Axial tolerance compensation device, connection structure between two parts having such device, and method for connecting and producing same

Abstract

An axial tolerance compensation device for automatically compensating for tolerances between a first component and a second component has the following features: a nut element having a radially outer fastening structure fastenable in a component opening of the first component and having an inner nut thread in a first thread direction; a hollow screw. The hollow screw has a head and a hollow cylindrical shaft, the hollow cylindrical shaft has an adjusting thread matching the inner nut thread radially outside and a fastening thread in a second thread direction opposite the first thread direction radially inside, the fastening thread interacting with the fastening screw in the second thread direction, the first part and the second part can be fastened to each other by means of the axial tolerance compensation device, and wherein the hollow cylindrical shaft comprises a removal protection structure at the axial end facing away from the head, by means of which the hollow screw is prevented from being screwed out of the nut element during the installation of the axial tolerance compensation device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an axial tolerance compensation device for automatically compensating the tolerance between a first component and a second component, a connection structure between two components achieved by means of the axial tolerance compensation device, a corresponding connection method using the axial tolerance compensation device, and a manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, there are various tolerance compensation devices known, which can be used to fasten two components together at a certain distance. These tolerance compensation devices follow different technical principles.

[0003] DE102010048239A1 describes a first component having a hollow cylindrical fastening groove. A tolerance-compensating sleeve can slide into this fastening groove. Subsequently, a fastening screw is screwed into the tolerance-compensating sleeve through an opening in a second component. During screwing, the tolerance-compensating sleeve expands radially, thereby clamping itself into the fastening groove of the first component. Simultaneously, the second component is pulled toward the tolerance-compensating sleeve to establish a connection between the first and second components.

[0004] According to the technical teachings of European patent application 0414162A1, an anchor with a hollow shaft is first placed in an opening in the first component. Then, a spacer is screwed into the hollow shaft by threads until it compensates for the distance between the first and second components. By screwing a fastening screw through the opening in the second component into the spacer, the spacer expands like an expansion pin. This achieves both the fixation of the second component to the spacer anchored in the anchoring device and the clamping and radial expansion of the spacer to fix the adjusted tolerance between the first and second components. This structure is quite laborious; for example, the tolerance is not automatically compensated when the fastening screw is screwed in. Instead, the anchor must first be fixed in the first component, and then the spacer is adjusted to the distance that needs to be compensated between the components by screwing in the same direction as the fastening screw. Subsequently, when the fastening screw is screwed in, the spacer may be screwed further into the anchor, causing the tolerance to be compensated by the tolerance compensation device to decrease again. Therefore, the disadvantage of this arrangement lies not only in the number of parts but also in the application method, which increases the cycle time required to establish the connection between the two components.

[0005] To achieve independent axial tolerance compensation when two components are connected, existing technologies have proposed tolerance compensation devices that combine threaded pairs with different helix directions with a traction element. These are described, for example, in EP2049807B1, DE102020216324A1, and EP1780424A1. In particular, integrating the traction device into two interconnecting threaded sleeves with different threaded pairs increases the manufacturing difficulty of such axial tolerance compensation devices because the traction element is typically made of a different material than the threaded sleeves that need to be connected. Nevertheless, the advantage of these devices is that they can be integrated into the connection process without any additional installation work, because when fixing the spaced-apart components, the tolerance compensation device can compensate for the distance between the two components in an auxiliary, independent, and subsequently mechanically load-bearable manner.

[0006] European Patent EP1304489B1 further simplifies this known axial tolerance compensation device with automatic tolerance compensation function, as the disclosed tolerance compensation device consists only of a screw, a nut, and a compensation bushing. The screw, nut, and compensation bushing are configured with both right-hand and left-hand thread pairs. Furthermore, the compensation bushing includes a clamping portion that forms a frictional engagement with the screw. This arrangement causes the screw to initially rotate the compensation bushing due to the frictional engagement, thereby unscrewing it from the nut in the opposite insertion direction until the compensation bushing abuts against the first component after tolerance compensation. Thereafter, the screw engages directly or indirectly with the nut while overcoming the frictional engagement. Therefore, the advantage of this structure is that no additional traction element (e.g., made of other materials) needs to be integrated into the tolerance compensation device during manufacturing. Instead, the tolerance compensation device is made of metal and can be manufactured as a single piece.

[0007] However, all the aforementioned tolerance compensation devices with automatic tolerance compensation functions share a common drawback: if the distance between the two parts to be fixed is too large (and goes unnoticed by the machinist), the compensation bushing may unscrew from the fastening threads. This is because the automatic fastening mechanism of such tolerance compensation devices assumes that the tolerance to be compensated between the two parts can be achieved by the device being unscrewed in a telescopic manner. However, if this distance is too large for the distance that the tolerance compensation device can bridge, the two threaded sleeves will unscrew out of their thread engagement range, causing the tolerance compensation device to lose connection. This results in additional work steps, because in addition to needing to further correct the distance between the two parts, a new tolerance compensation device must be provided, and the old tolerance compensation device with fastening screws must first be removed from the first part.

[0008] Therefore, the object of this invention is to improve known tolerance compensation devices so that excessive distance between two components to be fixed together does not cause the tolerance compensation device located between them to fail. On the contrary, even if the axial tolerance to be bridged is too large, the tolerance compensation device should be able to maintain its integrity. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The aforementioned objective is achieved through the axial tolerance compensation device of independent claim 1, the connection structure between the first and second components including the axial tolerance compensation device of independent claim 10, the method of connecting two components using the axial tolerance compensation device of independent claim 12, and the manufacturing method of the aforementioned axial tolerance compensation device of claim 13. Advantageous configurations and further improvements of the invention are given in the following description, drawings, and dependent claims.

[0010] This invention discloses an axial tolerance compensation device for automatically compensating for the tolerance between a first component and a second component, characterized by: an annular nut element having a radially outer bayonet structure that can be fastened in a keyhole of the first component, the nut element also having an internal nut thread in a first thread direction; a hollow screw having a head and a hollow cylindrical shaft, the radially outer side of the hollow cylindrical shaft having an adjusting thread that matches the internal nut thread, and the radially inner side having a fastening thread in a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction, wherein the fastening thread interacts with a fastening screw in the second thread direction, such that the first component and the second component can be fastened to each other by the axial tolerance compensation device, wherein the hollow cylindrical shaft includes a disassembly protection structure at its axial end away from the head, wherein the disassembly protection structure prevents the hollow screw from being unscrewed from the nut element during installation of the axial tolerance compensation element.

[0011] This invention provides an axial tolerance compensation device based on a threaded pair with two different thread directions, which provides automatic tolerance compensation when installed between two spaced-apart components. At the start of the installation process, to simplify and accelerate the connection between the two components, a nut element for accommodating a tolerance-compensating hollow screw is anchored in the keyhole geometry or keyhole of the first component. Thus, a flexible threaded base is created by means of the nut element and a bayonet lock or bayonet connection engaged with the first component, allowing the second component to be secured thereto at a specific distance. The tightening process of this nut element with a bayonet structure typically requires only a quarter turn, making it easier to manufacture and apply compared to, for example, blind rivet nuts or weld nuts, thereby enabling the establishment of a connection between the two components.

[0012] To compensate for the distance between the two components, a hollow screw is provided, preferably pre-installed in the nut element. On its axial extension, the hollow screw has the aforementioned disassembly protection structure at the opposite end relative to the head. Functionally, this disassembly protection structure is intended to prevent the threaded mating between the two components from being completed when the hollow screw is unscrewed from the nut element. Therefore, the disassembly protection structure structurally ensures that the hollow screw cannot be loosened or removed from the nut element by screwing. This provides a favorable guarantee for technicians or workers that even if the distance between the two components is too large, attempts to compensate for the tolerance will not cause the tolerance-compensating hollow screw to come loose from the nut element of the first component. Therefore, by preventing the axial tolerance compensation device composed of the nut element and the hollow screw from being disassembled, the disassembly protection structure helps to avoid undesirable periodic delays during the connection of the two components.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the annular nut element and the hollow screw are made of plastic material, and preferably include a glass fiber content ranging from 25% to 65%, more preferably from 45% to 55%, and even more preferably 50%.

[0014] To achieve a cost-effective design for the axial tolerance compensation device, it is preferably manufactured from a plastic material using an equally preferred injection molding method. Many known plastic materials, such as thermoplastics, possess sufficient mechanical elasticity to be used as axial tolerance compensation devices. By adding a certain amount of glass fiber to thermoplastics, their mechanical load-bearing capacity can be further improved. This reduces production and distribution costs, as manufacturing axial tolerance compensation devices from plastic materials is less expensive than, for example, using metal or a combination of plastic and metal. Furthermore, tolerance compensation devices made from plastic materials are lighter than, for example, metal products of the same structure. This not only affects subsequent transportation and delivery costs but also the final connected weight of the two components using the axial tolerance compensation device.

[0015] Preferably, the disassembly protection structure of the axial tolerance compensation device consists of a circumferential shaft wall or at least two axial webs that extend in the axial direction of the hollow screw and are thermally expandable radially, such that at least one free end of the axial web extends radially beyond the inner diameter of the nut element.

[0016] According to a first preferred embodiment of the disassembly protection structure of the axial tolerance compensation device, the circumferential shaft wall or two axial webs on the hollow screw, facing away from its head, are thermally expanded such that their radial expansion exceeds the inner diameter of the nut element. Thermal expansion is preferably achieved by heating or ultrasonic means. This prevents the hollow screw from being non-destructively unscrewed from the nut element. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the shaft wall or axial webs of the disassembly protection structure formed by heat treatment, the hollow screw becomes stuck within the nut element during tolerance compensation when it is unscrewed from the nut element. This thread blockage of the hollow screw prompts the worker to interrupt further installation and check the necessity of tolerance compensation between the two components. Thus, a check step is preferably required before the tolerance compensation device is destructively disassembled, for example, to avoid the need to replace the tolerance compensation device due to disassembly into the hollow screw and nut elements.

[0017] According to another configuration, the disassembly protection structure consists of at least two axial webs extending in the axial direction of the hollow screw, each axial web extending toward the free end with a constant radial width or with a gradually increasing radial width.

[0018] A further preferred configuration of the invention provides two axial webs as disassembly protection structures, extending to the free end with a constant or increasing radial width, and without the need for thermal expansion. These axial webs have radially extending portions that, when engaged with a fastening screw screwed between the axial webs, produce a radial expansion beyond the inner diameter of the nut element. This also geometrically creates a blockage of the hollow screw, preventing it from unscrewing from the nut element.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment, it is preferable that, due to its structural configuration, the stability of the axial web leads to an increased screw-in torque, and the deeper the screw is screwed into the axial web, the greater the torque. This increasing torque preferably exceeds the installation torque specified for the screw, thus exceeding this installation torque also signals to the worker that the hollow screw has been screwed too deeply into the screw. This screw-in process indicates undesirable movement between the hollow screw and the nut element, which may ultimately lead to the nut element separating from the hollow screw.

[0020] Further preferably, the at least two axial webs have radially inner and radially outer sides, the inner sides of the at least two axial webs extending substantially parallel, while the outer sides extend radially outward parallel to or relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow screw. In conjunction with the axial tolerance compensation device just described, it is further preferably that the radially inner sides of the at least two axial webs do not include any threads, such that the fastening screw is inhibited by rotation of the axial webs, and / or, compared to the threaded case, the fastening screw causes these axial webs to move further radially outward.

[0021] In a further preferred configuration of the above embodiments, the non-thermally deformable axial web preferably does not contain any threads on its radially inner side. In particular, the lack of threads has the effect that screwed-in fastening screws further push these axial webs radially outward. Because the threaded webs of the fastening screws cannot engage with the threaded grooves on the internal threads of the axial webs reserved for this purpose, they push the axial webs radially outward. This supports the radial expansion of the axial webs, causing them to extend beyond the inner diameter of the nut element.

[0022] In another preferred configuration, the lack of threads on the radially inner side of the axial web causes an increase in the screw-in torque when the fastening screw is screwed in. This screw-in torque preferably exceeds a predetermined threshold, thus indicating a potential defect in the installation of the two components combined with the axial tolerance compensation device. Therefore, the worker may preferably interrupt the installation process and inspect the connection configuration to be established.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment of the tolerance compensation device, the disassembly protection structure consists of at least two axial webs extending in the axial direction of the hollow screw, each axial web having a radially outwardly arranged radial web, preferably extending circumferentially, on its radially outer side.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment of the axial tolerance compensation device, it is provided with at least two axial webs as a disassembly protection structure, each axial web including a radially outwardly projecting radial web on its radially outer side. This projecting radial web, preferably two opposing radial webs on two oppositely arranged axial webs, has a radial extension, either individually or collectively, exceeding the inner diameter of the nut element. If the fastening screw has been screwed between the axial webs, these axial webs have sufficient radial stability such that, for example, they will not be radially pushed inward by the nut element. Therefore, based on this structure, the radially outwardly projecting radial web maintains its position, giving the hollow screw a radial extension exceeding the inner diameter of the nut element. Thus, the radially outwardly projecting radial web prevents the hollow screw from being screwed out of the nut element.

[0025] Further preferably, the radially protruding radial web also serves as a safety feature to prevent the hollow screw from being lost within the nut element. This is because, for ease of transport, the hollow screw is screwed into the nut element and then shipped to the customer. If vibration causes the hollow screw to attempt to loosen itself from the nut element, even without a fastening screw between the two axial webs, the radially protruding radial web prevents the hollow screw from eventually unscrewing or coming out of the internal threads of the nut element. This is because the radially outward spring force of the axial web is sufficiently large that vibration alone cannot push the radially outward radial web inward, thus preventing the hollow screw from coming out of the nut element.

[0026] Preferably, the at least two radial webs are arranged opposite each other such that they form a circumferentially extending thread.

[0027] According to a further preferred configuration of the radially outwardly projecting radial webs on the axial web of the hollow screw described above, these radial webs are arranged opposite to each other, forming a unified threaded web. This threaded web is discontinuous, consisting only of corresponding radial webs or radial segments on the axial web; however, it preferably extends radially outward in a helical manner on the axial web, and more preferably as a continuation of the hollow screw's external thread. Thus, in addition to its anti-loss and anti-disassembly function, the radially outwardly projecting radial web preferably provides additional assistance in installing the hollow screw in the nut element. The pitch of the segmented thread on the radially outward side of the axial web is designed to facilitate screwing the hollow screw into the nut element, thereby providing a pre-installed state for the axial tolerance compensation device.

[0028] According to a further preferred configuration of the invention, the hollow screw of the axial tolerance compensation device includes a metal threaded insert as a fastening thread, which is molded into the hollow cylindrical shaft.

[0029] According to a further preferred configuration of the invention, the internal threads of the hollow screw are reinforced by means of a metal threaded insert. This metal threaded insert provides a basis for transmitting greater force between the fastening screw and the hollow screw. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to use a metal fastening screw in conjunction with a metal threaded insert to increase the fastening force used to hold the two components together by means of an axial tolerance compensation device. In this case, the metal threaded insert, embedded radially inside the hollow screw, transmits the screw force generated between the fastening screw and the metal threaded insert to the surrounding plastic material.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a connection structure between a first component and a second component spaced apart therefrom, the connection structure including an axial tolerance compensation device configured according to at least one of the above and a fastening screw.

[0031] According to a further preferred configuration of the connection structure, the first component has a keyhole geometry in which the nut element is arranged.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention discloses a method for connecting a first component having a keyhole geometry and a second component having a component opening spaced apart by an axial tolerance compensation device according to any of the above configurations or combinations thereof, comprising the following steps: fixing an annular nut element pre-loaded with a hollow screw in the keyhole geometry of the first component; arranging the component opening of the second component opposite to the fastening thread of the hollow screw and screwing in a fastening screw that extends through the component opening into the fastening thread; rotating the fastening screw, thereby causing the hollow screw to rotate together until the hollow screw abuts against the second component; and tightening the fastening screw in the fastening thread when the head of the hollow screw abuts against the second component.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention includes a method for manufacturing an axial tolerance compensation device according to any of the above configurations, comprising the following steps: providing an injection mold for a nut element and a hollow screw, injection molding the nut element and the hollow screw, demolding the nut element and the hollow screw, and pre-installing the hollow screw in the nut element. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate: Figure 1 An exploded view of a preferred configuration of the hollow screw and nut elements of the axial tolerance compensation device. Figure 2 according to Figure 1 The preferred hollow screw and nut components shown are in a pre-installed state. Figure 3 A preferred embodiment of a keyhole geometry for accommodating and securing nut components. Figure 4 An axial sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a hollow screw and nut combination in a pre-installed state. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a preferred combination of nut elements and hollow screws, and a tool for thermally expanding the preferred disassembly protection structure. Figure 6 A preferred combination of a hollow screw and a nut element, wherein the axial end of the hollow screw has a disassembly protection structure in case of thermal expansion. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the two components in their pre-connection state, aided by a preferred axial tolerance compensation device and fastening screws. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the two components in their connected state, achieved using a preferred axial tolerance compensation device and fastening screws. Figure 9 An exploded view of the hollow screw and nut component assembly of another preferred embodiment. Figure 10 according to Figure 9 The preferred configuration is that the hollow screw and nut components are in a pre-installed state. Figure 11 By means of a preferred axial tolerance compensation device and fastening screws, two spaced-apart components are connected during the connection process. Figure 12 By means of a preferred axial tolerance compensation device and fastening screws, two spaced-apart components are connected after the connection is completed. Figure 13 An exploded view of the hollow screw and nut components of another preferred embodiment. Figure 14 In pre-installation state Figure 13 Hollow screw and nut components, Figure 15 By means of a preferred axial tolerance compensation device and fastening screws, two spaced-apart components are connected to each other. Figure 16 By means of the present invention, two spaced-apart components are connected to each other by a preferred axial tolerance compensation device and a fastening screw. Figure 17 Another preferred embodiment of the hollow screw and nut components in a pre-installed state Figure 18 An enlarged perspective view of another preferred configuration of the hollow screw. Figure 19 A perspective view of a nut element according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 20 Two spaced-apart components are connected to each other by an axial tolerance compensation device and a fastening screw according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 By means of a preferred axial tolerance compensation device and fastening screws, two spaced-apart components are connected to each other. Figure 22 A flowchart of a preferred embodiment of a connection method using an axial tolerance compensation device. Figure 23 A flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method of the axial tolerance compensation device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 An exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the axial tolerance compensation device 1 is shown, which includes a nut element 10 and a hollow screw 40.

[0036] Preferably, the nut element 10 is configured as an annular ring to secure it in a fitting component opening O1 of the first component A. According to Figure 1In the preferred configuration shown, the nut element 10 has a bayonet structure, which will be further described below, by means of which the nut element 10 can be secured in the keyhole geometry 90 of the first component A. For this purpose, in known forms, the keyhole geometry 90 has at least two circumferentially evenly distributed slits 92. These slits 92 are adapted to the nut element 10 such that two bayonet webs 12, protruding radially outward from the nut element 10, can be inserted into the slits 92, and can then be rotated to lock the nut element 10 onto the first component A. In the secured state, the first component A is frictionally held between the bayonet webs 12 and the underside of the retaining flange 14 of the nut element 10, wherein there is an axial gap between the retaining flange 14 and the bayonet webs 12.

[0037] At least one locking web 16 is preferably arranged offset by 90° relative to the two bayonet webs 12; in the case of two bayonet webs, two locking webs are preferred. The locking web 16 is preferably arranged along the insertion direction R of the nut element 10. E Inclined arrangement. When the nut element 10 is inserted into the keyhole geometry 90, the bayonet web 12 passes through the cut 92. Simultaneously, the locking web 16 abuts against the surface of the first component A located between the cuts 92, and is positioned relative to the insertion direction R. E A preferred spring preload is applied to the nut element 10 in the opposite direction.

[0038] Once the nut element 10 rotates about its longitudinal axis, the bayonet web 12 locks into place on the side of the first part A opposite to the retaining flange 14. To secure the nut element 10 in the keyhole 90, the locking web 16 preferably screws into the cutout 92 as the bayonet web 12 is unscrewed from the cutout 92. Due to the preferred inclined arrangement of the locking webs 16, they lock into the cutout 92, thereby preventing the nut element 10 from subsequently rotating about its longitudinal axis.

[0039] In order to rotate the nut element 10, the flange 14 is preferably interrupted at at least two locations 15 to provide engagement points for the rotating tool.

[0040] Preferably, the nut element 10, which incorporates the bayonet web 12 and the locking web 16, is configured as an annular shape.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment (not shown) of the nut element 10, it includes external threads on the radially outer side in place of the bayonet web 12 and the locking web 16, thereby allowing it to be fastened in the threaded opening of the first component A.

[0042] Thus, the annular nut element 10 is screwed into the threaded opening of the first component A until the retaining flange 14 abuts against the surface of the first component A. Therefore, the external thread and the retaining flange 14 combine to form a friction-resistant anti-rotation safety structure. Figure 1In one embodiment, this anti-rotation safety structure is achieved by combining the bayonet web 12 and the locking web 16, in the form of a shape-fitting anti-rotation safety structure.

[0043] According to another preferred embodiment of the nut element 10 (not shown), it is formed in a triangular or polygonal shape in the circumferential direction so as to be inserted into a component opening with a complementary shape in the first component A. The angular shape of the nut element 10 provides a safety structure to prevent the nut element 10 from rotating relative to the first component A within the component opening O1.

[0044] To retain the angle nut element 10 in the component opening O1, below the retaining flange 14 and along the axial insertion direction R... E A locking structure (not shown) is provided in the direction of the component. This preferred locking structure preferably locks the nut element 10 in the component opening O1 by means of frictional engagement and form engagement.

[0045] The nut element 10 includes a channel 18 on its radially inner side 20, which is provided with an internal thread 22 in a first thread direction.

[0046] The hollow screw 40 includes a hollow cylindrical shaft 42 having first and second axial ends. A head 44 is provided at the first axial end of the hollow cylindrical shaft 42, the head having a drive structure 46 (particularly hexagonal) and a mating surface 48 facing the hollow cylindrical shaft.

[0047] The hollow cylindrical shaft 42 includes a radially outer side 50 with an adjusting thread 52. This adjusting thread 52 mates with the internal thread 22 of the nut element 10, and is therefore an adjusting thread 52 in the first thread direction.

[0048] The hollow cylindrical shaft 42 includes an internal channel 54 open at both ends, which can be used to... Figure 4 As seen in the axial cross-sectional view, a fastening thread 56 with a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction is provided on the radially inner side of the channel 54.

[0049] A disassembly protection structure 60 for the hollow screw 40 is provided at the second axial end of the hollow screw 40 opposite to the head 44. In various preferred embodiments of the invention, the function of the disassembly protection structure 60 is to prevent the hollow screw 40 from being unscrewed and loosened from the nut element 10. Such unscrewing or general loosening may be caused by vibration of the hollow screw, for example, during transportation, due to factors such as pre-installation in the nut element 10.

[0050] A more common scenario occurs when connecting two components A and B, and the distance T between the two components A and B is too large. If the distance T between the two components A and B exceeds the maximum possible length variation of the tolerance compensation device 1, the automatic tolerance compensation process will cause the hollow screw 40 to uninterruptedly unscrew and loosen from the internal nut thread 22 of the nut element 10.

[0051] This undesirable loosening requires additional repair work from the workers, as the hollow screw 40 must be reconnected to the nut element 10, and the positions of parts A and B need to be readjusted.

[0052] In this invention Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the preferred embodiment shown, the disassembly protection structure 60 consists of a circumferential unthreaded shaft wall 62 or at least two axial webs 64 extending in the axial direction of the hollow screw 40. To prevent the hollow screw 40 from loosening from the nut element 10, the circumferential shaft wall 62 or the plurality of axial webs 64 are thermally expanded radially using a preferred tapered tool W (preferably ultrasonically). Preferably, the radial expansion is performed to an extent exceeding the inner diameter D of the nut element 10. I up to (see) Figure 5 ).

[0053] By rotating the fastening screw 80, the hollow screw 40 is unscrewed from the nut element 10 until the disassembly protection structure 60 (here, the expanded shaft wall 62 or the thermally expanded axial web 64) reaches the end of the nut element 10 away from the head. In this state, due to its radial expansion, the disassembly protection structure 60 prevents the hollow screw 40 from being further unscrewed from the nut element 10, because the expanded disassembly protection structure 60 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the nut element 10.

[0054] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The illustration shows the axial tolerance between components A and B being compensated by a tolerance compensation device 1 while connecting the first component A and the second component B. In the first preferred step A, a nut element 10 pre-installed with a hollow screw 40 is fixed in the keyhole geometry 90 of the first component A.

[0055] Subsequently, the second component B is provided with a component opening O2, arranged such that the component opening O2 is aligned with the channel 54 of the hollow screw 40 in the nut element 10. In this case, alignment preferably means that the center point of the component opening O2 is located at or near the central longitudinal axis of the channel 54.

[0056] Then, the fastening screw 80 is inserted through the component opening O2 of the second component B into the channel 54 of the hollow screw 40 and rotated in the second thread direction, because the screw thread 82 of the fastening screw 80 has the same thread direction as the fastening thread 56 inside the hollow screw 40.

[0057] Since the fastening thread 56 and the screw thread 82 are geometrically matched, the fastening screw 80 can be screwed into the fastening thread 56 until the end of the screw shaft 84 away from the head reaches a threadless traction portion 58. This increases the frictional resistance between the rotating fastening screw 80 and the hollow screw 40 (step B) compared to the threaded engagement between the screw thread 82 and the fastening thread 56.

[0058] Based on the increased friction between the fastening screw 80 and the hollow screw 40, the hollow screw 40 is driven to rotate together by the fastening screw 80. Since the fastening screw 80 drives the hollow screw 40 to rotate together in the second thread direction, and the hollow screw 40 engages with the internal thread 22 in the first thread direction through its adjusting thread 52, the rotation of the fastening screw 80 causes the hollow screw 40 to unscrew from the nut element 10 toward the second component B (step C).

[0059] Once the head 44 of the hollow screw 40 comes into contact with the second component B, the rotation of the fastening screw 80 overcomes the resistance of the traction part 56 and is firmly tightened with the hollow screw 40.

[0060] If the distance T between components A and B is greater than the maximum adjustable length L of the axial tolerance compensation device 1, i.e. greater than the bridging distance, the rotation of the fastening screw 80 may cause the hollow screw 40 to loosen from the nut element 10.

[0061] However, this loosening is prevented by the disassembly protection structure 60, because the hollow screw 40 cannot be screwed out / into the nut element 10 due to the radial expansion of the disassembly protection structure 60.

[0062] Figure 9-12 and Figure 13-16 Two other preferred embodiments of the disassembly protection structures 60', 60'' of the hollow screw 40 are shown. Apart from the disassembly protection structure 60, the structures of the nut element 10 and the hollow screw 40 correspond to... Figure 1-8 Refer to the configuration described in the text.

[0063] Figure 9-12 The disassembly protection structure 60' includes at least two axial webs 66. They extend in a direction away from the head of the hollow cylindrical shaft 42 of the hollow screw 40'. Preferably, the at least two axial webs 66 are arranged at equal intervals to each other in the circumferential direction of the hollow cylindrical shaft 42. It is also preferred to use three, four, or five axial webs 66.

[0064] according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The cross-sectional view reveals that the axial web 66 extends in a direction away from the head with a constant or increasing radial width. At least according to the second option, the axial web 66 preferably extends in a tapered shape, with the thinner end connected to the hollow cylindrical shaft 42 and the thicker end being a free end.

[0065] Further preferably, the radially inner side of one or all of the axial webs 66 does not include threads. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the free end 84 of the fastening screw 80, away from the head, is first screwed into the axial end of the fastening thread 56. Due to the increased screwing resistance within the disassembly protective structure 60' (i.e., when the fastening screw 80 is screwed into the axial web 66), the hollow screw 40' rotates together with the fastening screw 80. Due to the joint rotation of the hollow screw 40' and the thread side effect in the first thread direction between the nut element 10 and the adjusting thread 52 of the hollow screw 40', the head 44 is screwed out and abuts against the second part B. Thereafter, the fastening screw 80 is tightened in the hollow screw 40'.

[0066] When the distance T (i.e., the tolerance between the two parts A and B to be compensated) is greater than the maximum support length L that can be achieved by using the nut element 10 and hollow screw 40' of the axial tolerance compensation device 1, the fastening screw 80 may be unscrewed from the disassembly protection structure 60'.

[0067] The fastening screw 80 pushes the axial web 66 radially outward until the outer diameter formed by the axial web 66 of the disassembly protection structure 60' and the fastening screw 80 exceeds the inner diameter of the nut element 10, thereby preventing the hollow screw 40 from being unscrewed from the nut element 10.

[0068] Figure 13-16 Another preferred embodiment of the axial tolerance compensation device 1 is shown, which differs from the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention in that the protective structure 60'' is disassembled. Figure 13-16 As shown, the axial web 68 extends from the hollow cylindrical shaft 42 toward the hollow screw 40 in a direction away from the head.

[0069] These axial webs 68 have a constant radial thickness or a decreasing radial thickness, preferably decreasing towards the free end, i.e., tapered. Furthermore, the axial webs 68 are arranged uniformly relative to the hollow cylindrical shaft 42.

[0070] Further preferably, the axial web 68 is strip-shaped and has a constant width in the circumferential direction. It is also preferable that its width decreases towards the free end to increase the elastic deformation capacity of the axial web 68.

[0071] While the radial inner side of the axial web 68 is preferably designed to be unthreaded, each radial outer side has a radially outwardly projecting radial web 70.

[0072] The radial web 70 has a preferred radial extension exceeding the inner diameter of the internal thread 22 of the nut element 10. The fastening screw 80 is screwed into the fastening thread 56, and when the screw shaft 84 is screwed into the disassembly protection structure 60'', the hollow screw 40'' moves towards the second component B via the adjusting thread 52 and the nut element 10. The preferred radial expansion of the radial web 70 of the disassembly protection structure 60'' prevents the hollow screw 40'' from being unscrewed from the nut element 10.

[0073] Preferably, the axial web 68 is configured to be radially resilient. Preferably, this arrangement facilitates the insertion of the hollow screw 40'' into the nut element 10 because, in order to pass through the channel 18 of the nut element 10, the axial web 68 with the radial web 70 can be resiliently pushed radially inward. After passing through the channel 18, the axial web 68 with the radial web 70 springs back radially outward to act as a disassembly protection structure 60'' to prevent the nut element 10 from passing through.

[0074] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, preferred radial webs 70 are arranged opposite to each other such that they form an axially discontinuous threaded web 72 that extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the hollow screw 40''. This is in Figure 15 As shown, two opposing radial webs 70 are arranged axially offset from each other to form a segmented threaded web 72.

[0075] The segmented threaded web 72 preferably facilitates the connection between the nut element 10 and the hollow screw 40'', because with the segmented threaded web 72, the hollow screw 40'' with the disassembly protection structure 60'' can be more easily installed into the nut element 10 than without the segmented threaded web 72. In this case, the segmented threaded web 72 means that the threaded web consists of multiple segments, each arranged on an axial web 68. According to another preferred embodiment, the segmented threaded web 72 is complementary to the internal thread of the nut element 10. Based on this structural basis, the disassembly protection structure 60'' with the segmented threaded web 72 can be screwed into and through the nut element 10 by engaging with the internal thread 22 of the nut element 10, so as to achieve pre-installation at a lower cost.

[0076] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hollow screw 40'' includes a metal threaded insert 74 for reinforcing the fastening thread 56.

[0077] Since the nut element 10 and hollow screws 40; 40'; 40'' in all preferred embodiments of the present invention are preferably made of plastic material by means of injection molding, the metal threaded insert 74 ensures the reinforcement of the fastening threads 56 of the hollow screws 40; 40'; 40'' and can be arranged in the hollow screws 40 at a lower cost during the injection molding process.

[0078] Since the fastening screw 80 is preferably also made of metal, mechanical loads can be transmitted and introduced into the material of the hollow screws 40; 40'; 40'' through the metal-to-metal threaded connection.

[0079] To increase the mechanical elasticity of the plastic parts of the axial tolerance compensation device 1; 1'; 1'', it is preferable to add 25% to 65%, more preferably 45% to 55%, and even more preferably 50% glass fiber content to the plastic used for injection molding.

[0080] The present invention also includes a connection structure for the two components A and B using the preferred axial tolerance compensation device 1 of the present invention. For example, Figure 8 , 12 Figures 16 and 21 schematically illustrate such connection structures using different preferred embodiments of the axial tolerance compensation device 1.

[0081] The method of connecting two components A and B using the axial tolerance compensation device 1 can be summarized as follows: (Step a) Fix the nut element 10, pre-installed with a hollow screw 40, into the component opening O1 of the first component, preferably in the preferred keyhole geometry of the first component A. (Step b) Arrange the component opening O2 of the second component B opposite to the fastening thread of the hollow screw 40, and screw in (Step c) a fastening screw 80, which passes through the component opening O2 and enters the fastening thread. Then, by rotating (Step d) the fastening screw 80, and consequently rotating the hollow screw 40, the axial tolerance compensation device 1 extends axially until it abuts against the second component B through the head 42 of the hollow screw 40. Finally, in step e, when the head 42 of the hollow screw 40 abuts against the second component B, tighten the fastening screw 80 in the fastening thread of the hollow screw 40.

[0082] As described above, the components of the axial tolerance compensation device 1 are preferably made of plastic material, particularly the nut element 10 and the hollow screw 40 and their various preferred configurations. It is also preferable to add glass fiber (see above) to the plastic material used to manufacture the nut element 10 and the hollow screw 40 to increase their mechanical elasticity and stability.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nut element 10 and the hollow screw 40 are manufactured by injection molding. Therefore, the manufacturing method can be summarized as follows: providing (step S1) an injection mold for the nut element 10 and the hollow screw 40; injection molding (step S2) the nut element 10 and the hollow screw 40; demolding (step S3) the nut element 10 and the hollow screw 40; and pre-installing (step S4) the hollow screw 40 into the nut element 10.

[0084] The pre-installation step (step S4) is not a mandatory part of the manufacturing method and can be performed later according to the installation process of the axial tolerance compensation device 1.

[0085] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Axial tolerance compensation device 10-nut component 12-gauge web 14. Maintain the flange 15 serves as a through-hole for connection with tools. 16 locking webs Channel in 18-nut component Radial inner side of channel 18 in 20 22 Internal thread in the first thread direction 40 hollow screw 42 Hollow Cylindrical Shaft 44 heads 46 drive structure 48 bonding surfaces 50 Hollow cylindrical shaft 42 radial outer side 52 Adjusting thread in the first thread direction 54 channels 56 Fastening thread in the second thread direction 58 Traction Unit 60 Disassembly of protective structure 62 circumferential shaft wall 64-axis web 66-axis web 67 Axial web 66 radial inner side 68-axis web 70 radial web 72 segmented threaded web 74 Metal Threaded Insert 80 fastening screws 82 screw thread 84 screw shaft 90 keyhole geometry A First Component B Second Component The component opening in the first component of O1 O2 Second Component Opening R E Insertion direction W-heat tools or via ultrasonic methods Inner diameter of DI nut component Distance / Tolerance between the first and second components A and B The maximum length of the L tolerance compensation device

Claims

1. An axial tolerance compensation device (1) for automatic compensation of tolerance between a first component (A) and a second component (B), characterized in that, It has the following characteristics: a. A nut element (10) having a radially outward fastening structure (12) that can be fastened in the component opening (O1) of the first component (A), the nut element also having an internal nut thread (22) in a first thread direction. b. A hollow screw (40) having a head (44) and a hollow cylindrical shaft (42), the radially outer side of which has an adjusting thread (52) that matches the inner nut thread (22), and the radially inner side has a fastening thread (56) in a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction, wherein the fastening thread matches the inner nut thread (22). c. A fastening screw (80) in the second thread direction interacts with each other, such that the first component (A) and the second component (B) can be fastened to each other by the axial tolerance compensation device (1), wherein d. The hollow cylindrical shaft (42) includes a disassembly protection structure (60) at its axial end away from the head, wherein the disassembly protection structure (60) prevents the hollow screw (40) from being unscrewed from the nut element (10) during the installation of the axial tolerance compensation device (1).

2. The axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular nut element (10) and the hollow screw (40) are made of plastic material.

3. The axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The disassembly protection structure (60) includes a circumferential shaft wall (60) or at least two radially thermally expandable axial webs (64) extending in the axial direction of the hollow screw (40), such that at least one free end of the shaft wall (60) or the axial webs (64) extends radially beyond the inner diameter D of the nut element (10). I .

4. The axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The disassembly protection structure (60) includes at least two axial webs (66) extending in the axial direction of the hollow screw (40), each axial web extending with a constant radial width or tapering to a free end with a gradually increasing radial width.

5. The axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least two axial webs (66) have radial inner sides and radial outer sides, the inner sides of the at least two axial webs extending generally parallel, while the outer sides extend radially outward at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the hollow screw (40).

6. The axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The radially inner sides of the at least two axial webs (66) do not contain any threads, such that the fastening screw (80) is subject to rotational inhibition by the axial webs (66), and / or, the fastening screw causes the axial webs to move further radially outward than if they were threaded.

7. The axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The disassembly protection structure (60) includes at least two axial webs (68) extending in the axial direction of the hollow screw (40), each axial web having a radially outwardly arranged radial web (70) on the radially outer side.

8. The axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least two radial webs (70) are arranged opposite each other such that they form a circumferentially extending threaded web.

9. The axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fastening thread (56) of the hollow screw (40) is molded into the hollow cylindrical shaft (42) in the form of an overmolded metal thread insert (74).

10. A connection structure between a first component (A) and a second component (B) spaced apart from the first component, characterized in that, It includes an axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to any one of claims 1-9 and a fastening screw.

11. The connection structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first component (A) includes a keyhole geometry (90), in which the nut element (10) is arranged.

12. A method for connecting a first component (A) having a keyhole geometry (90) and a second component (B) having a component opening (O2) spaced apart from the first component using an axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, comprising the following steps: a. Secure (a) the nut element (10) pre-installed with the hollow screw (40) to the component opening (O1) of the first component (A). b. Arrange the component opening (O2) of the second component (B) opposite to the fastening thread (56) of the hollow screw (40), and screw (c) in a fastening screw (80) that passes through the component opening (O2) and extends into the fastening thread (56). c. Rotate (d) the fastening screw (80), thereby causing the hollow screw (40) to rotate together, until the hollow screw abuts against the second component (B), and d. When the head (44) of the hollow screw abuts against the second component (B), tighten (e) the fastening screw (80) into the fastening thread (56).

13. A method for manufacturing an axial tolerance compensation device (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, comprising the following steps: a. Provide (S1) an injection mold for the nut element (10) and the hollow screw (40), b. Injection molding (S2) of the nut element (10) and the hollow screw (40), c. Demolding (S3) of the nut element (10) and the hollow screw (40), and d. Pre-install (S4) the hollow screw (40) into the nut element (10).

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