Device for compensating for tolerances between two components to be joined together

Abstract

Device (100.x) for compensating tolerances between two components (2, 4) to be joined together, wherein the device (100.x) comprises at least: - a basic element (102), - a compensating element (104) engaging with the basic element (102), which can be moved from a starting position (106) to a compensating position (107) by rotating it relative to the basic element (102), - two components to be joined (2, 4), each having a receiving opening (2.1), and - a connecting element (108) that can be passed through the device (100.x) and through the receiving openings (2.1, 4.1) of the components (2, 4) and that can engage in the device (100.x) for connecting the two components (2, 4), as well as comprising at least one integrated monitoring unit (101) for monitoring forces acting on and / or in the device, and wherein the integrated monitoring unit (101) comprises at least one sensor (118, 118.1 to 118.5) which is arranged within the device (100.x).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for compensating tolerances between two components to be joined together.

[0002] Known devices, for example from DE 10 2021 113 281 A1 or DE 10 2021 118 920 A1, for compensating tolerances between two components (also called compensating devices for short) are formed by a base element or a base body and an axial compensating element, for example a metallic threaded sleeve, which are in a threaded engagement, for example a left-hand thread engagement.A spring element is usually arranged in the axial compensation element, which creates a frictional connection between a connecting element which is guided through the compensation device and has a further thread (right-hand thread) and the axial compensation element, so that when the connecting element is tightened, for example by turning it, a torque is exerted on the axial compensation element, which causes the compensation element to be unscrewed axially from the base element against the direction of insertion of the connecting screw and thus compensates for axial tolerances between the two components.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing a particularly simply constructed device for compensating tolerances between two components to be joined together.

[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention with a device for compensating tolerances between two components to be joined together with the features of patent claim 1.

[0005] The device according to the invention for compensating tolerances between two components to be connected to one another comprises at least one base element, a compensating element which is in engagement with the base element, in particular in a threaded engagement, and which can be moved from an initial position into a compensating position by rotation relative to the base element, two components to be connected, each of which has a receiving opening, and a connecting element which can be guided through the device and through the receiving openings of the components and can engage in the device for connecting the two components, as well as an integrated monitoring unit, for example an integrated pressure monitor, for monitoring forces which occur in particular when clamping the device, in particular preload forces, lateral forces or the like.

[0006] The integrated monitoring unit comprises at least one sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, a strain gauge or the like, which is arranged within the device for monitoring forces acting on the device, for example for monitoring a pre-tensioning force (also called clamping force) when clamping the device.

[0007] A sensor arranged within the device, such as a pressure sensor or a strain gauge, is understood in particular to be an integrated sensor. Such an integrated sensor can be arranged, for example, between the compensating element and one of the components, within the compensating element, between the compensating element and the base element, within the base element, and / or between the base element and one of the components.

[0008] The advantages achieved by the invention consist in particular in the fact that, by means of such a device with an integrated monitoring unit, a preload force, a lateral force or the like occurring during clamping of the device and / or a force acting during operation of the device and thus when the components are connected can be detected and monitored in a simple manner. In other words: By means of such a device, tolerance compensation and integrated measurement and / or integrated monitoring of forces occurring on the device, in particular externally, in particular preload forces, lateral forces or the like are made possible by a single structural unit. In other words: Additional forces acting on one of the components (also called customer interface) during connection and / or during operation of the device can be detected and monitored by means of the integrated monitoring unit.When evaluating the force, it is important to note that a force measured as a preload force must be reduced by the additional force. If this additional force is to be measured, this effect, i.e., the preload force, must be subtracted.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the monitoring unit, in particular a pressure monitor, can comprise at least one sensor, in particular a pressure sensor and / or a strain gauge or the like, which is arranged within the device. The at least one sensor is in particular configured to detect a preload force acting on the device. Preferably, the at least one sensor is configured to detect, evaluate, and / or monitor those forces, in particular externally acting forces, which occur during or during clamping of the device and / or which act on the compensating element during further operation, in particular when the two components are connected.

[0010] In a further embodiment, at least one first sensor, in particular a first pressure sensor or a first strain gauge, can be arranged between the compensating element and one of the components. Alternatively or additionally, at least one second sensor, in particular a second pressure sensor or a second strain gauge, can be arranged within the compensating element. Alternatively or additionally, at least one third sensor, in particular a third pressure sensor or a third strain gauge, can be arranged between the compensating element and the base element. Alternatively or additionally, at least one fourth sensor, in particular a fourth pressure sensor or a fourth strain gauge, can be arranged within the base element. Alternatively or additionally, at least one fifth sensor, in particular a fifth pressure sensor or a fifth strain gauge, can be arranged between the base element and one of the components.The at least one sensor can be designed, for example, as a pressure sensor, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, for example as a strain gauge and / or pressure-sensitive semiconductor element, for example as a metal thin-film sensor, a silicon pressure sensor or the like.

[0011] Furthermore, the respective sensor can be coupled to an evaluation unit for signal processing. This makes it possible to measure, evaluate, and / or monitor the forces occurring within and / or on the device and its components during the connection of components and thus during the clamping of the device.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 schematically shows in section a device according to the invention for compensating tolerances between two components with an integrated monitoring unit, in particular a pressure monitoring unit, Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a first device according to the invention with an integrated sensor between a base element and one of the components, Fig. 3 schematically shows in perspective view the first device according to the invention, Fig. 4 schematically shows in a further perspective view the first device according to the invention, Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a second device according to the invention with an integrated sensor between the compensating element and one of the components, Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of the second device according to the invention, Fig. 7 shows schematically in perspective view the second device according to the invention, Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a third device according to the invention with an integrated sensor on a basic element of the device, Fig. 9 schematically shows in perspective a basic element of the third device according to the invention, Fig. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of a fourth device according to the invention with an integrated sensor in a compensating element of the device, Fig. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of one of the devices according to the invention in a clamped assembly position with a representation of the forces occurring during clamping, and Fig. 12 schematically shows in a further sectional view one of the devices according to the invention in a clamped assembly position with a representation of the forces occurring during clamping and an additional force.

[0013] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference times in all figures.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a device 100.x according to the invention for compensating tolerances between two components 2 and 4 with an integrated pressure monitoring system 101.

[0015] The device 100.x according to the invention serves to compensate for tolerances, in particular axial tolerances, between the two components 2 and 4 to be connected.

[0016] The device 100.x is provided, for example, for attaching a first component 2, for example a bearing bracket, an electronic part, a light, a decorative part, a roof rail, a vehicle seat or the like, to a second component 4, for example a door panel, a supporting structure or a body structure, of a vehicle.

[0017] In comparison to the prior art, the device 100.x is further configured to measure, evaluate and / or monitor forces F occurring during clamping of the device 100.x and thus when connecting the components 2 and 4, in particular a pre-tensioning force acting on the device 100.x and / or a force acting in addition to the pre-tensioning force, and / or forces acting on the device 100.x during operation of the device 100.x, in particular in the connected state of the components 2 and 4.

[0018] The device 100.1 comprises at least one, in particular hollow-cylindrical, base element 102 and the compensating element 104 which is in engagement 106 with the base element 102, in particular in a threaded engagement. The compensating element 104 can be moved by rotation relative to the base element 102 from an initial position into a compensating position for compensating tolerances between the components 2 and 4.

[0019] The two components 2 and 4 to be connected each have a receiving opening 2.1 or 4.1 (shown in Fig. 2). A connecting element 108 can be passed through the device 100.x and through the receiving openings 2.1, 4.1 of the components 2, 4 and can engage into the device 100.x, in particular a nut element 126, to connect the two components 2 and 4.

[0020] The base element 102, the compensating element 104 and a driver element 110, in particular a driver spring, as well as a holder 112 are pre-assembled to form a pre-assembly unit 114. The holder 112 can optionally be formed separately or integrated into the base element 102. The holder 112 is, for example, an integral component of the base element 102. The holder 112 can comprise at least one or more flexible retaining lugs or retaining hooks 112.1. The retaining hooks 112.1 extend, for example, through the receiving opening 2.1 of the first component 2 for fastening, in particular pre-assembly or pre-fixing, the device 100.x to the first component 2. The retaining hooks 112.1 rest, for example, in a latching or clamping manner against an underside of the first component 2.

[0021] The connecting element 108 is, for example, a connecting screw which extends at least through a first cavity 104.1 of the compensating element 104 and a second cavity 102.1 of the base element 102 of the device 100.x in order to connect the first component 2 and the second component 4 to one another.

[0022] To compensate for tolerances between the two components 2 and 4, the base element 102 or a base body and the axial compensating element 104, for example, a metallic threaded sleeve, are engaged 106, in particular in a threaded engagement, for example, a left-hand thread engagement. For this purpose, the base element 102 and the compensating element 104 can have corresponding threads.

[0023] Furthermore, the driving element 110, in particular a driving spring, can be arranged in the axial compensating element 104. The driving element 110 is designed as a spring sleeve. The driving element 110 establishes a frictional connection between the connecting element 108, which extends through the device 100.x and has a further thread (right-hand thread), and the compensating element 104, so that when the connecting element 108 is tightened, for example, rotated, a torque is exerted on the compensating element 104, which causes the compensating element 104 to be axially unscrewed from the base element 102 counter to an insertion direction 116 of the connecting element 108, thus compensating for axial tolerances between the two components 2 and 4.

[0024] To detect and monitor forces F occurring during clamping and / or operation of the device 100.x, for example, preload forces, forces acting in addition to the preload force, lateral forces, or the like, the device 100.x comprises the integrated monitoring unit 101, for example, an integrated pressure monitor, force monitor, or the like. An integrated monitoring unit 101 is understood, in particular, to be a measuring system, such as a pressure measuring system, a force measuring system, or the like, arranged within the device 100.x.

[0025] The integrated monitoring unit 101 comprises at least one integrated sensor 118. For evaluating and / or monitoring the sensor values ​​acquired by the at least one sensor 118, such as pressure values, force values, or the like, this sensor 118 can be coupled to an evaluation unit 8 via signaling. For example, the sensor 118 can be coupled to the evaluation unit 8 via a wired connection, wirelessly, in particular via a radio connection, a WLAN connection, a Bluetooth connection, or the like.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows various positions for an integrated sensor 118. For example, one or more sensors 118 are provided between the compensating element 104 and one of the components 2, 4, within the compensating element 104, between the compensating element 104 and the base element 102, within the base element 102 and / or between the base element 102 and one of the components 2, 4.

[0027] The integrated sensors 118 are in particular each designed as a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a pressure gauge, for example a thin-film pressure resistor, a strain gauge, a pressure-sensitive semiconductor element, for example as a metal thin-film sensor, a silicon pressure sensor or the like.

[0028] A first number of integrated sensors 118.1 (also called first sensor 118.1, in particular a pressure sensor or strain gauge) is arranged, for example, between the compensating element 104 and the second component 4. Preferably, the first number of sensors 118.1 is arranged on a stop ring 104.2 of the compensating element 104. In particular, this first number of sensors 118.1 is arranged on a surface side of the stop ring 104.2 facing the second component 4.

[0029] A second number of integrated sensors 118.2 (also called second sensor 118.2, in particular a pressure sensor or strain gauge) is arranged, for example, within the compensating element 104. For example, the compensating element 104 comprises a recess 104.3 in the hollow cylindrical shaft, in particular a slot, in which the second number of sensors 118.2 are arranged.

[0030] A third number of integrated sensors 118.3 (also called third sensor 118.3, in particular a pressure sensor or strain gauge) is arranged, for example, between the compensating element 104 and the base element 102. For example, the third number of sensors 118.3 can be arranged on an outer surface of the hollow-cylindrical compensating element 104 and / or on an inner surface of the hollow-cylindrical base element 102.

[0031] A fourth number of integrated sensors 118.4 (also called fourth sensor 118.4, in particular a pressure sensor or strain gauge) is arranged, for example, within the base element 102. For example, the base element 102 comprises an associated recess 102.2 in the hollow cylindrical shaft, in particular a slot or the like, in which the fourth number of sensors 118.4 is arranged.

[0032] A fifth number of integrated sensors 118.5 (also called fifth sensor 118.5, in particular a pressure sensor or strain gauge) is arranged, for example, between the base element 102 and the first component 2. Preferably, the fifth number of sensors 118.5 is arranged at a front end 102.3 of the base element 102. In particular, this fifth number of sensors 118.5 is arranged at a front end 102.3 of the base element 102 facing the first component 2.

[0033] The various integrated sensors 118.1 to 118.5 can be combined as desired. Only one of the integrated sensors 118.1 to 118.5 can also be provided. Preferably, several integrated sensors 118.1 to 118.5 are provided, which are arranged in particular symmetrically distributed.

[0034] The various integrated sensors 118.1 to 118.5 can be read via cable or radio.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a first device 100.1 according to the invention with the fifth number of integrated sensors 118.5 between the base element 102 and the first component 2.

[0036] The first device 100.1 is pre-assembled to the pre-assembly unit 114 comprising the compensating element 104, the base element 102, the holder 112, and the driver element 110. The fifth number of integrated sensors 118.5 is arranged at the front end 102.3 of the base element 102. The front end 102.3 can be directly attached to the first component 2 (shown in Fig. 1) or on an additional intermediate component 6 arranged between the first component 2 and the front end 102.3.

[0037] For fastening the fifth number of integrated sensors 118.5, a pre-assembly clip 120 can be arranged on the front end 102.3.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the first device 100.1 according to the invention, pre-assembled to form the pre-assembly unit 114. For example, a plurality of distributed locking lugs or locking clips can be provided as the pre-assembly clip 120.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows, in a further perspective view, the first device 100.1 according to the invention as a pre-assembly unit 114. The holder 112 can comprise one or more longitudinal recesses 112.2 for accommodating a signal cable 113 for the pressure sensors 118.5. Alternatively, the sensors 118.5 can be read wirelessly.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a second device 100.2 according to the invention with the first number of integrated sensors 118.1 between the compensating element 104 and the second component 4.

[0041] The first number of sensors 118.1 is arranged on the stop ring 104.2 of the compensating element 104. In particular, this first number of sensors 118.1 is arranged on the second component 4 ( Fig. 1). The sensors 118.1 can be designed, for example, as conventional pressure sensors, for example, a capacitive or inductive pressure sensor, or strain gauges.

[0042] A mounting bracket 122 may be provided for securing the compensating element 104 and sensors 118.1. Instead of a bracket 112, a pivotable mounting clip 124 is provided, between whose legs 124.1 the first component 2 is received. A nut element 126 for the connecting element 108 is arranged in the lower leg 124.1.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the second device 100.2 according to the invention in the unassembled state. The fastening clip 124 is pivoted open.

[0044] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the second device 100.2 according to the invention in the assembled state. The first component 2 is accommodated between the two legs 124.1.

[0045] Fig. Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a third device 100.3 according to the invention with the fourth number of integrated sensors 118.4 on or within the base element 102.

[0046] The fourth number of integrated sensors 118.4 is arranged, for example, within the base element 102. For example, the base element 102 comprises an associated recess 102.2 (shown in Fig. 1), in particular a slot or the like, in which the fourth number of sensors 118.4 is arranged.

[0047] Alternatively, thin pressure gauges can be arranged on surfaces of the base element 102 as sensors 118.4. The base element 102 is designed to deform, so that this deformation can be detected and monitored by the pressure gauge.

[0048] Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of the base element 102 of the third device 100.3 according to the invention. The sensors 118.4 are designed as pressure gauges and are arranged in deformable regions of the base element 102, for example, in the region of stop rings 102.4. Preferably, several sensors 118.4 are provided. Individual sensors 118.4 can be provided. Several sensors 118.4 can also be provided, which are arranged symmetrically.

[0049] Fig. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of a fourth device 100.4 according to the invention with the second number of integrated sensors 118.2.

[0050] The second number of integrated sensors 118.2 is arranged within the compensating element 104. For example, the compensating element 104 comprises recesses 104.3 in the stop ring 104.2, in particular a depression or a bevel, in which the second number of sensors 118.2 is arranged. Due to the recesses 104.3, the stop ring 104.2 is designed to be elastic or deformable.

[0051] The sensors 118.2 are designed as pressure gauges, pressure sensors or the like and measure and monitor the deformation of the stop ring 104.2.

[0052] Fig. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of one of the devices 100.x according to the invention in a clamped assembly position with the representation of the forces F occurring during clamping. The forces F, in particular pre-tensioning forces, flow through the device 100.x from the connecting element 108 via the second component 4, the compensating element 104 and the base element 102 into the first component 2 and from the nut element 126 into the first component 2 and thus through the respective sensors 118 provided, as previously described in the Fig. 1 to 10 are described.

[0053] Fig. Figure 12 schematically shows, in a further sectional view, one of the devices 100.x according to the invention in a clamped assembly position and a representation of the forces F occurring during clamping, in particular pre-tensioning forces. Additional forces Fz can act on one of the components 2, 4 (also called customer interface); these additional forces Fz are also measured by the previously described sensors 118 according to Fig. 1 to 10 are recorded and monitored. When evaluating, it should be noted that the force F measured as the preload force of the connecting element 108 is reduced by the additional force Fz. If the additional force Fz is to be measured, this effect must be factored out. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 2 first component 2.1 Receiving opening 4 second component 4.1 Receiving opening 6 Intermediate component 8 Evaluation unit 100.x Device for compensating tolerances 101 integrated monitoring unit 102 Basic element 102.1 second cavity 102.2 Recess 102.3 front end 102.4 Stop ring 104 Compensating element 104.1 first cavity 104.2 Stop ring 104.3 Recess 106 intervention 108 connecting element 110 Driving element 112 bracket 112.1 Retaining hook 112.2 Longitudinal recess 113 signal cables 114 Pre-assembly unit 116 Insertion direction 118 Sensor 118.1 first number of sensors 118.2 second number of sensors 118.3 third number of sensors 118.4 fourth number of sensors 118.5 fifth number of sensors 120 pre-assembly clip 122 mounting bracket 124 fastening clip 124.1 Leg 126 Nut element F Force Fz additional power

Claims

[1] Device (100.x) for compensating tolerances between two components (2, 4) to be joined together, wherein the device (100.x) comprises at least: - a basic element (102), - a compensating element (104) engaging with the base element (102) which can be moved from an initial position (106) into a compensating position (107) by rotation relative to the base element (102), - two components (2, 4) to be connected, each having a receiving opening (2.1), and - a connecting element (108) which can be guided through the device (100.x) and through the receiving openings (2.1, 4.1) of the components (2, 4) and can engage in the device (100.x) for connecting the two components (2, 4), and at least one integrated monitoring unit (101) for monitoring forces acting on and / or in the device, and wherein the integrated monitoring unit (101) comprises at least one sensor (118, 118.1 to 118.5) arranged within the device (100.x). [2] Device (100.x) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (118, 118.1 to 118.5) is configured to detect a preload force, lateral force, connecting force or the like acting on the device (100.x). [3] Device (100.x) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (118, 118.1 to 118.5) is configured to detect and / or monitor forces (F) occurring during tensioning of the device (100.x) and / or during operation of the device (100.x). [4] Device (100.x) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first sensor (118.1) is arranged between the compensating element (104) and one of the components (4). [5] Device (100.x) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one second sensor (118.2) is arranged within the compensating element (104). [6] Device (100.x) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one third sensor (118.3) is arranged between the compensating element (104) and the base element (102). [7] Device (100.x) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one fourth sensor (118.4) is arranged within the base element (102). [8] Device (100.x) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one fifth sensor (118.5) is arranged between the base element (102) and one of the components (2). [9] Device (100.x) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective sensor (118, 118.1 to 118.5) is signal-coupled to an evaluation unit (8).

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