阅读说明：本技术 用于公差补偿装置的多部件调节元件 (Multi-part adjusting element for tolerance compensation device ) 是由 汉斯-乌里克·菲格 于 2020-03-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于公差补偿装置的多部件调节元件(1),用于自动补偿第一部件(A)和第二部件(B)之间的空隙的公差。调节元件(1)包括螺纹衬套(10)、牵引元件(30；30')、抵接盘(50)和固定套(60)。螺纹衬套(10)具有连续孔(16)、具有第一螺纹方向的外螺纹(18),和形成在螺纹衬套(10)内部的台阶(20),由此使得第一内径邻近于螺纹衬套(10)的第一轴向端(12)并且大于与螺纹衬套(10)的第二轴向端(14)相邻的第二内径。牵引元件(30；30')包括至少一个径向向内突出的弹性臂(38),其中牵引元件(30；30')的第一轴向端(32)被布置为位于在螺纹衬套(10)中形成的台阶(20)上。抵接盘(50)被布置为邻近于螺纹衬套(10)的第一轴向端(12)并具有一个通孔(52)。固定套(60)同样具有通孔(66)并且被布置为至少部分地通过压入配合连接在螺纹衬套(10)的孔(16)中,以便牢固地将抵接盘(50)、螺纹衬套(10)和牵引元件(30；30')连接在一起。(The invention relates to a multi-part adjusting element (1) for a tolerance compensation device for automatically compensating tolerances of a gap between a first part (A) and a second part (B). The adjusting element (1) comprises a threaded bushing (10), a traction element (30; 30'), an abutment disc (50) and a fixing sleeve (60). The threaded bushing (10) has a continuous bore (16), an external thread (18) having a first thread direction, and a step (20) formed inside the threaded bushing (10) such that a first internal diameter is adjacent a first axial end (12) of the threaded bushing (10) and is greater than a second internal diameter adjacent a second axial end (14) of the threaded bushing (10). The pulling element (30; 30') comprises at least one radially inwardly projecting resilient arm (38), wherein the first axial end (32) of the pulling element (30; 30') is arranged to rest on a step (20) formed in the threaded bushing (10). The abutment disc (50) is arranged adjacent to the first axial end (12) of the threaded bushing (10) and has a through hole (52). The fixing sleeve (60) likewise has a through-hole (66) and is arranged to be connected at least partially by press-fit in the hole (16) of the threaded bushing (10) in order to firmly connect together the abutment disc (50), the threaded bushing (10) and the traction element (30; 30').)

1. A multi-part adjustment element (1) for a tolerance compensation device for automatically compensating tolerances in a gap between a first part (a) and a second part (B), characterized by comprising:

a. A threaded bushing (10) having a passage hole (16), an external thread (18) of a first thread direction, and a step (20) formed inside the threaded bushing (10) such that a first internal diameter adjacent to a first axial end (12) of the threaded bushing (10) is larger than a second internal diameter adjacent to a second axial end (14) of the threaded bushing (10),

b. a pulling element (30; 30') having at least one radially inwardly projecting spring arm (38), wherein the pulling element (30; 30') is arranged with a first axial end (32) on the step (20) formed in the threaded bushing (10), further comprising

c. A abutment disc (50) adjacent to the first axial end (12) of the threaded bushing (10), the abutment disc (50) comprising a passage opening (52), and

d. a fixing sleeve (60) with a passage opening (66), said fixing sleeve (60) being arranged at least partially in a press-fit manner in said bore (16) of said threaded bushing (10) in order to firmly interconnect said abutment disc (50), said threaded bushing (10) and said traction element (30; 30').

2. Multi-part adjusting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pulling element (30; 30') has a continuous insertion groove (36) extending along a longitudinal axis.

3. Multi-part adjusting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one resilient arm (38) is attached to the pulling element (30; 30') on only one side, such that the at least one resilient arm (38) has a free end.

4. Multi-part adjusting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pulling element (30; 30') has a plurality of protrusions (40) extending in the longitudinal direction at the first axial end (32) and the second axial end (34), the protrusions (40) forming a first anti-rotation protection in connection with the step (20) and a second anti-rotation protection in connection with the fixing sleeve (60).

5. Multi-part adjusting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traction element (30; 30') comprises a plurality of axially compressible webs (42).

6. Multipart adjustment element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the passage opening (52) of the abutment disc (50) has a chamfer (54) on the side facing away from the threaded bushing (10), the chamfer (54) in particular comprising a knurling (56) which connects with the fixing sleeve (60) providing a third rotation protection.

7. Multi-part adjusting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing sleeve (60) has a flange (68) at the first axial end (62) and also has knurling (72) adjacent to the second axial end (64) on the radial outside, so that the fixing sleeve (60) engages with the abutment disc (50) adjacent to the first axial end (62), in particular by means of the flange (68), with the second axial end (34) of the pulling element (30; 30') at the second axial end (64) and at least partially engages with the radial inside of the threaded bushing (10) on the radial outside.

8. Multi-part adjusting element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the knurling (72) has a conical shape such that the knurling (72) engages with the inside of the threaded bushing (10) and forms a fourth anti-rotation protection.

9. The multi-part adjustment element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing sleeve (60) comprises an outer chamfer (70) at the second axial end (64).

10. Multi-part adjusting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded bushing (10), the pulling element (30; 30'), the abutment disc (50) and the fixing sleeve (60) are made of steel or stainless steel.

11. Tolerance compensation device comprising a multi-part adjustment element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a base element (3), characterized in that:

the basic element (3) is fixed at the first part (A), comprises a first internal thread (80) with a first thread direction, the first internal thread (80) engages with the external thread (18) of the threaded bushing (10) of the multi-part adjusting element (1), and

the basic element (3) comprises a second internal thread (82) having a second thread direction, which is opposite to the first thread direction, wherein, in use, the second internal thread (82) interacts with a fastening screw (5) such that

When the fastening screw (5) is inserted into the multipart adjusting element (1) and rotated, the multipart adjusting element (1) is rotated jointly by means of the frictional connection of the pulling element (30; 30'), so that the adjusting element (1) is unscrewed from the base element (3) counter to the insertion direction for tolerance compensation, and when the adjusting element (1) abuts against the second component (B), the adjusting element (1) is screwed to the second internal thread (82) of the second thread direction for tensioning the two components (A, B).

12. Tolerance compensation device according to claim 11, characterized in that the basic element (3) is a blind rivet nut.

13. Tolerance compensation device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in further comprising a fastening screw (5).

14. A connection formed between a first component (a) and a second component (B) using a tolerance compensation device according to claim 13.

15. Method of manufacturing a multi-part adjusting element (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the following steps:

a. providing (A) a threaded bushing (10), a traction element (30; 30'), an abutment disc (50) and a fixing sleeve (60),

b. inserting (B) the pulling element (30; 30') into the threaded bushing (10) from the first axial end (12), in particular by reducing the outer diameter of the pulling element (30; 30') before insertion and during subsequent release,

c. arranging (C) the abutment disc (50) adjacent to the first axial end (12) of the threaded bushing (10) and

d. arranging (D) said fixing sleeve (60) at least partially in said hole (16) of said threaded bushing (10) and forming a press fit in order to firmly connect said abutment disc (50), said threaded bushing (10) and said traction element (30; 30') to each other.

16. Manufacturing method according to claim 15, wherein the step of providing the traction element (30; 30') comprises:

-stamping (E) the traction element (30; 30') as a strip of metal layer and bending the stamped traction element (30; 30') into a tubular shape, thereby forming a slot (36) in the longitudinal direction of the traction element (30; 30'), whereby the sum of the outer diameters of the traction element (30; 30') is variable.

17. A method of connecting a first component (a) to a second component (B) using a tolerance compensation device and a fastening screw according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the steps of:

a. -fixing (a) the basic element (3) at the first part (A),

b. inserting (B) the fastening screw (5) through an opening of the second component (B) into the passage opening of the tolerance compensation device,

c. rotating (c) the tightening screw (5) until the abutment disc (50) abuts the second part (B), and

d. tensioning (d) the first component (A) and the second component (B) by interaction of the external thread (90) of the fastening screw (5) with the second internal thread (82) of the base element (3).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a multi-part adjusting element for a tolerance compensation device for automatically compensating tolerances in a gap between a first and a second part, a corresponding tolerance compensation device, a connection between two parts, a method for producing a multi-part adjusting element and a corresponding connection method.

Background

Tolerance compensation devices for automatically compensating tolerances in the gap between the first and second components are known from the prior art.

For example, DE20314003U1 describes a tolerance compensation device. The tolerance compensation device comprises a fastening screw, a basic element provided with a threaded bore at a first component, the basic element having an adjusting thread and a fastening thread of different diameters, and an adjusting element having a passage bore and a thread provided at an outer periphery. The adjusting thread of the basic element and the thread of the adjusting element form a thread pairing with a specific thread direction for adjusting the adjusting element for tolerance compensation, and the fastening thread of the basic element and the thread of the fastening screw form a thread pairing with an opposite thread direction for tightening the tolerance compensation device. The adjusting element has a drag section which forms a frictional connection with the fastening screw, which frictional connection causes the adjusting element to rotate jointly when the fastening screw to be inserted into and through the adjusting element is rotated, and which frictional connection is released after the adjusting element has been brought into abutment against the second component after tolerance compensation and when the fastening screw is further rotated, so that the fastening screw can be tightened with the fastening thread of the basic element. The dragging section is formed by an inner annular plastic section of the adjusting element, which section projects radially inwardly from the wall of the passage hole of the adjusting element to such an extent that it can form a frictional connection with the thread of the fastening screw. Another tolerance compensation device is described in DE102012102906a 1. The tolerance compensation device includes: a fixable base element, wherein the fastening screw can be screwed into the base element by means of a first thread pairing; an adjusting element with an external thread, which can be screwed into the base element by means of a second thread pairing, wherein a first and a second anti-rotation protection are provided between the base element and the adjusting element, whereby a release and a locking of the adjusting element with the base element during transport is correspondingly avoided.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the force transmission from the traction element to the other components of the adjusting element takes place solely via the frictional connection.

EP1304489a2 also relates to a tolerance compensation device for automatic compensation of tolerances caused by production and/or assembly in the intermediate space of two parts, which tolerance compensation device comprises a screw, a nut and an adjusting element. The adjusting element has a left-hand external thread which can be screwed together with a matching left-hand internal thread of the nut, and a clamping section which can be connected to the screw by means of a friction connection and which can be rotated relative to the screw when the friction connection is overcome, so that the screw can rotate the adjusting element together during the screwing-in process by means of the friction connection and thereby unscrew the adjusting element from the nut counter to the insertion direction, and the adjusting element forms a threaded connection with the right-hand internal thread of the nut when the adjusting element is pressed against the first component in order to tension the two elements. In this way, automatic tolerance compensation of the spacing between the two components can be achieved with a minimum number of parts.

A particular disadvantage of this tolerance compensation is that the clamping section of the adjusting element is formed by a plurality of spring clips at the axial ends of the adjusting element, wherein the spring clips are separated from the longitudinally extending insertion groove. Since the adjusting elements are usually manufactured by turning, the manufacture of the slots is complicated, since these slots need to be milled. Overall, the manufacturing process thus becomes more complex and expensive. At the same time, the spring clips are unprotected during the transport and/or during the processing steps, so that they often bend outwards, and the function of the spring clips cannot be fulfilled properly without an additional working step (i.e. bending backwards).

Finally, DE102016118640a1 describes a spring element of a device for compensating tolerances between a first and a second component. The spring element comprises at least one spring arm which, viewed in its longitudinal direction, comprises two opposite end portions, wherein at least one end portion has a larger distance to a longitudinal centre axis of the spring element than an intermediate portion of the spring arm arranged between the end portions, and wherein at least one end portion forms a corner which projects radially outwards. In one embodiment, the compensating element has a step on the inside in order to avoid the spring element slipping off when the fastening screw is inserted and passed through. The anti-rotation protection can be provided by the angle of the tip of the spring element which can be pressed into the compensation element. Furthermore, due to these sharp-angled ends, an additional axial fixing of the spring element opposite to the insertion direction of the fastening screw can be omitted.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is that, due to the functionality, in particular when pressing the corners of the spring element into the compensating element, only specific materials, in particular sufficiently soft materials, can be used for the compensating element. Thus, the field of application of such an arrangement is limited. This arrangement cannot be used, in particular, if larger forces between the components to be connected are to be absorbed by the tolerance compensation device.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an adjusting element for tolerance compensation devices with a greater range of applicability, in particular an adjusting element which can withstand greater pressures, can be operated in a process-safe manner and at the same time enables reliable transmission of force from the pulling element to the threaded bushing of the adjusting element. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding tolerance compensation device, a connection, a method for manufacturing an adjustment element and a method for connection to a tolerance compensation device.

Disclosure of Invention

The above object is solved by a multi-part adjusting element according to independent claim 1, a tolerance compensation device according to independent claim 11, a connection between a first and a second part according to independent claim 14, a manufacturing method of a multi-part adjusting element according to independent claim 15 and a connecting method according to independent claim 17. Advantageous embodiments and further developments result from the following description, the drawings and the claims.

The multi-part adjusting element of the invention comprises a threaded bushing with a continuous bore for a tolerance compensation device for automatic compensation of tolerances of a distance or distance between a first and a second part, the multi-part adjusting element comprising a threaded bushing with a continuous bore, an external thread in a first thread direction and a step formed inside the threaded bushing, whereby a first internal diameter adjacent to a first axial end of the threaded bushing is larger than a second internal diameter adjacent to a second axial end of the threaded bushing, the adjusting element comprising at least one pulling element with radially inwardly projecting resilient arms, wherein the pulling element is arranged with a first axial end formed on the step in the threaded bushing and comprises an abutment disc adjacent to the first axial end of the threaded bushing, the threaded bushing comprising a passage opening and comprising a fixing sleeve with a passage opening, the fixing sleeve is arranged at least partially in a press-fit manner in the bore of the threaded bushing, so that the abutment plate, the threaded bushing and the pulling element are connected together tightly.

In order to better understand the advantages and the technical effects of the multi-part adjusting element according to the invention, its structure will be explained first and its use in tolerance compensation devices will be explained later.

The multi-component adjusting element consists of four independent components, namely a threaded bushing, a traction element, a butting disc and a fixed sleeve. In connection with the construction of the multipart adjustment element, the pulling element is first inserted into the threaded bushing from the first axial end of the threaded bushing. When used in a tolerance compensation device, the first axial end of the threaded bushing corresponds to the end arranged facing away from the basic element. In other words, in use, the fastening screw is inserted into the continuous bore of the threaded bushing from the first axial end.

The outer diameter of the traction element is greater than the first inner diameter of the threaded bushing. Thus, upon insertion, the outer diameter of the traction element must be correspondingly reduced. Until the first axial end of the pulling element abuts the step formed inside the threaded bushing. After insertion, the pulling element is released and thus radially abuts against the inner wall of the threaded bushing.

Now, the abutment disc is arranged adjacent to the first axial end of the threaded bushing. The abutting disc is fixed by a fixing sleeve or a retaining sleeve. For this purpose, the fixing sleeve is arranged at least partially in a press-fit manner in the bore of the threaded bushing. Specifically, the abutment disc is secured with a first axial end of the fixed sleeve, a second axial end of the fixed sleeve abuts against a second axial end of the traction element, and a radially outer side of the fixed sleeve at least partially abuts against a radially inner side of the threaded bushing. The pulling element is thus effectively clamped between the step inside the threaded bushing and the second axial end of the fixing sleeve and is prevented in a particularly advantageous manner from falling out of the threaded bushing, also during for example a transport or handling step of the adjusting element.

The use of a multi-part adjusting element in a tolerance compensation device is explained below. In addition to the multipart adjusting element, the exemplary tolerance compensation device also comprises a fastening screw and a base element having a first internal thread and a second internal thread. The first internal thread has a first thread direction and engages with the external thread of the threaded bushing of the multi-part adjustment element. The second internal thread of the basic element has a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction, which interacts with the external thread of the fastening screw. In other words, the first internal thread is arranged forward of the second internal thread in the direction of insertion of the fastening screw.

First, the external thread of the threaded bushing of the multipart adjusting element engages the first internal thread of the basic element and is screwed into the basic element as far as possible. In this state, the tolerance compensation device therefore preferably has the lowest axial length. The basic element is now fixed in the opening in the first part. The basic element can be, for example, a blind rivet nut, the fastening of which is carried out in a known manner. As an alternative to the above example, it is possible to first fasten only the basic element in the first component and then screw the multi-component adjustment element into the basic element.

In a next step, a second component is disposed over the first component, wherein the opening in the second component is aligned with the opening in the first component. A fastening screw is inserted through the opening in the second part and the passage opening of the fixing sleeve and engages with at least one resilient arm of the pulling element of the multipart adjusting element. Due to the frictional connection between the at least one resilient arm of the pulling element and the external thread of the tightening screw, a rotation of the tightening screw in the insertion direction causes the adjusting element of the basic element to be screwed out until the abutment disc abuts against the second component. Further rotation of the binding screw causes the binding screw to engage the second internal thread of the base element and tension the first and second components.

The advantage of the multi-part adjusting element of the invention as described above is that the pulling element is effectively clamped between the step in the threaded bushing and the second axial end of the bushing. The pulling element is thus secured in a particularly advantageous manner to prevent it from falling out of the threaded bushing, for example also during transport of the adjusting element.

Another advantage is that the insertion direction of the pulling element is arbitrary, so that the multipart adjusting element can be assembled and can be worked or machined in a particularly process-safe manner.

According to a preferred embodiment, the traction element has a continuous groove extending along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the traction elements have an open ring shape. Therefore, the traction elements are preferably stamped and bent parts. This makes the manufacture of the traction element particularly easy.

It is furthermore preferred that the at least one spring arm of the traction element is attached only on one side, such that the at least one spring arm has a free end. To achieve this feature, the traction element has a first open loop adjacent the first axial end and a second open loop adjacent the second axial end, the first and second open loops being interconnected by a web. The resilient arm is connected to the second axial end such that the free end is adjacent the first axial end and thus on a side of the traction element facing the step. As mentioned above, the advantage of the pulling element is that it can be inserted into the threaded bushing from any desired direction. Thus, alternatively, the free end can also be adjacent to the second axial end, in other words the traction element is inserted such that the free end is located on the side of the traction element facing away from the step.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the traction element has, at its first and second axial ends, a plurality of projections extending in the longitudinal direction, which form a first anti-rotation protection with the first step and a second anti-rotation protection in connection with the fixing sleeve. Thus, in addition to the friction connection, a form-fitting connection is also established, and the rotation of the tightening screw can be transmitted to the multipart adjustment element in a particularly effective manner. Axial tolerances are also compensated for as the projections are pressed in. Optionally, compensation possibilities are provided by web lifting, as will be explained in more detail below.

It is particularly preferred that the traction element comprises a plurality of axially compressible webs. The axially compressible web allows the traction element to adapt to the available axial length with respect to its axial length by the elastic arch when inserted into the fixing sleeve. The spring effect of the at least one spring arm is not impaired thereby. With respect to the above-described embodiments having first and second split rings at first and second axial ends of the traction element, the first and second rings are connected by a plurality of axially compressible webs. In this way, the length of the traction element can be designed to be sufficiently large to compensate for possible tolerances caused by production in a particularly reliable manner, so that clamping of the traction element can be achieved particularly effectively.

In another advantageous embodiment, the passage opening of the abutment disc has a chamfer on the side facing away from the threaded bushing, which chamfer comprises in particular a knurling connected to the fixing sleeve, which knurling provides a third rotation protection. An advantage of this embodiment is that a flush insertion of the fixing sleeve can be achieved by the chamfer. In other words, the first axial end of the fixing sleeve is arranged in alignment with the side of the abutment disc facing away from the threaded bushing or at the chamfered portion of the abutment disc. Thus, upon subsequent use of the multi-part adjusting element within the frame of the tolerance compensation device, a planar abutment of the abutment disc and a correspondingly high force transmission can be achieved at the second part.

In a similarly preferred embodiment, the fixing sleeve has a flange at a first axial end and a knurling adjacent to a second axial end on the radially outer side, so that the fixing sleeve is adjacent to the first axial end, in particular engages with the flange, engages with the second axial end of the pulling element at the second axial end and engages at least partially with the radially inner side of the threaded bushing on the radially outer side. In this case, it is particularly preferred that the knurls have a conical shape, so that the knurls engage the interior of the threaded bushing and form a fourth anti-rotation protection. The connection between the individual elements established in this way is particularly tight, so that the respective multipart adjusting element can be transported in a particularly safe manner. Furthermore, the rotation protection according to the invention prevents the individual parts of the multi-part adjusting element from rotating relative to one another to the greatest possible extent or almost to the greatest possible extent.

In another preferred embodiment, the retaining sleeve comprises an external chamfer at the second axial end. The clamping of the traction element between the fixing sleeve and the step in the threaded bushing can be effectively achieved by means of the external chamfer.

Finally, the threaded bushing, the traction element, the abutment disc and the retaining sleeve are preferably made of steel or stainless steel. It is particularly preferred that the pulling element is made of spring steel. Multi-part adjustment elements formed from these materials are particularly suitable for applications where high stresses have to be accepted, in particular in comparison with existing arrangements where the adjustment elements are made from a plastic material.

The tolerance compensation device of the invention comprises an inventive multi-part adjusting element and a basic element, wherein the basic element is fastened at the first part and comprises a first internal thread having a first thread direction, which engages with the external thread of the threaded bushing of the multipart adjustment element, and the basic element comprises a second internal thread with a second thread direction, which is opposite to the first thread direction, wherein, in use, the second internal thread interacts with the external thread of the binding screw such that, when the binding screw is inserted into the multipart and rotated, the multi-part adjusting element is rotated together by the frictional connection of the pulling element, so that the multi-part adjusting element is unscrewed from the base element for tolerance compensation, the screwing-out direction is opposite to the insertion direction, and the two parts can be screwed together by means of a second internal thread having a second thread direction when the adjusting element has been brought into abutment against the first part. The tolerance compensation device according to the invention therefore comprises the multi-part adjusting element according to the invention. For the technical effects and advantages resulting therefrom, reference is made to the above description in order to avoid repetitions.

In a preferred embodiment of the tolerance compensation device, the basic element is a blind rivet nut. Thereby, it is achieved that the first and the second internal thread are provided in the same element. In an alternative embodiment, the first internal thread and the second internal thread can also be realized in separate parts which together form the basic element.

In other preferred embodiments, the tolerance compensation device further comprises a fastening screw.

The inventive connection between the first and second component is achieved by the tolerance compensation device and the fastening screw of the invention. As already mentioned in connection with the tolerance compensation device, reference is also made here to the above explanations in connection with the multipart adjusting element with regard to the technical effects and advantages which result, in order to avoid repetitions.

The inventive method for producing a multipart adjusting element according to the invention comprises the following steps: providing a threaded bushing, a traction element, a base plate and a securing sleeve; the traction element is inserted into the threaded bushing from the first axial end, in particular by reducing the outer diameter of the traction element before insertion and subsequent release, the abutment disc is arranged adjacent to the first axial end of the threaded bushing, and the fixing sleeve is arranged at least partially in a press-fit manner in the bore of the threaded bushing, thereby fastening the abutment disc, the threaded bushing and the traction element to one another. The multipart adjusting element according to the invention can be produced by the production method according to the invention. Therefore, reference is again made to the above explanations regarding the multipart adjustment element with regard to the technical effects and advantages that result, in order to avoid repetitions.

In a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method, the step of providing the traction element comprises: the traction element is punched from the metal layer into a strip or stick and the punched traction element is bent into a tubular shape, whereby a slot is formed in the longitudinal direction of the traction element, while the outer diameter of the slot is variable. By this step, it is emphasized on the one hand that the traction element is a stamped and bent part. On the other hand, it is shown that no additional treatment of the traction element, for example by milling or the like, is required.

An inventive connecting method for connecting a first component and a second component with a fastening screw by means of a tolerance compensation device according to the invention comprises the following steps: the basic part is fastened to the first part, a fastening screw is inserted through an opening in the second part into a passage opening of the tolerance compensation device, the fastening screw is rotated until the abutment disc abuts against the second part, and the first and second parts are tightened by the interaction of the external thread of the fastening screw with the second internal thread of the basic part. Thus, by this connection method, two components can be connected by using the tolerance compensation device of the invention, and thus also the multi-component adjustment element of the invention. The advantages and technical effects obtained with this connection method therefore correspond to those described above.

Drawings

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like parts and/or elements. They are:

figure 1 is a first exploded view of an embodiment of a multi-part adjusting element according to the invention,

figure 2 is a second exploded view of an embodiment of a multi-part adjusting element according to the invention,

figure 3 is a top view of an embodiment of a multi-part adjusting element according to the invention,

fig. 4 is a first cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a tolerance compensating device according to the invention, arranged at a first part,

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connection between the first and second components through the tolerance compensation device of the present invention

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative design of the dragging element,

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a multi-part adjusting element of the present invention

Fig. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the connection method of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Preferred embodiments of the multi-part adjusting element according to the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Preferably steel or stainless steel is used as material for the parts of the multi-part adjusting element.

First, with reference to fig. 1 to 3, an embodiment of a multi-part adjusting element 1 is described. The adjusting element 1 consists of a threaded bushing 10, a pulling element 30, an abutment disc 50 and a fixing sleeve 60.

The threaded bushing 10 includes a continuous bore 16 of known form and an external thread 18. In contrast to most known threaded bushings in the prior art, the threaded bushing 10 comprises a step 20 formed in the interior. Thus, a first inner diameter of the threaded bushing 10 adjacent the first axial end 12 is larger than a second inner diameter adjacent the second axial end 14. The step 20 provides an abutment surface for the traction element 30, as will be described later.

In the present example, the traction element 30 comprises three radially inwardly projecting resilient arms 38, preferably stamped and bent parts. Accordingly, the traction element 30 includes a first split ring at the first axial end 32 and a second split ring at the second axial end 34. In this context, the term open ring means that the traction element 30 is not a component having a circumferentially closed form, but rather that the traction element 30 comprises a slot 36 extending in its longitudinal direction. In order to ensure that the pulling element 30 is securely held within the threaded bushing 10, the initial outer diameter of the pulling element 30 is larger than the first inner diameter of the threaded bushing 10. Preferably, the traction element 30 is constructed of spring steel.

To insert the traction element 30, the spacing provided by the slots 36 is reduced so that the outer diameter of the traction element 30 is reduced overall. After insertion, i.e. when the first axial end 32 of the pulling element 30 abuts against the step 20, the pulling element 30 is released so that its radially outer side abuts against the radially inner side of the threaded bushing 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient arms 38 of the traction elements 30 are attached to only one side. Here, the attachment is located adjacent the second axial end 34, i.e. at the second split ring. The other end of the resilient arm 38 is free, i.e. it is not connected to the first axial end 32 or the first split ring, respectively.

The first and second open loops are interconnected by a plurality of axially extending webs. Starting from the slot 36, in the circumferential direction there is the following order: web, spring arm 38, web.

The embodiment of the traction element 30' shown in fig. 6 substantially corresponds to the traction element 30 described above. In contrast, an axially compressible web 42 is disposed between the first and second split rings. The length or the structural height of the traction element 30 'can preferably be excessive, since the axially compressible web 42 can achieve an inward elastic bending, and therefore the traction element 30' can compensate for tolerances caused by the production of the multipart adjusting element 1 in a particularly effective manner. The function of the resilient arm 38 is not affected by this.

Referring now again to fig. 1-3, the traction element 30 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending protrusions 40 at its first and second axial ends 32, 34. In this example, there are three projections 40 at each axial end 32, 34, these projections 40 being in particular in the form of tips which provide anti-rotation protection for each axial end 32, 34. This will be further explained in the description, in particular when explaining the assembly of the multipart adjustment element 1. As will be explained later in the description of the assembly of the individual components, the axial tolerances are also compensated by the force of the pressing-in of the projections 40. Alternatively, the possibility of achieving compensation by means of the axially compressible web 42 is increased, as explained above in connection with the traction element 30' according to fig. 6.

Although not explicitly shown in fig. 6, the dragging element 30' also comprises a plurality of protrusions 40 in the same way.

The abutment disc 50 includes a passage opening 52. On the side facing away from the threaded bushing 10, a chamfer 54 is provided at the passage opening 52. Chamfer 54 includes knurl 56.

The retaining sleeve 60 includes a passage opening 66 and a flange 68 at the first axial end 62. In the axial direction, the flange 68 is followed by a recess, a conically running knurling 72 and an outer chamfer 70.

When assembling the adjusting element 1, first, the pulling element 30 is inserted into the threaded bushing 10 from the first axial end 12 of the threaded bushing 10. To this end, as described above, the outer diameter of the traction element 30 is reduced by reducing the spacing provided by the slots 36. When the traction element 30 abuts the step 20, it is released. Thus, the radially outer side of the pulling element 30 abuts against the radially inner side of the threaded bushing 10.

In the example shown, the insertion of the traction element 30 is in the direction of the first axial end 32 of the traction element 30 against the step 20. In a further embodiment, the pulling element 30 can also be inserted in the opposite direction, i.e. the free ends of the spring arms 38 do not have to be in the insertion direction of the fastening screw 5, but can also be in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the fastening screw 5. The pulling element 30 thus allows a particularly process-safe assembly of the multipart adjusting element 1. This design also applies to the traction element 30' according to fig. 6.

In a next step, the abutment disc is arranged adjacent to the first axial end 32 of the traction element 30. In this case, a chamfer 54 with a knurling 56 is located on the side of the abutment disc 50 facing away from the threaded bushing 10.

Finally, the fixing sleeve 60 is inserted into the continuous bore 16 of the threaded bushing 10 and fixed at least partially in a press-fit manner in the continuous bore 16. The insertion or pressing of the securing sleeve 60 causes the protrusion 40 at the first axial end 32 of the traction element 30 to engage in the step 20. Thereby, a first anti-rotation protection may be provided between the pulling element 30 and the threaded bushing 10. Furthermore, axial tolerances can preferably be compensated for when assembling the adjusting element 1.

In addition, the projection 40 at the second axial end 34 is embedded in the second axial end 64 of the sleeve 60. This provides a second anti-rotation protection between the traction element 30 and the harness 60. The pulling element 30 is thus clamped in the longitudinal direction of the threaded bushing 10 between the step 20 of the threaded bushing 10 and the second axial end 64 of the fixing sleeve 60. Furthermore, a preferred additional compensation possibility for axial tolerances is associated with the establishment of a second anti-rotation protection.

When the traction element 30' according to fig. 6 is used, the axially compressible web 42 is additionally elastically arched radially inwards due to the axial excess. This means that tolerances caused by the production of the multipart adjusting element 1 can be compensated for by the pulling element 30 'and that clamping of the pulling element 30' between the step 20 of the threaded bushing 10 and the second axial end 64 of the fixing sleeve 60 can be achieved in a particularly reliable manner.

With regard to the subsequent use of the multipart adjusting element 1 in a tolerance compensation device, the insertion or pressing-in of the fixing sleeve 60 takes place in the insertion direction of the fastening screw 5, so that the flange 68 is arranged flush with the side of the abutment disc 50 facing away from the threaded bushing 10 or in the portion of the chamfer 54 of the abutment disc 50. Thus, the outer diameter of the flange 68 is larger than the diameter of the passage opening of the abutment disc 50. In particular, the knurls 56 of the abutment disc 50 are inserted in the flange 68, thus forming a third protection against rotation between the abutment disc 50 and the retaining sleeve 60.

Finally, the conical shape of the knurl 72 of the fixing sleeve 60 makes it possible to form a fourth anti-rotation protection between the threaded bushing 10 and the fixing sleeve 60. All parts of the multipart adjusting element 1 are thus connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, an embodiment of the tolerance compensation device of the present invention is explained. The tolerance compensation device comprises a multipart adjusting element 1, a basic element 3 (in the present case in the shape of a blind rivet nut) and a fastening screw 5.

The basic element 3 is fixed in a known manner on the first part a and comprises a first internal thread 80 of a first thread direction, which first internal thread 80 engages with the external thread 18 of the threaded bushing 10 of the multi-part adjusting element 1. Furthermore, the basic element 3 comprises a second internal thread 82 having a second thread direction, which is opposite to the first thread direction. In use, as shown in fig. 5, the second internal thread 82 interacts with the external thread 90 of the binding screw 5. In the example shown in fig. 4, the multi-part adjusting element 1 is screwed as far as possible into the base element 3 and is in the initial position.

In use, the opening of the second part B is arranged above the first part a, and the fastening screw 5 is inserted through the opening in the second part B and through the passage opening 52 of the abutment disc 50 and the passage opening 66 of the fixing sleeve 60, into the continuous hole 16 of the threaded bushing 10 until it engages with the resilient arm 38 of the pulling element 30. When the tightening screw 5 is rotating, the multipart adjusting element 1 is rotated jointly by the friction fit of the pulling element 30 and is screwed out of the base element 3 counter to the insertion direction by this friction fit for tolerance compensation until the abutment disc 50 abuts against the second component B. Subsequently, the external thread 90 of the fastening screw 5 is screwed together with the second internal thread 82 of the base element 3 to tighten the two parts A, B.

With reference to fig. 7, an embodiment of a method of manufacturing the multi-part adjusting element 1 is described below. In a first step a, a threaded bushing 10, a traction element 30 are provided; 30', an abutment disc 50 and a retaining sleeve 60. Here, a traction element 30 is provided; 30' includes a further step E of coupling the traction elements 30; 30' punching strips or bars from the metal layer and applying the punched traction elements 30; 30' are bent into a tubular shape so that the traction elements 30; 30' is formed with a slot 36 in a longitudinal direction thereof, so that an outer diameter of the slot 36 is variable.

In a subsequent step B, the traction element 30 is pulled from the first axial end 12; 30' are inserted into the threaded bushing 10. In particular by reducing the traction element 30 prior to insertion and subsequent release; 30 'and then the abutment disc 50 is arranged adjacent to the first axial end 12 of the threaded bushing 10 (step C) and the fixing sleeve (60) is arranged at least partially in a press-fit manner in the bore (16) of the threaded bushing (10) (step D) in order to firmly connect the abutment disc (50), the threaded bushing (10) and the pulling element (30; 30') to one another.

A method of connecting a first component a to a second component B by means of a tolerance compensating element with a fastening screw is described with reference to fig. 8. First, in step a, the basic element 3 is fastened at the first component a. Then in step B, the fastening screw 5 is inserted through an opening in the second part B into the passage opening of the tolerance compensation device. Subsequently, in step c, the tightening screw 5 is rotated until the abutment disc 50 abuts on the second component B. Finally, in step d, the first part a and the second part B are tightened against each other by the interaction of the external thread 90 of the binding screw 5 with the second internal thread 82 of the basic element 3.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 adjusting element

3 basic element

5 fastening screw

10 screw thread bush

12 first axial end

14 second axial end

16 continuous holes

18 external screw thread

20 steps

30,30' traction element

32 first axial end

34 second axial end

36 slot

38 resilient arm

40 projection

42 axially compressible web

50 abutting disc

52 abut the passage opening of the disc 50

54 chamfer

56 knurling

60 fixation sleeve

62 first axial end

64 second axial end

66 channel opening

68 flange

70 outer chamfer

72 knurl

80 first internal screw thread

82 second internal screw thread

90 external screw thread

A first part

B second part