Tolerance compensating fastener assembly and fastening system

Abstract

The application provides a tolerance compensation fastening assembly and a fastening system. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly comprises an insert and a receiving member. When the insert is in the pre-assembly position, the flange is received in the accommodation space, and the protrusion is engaged with the limiting structure to limit the rotation of the insert relative to the receiving member, thereby maintaining the insert in the pre-assembly position. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly of the application can maintain the insert in the pre-assembly position relative to the receiving member by a simple and durable structure through the protrusion on the flange of the insert and the limiting structure on the retaining wall of the receiving member, and the engagement of the protrusion and the limiting structure.

Description

[0001] Related applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510108908.2, filed on January 23, 2025, entitled "Tolerance Compensation Fastener and Fastening Assembly Including the Thereof", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to a fastening assembly, and more specifically to a tolerance-compensating fastening assembly and fastening system capable of compensating for tolerances. Background Technology

[0003] In various industrial applications, fastening assemblies are used to connect components together. In some applications, gaps exist between the connected components, and a portion of the fastening assembly is positioned within these gaps. Due to manufacturing and installation tolerances, the fastening assembly may rattle or slip within the gaps when the components are joined, resulting in unwanted noise and a loose connection. Fastening assemblies with tolerance compensation can compensate for manufacturing and installation tolerances while securing two components.

[0004] Some tolerance-compensating fastening assemblies include a receiving part and an insert, which compensate for the tolerances between the parts by the helical movement of the insert in the receiving part. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a tolerance-compensating fastening assembly is provided, including an insert and a receiver. The insert has an externally threaded rod portion and a flange disposed at one end of the rod portion, the flange having a protrusion. The receiver has a body portion and a head, the body portion defining an internally threaded channel, the head including a receiving space communicating with the channel and a retaining wall defining at least a portion of the receiving space, the retaining wall having a limiting structure. The insert and the receiver are threadedly engaged by the rod portion and the channel, and the insert has a pre-assembled position relative to the receiver; and wherein, when the insert is in the pre-assembled position, the flange is received in the receiving space, and the protrusion engages with the limiting structure to restrict rotation of the insert relative to the receiver, thereby holding the insert in the pre-assembled position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the retaining wall is configured such that when the protrusion and the limiting structure engage, and the force on the insert along a first rotational direction is greater than a preset force, the retaining wall elastically deforms to allow the limiting structure to separate from the protrusion, thereby allowing the insert to rotate relative to the receiver away from the pre-assembled position along the first rotational direction, wherein the first rotational direction is the direction that causes the flange of the insert to move away from the receiver.

[0007] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes a groove disposed on the inner surface of the retaining wall and configured to receive the protrusion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the groove includes a first limiting wall and a second limiting wall, and the protrusion includes a first restricted wall and a second restricted wall. In the first rotational direction, the first limiting wall is located downstream of the groove, and the second limiting wall is located upstream of the groove. The first restricted wall is located downstream of the protrusion, and the second restricted wall is located upstream of the protrusion. The first limiting wall cooperates with the first restricted wall to provide a first blocking force restricting the insertion member from rotating in the first rotational direction. The second limiting wall cooperates with the second restricted wall to provide a second blocking force restricting the insertion member from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The first blocking force is a preset force. The first restricted wall and the second restricted wall have different inclination angles relative to the radial direction, so that the magnitudes of the first blocking force and the second blocking force are different.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tilt angle of the first limiting wall relative to the radial direction is greater than the tilt angle of the second limiting wall relative to the radial direction, so that the second blocking force is greater than the first blocking force.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first and second limiting walls are configured such that the protrusion forms a barb that prevents the insert from rotating in the second rotational direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first limiting wall and the first restricted wall are shaped to match and extend radially obliquely relative to the flange; and the second limiting wall and the second restricted wall are shaped to match and extend substantially radially along the flange.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protrusion and the groove are sized such that when the protrusion is received in the groove, the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall abut against the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall, respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments, the head further includes a bottom wall connected to the body portion; the retaining wall includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion, the first wall portion being connected to the bottom wall, the second wall portion being spaced apart from the bottom wall by an opening, and the groove being disposed on the inner surface of the second wall portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the flange is received in the receiving space, the first wall portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the flange; and wherein the inner surface of the second wall portion bulges inward relative to the inner surface of the first wall portion at least at the portion where the groove is provided.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the second wall portion includes a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion located at the opening of the groove; wherein, in the first rotational direction, the first connecting protrusion is located downstream of the second connecting protrusion; wherein, the first connecting protrusion connects the first limiting wall to the inner surface of the second wall portion located downstream of the groove in the first rotational direction, and the second connecting protrusion connects the second limiting wall to the inner surface of the second wall portion located upstream of the groove in the first rotational direction; and wherein, the first connecting protrusion and the second connecting protrusion protrude inwardly than other portions of the inner surface of the second wall portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the portion of the outer surface of the second wall portion corresponding to the groove and the first connecting protrusion is recessed inward relative to the other portions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the portion of the second wall portion located upstream of the second connecting protrusion in the first rotational direction is increased.

[0018] In some embodiments, the retaining wall is an annular wall.

[0019] In some embodiments, the receiver is integrally made of plastic material.

[0020] This application provides a fastening system in a second aspect for connecting a first component to a second component, comprising: a tolerance-compensating fastening assembly according to any one of the first aspects, a nut, and a screw. The tolerance-compensating fastening assembly is held in the second component by the receiving member. The screw passes through the first component and the insert of the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly and is threadedly engaged with the nut. The screw engages with the insert and drives the insert to move relative to the receiving member in a first rotational direction such that the flange of the insert abuts against the first component.

[0021] The aforementioned "first rotation direction" refers to the direction in which the flange of the insert moves away from the receiving member; The aforementioned "second rotation direction" refers to the direction in which the flange of the insert moves closer to the receiving element.

[0022] The tolerance compensation fastening assembly of this application, by providing a protrusion on the flange of the insert and a limiting structure on the retaining wall of the receiver, and by engaging the protrusion with the limiting structure, can achieve a simple and durable structure for holding the insert in a pre-assembled position relative to the receiver. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to an embodiment of this application from one viewpoint; Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The tolerance compensation fastening assembly shown is a perspective view from another angle. Figure 1C yes Figure 1A The front view of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly shown; Figure 1D yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly shown; Figure 2 yes Figure 1A Top view of the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly shown; Figure 3 yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly shown; Figure 4A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the insert of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly shown from one angle; Figure 4B yes Figure 1A The tolerance compensation fastening assembly insert shown is viewed from another perspective in a three-dimensional form. Figure 5A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the receiving part of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly shown; Figure 5B yes Figure 1A A top view of the receiving part of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly shown; Figure 6A This is a perspective view of a fastening system according to an embodiment of the present application in a first state during the assembly process; Figure 6B yes Figure 6A The front view of the fastening system shown in the second state during the assembly process; Figure 6C yes Figure 6AThe fastening system shown is in the third state of the assembly process; Figure 6D yes Figure 6A The front view of the fastening system shown in the assembled position; Figure 6E yes Figure 6D The shown is a cross-sectional view of the fastening system.

[0024] Main Identification Tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100; Engaging arm 101; Upper protrusion 102; Lower protrusion 103; Bottom wall 107; Receiving member 110; Head 112; Main body 113; Retaining wall 114; Internal thread 115; First wall portion 116; Second wall portion 117; Channel 118; Opening 119; Insert 120; Flange 121; Rod portion 122; Protrusion 125; External thread 126; Groove 127; Internal channel 128; Nut 130; Nut mounting groove 131; Nut channel 132; Accommodation space 135; First limiting wall 141; First limiting wall 142; Limiting structure 150; Second limiting wall 151; Second limiting wall 152; First connecting protrusion 243; Second connecting protrusion 253; Engaging claw 324; Fastening system 660; First component 661; Second component 662; Screw 663; Mounting hole 665. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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 terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom," are used herein 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 terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0026] Figures 1A-1D The structure of a tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 according to one embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows a three-dimensional structural view of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 from two different perspectives. Figure 1C The front view of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 is shown. Figure 1D An exploded view of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 is shown.

[0027] like Figures 1A-1DAs shown, the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100 includes a receiver 110 and an insert 120, and has an axis X. The receiver 110 includes a head 112 and a body portion 113, with the head 112 disposed at one end of the body portion 113. The body portion 113 defines a channel 118, and the head 112 includes a receiving space 135 communicating with the channel 118. The insert 120 includes a flange 121 and a rod portion 122, with the flange 121 disposed at one end of the rod portion 122. The rod portion 122 of the insert 120 can be received in the channel 118 of the receiver 110. The rod portion 122 of the insert 120 has an external thread 126, and the inner wall of the channel 118 correspondingly has an internal thread 115. The insert 120 and the receiver 110 are threadedly engaged by the external thread 126 of the rod portion 122 and the internal thread 115 of the channel 118. Therefore, the insert 120 can spiral in the channel 118, for example, spiraling upward in the first rotation direction S1 so that the flange 121 of the insert 120 moves away from the receiver 110, or spiraling downward in the second rotation direction S2 opposite to the first rotation direction S1. The receiver 110 is integrally made of plastic material, and the insert 120 can also be integrally made of plastic material.

[0028] Insert 120 has an inner channel 128 extending therethrough along the axial direction, the inner channel 128 being used for connection with screw 663 (e.g. Figure 6B and Figure 6C (As shown) engagement, so as to provide the driving force for the helical movement of the insert 120 via screw 663. Thus, the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100 can increase the axial length of the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100 through the helical movement of the insert 120 to compensate for the gap between the first component 661 and the second component 662 (see...). Figures 6A-6E ).

[0029] The main body 113 of the receiving member 110 is generally hollow cylindrical in shape, and a channel 118 extends axially through the main body 113. The upper part of the channel 118 is used for threaded connection with the rod 122 of the insert 120, and the lower part of the channel 118 is used to accommodate a screw 663 (e.g., Figure 6B and Figure 6C (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper inner wall of the channel 118 is provided with an internal thread 115, and the inner diameter of the upper part of the channel 118 is larger than the inner diameter of the lower part. The inner diameter of the lower part of the channel 118 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the inner channel 128 of the rod portion 122 of the insert 120, and both match the outer diameter of the screw 663 (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0030] The head 112 includes a bottom wall 107 and a retaining wall 114 defining at least a portion of a receiving space 135. The bottom wall 107 is a flat plate extending laterally from the top edge of the body portion 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining wall 114 is an annular wall connected above the bottom wall 107 around its circumferential edge. The bottom wall 107 and the retaining wall 114 together form the receiving space 135. The retaining wall 114 includes a first wall portion 116 and a second wall portion 117, the first wall portion 116 being connected to the bottom wall 107 and the second wall portion 117 being spaced apart from the bottom wall 107 by an opening 119. With this structure, the retaining wall 114 can have greater elasticity at the second wall portion 117, making it easier to elastically deform inward or outward. In some embodiments, the retaining wall 114 may not be annular, as long as it at least partially defines the receiving space 135 for receiving the flange 121. In addition, in some embodiments, the second wall portion 117 may not be spaced apart from the bottom wall 107, as long as its size and shape are set to allow for easy elastic deformation.

[0031] The outer wall of the receiver 110 is configured to have a connection with the second component 662 (see...) Figure 6A The receiving member 110 is shaped and structured to allow it to connect with the second component 662, for example, via a snap-fit ​​connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface of the receiving member 110 is provided with a pair of engaging arms 101, which are configured to snap into mounting holes 665 in the second component 662 (see [reference]). Figure 6A (As shown). Each engaging arm 101 is configured to extend outward from the receiving member 110 in a bent shape. The free end of the engaging arm 101 forms an axially extending bent tab 104. The bent tab 104 is used to abut against the wall of the mounting hole 665 of the second member 662 to hold the main body 113 in the second member 662 and prevent the receiving member 110 from moving radially relative to the second member 662. Figure 6A As shown, the mounting hole 665 is configured with a square end to prevent the receiver 110 from rotating within the mounting hole 665 of the second component 662. At least one upper protrusion 102 and at least one lower protrusion 103 are also provided on the outer surface of the main body 113. When the receiver 110 is connected to the second component 662, the upper protrusion 102 and the lower protrusion 103 clamp the second component 662 therebetween. Therefore, after the receiver 110 is connected to the second component 662, the receiver 110 cannot rotate or move relative to the second component 662. Those skilled in the art will understand that the outer wall of the receiver 110 can be configured with any structure, as long as it can match the mounting hole 665 of the second component 662, allowing the receiver 110 to be connected to the second component 662.

[0032] The tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100 also includes a nut 130 disposed within the receiving member 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom of the main body 113 of the receiving member 110 has a radially extending nut mounting groove 131, in which the nut 130 is received. The nut mounting groove 131 restricts the movement of the nut 130. The nut 130 has an internal nut channel 132 communicating with the inner channel 128 of the insert 120 to receive a screw 663. The screw 663 is fastened to the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100 via the nut 130.

[0033] Insert 120 has the following characteristics relative to receiver 110: Figures 1A-1D The illustrated pre-assembly position is shown. The insert 120 has a protrusion 125 on its flange 121, and a limiting structure 150 is provided on the retaining wall 114 of the receiver 110. When the insert 120 is in the pre-assembly position, the flange 121 is received in the receiving space 135 of the receiver 110, and the protrusion 125 engages with the limiting structure 150 to restrict rotation of the insert 120 relative to the receiver 110, thereby holding the insert 120 in the pre-assembly position. In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting structure 150 includes a groove 127 disposed on the inner surface of the second wall portion 117 of the retaining wall 114 and used to receive the protrusion 125. The structural cooperation between the protrusion 125 and the groove 127 restricts rotation of the insert 120 relative to the receiver 110. When the protrusion 125 engages with the limiting structure 150, if the force on the insert 120 along the first rotation direction S1 is greater than a preset force, the retaining wall 114 allows the limiting structure 150 to separate from the protrusion 125 through elastic deformation, thereby allowing the insert 120 to rotate relative to the receiver 110 away from the pre-assembled position along the first rotation direction S1. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining wall 114 allows the limiting protrusion 125 to disengage from the groove 127 through elastic deformation at the second wall portion 117.

[0034] Therefore, when the insert 120 is in the pre-assembled position, the position between the insert 120 and the receiver 110 can remain relatively stable, making the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 suitable for vibration environments caused by transportation, etc., and preventing the insert 120 from leaving the pre-assembled position and falling off in a vibration environment. Furthermore, the above arrangement also prevents the insert 120 from seizing with the receiver 110 due to over-tightening during disassembly of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100. However, the above arrangement allows the insert 120 to move relative to the receiver 110 when subjected to a driving force greater than a preset force, for example, applied by the screw 663, to compensate for the gap between the first component 661 and the second component 662 (see...). Figures 6A-6E (As shown).

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in some embodiments, the elastically deformable portion may also be provided on the insert 120, for example, the protrusion may be set in a cantilever shape, and the elastic deformation of the insert 120 may allow the insert 120 to leave the pre-assembled position.

[0036] The groove 127 includes a first limiting wall 142 and a second limiting wall 152, and the protrusion 125 includes a first restricted wall 141 and a second restricted wall 151. In the first rotation direction S1, the first limiting wall 142 is located downstream of the groove 127, and the second limiting wall 152 is located upstream of the groove 127. The first restricted wall 141 is located downstream of the protrusion 125, and the second restricted wall 151 is located upstream of the protrusion 125. The first limiting wall 142 and the first restricted wall 141 cooperate with each other, and the second limiting wall 152 and the second restricted wall 151 also cooperate with each other. A more specific cooperation structure between the protrusion 125 and the groove 127 will be described in detail later.

[0037] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A The top view of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 shown is used to illustrate in detail the structure of the protrusion 125 and the groove 127. Figure 4A and Figure 4B A more detailed structure of insert 120 is shown. Figure 5A and Figure 5B A more detailed structure of the receiver 110 is shown.

[0038] like Figure 2 , Figure 1A-1D , Figures 4A-4B as well as Figures 5A-5B As shown, when the flange 121 of the insert 120 is received in the receiving space 135 of the receiver 110, the first wall portion 116 of the retaining wall 114 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the flange 121 so that the protrusion 125 is not obstructed by any structure other than the limiting structure 150 during rotation within the receiving space 135. The inner surface of the second wall portion 117 of the retaining wall 114 protrudes inward relative to the inner surface of the first wall portion 116, at least at the portion where the groove 127 is provided, so that the retaining wall 114 can engage with the protrusion 125 at the groove 127. The protrusion 125 and the groove 127 are sized such that when the protrusion 125 is received in the groove 127, the first limiting wall 141 and the second limiting wall 151 of the protrusion 125 abut against the first limiting wall 142 and the second limiting wall 152 of the groove 127, respectively.

[0039] The first limiting wall 142 of the groove 127 and the first limited wall 141 of the protrusion 125 cooperate to provide a first blocking force that restricts the insertion member 120 from rotating in the first rotation direction S1. The first blocking force is a preset force. That is, when the force on the insertion member 120 in the first rotation direction S1 is greater than the first blocking force, the insertion member 120 can leave the pre-assembled position, while when the force on the insertion member 120 is not greater than the first blocking force, the groove 127 can hold the protrusion 125 in place to restrict the insertion member 120 from rotating in the first rotation direction S1.

[0040] The second limiting wall 152 and the second limited wall 151 cooperate to provide a second blocking force that restricts the insertion member 120 from rotating in the second rotation direction S2. That is, when the force on the insertion member 120 in the second rotation direction S2 is not greater than the second blocking force, the groove 127 can hold the protrusion 125 in place to prevent the insertion member 120 from rotating in the second rotation direction S2. By setting the mating shape of the groove 127 and the protrusion 125, the second blocking force can be made much greater than the first blocking force. Therefore, the operator can rotate the insertion member 120 in the first rotation direction S1 during assembly to achieve tolerance compensation, but it is difficult to rotate the insertion member 120 in the second rotation direction S2.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the first limiting wall 141 and the second limiting wall 151 are configured such that the protrusion 125 forms a barb shape to block the insertion member 120 from rotating in the second rotation direction S2. That is, by configuring the protrusion 125 as a barb shape and correspondingly configuring the shape of the groove 127, the receiving member 110 can block the insertion member 120 from rotating in the second rotation direction S2, but when the insertion member 120 is subjected to a force greater than the first blocking force, it can be allowed to rotate in the first direction S1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first limiting wall 142 and the first limiting wall 141 extend approximately radially inclined relative to the flange 121, i.e., the angle of inclination relative to the radial direction is not 0°. The second limiting wall 152 and the second limiting wall 151 extend approximately radially along the flange 121, i.e., the angle of inclination relative to the radial direction is approximately 0°. In some embodiments, the first limiting wall 142, the first limiting wall 141, the second limiting wall 152, and the second limiting wall 151 are all flat straight walls. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the protrusion and the groove may not be the shape shown in the figure, as long as the first limiting wall 141 and the second limiting wall 151 are set with different inclination angles relative to the radial direction, and the first limiting wall 142 and the second limiting wall 152 are set accordingly, so that the magnitudes of the first blocking force and the second blocking force are different. In some embodiments, the inclination angle of the first limiting wall 141 relative to the radial direction is greater than the inclination angle of the second limiting wall 151 relative to the radial direction, which enables the second blocking force to be greater than the first blocking force.

[0042] The inner surface of the second wall portion 117 of retaining wall 114 includes a first connecting protrusion 243 and a second connecting protrusion 253 located at the opening of groove 127. In the first rotational direction S1, the first connecting protrusion 243 is located downstream of the second connecting protrusion 253. The first connecting protrusion 243 connects the first limiting wall 142 to the inner surface of the second wall portion 117 located downstream of groove 127 in the first rotational direction S1. The second connecting protrusion 253 connects the second limiting wall 152 to the inner surface of the second wall portion 117 located upstream of groove 127 in the first rotational direction S1. The first connecting protrusion 243 facilitates the protrusion 125 to apply pressure to the second wall portion 117, causing the second wall portion 117 to elastically deform outward.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the outer surface of the second wall portion 117 corresponding to the groove 127 and the first connecting protrusion 243 is recessed inward relative to the other portions. That is, the second wall portion 117 is approximately bent inward at the groove 127 and the first connecting protrusion 243. This bent shape prevents the wall thickness of the second wall portion 117 at the groove 127 and the first connecting protrusion 243 from increasing, and also weakens the strength of the second wall portion 117 at the first connecting protrusion 243, increasing its elasticity and making it more conducive to elastic deformation.

[0044] Therefore, when the insert 120 rotates to the pre-assembly position along the second rotation direction S2, the protrusion 125 presses against the first connecting protrusion 243, causing the second wall portion 117 to elastically deform outward, thereby allowing the protrusion 125 to enter the groove 127. When the insert 120 rotates from the pre-assembly position along the first rotation direction S1, the protrusion 125 can also press against the first connecting protrusion 243, causing the second wall portion 117 to elastically deform outward, thereby allowing the protrusion 125 to leave the groove 127.

[0045] The wall thickness of the portion of the second wall portion 117 upstream of the second connecting protrusion 253 in the first rotation direction S1 is increased so that the strength at the second connecting protrusion 253 is increased and the elasticity of the second wall portion 117 at the second connecting protrusion 253 is weakened, which is more conducive to the second limiting wall 152 blocking the protrusion 125 from moving along the second rotation direction S2.

[0046] Figure 3 The internal structure of the tolerance-compensating fastener assembly 100 is shown in further detail. For example... Figure 3As shown, the insert 120 includes at least one engaging claw 324 disposed on the inner wall of the inner channel 128 defining the insert 120. The engaging claw 324 is used to engage with the screw 663 to drive the insert 120 to rotate by the rotation of the screw 663, thereby causing the insert 120 to spiral up or down relative to the receiving member 110. In this embodiment, the engaging claw 324 is configured as a cantilever shape protruding from top to bottom into the inner channel 128, and the bottom of the engaging claw 324 can contact the screw 663 and apply a certain degree of clamping force so that when the screw 663 rotates, the friction between the engaging claw 324 and the fastening screw 663 drives the insert 120 to rotate. When the insert 120 can no longer rise (e.g., when it abuts the lower surface of the first member 661), the engaging claw 324 does not obstruct the rotation of the screw 663. Those skilled in the art will understand that the engagement claw 324 of the insert 120 can be set to any shape, or the engagement claw 324 can be omitted and other mating structures can be provided, as long as they can mate with the screw 663 so that the screw 663 can drive the insert 120 to rotate when it rotates.

[0047] Still as Figure 3 As shown, to facilitate the rotation of the insert 120 driven by the screw 663, the external thread 126 of the insert 120 and the internal thread 115 of the receiver 110 are in a loosely engaged state. That is, when the insert 120 is connected to the receiver 110, there is a small gap between the external thread 126 and the internal thread 115. Furthermore, there is also a gap between the lower surface of the flange 121 of the insert 120 and the bottom wall 107 of the receiver 110. Therefore, without the protrusion 125 and the limiting structure 150, even if the insert 120 is threadedly connected to the receiver 110 in the pre-assembly position, the insert 120 may still rotate undesirably relative to the receiver 110 under external vibration conditions. If the insert 120 rotates relative to the receiver 110 in the first rotation direction S1, it may cause the insert 120 to disengage from the receiver 110. If the insert 120 rotates relative to the receiver 110 in the second rotation direction S2, it may cause the insert 120 to seize with the receiver 110, thus making it impossible to drive the insert 120 to rotate relative to the receiver 110 by turning the screw 663.

[0048] Figures 6A-6E The specific structure of the fastening system 660, including the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100, is shown. Figure 6A This is a 3D view of the fastening system 660 in the first state during the assembly process. Figure 6B This is a perspective view of the fastening system 660 in the second state during the assembly process. Figure 6C This is a 3D view of the fastening system 660 in the third state of the assembly process. Figure 6D and Figure 6EThis is a view of the fastening system 660 in the assembled position.

[0049] like Figure 6A As shown, the fastening system 660 includes a first component 661, a second component 662, a screw 663, and a tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100. The second component 662 has a mounting hole 665. In some embodiments, the first component 661 and the second component 662 are in a fixed state, for example, both are fixed relative to the vehicle.

[0050] When the fastening system 660 is in Figure 6A In the first state of the assembly process shown, the insert 120 of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 is in a pre-assembled position, the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 is inserted into the gap between the first component 661 and the second component 662, and the engaging arm 101 of the receiving component 110 is aligned with the mounting hole 665 of the second component 662. The screw 663 passes over the first component 661 from above and is inserted into the inner channel 128 of the insert 120 of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 until it reaches... Figure 6B The state.

[0051] like Figure 6B As shown, when the fastening system 660 is in the second state of the assembly process, the receiver 110 of the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100 engages in the mounting hole 665 of the second component 662. The engaging arm 101 of the receiver 110 abuts against the edge of the mounting hole 665, and the upper protrusion 102 and lower protrusion 103 of the receiver 110 clamp the second component 662. Thus, the receiver 110 is connected to the second component 662. The first component 661 is located above the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100. The insert 120 of the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100 is still in the pre-assembled position. There is a gap between the upper surface of the flange 121 of the insert 120 and the lower surface of the first component 661. The screw 663 passes through the inner channel 128 of the insert 120 and begins to be received by the nut channel 132 of the nut 130 of the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100. In this state, if the operator tightens screw 663, screw 663 can be securely connected to nut 130, causing screw 663 to descend relative to the first component 661. Figure 6C The state shown.

[0052] like Figure 6CAs shown, when the fastening system 660 is in the third state of the assembly process, the screw 663 abuts against the upper surface of the first component 661 and cannot continue to descend. However, the screw 663 can still rotate and apply a driving force along the first rotation direction S1 to the insert 120. Since this driving force is greater than the first blocking force, the second wall portion 117 of the receiving component 110 undergoes elastic deformation at the first connecting protrusion 243, allowing the protrusion 125 to separate from the groove 127, thereby allowing the insert 120 to leave the pre-assembled position and perform a spiral upward movement until it reaches the desired position. Figure 6D and Figure 6E The state shown.

[0053] like Figure 6D and Figure 6E As shown, when the fastening system 660 is in the assembled position, the upper surface of the flange 121 of the insert 120 abuts against the lower surface of the first component 661, allowing the fastening system 660 to compensate for the gap caused by tolerance between the first component 661 and the second component 662. The first component 661 is clamped between the screw 663 and the flange 121 of the insert 120 of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100. The second component 662 engages with the receiving part 110 of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100. Therefore, the positions of the first component 661, the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100, and the second component 662 are relatively fixed, and even if the tolerance between the first component 661 and the second component 662 is large, the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 will not wobble in the gap between the first component 661 and the second component 662. Thus, the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 can compensate for the gap between the first component 661 and the second component 662, ensuring the firmness of the connection between the first component 661 and the second component 662.

[0054] When disassembly is required, the operator applies a driving force along the second rotation direction S2 to the insert 120 of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 by reverse-tightening screw 663, driving the insert 120 to spirally descend relative to the receiver 110. This causes the fastening system 660 to... Figure 6D and Figure 6D The state shown is reached by moving to the point where... Figure 6C The state is shown. During this process, the protrusion 125 of the insert 120 of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 presses the second wall portion 117 of the receiver 110 against the first connecting protrusion 243, causing the second wall portion 117 at the first connecting protrusion 243 to elastically deform, allowing the protrusion 125 to enter the groove 127. Subsequently, the insert 120 stops its downward spiral movement and reaches the pre-assembly position.

[0055] The operator then continues to tighten screw 663, which returns the fastening system 660 to its original position. Figure 6B The state. In such a state. Figure 6BIn the indicated state, the operator can remove screw 663. Furthermore, by pressing the bending tab 104 of the engaging arm 101 of the receiver 110, the operator can detach the receiver 110 of the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 from the second component 662, thereby separating the tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 from the first component 661 and the second component 662.

[0056] In some extreme environments or under extreme conditions such as corrosion and pollution, the relative position or thickness of the first component 661 and the second component 662 may change. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly 100 can also ensure the reliability of the connection between the first component 661 and the second component 662, thereby extending the service life of these components.

[0057] Furthermore, the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly 100 can flexibly compensate for the tolerances between the first component 661 and the second component 662 within a certain range. When using multiple tolerance-compensating fastening assemblies 100 to connect the first component 661 and the second component 662, the flexible compensation of tolerances can make the components have a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0058] In some specific applications, the first component 661 is the vehicle body sheet metal, and the second component 662 is the vehicle's lights, such as the headlights.

[0059] The tolerance compensation fastening assembly of this application, by providing a protrusion on the flange of the insert and a limiting structure on the retaining wall of the receiver, and by engaging the protrusion with the limiting structure, can achieve a simple and durable structure for holding the insert in a pre-assembled position relative to the receiver.

[0060] 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 tolerance-compensating fastening assembly, characterized in that... include: An insert having a threaded rod and a flange at one end of the rod, the flange having a protrusion. as well as A receiving member having a main body and a head, the main body defining a channel with internal threads, the head including a receiving space communicating with the channel and a retaining wall defining at least a portion of the receiving space, the retaining wall having a limiting structure. The insert and the receiver are threadedly engaged via the rod and the channel, and the insert has a pre-assembled position relative to the receiver; and When the insert is in the pre-assembled position, the flange is received in the receiving space, and the protrusion engages with the limiting structure to restrict the rotation of the insert relative to the receiving member, thereby holding the insert in the pre-assembled position.

2. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining wall is configured such that when the protrusion and the limiting structure engage, and the force on the insert along the first rotation direction is greater than a preset force, the retaining wall allows the limiting structure to separate from the protrusion through elastic deformation, thereby allowing the insert to rotate relative to the receiver away from the pre-assembled position along the first rotation direction, wherein the first rotation direction is the direction in which the flange of the insert moves away from the receiver.

3. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting structure includes a groove disposed on the inner surface of the retaining wall and configured to receive the protrusion.

4. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The groove includes a first limiting wall and a second limiting wall, and the protrusion includes a first restricted wall and a second restricted wall. In the first rotation direction, the first limiting wall is located on the downstream side of the groove, the second limiting wall is located on the upstream side of the groove, and the first restricted wall is located on the downstream side of the protrusion, and the second restricted wall is located on the upstream side of the protrusion. Wherein, the first limiting wall cooperates with the first restricted wall to provide a first blocking force to restrict the insertion member from rotating along the first rotation direction, and the second limiting wall cooperates with the second restricted wall to provide a second blocking force to restrict the insertion member from rotating along a second direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and the first blocking force is the preset force; The first and second restricted walls have different inclination angles relative to the radial direction, so that the magnitudes of the first and second blocking forces are different.

5. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first limiting wall has a greater radial inclination angle than the second limiting wall, so that the second blocking force is greater than the first blocking force.

6. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first and second limiting walls are configured such that the protrusion forms a barb that prevents the insert from rotating in the second rotation direction.

7. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first limiting wall and the first restricted wall are shaped to match each other and extend radially inclined relative to the flange; and The second limiting wall and the second restricted wall are shaped to match each other and extend generally radially along the flange.

8. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The protrusion and the groove are sized such that when the protrusion is accommodated in the groove, the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall abut against the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall, respectively.

9. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The head also includes a bottom wall connected to the main body; The retaining wall includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion, the first wall portion being connected to the bottom wall, the second wall portion being spaced apart from the bottom wall by an opening, and the groove being disposed on the inner surface of the second wall portion.

10. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the flange is received in the receiving space, the first wall portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the flange; and The inner surface of the second wall portion protrudes inward relative to the inner surface of the first wall portion, at least at the portion where the groove is provided.

11. The tolerance-compensating fastening assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The inner surface of the second wall portion includes a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion located at the opening of the groove; In the first rotational direction, the first connecting protrusion is located downstream of the second connecting protrusion; Wherein, the first connecting protrusion connects the first limiting wall to the inner surface of the second wall portion located downstream of the groove in the first rotational direction, and the second connecting protrusion connects the second limiting wall to the inner surface of the second wall portion located upstream of the groove in the first rotational direction; and The first connecting protrusion and the second connecting protrusion protrude inwards more than other parts of the inner surface of the second wall portion.

12. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The portion of the outer surface of the second wall portion corresponding to the groove and the first connecting protrusion is recessed inward relative to the other portions.

13. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the portion of the second wall located upstream of the second connecting protrusion in the first rotational direction is increased.

14. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining wall is an annular wall.

15. The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving component is made of a single piece of plastic material.

16. A fastening system for connecting a first component to a second component, characterized in that... include: The tolerance compensation fastening assembly according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the tolerance compensation fastening assembly is held in the second component by the receiving member; Nut; as well as A screw that passes through the insert of the first component and the tolerance-compensating fastening assembly and engages threadedly with a nut; The screw engages with the insert and drives the insert to move relative to the receiver in the first rotational direction, such that the flange of the insert abuts against the first component.

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