Length-adjustable assembly having a connection and method for manufacturing the assembly

Abstract

To provide an assembly capable of easily and quickly assembling and achieving stable connection.SOLUTION: An assembly (100) includes a connection part (210) which is adjustable in length and connects the assembly (100) to a component so as to be subjected to a tensile load and a compressive load. The connection part (210) is fitted onto an end (110) in a longitudinal axis (LA) direction of the assembly along the longitudinal axis (LA) direction. The connection part (210) includes at least one fitting arm (211) which is elastically bendable in an outward direction with respect to a longitudinal axis (LA). The fitting arm (211) includes at least one fitting portion (212). In an operation configuration in which the connection part (210) is fitted to the end (110) along the longitudinal axis (LA), the fitting portion (212) is configured to surely cooperate with a fitted portion (112) of the end (110), which has a complementary shape to the fitting portion (212). Further, a method is for manufacturing the thus configured assembly (100).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable length assembly, comprising connections for connecting the assembly to a part so that the assembly can be subjected to tensile and compressive loads, the connections being fitted along the longitudinal axis to the longitudinal ends of the assembly, and the present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an assembly.

[0002] Assemblies having the above mentioned connections are used in the form of spindle / linear drives, spring struts, fluid dampers, gas pressure springs, etc. In particular in automobiles they are used to open, hold and / or close tailgates, doors, engine bonnets, etc. [Background technology]

[0003] The assembly known from DE 10 2012201174 A1 comprises an outer part consisting of an outer tube. A connection part is arranged on the mounting end of the outer tube. The mounting part of the outer tube has a circumferential groove in which a circumferential web engages, so that the connection part is rotatably held on the outer tube. The connection part is rotatably held on the outer tube by means of a snap ring which is arranged in the circumferential groove of the outer tube and in the circumferential groove of the connection part. However, the manufacturing process of this assembly is complex and time-consuming and leaves room for improvement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE 102012201174 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly having the above-mentioned configuration, which allows for easy and quick assembly and stable connection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above mentioned technical problem is solved by the present invention by an assembly according to claim 1 and further by a method according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0007] The connection according to the present invention connects an assembly that is length-adjustable along a longitudinal axis to a vehicle body, a flap, or other component, such that it can receive tensile and compressive loads, for example a gas pressure spring, a fluid damper, a linear actuator, in particular a spindle actuator, or a spring strut.

[0008] The connection part is designed to be fitted along the longitudinal axis into a longitudinal end of the assembly, which may for example be tubular, in particular cylindrical and / or coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

[0009] In a configuration in which the connection part is fitted to the end, the connection part has at least one mating arm that is resiliently bendable outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis, the mating arm having at least one mating portion that is adapted to cooperate securely along the longitudinal axis with at least one mated portion provided on the end and having a shape complementary to the mating portion in an operative configuration in which the connection part is fitted to the end.

[0010] The use of the mating portion and the mated portion can significantly facilitate the assembly of the connection. The mating arms and / or the mating portion can be designed to elastically deform radially outward (relative to the longitudinal axis) in the attached configuration, so that they can be mated with the mated portion. Furthermore, the mating arms and / or the mating portion can be configured not to elastically deform radially outward (relative to the longitudinal axis) in the operating configuration, but to remain (securely) mated with the mating portion. The operating configuration can also be realized, for example, by additional components that are attached after mating.

[0011] Preferably, the connections are capable of withstanding tensile and compressive loads of forces typical of vehicle flap drives.

[0012] The connection part may include one to six or more mating arms. Preferably, it includes at least two, in particular four, mating arms, each of which has at least one mating part. The more mating arms are used, the easier it is to fit the connection part into the assembly, and the more evenly the connection part is held by the assembly. On the other hand, the more mating arms are used, the greater the manufacturing effort and the risk of breakage of the mating arms, so a configuration using four mating arms is appropriate.

[0013] In the assembly, the connecting portion does not need to have the same number of mating portions and mated portions, and multiple mating portions, in particular all of the mating portions, may be mated with a common mated portion (e.g., an annular groove extending about the longitudinal axis), or vice versa.

[0014] The radial flexibility of the mating arm must be sufficiently large in order to reduce as much as possible the risk of breakage when the connection part is pushed into the end of the assembly. The mating arm is preferably elastically deformable in the radial direction (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) by at least 1 mm, preferably at least 10 mm. The mating arm is also preferably elastically deformable in the radial direction (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) by at least the radial thickness of the mating part. The radial thickness of the mating part is, for example, the length by which the mating part protrudes radially from the mating arm (in particular inwardly towards the longitudinal axis) when the mating arm is not deformed. Since the mating part is not necessarily located at the axial end of the mating arm, an elastic deformation capacity of the mating arm that is significantly higher (for example 1.5 to 2 times radially outward) than the radial thickness of the mating part may be required.

[0015] Thus, the connection according to the present invention allows easy and uncomplicated attachment to an assembly, and yet provides a highly stable connection to the assembly with respect to tensile or compressive loads along the longitudinal axis.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the connection is provided in one piece and preferably consists of an elastically deformable fiber-reinforced plastic. Particularly preferably, the connection consists of glass fiber-reinforced polyamide. Such plastics are easy and uncomplicated to manufacture (e.g. by injection molding). Fiber-reinforced plastics can withstand high tensile and compressive loads in the fiber direction while remaining flexible transversely to the fiber direction.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the connection has a coupling area capable of receiving tensile and compressive loads and preferably arranged to be rotatable about at least one axis of rotation. The coupling area is preferably a ball socket, a ball pin, an eye or a bolt. The coupling area of ​​the part has a shape complementary to the coupling area of ​​the connection and is preferably a ball socket, a ball pin, an eye or a bolt. This allows the assembly to be connected via the coupling area to a part (e.g. a tailgate) that has a single (preferably integral) connection. Thus, the assembly according to the present invention is simple and cheap to manufacture, since it contains few separate parts.

[0018] The assembly according to the invention is length-adjustable along a longitudinal axis and can be designed, for example, as a gas pressure spring, a hydraulic damper, a linear drive, in particular a spindle drive, or a spring strut.

[0019] The assembly comprises at least one connection, in particular a connection according to the invention which connects the assembly to a part such as the vehicle body or a flap, in such a way that it can be subjected to tensile and compressive loads.

[0020] The connecting portion is fitted to a longitudinal end of the assembly, the connecting portion having at least one mating arm capable of resiliently bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis in an attachment configuration in which the connecting portion is fitted to the end, the end being, for example, tubular, in particular cylindrical and / or coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

[0021] The mating arm includes at least one mating portion and an end portion includes at least one mated portion having a shape complementary to the mating portion, the mating portion and the mated portion cooperating positively along the longitudinal axis in the operative configuration of the assembly.

[0022] The advantages and design options discussed above for the inventive connection result from the design of the inventive assembly.

[0023] Preferably, in the operative configuration of the assembly, the mating portion cooperates with the mated portion rotatably about the longitudinal axis, such that the mated portion has rotational symmetry, for example about the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the mating portion and the mated portion are configured to be rotatable 360° relative to each other about the longitudinal axis. For example, the mated portion may be formed as a circumferential annular groove into which the mating portion fits, thereby allowing the connection portion to rotate relative to the end (or the remainder of the assembly).

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the mating part comprises a protrusion that fits into the mated part, which is more preferably a recess designed as an annular groove around the longitudinal axis. This embodiment allows for a simple assembly and allows for a simple relative rotation between the mating part and the mated part. Furthermore, forming the recess in the end rather than in the connection part allows for a safer, more space-saving and easier construction, since the material thickness and arrangement space at the end can usually be larger than in the mating arm.

[0025] Preferably, the assembly comprises at least one fastener arranged to prevent the mating arms of the connection part from bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis in the operative configuration of the assembly, where "prevent" means that in the operative configuration, the mating arms are limited to a bending limit such that a secure connection between the mating part and the mated part along the longitudinal axis is maintained.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fastening part is fitted or inserted into the connecting part in the operating configuration radially relative to the longitudinal axis, preferably along the longitudinal axis, outside the mating arm. Preferably, in the operating configuration along the longitudinal axis LA, the fastening part and the connecting part interact with each other in a friction locking state and / or with a tight radial fit relative to the longitudinal axis LA. This allows the mating arm to be elastically bent open in the mounting configuration where the connecting part is attached to the end. In the operating configuration, i.e. with the fastening part in place, the mating arm cannot be opened. The mating arm is thus secured against separation between the mating part and the mated part.

[0027] The connection part preferably comprises at least one protective part. In the working configuration, the protective part is arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis and outwardly of the fixed part. The protective part is arranged to protect and preferably frictionally hold the fixed part along the longitudinal axis, such that in the working configuration, a tight engagement of the fixed part with the connection part is achieved. Also, in the working configuration, the space in which the mating arms resiliently bend radially outwardly of the mounting part is occupied by the fixed part.

[0028] Preferably, the fixing part and the protection part are each substantially hollow cylindrical and / or arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis. Also preferably, the fixing part and the protection part are hollow cylindrical and arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis. This configuration allows for easy manufacture and, due to the rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis, allows for easy and stable assembly.

[0029] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises at least one spring portion acting along the longitudinal axis. In the operating configuration of the assembly, the spring portion biases the fixed portion along the longitudinal axis relative to the connecting portion. Preferably, the spring portion is a compression coil spring. Also preferably, the spring portion can be a spring portion already present in the assembly.

[0030] Preferably, the assembly comprises at least one support part. Preferably, the support part is attached to or formed integrally with the fixed part and supports the fixed part at the end and / or the spring part. The support part is preferably annular disc-shaped and / or arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis and / or has a greater radial width with respect to the longitudinal axis compared to the fixed part. The support part serves as a guide aid for the insertion of the fixed part along the longitudinal axis into or onto the connection part. The annular disc shape is easy to manufacture and also provides a good stability without bias. The support part serves as a bearing surface for the spring part since it is formed with a greater radial width with respect to the longitudinal axis compared to the fixed part. In this way, the stability of the spring part is achieved and slippage during assembly and operation is prevented.

[0031] A method for manufacturing an assembly according to the present invention, comprising the following steps, particularly in the above mentioned order: a) providing the end of the assembly; b) forming at least one mating portion on said end portion; c) mating the connection portion of the assembly with the end portion along the longitudinal axis of the assembly; d) bending said at least one mating arm of said connection portion outwardly relative to said longitudinal axis during said mating step; e) at the end of the fitting step, elastically deforming said at least one mating arm back towards the longitudinal axis so that said at least one mating portion of said at least one mating arm cooperates in a tightly mated state with said at least one mated portion along said longitudinal axis.

[0032] For example, the step of forming the mating portion, which is formed as an annular groove centered about the longitudinal axis of the assembly, preferably includes forming the end by cold forming or the like, in particular a beading step.

[0033] Preferably, the locking portion is attached to the connecting portion so as to prevent outward bending of the mating arms relative to the longitudinal axis.Attaching the locking portion transitions the assembly from the attached configuration to the operating configuration.

[0034] The step of attaching the fastening part preferably includes a step of inserting the fastening part along the longitudinal axis into the connecting part or mating the fastening part with the connecting part along the longitudinal axis. For example, the fastening part can be inserted into a recess provided in the connecting part radially outside the mating arm and radially inside the protective part (if present). If no protective part is provided, the fastening part is preferably mated with the connecting part.

[0035] Further advantages, objects and characteristics of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, which show examples of the present invention. In the drawings, features that at least substantially correspond to functions constituting the present invention are given the same reference numerals. Therefore, each feature will not be renumbered or described repeatedly in all the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the assembly according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a connection portion according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an assembly 100 according to the present invention, taken along a longitudinal axis LA, showing, for example, a spindle drive.

[0038] The assembly 100 includes a connection 210. The connection 210 connects the assembly 100 to a component, such as a vehicle body (not shown), such that the assembly 100 can be subjected to tensile and compressive loads.

[0039] The assembly 100 also includes a mating region 213, such as a ball socket, adapted to receive tensile and compressive loads and preferably rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, e.g., transversely relative to the longitudinal axis LA. The mating region 213 includes a mating portion (not shown), such as a ball stud, having a shape complementary to the mating region 213.

[0040] The connecting portion 210 is fitted onto and connected to the end portion 110 in the longitudinal axis LA direction of the assembly 100. For example, the end portion 110 is configured as a substantially cylindrical tube coaxial with the longitudinal axis LA.

[0041] The connecting portion 210 includes at least one mating arm 211 that is provided so as to be capable of elastically bending outwardly about the longitudinal axis LA in a configuration (not shown) in which the connecting portion 210 is fitted and attached to the end portion 110. The mating arm 211 includes at least one mating portion 212, such as a mating nose.

[0042] The end portion 110 includes at least one mating portion 112. The mating portion 112 has a shape complementary to the mating portion 212, such as an annular groove extending about the longitudinal axis LA.

[0043] 1, the mating portion 212 cooperates with the mated portion 112 in a tightly mated manner. The mating portion 212 and the mated portion 112 preferably cooperate to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis LA.

[0044] The connecting portion 210 further comprises a fastening portion 120. The fastening portion 120 is configured to prevent the mating arms 211 of the connecting portion 210 from bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis LA when the assembly 100 is in the operative configuration.

[0045] The fixing part 120, configured as a cylindrical sleeve or the like, is inserted in the illustrated operating configuration radially relative to the longitudinal axis LA, outside the mating arm 111, in particular coaxially with the longitudinal axis LA, into the connecting part 210. In the operating configuration along the longitudinal axis LA, the fixing part 120 and the connecting part 210 interact with each other, for example in a frictionally locked manner, mating radially relative to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0046] The connecting part 210 further comprises a guard 220. In the operative configuration, the guard 220 is disposed radially relative to the longitudinal axis LA and outwardly of the fixed part 120. The guard 220 is configured to protect the fixed part 120 along the longitudinal axis LA. Preferably, the guard 220 retains the fixed part 120 by friction.

[0047] The assembly 100 includes a support portion 130 that supports the fixed portion 120 at the end portion 110. The support portion 130 is preferably annular, is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis LA, and has a greater width radially relative to the longitudinal axis LA than the fixed portion 120.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a connecting portion 210 according to the present invention taken transversely to a longitudinal axis LA.

[0049] The connection portion 210 is designed, for example, similar to the connection portion 210 shown in FIG.

[0050] The connection portion 210 includes, for example, four mating arms 211 evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis LA, and mating portions 212 provided on each of the mating arms 211.

[0051] The connection part 210 is, for example, cylindrical and comprises a protection part 220 arranged outside the mating arm 211 and coaxially with the longitudinal axis LA. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 100 assemblies 110 End 112 Fitted part 120 Fixed part 130 Support part 210 Connection 211 Mating arm 212 Fitting part 213 Combined area 220 Protection Department LA vertical axis

Claims

1. An assembly (100) that is length adjustable along a longitudinal axis (LA), a) at least one connection (210) is provided for connecting said assembly (100) to a part so as to be capable of receiving tensile and compressive loads; b) said at least one connection portion (210) is fitted to an end portion (110) of said assembly (100) in the direction of said longitudinal axis (LA); c) the at least one connection portion (210) comprises at least one mating arm (211) capable of elastically bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) in a configuration in which the at least one connection portion (210) is mated to the end portion (110); d) said at least one mating arm (211) comprises at least one mating portion (212); e) the end portion (110) includes at least one mating portion (112) having a shape complementary to the at least one mating portion (212); f) said at least one mating portion (212) is configured to positively cooperate with said at least one mated portion (112) along said longitudinal axis (LA) in an operative configuration of said assembly (100); g) said assembly (100) comprises at least one fastening portion (120); h) the fixing portion (120) is configured to prevent the at least one mating arm (211) of the at least one connecting portion (210) from bending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) in the operating configuration of the assembly (100); In the assembly (100) configured as described above, i) at least one spring portion acting along said longitudinal axis (LA) is provided; j) in the operating configuration of the assembly (100), the spring portion biases the at least one fixed portion (120) along the longitudinal axis (LA) relative to the connecting portion (210); 16. An assembly comprising:

2. The connection portion (210) is integrally formed and is made of elastically deformable fiber-reinforced plastic.

2. The length adjustable assembly of claim 1.

3. a) a coupling area (213) is provided for coupling to a coupling part of said part, selected from a ball socket, a ball pin, an eye or a bolt; b) said coupling portion has a shape complementary to said coupling region (213) and is selected from a ball socket, a ball pin, an eye or a bolt; c) the coupling connection is capable of being loaded in tension and compression and is rotatable about at least one axis of rotation; Assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. said at least one mating portion (212) cooperates with said at least one mated portion (112) for rotation about said longitudinal axis (LA) in said operating configuration of said assembly (100); Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The at least one fitting portion (212) has a protrusion for fitting into the fitted portion (112) configured as an annular groove extending about the longitudinal axis (LA).

5. An assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a) in said operating configuration, said at least one fastening portion (120) is mated to said at least one connecting portion (210) along said longitudinal axis (LA) radially and outside said at least one mating arm (211), or inserted into said connecting portion (210) along said longitudinal axis (LA); b) said at least one fastening portion (120) and said at least one connecting portion (210) cooperate in frictional lock along said longitudinal axis (LA) in said operative configuration; 6. An assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the at least one connecting portion (210) is arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) and on the outside of the at least one fixed portion (120) in the operating configuration, and comprises at least one protective portion (220) for protecting the at least one fixed portion (120); said at least one protective portion (220) frictionally retains said at least one fixed portion (120) along a longitudinal axis (LA); The assembly (100) of claim 6.

8. said at least one fixed portion (120) and said at least one protective portion (220) are each substantially hollow cylindrical; The assembly (100) of claim 7.

9. a) providing at least one support portion (130) for supporting said at least one fixed portion (120) on said at least one spring portion; b) said at least one support part (130) is annular and / or arranged coaxially with respect to said longitudinal axis (LA) and / or has a greater width radially with respect to said longitudinal axis (LA) than said at least one fixed part (120); 9. An assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for manufacturing an assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: a) providing the end (110) of the assembly (100); b) forming at least one fitted portion (112) on the end portion (110); c) mating the connection portion (210) of the assembly (100) with the end portion (110) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the assembly (100); d) said at least one mating arm (211) of said connection part (210) is bent outwardly with respect to said longitudinal axis (LA) during said mating step; e) at the end of the fitting step, said at least one engaging arm (211) is elastically deformed back towards said longitudinal axis (LA) so as to ensure that said at least one engaging portion (212) of said at least one engaging arm (211) cooperates with said at least one engaged portion (112) along said longitudinal axis (LA); f) said at least one fixing portion (120) is attached to said connecting portion (210) in a manner that prevents said at least one mating arm (211) from bending outwardly relative to said longitudinal axis (LA); g) attaching said spring portion to said assembly (100) such that, in said operating configuration of said assembly (100), said spring portion acts along said longitudinal axis (LA) to bias said at least one fixed portion (120) against said connecting portion (210) along said longitudinal axis (LA); A manufacturing method comprising the steps of:

11. The step of attaching the at least one fastening portion (120) includes a step of inserting the fastening portion (120) into the connecting portion (210) along the longitudinal axis (LA) or a step of fitting the fastening portion (120) into the connecting portion (210). A method for manufacturing an assembly according to claim 10.

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