Device for compensating for tolerances

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1 ''') for compensating tolerances between a first component (2) and a second component (6), wherein the second component (6) is connected, in particular screwed, to the first component (2) by means of a connecting screw (4), in particular a connecting screw (4) or a threaded screw. The device (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1 ''') comprises at least:-a base element (8),-a compensation element (10) which is in tolerance-compensating engagement with the base element (8), and-a positioning element (12) for positioning the connecting bolt (4) in the compensation element (10), the positioning element (12) being mounted in a through-hole (10.2) of the compensation element (10) with or without a clearance (100) of at least one degree of freedom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for compensating tolerances between a first component and a second component screwed thereto by means of a connecting screw. Background Art

[0002] In known tolerance compensating devices of this type, the base element and the compensating element are formed by threaded sleeves, in particular metal threaded sleeves, which mesh with a left-hand thread. A spring element is provided in the compensating element, which produces a friction connection between a connecting screw with a right-hand thread that passes through the tolerance compensating device and the compensating element, so that when the connecting screw is tightened, a torque is exerted on the compensating element, so that the compensating element is screwed out of the base element counter to the insertion direction of the connecting screw. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a tolerance compensation device which is easy to install.

[0004] The solution of the invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is a device having the features of claim 1 .

[0005] The device according to the invention for compensating tolerances between a first component and a second component, wherein the second component is connected, in particular screwed, to the first component via a connecting bolt, in particular a connecting screw or a threaded bolt, comprises at least a base element, a compensation element engaging with the base element for tolerance compensation, and a positioning element for positioning the connecting bolt in the compensation element, wherein the positioning element is mounted in a through hole, in particular an axial through hole, of the compensation element with at least one degree of freedom of play. Furthermore, the connecting bolt, in particular the connecting screw or the threaded bolt, can be pre-positioned and removably fixed to the positioning element, in particular in the delivery state of the device.

[0006] In particular, the connecting bolt can be designed as a connecting screw or a threaded bolt. The connecting bolt will be referred to as a connecting screw hereinafter.

[0007] The advantages of the invention are mainly that the positioning element for positioning the connecting screw on the compensation element allows simple and rapid assembly of the device, in particular so-called blind assembly. The positioning element also fixes the connecting screw and prevents tilting.

[0008] The positioning element is designed and arranged in the compensation element in such a way that, in the delivery state, the connecting screw is already pre-installed and fixed in the uppermost central position. In particular, the positioning element can be designed and fixed in the compensation element in such a way that the connecting screw can be removably fixed in such a way that it can be axially and / or radially moved relative to the compensation element. In particular, the positioning element can be designed and fixed in the compensation element in such a way that the connecting screw can be removably fixed in such a way that it cannot tilt relative to the compensation element.

[0009] The positioning element can be designed as a sleeve (in particular a plastic sleeve) with an entry flare for inserting a tool for inserting the connecting screw head. The screw head can be fixed in the center of the positioning element and can be removable. During assembly, by applying an axial force to the screw head, the connecting screw can be moved in the direction of the second component until it engages with it, and the two components and the positioning element are clamped and connected to each other.

[0010] In the delivery state of the device and before installation, the connecting screw can be fixedly fastened to the positioning element, in particular by means of a form fit and / or a force fit, in particular by means of a friction fit.

[0011] In another embodiment, the positioning element can be designed to fix the connecting screw at the center of the through hole. In particular, the connecting screw can be indirectly fixed at the center of the through hole of the compensation element through the positioning element.

[0012] Furthermore, the positioning element can also be designed and arranged in the compensation element in such a way that the connecting screw is fixedly fixed in a predetermined position before assembly. Preferably, the positioning element can be designed and arranged in the compensation element in such a way that the connecting screw is fixedly fixed in a predetermined axial position before assembly. In particular, the connecting screw can be fixed in a predetermined highest axial position. For example, the connecting screw can be fixed in a predetermined highest axial position by the positioning element in such a way that the connecting screw and the compensation element are flush with each other in the upper plane or the connecting screw is located in the through hole. In other words: the connecting screw does not protrude from the through hole.

[0013] In addition, the positioning element can also be designed so that the connecting screw is fixed on the positioning element in a non-tilting manner. Like this, two parts can be blindly mounted simply and safely by means of the non-tilting connecting screw.

[0014] For example, the positioning element may comprise a plurality of elastic elements, such as clamping elements, radial compensation spring elements, propeller arms etc., which are arranged to radially compensate for tolerances between the connecting screw and the compensation element.

[0015] In particular, the positioning element can have a base body from which the elastic element protrudes radially outwards at an acute angle. For example, the base body of the positioning element can have an internal receiving channel for the connecting screw. In particular, the internal dimensions of the receiving channel are smaller than the external dimensions of the connecting screw so that the connecting screw is fixed in the receiving channel when it is inserted.

[0016] Furthermore, the base body may also have a plurality of flexible wall segments distributed in the circumferential direction, which form the inner wall of the internal receiving channel. The flexible wall segments may form a clamping portion. In particular, the clamping portion is designed to form a friction connection between the connecting screw and the compensation element when the two components are connected, so that when the connecting screw is tightened (e.g. rotated), a torque is applied to the compensation element (in particular the axial compensation element), so that the compensation element is screwed out axially from the first component counter to the insertion direction of the connecting screw, thereby compensating for axial tolerances. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view schematically shows a tolerance compensation device with a connecting screw positioning element,

[0019] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the device shown before assembly and with one of the components aligned,

[0020] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 A sectional view of the device shown in the assembled state,

[0021] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view schematically shows an alternative arrangement,

[0022] Figure 5 A partial perspective view schematically shows another alternative arrangement,

[0023] Figure 6 A further alternative arrangement with a centrally mounted positioning element is schematically shown in cross section,

[0024] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view schematically shows another alternative arrangement with a radially deflectable positioning element, and

[0025] Figure 8 A further alternative arrangement with an inclined positioning element is schematically shown in cross-section.

[0026] Reference numerals list

[0027] 1,1',1”,1”' Device for compensating tolerances

[0028] 2 First part

[0029] 4 Connecting bolts / screws

[0030] 4.1 Screw head

[0031] 6 Second Part

[0032] 6.1 Inner hole

[0033] 7 Nut element

[0034] 7.1 Nut threads

[0035] 8 Basic components

[0036] 8.1 Internal thread

[0037] 8.1.1 Pitch segment

[0038] 10,10' Compensation element

[0039] 10.1 External thread

[0040] 10.2 Axial through hole

[0041] 10.3 Internal grooves

[0042] 10.4 Base

[0043] 10.5 Another internal groove

[0044] 10.6 Limiting edge

[0045] 10.7 Inner wall

[0046] 12,12' positioning element

[0047] 12.0 Socket

[0048] 12.1 Entering the bell mouth

[0049] 12.2 Coupling

[0050] 12.3 Shoulders

[0051] 12.4 Clamping section

[0052] 12.5 Elastic elements

[0053] 12.6 Matrix

[0054] 12.6.1 Wall segments

[0055] 12.7 Receiving Channel

[0056] 14 Gasket

[0057] 16 Compression Limiter

[0058] 18 pre-assembled units

[0059] 100 Gap

[0060] 102 Axial clearance

[0061] 104 Radial clearance

[0062] 106 Another axial clearance

[0063] 108 Another radial clearance DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a device 1 for compensating tolerances between a first component 2 and a second component 6 is shown, wherein the second component 6 is connected to, in particular screwed to, the first component 2 (e.g., Figure 2 shown).

[0066] For example, the first component 2 may be a bearing bracket for an exterior door handle of a motor vehicle, while the second component 6 may be a supporting structure of the motor vehicle.

[0067] The device 1 comprises at least a base element 8 and a compensating element 10 which is threadedly engaged with the first component 2 via the base element 8 .

[0068] The basic element 8 can be designed as a hollow cylindrical element, and is firmly connected to the first component 2 by means such as clamping, pressing, gluing or welding. The basic element 8 can be a plastic component manufactured by injection molding. Alternatively, the basic element 8 can also be integrally formed with the first component 2. In this case, the basic element 8 can also be made of plastic as a part of the first component 2, for example, by injection molding.

[0069] The basic element 8 has an internal thread 8.1, which is not continuous but consists of a plurality of pitch segments 8.1.1 evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, in this embodiment there are 4. All pitch segments 8.1.1 have the same pitch, and the pitch size is selected so that the thread of the basic element 8 forms a multi-start thread.

[0070] The tolerance compensation device 1 further comprises a compensation element 10 which can be fixed to the first component 2 by screws. Like the basic element 8, the compensation element 10 can be made of plastic, for example, by injection molding. The compensation element 10 is designed as a hollow cylindrical element. The compensation element 10 has an external thread 10.1. The compensation element 10 has an axial through hole 10.2 for the connecting screw 4. The axial through hole 10.2 is designed to be larger than the outer diameter of the connecting screw 4.

[0071] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a positioning element 12 for positioning the connecting screw 4 in the compensating element 10 , in particular in the axial through-hole 10 . 2 .

[0072] The compensating element 10 is designed such that the positioning element 12 is mounted in the axial through hole 10.2 of the compensating element 10, with at least one degree of freedom of play 100, in particular an axial play 102 and a radial play 104, for example in the x-direction, the z-direction and / or the y-direction. In addition, the connecting screw 4 can be pre-positioned and removably (in particular firmly) fixed to the positioning element 12, in particular in the delivery state of the device 1.

[0073] By means of the positioning element 12 , the connecting screw 4 can be mounted easily and quickly, in particular blindly, on the compensation element 10 .

[0074] The positioning element 12 is designed and arranged in the compensation element 10 in such a way that, in the delivery state of the device 1, the connecting screw 4 is already pre-installed and fixed in the uppermost central position. Furthermore, the positioning element 12 can be designed and fixed in the compensation element 10 in such a way that the connecting screw 4 can be removably fixed in such a way that it can be axially and / or radially moved relative to the compensation element 10. In particular, the positioning element 12 can be designed and fixed in the compensation element 10 in such a way that the connecting screw 4 can be removably fixed in such a way that it cannot tilt relative to the compensation element 10.

[0075] The positioning element can be designed as a sleeve 12 . 0 (in particular a plastic sleeve) with an entry bell 12 . 1 for inserting (in particular easily inserting) a tool for the screw head 4 . 1 of the connecting screw 4 .

[0076] The screw head 4 . 1 can be fixed in the center of the positioning element 12 and can be detachable.

[0077] During the assembly process, by applying an axial force to the screw head 4.1, the connecting screw 4 can be moved along the second component 6 (such as Figure 2 The two parts 2, 6 and the positioning element 12 are moved in the direction of the positioning element 12 until they engage with each other, and at the same time, the two parts 2, 6 and the positioning element 12 are clamped and connected to each other.

[0078] When the device 1 is in the delivery state and before installation, the connecting screw 4 can be firmly fixed on the positioning element 12, in particular by a form fit and / or force fit, in particular by a friction connection. For example, the positioning element 12 has a coupling portion 12.2, which is designed to fix the screw head 4.1 in a detachable manner by a form fit and / or force fit, in particular by a friction connection. To this end, the coupling portion 12.2 is made of a flexible, elastic or retractable material, and its diameter is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the screw head 4.1. Since the coupling portion 12.2 adopts a flexible, elastic or retractable material, the screw head 4.1 can be fixed in a detachable manner by a friction connection. In this way, fixing the connecting screw 4 prevents it from falling off from the sleeve-shaped positioning element 12 before the components 2 and 6 are connected, and tilting in the positioning element 12.

[0079] The positioning element 12 can then be fixed firmly in the compensating element 10 again with the axial play 102 and the radial play 104. For this purpose, the positioning element 12 and the compensating element 10 have elements that correspond to one another.

[0080] For example, the compensating element 10 can have an inner groove 10 . 3 , in particular a circumferential inner groove 10 . 3 .

[0081] For example, the positioning element 12 may include a shoulder 12.3. The shoulder 12.3 may be designed to be completely or partially formed around the circumference. In particular, the shoulder 12.3 may be designed to be an annular disc.

[0082] The inner groove 10.3 is designed such that the shoulder 12.3 is fixed in the inner groove 10.3 with an axial play 102 and / or a radial play 104. In particular, the diameter and height of the inner groove 10.3 are greater than the outer diameter and height of the shoulder 12.3.

[0083] Furthermore, the positioning element 12 comprises a clamping portion 12.4. The clamping portion 12.4 is designed to form an additional friction connection between the connecting screw 4 and the axial compensation element 10 when the two components 2 and 6 are connected, so that when the connecting screw 4 is tightened (e.g. rotated), a torque is applied to the axial compensation element 10, so that the compensation element 10 is axially screwed out from the first component 2 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the connecting screw 4, thereby compensating for axial tolerances.

[0084] Furthermore, a washer 14 can be provided as an opening reducer, which is arranged between the screw head 4.1 of the connecting screw 4 and the base part 10.4 of the compensation element 10 when the two components 2 and 6 are clamped together. The base part 10.4 is designed as a contact surface of the compensation element 10.

[0085] The washer 14 prevents the screw head 4.1 from entering the axial through hole 10.2 of the compensation element 10. In this case, the screw head 4.1 of the connecting screw 4 is in the final assembly state (eg Figure 3 4 of the compensating element 10 only indirectly via the gasket 14.

[0086] Furthermore, the spacer 14 can also be used as an integrated compression limiter, which can limit the force flow in the plastic when the device 1 is made of plastic, thereby limiting or preventing unintentional relaxation of the plastic. Alternatively, a separate compression limiter 16 can be provided, which, as shown in the figure, is also additionally arranged in the base part 10.4 of the compensation element 10 in addition to the spacer 14.

[0087] The washer 14 and / or the compression limiter 16 can also be mounted in the compensating element 10 with a further radial play 108 and / or a further axial play 106. For this purpose, the compensating element 10 can also have a further inner recess 10.5.

[0088] The device 1 can be made of different materials or the same material. For example, the basic element 8 and / or the compensating element 10 and / or the positioning element 12, as well as the optional spacer 14 and / or the compression limiter 16, can all be made of plastic. The connecting screw 4 can be made of metal or also of plastic.

[0089] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 The device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view before assembly and when the second component 6 with the integrated nut element 7 is aligned. The nut element 7 can be designed separately and contain an inner nut thread 7.1. Alternatively, the inner nut thread 7.1 in the inner hole 6.1 of the second component 6 can be designed as an integrated inner thread or can also form a thread pitch.

[0090] The device 1 is preassembled as a preassembled unit 18. The preassembled unit 18 comprises the compensation element 10, the positioning element 12 fixed therein with a play 100, and the connecting screw 4 fixedly fixed in the positioning element 12. The preassembled unit 18 is preassembled in the first component 2.

[0091] The first component 2 is aligned with the inserted, in particular screwed, pre-assembly unit 18 through the inner bore 6 . 1 of the second component 6 , so that the axial through-hole 10 . 2 and the inner bore 6 . 1 are superimposed one on the other.

[0092] At the same time, the connecting screw 4 is fixed in position by the positioning element 12 and can move with play 100 in the axial and radial directions.

[0093] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 The device 1 is shown in a sectional view in the assembled state. The connecting screw 4 presses the device 1, in particular the pre-assembly unit 18, into position. The connecting screw 4 holds the nut element 7 (=the other basic element 8 designed as a nut element), the sleeve-shaped positioning element 12 and the compression limiter 16 against each other in a connected manner.

[0094] The compensating element 10 and the nut element 7 are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner via a threaded connection.

[0095] Figure 4 An alternative device 1 ′ is schematically shown in cross-section.

[0096] The device 1 ′ differs from the device 1 in that the spacer 14 , in particular the spacer 14 located inside the compensating element 10 , is omitted, and a compression limiter 16 with a further radial play 108 is arranged in the compensating element 10 .

[0097] The compression limiter 16 can move radially, so the spacer 14 (such as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 ). The compensation element 10 includes at least one limiting rib 10.6 extending radially inwardly for axial limiting. The limiting rib 10.6 can be designed to be circumferential or segmented. The limiting rib 10.6 can be made of a flexible material. The limiting rib 10.6 can also be designed to be a rib, a mesh, a protrusion or a similar shape.

[0098] Figure 5 A further alternative device 1 ″ is schematically shown in a partial perspective view.

[0099] Another alternative device 1 ″ differs from the devices 1 and 1 ′ described above in that the positioning element 12 comprises a plurality of elastic elements 12.5, which are provided to radially compensate for tolerances between the connecting screws 4 and the compensating element 10 and to fix the positioning element 12 together with the connecting screws 4 fixed therein in the compensating element 10 without play. To this end, the positioning element 12 bears against the inner wall 10.7 of the compensating element 10 via its elastic elements 12.5. In particular, the positioning element 12 is fixed in the compensating element 10 radially without play.

[0100] The elastic element 12.5 can be designed as a tension element, a tension arm, a radial compensation spring element, a spring arm or a flexible propeller arm, etc.

[0101] The positioning element 12 comprises a base body 12.6, in particular a cylindrical, sleeve-shaped or annular base body. In particular, the base body 12.6 forms the sleeve 12.0.

[0102] The elastic element 12.5 protrudes radially outward from the base 12.6 at an acute angle. In particular, a plurality of elastic elements 12.5 can be symmetrically arranged on the outer side of the base 12.6. One side of the elastic element 12.5 is firmly connected to the base 12.6 or formed integrally therewith, and the other side has a free end, which elastically abuts against the contact surface of the inner wall 10.7 of the compensation element 10.

[0103] In other words: the elastic element 12.5 is fixed to the base body 12.6, in particular to the existing sleeve 12.0, as a guide element in the form of a propeller arm for radial centering and return to the original position.

[0104] By means of the elastic element 12.5, the positioning element 12 and the connecting bolt 4 or connecting screw 4 fastened thereto can be held in a central position in the compensating element 10, in particular in its axial through-hole 10.2, and / or radially preloaded in a play-free manner. In particular, the connecting bolt 4 or connecting screw 4 is supported in the compensating element 10, in particular in the receiving channel 12.7 or the axial through-hole 10.2 of the compensating element 10, by means of the elastic element 12.5.

[0105] Furthermore, the positioning element 12 can also be designed so that the connecting bolt 4 or the connecting screw 4 can be fixed on the positioning element 12 in a manner that prevents it from tilting.

[0106] In particular, the base body 12.6 may have an internal receiving channel 12.7 for accommodating the connecting screw 4, in particular for accommodating the supporting screw 4. The internal dimensions of the internal receiving channel 12.7 may be smaller than the external dimensions of the connecting screw 4 so that the connecting screw 4 is fixed in the receiving channel 12.7 when inserted.

[0107] Furthermore, the base body 12 . 6 can also have a plurality of flexible wall sections 12 . 6 . 1 distributed in the circumferential direction, which form the inner receiving channel 12 . 7 for the connecting screw 4 .

[0108] Figure 6 A further alternative device 1 ''' is schematically shown in cross-section with an alternative positioning element 12 ' which is centrally mounted on an alternative compensating element 10 '.

[0109] Another alternative device 1 '" differs from the devices 1 to 1" described above in that the alternative positioning element 12' does not have a shoulder 12.3 and the alternative compensating element 10' does not have a corresponding inner recess 10.3 (also called pocket) for accommodating the shoulder 12.3.

[0110] In this case, the principle of pre-positioning and supporting the connecting bolt 4 is that both the axial play 102 and the radial play 104 are present in the replacement compensating element 10 ′.

[0111] In this case, the alternative positioning element 12 ′ is axially fixed in the alternative compensating element 10 ′. In particular, the alternative positioning element 12 ′ is fixed and movable in the alternative compensating element 10 ′ with an axial play 102 at the top and bottom and / or a radial play 104 at the side.

[0112] Figure 7 Schematically shows the Figure 6 A sectional view of another alternative device 1 ″′ with a directionally deflected alternative positioning element 12 ′, which can compensate for the radial gap 104 in the lateral direction.

[0113] Figure 8 Schematically shows the Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of another alternative device 1 ″′ with an inclined alternative positioning element 12 ′, which can partially compensate for the axial gap 102 and the radial gap 104.

Claims

1. A device (1, 1', 1", 1'") for compensating tolerances between a first component (2) and a second component (6), wherein the second component (6) is connected, in particular screwed, to the first component (2) via a connecting bolt (4), in particular a connecting screw (4) or a threaded bolt, comprising at least: - a basic element (8), - a compensation element (10) which is in tolerance-compensating engagement with the base element (8), and - a positioning element (12) for positioning the connecting bolt (4) in the compensating element (10), The positioning element (12) is installed in the through hole (10.2) of the compensation element (10) with at least one degree of freedom of clearance (100) or without clearance.

2. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 1, in, The positioning element (12) is arranged and installed in the compensation element (10) so that the installation of the connecting bolt (4) can achieve limited radial and / or axial movement.

3. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 1 or 2, in, The positioning element (12) is arranged to fix the connecting bolt (4) in a central position.

4. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The positioning element (12) is arranged and installed in the compensation element (10) so that the connecting bolt (4) is firmly fixed at a predetermined position before assembly.

5. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The positioning element (12) is arranged so that the connecting bolt (4) is fixed on the positioning element (12) in a manner that does not tilt.

6. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The positioning element (12) comprises a plurality of elastic elements (12.5), which are arranged to radially compensate for the tolerance between the connecting bolt (4) and the compensating element (10) and to fix the positioning element (12) in the compensating element (10) without play.

7. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 6, in, The positioning element (12) has a base body (12.6), and the elastic element (12.5) protrudes radially outward from the base body (12.6) at an acute angle.

8. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 7, in, The base body (12.6) has an inner receiving channel (12.7) for accommodating the connecting bolt (4).

9. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 8, in, The inner dimensions of the inner receiving channel (12.7) are smaller than the outer dimensions of the connecting bolt (4), so that the connecting bolt (4) is fixed in the receiving channel (12.7) when it is inserted.

10. The device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 8 or 9, in, The base body (12.6) has a plurality of flexible wall segments (12.6.1) distributed in the circumferential direction and forming the inner receiving channel (12.7).

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