Compensating element and method for tolerance compensation during the installation of a component

Abstract

Compensating element (10) made of a sheet-like material, with a predetermined thickness and with two arms (12), which is suitable for compensating tolerances between a mounting surface (3) of a component (1) and a mounting area (9) at an installation location, wherein the two arms (12) are each connected to each other at one end (12A) and are open at an opposite end (12B), wherein the two arms (12) are resiliently connected to each other and each have at least one interaction point (14) at their connected ends (12A) at which a deformation force can be introduced into the compensating element (10), wherein the two arms (12) are approximately parallel in a basic state of the compensating element (10) and can be spread apart at their connected ends (12A) and compressed together at their open ends (12B) by means of an introduceable spreading force (F),wherein the interaction points (14) are each designed as conical bores or stepped bores.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a compensating element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for tolerance compensation during the installation of a component using at least one such compensating element.

[0002] Compensating elements and methods for tolerance compensation during the installation of a component using at least one such compensating element, with which misalignments in components with high precision requirements can be compensated, are known in numerous variations. Such compensating elements, which are preferably made of a formed sheet metal material and are also referred to as "shims", generally have a support area with a lower and an upper support surface and a specific thickness or sheet thickness. These compensating elements are available in different sheet thicknesses, whereby a compensating element suitable for compensating the determined misalignment of the component with the appropriate sheet thickness is selected in order to compensate for the misalignment of the component. In addition, the support area comprises a recess through which a fastening element for fastening the component can pass.

[0003] The component to be installed may be an electrical device, such as a head-up display, which needs to be aligned as precisely as possible in a specific position to ensure its optimal function. For example, during pre-assembly of a dashboard, such a head-up display is inserted into a module cross member at three fastening points and screwed into place. Due to manufacturing tolerances, it is often not possible to install the head-up display completely horizontally. If the head-up display is not positioned horizontally in the module cross member, a gauge with tilt sensors is positioned on three contact surfaces of the head-up display during rework. The gauge determines where and which compensation elements need to be inserted on the contact surfaces between the head-up display and the module cross member.

[0004] DE 20 2015 009 823 U1 discloses a testing device with a clamping device for clamping a retaining element of a vehicle interior component. The clamping device consists of a mounting adapter on which two adjacent clamping jaws are mounted, each on a pivot bearing. The clamping jaws each have a bearing section on which an elastic spring arm is arranged for resilient engagement with the retaining element. The bearing section is designed as a solid, non-resilient bearing section, and the respective pivot bearing is provided on the respective bearing section. Furthermore, a reciprocating locking element is provided, with which the clamping jaws can be selectively blocked in a locked position or brought into a rotatable, unlocked position.

[0005] US 2005 / 0048640 A1 discloses a clamping device comprising a ring portion and actuating elements. The ring portion forms a cavity for holding a tubular object. The ring portion has a first and a second end. The first and second actuating elements are coupled to the first and second ends of the ring portion, respectively. By compressing the ends of the actuating elements, the ring portion expands to facilitate installation of the clamping device onto an object to be clamped and removal of the clamping device from the object. Thus, the clamping force generated by the clamping device is limited by the restoring forces inherent in the shape, size, and material of the ring portion when the actuating elements are released.The actuating elements include expansion-limiting extensions that contact each other after a prescribed expansion of the ring section, thereby preventing further expansion and potential yielding of the ring section. The clamping device can prevent rotation of the clamped object. For example, a hypodermic syringe can be held securely in the clamping device.

[0006] DE 33 19 661 A1 discloses a compensating element designed as a spacer washer with two arms, each connected at one end and open at the opposite end, defining a slot. The spacer washer is inserted in the area of ​​a fastening point between components that are to be kept at a distance.

[0007] A disadvantage of the known compensation elements is that they are usually designed in such a way that they can only be inserted if there is sufficient accessibility.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a compensation element and a method for tolerance compensation during the installation of a component using at least one such compensation element, which enable easier handling and can also be used in hard-to-reach places to correct component misalignments.

[0009] This object is achieved by a compensating element having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method for tolerance compensation during installation of a component having the features of patent claim 5. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0010] In order to provide a compensating element that allows easier handling and can also be used in hard-to-reach places to correct component misalignments, two arms of the compensating element are spring-connected to one another at one end and each have at least one interaction point at their connected ends, at which a deformation force can be introduced into the compensating element. In a basic state of the compensating element, the two arms are aligned approximately parallel and can be spread apart at their connected ends and compressed at their open ends using the spreading force that can be introduced. The interaction points are designed as conical bores or stepped bores into which the tips of the legs of an expanding pliers can be inserted. The conical bores or stepped bores can be used to secure the compensating element against falling.

[0011] Furthermore, a method for tolerance compensation during the installation of a component is proposed, which comprises the following steps: pre-assembly of the component, determination of tolerances to be compensated, selection of at least one such compensation element with a thickness suitable for tolerance compensation, spreading the selected compensation element by temporarily applying a spreading force, installation of the selected compensation element in the spread state under a mounting surface of the component, and release of the spreading force so that the compensation element is fixed at the installation location.

[0012] In the installed state, the compensating element is arranged between the fastening surface of the component and a fastening area at the installation location.

[0013] In the following, a compensating element is defined as a U-shaped molded part made of a sheet-like material, with a specified thickness and two arms, which can be used to compensate for tolerances during component installation, even in very tight spaces. Advantageously, the compensating element can be installed and removed using only one tool. This also allows for easy removal of the compensating element so that it can be replaced with a more suitable compensating element of a different thickness. The compensating element is preferably punched or laser-cut from sheet metal.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the compensating element, the resilient connection between the two arms can be designed in a V-shape with two legs which can be spread apart by the introduced spreading force so that the interaction points and the connected ends of the two arms move away from each other, whereby the two legs of the resilient connection between the two arms can contract again when the spreading force is removed so that the interaction points and the connected ends of the two arms can move towards each other again and the compensating element can assume its basic state.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the compensating element, the interaction points can be provided to form a temporary operative connection with a pair of expanding pliers, so that the expanding force can be introduced via these. The expanding pliers enable tolerance compensation of the component to be installed in tight spaces. If the expanding pliers, with the tips of their legs inserted into the interaction points, are lightly pressed together, a small expanding force is introduced and the compensating element is held. If the pliers are pressed together firmly, a greater expanding force is introduced and the connected ends of the compensating element are spread apart, whereby the open ends of the compensating element are pressed together. In this state, the compensating element can be installed or removed.After the spreading force is released, the connected ends of the arms of the compensating element move towards each other and the open ends of the arms move away from each other.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the compensating element, a locking lug can be formed at each of the open ends of the arms. These locking lugs allow the compensating element to be locked and secured at the installation location. For example, when installed, the locking lugs can engage behind the edge of an opening in the mounting geometry of the component to be installed, through which the open ends of the compensating element's arms are guided during installation.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the arms of the compensating element can have their basic state when installed.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the component to be installed can be a head-up display which is installed in a dashboard of a vehicle.

[0019] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the compensation element according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention for tolerance compensation during installation of a component.

[0020] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced from the explained embodiments through separate feature combinations.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawing, like reference numerals designate components or elements that perform the same or similar functions. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a compensating element according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective view of the compensation element from Fig. 1 in operative connection with a spreading pliers; Fig. 3 a schematic and perspective representation of a fastening geometry of the component to be installed with the compensation element according to the invention from Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for tolerance compensation during installation of a component using the compensation element according to the invention from Fig. 1.

[0022] As from Fig. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3, the illustrated embodiment of a compensating element 10 made of a sheet-like material has a predetermined thickness and two arms 12 connected to one another at one end 12A.

[0023] The two arms are resiliently connected to one another and each have at least one interaction point 14 at their connected ends 12A, at which a deformation force F can be introduced into the compensating element 10. In a basic state of the compensating element 10, the two arms 12 are aligned approximately parallel and can be spread apart at their connected ends 12A and compressed at their open ends 12B by means of the spreading force F that can be introduced.

[0024] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the compensating element 10 has a recess 13 between the arms 12, through which a fastening means can be guided when installed. The resilient connection 16 between the two arms 12 is V-shaped with two legs 16.1 which are spread by the applied spreading force F so that the interaction points 14 and the connected ends 12A of the two arms 12 move away from each other. When the spreading force is removed, the two legs 16.1 of the resilient connection 16 between the two arms 12 contract again so that the interaction points 14 and the connected ends 12A of the two arms 12 move towards each other again and the compensating element 10 assumes its basic state. In the illustrated embodiment, the compensating element 10 is punched out of a sheet metal with a predetermined thickness.

[0025] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the interaction points 14 are provided to enter into a temporary operative connection with a spreading pliers 20, so that the spreading force F can be introduced via this. In the illustrated embodiment, the interaction points 14 are each formed by a conical bore 14A. Of course, the interaction points 14 can also be formed by a stepped bore, which is suitable for receiving the tip of a jaw 22 of the spreading pliers 20. As can be seen from Fig. As can be further seen in Figure 2, a lower part of the expanding pliers 20 is designed like a type of retaining ring pliers. An upper part (not shown) can be designed as desired depending on space requirements.

[0026] As from Fig. 1 to 3, a locking lug 18 is formed on each of the open ends 12B of the arms 12.

[0027] As from Fig. 4, in the illustrated embodiment of the method 100 according to the invention for tolerance compensation during installation of a component 1, the component 1 is pre-assembled in a step S100. In step S110, tolerances to be compensated are determined. In step S120, at least one compensating element 10 according to the invention with a thickness suitable for tolerance compensation is selected from a plurality of compensating elements with different thicknesses. In step S130, the selected compensating element 10 is spread by temporarily introducing a spreading force F, and in step S140, the selected compensating element 10 is clamped in the spread state under a force F Fig. 3 shown fastening surface 3 of the component 1. In step S140, the spreading force F is reduced so that the compensating element 10 is clamped and fixed at the installation location.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment of the method 100, the component 1 to be installed is a head-up display 1A, which is installed in a dashboard of a vehicle. For this purpose, the head-up display 1A comprises several fastening geometries 2 designed as tabs, one of which is shown by way of example in Fig. 3. As can be seen from Fig. As can be further seen in Figure 3, the illustrated fastening geometry 2 has a fastening surface 3 and a through-hole 4 designed as an elongated hole, through which a fastening means, such as a screw, can pass, in order to be connected to a fastening area 9, which is designed here as a fastening dome 9A, of a module carrier 7 of the dashboard, shown in sections. In this case, the fastening means also passes through the recess 13 of the compensating element 10.

[0029] As from Fig.As can be further seen in Figure 3, the compensating element 10 is arranged in the installed state between the fastening surface 3 of the fastening geometry 2 and a support surface of the fastening dome 9A. In this case, the arms 12 of the compensating element 10 are in their basic state in the installed state. Furthermore, the locking lugs 18, in the installed state, engage behind an edge 5 of an opening in the fastening geometry 2 on the component 1 to be installed, through which the open ends 12B of the arms 12 of the compensating element 10 are guided.

[0030] To spread the selected compensating element 10 in step S130, the tips of the legs 22 of the spreading pliers 20 are inserted into the interaction points 14, designed as conical bores 14A, and lightly pressed together. This holds the compensating element 10 and allows it to be guided to its installation location on the mounting geometry 2. Upon reaching the installation location, the pliers 20 are firmly pressed together so that the connected ends 12A of the arms 12 of the compensating element 10 are spread apart, thereby pressing the open ends 12B of the arms 12 of the compensating element 10 together and allowing them to be inserted into the corresponding opening of the mounting geometry 2.After reaching the end position in which the locking lugs 18 of the compensating element 10 reach through the opening in the fastening geometry 2, the spreading force is reduced so that the open ends 12B of the arms 12 of the compensating element 10 move away from each other and the locking lugs 18 engage behind the edge 5 of the opening in the fastening geometry 2 so that the compensating element 10 is fixed at the installation location.

[0031] For removal, the expansion pliers 20 are brought into operative connection with the interaction points 14 and pressed firmly together. This spreads the connected ends 12A of the arms 12 of the compensating element 10 apart, thereby pressing the open ends 12B of the arms of the compensating element 10 together. This allows the locking lugs 18 to be pulled out of the opening in the fastening geometry 2 on the component 1 to be installed, and the compensating element 10 can be removed again. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 component 1A head-up display 2 Mounting geometry 3 Mounting surface 4 passage opening 5 Edge 7 module carriers 9 Mounting area 9A Mounting dome 10 Compensating element 12 arms 12A connected end 12B open end 13 Recess 14 Interaction point 14A bore 16 spring connection 16.1 Leg 18 locking lug 20 expanding pliers 22 legs F Spreading force 100 methods for tolerance compensation during the installation of a component S100 to S150 process step

Claims

[1] Compensating element (10) made of a sheet-like material, with a predetermined thickness and with two arms (12), which is suitable for tolerance compensation between a fastening surface (3) of a component (1) and a fastening area (9) at an installation location, wherein the two arms (12) are each connected to one another at one end (12A) and are open at an opposite end (12B), wherein the two arms (12) are resiliently connected to one another and at their connected ends (12A) each have at least one interaction point (14) at which a deformation force can be introduced into the compensating element (10), wherein the two arms (12) are aligned approximately parallel in a basic state of the compensating element (10) and can be spread apart at their connected ends (12A) and compressed together at their open ends (12B) by means of an introduceable spreading force (F),wherein the interaction points (14) are each designed as conical bores or stepped bores., [2] Compensating element (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that a resilient connection (16) between the two arms (12) is V-shaped with two legs (16.1) which are spread by the introduced spreading force (F) so that the interaction points (14) and the connected ends (12A) of the two arms (12) move away from each other, wherein the two legs (16.1) of the resilient connection (16) between the two arms (12) contract again when the spreading force (F) is removed so that the interaction points (14) and the connected ends (12A) of the two arms (12) move towards each other again and the compensating element (10) assumes its basic state. [3] Compensating element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the interaction points (14) are provided to enter into a temporary operative connection with a spreading pliers (20) so that the spreading force (F) can be introduced via this. [4] Compensating element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that a locking lug (18) is formed at each of the open ends (12B) of the arms (12). [5] Method (100) for tolerance compensation during installation of a component (1), comprising the steps: Pre-assembly of the component (1), Determination of tolerances to be compensated, Selection of at least one compensating element (10) which is designed according to one of claims 1 to 4, with a thickness suitable for tolerance compensation, Spreading the selected compensating element (10) by temporarily introducing a spreading force (F), Installation of the selected compensation element (10) in the spread state under a fastening surface (3) of the component (1), and Reduction of the spreading force (F) so that the compensating element (10) is fixed at the installation location and, in the installed state, is arranged between the fastening surface (3) of the component (1) and a fastening area (9) at the installation location. [6] Method (100) according to claim 5, characterized by that the arms (12) of the compensating element (10) have their basic state when installed. [7] Method (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the locking lugs (18) in the installed state engage behind an edge (5) of an opening in a fastening geometry (2) on the component (1) to be installed, through which the open ends (12B) of the arms (12) of the compensating element (10) are guided. [8] Method (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that the component to be installed (1) is a head-up display (1A) which is installed in a dashboard of a vehicle.

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