Compensation nut fastening assembly and torque clamp thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a compensation nut fastening assembly. The compensation nut fastening assembly comprises a first nut, a second nut and a torque clamp. The second nut receives the first nut. A torque clip is received in the first channel of the first nut and is configured to have a generally triangular cross-section. The torque clamp includes a first retaining wall, a second retaining wall, and a third retaining wall. The second retaining wall and the first retaining wall are connected through a first connecting wall and form a pair of first bent protrusions. The third retaining wall and the second retaining wall are connected through a second connecting wall and form a pair of second bent protrusions. The third retaining wall is separated from the first retaining wall and forms a first free end and a second free end, respectively. The three retaining walls are configured to collectively form a fastener channel in contact with a fastener inserted into the fastener channel to retain the fastener in the fastener channel. The two pairs of bent projections are in contact with the inner walls of the two free end first nuts to retain the torque clip in the first channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to fastener assemblies, and more particularly to compensating nut fastener assemblies configured to compensate for gaps between components (e.g., panels) and their torque clamps. Background Technology

[0002] In various industrial applications, components are joined together using fasteners. In some applications, gaps may exist between components. For example, two panels may be separated by a clearance area or gap, within which portions of other components may be placed. When panels are joined together, the fastener assembly may rattle or slip within the gap, generating unwanted noise and providing a loose connection, or causing the panels to deform under the clamping force.

[0003] Some fastener assemblies employ at least two interlocking nuts and a torque clamp inserted into the innermost nut. The torque clamp is configured to hold the fastener in place when a fastener (e.g., a bolt or screw) is inserted into the nut and to allow the nut to rotate as the fastener rotates, thereby adjusting the length of the nuts to fill gaps between panels. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a compensating nut fastening assembly is provided, comprising a first nut, a second nut, and a torque clip. The first nut defines a first channel through its inner wall. The second nut receives the first nut. The torque clip is received in the first channel of the first nut and is configured to have a generally triangular cross-section. The torque clip includes a first retaining wall, a second retaining wall, and a third retaining wall. The second retaining wall is connected to the first retaining wall via a first connecting wall, the first connecting wall forming a pair of first bent protrusions with the first and second retaining walls. The third retaining wall is connected to the second retaining wall via a second connecting wall and is separate from the first retaining wall. The second connecting wall forming a pair of second bent protrusions with the second and third retaining walls. The first and third retaining walls form a first free end and a second free end, respectively. The first, second, and third retaining walls are configured to collectively form a fastener channel and are configured to contact a fastener inserted into the fastener channel to retain the fastener within the fastener channel. A pair of first bent protrusions, a pair of second bent protrusions, a first free end, and a second free end contact the inner wall of the first nut to hold the torque clamp in the first channel of the first nut.

[0005] In the compensation nut fastening assembly according to the first aspect above, there is a gap between the first connecting wall and the second connecting wall and the fastener received in the fastener channel.

[0006] In the compensation nut fastening assembly according to the first aspect above, the ratio of the length of the first connecting wall and the second connecting wall to the length of the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall is 10%-50%.

[0007] In the compensation nut fastening assembly according to the first aspect above, the first retaining wall, the second retaining wall, and the third retaining wall are straight walls.

[0008] In the compensation nut fastening assembly according to the first aspect above, the tops of the first retaining wall, the second retaining wall and the third retaining wall are provided with guide flares.

[0009] In the compensation nut fastening assembly according to the first aspect above, the torque clip is provided with a hollow portion that passes through the torque clip in the thickness direction.

[0010] In the compensating nut fastening assembly according to the first aspect described above, the hollow portion includes a first hollow portion and a second hollow portion. The first hollow portion extends from the first connecting wall to the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall. The second hollow portion extends from the second connecting wall to the second retaining wall and the third retaining wall.

[0011] In the compensation nut fastening assembly according to the first aspect above, the torque clamp is made of a single piece of metal.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this application, a torque clamp is provided for compensating for a nut fastening assembly, comprising a first retaining wall, a second retaining wall, and a third retaining wall. The second retaining wall is connected to the first retaining wall via a first connecting wall, and the first connecting wall, the first retaining wall, and the second retaining wall form a pair of first bent protrusions. The third retaining wall is connected to the second retaining wall via a second connecting wall and is separate from the first retaining wall. The second connecting wall, the second retaining wall, and the third retaining wall form a pair of second bent protrusions. The first and third retaining walls respectively form a first free end and a second free end. The first, second, and third retaining walls are configured to collectively form a fastener channel. The torque clamp has a generally triangular cross-section.

[0013] In the torque clamp according to the second aspect above, the ratio of the length of the first connecting wall and the second connecting wall to the length of the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall is 10%-50%.

[0014] In the torque clamp according to the second aspect above, the first retaining wall, the second retaining wall, and the third retaining wall are straight walls.

[0015] In the torque clamp according to the second aspect above, the top of the first retaining wall, the second retaining wall and the third retaining wall are provided with guide flares.

[0016] In the torque clamp according to the second aspect above, the torque clamp is provided with a hollow portion that passes through the torque clamp in the thickness direction.

[0017] In the torque clamp according to the second aspect above, the hollow portion includes a first hollow portion and a second hollow portion. The first hollow portion extends from the first connecting wall to the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall. The second hollow portion extends from the second connecting wall to the second retaining wall and the third retaining wall.

[0018] In the torque clamp according to the second aspect above, the torque clamp is made of a single piece of metal. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a compensating nut assembly in its initial position during the process of fixing two components, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the compensating nut fastening assembly shown;

[0021] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An exploded view of the compensating nut fastening assembly shown;

[0022] Figure 3A yes Figure 2A and 2B A perspective view of the torque clamp of the compensation nut fastening assembly shown;

[0023] Figure 3B yes Figure 2A and 2B The top view of the torque clamp receiving the compensating nut fastening assembly shown is with fasteners.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A Top view of the compensation nut fastening assembly shown;

[0025] Figure 5A yes Figure 2A and 2B The diagram shows a perspective view of the compensating nut fastening assembly during the process of fixing the two components.

[0026] Figure 5B yes Figure 2A and 2B The diagram shows a perspective view of the compensating nut fastening assembly securing the two components in place. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Various specific embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although directional terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are used in this application to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for illustrative purposes and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these directional terms are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the compensating nut fastening assembly 120 in its initial position during the process of fixing two components, according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the compensating nut fastening assembly 120 is used together with the fastener 190 to secure the first component 110 and the second component 160. The first component 110 and the second component 160 are... Figure 1 The first component 110 is exemplarily shown as a plate-like member with a gap G between them. A compensating nut assembly 120 is connected to the second component 160 via a clamp 150, and the height of the compensating nut fastening assembly 120 along its axial direction is adjustable. Therefore, when the height of the compensating nut assembly 120 is adjusted to match the gap G between the first component 110 and the second component 160, the compensating nut assembly 120 can abut against the first component 110, thereby maintaining the gap G between the first component 110 and the second component 160 while fastening the first component 110 and the second component 160. Furthermore, due to its height adjustability, the compensating nut fastening assembly 120 can be adapted to fasten the first component 110 and the second component 160 with different gaps G.

[0029] Figure 2A and 2B The overall structure of the compensating nut fastening assembly 120 is shown, wherein, Figure 2A This is a 3D view of the compensating nut fastening assembly 120. Figure 2B This is an exploded view of the compensating nut fastening assembly 120. (See diagram below.) Figure 2A As shown, the compensating nut fastening assembly 120 includes two nuts that are threadedly connected to each other, namely a first nut 210 and a second nut 220, and a torque clamp 230.

[0030] like Figure 2BAs shown, the first nut 210 defines a first channel 219 through its inner wall 215 and includes an external thread 213 on its outer wall. The second nut 220 includes an internal thread 223 on its inner wall. The second nut 220 receives the first nut 210, and a threaded connection between the second nut 220 and the first nut 210 is achieved through the engagement of the internal thread 223 and the external thread 213. A torque clamp 230 is received in the first channel 219 of the first nut 210 for... Figure 1 The fastener 190 shown is held in the first nut 210, allowing the fastener 190 to rotate the first nut 210 relative to the second nut 220 via the torque clamp 230. Since the first nut 210 and the second nut 220 can rotate relative to each other, the first nut 210 can move axially relative to the second nut 220, thereby adjusting the height of the compensating nut assembly 120. Thus, by adjusting the height of the compensating nut assembly 120, the compensating nut fastening assembly 120 can be used to fasten the first component 110 and the second component 160, which have different clearances G.

[0031] The bottom end of the second nut 220 is also provided with a pair of connecting tabs 227, which are arranged on opposite sides of the second nut 220 for use with... Figure 1 The clamp 150 engages with the compensating nut assembly 120 to connect the second component 160.

[0032] Figure 3A yes Figure 2A The diagram shows a perspective view of the torque clip 230 of the compensating nut fastening assembly 120, illustrating the specific structure of the torque clip 230. In some embodiments, the torque clip 230 is integrally formed of metal. For example, the torque clip 230 is formed from a metal sheet using processes such as bending and stamping.

[0033] like Figure 3AAs shown, the torque clamp 230 includes a first retaining wall 310, a second retaining wall 320, and a third retaining wall 330. The second retaining wall 320 is connected to the first retaining wall 310 via a first connecting wall 340, and the third retaining wall 330 is connected to the second retaining wall 320 via a second connecting wall 350. The first retaining wall 310 and the third retaining wall 330 are separate, thus forming a first free end 315 and a second free end 335, respectively. The first connecting wall 340 forms a first bending protrusion 345 with both the first retaining wall 310 and the second retaining wall 320, thus forming a pair of first bending protrusions 345. The second connecting wall 350 forms a second bending protrusion 355 with both the second retaining wall 320 and the third retaining wall 330, thus forming a pair of second bending protrusions 355. The first retaining wall 310, the second retaining wall 320 and the third retaining wall 330 together form a fastener channel 390 for receiving fasteners 190.

[0034] Therefore, the torque clamp 230 is constructed with a generally triangular cross-section, which has two closed ends and one open end. Three retaining walls (first retaining wall 310, second retaining wall 320 and third retaining wall 330) form the three sides of the triangle, two connecting walls (first connecting wall 340 and second connecting wall 350) form the two closed ends of the triangle, and the open end is formed by a first free end 315 and a second free end 335 that are separated from each other.

[0035] In some embodiments, the torque clamp 230 is formed in a shape that is generally symmetrical with respect to the receiving channel 390, and the two connecting walls (first connecting wall 340 and second connecting wall 350) have generally the same dimensions, and the two retaining walls (first retaining wall 310 and third retaining wall 330) have generally the same dimensions. In some embodiments, the two connecting walls and the three retaining walls have generally the same width and generally the same thickness in the axial direction of the fastener assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the length of the two connecting walls is much smaller than the length of the two retaining walls (first retaining wall 310 and third retaining wall 330), approximately 10%-50% of the length of the two retaining walls (first retaining wall 310 and third retaining wall 330).

[0037] Still as Figure 3A As shown, the first retaining wall 310, the second retaining wall 320, and the third retaining wall 330 are straight walls, and guide flares 312, 322, and 332 are respectively provided on their tops. The guide flares 312, 322, and 332 are formed by outwardly arcing the tops of the three retaining walls, and are used to guide the fastener 190 into the torque clamp 230.

[0038] Furthermore, the torque clamp 230 is provided with a hollow portion 360 that passes through the torque clamp 230 in the thickness direction. The hollow portion includes a first hollow portion 361 and a second hollow portion 362. The first hollow portion 361 extends from the first connecting wall 340 to the first retaining wall 310 and the second retaining wall 320, and the second hollow portion 362 extends from the second connecting wall 350 to the second retaining wall 320 and the third retaining wall 330. The hollow portion increases the elasticity of the torque clamp 230.

[0039] Figure 3B This is a top view of the torque clamp 230 receiving a fastener 190. (Example) Figure 3B As shown, when the fastener 190 is received in the receiving channel 390 of the torque clamp 230, the fastener 190 is in contact with three retaining walls (first retaining wall 310, second retaining wall 320, and third retaining wall 330). However, the fastener 190 is not in contact with the two connecting walls (first connecting wall 340 and second connecting wall 350), but has a certain gap with them. That is, it is the three retaining walls, not the two connecting walls, that hold the fastener 190 in the receiving channel 390. In the free state of the torque clamp 230, the radial dimension of the receiving channel 390 of the torque clamp 230 is smaller than the radial dimension of the fastener 190, so that the fastener 190 applies an outward pushing force to the first retaining wall 310 and the third retaining wall 330, thereby causing the first retaining wall 310, the second retaining wall 320, and the third retaining wall 330 to clamp the fastener 190 with a certain elastic force.

[0040] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A The top view of the compensating nut fastening assembly 100 shown illustrates the positional relationship between the torque clip 230 and the first nut 210. (As shown...) Figure 4 As shown, the torque clip 230 is received in the first channel 219 of the first nut 210, and the receiving channel 390 defined by the torque clip 230 is substantially coaxial with the first channel 219 defined by the inner wall 215 of the first nut 210. A pair of first bent protrusions 345, a pair of second bent protrusions 355, and two free ends (first free end 315 and second free end 335) of the torque clip 230 contact the inner wall 215 of the first nut 210 to hold the torque clip 230 in the first channel 219 of the first nut 210.

[0041] Figure 5A and 5B The process of securing the first and second components with the compensating nut fastening assembly 100 is shown, wherein Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the compensating nut fastening assembly 100 during the process of fixing the two components. Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the two components being fixed in place by the compensating nut fastening assembly 100.

[0042] like Figure 5A As shown, with Figure 1 Compared to the initial state shown, the first nut 210 moves upward relative to the second nut 220, getting closer to the first component 110, but has not yet touched the first component 110.

[0043] like Figure 5B As shown, with Figure 5A Compared to the state shown, the first nut 210 moves further upward relative to the second nut 220 and contacts the first component 110.

[0044] From Figures 1 to 5A Then Figure 5B During the process, the axial movement of the first nut 210 relative to the second nut 220 is actuated by rotating the fastener 190. Because the torque clamp 230 clamps the fastener 190 and holds it within the first channel 219 of the first nut 210, the rotation of the fastener 190 causes the first nut 210 to rotate 220 relative to the second nut via the torque clamp 230. In other words, the torque applied to the fastener 190 can be transmitted to the first nut 210 through the torque clamp 230. Therefore, by tightening the fastener 190, the height of the compensation nut fastening assembly 100 can be adjusted, thereby compensating for the gap G between the first component 110 and the second component 160.

[0045] This application increases the friction between the torque clamp and the inner wall of the first nut without increasing the manufacturing precision requirements of the torque clamp by providing two connecting walls on the torque clamp that connect adjacent retaining walls but do not contact the fastener.

[0046] Specifically, by providing connecting walls, the connecting walls forming the connecting corners of the retaining walls can create multiple bent protrusions. These bent protrusions contact the inner wall of the first nut receiving the torque clamp, increasing the friction between the torque clamp and the inner wall of the first nut. This allows the torque clamp to be better held in the first nut, preventing it from detaching, and makes it easier for the fastener to drive the first nut to rotate via the torque clamp. Furthermore, the two connecting walls in this application do not contact the fastener but are spaced a certain distance apart, with gaps between them. Therefore, the provision of connecting walls in this application does not increase the number of structures in contact with the fastener, thus not increasing the manufacturing precision requirements of the torque clamp. Too many walls in contact with the fastener would increase the manufacturing precision requirements of the torque clamp, making it difficult to manufacture. For example, if the torque clamp has five walls in contact with it simultaneously, if the positional relationship between these five walls is not precisely set, either they will not contact the fastener, thus failing to clamp it, or the clamping force will be too large, making it difficult for the fastener to be inserted into the torque clamp.

[0047] Furthermore, the retaining wall of the torque clamp of this application, which is used to maintain contact with the fastener, is generally a straight wall rather than a curved wall. This can reduce the manufacturing tolerance requirements of the torque clamp, and when the manufacturing tolerance requirements are low, the torque clamp is easier to achieve manufacturing accuracy.

[0048] In addition, the top of each retaining wall of the torque clamp of this application is designed with a flared structure, which makes it easier to insert fasteners into the torque clamp.

[0049] Although this application has been described with reference to examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosures herein may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or can solve other technical problems. Thus, the examples of embodiments of this application as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents.

Claims

1. A compensating nut fastening assembly, characterized in that... include: A first nut (210) defines a first channel (219) through its inner wall (215); The second nut (220) receives the first nut (210); as well as A torque clip (230) is received in a first channel (219) of the first nut (210), the torque clip (230) being configured to have a generally triangular cross-section, the torque clip (230) comprising: First retaining wall (310), A second retaining wall (320) is connected to the first retaining wall (310) via a first connecting wall (340), the first connecting wall (340) forming a pair of first bending protrusions (345) with the first retaining wall (310) and the second retaining wall (320); and A third retaining wall (330) is connected to the second retaining wall (320) via a second connecting wall (350) and is separated from the first retaining wall (310). The second connecting wall (350) forms a pair of second bending protrusions (355) with the second retaining wall (320) and the third retaining wall (330). The first retaining wall (310) and the third retaining wall (330) respectively form a first free end (315) and a second free end (335). The first retaining wall (310), the second retaining wall (320), and the third retaining wall (330) are configured to collectively form a fastener channel (390) and are configured to contact a fastener (190) inserted into the fastener channel (390) to retain the fastener (190) within the fastener channel (390); and The pair of first bending protrusions (345), the pair of second bending protrusions (355), the first free end (315) and the second free end (335) contact the inner wall (215) of the first nut (210) to hold the torque clip (230) in the first channel (219) of the first nut (210).

2. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting wall (310) and the second connecting wall (320) have gaps between them and the fasteners (190) received in the fastener channel (390).

3. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ratio of the length of the first connecting wall (310) and the second connecting wall (320) to the length of the first retaining wall (310) and the second retaining wall (320) is 10%-50%.

4. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first retaining wall (310), the second retaining wall (320) and the third retaining wall (330) are straight walls.

5. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the first retaining wall (310), the second retaining wall (320) and the third retaining wall (330) are provided with guide flares (312, 322, 332).

6. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torque clamp (230) is provided with a hollow portion (360) that passes through the torque clamp (230) in the thickness direction.

7. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The hollow portion includes a first hollow portion (361) and a second hollow portion (362). The first hollow portion (361) extends from the first connecting wall (340) to the first retaining wall (310) and the second retaining wall (320). The second hollow portion (362) extends from the second connecting wall (350) to the second retaining wall (320) and the third retaining wall (330).

8. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torque clamp (230) is made of a single piece of metal.

9. A torque clamp for compensating nut fastening assemblies, characterized in that... include: First retaining wall (310), The second retaining wall (320) is connected to the first retaining wall (310) via a first connecting wall (340), and the first connecting wall (340) forms a pair of first bending protrusions (345) with the first retaining wall (310) and the second retaining wall (320); and A third retaining wall (330) is connected to the second retaining wall (320) via a second connecting wall (350) and is separated from the first retaining wall (310). The second connecting wall (350) forms a pair of second bending protrusions (355) with the second retaining wall (320) and the third retaining wall (330). The first retaining wall (310) and the third retaining wall (330) respectively form a first free end (315) and a second free end (335). The first retaining wall (310), the second retaining wall (320), and the third retaining wall (330) are configured to together form a fastener channel (390); and The torque clamp (230) has a generally triangular cross-section.

10. The torque clamp according to claim 9, characterized in that: The ratio of the length of the first connecting wall (340) and the second connecting wall (350) to the length of the first retaining wall (310) and the second retaining wall (320) is 10%-50%.

11. The torque clamp according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first retaining wall (310), the second retaining wall (320) and the third retaining wall (330) are straight walls.

12. The torque clamp according to claim 9, characterized in that: The top of the first retaining wall (310), the second retaining wall (320) and the third retaining wall (330) are provided with guide flares (312, 322, 332).

13. The torque clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torque clamp (230) is provided with a hollow portion (360) that passes through the torque clamp (230) in the thickness direction.

14. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: The hollow portion includes a first hollow portion (361) and a second hollow portion (362). The first hollow portion (361) extends from the first connecting wall (340) to the first retaining wall (310) and the second retaining wall (320). The second hollow portion (362) extends from the second connecting wall (350) to the second retaining wall (320) and the third retaining wall (330).

15. The compensating nut fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torque clamp (230) is made of a single piece of metal.

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