elastic element

Abstract

The invention relates to an elastic element for compensating tolerances between a first component and a second component, wherein the elastic element comprises at least two axial webs which extend in the direction of a longitudinal center axis of the elastic element and which are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the elastic element, each having two opposite end sections which are connected by an intermediate section, wherein the end sections of the axial webs have at least approximately the same radial distance from the longitudinal center axis of the elastic element, and the intermediate section arranged between these end sections has a different radial distance from the longitudinal center axis, and at least one connecting ring connecting the axial webs to one another, wherein at least one claw section is axially spaced apart from the end sections of the axial webs and extends obliquely outwardly with respect to the longitudinal center axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elastic element of a device for compensating for tolerances between a first component and a second component. Background Technology

[0002] Such devices, also known as tolerance compensation devices, are widely known and have, for example, a base element that can be attached to one component and a compensation element that is threaded into the base element and can be brought into contact with another component by being unscrewed from the base element. Connecting devices such as connecting screws or bolts can be pushed through channels provided in the base element and the compensation element to connect the two components.

[0003] The compensating element is unscrewed by rotating the inserted connecting device. In order to transmit the necessary torque, an elastic element is arranged in the channel of the compensating element. The elastic element supports the compensating element on one hand and presses against the connecting device inserted through the channel on the other hand.

[0004] To prevent the elastic element located in the channel from being accidentally pulled out again and, in the worst case, completely lost, the elastic element is provided with radially outward-protruding barbs. The elastic element is secured in the channel by these barbs. To achieve this, the barbs are typically formed on opposite axial ends of the elastic element.

[0005] However, a problem arises during the installation of the elastic element in this situation: when the elastic element is inserted into the channel of the tolerance compensation device, the barb formed at the end contacts the compensation element at the beginning of the insertion process, thus requiring more effort to install the elastic element into the channel. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that if the elastic element has slightly moved out of the channel in the opposite direction to the installation direction, it can no longer function due to the locking barb's terminal position on the elastic element, as the barb, at its terminal position, can no longer engage with the channel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an elastic element that is easier to install and is securely fixed after installation.

[0007] This objective is achieved by an elastic element having the following characteristics. The elastic element according to the invention comprises at least two axial webs extending in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the elastic element and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the elastic element. Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the elastic element, each elastic element has two opposing end segments connected by an intermediate section. The end segments of the axial webs have at least approximately the same radial distance from the longitudinal central axis of the elastic element, and the intermediate section arranged between these end segments has a different radial distance from the longitudinal central axis. Furthermore, at least one connecting ring connects the axial webs to each other. The elastic element according to the invention is characterized in that at least one claw segment is axially spaced from the end segments of the axial webs and extends obliquely outward relative to the longitudinal central axis.

[0008] This invention is based on the general idea that, unlike the barbs of known elastic elements, the elastic element can be more easily inserted into the channel of a tolerance compensation element via at least one claw segment. This claw segment is not formed on the axial end side of the elastic element, but rather axially spaced from the end segment of the elastic element. Therefore, the elastic element can be inserted into the channel of the tolerance compensation element without the claw segment immediately engaging with the inner wall of the channel. The advantage of this is that it requires less effort to insert the elastic element into the channel.

[0009] The position of the claw section, which is axially spaced from the end section of the elastic element, has an additional advantage when the elastic element is fully installed in the channel: the claw section engages with the channel a longer distance when the elastic element is pulled out of the channel, making it more difficult to pull out the elastic element, and at the very least, the installed elastic element will not be lost.

[0010] The claw segment, extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal central axis, has axial and radial extension components. The axial extension is defined by the longitudinal central axis of the elastic element. The radial extension is perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis. In this case, it should be noted that the axial web surrounds the longitudinal central axis.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention can be found in the specification and drawings.

[0012] In order for the claw section to be effectively engaged in the channel of the tolerance compensation device, it is advantageous for the claw section to protrude radially beyond the end section.

[0013] For designs where the elastic element is particularly elastic in the circumferential direction, the connecting ring is preferably located in a plane oriented transversely, and particularly perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis.

[0014] Furthermore, if the elastic element is made of elastic steel, it is advantageous for designs requiring particular flexibility. The elastic element can be designed in a simple way as a stamped and bent piece. However, it is also conceivable to manufacture the elastic element from another rigid yet deflectable material. For example, the elastic element can also be made of plastic.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the radial distance between the end segments of the axial web is greater than the maximum radial distance between the intermediate segments arranged between these end segments. This gives the elastic element an intermediate profile, such that only the end segments of the installed elastic element are supported on the passage of the wall defining the tolerance compensation device. Inside the elastic element, the intermediate segments serve to abut against the connecting device, i.e., the connecting device between the intermediate segments of the axial web.

[0016] However, it is also conceivable that the elastic element is designed in a bulbous shape. In this case, the corresponding intermediate section of the axial web has a larger radial distance from the longitudinal central axis of the elastic element compared to the corresponding end section.

[0017] In principle, a trap-like or funnel-like configuration can also be conceived, in which one end segment has a larger radial distance from the longitudinal central axis compared to the radial distance between the middle segment and the longitudinal central axis, while the corresponding opposite end segment has a smaller radial distance from the longitudinal central axis of the elastic element.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the particularly easy-to-manufacture elastic element, at least one claw segment protrudes from the connecting ring. In this case, the claw segment has been stamped out, for example, during the stamping of the elastic element. Preferably, viewed in the circumferential direction of the elastic element, at least one claw segment may be formed between two axial webs on the connecting ring.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, at least one claw segment may protrude from one of the axial webs. This can be achieved, for example, by partially punching the claw segment out of the axial web and bending the free end away from the axial web.

[0020] In particular, this claw segment, or each claw segment, can taper gradually in the direction of its free end. Therefore, the claw segment can be engaged particularly effectively into the channel of the tolerance compensation device, because the tip can be pressed into the inner wall of the channel particularly easily.

[0021] To facilitate easy insertion of the elastic element into the channel of the tolerance compensation device, the free end of this claw segment, or each claw segment, can point towards the central plane of the elastic element, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis and centrally oriented between the end segments of the axial web. However, it is also conceivable, in principle, that the free end of at least one claw segment points away from the central plane of the elastic element. Furthermore, it is also possible that the free end of at least one claw segment points towards the central plane of the elastic element, and that the free end of at least one additional claw segment points away from the central plane. In particular, all claw segments can be oriented in a direction opposite to the mounting direction of the elastic element.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the elastic element, a connecting ring can connect the axial webs to each other in a region of one of the end segments of the axial web, while the other opposing end segments are not connected by the connecting ring. In other words, each axial web has a free end segment and opposing connected end segments, wherein the connected end segments are connected by a connecting ring.

[0023] According to another advantageous embodiment of the elastic element, the connecting ring can connect the axial webs to each other in the region of the middle section of the axial web, such that, viewed axially, the connecting ring is formed between the free end sections of the axial webs. In this case, preferably at least one claw section is formed on the opposite side of the connecting ring.

[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the elastic element, a first connecting ring connects the axial web in a region of one of the end segments of the axial web, and a second connecting ring connects the axial web in a region of the other opposite end segments of the axial web. Thus, both pairs of end segments are connected by connecting rings.

[0025] In all the above embodiments, it is particularly preferred that at least one claw segment is formed on the connecting ring or each connecting ring.

[0026] Preferably, the central plane of the elastic element, aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, defines a first half and a second half of the elastic element, wherein at least one claw segment of the first half faces at least one claw segment of the second half. Therefore, one or the other axial end of the elastic element can be inserted into the channel of the tolerance-compensating device. In this case, it is also advantageous if the elastic element is designed to be mirror-symmetrical about the central plane.

[0027] To make the elastic element elastic in the circumferential direction, the connecting ring, or each connecting ring, may have a slot, thereby allowing the elastic element to be elastically compressed in the circumferential direction while reducing the gap size of the slot. The slots are preferably axially aligned. If the elastic element has multiple connecting rings, the slots of all connecting rings can be axially aligned together.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a device for compensating for tolerances between a first component and a second component, comprising a base element, a compensating element, and an elastic element of the type described above. The compensating element engages with the base element and has a channel formed therein for use by a connecting device. The elastic element is arranged in the channel of the compensating element. To arrange the elastic element in the channel, it can be inserted into the channel in the mounting direction. The assembly direction and the longitudinal center axis are preferably aligned parallel to each other.

[0029] To ensure that the elastic element is not initially stuck in the channel when inserted, but can be easily inserted, the end segment can be located upstream of this claw segment or each claw segment in the assembly direction. Therefore, the claw segment of the elastic element only engages with the channel after a predetermined distance.

[0030] After the elastic element is installed in the channel of the tolerance compensation device, it is advantageous that the elastic element cannot be easily pulled out of the channel. For this purpose, at least one claw segment can lock the displacement of the elastic element in the opposite direction to the installation direction. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, using possible embodiments. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an elastic element; and

[0033] Figure 2 This is a sectional view of a device used to compensate for tolerances, in which... Figure 1 The elastic elements are arranged in the channel of the equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 It shows the use of Figure 2 The elastic element 10 of the device 12 shown is used to compensate for the tolerance between the first component 14 and the second component 16.

[0035] Device 12 includes a base element 18, which can be attached to the first component 14, such as Figure 2 As shown. The base element 18 is threadedly engaged with the compensation element 20, such that the compensation element 20 can be unscrewed from the base element 18 to contact the second component 16.

[0036] The connecting devices are used to connect the two components 14 and 16, and they can be designed, for example, in the form of connecting screws or bolts. For this purpose, the connecting devices can be pushed through the base element 18 and the channel 22 provided in the compensating element 20.

[0037] The compensating element 20 can be unscrewed from the base element 18 by rotating the connecting device until it contacts the second component 16. To ensure the necessary torque transmission from the connecting device to the compensating element 20, the elastic element 10 is arranged in the channel 22 of the compensating element 20. Figure 2 On one hand, the elastic element 10 is supported on the compensation element 20 in a frictional and / or non-positive manner; on the other hand, the elastic element 10 is pressed against the connecting device inserted through the channel in a frictional and / or non-positive manner.

[0038] After the compensating element 20 has made contact with the second component 16, the distance between the first component 14 and the second component 16 is reliably bridged by the device 12 and the connecting device. It should be understood that a locking nut may be provided for the connecting device, but the locking nut is not shown in the figure.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 The structure of the elastic element 10 will now be described in more detail.

[0040] Figure 1 The elastic element 10 shown specifically includes five axial webs 24 extending in the direction of its longitudinal central axis L. The number of axial webs 24 may not be five. It is also conceivable that the elastic element 10 may have fewer than five axial webs 24, for example, three or four axial webs 24, or more than five axial webs 24, for example, six, seven, or more axial webs 24. However, the elastic element 10 has at least two axial webs 24.

[0041] Each axial web 24 has two opposing end segments 26, which are axially connected to each other by an intermediate segment 28 arranged between the end segments 26.

[0042] As can be seen from the figure, the radial distance between the end segment 26 and the longitudinal central axis L of the elastic element 10 is greater than the maximum radial distance between the corresponding intermediate segment 28 and the longitudinal central axis L of the elastic element 10. In this case, all end segments 26 have at least approximately the same radial distance to the longitudinal central axis L of the elastic element 10. Overall, this gives the elastic element 10 a refined intermediate shape.

[0043] However, it is also conceivable that the elastic element 10 has a bulbous shape, which is not shown in the embodiment. If the elastic element 10 is bulbous, the radial distance between the end segment 26 and the longitudinal central axis L is correspondingly smaller than the maximum radial distance between the corresponding intermediate segment 28 and the longitudinal central axis L of the elastic element 10.

[0044] As can also be seen from the figure, the axial web 24 is connected to each other at the first end segment 26 and other opposite end segments 26 by connecting rings 30 that are laterally aligned with the longitudinal central axis L of the elastic element 10 at a certain distance from each other. Specifically, the first connecting ring 30a connects the axial web 24 in the region of its first end segment 26a, and the second connecting ring 30b connects the axial web 24 in the regions of its other opposite end segments 26b.

[0045] However, in this case, it is also conceivable that the axial webs 24 of the elastic element 10 are connected to each other only by a connecting ring 30. In this case, for example, only the end segments 26 located at the same axial height can be connected to each other by the connecting ring 30, while other opposing end segments 26 are not connected to each other. Furthermore, viewed axially, the connecting ring 30 can be formed between the end segments 26 to connect the intermediate segments 28 of the axial webs 24 to each other, so that all end segments 26 are free.

[0046] Connecting rings 30a and 30b each have a slot 32, such that the elastic element 10 is designed to be elastic in the circumferential direction. The slots 32 of connecting rings 30a and 30b extend in a common axial direction. Figure 1 ).

[0047] To securely fix the elastic element 10 within the channel 22 of the compensating element 20, the elastic element 10 has a plurality of claw segments 34 that extend outward at an angle relative to the longitudinal central axis L of the elastic element 10 and taper gradually toward their respective free ends. As can be seen in the figure, the free ends of the claw segments 34 protrude radially further outward than the end segments 26 of the elastic element 10, so as to securely engage the elastic element 10 into the channel 22 of the compensating element 20.

[0048] Each claw segment 34 protrudes from the connecting rings 30a and 30b at a certain axial distance from the end segment 26. Furthermore, viewed in the circumferential direction of the elastic element 10, the claw segments 34 are formed between the axial webs 24. Additionally or alternatively, at least one claw segment 34 may also protrude from at least one of the axial webs 24. In any case, in the illustrated embodiment, the free end of the claw segment 34 points in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis L of the elastic element 10, towards the central plane E of the elastic element 10. Figure 2 ).

[0049] Especially referencing Figure 1As can be seen, the claw segments 34 are spaced apart axially and aligned in pairs with each other. Specifically, the claw segments 34 of the first half of the elastic element 10 defined by the central plane E are aligned with the claw segments 34 of the second half of the elastic element 10, such that the free ends of the first and second halves of the claw segments 34 face each other. It can also be seen from the figure that the elastic element has a structure that is mirror-symmetrical about the central plane E, thereby allowing the elastic element 10 to be easily inserted into the channel 22 of the compensating element 20 using its two axial ends.

[0050] The insertion of the elastic element 10 into the channel 22 of the compensating element 20 occurs in the direction of the mounting direction M (see [reference]). Figure 2 (See arrow M in the image). Because the claw section 34 has an axial gap relative to the end section 26 of the axial web 24, and the end section 26 is located axially upstream of the claw section 34 in the mounting direction M, the elastic element 10 can be initially inserted into the channel 22 of the compensating element 20 without being held in place by a small force.

[0051] After the elastic element 10 has been inserted into the channel 22 of the compensating element 20, the claw segment 34, which is oriented opposite to the mounting direction M, prevents the elastic element 10 from being displaced in the opposite direction to the mounting direction M, so that the elastic element 10 is firmly fixed in the channel 22 of the compensating element 20.

[0052] List of reference numerals

[0053] 10. Elastic elements

[0054] 12 devices

[0055] 14 First Component

[0056] 16 Second Component

[0057] 18 Base components

[0058] 20 Compensation Components

[0059] 22 channels

[0060] 24 Axial Web

[0061] 26 End Section

[0062] 26a End Section

[0063] 26b is the end segment opposite to 26a.

[0064] 28. Middle Section

[0065] 30 Connecting ring

[0066] 30a First connecting ring

[0067] 30b Second connecting ring

[0068] 32 slots

[0069] 34 Claw Section

[0070] L longitudinal center axis

[0071] E Central Plane

[0072] M Assembly Direction

Claims

1. An elastic element for a device (12) for compensating for a tolerance between a first component (14) and a second component (16), wherein the elastic element (10) comprises: At least two axial webs (24) extending in the direction of the longitudinal central axis (L) of the elastic element (10) and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the elastic element (10). Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal central axis (L), each elastic element (10) has two opposing end segments (26) connected by an intermediate segment (28), wherein the end segments (26) of the axial webs (24) have approximately the same radial distance from the longitudinal central axis (L), and the intermediate segment (28) arranged between these end segments (26) has a different radial distance from the longitudinal central axis (L); and At least one connecting ring (30) connects the axial webs (24) to each other. Its features are, The claw segment (34) is not formed on the axial end side of the elastic element (10), but is axially spaced from the end segment (26) of the axial web (24) and extends outwardly inclined relative to the longitudinal central axis (L); The free end of the claw segment (34) points in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (L) of the elastic element (10) and oriented towards the central plane (E) of the elastic element (10); the central plane (E) is located at the midpoint between the two ends of the axial web (24). The claw section (34) protrudes radially beyond the end section (26). The central plane (E) of the elastic element (10), which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (L), defines a first half and a second half of the elastic element (10), wherein at least one claw segment (34) of the first half of the elastic element (10) faces at least one claw segment (34) of the second half of the elastic element (10).

2. The elastic element (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The radial distance between the end segments (26) of the axial web (24) is greater than the maximum radial distance between the intermediate segments (28) arranged between these end segments (26).

3. The elastic element (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one claw segment (34) is exposed from the connecting ring (30) and / or from one of the axial webs (24).

4. The elastic element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The claw segment (34) gradually tapers in the direction of its free end.

5. The elastic element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting ring (30) connects the axial web (24) to each other in the region of one of the end segments (26) of the axial web (24), while the other opposite end segments (26) are not connected by the connecting ring (30).

6. The elastic element (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The connecting ring (30) connects the axial webs (24) to each other in the region of the middle section (28) of the axial webs (24).

7. The elastic element (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, A first connecting ring (30a) connects the axial web (24) to one of the end segments of the axial web (24) in a region, and a second connecting ring (30b) connects the axial web (24) to the other opposite end segments of the axial web (24) in a region.

8. The elastic element (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The elastic element (10) is designed to be mirror-symmetric about the central plane (E).

9. The elastic element (10) according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The connecting ring or each connecting ring (30) has a slot (32).

10. The elastic element (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The slots of the connecting ring (30) are axially aligned.

11. A device (12) for compensating for tolerances between a first component (14) and a second component (16), having a base element (18), a compensation element (20), and an elastic element (10) according to any one of claims 1-10, the compensation element (20) engaging with the base element (18) and having a channel (22) formed therein for use by a connecting device, the elastic element (10) being arranged in the channel (22) of the compensation element (20).

12. The device (12) according to claim 11. Its features are, The elastic element (10) arranged in the channel (22) can be inserted into the channel in the mounting direction (M), and the end segment (26) is located upstream of the claw segment (34) in the mounting direction (M).

13. The device (12) according to claim 12. Its features are, The elastic element (10) arranged in the channel (22) can be inserted into the channel (22) in the installation direction (M), and at least one claw segment (34) locks the displacement of the elastic element (10) in the direction opposite to the installation direction (M).

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