DE102011056465A1 - Device for connecting housing of headlight and body of motor car, has spacer element coupled to support part such that axial force in predesignated strength is applied over entire displacement path of spacer element into stop position - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a support part (3) fastenable at a first component (1), and a spacer element (4) displaceable during rotation of a connecting bolt (5) in direction on a second component (2). The spacer element has an arresting unit e.g. leaf spring, for arresting the spacer element in an arresting position at the support part after reaching a stop position of the spacer element at the second component. The spacer element is coupled to the support part such that axial force in predesignated strength is applied over entire displacement path of the spacer element into the stop position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for connecting two spaced-tolerance component arranged with a support member attachable to the first part and the support member, displaced during insertion of a connecting screw in the direction of the second component displaceable spacer element, which has captive means, after reaching a stop position of the spacer element on the second component tie the spacer element in a bondage position, relative to the axis of rotation of the connecting screw, axially fixed to the support member.

Such devices are used, inter alia, for attaching a lighting device to a vehicle part and are in the DE 196 50 864 B4 described. For displacing the spacer element from a starting position into the stop position, an indefinite and small axial force due to manufacturing tolerances is required, since the two parts of the device rub against each other during an axial displacement. When reaching the stop position, a limit torque is overcome in order to break off an integrally formed on the spacer spacer cone and move relative to the spacer element so that expansion tongues can be brought into a bondage position in which they rest against the inner wall of a cavity in which the spacer element inserted ,

With the device mentioned above, a headlight housing can be attached to a body. The body or the headlight housing each form one of the two components mentioned above. If, for example, the supporting part is assigned to the headlight housing, then a connecting screw is inserted through an opening in a body part in order to fix the headlight housing in a predetermined position on the body, wherein a tolerance-dependent distance remains between the two housing parts.

The DE 42 24 575 A1 describes a device for bracing connecting spaced-apart components, wherein the spacer is entrained when screwing the connecting screw in a stop position to the second component, wherein the distance between the two components does not change. When the stop position is reached, the support height is reduced by a predetermined amount in the course of increasing the clamping force. This is advantageous if between the two components to be fastened together, for example. A headlight housing and the body is a rubber seal against which the components are to rest under prestress.

The invention has for its object to provide a Abstandsverschraubung, in which a simple means a bias voltage can be applied.

The object is achieved by the invention specified in the claims. First and foremost, it is based on the fact that the spacer element is coupled to the support member in such a way that the axial force must be applied over the entire displacement path up to the contact position. Unlike the prior art, the spacer element is coupled to the support member such that the axial force is defined. It is provided in particular that the coupling takes place via frictional engagement means, with surfaces abutting one another by frictional engagement. It may be a spring element which has a spring preload. This spring preload defines the frictional force normal to the frictional surfaces and the latter the axial force which must be overcome in order to displace the spacer relative to the support member. With this axial force, for example, a rubber seal can be biased. The frictional force applying spring element may be associated with the spacer element. This spacer element forms a spring-loaded frictional engagement surface, which bears against a corresponding surface of the support member. The frictional engagement surface of the spacer element is preferably located on the inner wall of a cavity of the support member, in which the spacer element rests displaced. The frictional engagement means may form an annular spring. The ring spring is in an annular groove. The annular groove can be arranged in the cavity wall. A cylindrical portion of the spacer is then in sliding contact with the manufactured with undersize spring ring. Preferably, however, the spring ring is located in an annular groove of the spacer element. The spring ring lies there with excess, so that when the spacer element is inserted into the cavity of the support member, it must be compressed. The force to be applied in this case corresponds to the spring preload, with which the spring ring frictionally rests against the cavity inner wall. About a dimensioning of the preferably gap-open spring ring, the axial force can be predetermined. Particularly preferably, the ring groove receiving the preferred open annular spring is formed by an expansion cone of the spacer element. A variant provides that the frictional engagement means is formed by a leaf spring-like spring element. This leaf spring-like element may be formed by the spacer element and in particular by the expansion cone. The leaf spring element may be associated with the material made of plastic spacer element. It may be a strip of material that projects radially to form an arcuate slot and can spring radially with a resilient restoring force. The axial force with which the spacer element from the cavity of the support member is pulled out, is introduced via the tightening torque in the connecting screw, which is screwed into an internal thread of the spacer element, wherein the internal thread is preferably associated with the expansion cone.

Another aspect of the invention, which also relates to the tightening torque, deals with the problem that the connecting screw is usually screwed into the screw connection with the aid of a motor-driven screwing tool. It may be an electrically or pneumatically driven screwing tool. In the prior art, a first low torque is applied in a first phase of screwing the connecting screw into the internal thread of the spacer element. After a torque peak corresponding to the limit torque at which the expansion cone tears off from the spacer element, the torque increases continuously, since the expansion cone pushes apart the two expansion tongues. There is a need to automatically switch off the power wrench when the spacer element is sufficiently tied to the support member so that it can not be displaced in the axial direction. Since tripping torques can only be adjusted with tolerances on the screwing tool and the torques that are required to achieve the bondage position vary due to tolerances, it is very difficult to bring screw connections of the prior art up to a defined bondage end position.

The invention is therefore based on the object, in a device in which to achieve the Fesselungsstellung a captive torque must be applied to the connecting screw to simplify.

The problem is solved first and foremost by the fact that the torque to be overcome for turning the connecting screw increases when a final binding position is reached. The torque increases when reaching the bondage position more with the rotation angle of the connecting screw, as it increases when spreading the expansion tongues. The Fesselungsendstellung is characterized in that when it reaches a held in the course of shackling relative movement of two sections of the spacer stops. Further rotation of the connecting screw after reaching the Fesselungsendstellung thus has no further displacement or deformation of the captive more result. In a preferred embodiment, the tethering means have a tethering element which is displaceable in order to reach the tying position in relation to a section of the spacer element forming the second component. This captive element occurs upon reaching the Fesselungsendstellung against a displacement inhibiting stop of the contact surface forming portion. Preference is given in the Fesselungsendstellung two bondage elements against each other. A captive element is connected to the fixedly connected to the stop surface portion of the spacer element and is formed, for example. By expansion tongues. The other tethering element can move relative to the contact surface forming portion of the spacer element and preferably forms an expansion cone, which presses apart the two expansion tongues and brings in a position of the spacer element relative to the support member fixing position, in which, for example, ribs of the expansion tongues in the Dig in the wall of the cavity of the supporting part. The stops, which collide when reaching the Fesselungsendstellung, may be annular. The expansion cone may have an annular collar which forms a stop ring. The stop ring abuts in the Fesselungsendstellung against the front edges of the expansion tongues. The internal thread, into which the connecting screw is screwed, sits in the expansion cone.

In an initial position of the invention, the spacer element is substantially completely in the cavity of the support member. The support member is attached to the first component. This can be done, for example, via an external thread assigned to the support part, which is screwed into a corresponding internal thread of the first component. Through an opening of the second component, which occupies a distance relative to the first component, the connecting screw is inserted. This engages with its thread in the internal thread of the spacer element. If the connecting screw is rotated by a motor-driven screwing tool, its head initially strikes against the second component. Thereafter, the spacer element is pulled out of the support member, which is done with a predefined axial force, since the frictional engagement element, so for example. The spring ring or the leaf spring element, spring-loaded on the cavity wall slides along. Reached the stop collar of the spacer element, the second component, so there is a short torque peak, during which the cohesive connection between the expansion cone and the abutment portion of the spacer element tears off. Subsequently, the applied to the connecting screw torque increases steadily, as a conical surface of the expansion cone moves between the expansion tongues and the expansion tongues apart forces and possibly plastically deformed so that they can invest in a Fesselungsstellung to the cavity inner wall. In an end phase of this bondage displacement of the stop ring occurs against the front edges of the expansion tongues, so that the expansion cone can not be moved further. It then no deformation takes place. This has the consequence that the torque required to rotate the connecting screw increases sharply steeper-related to the angle of rotation of the connecting screw. The torque that would lead to the destruction of the spacer element is significantly higher, so that a large torque window is available, within which the screw drive can switch off. To ensure that the spacer element does not rotate in the axial displacement relative to the support member, an anti-rotation element is provided which includes a rib which engages in a groove. Preferably, the rib extends in the axial direction along the cavity wall and engages in a longitudinal groove of the spacer element.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to attached figures. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention in a pre-assembly, in which the two components 1 . 2 have a tolerance-related distance from each other,

2 the section according to the line II-II in 1 , but with through the opening of the second component 2 Inserted connection screw 5 whose threaded shaft so far into the internal thread 20 the expansion cone 9 screwed in is that the head of the connecting screw 5 on the second component 2 rests,

3 a follow-up presentation to 2 wherein the connecting screw by applying a displacement torque further into the internal thread 20 has been screwed, wherein in itself the spacer element 4 under the action of the first component 1 with an axial force 4 opposite the support part 3 has shifted, wherein under compression of a rubber seal, not shown, the first component 1 slightly towards the second component 2 has relocated,

4 a follow-up presentation to 3 , wherein the spacer element 4 with maintained axial force F has been shifted to the stop position in which the stop collar 10 on the second component 2 is applied,

5 a follow-up presentation to 4 , Which, after overcoming a limit torque, the cohesive connection 18 between the upper section 8th of the spacer element 4 and the expansion cone 9 is broken,

6 a follow-up presentation to 5 in which the expansion cone 9 opposite the spreads 6 is displaced to a stop position in which the stop ring 19 at the front edges 6 ' the spreads 6 is applied,

7 a section along the line VII-VII in 6 .

8th a section along the line VIII-VIII in 6 .

9 a first exploded view of the in the 1 to 8th illustrated embodiment,

10 a second exploded view,

11 a first exploded view of a second embodiment,

12 a second exploded view of the second embodiment,

13 the second embodiment in the basic position as 2 .

14 a section according to the line XIV-XIV in 13 and

15 schematically the course of the connection screw 5 while in the 1 to 6 shown torque sequence applied torque with respect to the rotation angle of the connecting screws 5 ,

The figures show two with the reference numerals 1 and 2 illustrated components. The components are in a tolerance-related distance from each other. For example. can be the first component 1 be the body of a motor vehicle. The second component may be the housing of a lighting device, for example a headlight. A reverse assignment is also possible. Between the first component 1 and the second component 2 are not shown rubber seals. If the first component relative to the second component displaced decreasing distance, so this rubber seal is compressed.

The first component 1 has an opening with an internal thread into which a support part 3 is screwed. The preferably made of plastic support member 3 has an external thread for this purpose 14 , The support part 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with the opening edge of the cavity 12 from a polygonal collar 13 is surrounded. The bottom of the cavity 12 has a central opening. Within the cavity 12 a rib extends 15 ,

The spacer element 4 , which is preferably also made of plastic, has a stop collar 10 , which with its face a stop surface 10 ' formed. At the stop collar 10 is followed by a cylindrical section whose diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity 12 so that this cylindrical section into the cavity 12 can be inserted. When plugged in, only the stop surface protrudes 10 ' of the covenant 10 the polygonal collar 13 ,

The cylindrical portion of the spacer 4 forms two of a groove 16 separate spreader tongues 6 out. The outer surface of the spreader tongue 6 is ribbed. The ribs are sharp-edged, so that they are in the wall of the cavity 12 can dig in.

The Spreizzungen 6 form together with the stop collar 10 a section 8th of the spacer element 4 out, over a breaking point 18 with a spreading cone 9 connected is. To the annular predetermined breaking point 18 closes first a cone section 21 the expansion cone 9 which is capable of spreading spans 6 spread apart when passing along the inner flanks of the expansion tongues 6 is relocated.

To the cone section 21 closes a cylinder section 22 at. The latter goes into a larger diameter stop ring 19 above.

The cone section 9 forms one with the axial groove 16 aligned axial groove 17 , The cone section 9 beyond forms a rib, which is in an axial groove 17 protrudes, so that the cone section 9 rotatably attached to the Spreizzungen 6 training section 8th of the spacer element 4 is coupled.

In the in the 1 to 10 shown first embodiment, a frictional engagement element, which is for a frictional connection between the spacer element 4 and support part 3 ensures, by a gap-open spring ring 7 educated. The split-open spring ring is made of spring steel and lies in a circumferential ring groove 11 one from the cone section 9 is trained. Two axially projecting end portions 7 ' the opening of the spring ring 7 flank the axial groove 17 ,

In the relaxed state has the spring ring 7 an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the cavity 12 ,

The expansion cone 9 also forms a central internal thread 20 into which the threaded shank of the connecting screw 5 can be screwed into it.

In the in the 11 to 14 illustrated embodiment, the frictional engagement element 23 formed by a leaf-spring-shaped strip, the material of the spreading cone 9 is formed. The leaf spring element 23 is with its two ends of the same material with the expansion cone 9 connected. Between itself and the expansion cone 9 an arcuate slot is formed. There are two opposing leaf spring elements 23 provided, whose vertex distance is greater than the inner diameter of the cavity 12 so that the leaf spring elements 23 must be moved towards each other when the spreader 4 into the cavity 12 is used. In this case, a spring force is overcome. This spring force forms a normal force with which the frictional engagement element 23 on the inner wall of the cavity 12 is applied.

The operation of the device is the following:
In an initial state, in the 15 With a is designated, the spacer element 4 completely in the cavity 12 of the support part 3 one. Only the stop collar 10 can the polygonal collar 13 overtop. In this state, the device is with its external thread 14 in an internal thread of a first component 1 screwed.

A second component 2 is kept at a toleranced distance. It lies, for example, on a rubber seal. Then the connecting screw 5 inserted through an opening of the second component and into the opening of the spacer element 4 plugged in. The thread of the connecting screw 5 gets into the internal thread 20 screwed. Because the spacer element 4 according to the grooves 16 . 17 engaging rib 15 not opposite the support part 3 can rotate and the latter rotatably on the first component 1 is attached, the connecting screw rotates 5 in the internal thread 20 until her head on the second component 2 strikes. This, in the 15 State marked with b will appear in the 2 shown.

Subsequently, on the spacer element 4 a predetermined axial force F in the direction away from the support part 3 applied. This is the result of frictional engagement with the wall of the cavity 2 adjacent spring element 7 . 23 , These by the appropriate choice or shaping of the spring element 7 . 23 Predeterminable axial force causes the rubber seal is compressed, since the second component displaced relieving. Unlike the prior art, this displacement is not controlled away, but force controlled. The 3 shows that the first component 1 slightly on the second component 2 has shifted. This is a consequence of the frictional coupling of the frictional engagement element 7 . 23 to the support part 3 , Of the 15 It can be seen that the torque increases after reaching the position b due to the frictional force in effect and in the course of the subsequent Einschraubdrehbewegung the Connecting screw remains substantially constant at the higher level.

In the final phase of the displacement of the spacer element 4 from the cavity 12 of the support part 3 out comes the stop surface 10 ' to the second component 2 like it 4 shows. This operating position corresponds to the point c in 15 , Along with a torque peak breaks the cohesive connection 18 between expansion cone 9 and spreads 6 so that the expansion cone 9 in the space between the Spreizzungen 6 can shift, with the Spreizzungen 6 spread apart and kick the sharp-edged ribs into a bondage position in the cavity wall. This operating position shows the 5 , The 15 shows that in this case (in the range between c and d) an increased bondage torque must be applied.

In the course of a further axial displacement of the expansion cone 9 opposite the section 8th of the spacer element 4 deform the spring tongues 6 , It increases the bondage force and, consequently, that on the connecting screw 5 applied torque. This is, among other things, a consequence of a plastic deformation in the area of the spring tongues 6 ,

In a bondage end position, which the 6 shows and the point d in the 15 corresponds, hits the stop ring 15 to the from the front edges 6 ' the spreads 6 formed counter-attacks. The expansion cone 9 can not relocate now. The deformation of the spring tongues 6 is stopped. As a result, this increases to the connecting screw 5 Torque applied abruptly. Of the 15 It can be seen that when applying the captive torque between the positions c and d that on the connecting screw 5 applied torque increases with the angle of rotation. After reaching the bondage end position (d in 15 ) this increases to the connecting screw 5 applied torque significantly steeper with the angle of rotation. In the 6 illustrated plastic deformation of Spreizzungen does not go on.

This torque, when the stop ring against the counter stop 6 ' is applied, varies tolerances. However, the tolerance range is significantly lower than the torque range that lies between this tolerance window and the destructive torque. In this torque range, which lies above the tolerance window, a shut-off window can be defined in which the screwing tool shuts off. With e shows the 15 the angle of rotation of the connecting screw 5 in which the shutdown torque is reached. It lies within the in the 15 With Ab designated window. According to the invention, it is always ensured that the tethering elements come to a Fesselungsendstellung because the Abschaltdrehmoment is higher than the torque applied to reach the stop position.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application. The subclaims characterize in their optionally sibling version independent inventive developments of the prior art, in particular to make on the basis of these claims divisional applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first component

2

second component

3

supporting part

4

spacer

5

connecting screw

6

Tying element, expansion tongue, spring tongue

6 '

front edge

7

Frictional means, spring washer

7 '

end

8th

Section of the spacer element

9

expansion cone

10

stop collar

10 '

stop surface

11

ring groove

12

cavity

13

Polygonal collar

14

thread

15

rib

16

groove

17

groove

18

Breaking point

19

stop ring

20

inner thread

21

cone section

22

cylinder section

23

frictional engagement

F

 axial force

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19650864 B4 [0002]
• DE 4224575 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Device for connecting two tolerance-spaced components ( 1 . 2 ) with one on the first component ( 1 ) mountable support member (3) and a support member ( 3 ), when screwing a connecting screw ( 5 ) in the direction of the second component ( 2 ) displaceable spacer element ( 4 ), which bondage means ( 6 . 9 ), which after reaching a stop position of the spacer element ( 4 ) on the second component ( 2 ) the spacer element ( 2 ) in a bondage position, based on the axis of rotation of the connecting screw ( 5 ), axially fixed to the support member ( 3 ), wherein for displacing the spacer element ( 4 ) in the stop position an axial force (F) is required, characterized in that the spacer element ( 4 ) in such a way to the support part ( 3 ) is coupled, that the axial force (F) must be applied in a predetermined strength over the entire displacement path to the contact position. Apparatus according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the coupling between spacer element ( 4 ) and supporting part ( 3 ) via frictional means ( 7 ) he follows. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the frictional engagement means ( 7 ) of a particular in an annular groove ( 11 ) inserted spring ring ( 7 ) is trained. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the frictional engagement means ( 7 ) of a spring element ( 23 ) is formed, which in particular the same material as the spacer element ( 4 ) is formed. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the frictional engagement means ( 7 ) the spacer element ( 4 ) and spring-loaded on the wall of a cavity ( 12 ) of the supporting part ( 3 ) attacks, in which the spacer element ( 4 ) is displaced. Device for connecting two tolerance-spaced components ( 1 . 2 ) with one on the first component ( 1 ) attachable support member ( 3 ) and a support part ( 3 ), when screwing a connecting screw ( 5 ) in the direction of the second component ( 2 ) displaceable spacer element ( 4 ), which bondage means ( 6 . 9 ), which after reaching a stop position of the spacer element ( 4 ) on the second component ( 2 ) by a captive rotational actuation of the connecting screw ( 5 ) on the second component ( 2 ) come into effect to the spacer element ( 4 ), related to the axis of rotation of the connecting screw ( 5 ), axially fixed to the support member ( 3 ), characterized in that the captive means ( 6 . 9 ) in a final phase of the bondage rotation actuation reach a Fesselungsendstellung in which the for turning the connecting screw ( 5 ) to be overcome torque steeper increases with the angle of rotation, as in the Fesselungsdrehbetätigung. Apparatus according to claim 6 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the captive means ( 6 . 9 ) a captive element ( 9 ), which, in order to achieve the binding end position with respect to one, which on the second component ( 2 ) bearing contact surface ( 10 ' ) training section ( 8th ) of the spacer element ( 3 ) is displaceable, wherein the bondage element ( 9 ) in the Fesselungsendstellung against a displacement inhibiting stop ( 6 ' ) of the section ( 8th ) occurs. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the captive means spreading elements ( 6 ), which corresponds to the contact surface ( 10 ' ) training section ( 8th ) of the spacer element ( 3 ), and an expansion cone ( 9 ), which has a stop ( 19 ), which in the Fesselungsendstellung the stop ( 6 ' ) of the section ( 8th ) and the internal thread ( 20 ) for screwing in the connecting screw ( 5 ) having. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the stops of a stop ring ( 19 ) of the expansion cone ( 9 ) and a front edge ( 6 ' ) at least one spreader tongue ( 6 ) are formed. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the expansion cone ( 9 ) with which the contact surface ( 10 ' ) training section ( 8th ) of the spacer element ( 3 ) via a break-off point which can be pulled off by application of a limit torque ( 18 ), which limit torque is preferably lower than that in the Fesselungsendstellung for rotating the connecting screw ( 5 ) is required torque.

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