CA2706239A1 - Screw member for fastening a first component to a second component - Google Patents
Screw member for fastening a first component to a second component Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2706239A1 CA2706239A1 CA2706239A CA2706239A CA2706239A1 CA 2706239 A1 CA2706239 A1 CA 2706239A1 CA 2706239 A CA2706239 A CA 2706239A CA 2706239 A CA2706239 A CA 2706239A CA 2706239 A1 CA2706239 A1 CA 2706239A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- screw member
- component
- centring element
- centring
- member according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000007142 ring opening reaction Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B41/00—Measures against loss of bolts, nuts, or pins; Measures against unauthorised operation of bolts, nuts or pins
- F16B41/002—Measures against loss of bolts, nuts or pins
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B35/00—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws
- F16B35/04—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
- F16B35/041—Specially-shaped shafts
- F16B35/048—Specially-shaped necks
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Bolts, Nuts, And Washers (AREA)
- Surgical Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
In order to provide a screw member to fasten a first component to a second component, comprising a holding collar, a threaded region, a stop collar arranged between the threaded region and the holding collar, and a shaft region arranged between the stop collar and the holding collar, which screw member is secured in a simple manner against falling out of the first component and an oblique position in relation to a threaded hole on the second component, it is proposed that the screw member be provided with a centring element, which is arranged on the shaft region and by means of which the screw member, on introduction of the screw member into a screw member receiver of the first component, can be centred relative to the screw member receiver.
Description
Screw member for fastening a first component to a second component The present invention relates to a screw member for fastening a first component to a second component, the screw member comprising a holding collar, a threaded region, a stop collar arranged between the threaded region and the holding collar and a shaft region arranged between the stop collar and the holding collar.
A collar screw member of this type is known from the prior art.
In order to centre the collar screw member and avoid an oblique position of the collar screw member with regard to the longitudinal axis of the threaded hole, into which the collar screw member is to be screwed, a plastics material sleeve is used, which is non-detachably connected to the collar screw member. The expensive production of the sleeve is disadvantageous here as the sleeve has to be produced separately and optionally has to be coated. In a further work operation, the collar screw member is supplied to the sleeve and connected to the sleeve, secured against loss.
The present invention is based on the object of providing a screw member of the type mentioned at the outset, which is secured in a simple manner against falling out of the first component and against an oblique position in relation to a threaded hole on the second component.
This object is achieved according to the invention in a screw member with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in that the screw member is provided with a centring element, which is arranged on a shaft region and by means of which the screw member, on introduction of the screw member into a screw member receiver of the first component, can be centred relative to the screw member receiver.
A simple screwing process of the screw member to the second component is achieved and, in particular, an automatic screwing process by means of an automatic screwing device in an automated manufacturing process is made possible by means of the centring of the screw member relative to the screw member receiver by means of the centring element and, optionally, by means of the stop collar, which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the screw member, and by the orientation achieved by this of the longitudinal axis of the screw member parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw member receiver and therefore parallel to the longitudinal axis of a threaded hole in the second component.
In a preferred configuration of the invention it is provided that the centring element can be displaced relative to the shaft region of the screw member in a longitudinal direction of the screw member. It is thus possible to adjust a desired spacing of the centring element from the stop collar of the screw member. It is furthermore possible as a result of this, if the centring element is connected to the first component, to adjust the position of the screw member relative to the first component in desired manner.
If the centring element is held by frictional engagement in a preassembly position relative to the shaft region, it is thus achieved that the axial position of the centring element relative to the shaft region of the screw member can only be changed by overcoming the static frictional force between the centring element and the shaft region by means of an adequately large external force and that, moreover, the centring element remains in the desired preassembly position relative to the shaft region.
In addition or as an alternative to this, it may also be provided that the centring element is held by an interlocking fit in a preassembly position relative to the shaft region.
An interlocking fit of this type may be produced, for example, in that the shaft region of the screw member is provided with a recess, for example a groove, in which the centring element engages in the preassembly position.
A collar screw member of this type is known from the prior art.
In order to centre the collar screw member and avoid an oblique position of the collar screw member with regard to the longitudinal axis of the threaded hole, into which the collar screw member is to be screwed, a plastics material sleeve is used, which is non-detachably connected to the collar screw member. The expensive production of the sleeve is disadvantageous here as the sleeve has to be produced separately and optionally has to be coated. In a further work operation, the collar screw member is supplied to the sleeve and connected to the sleeve, secured against loss.
The present invention is based on the object of providing a screw member of the type mentioned at the outset, which is secured in a simple manner against falling out of the first component and against an oblique position in relation to a threaded hole on the second component.
This object is achieved according to the invention in a screw member with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in that the screw member is provided with a centring element, which is arranged on a shaft region and by means of which the screw member, on introduction of the screw member into a screw member receiver of the first component, can be centred relative to the screw member receiver.
A simple screwing process of the screw member to the second component is achieved and, in particular, an automatic screwing process by means of an automatic screwing device in an automated manufacturing process is made possible by means of the centring of the screw member relative to the screw member receiver by means of the centring element and, optionally, by means of the stop collar, which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the screw member, and by the orientation achieved by this of the longitudinal axis of the screw member parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw member receiver and therefore parallel to the longitudinal axis of a threaded hole in the second component.
In a preferred configuration of the invention it is provided that the centring element can be displaced relative to the shaft region of the screw member in a longitudinal direction of the screw member. It is thus possible to adjust a desired spacing of the centring element from the stop collar of the screw member. It is furthermore possible as a result of this, if the centring element is connected to the first component, to adjust the position of the screw member relative to the first component in desired manner.
If the centring element is held by frictional engagement in a preassembly position relative to the shaft region, it is thus achieved that the axial position of the centring element relative to the shaft region of the screw member can only be changed by overcoming the static frictional force between the centring element and the shaft region by means of an adequately large external force and that, moreover, the centring element remains in the desired preassembly position relative to the shaft region.
In addition or as an alternative to this, it may also be provided that the centring element is held by an interlocking fit in a preassembly position relative to the shaft region.
An interlocking fit of this type may be produced, for example, in that the shaft region of the screw member is provided with a recess, for example a groove, in which the centring element engages in the preassembly position.
As an alternative or in addition to this, it may also be provided that the shaft region is provided with a projection, which engages, in the preassembly position of the centring element, in a recess provided on the centring element.
In a preferred configuration of the invention it is provided that the centring element can be applied with a deformation to the shaft region of the screw member.
It is preferably provided that the centring element can be pushed onto the shaft region, in particular in a radial direction of the shaft region.
The centring element is preferably configured as an annular element with a ring gap.
In order to ensure that the centring element arranged on the shaft region of the screw member is always capable of functioning independently of its orientation relative to the screw member, it is particularly favourable if the centring element is configured substantially symmetrical with regard to a rotation through 1800 about a radial direction of the centring element.
A radial direction of this type of the centring element is any direction, which is orientated perpendicular to a longitudinal centre axis or ring centre axis of the centring element (axial direction).
Basically, the centring element may be formed from any desired material.
In a preferred configuration of the invention it is provided that the centring element comprises a plastics material and is preferably formed completely from a plastics material.
A polyamide material is particularly suitable as the plastics material, from which the centring element is completely or partially formed.
In a preferred configuration of the invention it is provided that the centring element can be applied with a deformation to the shaft region of the screw member.
It is preferably provided that the centring element can be pushed onto the shaft region, in particular in a radial direction of the shaft region.
The centring element is preferably configured as an annular element with a ring gap.
In order to ensure that the centring element arranged on the shaft region of the screw member is always capable of functioning independently of its orientation relative to the screw member, it is particularly favourable if the centring element is configured substantially symmetrical with regard to a rotation through 1800 about a radial direction of the centring element.
A radial direction of this type of the centring element is any direction, which is orientated perpendicular to a longitudinal centre axis or ring centre axis of the centring element (axial direction).
Basically, the centring element may be formed from any desired material.
In a preferred configuration of the invention it is provided that the centring element comprises a plastics material and is preferably formed completely from a plastics material.
A polyamide material is particularly suitable as the plastics material, from which the centring element is completely or partially formed.
In order to achieve a stable orientation of the screw member relative to the centring element and therefore relative to the screw member receiver of the first component, it is favourable if the centring element comprises at least one guide element, by means of which the shaft region is guided in a through-opening, in particular a ring opening, of the centring element.
In order to allow a preassembly of the screw member on the first component by means of the centring element, it is advantageous if the centring element comprises a connecting device, by means of which the centring element can be connected to the first component.
A connecting device of this type may, in particular, be configured as a latching device, by means of which the centring element can be latched to the first component.
It may be provided, in particular, that the intermediate element has at least one latching element, which, on introduction of the screw member into a screw member receiver of the first component, can be moved past a latching projection of the first component so the latching element in the latched state of the centring element engages behind the latching projection of the first component.
At least one latching element of this type is preferably movable, in particular pivotable, relative to at least one other component of the centring element.
As a result, it is possible for the latching element when moving past the latching projection of the first component to be displaced - in particular in a radial direction of the centring element - such that the latching element can be moved past the latching projection.
If at least one latching element, for example because of a shape elasticity of the centring element, is elastically prestressed into a starting position, it is thus achieved that the latching element, after moving past the latching projection of the first component, will automatically move into a latching position corresponding to the starting position, in which the latching element engages behind the latching projection of the first component.
In a preferred configuration of the invention, the centring element comprises a plurality of segments following one another in the peripheral direction of the centring element.
It may be provided, in particular, that at least two of these segments are movable relative to one another, in particular pivotable relative to one another.
It may furthermore be provided that at least two of these segments are at least substantially identical to one another.
It may furthermore be provided that at least two segments are configured in such a way that, by mirroring on a transverse centre plane of the centring element and by a subsequent rotation about a longitudinal centre axis or ring centre axis of the centring element, they can be transferred into one another.
At least one of the segments preferably comprises a latching element, by means of which the centring element can be latched to the first component.
It may, in particular, be provided that all the segments of the centring element have a latching element of this type.
It may furthermore be provided that the latching elements of segments which follow one another in the peripheral direction are arranged alternately on a side of the centring element facing the stop collar and on a side of the centring element facing the holding collar.
It may furthermore be provided that at least one of the segments comprises at least one portion of a latching receiver for a latching projection of the first component.
In particular, it may be provided that all the segments together form a, preferably annular, latching channel to receive one or more latching projections of the first component.
The extent of the latching channel in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis or the ring centre axis of the centring element preferably substantially corresponds to the extent of the latching projection along the longitudinal axis of the screw member receiver of the first component.
Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one of the segments comprises a guide element to guide the shaft region of the screw member through a through-opening or ring opening of the centring element.
In particular, it may be provided that each segment of the centring element comprises a guide element of this type.
The screw member according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a combination of a screw member of this type and a first component with a screw member receiver for the screw member.
In this case, the first component may, for example, be configured as a valve cap for an internal combustion engine.
The screw member receiver of the first component is preferably configured in one piece with a base body of the first component, for example with a cap body.
In order to allow a preassembly of the screw member with the aid of the centring element on the first component, it is advantageous if the first component comprises a connecting device, by means of which the centring element of the screw member can be connected to the first component.
In particular, it may be provided that the connecting device of the first component is configured as a latching device, by means of which the centring element of the screw member can be latched to the first component.
In this case, the latching element of the first component may comprise one or more latching projections, which can be engaged with a latching device of the centring element.
In particular, it may be provided that at least one latching projection of the latching device of the first component can be engaged with a latching receiver of the centring element.
In order to protect the threaded region of the screw member in a preassembly position, before the screwing of the threaded region into a threaded hole of the second component, from damage, it is favourable if the screw member can be arranged in a preassembly position on the first component in such a way that the threaded region of the screw member is at least partially arranged, preferably substantially completely, inside the screw member receiver of the first component.
This can be achieved, in particular, by a corresponding relative movement between the shaft region of the screw member and the centring element, which is held on the first component.
It may furthermore be provided that the screw member is held by frictional engagement and/or by an interlocking fit between the centring element and the shaft region of the screw member in a preassembly position of this type.
The configuration according to the invention of a screw member allows a simple centring of the screw member relative to a screw member receiver of the first component and a simple fastening and preassembly of the screw member on the first component.
An automatic screwing process of a screw member, in particular, by means of an automatic screwing mechanism in an automated manufacturing process is made possible by the centring and orientation of the screw member made possible according to the invention, substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the screw member receiver.
The centring element used according to the invention is economical and simple to produce and simple to assemble.
The centring element may, in particular, be configured as an injection-moulded part.
Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphical view of an embodiment.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a first component, for example a valve cap, with a screw member receiver and a screw member, which is introduced into the screw member receiver, with a holding collar, a threaded region, a stop collar arranged between the threaded region and the holding collar, a shaft region arranged between the stop collar and the holding collar, and a centring element arranged on the shaft region;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through the first component and the screw member with the centring element from Fig. 1, the centring element being arranged inside the screw member receiver of the first component and being latched to the first component, and a second component, for example a cylinder head, with a threaded bore for screwing in the threaded region of the screw member;
Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a component assembly, which comprises the first component, the second component and the screw member connecting the two components to one another, with a centring element, in an assembled state of the component assembly, in which the threaded region of the screw member is screwed into the threaded bore of the second component and the screw member rests with its stop collar on the second component and with its holding collar on the first component and on the centring element;
Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the centring element, which is configured as an annular element with a ring gap;
Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of the centring element of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 shows a schematic view from above of the centring element of Figs. 4 and 5;
Fig. 7 shows a schematic axial longitudinal section through the centring element, alone the line 7-7 in Fig. 6; and Fig. 8 shows a schematic axial longitudinal section through the centring element, along the line 8-8 in Fig. 6.
The same or functionally equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all the Figures.
A component assembly shown in detail in Fig. 3 and designated as a whole 100, comprises a first component 102 with a substantially cylindrical screw member receiver 104, a second component 106 with a threaded blind hole 108, an elastomeric sealing element 114, which is received in a receiving groove 110 on a lower side 112 of the first component 102 and rests with prestressing on an upper side 116 of the second component 106, as well as a screw member 118, which extends through the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102 into the threaded blind hole 108 of the second component 106.
Instead of a threaded blind hole 108, there may be used on the second component 106, a through hole which is provided with an internal thread, and in which an external thread of the screw member 118 engages.
The screw member 118 comprises a holding collar 120 with an external diameter D1, a threaded region 122 with an external diameter D2, a stop collar 124 arranged between the threaded region 122 and the holding collar 120, with an external diameter D3, a shaft region 126 arranged between the stop collar 124 and the holding collar 120, with an external diameter D4, and a head 128 of the screw member which is arranged on the side of the holding collar 120 remote from the shaft region 126, which may be configured, for example, as a polygonal head, in particular a hexagonal head.
As can be seen from Fig. 3, the external diameter D1 of the holding collar 120 is preferably larger than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124, preferably larger than the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126 and preferably larger than the external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122.
The external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122 is preferably smaller than the external diameter D1 of the holding collar 120, preferably smaller than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124 and preferably substantially the same size as the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126.
The external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124 is preferably smaller than the external diameter D, of the holding collar 120, preferably larger than the external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122 and preferably larger than the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126.
The external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126 is preferably smaller than the external diameter D, of the holding collar 120, preferably smaller than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124 and preferably substantially the same size as the external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122 (basically, the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126 may, however, also be smaller than or larger than the external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122).
The components mentioned above of the screw member 118 are preferably made of a metallic material, in particular from a steel material.
The material of these elements of the screw member 118 may be provided with a coating.
The screw member 118 is provided with a centring element 130, which is arranged on the shaft region 126 of the screw member between the stop collar 124 and the holding collar 120 in such a way that the shaft region 126 of the screw member extends through a central ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
The construction of the centring element 130 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 to 8, in which the centring element 130 is shown in detail.
The centring element 130 is configured as an annular element, which comprises, in the plan view from above, a substantially C-shaped base body 134, the mutually opposing ends 136 and 138 of which are separated from one another by a radial ring gap 140, which connects the ring opening 132, which is surrounded by the base body 134, to an outer side of the base body 134.
The base body 134 is formed from a plurality of segments 142 following one another in the peripheral direction of the base body 134.
The base body 134 preferably comprises at least six, in particular at least eight, for example twelve, segments 142 of this type.
As can be seen best from the sectional views of Figs. 7 and 8, each segment 142 of the base body 134 comprises a wedge portion 146, a finger portion 148 remote from the wedge portion 146 and a central portion 150 arranged between the wedge portion 146 and the finger portion 148.
The wedge portion 146, the finger portion 148 and the centre portion 150 are delimited at their inside facing the ring centre axis 144 of the centring element 130 by a common, substantially planar inner face 152, which is inclined relative to the ring centre axis 144 of the centring element 130 by a small angle of preferably at most 15 , for example of about 100, in the relaxed rest disposition of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8.
The wedge portion 146 is delimited toward the outside of the centring element remote from the ring centre axis 144 by a preferably substantially planar wedge face 154, which is inclined relative to the ring centre axis 144 by a comparatively large angle a of preferably at least 30 , for example of approximately 35 , in the relaxed rest disposition of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8.
The incline of the wedge face 154 relative to the ring centre axis 144 is preferably directed in the opposite direction to the incline of the inner face 152 relative to the ring centre axis 144.
The finger portion 148 is delimited toward the outside of the centring element remote from the ring centre axis 144 by a finger outer face 156, which is inclined at a relatively large angle R of preferably at least 40 , for example of approximately 45 , relative to the ring centre axis 144 in the relaxed rest disposition of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8.
The incline of the finger outer face 156 is preferably directed in the same direction as the incline of the inner face 152 and directed in the opposite direction to the incline of the wedge face 154, in each case relative to the ring centre axis 144.
A contact face 158 which faces the ring centre axis 144 and which is used to guide the respective segment 142 on the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118, is located opposite the finger outer face 156.
This contact face 158, in the relaxed rest state of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8, is preferably oriented substantially parallel to the ring centre axis 144.
The centre portion 150 toward the outside of the centring element 130 remote from the ring centre axis 144, is delimited by a preferably substantially planar centre outer face 160, which is inclined relative to the ring centre axis 144 by a comparatively small angle, which may correspond to the angle of inclination of the inner face 152 or may be slightly larger than the angle of inclination of the inner face 152 relative to the ring centre axis 144.
The angle of inclination of the centre outer face 160 relative to the ring centre axis 144 is preferably smaller than the angle of inclination of the wedge face 154 relative to the ring centre axis 144 and smaller than the angle of inclination of the finger outer face 156 relative to the ring centre axis 144.
Furthermore, the centre outer face 160 is preferably inclined in the same direction relative to the ring centre axis 144 as the finger outer face 156 and the inner face 152, while the centre outer face 160 is preferably inclined relative to the ring centre axis 144 in the opposite direction to the direction of inclination of the wedge face 154 relative to the ring centre axis 144.
The transition between the wedge face 154 and the centre outer face 160 is by way of a step 162, the stop face 164 delimiting the step 162 in the relaxed rest state of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8, preferably being oriented approximately perpendicular to the ring centre axis 144.
As can best be seen from Fig. 6, each of the segments 142 extends over a peripheral angle of slightly less than 360 /n, n giving the total number of segments 142.
With twelve segments 142, each segment 142 thus extends over a peripheral angle of slightly less than 30 .
Furthermore, each of the segments 142 tapers proceeding from its outside remote from the ring centre axis 144 toward its inside facing the ring centre axis 144, so mutually adjacent segments 142 can adjoin one another substantially without a gap.
It can furthermore be derived from Fig. 6 that the finger portion 148 of each segment 142 extends over a smaller peripheral angle than the centre portion 150 and the wedge portion 156, so the finger portion 148 is narrower in each case than the centre portion 150 and the wedge portion 146.
Furthermore, it can be derived from Figs. 4 to 8 that segments 142 following one another in the peripheral direction of the base body 134 have an orientation rotated through 180 , in each case, so in one half of the segments 142, the wedge portion 146 forms the lower end while, in the other half of the segments 142, the wedge portion 146 forms the upper end of the respective segment 142.
Two mutually adjacent segments 142 are thus configured in each case, such that by mirroring at the transverse centre plane 166 (which corresponds to the plane of the drawing of Fig. 6) and subsequent rotation about the longitudinal axis or ring centre axis 144 of the centring element through an angle, which corresponds to the peripheral angle moved through in each case by a segment 142, they can be transferred into one another.
However, this does not apply to the two end segments 142', the centre portions and wedge portions 146 of which are in each case narrower than in the respective adjoining segments 142.
Two mutually adjacent respective segments 142 are interconnected at the side limitations faces 168 of their centre portions 150 extending radially to the ring centre axis 144, specifically in such a way that mutually adjacent segments 142 can be pivoted about this connection point 169 relative to one another and therefore relative to the ring centre axis 144, about a pivot axis substantially extending perpendicular to the ring centre axis 144.
The pivotability of mutually adjacent segments 142 of the base body 134 relative to one another is based on the shape elasticity of the base body 134.
Owing to this shape elasticity, the segments 142, after a deflection from the rest position of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8, are returned into this rest state again by an external force.
The whole base body 134 of the centring element 130 is preferably configured in one piece.
The base body 134 may, in particular, be formed from a suitable plastics material, for example from a polyamide material.
The base body 134 is preferably produced by an injection-moulding method.
In order to centre the screw member 118 in the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102 by means of the centring element 130 described above and to non-detachably secure the screw member 118 on the first component 102, the procedure is as follows:
The centring element 130, which has been produced separately from the screw member 118, is pushed, preferably in the substantially radial direction, onto the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118.
In the process, the centring element 130 with the end segments 142', between which the ring gap 140 is formed, is placed on the periphery of the shaft region 126 and a force acting in the radial direction is then exerted on the centring element 130 and brings about a deformation of the centring element 130 while widening the ring gap 140, so the shaft region 126, the external diameter D4 of which is larger than the width of the ring gap 140, in the relaxed rest state of the centring element 130, can be moved through the widened ring gap 140 into the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
If the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118 passes through the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130, the central element 130 deforms back into its unloaded rest state.
The inside diameter D5 of the ring opening 132 corresponds to the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126, so the segments 142 of the centring element 130 rest with their contact faces 158 on the periphery of the shaft region 126 and the shaft region 126 is thus guided by the finger portions 148 of the segments 142 in the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
The finger portions 148 therefore form guide elements 149, by means of which the shaft region 142 is guided in the through-opening or ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
Thus, the state shown in Fig. 1 is reached, in which the centring element 130 is arranged on the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118.
In this case, one half of the segments 142 of the centring element 130 are directed with their wedge portions 146 away from the holding collar 120 of the screw member 118 toward the stop collar 124 thereof; these segments 142 are designated lower segments 142a below.
The other half of the segments 142 of the centring element 130, on the other hand, are directed with their wedge portions 146 away from the stop collar 124 of the screw member 118 toward the holding collar 120 thereof; these segments are designated upper segments 142b below.
The contact faces 158 of the lower segments 142a, on the one hand, and the upper segments 142b, on the other hand, are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis or the longitudinal direction 170 of the screw member 118, so a particularly stable guidance of the shaft region 126 is achieved in the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
In the state pushed onto the screw member 118, the direction of the ring centre axis 144 of the centring element 130 coincides with the longitudinal direction 170 of the screw member 118.
As the inside diameter D5 of the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130 is smaller than the external diameter D1 of the holding collar 120 and smaller than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124, the centring element 130 can be displaced along the shaft region 126 between the holding collar 120 and the stop collar 124 while overcoming a static frictional force, but cannot be moved over the holding collar 120 or the stop collar 124, so the centring element 130 is held on the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118, so as to be secured against loss.
Owing to frictional engagement between the contact faces 158 of the centring element 130, on the one hand, and the peripheral face of the shaft region 126, on the other hand, the centring element 130 remains in its axial position relative to the shaft region 126, as long as no external force overcoming the static frictional force is exerted on the centring element 130.
In particular, the centring element 130 may thus remain in the position shown in Fig.
1, in which the upper side of the centring element 130 abuts the holding collar 120 of the screw member 118.
After the arrangement of the centring element 130 on the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118, the screw member 118, with the threaded region 122 leading, is introduced into the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102.
The screw member receiver 104 opens, at its upper end, in a recess 172, which is provided to receive the lower end of the holding collar 120 in the assembled state of the component assembly 100.
At a spacing from the upper end of the screw member receiver 104, provided therein is a, for example, annular latching projection 174, which projects from the delimiting wall 176 of the screw member receiver 104 toward the longitudinal axis 178 of the screw member receiver 104.
The inside diameter D6 of the screw member receiver 104 is therefore smaller in the region of the latching projection 174 than the inside diameter D7 in the remaining portions of the screw member receiver 104 (see Fig. 1).
The inside diameter D6 of the screw member receiver 104 in the region of the latching projection 174 is approximately the same size or slightly larger than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124 of the screw member 118, so the stop collar 124 can be moved past the latching projection 174.
The latching projection 174 has a certain elastic deformability, so it can deform slightly if necessary to allow the stop collar 124 to pass.
Furthermore, the stop collar 124 may, because of the deformability of the latching projection 174, also have an external diameter D3, which slightly exceeds the inside diameter D6 of the screw member receiver in the region of the latching projection 174.
Furthermore, the inside diameter D6 in the region of the latching projection 174 is smaller than the external diameter of the centring element 130 in the rest state.
If the screw member 118 is introduced into the screw member receiver 104 and the centring element 130 arrives in the region of the latching projection 174, the latching projection 174 of the screw member receiver 104, which engages on the wedge faces 154 of the lower segments 142a of the centring element 130, therefore presses the wedge portions 146 of these lower segments 142a radially inwardly, so the lower segments 142a are pivoted relative to the upper segments 142b and relative to the ring centre axis 144 in such a way that the wedge portions 146 of the lower segments 142a can pass the latching projection 174 until the latching projection 174 strikes against the stop faces 164 of the upper segments 142b (see Fig. 2).
The spacing between the stop faces 164 of the upper segments 142b and the stop faces 164 of the lower segments 142a is adapted to the extent of the latching projection 174 along the longitudinal axis 178 of the screw member receiver 104 in such a way that simultaneously with the striking of the latching projection 174 against the stop faces 164 of the upper segments 142b, the latching projection 174 leaves the wedge faces 154 of the lower segments 142a, so the wedge portions 146 of the lower segments 142a, because of the shape elasticity of the base body 134 of the centring element 130, move back into their rest position and therefore engage behind the latching projection 174, with a lower side of the latching projection 174 resting on the stop faces 164 of the lower segments 142a.
In this position shown in Fig. 2, the centring element 130 and the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102 are latched to one another, the wedge portions 146 of the segments 142 of the centring element 130, latching elements 186 of a centring element-side latching device 180 and the latching projection 174 forming a screw member receiver-side latching device 182.
The latching projection 174 in the process engages in a substantially annular latching recess 175 of the centring element 130, delimited by the centre outer faces 160 and the stop faces 164 of the segments 142 of the centring element 130.
The latching projection 174 does not have to extend here over the entire periphery of the screw member receiver 104 but may rather comprise a plurality of latching projection elements which are spaced apart from one another in this peripheral direction and in each case extend only over a portion of the periphery of the screw member receiver 104.
The centring element-side latching device 180 forms a centring element-side connecting device 188, by means of which the centring element 130 can be connected to the first component 102.
The screw member receiver-side latching device 182 forms a component-side connecting device 190, by means of which the first component 102 can be connected to the centring element 130.
By means of the latching to the screw member receiver 104, the centring element 130 is secured by an interlocking fit against a movement relative to the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102 along the longitudinal axis 178 thereof and along the ring centre axis 144 of the centring element 130.
The screw member 118 is thereby non-detachably held on the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102, as the through-opening limited by the latching projection 174 is blocked by the centring element 130 and therefore the stop collar 124 can no longer be moved - counter to the introduction direction -through the through-opening out of the screw member receiver 104.
However, the screw member 118, with the exertion of a force overcoming the static friction between the centring element 130 and the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118, can be moved in its longitudinal direction 170 relative to the centring element 130.
In this manner, it is possible, in particular, to move the screw member 118 back counter to the introduction direction to such an extent that the threaded region 122 of the screw member 118 is completely received in the screw member receiver 104 and is therefore protected against damage.
To assemble to component assembly 100 shown in Fig. 3, the first component 102, with the screw member 118 non-detachably held thereon, is brought to rest on the second component 106, and the screw member 118 is moved downwardly again in the introduction direction to such an extent that the threaded region 122 of the screw member 118 is engaged with the threaded blind hole 108 of the second component 106.
The screw member 118 is then screwed, for example by means of an automatic screwing mechanism engaging on the head 128 into the threaded blind hole 108 until the stop collar 124 rests on the upper side 116 of the second component and the holding collar 120 rests on the base of the indentation 172 of the first component 102.
During the introduction and screwing process of the screw member 118, the latter is guided and centred by the centring element 130 and by the stop collar 124 in such a way that the longitudinal direction 170 of the screw member 118 substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis 178 of the screw member receiver 104 and the longitudinal axis 184 of the threaded blind hole 108, so a tilting of the screw member 118 relative to the screw member receiver 104 and relative to the threaded blind hole 108 is ruled out and in particular, an automatic screwing process is possible without problems.
The first component 102 may basically be configured from any material.
The first component 102 is preferably formed from a suitable plastics material.
The first component 102 may, for example, be configured as a valve cap for an internal combustion engine.
The second component 106 may also be basically formed from any material.
The second component 106 is preferably formed from a metallic material.
The second component 106 may, in particular, be configured as a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine.
In order to allow a preassembly of the screw member on the first component by means of the centring element, it is advantageous if the centring element comprises a connecting device, by means of which the centring element can be connected to the first component.
A connecting device of this type may, in particular, be configured as a latching device, by means of which the centring element can be latched to the first component.
It may be provided, in particular, that the intermediate element has at least one latching element, which, on introduction of the screw member into a screw member receiver of the first component, can be moved past a latching projection of the first component so the latching element in the latched state of the centring element engages behind the latching projection of the first component.
At least one latching element of this type is preferably movable, in particular pivotable, relative to at least one other component of the centring element.
As a result, it is possible for the latching element when moving past the latching projection of the first component to be displaced - in particular in a radial direction of the centring element - such that the latching element can be moved past the latching projection.
If at least one latching element, for example because of a shape elasticity of the centring element, is elastically prestressed into a starting position, it is thus achieved that the latching element, after moving past the latching projection of the first component, will automatically move into a latching position corresponding to the starting position, in which the latching element engages behind the latching projection of the first component.
In a preferred configuration of the invention, the centring element comprises a plurality of segments following one another in the peripheral direction of the centring element.
It may be provided, in particular, that at least two of these segments are movable relative to one another, in particular pivotable relative to one another.
It may furthermore be provided that at least two of these segments are at least substantially identical to one another.
It may furthermore be provided that at least two segments are configured in such a way that, by mirroring on a transverse centre plane of the centring element and by a subsequent rotation about a longitudinal centre axis or ring centre axis of the centring element, they can be transferred into one another.
At least one of the segments preferably comprises a latching element, by means of which the centring element can be latched to the first component.
It may, in particular, be provided that all the segments of the centring element have a latching element of this type.
It may furthermore be provided that the latching elements of segments which follow one another in the peripheral direction are arranged alternately on a side of the centring element facing the stop collar and on a side of the centring element facing the holding collar.
It may furthermore be provided that at least one of the segments comprises at least one portion of a latching receiver for a latching projection of the first component.
In particular, it may be provided that all the segments together form a, preferably annular, latching channel to receive one or more latching projections of the first component.
The extent of the latching channel in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis or the ring centre axis of the centring element preferably substantially corresponds to the extent of the latching projection along the longitudinal axis of the screw member receiver of the first component.
Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one of the segments comprises a guide element to guide the shaft region of the screw member through a through-opening or ring opening of the centring element.
In particular, it may be provided that each segment of the centring element comprises a guide element of this type.
The screw member according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a combination of a screw member of this type and a first component with a screw member receiver for the screw member.
In this case, the first component may, for example, be configured as a valve cap for an internal combustion engine.
The screw member receiver of the first component is preferably configured in one piece with a base body of the first component, for example with a cap body.
In order to allow a preassembly of the screw member with the aid of the centring element on the first component, it is advantageous if the first component comprises a connecting device, by means of which the centring element of the screw member can be connected to the first component.
In particular, it may be provided that the connecting device of the first component is configured as a latching device, by means of which the centring element of the screw member can be latched to the first component.
In this case, the latching element of the first component may comprise one or more latching projections, which can be engaged with a latching device of the centring element.
In particular, it may be provided that at least one latching projection of the latching device of the first component can be engaged with a latching receiver of the centring element.
In order to protect the threaded region of the screw member in a preassembly position, before the screwing of the threaded region into a threaded hole of the second component, from damage, it is favourable if the screw member can be arranged in a preassembly position on the first component in such a way that the threaded region of the screw member is at least partially arranged, preferably substantially completely, inside the screw member receiver of the first component.
This can be achieved, in particular, by a corresponding relative movement between the shaft region of the screw member and the centring element, which is held on the first component.
It may furthermore be provided that the screw member is held by frictional engagement and/or by an interlocking fit between the centring element and the shaft region of the screw member in a preassembly position of this type.
The configuration according to the invention of a screw member allows a simple centring of the screw member relative to a screw member receiver of the first component and a simple fastening and preassembly of the screw member on the first component.
An automatic screwing process of a screw member, in particular, by means of an automatic screwing mechanism in an automated manufacturing process is made possible by the centring and orientation of the screw member made possible according to the invention, substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the screw member receiver.
The centring element used according to the invention is economical and simple to produce and simple to assemble.
The centring element may, in particular, be configured as an injection-moulded part.
Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphical view of an embodiment.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a first component, for example a valve cap, with a screw member receiver and a screw member, which is introduced into the screw member receiver, with a holding collar, a threaded region, a stop collar arranged between the threaded region and the holding collar, a shaft region arranged between the stop collar and the holding collar, and a centring element arranged on the shaft region;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through the first component and the screw member with the centring element from Fig. 1, the centring element being arranged inside the screw member receiver of the first component and being latched to the first component, and a second component, for example a cylinder head, with a threaded bore for screwing in the threaded region of the screw member;
Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a component assembly, which comprises the first component, the second component and the screw member connecting the two components to one another, with a centring element, in an assembled state of the component assembly, in which the threaded region of the screw member is screwed into the threaded bore of the second component and the screw member rests with its stop collar on the second component and with its holding collar on the first component and on the centring element;
Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the centring element, which is configured as an annular element with a ring gap;
Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of the centring element of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 shows a schematic view from above of the centring element of Figs. 4 and 5;
Fig. 7 shows a schematic axial longitudinal section through the centring element, alone the line 7-7 in Fig. 6; and Fig. 8 shows a schematic axial longitudinal section through the centring element, along the line 8-8 in Fig. 6.
The same or functionally equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all the Figures.
A component assembly shown in detail in Fig. 3 and designated as a whole 100, comprises a first component 102 with a substantially cylindrical screw member receiver 104, a second component 106 with a threaded blind hole 108, an elastomeric sealing element 114, which is received in a receiving groove 110 on a lower side 112 of the first component 102 and rests with prestressing on an upper side 116 of the second component 106, as well as a screw member 118, which extends through the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102 into the threaded blind hole 108 of the second component 106.
Instead of a threaded blind hole 108, there may be used on the second component 106, a through hole which is provided with an internal thread, and in which an external thread of the screw member 118 engages.
The screw member 118 comprises a holding collar 120 with an external diameter D1, a threaded region 122 with an external diameter D2, a stop collar 124 arranged between the threaded region 122 and the holding collar 120, with an external diameter D3, a shaft region 126 arranged between the stop collar 124 and the holding collar 120, with an external diameter D4, and a head 128 of the screw member which is arranged on the side of the holding collar 120 remote from the shaft region 126, which may be configured, for example, as a polygonal head, in particular a hexagonal head.
As can be seen from Fig. 3, the external diameter D1 of the holding collar 120 is preferably larger than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124, preferably larger than the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126 and preferably larger than the external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122.
The external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122 is preferably smaller than the external diameter D1 of the holding collar 120, preferably smaller than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124 and preferably substantially the same size as the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126.
The external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124 is preferably smaller than the external diameter D, of the holding collar 120, preferably larger than the external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122 and preferably larger than the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126.
The external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126 is preferably smaller than the external diameter D, of the holding collar 120, preferably smaller than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124 and preferably substantially the same size as the external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122 (basically, the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126 may, however, also be smaller than or larger than the external diameter D2 of the threaded region 122).
The components mentioned above of the screw member 118 are preferably made of a metallic material, in particular from a steel material.
The material of these elements of the screw member 118 may be provided with a coating.
The screw member 118 is provided with a centring element 130, which is arranged on the shaft region 126 of the screw member between the stop collar 124 and the holding collar 120 in such a way that the shaft region 126 of the screw member extends through a central ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
The construction of the centring element 130 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 to 8, in which the centring element 130 is shown in detail.
The centring element 130 is configured as an annular element, which comprises, in the plan view from above, a substantially C-shaped base body 134, the mutually opposing ends 136 and 138 of which are separated from one another by a radial ring gap 140, which connects the ring opening 132, which is surrounded by the base body 134, to an outer side of the base body 134.
The base body 134 is formed from a plurality of segments 142 following one another in the peripheral direction of the base body 134.
The base body 134 preferably comprises at least six, in particular at least eight, for example twelve, segments 142 of this type.
As can be seen best from the sectional views of Figs. 7 and 8, each segment 142 of the base body 134 comprises a wedge portion 146, a finger portion 148 remote from the wedge portion 146 and a central portion 150 arranged between the wedge portion 146 and the finger portion 148.
The wedge portion 146, the finger portion 148 and the centre portion 150 are delimited at their inside facing the ring centre axis 144 of the centring element 130 by a common, substantially planar inner face 152, which is inclined relative to the ring centre axis 144 of the centring element 130 by a small angle of preferably at most 15 , for example of about 100, in the relaxed rest disposition of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8.
The wedge portion 146 is delimited toward the outside of the centring element remote from the ring centre axis 144 by a preferably substantially planar wedge face 154, which is inclined relative to the ring centre axis 144 by a comparatively large angle a of preferably at least 30 , for example of approximately 35 , in the relaxed rest disposition of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8.
The incline of the wedge face 154 relative to the ring centre axis 144 is preferably directed in the opposite direction to the incline of the inner face 152 relative to the ring centre axis 144.
The finger portion 148 is delimited toward the outside of the centring element remote from the ring centre axis 144 by a finger outer face 156, which is inclined at a relatively large angle R of preferably at least 40 , for example of approximately 45 , relative to the ring centre axis 144 in the relaxed rest disposition of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8.
The incline of the finger outer face 156 is preferably directed in the same direction as the incline of the inner face 152 and directed in the opposite direction to the incline of the wedge face 154, in each case relative to the ring centre axis 144.
A contact face 158 which faces the ring centre axis 144 and which is used to guide the respective segment 142 on the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118, is located opposite the finger outer face 156.
This contact face 158, in the relaxed rest state of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8, is preferably oriented substantially parallel to the ring centre axis 144.
The centre portion 150 toward the outside of the centring element 130 remote from the ring centre axis 144, is delimited by a preferably substantially planar centre outer face 160, which is inclined relative to the ring centre axis 144 by a comparatively small angle, which may correspond to the angle of inclination of the inner face 152 or may be slightly larger than the angle of inclination of the inner face 152 relative to the ring centre axis 144.
The angle of inclination of the centre outer face 160 relative to the ring centre axis 144 is preferably smaller than the angle of inclination of the wedge face 154 relative to the ring centre axis 144 and smaller than the angle of inclination of the finger outer face 156 relative to the ring centre axis 144.
Furthermore, the centre outer face 160 is preferably inclined in the same direction relative to the ring centre axis 144 as the finger outer face 156 and the inner face 152, while the centre outer face 160 is preferably inclined relative to the ring centre axis 144 in the opposite direction to the direction of inclination of the wedge face 154 relative to the ring centre axis 144.
The transition between the wedge face 154 and the centre outer face 160 is by way of a step 162, the stop face 164 delimiting the step 162 in the relaxed rest state of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8, preferably being oriented approximately perpendicular to the ring centre axis 144.
As can best be seen from Fig. 6, each of the segments 142 extends over a peripheral angle of slightly less than 360 /n, n giving the total number of segments 142.
With twelve segments 142, each segment 142 thus extends over a peripheral angle of slightly less than 30 .
Furthermore, each of the segments 142 tapers proceeding from its outside remote from the ring centre axis 144 toward its inside facing the ring centre axis 144, so mutually adjacent segments 142 can adjoin one another substantially without a gap.
It can furthermore be derived from Fig. 6 that the finger portion 148 of each segment 142 extends over a smaller peripheral angle than the centre portion 150 and the wedge portion 156, so the finger portion 148 is narrower in each case than the centre portion 150 and the wedge portion 146.
Furthermore, it can be derived from Figs. 4 to 8 that segments 142 following one another in the peripheral direction of the base body 134 have an orientation rotated through 180 , in each case, so in one half of the segments 142, the wedge portion 146 forms the lower end while, in the other half of the segments 142, the wedge portion 146 forms the upper end of the respective segment 142.
Two mutually adjacent segments 142 are thus configured in each case, such that by mirroring at the transverse centre plane 166 (which corresponds to the plane of the drawing of Fig. 6) and subsequent rotation about the longitudinal axis or ring centre axis 144 of the centring element through an angle, which corresponds to the peripheral angle moved through in each case by a segment 142, they can be transferred into one another.
However, this does not apply to the two end segments 142', the centre portions and wedge portions 146 of which are in each case narrower than in the respective adjoining segments 142.
Two mutually adjacent respective segments 142 are interconnected at the side limitations faces 168 of their centre portions 150 extending radially to the ring centre axis 144, specifically in such a way that mutually adjacent segments 142 can be pivoted about this connection point 169 relative to one another and therefore relative to the ring centre axis 144, about a pivot axis substantially extending perpendicular to the ring centre axis 144.
The pivotability of mutually adjacent segments 142 of the base body 134 relative to one another is based on the shape elasticity of the base body 134.
Owing to this shape elasticity, the segments 142, after a deflection from the rest position of the centring element 130 shown in Figs. 4 to 8, are returned into this rest state again by an external force.
The whole base body 134 of the centring element 130 is preferably configured in one piece.
The base body 134 may, in particular, be formed from a suitable plastics material, for example from a polyamide material.
The base body 134 is preferably produced by an injection-moulding method.
In order to centre the screw member 118 in the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102 by means of the centring element 130 described above and to non-detachably secure the screw member 118 on the first component 102, the procedure is as follows:
The centring element 130, which has been produced separately from the screw member 118, is pushed, preferably in the substantially radial direction, onto the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118.
In the process, the centring element 130 with the end segments 142', between which the ring gap 140 is formed, is placed on the periphery of the shaft region 126 and a force acting in the radial direction is then exerted on the centring element 130 and brings about a deformation of the centring element 130 while widening the ring gap 140, so the shaft region 126, the external diameter D4 of which is larger than the width of the ring gap 140, in the relaxed rest state of the centring element 130, can be moved through the widened ring gap 140 into the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
If the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118 passes through the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130, the central element 130 deforms back into its unloaded rest state.
The inside diameter D5 of the ring opening 132 corresponds to the external diameter D4 of the shaft region 126, so the segments 142 of the centring element 130 rest with their contact faces 158 on the periphery of the shaft region 126 and the shaft region 126 is thus guided by the finger portions 148 of the segments 142 in the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
The finger portions 148 therefore form guide elements 149, by means of which the shaft region 142 is guided in the through-opening or ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
Thus, the state shown in Fig. 1 is reached, in which the centring element 130 is arranged on the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118.
In this case, one half of the segments 142 of the centring element 130 are directed with their wedge portions 146 away from the holding collar 120 of the screw member 118 toward the stop collar 124 thereof; these segments 142 are designated lower segments 142a below.
The other half of the segments 142 of the centring element 130, on the other hand, are directed with their wedge portions 146 away from the stop collar 124 of the screw member 118 toward the holding collar 120 thereof; these segments are designated upper segments 142b below.
The contact faces 158 of the lower segments 142a, on the one hand, and the upper segments 142b, on the other hand, are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis or the longitudinal direction 170 of the screw member 118, so a particularly stable guidance of the shaft region 126 is achieved in the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130.
In the state pushed onto the screw member 118, the direction of the ring centre axis 144 of the centring element 130 coincides with the longitudinal direction 170 of the screw member 118.
As the inside diameter D5 of the ring opening 132 of the centring element 130 is smaller than the external diameter D1 of the holding collar 120 and smaller than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124, the centring element 130 can be displaced along the shaft region 126 between the holding collar 120 and the stop collar 124 while overcoming a static frictional force, but cannot be moved over the holding collar 120 or the stop collar 124, so the centring element 130 is held on the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118, so as to be secured against loss.
Owing to frictional engagement between the contact faces 158 of the centring element 130, on the one hand, and the peripheral face of the shaft region 126, on the other hand, the centring element 130 remains in its axial position relative to the shaft region 126, as long as no external force overcoming the static frictional force is exerted on the centring element 130.
In particular, the centring element 130 may thus remain in the position shown in Fig.
1, in which the upper side of the centring element 130 abuts the holding collar 120 of the screw member 118.
After the arrangement of the centring element 130 on the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118, the screw member 118, with the threaded region 122 leading, is introduced into the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102.
The screw member receiver 104 opens, at its upper end, in a recess 172, which is provided to receive the lower end of the holding collar 120 in the assembled state of the component assembly 100.
At a spacing from the upper end of the screw member receiver 104, provided therein is a, for example, annular latching projection 174, which projects from the delimiting wall 176 of the screw member receiver 104 toward the longitudinal axis 178 of the screw member receiver 104.
The inside diameter D6 of the screw member receiver 104 is therefore smaller in the region of the latching projection 174 than the inside diameter D7 in the remaining portions of the screw member receiver 104 (see Fig. 1).
The inside diameter D6 of the screw member receiver 104 in the region of the latching projection 174 is approximately the same size or slightly larger than the external diameter D3 of the stop collar 124 of the screw member 118, so the stop collar 124 can be moved past the latching projection 174.
The latching projection 174 has a certain elastic deformability, so it can deform slightly if necessary to allow the stop collar 124 to pass.
Furthermore, the stop collar 124 may, because of the deformability of the latching projection 174, also have an external diameter D3, which slightly exceeds the inside diameter D6 of the screw member receiver in the region of the latching projection 174.
Furthermore, the inside diameter D6 in the region of the latching projection 174 is smaller than the external diameter of the centring element 130 in the rest state.
If the screw member 118 is introduced into the screw member receiver 104 and the centring element 130 arrives in the region of the latching projection 174, the latching projection 174 of the screw member receiver 104, which engages on the wedge faces 154 of the lower segments 142a of the centring element 130, therefore presses the wedge portions 146 of these lower segments 142a radially inwardly, so the lower segments 142a are pivoted relative to the upper segments 142b and relative to the ring centre axis 144 in such a way that the wedge portions 146 of the lower segments 142a can pass the latching projection 174 until the latching projection 174 strikes against the stop faces 164 of the upper segments 142b (see Fig. 2).
The spacing between the stop faces 164 of the upper segments 142b and the stop faces 164 of the lower segments 142a is adapted to the extent of the latching projection 174 along the longitudinal axis 178 of the screw member receiver 104 in such a way that simultaneously with the striking of the latching projection 174 against the stop faces 164 of the upper segments 142b, the latching projection 174 leaves the wedge faces 154 of the lower segments 142a, so the wedge portions 146 of the lower segments 142a, because of the shape elasticity of the base body 134 of the centring element 130, move back into their rest position and therefore engage behind the latching projection 174, with a lower side of the latching projection 174 resting on the stop faces 164 of the lower segments 142a.
In this position shown in Fig. 2, the centring element 130 and the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102 are latched to one another, the wedge portions 146 of the segments 142 of the centring element 130, latching elements 186 of a centring element-side latching device 180 and the latching projection 174 forming a screw member receiver-side latching device 182.
The latching projection 174 in the process engages in a substantially annular latching recess 175 of the centring element 130, delimited by the centre outer faces 160 and the stop faces 164 of the segments 142 of the centring element 130.
The latching projection 174 does not have to extend here over the entire periphery of the screw member receiver 104 but may rather comprise a plurality of latching projection elements which are spaced apart from one another in this peripheral direction and in each case extend only over a portion of the periphery of the screw member receiver 104.
The centring element-side latching device 180 forms a centring element-side connecting device 188, by means of which the centring element 130 can be connected to the first component 102.
The screw member receiver-side latching device 182 forms a component-side connecting device 190, by means of which the first component 102 can be connected to the centring element 130.
By means of the latching to the screw member receiver 104, the centring element 130 is secured by an interlocking fit against a movement relative to the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102 along the longitudinal axis 178 thereof and along the ring centre axis 144 of the centring element 130.
The screw member 118 is thereby non-detachably held on the screw member receiver 104 of the first component 102, as the through-opening limited by the latching projection 174 is blocked by the centring element 130 and therefore the stop collar 124 can no longer be moved - counter to the introduction direction -through the through-opening out of the screw member receiver 104.
However, the screw member 118, with the exertion of a force overcoming the static friction between the centring element 130 and the shaft region 126 of the screw member 118, can be moved in its longitudinal direction 170 relative to the centring element 130.
In this manner, it is possible, in particular, to move the screw member 118 back counter to the introduction direction to such an extent that the threaded region 122 of the screw member 118 is completely received in the screw member receiver 104 and is therefore protected against damage.
To assemble to component assembly 100 shown in Fig. 3, the first component 102, with the screw member 118 non-detachably held thereon, is brought to rest on the second component 106, and the screw member 118 is moved downwardly again in the introduction direction to such an extent that the threaded region 122 of the screw member 118 is engaged with the threaded blind hole 108 of the second component 106.
The screw member 118 is then screwed, for example by means of an automatic screwing mechanism engaging on the head 128 into the threaded blind hole 108 until the stop collar 124 rests on the upper side 116 of the second component and the holding collar 120 rests on the base of the indentation 172 of the first component 102.
During the introduction and screwing process of the screw member 118, the latter is guided and centred by the centring element 130 and by the stop collar 124 in such a way that the longitudinal direction 170 of the screw member 118 substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis 178 of the screw member receiver 104 and the longitudinal axis 184 of the threaded blind hole 108, so a tilting of the screw member 118 relative to the screw member receiver 104 and relative to the threaded blind hole 108 is ruled out and in particular, an automatic screwing process is possible without problems.
The first component 102 may basically be configured from any material.
The first component 102 is preferably formed from a suitable plastics material.
The first component 102 may, for example, be configured as a valve cap for an internal combustion engine.
The second component 106 may also be basically formed from any material.
The second component 106 is preferably formed from a metallic material.
The second component 106 may, in particular, be configured as a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine.
Claims (19)
1. Screw member for fastening a first component (102) to a second component (106), comprising a holding collar (120), a threaded region (122), a stop collar (124) arranged between the threaded region (122) and the holding collar (120), and a shaft region (126) arranged between the stop collar (124) and the holding collar (120), characterised in that the screw member (118) is provided with a centring element (130) which is arranged on the shaft region (126) and by means of which the screw member (118), when introducing the screw member (118) into a screw member receiver (104) of the first component (102), can be centred relative to the screw member receiver (104)
2. Screw member according to claim 1, characterised in that the centring element (130) can be displaced relative to the shaft region (126) in a longitudinal direction (170) of the screw member (118).
3. Screw member according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the centring element (130) is held by frictional engagement in a preassembly position relative to the shaft region (126).
4. Screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the centring element (130) can be applied with deformation to the shaft region (126).
5. Screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the centring element (130) can be pushed onto the shaft region (126) in a radial direction of the shaft region (126).
6. Screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the centring element (130) is configured as an annular element with a ring gap (140).
7. Screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the centring element (130) is substantially symmetrical with respect to a rotation through 180° about a radial direction of the centring element (130).
8. Screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the centring element (130) comprises a plastics material.
9. Screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the centring element (130) comprises at least one guide element (149), by means of which the shaft region (126) is guided in a through-opening (132) of the centring element (130).
10. Screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the centring element (130) comprises a connecting device (188), by means of which the centring element (130) can be connected to the first component (102).
11. Screw member according to claim 10, characterised in that the connecting device (188) is configured as a latching device (180), by means of which the centring element (130) can be latched to the first component (102).
12. Screw member according to claim 11, characterised in that the centring element (130) has at least one latching element (186), which, on introducing the screw member (118) into a screw member receiver (104) of the first component (102), can be moved past a latching projection (174) of the first component (102).
13. Screw member according to claim 12, characterised in that the at least one latching element (186) can be moved relative to at least one other component of the centring element (130).
14. Screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the centring element (130) comprises a plurality of segments (142) following one another in the peripheral direction of the centring element (130).
15. Screw member according to claim 12, characterised in that at least two segments (142) can be pivoted relative to one another.
16. Screw member according to either of claims 14 or 15, characterised in that a plurality of segments (142) in each case comprise a latching element (186), by means of which the centring element (130) can be latched to the first component (102), the latching elements (186) of segments (142) following one another in the peripheral direction being arranged alternately on a side of the centring element (130) facing the stop collar (124) and on a side of the centring element (130) facing the holding collar (120).
17. Combination of a screw member according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a first component (102) with a screw member receiver (104) for the screw member (118).
18. Combination according to claim 17, characterised in that the first component (102) comprises a connecting device (190), by means of which the centring element (130) of the screw member (118) can be connected to the first component (102).
19. Combination according to either of claims 17 or 18, characterised in that the screw member (118) can be arranged in a preassembly position on the first component (102) in such a way that the threaded region (122) of the screw member is arranged inside the screw member receiver (104) of the first component (102).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE200910023790 DE102009023790A1 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2009-06-03 | Screw for securing a first component to a second component |
| DE102009023790.9 | 2009-06-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2706239A1 true CA2706239A1 (en) | 2010-12-03 |
Family
ID=42668850
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2706239A Abandoned CA2706239A1 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2010-06-01 | Screw member for fastening a first component to a second component |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2261519A3 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101907120A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2706239A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102009023790A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2546504B1 (en) | 2011-07-14 | 2018-10-03 | MAHLE International GmbH | Internal combustion engine |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102013003114A1 (en) * | 2013-02-25 | 2014-08-28 | Mann + Hummel Gmbh | Device and connection of two components, holding means of such a device and component |
| DE102013008983A1 (en) * | 2013-05-28 | 2014-12-04 | Ibs Filtran Kunststoff-/ Metallerzeugnisse Gmbh | Lashing device for a fastening screw on a component |
| DE102014222060A1 (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2016-05-04 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Bolts, housing for a turbine, turbine and method for mounting a housing of a turbine |
| DE102017207207A1 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2018-10-31 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel pump |
| DE102018102349A1 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2019-08-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | fastening system |
| DE102018122622A1 (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2020-03-19 | Man Truck & Bus Se | Holding device for holding a fastener |
| DE102020100969B4 (en) | 2020-01-16 | 2022-03-31 | Man Energy Solutions Se | Tie rod connection of components |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5094579A (en) * | 1990-10-19 | 1992-03-10 | Johnson H Thad | Fastener and grommet assembly providing axial play |
| DE4310002C1 (en) * | 1993-03-27 | 1994-04-21 | Kellermann Fa Rudolf | Noise discharge connecting component - has body with projection having recess in which seal sits and has friction surfaces between body and screw |
| US5807052A (en) * | 1997-06-27 | 1998-09-15 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Pre-assembled manifold fastener system and method therefor |
| DE29804041U1 (en) * | 1998-03-07 | 1999-07-08 | ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG, 58636 Iserlohn | Attachment of an assembly part to a support part |
| US6030161A (en) * | 1998-06-23 | 2000-02-29 | Textron, Inc. | Sleeve and captive bolt assembly |
| FR2780459B1 (en) * | 1998-06-30 | 2000-09-15 | Gobin Daude | FIXING SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY FOR HEAD COVER |
| US6174118B1 (en) * | 1999-08-19 | 2001-01-16 | 3M Innovative Properties | Movable retention device for a threaded fastener |
| US6582171B2 (en) * | 2000-06-13 | 2003-06-24 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Captive fastener member and system |
| US6871431B2 (en) * | 2002-03-28 | 2005-03-29 | Tyson Schmidt | License plate having captive thumb screw fastener |
| DE20301891U1 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2003-04-17 | Allfa Dübel GmbH, 45899 Gelsenkirchen | Dowel for securing insulation material, has manipulation cap connected to fastener pin insertable into bore in dowel shaft |
| DE102006004678B4 (en) * | 2006-02-02 | 2009-09-10 | Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellermann Gmbh & Co. Kg | Assembly unit for the fastening eye of a buckle |
| DE102007008372B4 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2010-07-29 | Richard Bergner Verbindungstechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Assembly unit and fastener unit |
| DE102007026568A1 (en) * | 2007-06-08 | 2008-12-11 | Ejot Gmbh & Co. Kg | support sleeve |
-
2009
- 2009-06-03 DE DE200910023790 patent/DE102009023790A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2010
- 2010-05-26 EP EP10163917A patent/EP2261519A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-06-01 CA CA2706239A patent/CA2706239A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-06-02 CN CN 201010196654 patent/CN101907120A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2546504B1 (en) | 2011-07-14 | 2018-10-03 | MAHLE International GmbH | Internal combustion engine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN101907120A (en) | 2010-12-08 |
| EP2261519A3 (en) | 2012-03-28 |
| DE102009023790A1 (en) | 2010-12-09 |
| EP2261519A2 (en) | 2010-12-15 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20130603 |