Device for fastening to a component
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- SI · SI
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SPRINGFIX BEFESTIGUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing devices for attaching components with tolerance compensation are prone to damage under high forces and torques during assembly, leading to potential failure and production delays if not replaced.
A device with a base body and compensating element connected via a thread, featuring a form-fitting connection between a base element and retaining ring, along with centering elements and a spring-driven driver device for secure screw alignment and rotation, preventing detachment and ensuring reliable attachment.
The solution provides a reliable and quick attachment method that withstands higher torques without damage, ensuring efficient assembly and reducing production delays by preventing slipping and misalignment of components.
Abstract
Description
[0001] DEVICE FOR FASTENING TO A COMPONENT
[0002] The invention relates to a device for fastening to a component with a base body and a compensating element, wherein the compensating element is connected to the base body via a thread and wherein the compensating element has a passage with a driving device for a screw.
[0003] Devices of the type in question have been known in practice for years and are used, for example, to fix two components whose spacing is subject to tolerance. Such devices are used, among other things, for mounting headlights in motor vehicles.
[0004] In the known devices, a nut is arranged below the base body, into which a screw is screwed. As the screw is screwed into the thread of the nut, the compensating element is also rotated due to a drive mechanism that connects the screw and the compensating element. By rotating the screw connection between the base body and compensating element and the thread of the nut in opposite directions, the compensating element is unscrewed from the base body as the screw is screwed in until its stop area abuts a second component. This design thus enables tolerance compensation when fixing two components whose distance from one another is not clearly defined, and is therefore also referred to as a tolerance compensation element.
[0005] Corresponding devices are known, for example, from FR 2 792 039 B1 and DE 10034968 A1.
[0006] The assembly of such fixtures, for example, in automotive manufacturing, takes place in flow production and can therefore be accomplished in a relatively short time. It is also conceivable that the fixtures could be attached automatically. The problem with this is that the fixtures are exposed to quite high forces and torques during assembly, which can lead to damage. If the fixtures cannot be properly secured due to damage, they must be replaced, which would delay production, which must be avoided at all costs.
[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that reliable fastening is possible in a short time using structurally simple means and damage to the device during assembly is avoided.
[0008] According to the invention, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1. According to this, the device in question for fastening to a component with a base body and a compensating element, wherein the compensating element is connected to the base body via a thread and wherein the compensating element has a passage with a driving device for a screw, characterized in that the base body has a base element and a retaining ring positively connected to the base element.
[0009] According to the invention, it has been recognized that the underlying problem can be solved by connecting the base element to the retaining ring in a form-fitting manner. It has been recognized that a form-fitting connection between the base element and the retaining ring prevents these components from becoming detached from one another, even at higher torques, as is the case, for example, with devices known from the prior art which are only fastened to one another by a force connection. Furthermore, the multi-part design of the base body has the advantage that the individual components are easier to manufacture, for example a thread on the base element that is complementary to a thread on the compensating element.
[0010] It should be noted that the screw does not necessarily have to be part of the claimed device according to claim 1. However, it is possible for the screw to be part of this device. Advantageously, the retaining ring can have at least one groove or recess, and the base element can have at least one rib complementary to the groove, or a nose or projection, in order to achieve a positive fit. The groove and the rib could run at least substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the screw or to the extension direction of the passage.
[0011] It is also conceivable and advantageous for at least two grooves to have a different shape and / or for at least two ribs to have a different shape. This makes it easy to ensure that the retaining ring and the base element can only be connected to one another in a specific position(s).
[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one centering element for aligning the screw can be formed in the passage. It has been recognized that for secure and rapid assembly of the device, the screw must be inserted into the passage as centrally as possible. This ensures that the screw does not jam on the driving device and thus damage it during the insertion movement. Furthermore, it has been recognized that centered insertion of the screw can be ensured in a particularly simple manner by forming at least one centering element in or on the passage. As a result, the screw is initially aligned during insertion such that it can be guided past the driving device without jamming.
[0013] Advantageously, the centering element can be designed as a centering rib, centering nose, or centering projection extending radially into the passage. The centering rib runs at least substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the screw or to the extension direction of the passage. Such a construction is particularly simple to manufacture and ensures that the screw is inserted into the device in the correct alignment. In a further advantageous manner, several centering elements, in particular centering ribs, centering noses, or centering projections, can be arranged in the circumferential direction of the passage. Thus, the screw can be guided in the circumferential direction by several ribs, whereby the alignment can be adjusted particularly precisely. Preferably, the centering elements, for example the centering ribs, can each be designed equidistant from the nearest centering element, for example the nearest centering rib.For example, six centering ribs could each be arranged at an angle of 60° around the passage. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a single centering element is arranged that runs circumferentially, preferably completely, around the passage and extends radially into the passage.
[0014] In a particularly advantageous manner, the centering element can be formed integrally with the compensating element. Such a construction is particularly simple to manufacture. For example, the compensating element and the centering element could be made of plastic and, in particular, manufactured using an injection molding process.
[0015] To make it even easier to insert the screw into the hole, the free end of the centering element can be chamfered. The chamfer serves as an insertion aid for the screw.
[0016] In a further advantageous manner, the drive device can be designed as a spring element. The spring element can be a spring clip, for example, made as a bent metal part. It is essential that the drive device forms a force-locking connection with the screw in order to rotate the compensating element when the screw rotates.
[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the driving device can be positively connected to the compensating element. This ensures that the driving device is connected to the compensating element in a particularly simple manner and sufficiently firmly so that the compensating element can follow the rotational movement of the screw. Slipping between the compensating element and the driving device is prevented. Advantageously, at least one fastening element can protrude radially into the passage in order to positively connect the driving device to the compensating element. Such a fastening element is particularly easy to manufacture and can, for example, be formed integrally with the compensating element.
[0018] In a particularly advantageous manner, the fastening element can be designed as a fastening rib, fastening nose, or fastening projection, which preferably extends radially into the passage. The fastening rib can run at least substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the screw or to the extension direction of the passage.
[0019] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows:
[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a device according to the invention in the basic state,
[0021] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the device according to Fig. 1 in the turned-out state,
[0022] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a further view of the device according to Fig. 1,
[0023] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a plan view of the device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a further plan view of the device according to Fig. 1,
[0024] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the
[0025] Base body and the compensating element of the device according to Fig. 1,
[0026] Fig. 7 shows the illustration from Fig. 6, additionally showing the driving device, and
[0027] Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of the
[0028] Basic body of the device according to Fig. 1.
[0029] An embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown in Figs. 1 to 8, wherein, to improve clarity, not every component is provided with a reference symbol in some figures.
[0030] The device is used for fastening to a component (not shown), in particular for tolerance compensation of two components to be connected. The device comprises a base body 1 and a compensating element 2, which are connected to each other via a thread 14. The compensating element 2 has a stop surface 3 and a drive device 5 arranged in a passage 4 for a screw (not shown). The drive device 5 is designed as a spring clamp.
[0031] Provided in the passage 4 are a plurality of centering elements 6, which in this exemplary embodiment are implemented as centering ribs 7. These protrude radially into the passage 4 and extend parallel to the insertion direction of the screw or to the extension direction of the passage 4. Thus, a screw inserted into the passage 4 is aligned in such a way that tilting on the driving device 5 is prevented. Furthermore, it can be seen that the free ends of the centering ribs 7 have a chamfer 8, which serves as an insertion aid for the screw. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the centering ribs 7 are formed integrally with the compensating element 2, although this does not necessarily have to be the case.
[0032] Furthermore, it can be seen that the base body 1 is formed in two parts, namely, it consists of a retaining ring 9 and a base element 10 arranged therein. Figure 8 in particular shows that the retaining ring 9 has a plurality of grooves 11 and that a plurality of complementary ribs 12 are provided on the base element 10. It should be noted that a single groove 11 with a single rib 12 could be sufficient.
[0033] The grooves 11 and the ribs 12 enable a positive connection between the base element 10 and the retaining ring 9. Furthermore, it can be seen that two different designs of grooves 11 and complementary ribs 12 are provided. This ensures that the base element 10 can be arranged in only two defined orientations relative to the retaining ring 9.
[0034] 6 and 7 in particular that the driving device 5 is arranged in a form-fitting manner on the compensating element 2. For this purpose, a plurality of fastening elements 13 are formed on the compensating element 2, which protrude radially into the passage 4. The driving device 5 can have recesses into which the fastening elements 13, designed as fastening ribs 15, protrude. Alternatively or additionally, the driving device 5 can engage the fastening elements 13, for example with an edge. It is essential that a form-fitting connection is realized between the driving device 5 and the compensating element 2, so that a rotary movement from the screw can be reliably transmitted to the compensating element 2 via the driving device 5, without the driving device 5 slipping.
[0035] In Figures 1 to 3 it can be seen that the edge 16 surrounding the compensating element 2 is raised, ie it extends at least partially in the direction of the compensating element 2, so that the edge 16 at least partially encloses the compensating element 2 laterally when the compensating element 2 is completely screwed into the base body 1. Furthermore, an elastic element 17 serving as a transport lock is arranged on the base body 1, which engages in a recess 18 of the compensating element 2 when this is at least substantially completely screwed into the base body 1.
[0036] In order to be able to slide the device laterally onto a component, a retaining clip 19 is formed on the base body 1. Furthermore, a nut element 20 is provided on the retaining clip 19, into which the screw can be screwed.
[0037] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.
[0038] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described embodiments of the device according to the invention serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments.
[0039] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described embodiments of the device according to the invention serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments.
[0040] List of reference symbols
[0041] 1 base body
[0042] 2 compensation element
[0043] 3 Stop surface
[0044] 4th round
[0045] 5 Carrying device
[0046] 6 Centering element
[0047] 7 Centering rib
[0048] 8th phase
[0049] 9 Retaining ring 0 Base element 1 Groove 2 Rib 3 Fastening element 4 Thread 5 Fastening rib 6 Edge 7 Elastic element 8 Recess 9 Retaining clip 0 Nut element
Claims
Claims 1. Device for fastening to a component with a base body (1) and a compensating element (2), wherein the compensating element (2) is connected to the base body (1) via a thread (14) and wherein the compensating element (2) has a passage (4) with a drive device (5) for a screw, characterized in that the base body (1) has a base element (10) and a retaining ring (9) positively connected to the base element (10).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining ring (9) has at least one groove (11) and that the base element (10) has at least one rib (12) that is complementary to the groove (11) in order to achieve a positive fit.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least two grooves (11) have a different shape and / or that at least two ribs (12) have a different shape.
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one centering element (6) for aligning the screw is formed in the passage (4).
5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the centering element (6) is designed as a centering rib (7) extending radially into the passage (4).
6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that several centering ribs (7), preferably each equidistant to the nearest centering rib (7), are arranged in the circumferential direction of the passage (4).
7. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the centering element (6) is formed integrally with the compensating element (2).
8. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the free end of the centering element (6) has a chamfer (8) as an insertion aid for the screw.
9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the driving device (5) is designed as a spring element or spring clamp.
10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the driving device (5) is positively connected to the compensating element (2).
11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one fastening element (13) projects radially into the passage (4) in order to connect the drive device (5) positively to the compensating element (2).
12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the fastening element (13) is designed as a fastening rib (15).