Tolerance compensation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a tolerance compensation device (1) for fixing a first component (A) to a second component (B) by automatically compensating for a distance tolerance between the first component (A) and the second component (B), comprising the following features: a basic unit (3) having a cage element (10), a basic element (30) and a nut (40) arranged in the cage element (10) in a rotationally fixed and floating manner adjacent to a first axial end (32) of the basic element (30); and an adjustment unit (5) comprising a threaded sleeve (50) with an external thread and a traction element (70) arranged in the threaded sleeve and having a spring arm (72) protruding radially inwards, the external thread of the threaded sleeve (50) being in contact with the nut ( The internal thread of the basic element (30) forms a first thread pair in a first thread direction, and the adjusting unit (5) includes an axial extension (76) opposite to the first thread direction, which forms a screw-out protection for the adjusting unit (5) with the basic unit (3), and at the same time, the fixing screw (7) can be inserted through the opening of the basic unit (3) and the adjusting unit (5), and can be screwed into the internal thread (36) of the basic element (30) by means of a second thread pair in a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction, and can be connected to the adjusting unit (5) via a releasable traction connection structure via the traction element (70), so that when the fixing screw (7) is screwed in, the adjusting unit (5) rotates together, thereby moving to abut against the second component (B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tolerance compensating device for fastening a first component to a second component by automatically compensating for tolerances between the first and second components. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a first component coupled to the tolerance compensating device, the first component and the second component fastened to each other via the tolerance compensating device by means of screws, and a method for manufacturing the tolerance compensating device. Background Art

[0002] There are many known tolerance compensation devices. They usually consist of an adjusting bushing with a so-called traction portion, which forms a frictional connection with a set screw. Thus, when the set screw is turned, the adjusting bushing rotates with it until it abuts one of the two components. As a result, when the set screw is turned further, the frictional connection is overcome, and the torque increases accordingly. As a result, the two components can be secured together by the set screw via the adjusting bushing.

[0003] In this regard, DE 20 2012 102 440 U1 describes a tolerance compensating element having at least two supports that are threadedly engaged with one another, such that the axial dimension of the tolerance compensating element can be adjusted by relative rotation of the supports. At least one of the supports comprises a helical spring wound from a wire having a non-rectangular cross-section, forming the threads of the support. The tolerance compensating element is retained in a component having a threaded hole for engagement with a fixing screw by a claw structure.

[0004] DE 10 2012 110 352 A1 describes another tolerance compensating element. This tolerance compensating element comprises at least two supporting bodies, at least one of which includes a helically extending support surface via which the supporting bodies are supported against one another, allowing the axial dimension of the tolerance compensating element to be adjusted by relative rotation of the supporting bodies. At least one of the supporting bodies is a helical spring, and the supporting body supported thereon includes a web that engages between the turns of the helical spring. Here, too, the tolerance compensating element is secured in a component by means of a claw structure, wherein the component includes a threaded hole for engaging a fixing screw.

[0005] DE 10 2013 216 716 A1 describes another tolerance compensation device. Here, the tolerance compensation device includes a base element defining an axial direction, a compensation element movable relative to the base element to compensate for tolerances between the components to be connected, and a securing device that secures the compensation element relative to the base element to prevent movement. The securing device is releasable independently of the movement of the compensation element relative to the base element.

[0006] A disadvantage of these arrangements is that the traction portion is not arranged in a floating manner. Therefore, it is not possible to compensate for misalignment of the fixing screw when it is inserted into the adjustment element. Therefore, these tolerance compensation devices require high precision in use.

[0007] WO 2010 / 022841 A1 describes another fastening device with tolerance compensation. This device comprises a receiving element and an adjusting element, which is threadedly connected to the receiving element via a first pair of threads in a first thread direction. A set screw can be inserted through openings in the receiving element and the adjusting element. The set screw can be screwed into the receiving element via a second pair of threads in a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction, and the set screw can be connected to the adjusting element via a releasable traction connection. In this way, when the set screw is rotated, the adjusting element rotates with it and is thereby moved into abutment with the second component. The adjusting element includes a traction element that is rotatably fixed and floatingly arranged within the threaded element, thereby compensating for misalignment of the set screw during insertion into the adjusting element.

[0008] Another disadvantage of these known devices is that the adjustment unit can be unscrewed from the base unit during use. In this case, it is usually no longer possible to screw the adjustment unit into the base unit. Therefore, disassembly or non-destructive removal or disassembly of the device is no longer possible.

[0009] Various solutions are known in the prior art for addressing this problem and preventing the adjustment unit from being screwed out of the base unit. For example, EP 0 543 046 A1 describes a screw unit for bridging the distance between components in an adjustable and lockable manner. It comprises a screw bolt with a central hole, a nut that rotates on the bolt, and a locking device that secures the bolt in the set position. To enable the screw unit to cover a wider adjustment range, the screw unit is shown as a separate structural element, and the nut is constructed as a supporting sleeve with an internal thread. This internal thread has a locating surface arranged in a specific section, into which the screw bolt, also having a locating surface, can be screwed approximately flush.

[0010] A similar screw unit is described in EP 0 886 071 A1. Here, the support sleeve is provided with an inwardly projecting annular collar having an internal thread at its end facing the adjustment collar, while a stop member is provided as a rotation or unscrewing protection or locking structure at the free end of the screw bolt. To enable not only height adjustment but also movement transverse to the height direction, the support sleeve is movably fastened transversely to the longitudinal axis of the screw unit to a sliding support member, which is fixed opposite the spacer element.

[0011] A modularly designed support device is known from DE 10 2005 037 192 A1. The device for securing two components spaced apart from one another in a supporting manner comprises a base body with an inclined surface, which is inserted into a retaining ring with which the device is fastened to a first component. Furthermore, the device comprises a spacer body having a counter-inclined surface that rests against the inclined surface, and a spring element whose spring tongue can enter a frictional side surface that rests against a connecting screw that penetrates the device and connects the two components to one another, so that by rotating the connecting screw, the spacer body is displaced into a supporting position, wherein a stop ring, which is rotationally fixed to the spacer body, acts against the second component. The stop ring is held in the default position of the device by a transport lock to prevent rotation. The transport lock is formed by a locking cap assigned to the base body.

[0012] Another tolerance compensating device with screw-out protection is known from DE 10 2012 007 996 A1. This tolerance compensating device comprises a base element that can be fastened to a first component and a compensating element that is rotatably mounted in a threaded engagement with the base element and is movable in an axial extension direction by rotational movement relative to the base element. The threaded engagement also includes a locking device that is configured to prevent further rotational movement of the compensating element relative to the base element when the compensating element reaches a predetermined extended position relative to the base element.

[0013] According to EP 2 951 447 A1, a compensating nut is provided, which is formed by a combination of an upper part, one or more intermediate nuts, and a base clamp or nut. The upper part, one or more intermediate nuts, and the base clamp or nut are all provided with threads that allow them to be connected to each other and to be retracted or extended relative to each other in a single screwing operation. All threads are provided with stops that limit their relative displacement.

[0014] WO 2015 / 131218 A1 describes a device for connecting a structural element and a retaining element at a distance from one another by means of a connecting screw. The device comprises a distance compensating element having a longitudinal hole for the connection screw to pass through, and a traction element arranged in the longitudinal hole and connectable to the connection screw via a frictional engagement structure, such that by screwing the connection screw in, the distance compensating element can be moved into an abutting position that bridges the distance between the structural element and the retaining element. The distance compensating element is connected to an insert via a threaded connection structure, which has a fastening portion that can be arranged within the structural element for coupling to the structural element.

[0015] DE 10 2015 103 491 A1 describes a spacer nut. The spacer nut, used to connect spaced apart fastening portions of two components, comprises a threaded portion forming an internal thread for a screw and an intermediate piece forming the thread and a passage opening. The threaded portion and the intermediate piece are connectable or connected in such a way that a receiving space for the fastening portion of the first component is formed between them and the internal thread, and the passage opening is aligned in the intermediate piece. Furthermore, a threaded spacer is provided that can be screwed onto the thread of the intermediate piece, comprises a passage opening aligned with the internal thread, and a contact surface integrated with one end of the passage opening of the spacer, the contact surface being provided for abutting against the fastening portion of the second component. The spacer nut may include a thread locking device that prevents the spacer from being unscrewed from the intermediate piece from at least one locked position or at least requires an increased operating force (compared to a normal operating force). The locked position may be arranged at the end and / or the beginning of the unscrewing path of the spacer.

[0016] Finally, WO 2018 / 054785 A1 provides a tolerance compensating element for a device for connecting components using a connecting screw inserted through the tolerance compensating element. The tolerance compensating element includes an internally threaded portion and an externally threaded portion that are threadedly engaged with each other and together form a length-adjustable spacer, and a sleeve retained in the internally threaded portion, which retains a spring element in a position where it is in circumferential frictional contact with the inserted connecting screw. Furthermore, an annular rotation locking device is provided, which is rotatably supported at one end of the spacer and includes at least one arm protruding axially into the sleeve, the arm having an outwardly curved claw formed at its free end. A stop formed on the sleeve abuts against the claw when the maximum unscrewing path of the internally threaded component is reached.

[0017] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative design of a tolerance compensation device which is optimized with respect to the known prior art tolerance compensation devices, in particular with respect to the unscrew protection. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a tolerance compensating device for fixing a first component to a second component by automatically compensating for the tolerance of the distance between the first component and the second component, a first component combined with the tolerance compensating device, an assembly structure including the first and second components fastened to each other by a fixing screw via the tolerance compensating device, and a manufacturing method for the tolerance compensating device. Preferred embodiments and further developments are apparent from the following description, the drawings, and the dependent claims.

[0019] 14. The tolerance compensation device of the present invention is used for fixing the first component to the second component by automatically compensating the tolerance of the distance between the first component and the second component, comprising the following features: a basic unit comprising a cage element comprising a first passage opening on an inner side and a fastening structure on an outer side for fastening in the first component, a basic element which is arranged in the cage element with a first axial end and comprises an internal thread on an opposite second axial end, and a nut which is arranged in the cage element in a rotationally fixed and floating manner adjacent to the first axial end of the basic element, wherein the nut provides the internal thread; and an adjustment unit comprising a threaded sleeve having an external thread and a traction element arranged in the threaded sleeve, the traction element having at least one a spring arm protruding radially inwardly, wherein the external thread of the threaded sleeve and the internal thread of the nut form a first thread pair in a first thread direction; wherein the adjusting unit includes an axial extension portion opposite to the first thread direction, and the axial extension portion and the basic unit form a screw-out protection for the adjusting unit; at the same time, a fixing screw can be inserted through the opening of the basic unit and the adjusting unit, and the fixing screw can be screwed into the internal thread of the basic element by means of a second thread pair in a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction, and can be connected to the adjusting unit via the traction element through a releasable traction connection structure, so that when the fixing screw is screwed in, the adjusting unit rotates together and moves to abut against the second component.

[0020] The tolerance compensating device of the present invention is described below by way of its use. It is assumed that the tolerance compensating device of the present invention is already fixed in the first component. This fixing is achieved by means of a fastening structure of a retaining element. In simple terms, the retaining element serving as the fastening structure comprises two spring arms arranged opposite one another and two retaining structures arranged circumferentially displaced relative to the two spring arms, each retaining structure being formed by two protrusions. Here, a first protrusion of the retaining structure is arranged adjacent to a first end of the retaining element, and a corresponding second protrusion is axially spaced apart from the first protrusion so that the first component can be arranged in the gap formed therebetween. Furthermore, the first protrusion comprises a circumferential extension and a radially outward extension that is larger than the circumferential extension of the second protrusion.

[0021] A retainer element designed in this manner can, for example, be secured in a circular opening in a first component that includes two additional recesses or grooves arranged opposite one another. To this end, the retaining structure, in particular the second projection of the retaining structure, is aligned with the additional recesses or grooves, and the retainer element is inserted into the component in this state until the first projection abuts the first component. In this state, the spring arm partially engages in the opening of the first component. The retainer element is then rotated until the spring arm snaps into the additional recess or groove. In this state, when the first component is positioned between the first and second projections, the retaining structure provides protection against pullout or extraction, respectively. The spring arm in the additional groove of the opening provides protection against rotation.

[0022] Alternatively, the cage element may further comprise an outer structure with an external thread, by means of which the base element can be screwed into a corresponding circular opening of the first component.

[0023] The second component is arranged above the first component, with an opening in the second component preferably aligned with the opening in the first component. A set screw, preferably made of metal, passes through the opening in the second component to secure the second component and engages with the traction element of the adjustment unit. The set screw and the traction element, preferably made of plastic, form a releasable traction connection, so that when the set screw is turned, the adjustment unit is rotated together and thus moved into abutment with the second component for tolerance compensation purposes. When the set screw is turned further, the traction connection is overcome by a corresponding increase in torque, and the set screw engages with the internal thread of the base element, so that the two components can then be supported together via the adjustment unit by the set screw.

[0024] The cage element, preferably made of plastic, together with the base element, preferably made of metal, and the nut, form a so-called base unit. The base unit thus consists of three components. To secure the base element and the nut axially in the cage element, the cage element preferably includes a locking structure on its inner side. Thus, for example, the first axial end of the base element and the nut can be held between a step in the interior of the cage element and a locking structure, formed, for example, by one or more locking hooks.

[0025] The base element and the nut are preferably made of the same metal, such as steel. It is important that the base element and the nut are arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the cage element so that they do not rotate together when the threaded sleeve and the set screw are screwed in or out. To this end, the base element and the nut preferably include an outer contour that prevents rotation, which cooperates with a corresponding inner contour of the cage element to prevent the base element and the nut from rotating together. This outer contour that prevents rotation can be any angular or non-circular outer contour, but can also be any circular outer contour with a protrusion that engages in a recess in the cage element and thus prevents joint rotation.

[0026] The nut interacts with the threaded sleeve of the adjustment unit, which is also preferably made of metal, and thus forms a first thread pair with a first thread direction. For example, the internal thread of the nut and the external thread of the threaded sleeve are both left-handed or counterclockwise. The base element interacts with the fixing screw and thus forms a second thread pair with a second thread direction. In contrast to the first thread direction, which is defined by left-hand threads, the second thread direction is defined by right-handed or clockwise threads.

[0027] The advantage of the tolerance compensation device according to the invention is firstly that, compared to a purely plastic tolerance compensation device, a higher strength of the connection between the parts to be connected can be achieved. This is achieved in particular by the first and second thread pairs being made of metal, preferably steel.

[0028] Another advantage is that the nut is arranged in a floating manner in the cage element. This allows any misalignment of the fixing screw when it is inserted into the adjustment unit to be compensated. Since the nut is floating, the adjustment unit as a whole is arranged in a floating manner and is able to perform radial or lateral compensating movements relative to its longitudinal axis within the cage element.

[0029] Finally, the axial extension of the adjustment unit, which extends in the opposite direction of the first thread, i.e., in the direction of the second end of the base element, offers the advantage of securing the adjustment unit against unscrewing from the nut of the base unit by means of a rotational or unscrewing protection or lock. As will be explained later with reference to preferred embodiments, the axial extension is an integral part of the adjustment unit and is not formed by a separate component. Furthermore, the unscrewing protection of the adjustment unit is subjected to tensile loads in the loaded stop or end state, as will also be explained by the preferred embodiments. Thus, this configuration provides a particularly effective, integrated unscrewing protection, which is a cost-effective and advantageous alternative to known unscrewing protections.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the tolerance compensation device, the cage element includes two locking hooks, which are arranged opposite each other radially inwardly of the passage opening, so that the first axial end of the base element and the nut are arranged in a captive or loss-proof manner in the axial direction between the locking hooks and a step in the interior of the cage element. As described above, this is one possibility for designing a locking structure in the interior of the cage element and arranging the base element and the nut therein in a loss-proof manner.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the tolerance compensation device, the pulling element includes an axial extension, such that the pulling element is arranged with its first axial end adjacent to the first axial end of the threaded sleeve. The axial extension preferably comprises, at least in part, a projection that projects radially outward beyond the core diameter of the threaded sleeve's external thread. In other words, the axial extension formed on the pulling element projects from the threaded sleeve in the direction of insertion of the set screw or in the direction of the second axial end of the base element. Because the radially outward projection of the axial extension extends not only beyond the inner diameter of the threaded sleeve but also beyond the core diameter of the threaded sleeve's external thread, in the final position, the projection abuts, for example, against the internal thread of a nut. This makes the projection particularly effective in preventing the threaded sleeve from being unscrewed from the nut.

[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the tolerance compensation device, the pulling element includes two axial extensions, each comprising a projection that protrudes radially outward beyond the core diameter of the outer thread of the threaded sleeve. The axial extensions are preferably arranged circumferentially offset from the two spring arms. In other words, the pulling element preferably includes the same number of axial extensions as spring arms. The spring arms and axial extensions are advantageously arranged circumferentially alternatingly. This design allows the pulling element to be particularly effectively adapted to the desired connection.

[0033] Advantageously, the adjustment unit further comprises a washer adjacent to the second axial end of the threaded sleeve, wherein the traction element is retained in and / or on the threaded sleeve by means of a press fit, an interference fit, and / or a form fit. Preferably, the washer is made of metal, for example the same metal as the threaded sleeve, in particular steel. For arrangements of traction elements in threaded sleeves by means of a press fit or an interference fit, see application DE 10 2007 037 242 A1. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that an interference fit or a press fit is a friction fit, and therefore a friction connection.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second axial end of the traction element is arranged flush with the first side of the washer. A second side of the washer, opposite the first side, abuts the threaded sleeve. This design ensures that, in the installed state, the washer or the adjacent washer abuts the second component, thereby achieving improved force transmission.

[0035] Advantageously, the traction element comprises at least one radial projection adjacent to the second axial end, preferably two radial projections arranged opposite one another, wherein the at least one radial projection cooperates or interacts with a recess of the washer. In addition to ensuring a correctly positioned assembly of the traction element in the washer and thus in the adjustment unit, a rotation protection of the traction element in the washer is achieved in this way.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the tolerance compensating device, as described above, the base element, nut, threaded sleeve, and washer are made of metal, while the cage element and the traction element are preferably made of plastic. This ensures a high degree of stability due to the metal elements, while the plastic elements ensure an economically producible tolerance compensating device.

[0037] The first component according to the present invention comprises a tolerance compensating device according to the present invention, wherein the tolerance compensating device is fixed in the first component via a fastening structure of a cage element. For this purpose, the cage element of the tolerance compensating device according to the present invention comprises two spring arms arranged opposite one another and two retaining structures circumferentially displaced therefrom, each formed by two projections. In an alternative embodiment, the cage element, and thus the tolerance compensating device, can be fixed in the opening of the first component by means of threads. According to another alternative, any type of locking structure, such as is known from the prior art, can be used as the fastening structure. The first component in combination with the tolerance compensating device thus comprises the advantages of the tolerance compensating device described above, and reference is therefore made to the corresponding description.

[0038] According to the present invention, the first and second components are fastened to one another via the aforementioned embodiments of the tolerance compensation device according to the present invention and via a fixing screw. The fixing screw is preferably made of metal, in particular steel. In this way, the second thread pair of the second thread direction also constitutes a metal-to-metal connection. The components fastened to one another also benefit from the aforementioned advantages of the tolerance compensation device according to the present invention, and reference is therefore made to the corresponding explanations herein.

[0039] The manufacturing method according to the invention for the tolerance compensating device according to the invention comprises the following steps: providing a basic unit comprising a cage element, a basic element, and a nut; providing an adjustment unit comprising a threaded sleeve with an external thread and a pulling element with at least one radially inwardly projecting spring arm; screwing the threaded sleeve into the nut, wherein the external thread of the threaded sleeve and the internal thread of the nut form a first thread pair in a first thread direction, wherein the adjustment unit comprises an axial extension opposite to the first thread direction, which together with the basic unit forms a screw-out protection for the adjustment unit. The tolerance compensating device manufactured according to the invention achieves the aforementioned advantages, and reference is again made to the corresponding description.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the step of providing the basic unit comprises bending a locking hook upwards inside the retaining element; and inserting the basic element and the nut into the retaining element such that the basic element is arranged in the retaining element with a first axial end and the nut is arranged in the retaining element adjacent to the first axial end of the basic element in a rotationally fixed and floating manner, wherein after the insertion of the basic element and the nut, the locking hook provides a loss protection for the basic element and the nut in the axial direction. In this way, the basic element and the nut are captively or captively arranged in the retaining element.

[0041] Further preferably, the method includes the steps of: providing a washer adjacent to the first axial end of the threaded sleeve; and inserting the pulling element into the threaded sleeve and the washer, wherein the pulling element includes the axial extension such that the pulling element is arranged with its first axial end adjacent to the first axial end of the threaded sleeve. In this case, the axial extension preferably comprises a protrusion that at least partially protrudes radially outward beyond the core diameter of the threaded sleeve's external thread. In other words, the axial extension formed on the pulling element protrudes from the threaded sleeve in the direction of insertion of the set screw. Because the radially outward protrusion on the axial extension extends not only beyond the inner diameter of the threaded sleeve's external thread but also beyond the core diameter of the threaded sleeve's external thread, the protrusion abuts against the internal thread of the nut, for example, when in a loaded or locked state. Thus, the protrusion is particularly effective in preventing the threaded sleeve from being unscrewed from the nut.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method, the traction element is held in and / or on the threaded sleeve by means of a press fit or an interference fit and / or by means of a form fit. With regard to the arrangement of the traction element in the threaded sleeve by means of an interference fit, reference is again made to the application DE 10 2007 037 242 A1.

[0043] Finally, regarding the manufacturing method, the base element, nut, threaded sleeve, and washer are preferably made of metal, while the retaining element and the pulling element are preferably made of plastic. On the one hand, this material combination allows for a particularly stable metal-on-metal thread pair, especially when the fixing screw is also made of metal. On the other hand, the use of plastic elements allows the tolerance compensation device to be produced economically. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Hereinafter, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings represent the same components and / or elements.

[0045] Figure 1is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tolerance compensation device of the present invention,

[0046] Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention,

[0047] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the present invention,

[0048] Figure 4 is based on Figure 1 A top view of a cage element of an embodiment,

[0049] Figure 5 is based on Figure 1 An exploded view of the basic unit of an embodiment,

[0050] Figure 6 is based on Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the basic unit,

[0051] Figure 7 is based on Figure 1 The adjustment unit of the embodiment is combined with Figure 6 An exploded view of the basic unit,

[0052] Figure 8 Is inserted according to Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the adjustment unit in the basic unit,

[0053] Figure 9 is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a tolerance compensation device for a traction element,

[0054] Figure 10 is based on Figure 9 Bottom view of the traction element,

[0055] Figure 11 is based on Figure 10 An enlarged view of a portion of the pulling element,

[0056] Figure 12 is based on Figure 9 Side view of the traction element,

[0057] Figure 13 is based on Figure 9 Top view of the traction element,

[0058] Figure 14 is based on Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a traction element,

[0059] Figure 15 is a top view of the opening in the first component,

[0060] Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a tolerance compensation device in an installed state,

[0061] Figure 17 is based on Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the unscrew protection structure in an embodiment of the present invention,

[0062] Figure 18 is based on Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the unscrewing protection structure, and

[0063] Figure 19 A schematic method sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method for producing a tolerance compensation device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the tolerance compensation device 1 according to the present invention is described in detail. The tolerance compensation device 1 is a device for fastening a first component A to a second component B (using automatic compensation of the tolerance of the distance between the first component A and the second component B).

[0065] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The tolerance compensation device 1 comprises a basic unit 3 and an adjustment unit 5. The basic unit 3 is formed by a cage element 10, a basic element 30, and a nut 40. Thus, the basic unit 3 comprises three separate components. The adjustment unit 5 comprises a threaded sleeve 50, a support washer or washer 60, and a traction element 70. Thus, the adjustment unit 5 also comprises three separate components.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the cage element 10 and the traction element 70 are made of plastic and are manufactured, for example, by injection molding. The remaining components (base element 30, nut 40, threaded sleeve 50, and washer 60) are made of metal. Other materials are also possible, depending on the desired field of application and the nature of the tolerance compensation device 1 to be realized.

[0067] The tolerance compensation device 1 is fixed in the first component A by means of a fastening structure provided on the outer side of the cage element 10. In particular, Figure 1 and Figure 2The cage element 10 shown as a fastening structure includes two retaining structures, each formed by a first protrusion 12 and a second protrusion 14. Furthermore, two spring arms 16 are provided, arranged opposite one another and circumferentially displaced relative to the first and second protrusions 12, 14. The first protrusion 12 of the retaining structure is arranged adjacent to a first end of the cage element 10, while the second protrusion 14 is spaced axially from the first protrusion such that the first component A is arranged in the gap formed between the first and second protrusions. The first protrusion 12 includes a circumferential extension and a radially outward extension that is greater than the corresponding extension of the second protrusion 14.

[0068] The cage element 10 designed in this way can be fixed, for example, in a circular opening 90 in the first component A, which opening comprises two additional recesses or grooves 92 arranged opposite each other. Figure 15 , a corresponding opening 90 in the first component A is shown. For fixing, the second projection 14 is aligned with the additional recess or groove 92 and the cage element 10 is inserted into the first component A in this state until the first projection 12 abuts against the first component A. In this state, the spring arm 16 partially engages in the opening 90 in the first component A.

[0069] The cage element 10 is now rotated until the spring arms 16 engage in the additional recesses or grooves 92. In this state, since the first component A is arranged between the first projection 12 and the second projection 14, a pull-out or pull-out protection in the axial direction is provided by the first projection 12 and the second projection 14, respectively. The spring arms 16 in the additional grooves 92 of the opening 90 provide a rotational protection.

[0070] refer to Figures 4 to 8 , the structure of the tolerance compensation device 1 is explained using the assembly of various components. Figure 4 The top view of the cage element 10 is shown. It can be seen here that the cage element 10 comprises a recess 18. This recess ensures correct assembly, so that the cage element 10 and subsequently the tolerance compensation device 1 can be produced automatically.

[0071] The cage element 10 internally includes a passage opening and two locking hooks 20 arranged opposite each other. The locking hooks 20 are used to fasten the first axial end 32 of the base element 30 and the nut 40. This is because the locking hooks 20 can be used to fix the first axial end 32 of the base element 30 and the nut 40 between the locking hooks 20 and a step formed in the axial direction inside the cage element 10, or to limit their freedom of movement.

[0072] In order to allow the base element 30 to be further fixed in the cage element 10, the cage element 10 comprises a limiting or boundary structure 22. In the example shown, this is formed by two protrusions protruding radially inwards. Figure 7 The function becomes especially clear.

[0073] Furthermore, the cage element 10 comprises a stop 24 and a transport protection structure 26 which, in its initial state, interacts with a cam or projection 64 of the washer 60 of the adjustment unit 5. This will be described later with reference to Figure 7 It will also become clear.

[0074] Now refer to Figure 5 , inserting the base element 30 and the nut 40 into the cage element 10 is performed. For this purpose, the locking hook 20 is first bent open. Then, the base element 30 is first inserted into the cage element 10, with the second axial end 34 at the front. Figure 6 As shown, the second axial end 34 of the base element 30 comprises a bevel on the outside to facilitate said insertion. Inside the base element 30, the second axial end 34 has an internal thread 36 which engages when used with the fixing screw 7.

[0075] After insertion, the first axial end 32 of the base element 30 abuts against a step formed in the cage element 10. It is important that the base element 30 is arranged rotationally fixed in the cage element 10, so that it does not rotate when the fixing screw 7 is screwed in or out. To this end, the base element 30 has a hexagonal outer contour as a rotation-preventing outer contour. Thus, in combination with the boundary structure 22 in the cage element 10 and the locking hook 20, rotation of the base element 30 is prevented.

[0076] Nut 40 is arranged adjacent to first axial end 32 of base element 30. In this example, nut 40 also includes a hexagonal outer contour. Therefore, the above-mentioned statements regarding the prevention of rotation of base element 30 also apply analogously to nut 40. It should be noted that, in particular, nut 40 is disposed in a non-rotating yet simultaneously floating manner within retaining element 10, particularly by means of locking hook 20. This allows for compensation of misalignment of retaining screw 7 when it is inserted into adjusting unit 5. Because nut 40 is floatingly supported, adjusting unit 5 as a whole is arranged in a floating manner and is capable of radial or lateral compensatory movements relative to its longitudinal axis within retaining element 10.

[0077] The assembled basic unit 3 is Figure 6 Shown in cross-sectional view.

[0078] Now refer to Figure 7The adjustment unit 5, comprising the threaded sleeve 50, the washer 60, and the pulling element 70, is now inserted into the base unit 3, comprising the cage element 10, the base element 30, and the nut 40. To this end, the threaded sleeve 50 is first screwed forward with its first axial end 52 into the nut 40, preferably until a defined protrusion is formed at the second axial end 54 of the threaded sleeve 50. The internal thread of the nut 40 and the external thread of the threaded sleeve 50 thus form a first thread pair of a first thread direction. For example, both the internal thread of the nut 40 and the external thread of the threaded sleeve 50 are left-hand threads.

[0079] To simplify assembly, the threaded sleeve 50 includes chamfers on both its first axial end 52 and second axial end 54. This is because the configuration of the first axial end 52 and the second axial end 54 is only clear when the threaded sleeve 50 is screwed into the nut 40.

[0080] Subsequently, a washer 60 is placed on the second axial end 54 of the threaded sleeve 50. The washer 60 is aligned in such a way that the cam or projection 64 is arranged between the stop 24 of the cage element 10 and the transport securing structure 26. In this case, the recess 18 in the cage element 10 can be used for orientation, for example.

[0081] In the final step, the pulling element 70 is inserted into the threaded sleeve 50. However, before explaining this step, first the Figures 9 to 14 The structure of the pulling element 70 will be described.

[0082] The traction element 70 comprises two spring arms 72 arranged opposite each other in a known manner. When in use, a friction traction connection with the fixing screw 7 is achieved via the spring arms 72, wherein the fixing screw 7 accordingly presses the spring arms 72 radially outwards.

[0083] In contrast to previously known traction elements, the traction element 70 according to the illustrated embodiment comprises two axial extensions 76 at the first axial end 74. Thus, the axial extensions 76 extend in the direction opposite to the first thread direction or, in other words, in the direction of the second axial end 34 of the base element 30 relative to the subsequent tolerance compensating device 1.

[0084] At the first axial end 74, both axial extensions 76 include a radially outwardly projecting protrusion 78. The dimensions of the axial extensions 76 and protrusions 78 are determined by the desired functionality. The length of the axial extensions 76 must be sufficient to allow the first axial end 74 of the pulling element 70 to protrude beyond the first axial end 52 of the threaded sleeve 50 during use. The protrusions 78 formed at the first axial end 74 must extend radially outward far enough to prevent the threaded sleeve 50 from being unscrewed from the nut 40. Therefore, it is not sufficient for the protrusions 78 to simply extend outward beyond the inner diameter of the threaded sleeve 50. Instead, they must extend at least beyond the core diameter of the outer thread of the threaded sleeve 50. This provides unscrewing protection. This is achieved, for example, by the protrusions 78 cutting into the inner thread of the nut 40 in the final state and being clamped there.

[0085] Furthermore, the traction element 70 comprises, adjacent to the second axial end 80, two radial projections 82, which are arranged opposite one another and interact with the two recesses 62 of the washer 60. In addition to the positionally correct assembly of the traction element 70 in the washer 60 and thus in the adjustment unit 5, a rotational protection of the traction element 70 in the washer 60 is thereby achieved.

[0086] Now, refer again Figure 7 To insert the traction element 70, the axial projections 76 are first pressed together. With the first axial end 74 facing forward, the traction element 70 is then inserted into the threaded sleeve 50 from the second axial end 54. In the assembled state, the projection 82 at the second axial end 80 of the traction element 70 is arranged in the recess 62 of the washer 60, and the second axial end 80 of the traction element 70 is flush with the washer 60. Furthermore, the projection 78 at the first axial end 74 of the traction element 70 is located outside the threaded sleeve 50, adjacent to the first axial end 52 of the threaded sleeve 50. The traction element 70 is retained in the threaded sleeve 50 by both an interference fit and a form fit. For information on the arrangement of the traction element 70 using an interference fit in the threaded sleeve 50, see application DE 10 2007 037 242 A1. It should be noted that due to the design of the projection 78 and the second axial end 80, a form fit exists not only in the radial direction but also in the axial direction.

[0087] For the sake of completeness, Figure 8 A cross-section of the tolerance compensation device 1 formed in this way is shown.

[0088] Now, reference Figure 16The tolerance compensating device 1 is now shown in its mounted state. As described above, the cage element 10 and therefore the tolerance compensating device 1 have been fastened in the opening 90 in the first component A. The spring arms 16 are thus engaged with the grooves 92 and the first component A is arranged between the first and second projections 12 and 14 .

[0089] The second component B is arranged above the first component A, wherein the opening in the second component is preferably aligned with the opening 90 in the first component A, and the fixing screw 7, preferably made of metal, is passed through the opening in the second component B to fasten the second component B and engage with the pulling element 70 of the adjustment unit 5.

[0090] Due to the spring arms 72, the fixing screw 7 forms a releasable traction connection with the traction element 70, so that when the fixing screw 7 is rotated, the adjustment unit 5 is rotated together, and the adjustment unit 5 is moved into abutment with the second component B for tolerance compensation. When the fixing screw 7 is rotated further and the traction connection is thus overcome with a corresponding increase in torque, the fixing screw engages with the internal thread 36 of the base element 30, so that the two components can then be supported together by the fixing screw 7 via the adjustment unit 5. For the sake of completeness, it should be pointed out that in the example shown, a spacing washer 9 is provided between the head of the fixing screw 7 and the second component B.

[0091] Based on the above explanation, base element 30 thus interacts with fixing screw 7 and thereby forms a second thread pair with a second thread direction. In contrast to the first thread direction defined by the left-hand thread, the second thread direction is then defined by the right-hand thread. Because both the first and second thread pairs are made of metal due to the preferred choice of material explained at the outset, a higher strength of the connection between the components A and B to be connected can be achieved compared to a purely plastic tolerance compensation device.

[0092] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 , a portion of the tolerance compensating device 1 is shown at the nut 40 to illustrate the function of the unscrewing protection provided by the projection 78 on the pulling element 70. Here, the first axial end 52 of the threaded sleeve 50 is already engaged with the nut 40. The projection 78 at the first axial end 74 of the pulling element 70 prevents the threaded sleeve 50 from being screwed further out of the nut 40. Because the projection 78 extends radially outward beyond the core diameter of the external thread of the threaded sleeve 50, it provides, for example, a clamping surface that cuts into the internal thread of the nut 40 and is securely clamped there. This prevents the adjusting unit 5 from being screwed further out of the base unit 3.

[0093] Finally and reference Figure 19, an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a tolerance compensating device 1 is explained. In a first step A, a basic unit 3 consisting of a cage element 10, a base element 30, and a nut 40 is provided. The step of providing the basic unit includes bending open the locking hooks 20 inside the cage element 10 in step D and inserting the base element 30 and the nut 40 into the cage element 10 in step E. The insertion is performed in such a way that the base element 30 is arranged in the cage element 10 by its first axial end 32, and the nut 40 is arranged in the cage element 10 adjacent to the first axial end 32 of the base element 30 in a rotationally fixed and floating manner. As described above, after the base element 30 and the nut 40 have been inserted, the locking hooks 20 provide loss protection for the base element 30 and the nut 40 in the axial direction.

[0094] In step B, an adjustment unit 5 is provided, which comprises a threaded sleeve 50 with an external thread and a pulling element 70 with radially inwardly protruding spring arms 72 .

[0095] In step C, the threaded sleeve 50 is screwed into the nut 40 , wherein the external thread of the threaded sleeve 50 and the internal thread of the nut 40 form a first thread pair in a first thread direction.

[0096] In step F, the washer 60 is positioned adjacent to the second axial end 54 of the threaded sleeve 50. In step G, a pulling element 70 is inserted into the threaded sleeve 50 and the washer 60, wherein the pulling element 70 includes an axial extension 76 such that the pulling element 70 is arranged with its first axial end 74 adjacent to the first axial end 52 of the threaded sleeve 50. The axial extension 76, together with the base unit 3, forms a screw-out protection for the adjustment unit 5. Preferably, the pulling element 70 is retained in and / or on the threaded sleeve 50 by an interference fit and / or by a form fit. With regard to the arrangement of the pulling element 70 by means of an interference fit in the threaded sleeve 50, reference is again made to the application DE 10 2007 037 242 A1.

[0097] Reference Signs List

[0098] 1 Tolerance compensation device

[0099] 3 Basic Units

[0100] 5 Adjustment unit

[0101] 7 fixing screws

[0102] 9 washers

[0103] 10 Cage elements

[0104] 12 First protrusion

[0105] 14 Second protrusion

[0106] 16 Spring Arm

[0107] 18 concavity

[0108] 20 Lock hook

[0109] 22 Boundary Structure

[0110] 24 stopper

[0111] 26 Transport protective structure

[0112] 30 basic components

[0113] 32 First axial end

[0114] 34 Second axial end

[0115] 36 internal thread

[0116] 40 Nut

[0117] 50 threaded sleeve

[0118] 52 First axial end

[0119] 54 Second axial end

[0120] 60 washers

[0121] 62 recess

[0122] 64 bulge

[0123] 70 traction elements

[0124] 72 Spring Arm

[0125] 74 first axial end

[0126] 76 axial extension

[0127] 78 protrusion on axial extension

[0128] 80 Second axial end

[0129] 82 protrusion on the second axial end

[0130] 90 opening

[0131] 92 grooves

[0132] A. First part

[0133] B. Second part

Claims

1. A tolerance compensation device (1) for fixing a first component (A) to a second component (B) by automatically compensating for a tolerance of a distance between the first component (A) and the second component (B), comprising the following features: a. Basic unit (3), including a1. a cage element (10) comprising a first passage opening on the inner side and a fastening structure on the outer side for fastening in the first component (A), a2. a base element (30) having a first axial end (32) arranged in the cage element (10) and comprising an internal thread (36) on an opposite second axial end (34), and a3. a nut (40) arranged rotationally fixedly and in a floating manner in the cage element (10) adjacent to the first axial end (32) of the base element (30), wherein the nut (40) provides an internal thread, and b. An adjustment unit (5), comprising a threaded sleeve (50) having an external thread and a pulling element (70) arranged in the threaded sleeve, the pulling element having at least one radially inwardly projecting spring arm (72), wherein the external thread of the threaded sleeve (50) and the internal thread of the nut (40) form a first thread pair of a first thread direction, wherein c. The adjustment unit (5) includes an axial extension portion (76) opposite to the first thread direction, and the axial extension portion and the basic unit (3) form a screw-out protection for the adjustment unit (5), and at the same time d. A fixing screw (7) can be inserted through the openings of the basic unit (3) and the adjustment unit (5), and the fixing screw (7) can be screwed into the internal thread (36) of the basic element (30) by means of a second thread pair with a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction, and can be connected to the adjustment unit (5) via the traction element (70) by a releasable traction connection structure, so that when the fixing screw (7) is screwed in, the adjustment unit (5) rotates together and moves into contact with the second part (B).

2. The tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cage element (10) comprises two locking hooks (20) arranged opposite each other radially inwardly adjacent to the passage opening, so that the first axial end (32) of the base element (30) and the nut (40) are arranged in a damage-proof manner in the axial direction between the locking hooks (20) and a step in the interior of the cage element (10).

3. The tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The pulling element (70) includes the axial extension (76) such that the pulling element (70) is arranged with a first axial end (74) adjacent to the first axial end (52) of the threaded sleeve (50).

4. The tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The axial extension (76) at least partially comprises a protrusion (78) which projects radially outward beyond a core diameter of the external thread of the threaded sleeve (50).

5. The tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The pulling element (70) comprises two axial extensions (76), each of which comprises a protrusion (78) projecting radially outwards beyond the core diameter of the external thread of the threaded sleeve (50).

6. The tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The adjustment unit (5) further comprises a washer (60) adjacent to the second axial end (54) of the threaded sleeve (50), wherein the pulling element (70) is retained in and / or at the threaded sleeve (50) by means of an interference fit and / or a form fit.

7. The tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The second axial end (80) of the pulling element (70) is arranged flush with the first side of the washer (60).

8. The tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The traction element (70) includes at least one radial protrusion (82) adjacent to its second axial end (80), wherein the at least one radial protrusion (82) interacts with the recess (62) of the washer (60).

9. The tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that The adjustment unit (5) further comprises a washer (60) adjacent to the second axial end (54) of the threaded sleeve (50), the base element (30), the nut (40), the threaded sleeve (50) and the washer (60) being made of metal.

10. A first component (A) in combination with a tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The tolerance compensation device (1) is fastened in the first component (A) by means of a fastening structure of the cage element (10).

11. An assembly structure comprising a first component (A) and a second component (B), the first component (A) and the second component (B) being fastened to each other by a tolerance compensation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and by fixing screws (7).

12. A method for producing a tolerance compensating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: a. Providing (A) a basic unit (3), the basic unit (3) comprising a retaining member (10), a base member (30) and a nut (40), b. providing (B) an adjustment unit (5), said adjustment unit (5) comprising a threaded sleeve (50) having an external thread and a pulling element (70) having at least one radially inwardly protruding spring arm (72), and then c. Screwing the threaded sleeve (50) into the nut (40), wherein the external thread of the threaded sleeve (50) and the internal thread of the nut (40) form a first thread pair in a first thread direction, wherein the adjustment unit (5) includes an axial extension (76) opposite to the first thread direction, and the axial extension together with the basic unit (3) form a screw-out protection for the adjustment unit (5).

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The steps of providing the basic unit (3) include: d. bending (D) the locking hook (20) upwards inside the retaining element (10), e. Inserting (E) the basic element (30) and the nut (40) into the cage element (10) such that the basic element (30) is arranged in the cage element (10) with a first axial end (32) and the nut (40) is arranged in the cage element (10) adjacent to the first axial end (32) of the basic element (30) in a rotationally fixed and floating manner, wherein, after the insertion of the basic element (30) and the nut (40), the locking hook (20) provides loss protection for the basic element (30) and the nut (40) in the axial direction.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising the further step of: f. providing (F) a washer (60) adjacent to the first axial end (52) of the threaded sleeve (50), g. Inserting (G) the pulling element (70) into the threaded sleeve (50) and the washer (60), wherein the pulling element (70) includes the axial extension (76) such that the pulling element (70) is arranged with its first axial end (74) adjacent to the first axial end (52) of the threaded sleeve (50).

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The adjustment unit (5) further comprises a washer (60) adjacent to the second axial end (54) of the threaded sleeve (50), the base element (30), the nut (40), the threaded sleeve (50) and the washer (60) being made of metal.

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