Connection assembly and component assembly structure

Abstract

The application discloses a connecting assembly and a component assembly structure. The connecting assembly is used for connecting a first component to a second component, and comprises a connecting piece, an adjusting piece and a fastener. The connecting piece is fixedly arranged on the first component, and the connecting piece is formed with a through hole. The adjusting piece is rotatably inserted into the through hole of the connecting piece. The fastener comprises a screw rod and a head formed on one end of the screw rod. During screwing of the screw rod to the second component, the head cooperates with the adjusting piece, so that the fastener and the adjusting piece can rotate together in the through hole. The connecting assembly of the application can be used for connecting the first component and the second component with assembly spaces, and the assembly spaces do not need to be manually adjusted during the connection process. The adjusting piece can directly rotate together with the fastener by rotating the fastener.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mechanical connection technology, and in particular to a connection component and component assembly structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive assembly process, the connection of components such as door handles, headlights, and taillights typically involves the mating of multiple thin-walled sheet metal parts. However, due to manufacturing tolerances and assembly errors, there are often excess assembly gaps between the sheet metal parts after assembly. Although these excess assembly gaps can be manually adjusted later, this not only significantly increases assembly time and operational complexity but also makes it difficult to guarantee consistent precision. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a connecting component and component assembly structure with tolerance compensation and absorption functions, which can solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, in one respect, this application provides a connection component for connecting a first component to a second component, the connection component comprising:

[0005] A connector is fixedly mounted on the first component, and the connector has a through hole;

[0006] An adjusting element is rotatably inserted into the through hole of the connector;

[0007] The fastener includes a screw and a head formed at one end of the screw. During the screwing process to the second component, the head engages with the adjusting member so that the fastener and the adjusting member can rotate together within the through hole.

[0008] In some embodiments, one of the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting member and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member surrounding its through hole are provided with a helical groove, and the other is provided with a helical protrusion;

[0009] Before the first component is connected to the second component, the helical protrusion transitions into the helical groove;

[0010] After the first component is connected to the second component, the helical protrusion is interference-fitted with the helical groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adjusting member includes a base plate and an annular side plate extending from the edge of the base plate, the outer peripheral surface of the side plate forming the helical groove or helical protrusion;

[0012] The substrate includes an outer side and an inner side, the outer side being used to abut against the second component, and the inner side being used to abut against the head of the fastener. The inner and outer sides are parallel to each other and neither is perpendicular to the axial direction of the adjusting member.

[0013] In some embodiments, the head of the fastener is provided with a first rib on the side opposite to the inner side of the substrate, and the adjusting member is provided with a second rib. The first rib and the second rib abut against each other in the circumferential direction so that the fastener and the adjusting member can rotate together in the through hole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the axial height difference H of the outer surface of the substrate is greater than the clearance G between the helical protrusion and the helical groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the angle α of the outer surface of the substrate relative to the axial normal plane is determined by the height difference H and the diameter D of the annular side plate, wherein the height difference H is determined by the gap amount G and the additional preload X applied between the adjusting member and the connecting member.

[0016] In some implementations, the second rib is an elastic rib.

[0017] In some embodiments, the head of the fastener is axially sandwiched between the second rib and the inner side of the substrate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second rib extends obliquely from the inner circumferential surface of the adjusting member.

[0019] On the other hand, this application provides a component assembly structure, including a first component, a second component, and a connection component as described above.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the connecting component of this application can be used to connect a first component and a second component with an assembly gap. During the connection process, there is no need to manually adjust these assembly gaps. The adjusting component can be directly rotated by rotating the fastener so that it rotates with the fastener. When the adjusting component abuts against the second component, it can compensate for or absorb the excess assembly gap between the first component and the second component. This not only achieves precise control of the surface difference and gap between the first component and the second component, but also reduces the complexity of the assembly operation, shortens the assembly time, and ensures the connection reliability of the first component and the second component under certain assembly gap conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the detailed description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings used in the following detailed description are merely some embodiments of this application. Based on these drawings, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings without any creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connection component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the connecting component from one perspective.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The connecting component shown is a structural cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The connecting component shown is a structural cross-sectional view along line BB.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the connecting components shown;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the fastener and the adjusting member in the connection assembly from one perspective, where the positional relationship between the first rib of the fastener and the second rib of the adjusting member is schematically shown.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the fasteners in the connecting assembly.

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the principle of the threaded fit between the adjusting component and the connecting component in the connecting assembly; it schematically shows that the helical protrusion and the helical groove are in a transitional fit state before the first component is connected to the second component.

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the principle of the threaded fit between the adjusting component and the connecting component in the connecting assembly; it schematically shows that after the first component is connected to the second component, the helical protrusion and the helical groove are in an interference fit state.

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 1The diagram illustrates the principle of the threaded fit between the adjusting member and the connecting member in the connecting assembly. It schematically shows the geometric relationship between the height difference H of the outer surface of the substrate in the axial direction, the inclination angle α of the outer surface of the substrate relative to the axial normal plane, the diameter D of the annular side plate, the gap G to be compensated between the helical protrusion and the helical groove, and the additional preload X applied between the adjusting member and the connecting member.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] Connecting assembly 100; Connector 1; Through hole 11; Spiral protrusion 111; Adjusting component 2; Spiral groove 21; Second rib 22; Connecting section 221; Free section 222; Inlet surface 223; Stop surface 224; Base plate 23; Insertion hole 231; Annular side plate 24; Mounting port 241; Process hole 25; Fastener 3; Screw 31; Head 32; First rib 321; Flange 322; Second component 200. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of this application are exemplarily shown in the drawings to provide a more accurate and thorough understanding of the technical solutions disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings of this application, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears throughout the text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously.

[0037] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This application provides a connecting assembly 100, including a connector 1, an adjusting member 2, and a fastener 3. The connecting assembly 100 connects a first component 300 to a second component 200, forming a component assembly structure. The structural shapes of the first and second components 200 are not particularly limited, but are preferably thin sheet metal parts. For example, the first component could be a base on a car door handle, and the second component 200 could be sheet metal on a car door. Typically, the first and second components 200 need to maintain a certain gap after assembly, and they need to be positioned relative to each other using the connecting assembly 100.

[0039] Specifically, the connector 1 is fixedly disposed on the first component, and preferably is a cylindrical structure with a through hole 11 formed inside. The connector 1 is preferably a part of the first component, that is, integrally formed with the first component. In some embodiments, the connector 1 may also be separately formed and then installed and fixed on the first component by means of welding, riveting, gluing, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc.

[0040] Adjusting member 2 is rotatably inserted into the through hole 11 of connecting member 1, and the two are preferably screwed together, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner circumferential surface of the connector 1 has a helical protrusion 111, and the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting member 2 has a helical groove 21. In some embodiments, the helical groove 21 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connector 1, and the helical protrusion 111 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting member 2 accordingly. In this way, the adjusting member 2 can move axially, closer to or further away from the second component 200, during rotation relative to the through hole 11. The adjusting member 2 has an outer surface that interacts with the second component 200, and preferably the outer surface is inclined at a certain angle relative to the axial direction of the adjusting member 2.

[0041] The fastener 3 includes a screw 31 and a head 32 formed at one end of the screw 31. The head 32 cooperates with the adjusting member 2, and the screw 31 is used to screw the second component 200. In this application, the head 32 and the adjusting member 2 are fixedly engaged in the circumferential direction so that the fastener 3 and the adjusting member 2 can rotate together in the through hole 11.

[0042] When connecting the first component and the second component 200 using the connection component 100 of this application, firstly, the adjusting member 2 with the fastener 3 connected is inserted into the through hole 11 and the screw 31 extends outward. Then, the head of the fastener 3 is rotated so that the screw 31 is screwed into the corresponding screw hole of the second component 200 until the outer side of the adjusting member 2 is completely in contact with the corresponding surface of the second component 200.

[0043] During the connection process between the screw 31 and the second component 200: initially, the outer end face of the adjusting member 2 is spaced apart from the second component 200, and the adjusting member 2, the fastener 3, and the connecting member 1 are basically coaxial (e.g., Figure 8 As shown), at this time, the spiral protrusion 111 transitions into the spiral groove 21, and the adjusting member 2 can slide spirally relative to the through hole 11 with the fastener 3 and can move freely in the axial direction. The adjusting member 2 will rotate together with the fastener 3 in the through hole 11, and the spiral protrusion 111 will slide along the spiral groove 21. Then, the highest point a of the outer surface of the adjusting member 2 begins to contact the second component 200, and the adjusting member 2 and the fastener 3 begin to tilt relative to the connecting member 1. The spiral protrusion 111 will deflect in the spiral groove 21. The fit between the spiral protrusion 111 and the spiral groove 21 changes to an interference fit. Finally, the outer surface of the adjusting member 2 is completely in contact with the second component 200. Through the friction generated by the interference fit, the adjusting member 2 tilts at a certain angle, causing the spiral protrusion 111 to be stuck in the spiral groove 21.

[0044] Because the outer surface of the adjusting member 2 is inclined, when it is in contact with the second component, the adjusting member 2 is inclined at a small angle, causing the spiral protrusion 111 to swing and get stuck in the spiral groove 21. The two form an interference fit to fix the first component 300 and the adjusting member 2. At the same time, the second component 200 is fixed by contacting the outer surface of the adjusting member 2. In this way, the first component 300 and the second component 200 can be relatively fixed by the connecting component 100 of this application, which can effectively compensate for or absorb the tolerance of the first component 300 and the second component 200.

[0045] Meanwhile, the connecting component 100 can be used not only to connect the first component 300 and the second component 200 that require assembly spacing, but also to adjust these assembly spacings manually during the connection process. The adjusting component 2 can be rotated directly by rotating the fastener 3, causing it to rotate with the fastener 3. When the adjusting component 2 abuts against the second component 200, it can automatically compensate for or absorb the excess assembly spacing between the first component 300 and the second component 200. Moreover, when the adjusting component 2 is in contact with the second component 200, it will tilt at a certain angle, thereby causing the spiral protrusion 111 to be locked in the spiral groove 21. This further ensures the reliability of the connection between the first component 300 and the second component 200 under certain assembly spacing conditions.

[0046] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 To enable the fastener 3 and the adjusting member 2 to rotate together within the through hole 11, the head 32 of the fastener 3 is provided with a first rib 321, and the adjusting member 2 is provided with a second rib 22. The first rib 321 and the second rib 22 abut against each other in the circumferential direction, allowing the adjusting member 2 and the fastener 3 to rotate synchronously. The first rib 321 can be single or multiple, and the number of second ribs 22 is the same as the number of first ribs 321. Preferably, multiple first ribs 321 and multiple second ribs 22 are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction, resulting in a uniform force distribution.

[0047] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The adjusting member 2 includes a base plate 23 and an annular side plate 24 extending axially from the edge of the base plate 23. The base plate 23 has opposing outer and inner surfaces, which are preferably parallel to each other and both inclined relative to the axial direction of 2. The outer surface is used to abut against the second component 200, and the inner surface is used to abut against the head of 3. The outer peripheral surface of the annular side plate 24 is formed with a spiral groove 21, and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 11 is formed with a spiral protrusion 111 that spirally engages with the spiral groove 21. Preferably, the base plate 23 is formed with an insertion hole 231 for inserting the screw 31 of the fastener 3. The annular side plate 24 has a mounting port 241 at the axial end opposite to the base plate 23, through which a tool such as a screwdriver can be inserted to the annular side plate 24 to engage the head of the fastener 3, so that the fastener 3 can be screwed into the screw hole of the second component 200.

[0048] For example, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The head 32 of the fastener 3 is generally a cylindrical structure, with a diameter larger than that of the screw 31. The diameter of the insertion hole 231 is larger than that of the screw 31 but smaller than that of the head 32. Each first rib 321 on the head 32 extends radially outward, and each second rib 22 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the annular side plate 24 and extends radially inward. When the head 32 of the fastener 3 rotates circumferentially, each first rib 321 abuts against a second rib 22 in the circumferential direction. The second rib 22 is driven by the circumferential force of the first rib 321, thereby causing the adjusting member 2 to rotate together with the fastener 3 within the through hole 11. In other embodiments, the second rib 22 may also be formed on the inner surface of the substrate 23 and circumferentially engage with the first rib 321.

[0049] In one embodiment, each second rib 22 is an elastic rib, and the diameter of the space enclosed by it is smaller than the diameter of the circle containing the outer end of the first rib 321. When the fastener 3 is connected to the adjusting member 2, its screw 31 is inserted into the insertion hole 231, and the head 32 can squeeze the second rib 22 to make it elastically deform and lock into the second rib 22 between the second rib 22 and the substrate 23. Afterwards, the second rib 22 returns to its deformation, and in the axial direction, the head 32 is clamped between the inner side of the substrate 23 and the second rib 22.

[0050] Specifically, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each second rib 22 extends obliquely relative to the inner circumferential surface of the adjusting member 2, wherein each second rib 22 has an inlet surface 223 and a stop surface 224. The inlet surface 223 is located on the side of the second rib 22 opposite to the substrate 23 and is oblique towards the substrate 23. The stop surface 224 is located on the side of the second rib 22 opposite to the substrate 23 and is approximately perpendicular to the axial direction. After the head 32 of the second rib 22 fastener 3 abuts against each inlet surface 223, the second rib 22 is able to undergo elastic deformation along the inner circumferential surface of the annular side plate 24, so that the head 32 moves axially between the second rib 22 and the substrate 23. Subsequently, the second rib 22 recovers its deformation under the action of its own elastic force. The stop surface 224 of the second rib 22 cooperates with the inner surface of the substrate 23 to prevent the head 32 from coming out from between the second rib 22 and the substrate 23.

[0051] For example, please refer to Figure 4 The second rib 22 includes a free section 222 extending obliquely relative to the inner circumferential surface of the adjusting member 2, and a connecting section 221 extending inward perpendicular to the axial direction. The two ends of the connecting section 221 are respectively connected to the inner circumferential surface of the annular side plate 24 and one end of the free section 222. The guide surface 223 and the stop surface 224 are both located on opposite sides of the free end along the axial direction. The connecting section 221 provides more space for the free section 222 to elastically deform towards the inner circumferential surface of the annular side plate 24.

[0052] Preferably, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A flange 322 is formed on the side of the head 32 of the fastener 3 near the screw 31. The flange 322 extends radially outward along the head 32. The first ribs 321 are all located on the side of the flange 322 away from the screw 31. The flange 322 is axially positioned between the second rib 22 and the plate. This arrangement allows the second rib 22 to not only prevent the head 32 of the fastener 3 from coming out, but also allows the first rib 321 to abut against a second rib 22 circumferentially, causing the adjusting member 2 to rotate together with the fastener 3 within the through hole 11.

[0053] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The inner and outer surfaces of the substrate 23 are parallel to each other and neither is perpendicular to the axial direction. That is, the substrate 23 is inclined relative to the normal plane of the axial direction and is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the annular side plate 24. With this arrangement, during the connection process between the first component 300 and the second component 200, after the adjusting member 2 abuts against the second component 200, the fastener 3 is further tightened. The head 32 of the fastener 3 will press against the inner surface of the substrate 23, thereby pushing the outer surface of the substrate 23 to gradually fit against the second component 200. The extension direction of the annular side plate 24 will be inclined relative to the axial direction. At this time, the spiral groove 21 of the annular side plate 24 will abut against and press against the spiral protrusion 111 of the connector 1, so that the threaded fit between the spiral protrusion 111 and the spiral groove 21 changes from an transition fit to an interference fit, ensuring that the adjusting member 2 is locked in the through hole 11 along the axial direction.

[0054] Specifically, in one embodiment, please refer to Figures 8 to 10 The height difference H of the outer surface of the substrate 23 in the axial direction is greater than the clearance G between the helical protrusion 111 and the helical groove 21. That is, when the annular side plate 24 extends axially, there is a height difference H between the highest point a and the lowest point b of the outer surface of the substrate 23 in the axial direction. By setting the height difference H, after the outer surface of the substrate 23 is attached to the second component 200, the annular side plate 24 can tilt relative to the axial direction, thereby compensating for the clearance between the helical protrusion 111 and the helical groove 21. When the height difference H is greater than the clearance G between the helical protrusion 111 and the helical groove 21, the helical groove 21 can further press the helical protrusion 111, ensuring that the adjusting member 2 is locked in the through hole 11 in the axial direction, so as to prevent the adjusting member 2 from slipping and loosening relative to the connecting member 1.

[0055] Specifically, in one embodiment, please refer to Figures 8 to 10 The tilt angle α of the outer surface of the substrate 23 relative to the axial normal plane is determined by the axial height difference H of the outer surface of the substrate 23 and the diameter D of the annular side plate 24, for example, they satisfy the following relationship: H = D × tanα. Further, the height difference H is determined by the clearance G and the additional preload X applied between the adjusting member 2 and the connecting member 1, for example, they satisfy the following relationship: H = G + X. Therefore, the axial height difference H of the outer surface of the substrate 23 can be determined based on the sum of the clearance G between the transition fit between the helical protrusion 111 and the helical groove 21 and the additional preload X; thus, the tilt angle α of the outer surface of the substrate 23 relative to the axial normal plane can be determined based on the corresponding diameter D of the annular side plate 24 and the tangent trigonometric function formula. That is, the diameter D, tilt angle α, clearance G, and preload X satisfy the following relationship: D × tanα = G + X. When any three of these parameters are known, the remaining parameter can be determined.

[0056] Furthermore, in one embodiment, when the substrate 23 is fully attached to the second component 200, the two will not rotate relative to each other because the annular side plate 24 is tilted relative to the axial direction and locked within the through hole 11. Since each second rib 22 is elastic, further tightening of the fastener 3 will cause each first rib 321 to continue to compress each second rib 22 along the tightening rotation direction, and cause it to undergo elastic deformation tilted towards the inner circumferential surface of the annular side plate 24, thereby allowing the fastener 3 to rotate further relative to the adjusting member 2 so that the head 32 of the fastener 3 presses against the inner side surface of the substrate 23, ensuring a secure connection between the first component 300 and the second component 200.

[0057] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 At least one process hole 25 is formed on the substrate 23, extending axially. Each process hole 25 is arranged axially opposite to a second rib 22. During injection molding, the process hole 25 serves as a channel for material flow, allowing the molten material to fill the mold cavity more evenly, avoiding molding defects caused by uneven material accumulation, and improving product yield. Simultaneously, this design reduces the complexity of mold structure design. Furthermore, the process hole 25 can also serve as a positioning reference or auxiliary observation window, facilitating quick confirmation of the assembly status by operators.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that the above description only depicts preferred embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments can still be modified or some technical features can be equivalently replaced. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A connecting assembly for connecting a first component to a second component, characterized in that, The connection component includes: A connector is fixedly mounted on the first component, and the connector has a through hole; An adjusting element is rotatably inserted into the through hole of the connector; The fastener includes a screw and a head formed at one end of the screw. During the screwing process to the second component, the head engages with the adjusting member so that the fastener and the adjusting member can rotate together within the through hole.

2. The connection component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the adjusting member and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member surrounding its through hole are provided with a spiral groove, and the other is provided with a spiral protrusion. Before the first component is connected to the second component, the helical protrusion transitions into the helical groove; After the first component is connected to the second component, the helical protrusion is interference-fitted with the helical groove.

3. The connecting component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjusting member includes a base plate and an annular side plate extending from the edge of the base plate, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the side plate forms the spiral groove or spiral protrusion; The substrate includes an outer side and an inner side, the outer side being used to abut against the second component, and the inner side being used to abut against the head of the fastener. The inner and outer sides are parallel to each other and neither is perpendicular to the axial direction of the adjusting member.

4. The connecting component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fastener has a first rib on the side of its head facing away from the inner side of the substrate, and the adjusting member has a second rib. The first rib and the second rib abut against each other in the circumferential direction so that the fastener and the adjusting member can rotate together in the through hole.

5. The connecting component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The height difference H of the outer surface of the substrate in the axial direction is greater than the clearance G between the helical protrusion and the helical groove.

6. The connecting component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The angle α of the outer surface of the substrate relative to the axial normal plane is determined by the height difference H and the diameter D of the annular side plate. The height difference H is determined by the gap amount G and the additional preload X applied between the adjusting member and the connecting member.

7. The connecting component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second convex rib is an elastic rib.

8. The connection component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The head of the fastener is axially sandwiched between the second rib and the inner side of the substrate.

9. The connecting component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second rib extends obliquely from the inner circumferential surface of the adjusting member.

10. A component assembly structure, characterized in that, It includes a first component, a second component, and a connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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