet and a bolt for coupling to a coupling element of the component, b) the coupling element has a shape complementary to the coupling region (213) and is selected from a ball socket, a ball stud, an eyelet and a bolt, c) wherein the coupling connection can be loaded in tension and compression and can be rotated about at least one axis of rotation.

4. The assembly (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that In the operational configuration of the assembly (100), the at least one locking element (212) cooperates with the at least one mating locking element (112) in a rotatable manner about the longitudinal axis (LA).

5. The assembly (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The at least one locking element (212) comprises a protrusion for engaging in a mating locking element (112) configured as an annular groove extending around the longitudinal axis (LA).

6. The assembly (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that a) in the operating configuration, the at least one fixing element (120) is mounted to the at least one connecting element (210) along the longitudinal axis (LA) radially outside the at least one locking arm (211) relative to the longitudinal axis (LA), or the at least one fixing element (120) is inserted into the connecting element (210) along the longitudinal axis (LA) radially outside the at least one locking arm (211) relative to the longitudinal axis (LA), b) wherein the at least one fixing element (120) and the at least one connecting element (210) cooperate in a friction-locking manner along the longitudinal axis (LA) in the operating configuration.

7. The assembly (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The at least one connecting element (210) comprises at least one protective portion (220), which is arranged radially outside the at least one fixing element (120) relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) in the operating configuration, and is used to protect the at least one fixing element (120) and frictionally retain the at least one fixing element (120) along the longitudinal axis (LA).

8. The assembly (100) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The at least one fixing element (120) and the at least one protective portion (220) are each substantially hollow cylindrical.

9. The assembly (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that a) at least one supporting element (130) for supporting the at least one fixing element (120) on the at least one spring element, b) wherein the at least one supporting element (130) is arranged in the shape of an annular disk and / or is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis (LA) and / or has a greater width in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) than the at least one fixing element (120).

10. A method for manufacturing a component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized by the following steps: a) providing an end portion (110) of the assembly (100), b) producing at least one cooperating locking element (112) on the end (110), and c) plugging the connecting element (210) of the assembly (100) onto the end (110) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the assembly (100), d) wherein at least one locking arm (211) of the connecting element (210) is bent outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) during the plugging step, and e) wherein the at least one locking arm (211) is elastically bent back toward the longitudinal axis (LA) at the end of the plugging step, so that the at least one locking element (212) of the at least one locking arm (211) cooperates with the at least one mating locking element (112) along the longitudinal axis (LA), f) connecting at least one fixing element (120) to the connecting element (210) such that the fixing element (120) prevents the at least one locking arm (211) from bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis (LA), g) attaching at least one spring element acting along the longitudinal axis (LA) to the assembly, such that the spring element biases the at least one fixing element (120) to the connecting element (210) along the longitudinal axis (LA) in an operating configuration of the assembly (100).

11. The method according to claim 10, It is characterized in that Connecting at least one fixing element (120) comprises inserting the fixing element (120) into the connecting element (210) or fitting the fixing element (120) onto the connecting element (210) along the longitudinal axis (LA).

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