Gap control device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a gap control device, characterized in that the gap control device comprises a clamping piece (1), a supporting piece (2) and a gap control piece (3), the clamping piece (1) is configured to have a shape suitable for gripping, the gap control piece (3) is configured to match the size of the gap to be inserted, and the supporting piece (2) is configured to support the clamping piece (1) and the gap control piece (3), wherein the clamping piece (1) is located on a first side (21) of the supporting piece (2), and the gap control piece (3) is located on a second side (22) of the supporting piece (2) opposite to the first side. The gap control device of the present disclosure can avoid damage caused by mutual collision of parts on one hand, and can improve the installation efficiency of operators on the other hand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing, and in particular, to a gap control device for controlling the gap between components during assembly. Background Technology

[0002] When installing components such as headlights into the vehicle body, due to space constraints and the difficulty in controlling the direction and magnitude of the force applied by the operator, these components are prone to friction or collision with adjacent body panels, causing scratches or cracks. This can lead to corrosion-prone areas on the body and shorten the lifespan of the body panels. To address this, buffer pads can be placed at locations where the body panels and components are likely to come into contact. However, it has been found that during the assembly process, the buffer pads may be subjected to abnormal shear forces, causing them to shift or even detach from the components. This significantly reduces their lifespan and may even render them ineffective, compromising the protection of the body panels. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to solve one or more of the problems described above and others, and to achieve additional advantages.

[0004] This disclosure discloses a gap control device, characterized in that the gap control device includes a clamping member, a support member, and a gap control member, wherein the clamping member is configured to have a shape suitable for gripping, the gap control member is configured to match the size of the gap to be inserted, and the support member is configured to support the clamping member and the gap control member, wherein the clamping member is located on a first side of the support member, and the gap control member is located on a second side of the support member opposite to the first side.

[0005] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the clamping member, the support member, and the clearance control member are made as a single unit.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the clamping member and the clearance control member is detachably fixed to the support member.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the clamping member and the clearance control member are configured to be interchangeable.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the gap control device further includes a positioning component, which is disposed on the same side of the support member as the gap control component.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning component is detachably disposed on the support member or formed integrally with the support member.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning component includes a positioning hole disposed in a support member and a positioning element installed in the positioning hole.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the support member is provided with a plurality of positioning holes, and the positioning element can be detachably installed in any one of the plurality of positioning holes.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning element includes a positioning suction cup or a positioning block.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the clamping member includes at least one ring member disposed on the clamping member.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the angle of the ring member relative to the clamping member is adjustable.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the gap control element is configured to have a flat plate shape or an arc shape.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the gap control element is configured to be deformable to adapt to the shape of the gap to be inserted.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the gap control includes a cuttable portion.

[0018] It should be noted that aspects of this disclosure described with respect to one embodiment can be included in other different embodiments, although these other different embodiments are not specifically described. In other words, features of all embodiments and / or any embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0019] The device disclosed herein is used to control the gap requirements of components during installation, which can prevent components from colliding and being damaged, and can also improve the operator's component installation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, some specific embodiments given as examples will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a gap control device conforming to this disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A second embodiment of a gap control device conforming to this disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 Another perspective on the second embodiment of the gap control device;

[0024] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 A ring according to a second embodiment of a gap control device;

[0025] Figure 5 Show Figure 2 A ring according to a second embodiment of a gap control device;

[0026] Figure 6 A third embodiment of a gap control device conforming to this disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 The suction cup in the third embodiment of the gap control device;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the headlights equipped with buffer pads and the body sheet metal parts;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a clearance control device conforming to this disclosure positioned between the headlight and the body sheet metal.

[0030] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of some features may be altered and they may not be drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

[0032] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0033] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0034] When a component is described in the specification as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "joined" to, or "in contact" with another component, the component may be directly located on, attached to, connected to, joined to, or in contact with the other component, or there may be an intermediate component present.

[0035] In this specification, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for ease of explanation only and are not intended to be limiting. Any technical feature represented by "first," "second," "third," etc., is interchangeable.

[0036] In the specification, spatial relation terms such as "above," "below," "front," "back," "top," and "bottom" describe the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relation terms include not only the orientation shown in the drawings but also the different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the drawings is inverted, a feature previously described as "below" other features can now be described as "above" other features. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), in which case the relative spatial relationships will be interpreted accordingly.

[0037] Specifically, the terms "inside" and "outside" used in this disclosure refer to the inside and outside of the vehicle body, with "inside" referring to the direction towards the inside of the vehicle body and "outside" referring to the direction towards the outside of the vehicle body.

[0038] This disclosure relates to a clearance control device for maintaining a clearance between components during assembly. The clearance control device of this disclosure can also be used in other installation scenarios where maintaining a clearance is required.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 First, a first embodiment of the gap control device of this disclosure will be described.

[0040] The clearance control device may include at least a clamping member 1, a support member 2, and a clearance control member 3. The support member 2 is used to support at least the clamping member 1 and the clearance control member 3. The clamping member 1 and the clearance control member 3 may be configured to be respectively disposed on both sides of the support member 2.

[0041] The clamping element 1 may have a shape suitable for gripping, so as to facilitate the operator's gripping gap control device. Figure 1According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the clamping member 1 may be in the form of a plate, allowing the operator to grasp it using, for example, their thumb and forefinger. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the clamping member 1 may be in the form of a handle, allowing the operator to grip it. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the clamping member 1 may be annular, allowing the operator's fingers to pass through the ring to grasp the gap control device.

[0042] Clamping member 1 can be welded to the first side 21 of support member 2. In such a case... Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping member 1 may be plate-shaped, with its lower edge directly welded to the first side 21 of the support member. In other embodiments according to this disclosure, the clamping member 1 may be detachably fixed to the first side 21 of the support member 2. In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the plate-shaped clamping member may be fixedly connected by inserting a flange at its lower edge into a groove in the support member. Alternatively, the clamping member may be in the form of a handle, with the threaded end of the handle screwed into a threaded hole in the support member for a fixed connection. In some embodiments, the clamping member may also be integrally formed with the support member.

[0043] In some embodiments, the gap control element 3 is configured to be deformable to accommodate different gap shapes. For example, the gap control element 3 can be bent and deformed to fit gaps that are curved in the depth direction. In some embodiments, the gap control element 3 can undergo plastic deformation under pressure, stretching, squeezing, etc., before use. In some embodiments, refer to Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the gap control member 3 can be configured as a flat plate, the thickness and size of which allow the gap control member 3 to be inserted into a relatively straight gap. In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the gap control member 3 can be configured as an arc to match the shape of a corresponding arc-shaped gap. In other embodiments according to this disclosure, the gap control member 3 can be configured according to the specific shape and size of the gap to form a gap control member specifically for a particular gap.

[0044] In some embodiments, the gap control element can be made of a cuttable material. This allows the user to cut the gap control element to fit the actual gap size. This also enables mass-produced gap control devices to be configured with gap control elements suitable for a wide range of sizes, which can be cut to fit the desired gap when the gap control device is actually used.

[0045] The clearance control element 3 can be welded to the root of the support element on the second side 22 opposite to the first side 21. In such a case... Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the gap control member 3 is in the form of a flat plate, with its lower edge serving as the root, which can be directly welded to the second side 22 of the support member 2. In other embodiments, the gap control member 3 can be fixed to the second side 22 of the support member 2 in a detachable configuration. In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the second side 22 of the support member 2 can be provided with a connecting groove, and the root of the gap control member 3 can be configured to have a flange that matches the shape of the connecting groove of the support member 2. This allows the operator to select a matching gap control member 3 according to the shape of the actual gap and to install and fix it by inserting the flange of the root of the gap control member 3 into the connecting groove of the support member 2. The detachable gap control member allows the same set of clamping members 1 and support members 2 of the gap control device to be combined with different gap control members 3, thereby enabling the gap control device to be used for various different gaps.

[0046] During the process of inserting the gap control component 3 into the gap, once the support component 2 is stopped by the outer edge of the gap, the gap control component will no longer be able to continue to be inserted into the gap. Therefore, the support component 2 can also play the role of stopping and positioning.

[0047] In some embodiments, at least one of the clamping member 1 and the gap control member 3 can be configured to form an angle with the support member 2. This allows the gap control device to be used in different gaps. For example, in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping member 1 and the support member 2 are substantially at right angles (i.e., they are substantially perpendicular or orthogonal); similarly, the clearance control member 3 and the support member 2 are substantially at right angles (i.e., they are substantially perpendicular or orthogonal). In other embodiments, the interior angle between the clamping member 1 and the support member 2 may be acute or obtuse; similarly, the interior angle between the clearance control member 3 and the support member 2 may also be acute or obtuse.

[0048] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the clamping member 1 and the gap control member 3 can be configured to be used interchangeably, that is, the clamping member 1 can also be used as the gap control member, and the gap control member 3 can be used as the clamping member. For example, both the clamping member and the gap control member are plate-shaped and have different lengths. On the one hand, both can be used as clamping members, and on the other hand, one is suitable for insertion into a shorter gap and the other is suitable for insertion into a longer gap. The user can choose according to the actual gap without replacing the gap control device or the gap control member.

[0049] The support member 2 can also support the positioning component 5. The positioning component 5 and the clearance control component 3 are both located on the second side 22 of the support member 2. Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning component 5 may consist of a positioning hole 52 in the support member 2 and a positioning element 51 installed within the positioning hole 52. In other embodiments according to this disclosure, the positioning component 5 may also be integrally formed with the support member 2.

[0050] In some embodiments, the positioning element 51 may be a positioning suction cup. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the positioning suction cup can be fixed inside the positioning hole 52, for example, by adhesive bonding, interference fit, or other suitable fixing methods. The positioning suction cup can be disposed on the second side 22 of the support member 2 along with the gap control component 3, protruding a certain length from the second side 22 of the support member 2. When using the gap control device, the gap control component 3 enters the gap. When the positioning suction cup reaches the outer edge of the gap and adheres to it, the gap control component 3 can no longer enter the gap, thus the positioning component 5 provides auxiliary positioning for the gap control device. The positioning component 5 increases the stability of the gap control device and prevents the operator from accidentally moving it.

[0051] In other embodiments according to this disclosure, a plurality of positioning holes 52 may be provided in the support member 2 so that the specific positioning of the positioning element 51 on the support member 2 can be adjusted.

[0052] In other embodiments according to this disclosure, the positioning component 5 is detachably fixed to the support 2, which allows positioning components 5 of different sizes to be installed and replaced as needed.

[0053] In another embodiment according to this disclosure, the positioning element 51 may be a positioning block protruding from the second side of the support.

[0054] For a non-circular clamping member 1, at least one additional ring member 4 may be provided on the clamping member 1. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the ring member 4 may have an annular body 41 for a finger to pass through. The connecting portion 42 of the ring member 4 may be welded to the clamping member 1. In another embodiment according to this disclosure, the ring member 4 may be connected to the clamping member by a threaded connector or a screw fastener. In some embodiments, the ring member 4 may also be integrally formed with the clamping member 1.

[0055] The ring element 4 is designed to allow the operator's fingers to pass through, enabling the operator to grip the gap control device more securely. In such cases... Figures 2 to 5In the second embodiment shown, two ring members 4 can be respectively disposed on one side of the plate-shaped clamping member 1. In some embodiments, the angle of the ring member 4 relative to the clamping member is adjustable. For example, the snap-fit ​​connection structure between the connecting portion 42 of the ring member and the clamping member provides snap-fit ​​positioning with different orientations. The ring member 4 allows the operator to clamp the gap control device at an angle that is more convenient to operate and conforms to the design concept of ergonomics.

[0056] Figure 8 and Figure 9 An embodiment of the clearance control device according to the present disclosure is illustrated schematically. The clearance control device can be used in the installation process of mounting vehicle lights to the vehicle body.

[0057] Figure 8 The diagram schematically shows the lamp cover 8 and lamp housing 9, the body sheet metal part 7, and the buffer isolation pad 10. It can be seen that the buffer isolation pad 10 can effectively isolate the lamp housing 9 and the body sheet metal part 7 from contact in the vertical direction and friction in the horizontal direction.

[0058] Figure 9 In the middle, the gap control component 3 is inserted into the gap between the lamp cover 8 and lamp housing 9 of the vehicle lamp and the body sheet metal part 7. Before installing the vehicle lamp, the gap control device is positioned as follows: Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, the positioning suction cup can be attached to the body panel 7 outside the gap; alternatively, before installing the headlight, the positioning suction cup of the gap control device can be attached to the headlight cover 8 from below, and the gap control device moves with the headlight. During installation, the gap control device 3 maintains the gap between the headlight and the body panel 7, ensuring that the headlight does not touch the body panel 7 as it enters the installation position. Even if the headlight is slightly tilted, it will correct its direction by touching the gap control device 3. Once the headlight is installed, the gap control device can be removed.

[0059] With a buffer pad 10 placed on the lamp housing 9, the body panel will not come into contact with the buffer pad 10 during the lamp installation process due to the intervening gap control device. After installation is completed and the gap control device is removed, the intact buffer pad 10 can remain between the lamp cover 8 and lamp housing 9 and the body panel 7 to isolate or buffer possible contact between the lamp cover 8 and lamp housing 9 and the body panel 7 during normal vehicle use.

[0060] The gap control device according to this disclosure can be used not only for the installation of vehicle lights, but also for other installation scenarios where gaps need to be maintained between components. For consistent gaps, a gap control device with a defined shape and size can be used; for irregular gaps, a gap control device with a certain deformation capability or replaceable gap control components can be used. This makes the gap control device according to this disclosure applicable to many gap control operations. In some embodiments, depending on the actual application scenario, the gap control range can be, for example, between 1.2 mm and 2.8 mm.

[0061] Although this disclosure has been presented above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of this disclosure by utilizing the methods and techniques disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this disclosure without departing from the content of the technical solutions of this disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A gap control device, characterized by, The gap control device includes a clamping member (1), a support member (2), and a gap control member (3). The clamping member (1) is configured to have a shape suitable for gripping, and the gap control member (3) is configured to match the size of the gap to be inserted. The support member (2) is configured to support the clamping member (1) and the gap control member (3). The clamping member (1) is located on a first side (21) of the support member (2), and the gap control member (3) is located on a second side (22) of the support member (2) opposite to the first side.

2. The lash control device of claim 1, wherein, The clamping member (1), the support member (2), and the gap control member (3) are made into one piece.

3. The lash control device of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the clamping member (1) and the gap control member (3) is detachably fixed to the support member (2).

4. The lash control device of claim 1, wherein, The clamping member (1) and the gap control member (3) are configured to be interchangeable.

5. The lash control device of claim 1, wherein, The gap control device further includes a positioning component (5), which is disposed on the same side of the support member as the gap control component (3).

6. The lash control device of claim 5, wherein, The positioning component (5) is detachably mounted on the support or is integrally formed with the support.

7. The lash control device of claim 5, wherein, The positioning component (5) includes a positioning hole (52) disposed in the support (2) and a positioning element (51) installed in the positioning hole.

8. The lash control device of claim 7, wherein, The support member (2) is provided with a plurality of positioning holes (52), and the positioning element (51) can be detachably installed in any one of the plurality of positioning holes (52).

9. The lash control device of claim 7, wherein, The positioning element (51) includes a positioning suction cup or a positioning block.

10. The lash control device of claim 1, wherein, The clamping member (1) includes at least one ring member (4) disposed on the clamping member.

11. The gap control device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The angle of the ring member (4) relative to the clamping member is adjustable.

12. The lash control device of claim 1, wherein, The gap control element is configured to be either flat or curved.

13. The lash control device of claim 1, wherein, The gap control element (3) is configured to be deformable to adapt to the shape of the gap to be inserted.

14. The lash control device of claim 1, wherein, The gap control element includes a cuttable portion.

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