Tolerance compensation device

Abstract

The present application relates to a tolerance compensation device comprising a main body, a compensation element in threaded engagement with the main body, a nut and a retaining element. The compensation element is provided with an axially extending passage for a bolt element which can be screwed into the nut. The retaining element has a first arm retaining the main body, a second arm retaining the nut and a connecting portion connecting the first arm and the second arm. The first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from each other with an accommodation gap for accommodating the components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a tolerance compensation device, including a main body, a compensation member threadedly engaged with the main body, a nut, and a retainer. The compensation member has an axially extending channel for a bolt member. The bolt member can be screwed into the nut. The retainer has a first arm for retaining the main body, a second arm for retaining the nut, and a connecting portion for connecting the first and second arms. The first and second arms are spaced apart from each other with a receiving clearance for accommodating components. Background Technology

[0002] In this type of known tolerance compensation device, the nut is inserted into the second arm in a transverse direction to the axial direction through a notch in the second arm (i.e., to some extent radially inserted into the second arm), the notch being located in the region opposite to the front end of the second arm of the connecting portion. Furthermore, the retaining element of this known tolerance compensation device has high rigidity and low deformability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a tolerance compensation device of the type described in the opening paragraph, which is highly economical.

[0004] On the one hand, this objective is achieved by the tolerance compensation device according to the embodiments of this application, particularly by the following: the receiving gap has a main region and an end region facing the connection, the main region having a first maximum diameter, and the end region having a second maximum diameter greater than the first maximum diameter. The widened end region of the receiving gap ultimately ensures that, viewed axially, the connection is configured to taper gradually over a longer length, thereby allowing the connection to be bent more easily, and the diameter of the main region of the receiving gap to be more easily adapted to the thickness of the component received therein.

[0005] On the other hand, this objective is achieved by the tolerance compensation device according to an embodiment of this application, particularly by the following manner: the second arm surrounds the nut such that the nut can only be inserted into the second arm axially. Therefore, according to this application, the nut is not inserted into the second arm radially from the front; that is, the second arm does not need to have an opening at its front end opposite the connection portion. Thus, the nut will not fall off or be lost from the second arm (e.g., during transport of the tolerance compensation device to its installation location). For example, the nut can be inserted into the second arm through the first arm (to some extent, from above). It is understood that for this purpose, the first arm must have a sufficiently large channel through which the nut can be guided. Ideally, the channel serves a dual purpose by using it to accommodate the main body after the nut is inserted into the second arm.

[0006] It is understood that the design of the accommodating clearance according to this application and the embedding of the nut into the second arm according to this application can be combined, that is, thus can be achieved in the same tolerance compensation device.

[0007] The advantageous configurations of this application can be found in the specification and drawings.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the main region of the receiving gap extends in a plane oriented transversely (especially perpendicularly) to the axial direction. Conversely, the end region of the receiving gap may extend axially. Therefore, viewed in a longitudinal section, the receiving gap may have, for example, a T-shape or an L-shape. Herein, a longitudinal section is defined as a section passing through the tolerance compensation device in a plane that is axially oriented and extends from the connection towards the front end of the arm opposite to the connection.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the second arm completely surrounds the nut in a plane oriented perpendicular to the axial direction. This helps prevent the nut from falling radially off or being removed from the second arm.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the nut in the second arm is guided such that the cap nut can move in only one direction within a plane perpendicular to the axial extension. In other words, the nut has clearance only in one direction (e.g., in the direction that pushes the tolerance compensation device toward the component). This makes it possible to compensate for tolerances in the positioning of drilled holes for bolts within the component.

[0011] If the retainer is made of a synthetic material, it will help to further improve the economy of the tolerance compensation device.

[0012] Furthermore, when the retainer is configured as a single piece (e.g., an injection molded part), the retainer can be produced at a particularly low cost.

[0013] Optionally, the retaining element can be configured as a multi-piece component. For example, the connecting part can be composed of two separate sub-connecting parts, in particular, one sub-connecting part is incorporated into the first arm and the other sub-connecting part is incorporated into the second arm.

[0014] To allow the accommodating gap diameter to better adapt to the thickness of the accommodated component, the sub-connectors can move relative to each other axially, especially unidirectionally. For example, the sub-connectors can contact each other via serrated clamping elements.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the tolerance compensation device has at least one fixing member through which a component housed in the receiving gap can be fixed to the tolerance compensation device. This aspect can be achieved not only in combination with the foregoing features, but also represents an independent inventive concept.

[0016] For example, the fastener may be located in the entry area and / or the fastener may be located in the end area of ​​the receiving gap. Furthermore, the fastener may extend into the receiving gap from the first arm and / or the fastener may extend into the receiving gap from the second arm.

[0017] The fastener may include, for example, a latch configured to engage with a latching protrusion on the component and / or with a surface portion of the component and / or engage in a latch provided in the component.

[0018] In particular, the latch can be configured to be elastic and have a free end pointing in the direction of the connection, such that when the guide component enters the receiving gap, the latch is deflected by the latching protrusion of the component, and when the component reaches its final position in the receiving gap, the latch can engage behind the latching protrusion. Optionally or additionally, the free end of the latch can engage in the bayonet of the component.

[0019] Furthermore, the latch can be configured to be flexible and have a free end pointing in the direction of the connection. When the component is in its final position within the receiving gap, this free end is offset due to the surface portion of the component. This offset latch compresses the component axially, thereby improving the effect of the fasteners located on opposite sides of the component. (For example, the mutual engagement between the latches located on opposite sides of the component and the latching protrusions of the component).

[0020] The fastener may also include a snap-fit ​​wedge configured to engage in a bayonet of the component. In particular, the snap-fit ​​wedge may be configured to be resilient and / or have a profile that tapers axially to facilitate entry into the bayonet.

[0021] An insert may be mounted on the component for engaging with a latch and / or a snap wedge.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the fastener may also consist of two spaced-apart connecting strips of the connecting portion, and is configured to receive a snap-fit ​​anchor for the component and is secured by snapping. Specifically, the connecting strips may define a window that serves as a bayonet for the snap-fit ​​anchor. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present application will now be described by way of example only, with reference to possible embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0024] Figure 1A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the tolerance compensation device is shown;

[0025] Figure 1B It shows the component contained therein. Figure 1A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0026] Figure 1C It shows Figure 1A A perspective view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0027] Figure 1D It shows Figure 1A A top view of the retaining element of the tolerance compensation device;

[0028] Figure 2A A perspective view of a second embodiment of the tolerance compensation device is shown;

[0029] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0030] Figure 2C It shows Figure 2B A partial view;

[0031] Figure 3A A perspective view of the tolerance compensation device and its third embodiment, as well as the components housed in the tolerance compensation device, is shown.

[0032] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A perspective rear view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0033] Figure 3C It shows the component contained therein. Figure 3A A perspective rear view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0034] Figure 3D It shows Figure 3A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensation device and the components housed therein;

[0035] Figure 3E It shows the component contained therein. Figure 3A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0036] Figure 4A A perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the tolerance compensation device and the components housed in the tolerance compensation device is shown.

[0037] Figure 4B It shows the component contained therein. Figure 4A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0038] Figure 4C It shows the component contained therein. Figure 4A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0039] Figure 4D It shows the component contained therein. Figure 4A A longitudinal section view of a variant of the tolerance compensation device;

[0040] Figure 5A A perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the tolerance compensation device and the components housed in the tolerance compensation device is shown.

[0041] Figure 5B It shows the component contained therein. Figure 5A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0042] Figure 5C It shows the component contained therein. Figure 5A A variant longitudinal section view of the tolerance compensation device;

[0043] Figure 5D It shows the component contained therein. Figure 5A A longitudinal section view of another variant of the tolerance compensation device;

[0044] Figure 5E It shows the component contained therein. Figure 5A A longitudinal section view of another variant of the tolerance compensation device;

[0045] Figure 6A A perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the tolerance compensation device and the components housed within the tolerance compensation device is shown; and

[0046] Figure 6B It shows the component contained therein. Figure 6A A top view of the tolerance compensation device.

[0047] List of reference numerals

[0048] 10. Tolerance compensation device;

[0049] 12 main components;

[0050] 14. Internal thread;

[0051] 16. Compensation items;

[0052] 18. External thread;

[0053] 20 channels;

[0054] 22 nuts;

[0055] 24. Spring components;

[0056] 26. Retaining components;

[0057] 28 First Arm;

[0058] 30 Second arm;

[0059] 32 accommodates clearance;

[0060] 32a Main Region;

[0061] 32b terminal region;

[0062] 34. Connecting part;

[0063] 34a First sub-connector;

[0064] 34b Second sub-connector;

[0065] 36. Grooves;

[0066] 38 parts;

[0067] 40 recess;

[0068] 41. Receiving cavity;

[0069] 42 arrows;

[0070] 44. Drilling;

[0071] 46. ​​End stop;

[0072] 48. Spring tongue;

[0073] 50. Serrated clamping parts;

[0074] 52 Connecting strip;

[0075] 54 windows;

[0076] 56 First tongue;

[0077] 57. Second tongue;

[0078] 58 card protrusions;

[0079] 60 checkpoints;

[0080] 62 First buckle wedge block;

[0081] 63 Second buckle wedge block;

[0082] 64 snap-fit ​​anchors;

[0083] 66. Embedded components. Detailed Implementation

[0084] exist Figures 1A to 1D The image shows a first embodiment of a tolerance compensation device 10. The tolerance compensation device 10 includes a hollow cylindrical body 12 with an internal thread 14. A compensation element 16, also hollow cylindrical, is threaded into the body 12. For this purpose, the compensation element 16 has an external thread 18. The longitudinal centerlines of the internal thread 14 and the external thread 18 define an axial direction.

[0085] The compensating member 16 is provided with a channel 20 extending axially. Bolts, not shown, such as screws or bolts, can pass through the channel 20 to be screwed into the nut 22 of the tolerance compensating device 10.

[0086] On the one hand, the orientation of the internal thread 14 and the external thread 18, and on the other hand, the orientation of the threads of the bolt and the nut 22, are both arranged oppositely, such that when the bolt is screwed into the nut 22, the compensating member 16 is screwed out from the main body 12 to eliminate the gap between the two parts to be connected. For example, the bolt and the nut 22 may each have right-hand threads, while the internal thread 14 and the external thread 18 may be left-hand threads, or vice versa. In order to transmit the torque of the bolt to the compensating member 16, a spring member 24 is provided in the channel 20. The spring member 24 engages with the bolt and the compensating member 16 extending through the channel 20 in a force-fit manner.

[0087] Both the main body 12 and the nut 22 are held in the retainer 26 of the tolerance compensation device 10. The retainer 26 is integrally formed of a composite material and has a first arm 28 for accommodating the main body 12 and a second arm 30 for accommodating the nut 22.

[0088] The first arm 28 and the second arm 30 are axially spaced apart by the formed receiving gap 32 and connected to each other by an axially extending connecting portion 34. A plurality of axially extending grooves 36 are provided on the back side opposite to the connecting portion 34 of the arms 28 and 30 to prevent unnecessary material compression. It is understood that these grooves 36 may extend perpendicularly to the axial direction, or even extend obliquely to the axial direction and intersect each other.

[0089] The receiving gap 32 is used to receive component 38, such as a body panel or carrier structure, which should be connected to other components (not shown) located above the compensator 16. The receiving gap 32 has a main region 32a and an end region 32b, the main region 32a extending generally perpendicular to the axial direction, and the end region 32b connected to the main region 32a and adjacent to the connection portion 34. The end region 32b extends axially (in the direction of...) on both sides of the main region 32a. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Extending upwards and downwards, the receiving gap 32, viewed in longitudinal section, comprises a reclining T-shape. It is conceivable that the receiving gap 32 could also be a reclining L-shape, in which case the end region 32b extends axially from the main region 32a in only one direction, i.e., either upwards or downwards.

[0090] The aperture of the main region 32a accommodating the gap 32 does not necessarily need to be constant. Therefore, the main region 32a can be in the direction toward the free ends of arms 28 and 30 (i.e., in...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The main region 32a widens (for example, towards the left) to facilitate pushing the tolerance compensation device 10 onto the component 38. Furthermore, the main region 32a may also widen slightly towards the end region 32b. In either case, the maximum diameter of the main region 32a (i.e., the maximum extent of the main region 32a when viewed axially) is significantly smaller than the maximum diameter of the end region 32b (i.e., the maximum extent of the end region 32b when viewed axially). In particular, the maximum diameter of the end region 32b may be 2 to 3 times the maximum diameter of the main region 32a.

[0091] Nut 22 may be a hexagonal flange nut, which is embedded in a hexagonal recess 40 of a corresponding second arm 30. Viewed in the plane of the second arm 30, nut 22 is completely surrounded by the second arm 30, making it impossible for nut 22 to fall out of the second arm 30 either forward or backward, or from the side. In the direction towards the first arm 28 (i.e., in...) Figures 1A to 1C It is impossible for it to fall out (upwards) because the maximum diameter of the accommodating gap 32 in the area of ​​nut 22, that is, the maximum diameter of the main area 32a, is smaller than the axial dimension of nut 22.

[0092] Accordingly, nut 22 can be inserted into recess 40 only axially. Figures 1A to 1D In the illustrated embodiment, the nut 22 is inserted into the recess 40 before the body 12 is inserted into the first arm 28 (that is, the body 12 passes through the receiving cavity 41 of the first arm 28). It is understood that the receiving cavity 41 must be large enough for the nut 22 to pass through it. First, the nut 22 is inserted into the recess 40, and then the body 12 is inserted into the receiving cavity 41 and secured in the receiving cavity 41 in a form-fitting, force-fitting, or material-fitting manner (e.g., by clamping, snapping, or adhesive).

[0093] like Figure 1DAs shown, the recess 40 is not a conventional hexagon, but rather slightly elongated radially (more precisely, in the direction from the connecting portion 34 to the free ends of the arms 28, 30, indicated by arrow 42 in Figure 1). This allows the nut 22 to move to a certain extent in the direction of arrow 42, or more precisely, only in that direction. The nut 22 has a slight gap in the recess 40 in the direction of arrow 42, which generally facilitates the alignment of the nut 22 with the drilled hole 44 in the component 38 and the bolt, thereby facilitating the positioning of the tolerance compensation device 10 on the component 38.

[0094] exist Figures 1A to 1C In the diagram, the tolerance compensation device 10 is shown in its initial or transport state, and is delivered to the installation location in either state. In the initial or transport state, the compensation member 16 is almost completely screwed into the main body 12. To prevent the compensation member 16 from being excessively screwed into the main body 12 and to provide some resistance therein, the retainer 26 is provided with an end stop 46 (…). Figure 1D The end stop 46 restricts the screwing movement of the compensating member 16. Furthermore, the retaining member 26 is provided with a spring tongue 48, which engages with the compensating member 16 in its initial state to prevent the compensating member 16 from accidentally screwing out of the body member 12. Therefore, the spring tongue 48 constitutes a transport fixation. It is understood that the spring tongue 48 is sized so that the compensating member 16 can overcome and release from the spring tongue 48 under sufficiently large torque, especially when the bolt passes through the compensating member 16 and the nut 22 is screwed in, and torque is applied to the compensating member 16 via the spring member 24.

[0095] Figures 2A to 2C The image shows a second embodiment of the tolerance compensation device 10, which differs from the first embodiment in that the main difference lies in the formation of the retaining member 26.

[0096] On the one hand, the first arm 28 of the retainer 26 in the second embodiment is provided with a main body 12, that is, the compensation member 16 is directly threadedly engaged with the first arm 28 of the retainer 26.

[0097] On the other hand, the retainer 26 in the second embodiment is configured as a two-piece unit. More precisely, the connecting portion 34 consists of a first sub-connecting portion 34a and a separate second sub-connecting portion 34b, wherein the first sub-connecting portion 34a is incorporated into the first arm 28 and the second sub-connecting portion 34b is incorporated into the second arm 30.

[0098] The first sub-connecting portion 34a and the second sub-connecting portion 34b are engaged by a serrated clamping member 50, which allows the first sub-connecting portion 34a and the second sub-connecting portion 34b to move unidirectionally relative to each other in the axial direction, i.e., in such a way that the walls 28 and 30 can move relative to each other. Thus, in the pre-installation state, the arms 28 and 30 can have maximum spacing between them, and when the tolerance compensation device 10 moves onto the component 38, the arms 28 and 30 can be pushed together until the component 38 is received without gaps in the receiving gap 32. In this way, the diameter of the receiving gap 32 can be easily adapted to components 38 of different thicknesses. Depending on the specific design of the sub-connecting portions 34a and 34b and the serrated clamping member 50 disposed on them, the diameter of the receiving gap 32 can vary, for example, from 0 mm to 5 mm, or even outside this range.

[0099] exist Figures 3A to 3E The image shows a third embodiment of the tolerance compensation device 10. One difference between this third embodiment and the first embodiment is that the connecting portion 34 of the retainer 26 is not designed to be solid, but is formed by two parallel, spaced-apart connecting strips 52, defining a window 54 between the two connecting strips 52. This window 54 provides a passage from the outside of the back surface of the tolerance compensation device 10 to the receiving gap 32.

[0100] on the other hand, Figures 3A to 3E The third embodiment of the tolerance compensation device 10 shown in the figure differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a fastener for fixing the component 38 housed in the receiving gap 32.

[0101] The fastener may be, for example, a resilient latch 56 that extends from the first arm 28 and extends obliquely downward in the direction toward the connection 34 (more precisely, toward the window 54) into the end region 32b of the receiving gap 32.

[0102] Accordingly, a latching protrusion 58 is provided in the area of ​​the front end of the component 38 configured for guiding into the receiving gap 32, the latching protrusion 58 pointing towards the latching tongue 56, that is, pointing upward in the direction toward the first arm 28.

[0103] The latch 56 and the protrusion 58 are adapted to each other such that when the guide member 38 enters the receiving gap 32, the latch 56 deflects toward the direction of the first arm 28 (upward in the figure) through the protrusion 58, and once the member 38 reaches its final position in the receiving gap 32, that is, is fully received in the tolerance compensation device 10, the latch 56 snaps back behind the protrusion 58 to engage with the protrusion 58, thereby securing the member 38 and preventing the member 38 from accidentally moving off the tolerance compensation device 10.

[0104] In this state, the end region of the front side of the component 38, which has a latching protrusion 58, extends into the window 54 defined by the connecting strip 52.

[0105] exist Figures 4A to 4D The figure shows a variant of a fourth embodiment of the tolerance compensation device 10, which differs from the aforementioned second embodiment mainly in that, in addition to the first latch 56 already mentioned, the fourth embodiment also includes a second latch 57. The second latch 57 extends from the second arm 30 and extends obliquely downwards into the end region 32b of the receiving gap 32 in the direction toward the connecting portion 34 (more precisely, in the direction toward the window 54), such that when the guide member 38 enters the receiving gap 32, the second latch 57 deflects in the direction of the second arm 30 (i.e., downwards in the figure).

[0106] According to the configuration of component 38, the offset second latch 57 can therefore be positioned in the direction toward the first arm 28 (i.e., Figure 4B The upward pressing member improves the fit between the first latch 56 and the latching protrusion 58 of the component 38, and thus improves the fixation of the component 38 in the tolerance compensation device 10.

[0107] Optionally, as shown in Figure 4C, component 38 may have a bayonet 60, and a second latch 57 may engage within the bayonet 60 for additional fixation of component 38 in the tolerance compensation device 10.

[0108] Furthermore, at least one insert 66 can be mounted on component 38. Figure 4D The insert 66 may have a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile, including a base and two opposing sidewalls of equal or different lengths, which are connected to the base generally perpendicularly. The insert 66 may be made of metal or synthetic material.

[0109] The insert 66 can be designed such that one sidewall extends into the bayonet 60 of the component 38, and the other sidewall extends into the drilled hole 44 of the component 38, while the base of the insert 66 abuts against the upper side of the component 38. Therefore, the insert 66 ensures a localized increase in the strength of the component 38, which on the one hand allows the component 38 to be more securely clamped in the tolerance compensation device 10, and on the other hand facilitates the locking of the second latch 57 in the bayonet, thereby further improving the fixation of the component 38 in the tolerance compensation device 10.

[0110] Figures 5A to 5EThe figure shows a variant of a fourth embodiment of the tolerance compensation device 10, which differs from the aforementioned second and third embodiments primarily in that the fasteners include snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63. Specifically, the fasteners may include a first snap-fit ​​wedge 62, which extends from the first arm 28 and downwards into the receiving gap 32 (as shown in the figure). Figure 5A and Figure 5B ); or a second snap-fit ​​wedge 63, which extends from the second arm 30 and upwards into the receiving gap 32 in the attached drawing ( Figure 5C Similarly, a conceivable variation is that it includes both such a first snap-fit ​​wedge 62 and such a second snap-fit ​​wedge 63. Figure 5D ).

[0111] The snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 are configured to engage in the slots 60 provided in the component 38 and / or cooperate with the inserts 66 mounted on the component 38.

[0112] In particular, the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 can be elastic and can have a cross-sectional profile that tapers downwards or upwards from the first arm 28 or the second arm 20. The straight side of the snap-fit ​​wedge 62 is located on the side of the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 facing the connecting portion 34, while the oblique side of the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 is located on the side of the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 away from the connecting portion 34, i.e., on the side facing the entry area of ​​the receiving gap 32. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 can be designed such that the main portion of the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 extends into the receiving gap 32, such that once the component 38 reaches its final position in the receiving gap 32, a portion of the straight side of the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 contacts a portion of the sidewall of the bayonet 60. This makes the component 38 particularly reliably secured in the receiving gap 32 of the tolerance compensation device 10.

[0113] The elasticity of the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 and / or the volume ratio of the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 extending into the receiving gap 32 are preferably selected such that the component 38 can be guided into the receiving gap 32 without obstruction, while ensuring a secure wedging between the latch 60 and the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63.

[0114] When the aforementioned insert 66 is mounted on the component 38, the snap-fit ​​wedges 62 and 63 may have cutouts on their side facing the connection portion 34, the cutouts having an enlarged cross-sectional profile in the direction of the receiving gap 32. Figure 5E More precisely, the cut includes the side facing the connector 34 and the side away from the connector 34.

[0115] Accordingly, when component 38 reaches its final position in the receiving gap 32, a portion of the side of the cut facing the connecting portion 34 contacts the surface portion of the sidewall of the insert 66 located in the bayonet 60, and a portion of the side of the cut away from the connecting portion 34 contacts the surface portion of the base of the insert 66. As described above, by mounting the insert 66 onto component 38 to more securely clamp component 38 in the tolerance compensation device 10, and by the additional wedging between the insert 66 and the snap-fit ​​wedges 62, 63, component 38 can be more securely fixed in the receiving gap 32 of the tolerance compensation device 10.

[0116] In particular, the cut can have an asymmetrical cross-sectional profile, meaning the angle between the axial direction and the side facing the connector 34 can be smaller than the angle between the axial direction and the side away from the connector 34. In other words, the side away from the connector 34 can be formed to be flatter than the side facing the connector 34. This makes it easier to guide the component 38 into the receiving gap 32. Additionally, with the component 38 engaged in the receiving gap 32, the contact surface between the cut and the insert 66 can be larger, which further ensures better wedging between the insert 66 and the snap-fit ​​wedges 62, 63.

[0117] exist Figure 6A and 6B The sixth embodiment of the tolerance compensation device 10 is shown. The main difference between the sixth embodiment and the aforementioned second embodiment is that two parallel spaced-apart connecting strips 52 that define a window 54 between them form a fastener.

[0118] Accordingly, in the region designated for guiding the front end of the component 38 into the receiving gap 32, a snap-fit ​​anchor 64 is provided pointing in the direction of guiding movement. More precisely, the snap-fit ​​anchor 64 extends substantially vertically from the end face of the component 38. Viewed axially, i.e., in a top view of the component 38, the snap-fit ​​anchor 64 has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional shape, comprising a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion connected to the longitudinal portion, the longitudinal portion extending vertically from the end face of the component 38, and the transverse portion extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal portion and parallel to the end face.

[0119] The snap-on anchor 64 and the two spaced-apart connecting strips 52 are adapted to each other such that when the guide member 38 enters the receiving gap 32 (more precisely, when the guide snap-on anchor 64 enters the window 54 formed by the connecting strips 52), the transverse portion of the snap-on anchor 64 presses the connecting strips 52 away from each other. Once the member 38 reaches its final position in the receiving gap 32 (i.e., when it is fully received in the tolerance compensation device 10), the connecting strips 52 behind the transverse portion snap back to their initial position and then lock the transverse portion of the snap-on anchor 64, thereby securing the member 38 in the tolerance compensation device 10.

[0120] In order to facilitate the two spaced connecting strips 52 of the connecting portion 34 away from each other's compression during the process of the guide member 38 entering the receiving gap 32, the lateral ends of the lateral portion are rounded.

[0121] Furthermore, the larger the lateral dimension of the transverse portion of the snap-on anchor 64 and / or the smaller the elasticity of the spaced-apart connecting strips 52, the greater the force required to squeeze the snap-on anchor 64 through the spaced-apart connecting strips 52. Therefore, the maximum width of the lateral portion of the snap-on anchor 64 and the elasticity of the connecting strips 52 are preferably selected such that the component 38 can be guided into the tolerance compensation device without obstruction, while the snap-on anchor 64 is firmly anchored on the connecting portion 34.

[0122] It is understandable that the aforementioned different fasteners can be implemented individually or in any combination thereof.

Claims

1. A tolerance compensation device (10), comprising: Main component (12); The compensating member (16) is threadedly engaged with the main body (12), and the compensating member (16) is provided with an axially extending channel (20) for a bolt to pass through; Nut (22), the bolt can be screwed into the nut (22); The retainer (26) has a first arm (28) for retaining the main body (12), a second arm (30) for retaining the nut, and a connecting portion (34) for connecting the first arm and the second arm (28, 30). The first arm and the second arm (28, 30) are spaced apart from each other by a receiving gap (32). Its features are, The tolerance compensation device (10) further includes at least one fixing member, through which a component (38) housed in the receiving gap (32) can be fixed to the tolerance compensation device (10). The at least one fastener includes a resilient first latch (56) having a free end pointing toward the connecting portion (34). The first latch (56) is configured to engage with a latching protrusion (58) provided on the component (38), and the first latch (56) extends from the first arm (28) into the receiving gap (32). The first latch (56) is deflectable toward the first arm (28). The fastener further includes a second latch (57) extending from the second arm (30) into the receiving gap (32), and the second latch (57) is configured to engage with an insert (66) mounted on the component (38). The insert (66) has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile and includes a base and two sidewalls. One of the two sidewalls of the insert (66) extends into the slot (60) of the component (38), and the other of the two sidewalls of the insert (66) extends into the drill hole (44) of the component (38). The base of the insert (66) abuts against the upper side of the component (38).

2. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The second arm (30) surrounds the nut (22) so that the nut (22) can be fitted into the second arm (30) only in the axial direction.

3. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The first arm and the second arm (28, 30) are spaced apart from each other with a receiving gap (32) for receiving the component (38), wherein the receiving gap (32) has a main region (32a) and an end region (32b), the main region (32a) having a first maximum diameter, and the end region (32b) facing the connecting part (34) and having a second maximum diameter, the second maximum diameter being larger than the first maximum diameter.

4. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 3. Its features are, The main region (32a) of the receiving gap (32) extends in a plane oriented transverse to the axial direction.

5. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 4. Its features are, The plane is oriented perpendicular to the axial direction.

6. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The accommodating gap (32) has a T-shaped or L-shaped shape when viewed in a longitudinal section.

7. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The second arm (30) completely surrounds the nut (22) in a plane oriented perpendicular to the axis.

8. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The nut (22) in the second arm (30) is guided such that the nut (22) can move in only one direction in a plane perpendicular to the axial extension.

9. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The retainer (26) is made of synthetic material.

10. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The retainer (26) is a single piece.

11. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The connecting part (34) is composed of two separate sub-connecting parts (34a, 34b).

12. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 11. Its features are, The sub-connecting parts (34a, 34b) are movable relative to each other in the axial direction.

13. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 12 Its features are, The sub-connecting parts (34a, 34b) are unidirectionally movable relative to each other in the axial direction.

14. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13. Its features are, The sub-connecting parts (34a, 34b) are in contact with each other via a serrated clamping member (50).

15. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 3. Its features are, The at least one fastener is disposed in the end region (32b) of the receiving gap (32).

16. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 3. Its features are, The fastener is disposed in the entry region of the receiving gap (32) and / or the fastener is disposed in the end region (32b) of the receiving gap (32).

17. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The fastener includes snap-fit ​​wedges (62, 63) configured to engage in a slot (60) provided in the component (38) and / or cooperate with an insert (66) mounted on the component (38).

18. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The connecting part (34) has a fastener formed by two spaced-apart connecting strips (52), the fastener being configured to receive a snap anchor (64) of the component (38) and to be secured by snapping.

19. The tolerance compensation device (10) according to claim 18. Its features are, The two spaced-apart connecting strips (52) define a window (54) of the connecting portion (34), the window (54) serving as a bayonet for the snap anchor (64).

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