CN117948330A - Tolerance compensation assembly and fastening system - Google Patents

Abstract

The application provides a tolerance compensation assembly for fastening a first component to a second component by means of a bolt, comprising a tolerance compensation element and an opening device. The tolerance compensating element comprises a body comprising at least two body segments arranged circumferentially about an axis, the at least two body segments together defining a channel extending along the axis and being movably connected to each other with respect to each other such that the at least two body segments can be closed and opened with respect to each other. The body also has a threaded connection provided on an outer surface thereof for threaded connection with the first component. The distractor is inserted in the passage in the insertion direction and has a receiving path extending along the axis to receive the bolt. The distractor device is configured to be movable in an insertion direction upon tightening of the first and second parts by the bolt to apply a radial force to the at least two body segments to distract the at least two body segments radially away from each other.

Description

Tolerance compensation assembly and fastening system

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present application generally relate to a tolerance compensating assembly for fastening a first component to a second component and a tolerance compensating fastening system including the tolerance compensating assembly.

Background

The fastening system with the tolerance compensation function is capable of compensating for tolerances due to manufacturing and installation while fastening two components. Such fastening systems are typically screwed with one of the two parts (e.g. the first part) by means of a tolerance compensating element, such that the tolerance compensating element can be moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the first part to compensate for tolerances between the two parts in the longitudinal direction.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the application, the application provides a tolerance compensating assembly for fastening a first component to a second component by means of a bolt, the tolerance compensating assembly comprising a tolerance compensating element and an opening device. The tolerance compensating element includes a body and has an axis. The body includes at least two body segments arranged circumferentially about an axis, the at least two body segments collectively defining a channel extending along the axis and being movably connected to one another relative to one another to enable the at least two body segments to be closed and opened relative to one another. The body also has a threaded connection provided on an outer surface thereof for threaded connection with the first component. The distractor is inserted in the passage in the insertion direction and has a receiving path extending along the axis to receive the bolt. The distractor device is configured to be movable in an insertion direction upon tightening of the first and second parts by the bolt to apply a radial force to the at least two body segments to distract the at least two body segments radially away from each other.

According to the tolerance compensating assembly of the first aspect described above, the spreading means comprises a spreading ramp. In the insertion direction, the spreader ramp extends obliquely toward the axis. The inner wall of the body of the tolerance compensating element is provided with a mating ramp, and the spreading ramp is in sliding engagement with the mating ramp to spread at least two body segments radially away from each other.

According to the tolerance compensating assembly of the first aspect, adjacent body segments are connected to each other by a resilient element.

According to the tolerance compensation assembly of the first aspect, the expanding device comprises an annular expanding ring, and an expanding inclined plane is formed on the outer surface of the expanding ring. The spreader ramp slidingly engages the mating ramp when the spreader ring is driven by the bolt to move in the channel, thereby moving the at least two body segments radially away from each other.

According to the tolerance compensating assembly of the first aspect, the inner wall of the main body of the tolerance compensating element is provided with a plurality of ribs which are spaced apart from each other. Each rib has an inclined rib surface. The surfaces of the plurality of ribs form a matched inclined plane together. Receiving grooves are formed between adjacent ribs. The expansion ring also comprises a plurality of guide ribs which are arranged on the expansion inclined plane and are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of guide ribs are spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of guide ribs are respectively received in the plurality of receiving grooves. The guide rib is configured to cooperate with an inner wall of the body to maintain the distraction ramp in a centered position in the channel.

The tolerance compensating assembly according to the first aspect further comprises a spacer. The spacer is inserted in the receiving path of the spreader ring and is configured to receive the bolt. The spacer is configured to isolate the tolerance compensating element from an axial tightening force applied by the bolt.

The tolerance compensating assembly according to the first aspect further comprises at least three resilient legs. At least three resilient legs are attached to the inner wall of the body and extend into the channel. The at least three resilient legs are configured to hold the spacer in a centered position in the channel.

According to the tolerance compensating assembly of the first aspect described above, at least three resilient legs are provided in the receiving groove.

According to the tolerance compensating assembly of the first aspect described above, each resilient leg has a proximal end connected to the body and a distal end forming a free end. The distal ends of the resilient legs are provided with arcuate retention surfaces. The arcuate retention surface is configured to engage the spacer.

The tolerance compensating assembly according to the first aspect further comprises an annular spacer. The spacer includes a head flange. The spacer is disposed between the head flange of the spacer and the spreader ring. The outer diameter of the head flange is greater than the inner diameter of the gasket and less than the outer diameter of the gasket.

The tolerance compensating assembly according to the first aspect further comprises a spacer. The spacer is inserted in the passage along the insertion direction, the spreader is formed by the spacer, the spacer forms the receiving path, and a spreader ramp is provided on an outer surface of the spacer.

According to the tolerance compensating assembly of the first aspect described above, the spacer is cylindrical. The spacer includes an operation section, a connection section, and an extension section connected in this order in the insertion direction thereof. The connecting section forms a spreading device, and the outer surface of the connecting section forms a spreading inclined plane. The main body is cylindrical and includes a receiving section, a transition section, and a guide section that are sequentially connected in an insertion direction of the separator. The inner wall of the transition section forms a mating bevel. When the main body is not spread by the spreading device, the inner diameter of the guiding section is smaller than the outer diameter of the operating section and larger than the outer diameter of the extending section.

According to a second aspect of the present application there is provided a fastening system for fastening a first component to a second component. The fastening system comprises a bolt and a tolerance compensating assembly according to the first aspect described above. A threaded connection on the body of the tolerance compensating element of the tolerance compensating assembly is threaded with the first component. The bolt is inserted into the receiving path of the distractor and into the second part.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a tolerance compensating assembly according to one embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a spacer of the tolerance compensating assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a tolerance compensating element of the tolerance compensating assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is an axial cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensating assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a fastening system including the tolerance compensating assembly shown in FIG. 1A in use;

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the fastening system shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an axial cross-sectional view of the fastening system shown in FIG. 2A when the bolt is not tightened;

FIG. 3B is an axial cross-sectional view of the fastening system shown in FIG. 2A as the bolts are tightened;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a tolerance compensating assembly according to another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the tolerance compensating assembly shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a tolerance compensating element of the tolerance compensating assembly shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is an axial cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensating assembly shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is an axial cross-sectional view of a fastening system including the tolerance compensating assembly shown in FIG. 4A when the bolt is not tightened;

fig. 5B is an axial cross-sectional view of a fastening system including the tolerance compensating assembly shown in fig. 4A as the bolt is tightened.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. It is to be understood that, although directional terms, such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc., may be used in the present application to describe various example structural portions and elements of the present application, these terms are used herein for convenience of description only and are determined based on the example orientations shown in the drawings. Since the disclosed embodiments of the application may be arranged in a variety of orientations, these directional terms are used by way of illustration only and are in no way limiting.

Embodiments of the present application provide a tolerance compensating assembly for securing a first component (e.g., a concealed door handle module of a vehicle) to a second component (e.g., a vehicle door) in cooperation with a bolt, and having a tolerance compensating function that compensates for tolerances in the manufacture and installation of the components. According to the tolerance compensation assembly provided by the embodiment of the application, the influence of the clearance between the threaded connection part on the tolerance compensation element and the matched threaded connection part on the first component can be eliminated, so that the tolerance compensation element and the first component are in abutting contact or abutting contact with each other at least in part, and therefore the tolerance compensation element and the first component can be prevented from shaking relative to each other in the fastening state of the bolt.

Fig. 1A-1D illustrate a specific construction of a tolerance compensating assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present application, wherein fig. 1A is a perspective view of the tolerance compensating assembly 100, fig. 1B is a perspective view of a spacer of the tolerance compensating assembly 100, fig. 1C is a perspective view of a tolerance compensating element of the tolerance compensating assembly 100, and fig. 1D is an axial cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensating assembly 100 shown in fig. 1A.

As shown in fig. 1A, the tolerance compensating assembly 100 includes a tolerance compensating element 110 and a spacer 120, the spacer 120 being received in the tolerance compensating element 110. The tolerance compensating assembly 100 can be used to fasten a first component (e.g., the first component 210 shown in fig. 2B) to a second component (e.g., the second component 220 shown in fig. 2B) with a bolt (e.g., the bolt 230 shown in fig. 2B). The tolerance compensating element 110 is integrally made of a plastic material, for example by injection molding, and the spacer 120 is made of a metal material. The tolerance compensating element 110 is connected to the first component. The spacer 120 can isolate the tolerance compensating element 110 from the axial tightening force applied by the bolt to increase the service life of the tolerance compensating element made of plastic.

As also shown in fig. 1A, the tolerance compensating element 110 includes a body 150 and has an axis 115. A threaded connection 117 is provided on the outer surface of the body 150 for threaded connection with the first component. The body 150 defines a channel 112 extending along an axis 115, and the spacer 120 is received in the channel 112. The body 150 is generally cylindrical. The body 150 comprises two body segments 150a,150b arranged circumferentially about the axis 115, the two body segments 150a,150b being hollow semi-cylindrical in shape, which together define the channel 112. The two body segments 150a,150b are connected by means of a resilient element 155, i.e. the opposite ends of the body segment 150a in the circumferential direction are connected by means of a resilient element 155 to the opposite ends of the other body segment 150b, respectively, in the circumferential direction. This enables the two body segments 150a,150b to move radially relative to each other. Each elastic element 155 is formed by a flexible strip that can be bent and stretched to effect radial movement of the two body segments 150 relative to each other. That is to say that the two body segments 150 can be closed and opened relative to each other. Thus, the body 150 has at least two states, a closed state and an open state. When the body 150 is not subjected to radial forces, the body 150 is in a closed state, in which the resilient element 155 is bent, pulling the two body segments 150a,150b towards each other to close. When the body 150 is subjected to an outward radial force, the body 150 is in an expanded state, the two body segments 150a,150b are pushed apart relative to each other, and the resilient element 155 is stretched.

In order to expand the body segments 150a,150b relative to each other, the tolerance compensating element of the present application further comprises an expanding means. The distractor is inserted in the passage 112 in the insertion direction (i.e., in the insertion direction indicated by arrow a) and has a receiving path extending along the axis 115 to receive the bolt 230. The distracting device is capable of moving in the insertion direction a upon tightening of the first and second parts 210, 220 by the bolt 230 to apply a radial force to the two body segments 150a,150b to distract the two body segments 150a,150b radially away from each other. The opening device can be arranged in various ways. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1C, the distraction device is formed by a spacer 120.

As shown in fig. 1B, the spacer 120 is generally hollow, cylindrical, defining a receiving path 122 extending along the axis 115. The spacer 120 includes a neck section 123, a step section 124, an extension section 125, a connection section 127, and an operation section 126, which are sequentially connected in the opposite direction to the insertion direction a. The neck section 123 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the extension section 125, which are connected by a land 124. The operating section 126 has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the extending section 125, which are connected by a connecting section 127, the connecting section 127 having an outer surface inclined with respect to the axis 115. The connecting section 127 is used to form the aforementioned distractor device which applies an outward radial force to the two body segments 150a,150b of the body 150 to distract the two body segments 150a,150b away from each other when the bolts 230 tighten the first and second members 210, 220. The outer surface of the connecting section 127 forms a spreading ramp 135, the spreading ramp 135 being inclined in the insertion direction a of the spacer 120 towards the axis 115.

As shown in fig. 1C, the body 150 of the tolerance compensating element 110 comprises opposite proximal and distal ends 151, 153, wherein the proximal end 151 is located at the front end of the distal end 153 in the insertion direction a. The tolerance compensating element 110 further comprises a flange 160 arranged at the proximal end 151 of the body 150, the flange 160 comprising two flange segments 160a,160b located on the two body segments 150a,150b, respectively. When the two body segments 150a,150b move radially relative to each other, the two flange segments 160a,160b move together therewith. The two flange segments 160a,160b extend inwardly from the two body segments 150a,150b, respectively, toward the axis 115 such that the flange 160 and the body 150 form an overall cup-shaped tolerance compensating element 110 (see fig. 1D). The flange 160 defines a bore 162 for receiving a bolt, and the diameter of the bore 162 is set larger than the diameter of the shank of the bolt to allow movement of the shank of the bolt in the bore 162.

As also shown in fig. 1C, the two body segments 150a,150b are each further provided with structure on the tolerance compensating element 110 for preventing axial movement of the two relative to each other. By way of example, FIG. 1C shows a pair of upstream teeth 154a,154b and a pair of downstream teeth 156a,156b for this purpose. A pair of upstream lobes 156a,156b are disposed on the two body segments 150a,150b, respectively, proximate the distal end 153, and a pair of downstream lobes 154a,154b are disposed on the two body segments 150a,150b, respectively, proximate the proximal end 151. When the tolerance compensating element 110 is in use, the first part 210 can also limit axial movement of the two body segments 150a,150b relative to each other, since the tolerance compensating element 110 is threadedly coupled to the first part 210.

As shown in fig. 1D, the body 150 of the tolerance compensating element 110 forms a generally cylindrical inner surface that includes a smaller inner diameter pilot segment 175, a larger inner diameter receiver segment 176, and a transition segment 177 connecting the pilot segment 175 and the receiver segment 176. The inner wall of the transition section 177 forms a mating ramp 185, the mating ramp 185 connecting the inner wall of the lead section 175 and the inner wall of the receiving section 176. The mating ramp 185 extends obliquely relative to the axis 115 and in the same direction as the distracting ramp 135 of the spacer 120. In the closed state of the body 150, the inner diameter of the guide section 175 of the body 150 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the extension section 125 of the spacer 120 to accommodate the extension section 125, but smaller than the outer diameter of the operative section 126 of the spacer 120, while the inner diameter of the receiving section 176 of the body 150 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the operative section 126 of the spacer 120 to accommodate the operative section 126.

As also shown in fig. 1C, after the spacer 120 is inserted into the channel 112 of the tolerance compensating element 110, the necked down section 123 of the spacer 120 can be inserted into the bore 162 of the tolerance compensating element 110, with the stepped section 124 of the spacer 120 being blocked by the flange 160.

Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate an overall structure of a fastening system 200 including the tolerance compensating assembly 100 illustrated in fig. 1A-1C, wherein fig. 2A is a perspective view of the fastening system 200 in a use state and fig. 2B is an exploded view of the fastening system 200.

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, a fastening system 200 is used to fasten a first component 210 to a second component 220. In fig. 2A and 2B, the first part 210 and the second part 220 are shown in a simplified manner. The fastening system 200 includes the tolerance compensating assembly 100, a bolt 230 for fastening, a nut arrangement 225 provided on the second component 220, and a sleeve 215 provided on the first component 210. The sleeve 215 may be integrally formed with the first member 210 or may be secured in the bore of the first member 210 by other means of attachment. A threaded connection 217 is provided on the inner wall of the sleeve 215 for engagement with the threaded connection 117 on the tolerance compensating element 110. A bolt 230 passes through the tolerance compensating assembly 100 and engages a nut arrangement 225 on the second component 220 to secure the first component 210 and the second component 220 together. Since the tolerance compensating element 110 is in threaded engagement with the sleeve 215 on the first part 210, the tolerance compensating element 110 is movable in the longitudinal direction Y (i.e. in the direction of the axis 115) relative to the first part 210, whereby tolerances between the first part 210 and the second part 220 in the longitudinal direction Y can be compensated.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the threaded connection 217 on the sleeve 215 is a male screw tooth and the threaded connection 117 on the tolerance compensating element 110 is a female screw groove, which are engaged with each other. In other embodiments, the threaded connection 217 on the barrel 215 may be provided as a concave helical groove, while the threaded connection 117 on the tolerance compensating element 110 may be provided as a convex helical tooth.

As shown in fig. 2B, the bolt 230 includes a head 231 and a stem 233. The fastening system 200 further comprises a washer 235 for blocking the entry of the bolt head 231 into the hole 162 of the tolerance compensating element 110. Of course, the fastening system 200 may not include the washer 235, but the radial dimension of the head 231 is set to be larger than the radial dimension of the hole 162, so that the head 231 cannot enter the hole 162 of the tolerance compensating element 110. The radial dimension of the stem 233 is set smaller than the radial dimension of the bore 162 such that the stem 233 is movable in the bore 162 in the X, Z directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y, thereby being able to compensate for tolerances between the first and second parts 210, 220 in the X, Z directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y.

Fig. 3A and 3B show axial cross-sectional views of the fastening system 200 when the bolts 230 are not tightened and when tightened, respectively.

When the bolt 230 is not tightened, as shown in fig. 3A, the body 150 of the tolerance compensating element 110 is in the closed state, the head 231 of the bolt 230 has not yet applied sufficient axial force to the stepped section 124 of the spacer 120, the necked section 123 of the spacer 120 has just begun to enter the bore 162 of the tolerance compensating element 110, the operative section 126 and the extended section 125 of the spacer 120 are located in the receiving section 176 and the guiding section 175, respectively, of the tolerance compensating element 110, and the inclined outer surface of the connecting section 127 of the spacer 120 abuts against the guiding surface 185 of the tolerance compensating element 110. In the state shown in fig. 3A, the spacer 120 has not yet applied an outward radial force to the body 150 of the tolerance compensating element 110, the threaded connection 117 of the tolerance compensating element 110 has a gap G between the threaded connection 117 of the sleeve 215 on the first component 210 and the threaded connection 217 of the sleeve 215 on the first component 210, and the threaded connection 117 of the tolerance compensating element 110 does not abut against the threaded connection 217 of the sleeve 215 on the first component 210. In the state shown in fig. 3A, the tolerance compensating element 110 has completed the tolerance compensation in the Y-direction, and the tolerance compensating element 110 abuts against the second component 220.

During tightening of the bolt 230, the head 231 of the bolt 230 applies sufficient axial force to the stepped section 124 of the spacer 120 such that the distracting ramp 135 of the spacer 120 slidingly engages the mating ramp 185 of the tolerance compensating element 110 and such that the operating section 126 of the spacer 120 gradually enters the leading section 175 of the body 150 of the tolerance compensating element 110 until the stepped section 124 of the spacer 120 abuts the flange 160 of the tolerance compensating element. During sliding engagement of the distracting ramp 135 of the spacer 120 with the mating ramp 185 of the tolerance compensating element 110, the spacer 120 applies a radial force to the body 150 causing the two body segments 150a,150b of the body 150 to expand radially away from one another. The two body segments 150a,150b of the body 150 are not axially movable relative to each other due to the threaded engagement with the first member 210. Furthermore, the operating section 126 of the spacer 120 is capable of maintaining the body 150in an expanded state after entering the guide section 175 of the tolerance compensating element 110, since the outer diameter of the operating section 126 is greater than the inner diameter of the guide section 175. During the passage of the body 150 from the closed condition to the open condition, the gap G between the threaded connection 117 of the tolerance compensating element 110 and the threaded connection 217 of the sleeve 215 on the first part 210 is gradually eliminated, because the dimensions of the sleeve 215 on the first part 210 are unchanged during the movement of the two body segments 150a,150B radially away from each other, so that the radial movement of the two body segments 150a,150B can bring the threaded connection 117 of the tolerance compensating element 110 and the threaded connection 217 of the sleeve 215 on the first part 210 into abutment with each other, thereby eliminating at least part of the gap G (as shown in fig. 3B), whereby no relative wobble occurs between the tolerance compensating element 110 and the first part 210. If the body 150 is not capable of being opened as provided by the embodiment of the present application, even if the head 231 of the bolt 230 pushes the spacer 120 to move to the tightened state of the bolt 230, the screw connection portion 117 of the tolerance compensating element 110 cannot abut against the screw connection portion 217 of the sleeve 215 on the first member 210, and thus the above-mentioned gap G may exist.

As shown in fig. 3B, when the bolt 230 is tightened, the first part 210 is fastened to the second part 220, the necked section 123 of the spacer 120 abuts against the second part 220, so that the axial force exerted by the head 231 of the bolt 230 is mainly borne by the spacer 120 and not by the tolerance compensating element 110 made of plastic, so that the spacer 120 can reduce the axial fastening force exerted by the fastening bolt to which the tolerance compensating element 110 is subjected, to increase the service life of the tolerance compensating element made of plastic

It is noted that although in the above-described embodiment the body 150 of the compensation unit 110 has two body segments, in other embodiments the body 150 may have more than two body segments, adjacent body segments being connected in a radially movable manner relative to each other, and the body segments together forming a hollow cylindrical body. Furthermore, although in the above-described embodiment, the receiving section 176 having a larger inner diameter is provided in the main body 150, in other embodiments, such receiving section 176 may not be provided, which is within the scope of the present application.

Fig. 4A-4D illustrate a specific structure of a tolerance compensating assembly 400 according to yet another embodiment of the present application, wherein fig. 4A is a perspective view of the tolerance compensating assembly 400, fig. 4B is an exploded view of the tolerance compensating assembly 400, fig. 4C is a perspective view of a tolerance compensating element 410 of the tolerance compensating assembly 400, and fig. 4D is an axial cross-sectional view of the tolerance compensating assembly 400. The tolerance compensating assembly 400 in the embodiment shown in fig. 4A-4D is similar to the tolerance compensating assembly 100 in the embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1C, except that the body sections of the tolerance compensating element are radially expanded relative to each other using an expansion device, with the difference that the expansion devices in the two embodiments are arranged differently. As previously described, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1C, the distraction device is formed by spacer 120, while in the embodiment shown in fig. 4A-4D, the distraction device is formed by a distractor ring that is independent of the spacer.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the tolerance compensating assembly 400 includes a tolerance compensating element 410, a spacer 420, a spreader ring 430, and an annular shim 440. The tolerance compensating element 410 and the spreader ring 430 are made of a plastic material, for example by injection molding, and the spacer 420 and the annular spacer 440 are made of a metal material.

As shown in fig. 4A-4C, the tolerance compensating element 410 includes a body 450 and has an axis 415. The outer surface of the body 450 is provided with a screw connection 417. Body 450 defines a channel 412 extending along axis 415, and an expansion ring 430 is inserted in channel 412. The body 450 includes two body segments 450a,450b arranged circumferentially about the axis 415, the two body segments 450a,450b collectively defining the channel 412. The two body segments 450a,450b are connected by a resilient member 455 such that the two body segments 450a,450b are able to move radially relative to each other, thereby enabling the tolerance compensating element to be opened and closed. Each elastic element 455 is formed from a flexible strip that can be bent and stretched to effect radial movement of the two body segments 450a,450b relative to each other. Thus, the body 450 has at least two states, a closed state and an open state. When the body 450 is not subjected to radial forces, the body 450 is in a closed state, in which the elastic member 455 is bent, pulling the two body segments 450a,450b toward each other to close. When the body 450 is subjected to an outward radial force, the body 450 is in an expanded state, the two body segments 450a,450b are pushed apart relative to each other, and the elastic member 455 is stretched.

As shown in fig. 4B, the spreader ring 430 is generally annular, and has a spreader slope 435 on its outer surface that is inclined with respect to the axis 415, the spreader slope 435 being gradually inclined toward the axis 415 in the insertion direction B. The spreader ring 430 further has a plurality of guide ribs 437 disposed on the spreader ramp 435, the plurality of guide ribs 437 being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The guide rib 437 is formed protruding from the distraction ramp 435, is generally triangular in shape, and includes a guide surface 438 extending parallel to the axis 415. The guide surface 438 of the guide rib 437 cooperates with the inner wall of the body 450 to hold the distraction ramp 435 in a centered position in the channel 412. The spreader ring 430 defines a receiving path 432 extending along the axis 415 for receiving the spacer 420, and the spacer 420 is configured to receive a bolt (such as the bolt 530 shown in fig. 5A). The spreader ring 430 is configured to be movable in the insertion direction B under the drive of the bolts 530 when the first and second members (first and second members 510, 520 shown in fig. 5A) are bolt-fastened to apply a radial force to the two body segments 450a,450B to spread the two body segments 450a,450B radially away from each other.

As shown in fig. 4C and 4D, the tolerance compensating element 410 further includes a plurality of ribs 480 disposed on the inner wall of the main body 450, each rib 480 having an inclined rib surface 485a, and the rib surfaces 485a of the plurality of ribs 480 together forming a mating slope 485. The mating ramp 485 is adapted to mate with the distracting ramp 435 such that the distracting ramp 435 slidingly engages the mating ramp 485 when the distracting ring 430 is driven by the bolt 530 to move in the passage 415, thereby moving the two body segments 450a,450b radially away from each other. A receiving groove 460 is formed between adjacent ribs 480 for receiving the guide rib 437 on the spreader ring 430.

As shown in fig. 4B and 4D, spacer 420 is inserted into channel 412 of tolerance compensating element 410 along the insertion direction indicated by arrow B. The spacer 420 includes a hollow cylindrical body portion 421, a head flange 425 provided at a head end of the body portion 421, and a tail flange 426 provided at a tail end of the body portion 421. Bolts 530 pass through the body 421, head 425 and tail 426 flanges of the spacer 420. An annular spacer 440 is disposed between head flange 425 and distractor ring 430. The outer diameter of the head flange 425 is greater than the inner diameter of the gasket and less than the outer diameter of the gasket 440. The outer diameter of the annular shim 440 is smaller than the inner diameter of the body 450 of the tolerance compensating element 410 in the closed state.

As shown in fig. 4C and 4D, the tolerance compensating element 410 further includes at least three resilient legs 470 disposed on the inner wall of the body 450, the resilient legs 470 being attached to the inner walls of the body segments 450a,450b and extending into the channel 412. The resilient legs 470 are adapted to cooperate with the body portion 421 of the spacer 420 to maintain the spacer 420 in a centered position. The resilient legs 470 are disposed in the receiving slots 460. Each resilient leg 470 has a proximal end 471 connected to an inner wall of the body 450 and a distal end 472 forming a free end. The distal ends 472 of the resilient legs 470 are provided with arcuate retention surfaces 475, the arcuate retention surfaces 475 being configured to engage the body portion 421 of the spacer 420. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the number of resilient legs 470 is four, the four resilient legs 470 being symmetrically disposed in pairs relative to the axis of the body 450.

Fig. 5A and 5B show axial cross-sectional views of a fastening system 500 including a tolerance compensation assembly 400 when a bolt 530 is not tightened and when tightened, respectively.

As shown in fig. 5A, when the bolt 530 is not tightened, the body 450 of the tolerance compensating element 410 is in a closed state, and the bolt 530 has not yet been tightened in the nut 525. At this time, the spreader ring 430 has not applied an outward radial force to the body 450 of the tolerance compensating element 410. In the state shown in fig. 5A, there is a gap G between the threaded connection 417 of the tolerance compensating element 410 and the threaded connection 517 on the first member 510, and the threaded connection 417 of the tolerance compensating element 410 does not abut against the threaded connection 517 on the first member 510. In the state shown in fig. 5A, the tolerance compensating element 410 has completed the tolerance compensation in the Y direction, and the tolerance compensating element 410 abuts against the second member 520.

During tightening of the bolts 530, the heads 531 of the bolts 530 exert sufficient axial force on the head flanges 425 of the spacers 420 such that the spacers 420 move in the longitudinal direction Y toward the second component 520 and drive the spreader ring 430 to move in the longitudinal direction Y toward the second component 520 relative to the tolerance compensating element 410. In the process, the spreader ramp 435 of the spreader ring 430 is slidingly engaged with the mating ramp 485 of the tolerance compensating element 410, whereby the spreader ring 430 exerts a radial force on the body 450 of the tolerance compensating element 410, causing the two body segments 450a,450b of the body 450 to move radially away from each other, thereby causing the body 450 to reach an expanded state. The two body segments 450a,450b of the body 450 are not axially movable relative to each other due to the threaded engagement with the first member 510. During the process of the body 450 from the closed state to the open state, the gap G between the threaded connection 417 of the tolerance compensating element 410 and the threaded connection 517 on the first part 510 is gradually eliminated, to the state shown in fig. 5B.

During tightening of the tolerance compensating assembly, the bolt needs to be able to move in the Z and X directions for tolerance compensation, and the bolt often is used in conjunction with a washer (e.g., a separate washer 235 as shown in fig. 3A, or a washer formed integrally with the bolt head, or a head flange 425 as shown in fig. 5A that acts as a washer) to increase the contact area between the bolt head and the component to be driven by the bolt. Thus, when the bolt is moved in the Z and X directions, the washer also needs to be moved in the Z and X directions. The tolerance compensating assembly 400 in the embodiment shown in fig. 4A-4D, because of the separate spreader device from the spacer 420, the movement of the bolt and its washer is not performed in the spacer, so the radial dimension of the tolerance compensating element 410 can be made smaller to meet the requirements of a small space environment. Also, since the annular spacer 440 is provided between the head flange 425 of the spacer 420 and the spreader ring 430, the radial dimension of the tolerance compensating element 410 can be further reduced while securing the tolerance compensating amounts in the X and Z directions.

The inventors of the present application have found that in existing tolerance compensating fastening systems, relative wobble tends to occur between the tolerance compensating element and the first component, thereby causing abnormal sound. The inventors of the present application found that this is because, in order to make the screw movement of the tolerance compensating element relative to the first component easier, the size of the threaded connection (e.g. helical groove) of the tolerance compensating element tends to be smaller than the size of the threaded connection (e.g. helical tooth) of the first component, however, such an arrangement results in a gap between the tolerance compensating element and the threaded connection of the first component even in the screwed-down state of the bolt, which gap causes a relative wobble to tend to occur between the tolerance compensating element and the first component. For this reason, the above embodiments of the present application propose various schemes for eliminating the above gap.

While the application has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently or shortly envisioned, may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the technical effects and/or technical problems described in the present specification are exemplary rather than limiting; the disclosure in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and to have other technical effects and/or may solve other technical problems. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the application as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. Accordingly, the present application is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.

Claims (13)

1. A tolerance compensating assembly (100, 400) for fastening a first component (210, 510) to a second component (220, 520) by means of a bolt (230, 530), the tolerance compensating assembly comprising:

a tolerance compensating element (110, 410), the tolerance compensating element (110, 410) comprising a body (150, 450) and having an axis (115, 415), the body (150, 450) comprising at least two body segments (150 a,150b;450a,450 b) arranged circumferentially about the axis (115, 415), the at least two body segments (150 a,150b;450a,450 b) together defining a channel (112, 412) extending along the axis (115, 415) and being movably connected to each other with respect to each other such that the at least two body segments (150 a,150b;450a,450 b) can be closed and opened with respect to each other, the body (150, 450) further having a threaded connection (117, 417) provided on an outer surface thereof for threaded connection with the first component (210, 510); and

A spreader device inserted in the channel (112, 412) along an insertion direction and having a receiving path (122, 432) extending along the axis (115, 415) to receive the bolt (230, 530), the spreader device being configured to be movable in the insertion direction under the drive of the bolt (230, 530) when the bolt (230, 530) fastens the first and second parts (210, 510, 220, 520) to apply a radial force to the at least two body segments (150 a,150b;450a,450 b) to expand the at least two body segments (150 a,150b;450a,450 b) radially away from each other.

2. The tolerance compensating assembly (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

The spreading device comprises a spreading ramp (135, 435), which spreading ramp (135, 435) extends obliquely to the axis (115, 415) in the insertion direction;

The inner wall of the body (150, 450) of the tolerance compensating element (110, 410) is provided with a mating ramp (185, 485), the spreading ramp (135, 435) being in sliding engagement with the mating ramp (185, 485) to spread the at least two body segments (150 a,150b;450a,450 b) radially away from each other.

3. The tolerance compensating assembly (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

adjacent body segments (150 a,150b;450a,450 b) are connected to each other by elastic elements (155, 455).

4. A tolerance compensating assembly (400) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that:

The expanding device comprises an annular expanding ring (430), and the outer surface of the expanding ring (430) forms the expanding inclined plane (435);

Wherein the spreader ramp (435) slidingly engages the mating ramp (485) when the spreader ring (430) is driven by the bolt (530) to move in the channel (412), thereby moving the at least two body segments (450 a,450 b) radially away from each other.

5. The tolerance compensating assembly (400) of claim 4, wherein:

A plurality of mutually spaced ribs (480) are arranged on the inner wall of the main body (450) of the tolerance compensating element (410), each rib (480) is provided with an inclined rib surface (485 a), the rib surfaces (485 a) of the ribs (480) jointly form the matching inclined surface (485), and a receiving groove (460) is formed between the adjacent ribs (480);

The spreader ring (430) further comprises a plurality of mutually spaced apart guide ribs (437) disposed on the spreader ramp (435), the plurality of guide ribs (437) being mutually spaced apart, and the plurality of guide ribs (437) being respectively received in the plurality of receiving slots (460), the guide ribs (437) being configured to cooperate with the inner wall of the body (450) to retain the spreader ramp (435) in a centered position in the channel (412).

6. The tolerance compensating assembly (400) of claim 5, further comprising:

A spacer (420), the spacer (420) being inserted in a receiving path (432) of the spreader ring (430) and configured to receive the bolt (530);

wherein the spacer (420) is configured to isolate the tolerance compensating element (410) from an axial tightening force applied by the bolt (530).

7. The tolerance compensating assembly (400) of claim 6, further comprising:

-at least three elastic legs (470), said at least three elastic legs (470) being connected to an inner wall of said body (150, 450) and extending into said channel (415);

wherein the at least three resilient legs (470) are configured to hold the spacer (420) in a centered position in the channel (415).

8. The tolerance compensating assembly (400) of claim 7, wherein:

The at least three resilient legs (470) are disposed in the receiving slot (460).

9. The tolerance compensating assembly (400) of claim 8, wherein:

Each of the resilient legs (470) has a proximal end (471) connected to the body (150, 450) and a distal end (472) forming a free end;

wherein the distal end (472) of the resilient leg (470) is provided with an arcuate retention surface (475), the arcuate retention surface (475) being configured to engage the spacer (420).

10. The tolerance compensating assembly of claim 6, further comprising:

An annular gasket (440);

the spacer (420) includes a head flange (925425);

wherein the spacer (440) is arranged between a head flange (425) of the spacer (420) and the spreader ring (430); and

Wherein the outer diameter of the head flange (425) is greater than the inner diameter of the gasket (440) and less than the outer diameter of the gasket (440).

11. A tolerance compensating assembly (100) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

-a spacer (120), the spacer (120) being inserted in the channel (112) along an insertion direction;

Wherein the spreading means is formed by the spacer (120), the spacer (120) forms the receiving path (122), and the spreading inclined surface (135) is provided on the outer surface of the spacer (120).

12. The tolerance compensating assembly (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that:

The isolating piece (120) is cylindrical, the isolating piece (120) comprises an operation section (126), a connecting section (127) and an extension section (125) which are sequentially connected in the insertion direction, the connecting section (127) forms the opening device, and the outer surface of the connecting section (127) forms the opening inclined plane (135);

the main body (150) is cylindrical and comprises a receiving section (176), a transition section (177) and a guide section (175) which are sequentially connected in the insertion direction of the separator (120), wherein the inner wall of the transition section (177) forms the matching inclined surface (185);

Wherein, when the main body (150) is not spread by the spreading device, the inner diameter of the guiding section (175) is smaller than the outer diameter of the operating section (126) and larger than the outer diameter of the extending section (125).

13. A fastening system (200, 500) for fastening a first component (210, 510) to a second component (220, 520), characterized by comprising:

Bolts (230, 530); and

The tolerance compensating assembly (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1-14;

Wherein a threaded connection (117, 417) on the body (150, 450) of the tolerance compensating element (110, 410) of the tolerance compensating assembly (100, 400) is screwed with the first part (210, 510), the bolt (230, 530) being inserted into the receiving path (122, 432) of the distractor device and into the second part (220, 520).