DE102018201828B4 - Tolerance compensation device and method for assembling a tolerance compensation device - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (8) for compensating tolerances between a first component (4) and a second component (5) with - a hollow cylindrical base element (9), which defines a longitudinal central axis (L), - one which is in threaded engagement with the base element (9). hollow cylindrical compensating element (10) and - a holding element (12) which is firmly connected to the base element (9) or is formed in one piece with it for holding the base element (9) on the first component (4), the holding element (12) being able to be clipped into a recess (A1) of the first component (4) is set up and comprises at least two holding structures (12.2, 12.3), in particular arranged on opposite sides of a holding element base body (12.1), wherein a first holding structure (12.2) has at least one rigid one lower support arm (12.2.1, 12.2.2) and at least one upper support arm (12.2.3), with a free space (R1) between the support arms (12.2.1 to 12.2.3) for receiving a space delimiting the recess (A1). first portion of the first component (4), - a second holding structure (12.3) has at least one rigid lower support arm (12.3.1) and at least one resilient upper support arm (12.3.2), with between the support arms (12.3. 1, 12.3.2) a free space (R2) is designed to accommodate a second portion of the first component (4) delimiting the recess (A1) and the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) has at least two legs (12.3.2.1, 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3), a first leg (12.3.2.1) delimiting the free space (R2) on one top side and a second leg (12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3) delimiting the free space (R2) on one side Holding element (12) facing and intended to rest on an end face of the second portion of the first component (4), - in the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) one to rest on an upper side of the second portion of the first Component (4) provided contact surface (X1) of the first leg (12.3.2.1) of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) essentially parallel to a contact surface (X2) provided for contact with an underside of the second portion of the first component (4). ) of the lower support arm (12.3.1) and - in the tensioned state of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) there is a distance between the first leg (12.3.2.1) of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) and the contact surface (X2) of the lower support arm (12.3.1) is enlarged starting from a side facing the holding element base body (12.1) towards a side facing away from the holding element base body (12.1).

Description

The invention relates to a device for compensating tolerances between two components to be connected to one another.

The invention further relates to a method for assembling such a device.

Such a tolerance compensation device is basically known and is used, for example, in vehicle construction, especially when it comes to screwing two components together across a tolerance-affected joining gap. For this purpose, the tolerance compensation device is arranged between the components to be connected, and a screw element for screwing the components, e.g. B. a screw or a threaded bolt is passed through appropriately provided openings in the components and through the tolerance compensation device. When screwing the screw element, the compensating element is rotated relative to the base element via a driving spring connected between the screw element and the compensating element and is thereby moved from its starting position axially to the base element, e.g. B. moved out of the base element until it reaches its compensation position, in which the base element and the compensation element each rest against one of the components and thus bridge the joining gap.

Furthermore, devices for compensating tolerances in a distance between a roof panel (= first component) of the vehicle and a support structure located underneath (= second component) in the direction of a longitudinal central axis are known, in particular for mounting a railing on a roof of a vehicle. For this purpose, the device is clipped into a recess provided for this purpose in the roof panel by means of a holding element and the compensating element is rotated out of the base element until it is supported downwards on the underlying support structure and the clip arms of the holding element, which engage under the roof panel, are supported upwards on the roof panel. The holding element accommodates the first component between the clip arm and a counter bearing, which extends radially outwards from the base body and is inclined in the direction of the clip arms. A section of the base element protrudes upwards beyond the roof sheet and forms a contact surface for the railing to be installed. So that the device can be easily clipped into the recess in the roof skin, the clip arms of the holding element are comparatively soft. At the same time, the device should be firmly supported on both components in an assembled state, which is why the compensating element is rotated further out of the base element even when it is already in engagement with the support structure, which can result in the clip arms giving way. To avoid this, an expansion lock is provided, which prevents the clip arm from being deflected from its rest position in a direction away from the base body.

The DE 10 2016 107 357 A1 discloses a device for compensating tolerances between a first component and a second component. The device comprises a base element which defines a longitudinal central axis, a compensating element which is in threaded engagement with the base element and a holding element which is firmly connected to the base element for holding the device on the first component. The holding element comprises a base body on which a supporting wall is formed, which, when the device is held on the first component, has an upper edge facing away from the second component and which comprises a deflection section which can be deflected against a restoring force along a bending line that is not oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis is. A pair of supporting walls is provided on opposite sides of the base body, with a distance between the supporting walls of a pair of supporting walls increasing in the direction of an upper edge in order to clip the device into a recess in the first component, i.e. the supporting walls diverge upwards.

Further devices for compensating tolerances are described DE 10 2011 054 861 A1 , the DE 20 2011 105 943 U1 , the DE 10 2008 062 894 A1 , the US 2014 / 0 097 218 A1 and the DE 10 2013 216 716 A1 .

The invention is based on the object of specifying an improved device compared to the prior art for compensating tolerances between two components to be connected to one another and an improved method for assembling such a device.

With regard to the device, the object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 1 and with regard to the method by the features specified in claim 10.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

The device according to the invention for compensating tolerances between a first component and a second component comprises a hollow cylindrical base element, which defines a longitudinal central axis, a hollow cylindrical end which is in threaded engagement with the base element equal element and a holding element that is firmly connected to the base element or is formed in one piece with it for holding the base element on the first component. The holding element is designed to be clipped into a recess in the first component and comprises at least two holding structures, in particular arranged on opposite sides of a holding element base body. A first holding structure has at least one lower support arm designed to be rigid and at least one upper support arm, with a free space being formed between the support arms for receiving a first portion of the first component that delimits the recess. A second holding structure has at least one lower support arm designed to be rigid and at least one resilient upper support arm, with a free space being formed between the support arms for receiving a second portion of the first component delimiting the recess.

Due to the resilient upper support arm of the second holding structure and a lateral deflection of the same during assembly of the device in the recess of the first component, the device enables the lower stable, rigid support arms of the holding element to be placed under the first component, for example a sheet metal, in particular a roof sheet , can dive. When the resilient upper support arm is relieved, support is provided on the component, for example on a flexible roof skin, by means of this and the upper support arm of the first holding structure. This means that a clip function of the device is decoupled from a support function of the device below the first component. Due to the advantageous support and the function of the device during assembly in the recess, deflections of thin components, such as sheets, which are caused, for example, by sealing forces under a roof rail, can be effectively avoided.

In particular, when the device is used to produce a screw surface for a roof rail of a vehicle, the device allows the flexible roof not to deform visibly, while at the same time a high level of rigidity is achieved in supporting the device under the roof by means of the lower support arms which are designed to be rigid.

Compared to devices known from the prior art for compensating tolerances, in which so-called under-clipping geometries with clip arms are provided, which are supported under the flexible roof when the compensating element is activated and due to the functionality of the clip arms, in particular the bending and resilience and In particular, the radially necessary mobility of the device in the recess of the first component leads to a large overall height of the device, the claimed device is characterized by a particularly low overall height. At the same time, particularly small tolerances can be achieved, so that, for example, when using the device to produce a screw surface for a roof rail, particularly small gap dimensions and a simple guarantee of a sealing function can be achieved.

Due to the flat design of the device with a low overall height, on the one hand a particularly high power density, i.e. H. high performance with a small size can be achieved. On the other hand, when using the device for generating the screw surface for a roof rail, a distance between a roof and a support structure can be kept small, so that a very efficient use of space can be realized.

Furthermore, the resilient upper support arm has at least two legs, with a first leg limiting the free space on an upper side and a second leg limiting the free space on a side facing the holding element and intended to rest on an end face of the second portion of the first component . In this way, the spring functionality of the support arm is realized in a particularly simple, reliable and small-sized manner while at the same time supporting functionality of the support arm for an upper side of the first component.

In this case, in the relaxed state of the resiliently designed upper support arm, a contact surface of the first leg of the resiliently designed upper support arm provided for abutment on an upper side of the second portion of the first component runs essentially parallel to a contact surface provided for abutment on an underside of the second portion of the first component of the lower support arm. In the tensioned state of the resilient upper support arm, a distance between the first leg of the resilient upper support arm and the contact surface of the lower support arm increases from a side facing the holding element base body towards a side facing away from the holding element base body. This design enables the device to be easily inserted into the recess of the first component in a reliable manner and, in an assembled end position of the device, to be reliably supported on the first component.

According to a possible embodiment of the device, the second leg of the resilient upper support arm is resiliently connected to the holding element base body. In this way, a spring travel that is particularly favorable for assembling the device can be achieved.

In a further possible embodiment of the device, in the tensioned state of the resilient upper support arm, a distance between the side of the second leg intended to rest against the end face of the second partial region of the first component and a surface of the first holding structure formed between the support arms of the first holding structure is smaller than in the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm. In this way, a linear expansion of the device in the tensioned state of the upper support arm can be reduced in a simple manner in such a way that the device can be inserted into the recess with little effort and thus with little risk of deformation of the first component, for example the roof.

In a further possible embodiment of the device, in the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm, a distance between the side of the second leg intended to rest against the end face of the second partial region of the first component and a surface of the first holding structure formed between the support arms of the first holding structure is larger as a distance between the two portions of the recess. Alternatively, this distance corresponds to the distance between the two portions of the recess. As a result, a stable, in particular rotation-proof, seat of the holding element and thus of the device within the recess can be achieved.

Alternatively, in the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm, the distance between the side of the second leg intended to rest against the end face of the second portion of the first component and the surface of the first holding structure formed between the support arms of the first holding structure is smaller by an amount than the distance between the two portions of the recess, the amount being smaller than a length of the upper support arm of the first holding structure. It is therefore possible to move the device within the recess, in particular to compensate for tolerances. At the same time, “slipping” of the upper support arms through the recess and thus “falling” of the device into a cavity formed between the components, for example between the roof and the support structure, is effectively avoided.

In a possible development of the device, the holding element base body completely surrounds an outer lateral surface of the base element. The base element is thus held securely and stably within the holding element.

A possible embodiment of the device provides that the holding element base body and the base element are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner and without play by means of at least one latching connection. As a result, the base element is securely and easily attached to the holding element. Due to the backlash-free and therefore at least almost tolerance-free alignment of the base element and holding element to one another and, consequently, also between the base element and compensating element, a tolerance of the entire device can be minimized and the high power density can be achieved.

Particularly suitable for producing such a latching connection have been shown to be resilient clip elements arranged on the holding element, in particular clip elements which protrude and lie below a contact surface of the holding element on the base element, and at least one latching structure formed on the base element, into which the clip elements engage.

A further possible embodiment of the device provides that the compensating element can be moved from a starting position into a compensating position by rotating relative to the base element, with a screw element extending through an inner cavity of the base element and an inner cavity of the compensating element forming a screw connection with a Threaded element is provided, wherein a driving element is arranged in the inner cavity of the compensating element, which is in frictional engagement with the screw element guided through the cavities in such a way that a torque exerted by the screw element can be transferred to the compensating element. This makes it possible to compensate for the installation space between the first and second components in a simple and reliable manner.

In a possible embodiment of the device, to compensate for tolerances between the two components and to fasten a further component, for example a roof rail, to the two components, the device is arranged in the recess of the first component and a screw element is inserted from below through an opening in the second component Device and an opening of the first component passed through. The screw element comes into engagement with the driving element and a threaded element located on the further component, for example a roof rail. The screw element is used to screw the components together rotated, for example to the right, a torque is transmitted to the compensating element by the driving element, which causes a rotation of the compensating element relative to the base element, whereby the compensating element moves downwards out of the base element along a longitudinal central axis. As soon as the compensating element has been turned out of the base element to such an extent that a contact section thereof rests on the second component, a frictional torque between the second component and the contact section exceeds the torque that can be transmitted by the driving element and the compensating element is no longer rotated out of the base element. The compensating element has thus assumed a position referred to as a compensating position and the further component, for example the roof rails, can be attached to the first and second components, for example the roof and the support structure, in particular without deforming them.

A possible development of the device provides that at least one securing arrangement is provided for securing the compensating element against movement relative to the base element. The securing arrangement forms a transport lock for the device in order to prevent unintentional movement of the compensating element relative to the base element during transport of the same, for example to its installation location, which in the worst case can lead to a separation of the compensating element and the base element.

In order to realize a particularly reliable security, the security arrangement according to a further possible embodiment of the device comprises a first security element arranged on the compensation element and a second security element mechanically coupled to the base element, the security elements being in mechanical engagement with one another in a secured position of the compensation element on the base element.

In the method according to the invention for mounting the previously described device on the first component, the device is moved in such a way that the second portion of the first component delimiting the recess falls into the free space of the second holding structure between the at least one lower support arm which is designed to be rigid and the at least one resilient trained upper support arm is inserted until an end face of the second portion comes into contact with a second leg of the resiliently designed upper support arm which delimits the free space on a side facing the holding element. A first force acting essentially vertically on the end face is then exerted on the device in such a way that the second leg moves in the direction of the first holding structure, which is in particular opposite, and the resilient upper support arm is tensioned. Subsequently, while maintaining the first force, a second force acting essentially perpendicular to the first force is exerted on the device in the region of the first holding structure until the at least one lower support arm of the first holding structure is arranged below the first partial region of the first component delimiting the recess and the at least one upper support arm of the first holding structure is arranged above the first portion of the first component delimiting the recess. The first force is then released and the first portion of the first component delimiting the recess is guided into the free space located between the support arms of the first holding structure.

The method, together with the device, enables it to be inserted into the recess in a simple manner with little effort and thus with little risk of deformation of the first component, for example the roof, and attached to the first component.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

• 1 schematisch eine Schnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Fahrzeugs im Bereich einer Befestigungsposition einer Dachreling an einer Dachkonstruktion als Explosionsdarstellung,
• 2 schematisch eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Ausgleichen von Toleranzen zwischen einem ersten Bauteil und einem zweiten Bauteil,
• 3 schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß 2,
• 4 schematisch einen Ausschnitt der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 im montierten Zustand,
• 5 schematisch eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Fahrzeugs während einer Montage der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt,
• 6 schematisch eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Fahrzeugs während einer Montage der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 zu einem zweiten Zeitpunkt,
• 7 schematisch eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Fahrzeugs während einer Montage der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 zu einem dritten Zeitpunkt,
• 8 schematisch eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Fahrzeugs während einer Montage der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 zu einem vierten Zeitpunkt,
• 9 schematisch eine Draufsicht auf einen Ausschnitt eines Fahrzeugs mit einer in einer ersten Position in einer Aussparung montierten Vorrichtung gemäß 2,
• 10 schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts eines Fahrzeugs mit einer in einer weiteren Position in der Aussparung gemäß 9 montierten Vorrichtung gemäß 2,
• 11 schematisch eine Gegenüberstellung eines Ausschnitts der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 und einer Vorrichtung zum Toleranzgleich gemäß dem Stand der Technik im montierten Zustand,
• 12 schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 von unten,
• 13 schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Halteelements der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 von unten,
• 14 schematisch eine Schnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts einer Vorrichtung zum Toleranzausgleich gemäß dem Stand der Technik,
• 15 schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Halteelements der Vorrichtung gemäß 2 und
• 16 schematisch einen Teilschnitt der Vorrichtung gemäß 2.

Show in it:

• 1 schematically a sectional view of a section of a vehicle in the area of a fastening position of a roof rail on a roof structure as an exploded view,
• 2 schematically an exploded view of a device for compensating tolerances between a first component and a second component,
• 3 schematically a perspective view of the device according to 2 ,
• 4 schematically a section of the device according to 2 in assembled state,
• 5 schematically a perspective view of a section of a vehicle during assembly of the device according to 2 at a first time,
• 6 schematically a perspective view of a section of a vehicle during assembly of the device according to 2 at a second time,
• 7 schematically a perspective representation of a section of a vehicle during assembly of the device 2 at a third time,
• 8th schematically a perspective view of a section of a vehicle during assembly of the device according to 2 at a fourth time,
• 9 schematically a top view of a section of a vehicle with a device mounted in a first position in a recess according to 2 ,
• 10 schematically a perspective view of a section of a vehicle with one in a further position in the recess according to 9 mounted device in accordance with 2 ,
• 11 schematically a comparison of a section of the device according to 2 and a device for tolerance equalization according to the prior art in the assembled state,
• 12 schematically a perspective view of the device according to 2 from underneath,
• 13 schematically a perspective view of a holding element of the device according to 2 from underneath,
• 14 schematically a sectional view of a section of a device for tolerance compensation according to the prior art,
• 15 schematically a perspective view of a holding element of the device according to 2 and
• 16 schematically a partial section of the device according to 2 .

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numbers in all figures.

1 shows a sectional view of a section of a vehicle 1 in the area of a fastening position of a roof rail 2 on a roof structure 3 as an exploded view.

The roof structure 3 comprises a first component 4 designed as a roof or roof sheet and a second component 5 designed as an underlying support structure. A cavity H is formed between the components 4, 5.

Between the first component 4, i.e. H. the roof or roof panel, and the roof railing 2, a seal 15 is arranged, which prevents foreign substances from penetrating between the first component 4 and the roof railing 2.

To attach the roof rails 2 to the roof structure 3, starting from an underside, i.e. H. Starting from the second component 5, a screw element 6 is guided through recesses A1, A2 in the components 4, 5 to a threaded element 7, for example a rivet nut, fastened to the roof rail 2 on an underside of the same and screwed to it.

In order to avoid deformation of the first component 4, i.e. caused by this screw connection, for example by sealing forces of the seal 15 under the roof rails 2. H. the roof, and the second component 5, d. H. To avoid the support structure, a device 8 for compensating tolerances between the components 4, 5 is arranged between them in the cavity H.

The device 8 comprises a hollow cylindrical base element 9, which defines a longitudinal central axis L and on its inside, i.e. H. has an internal thread, not shown, on a lateral surface of its inner cavity. The internal thread has an orientation that is the opposite of an external thread of the screw element 6, for example a left-hand thread in the present exemplary embodiment. On a side facing the roof railing 2, the base element 9 forms a screw-on surface for the roof railing 2.

The device 8 comprises a holding element 12, which is shown in a very simplified manner and is firmly connected to the base element 9 or is formed in one piece with it, for holding the base element 9 and thus the device 8 on the first component 4.

The device 8 further includes an in 2 hollow cylindrical compensating element 10 shown in more detail and in threaded engagement with the base element 9, which extends into the cavity of the base element 9 and has an external thread, not shown, on its outside. This external thread is in engagement with the internal thread of the base element 9. By rotating, the compensating element 10 can be moved along the longitudinal central axis L relative to the base element 9, ie screwed out of the cavity of the base element 9 or into it.

In an inner cavity of the compensating element 10 there is also an in 2 Driving element 11 shown in more detail and designed as a driving spring is arranged, which is supported on a lateral surface of the cavity of the compensating element 10. The driving element 11 is in contact with the screw element 6 which is passed through the device 8, ie through the cavities of the base element 9 and the driving element 11 Frictional engagement in order to transmit a torque exerted by the screw element 6 to the compensating element 10.

To fasten the roof rails 2 and to compensate for tolerances between the components 4, 5, the device 8 is arranged in the recess A1 of the first component 4, in particular clipped into it. The screw element 6 is then passed from below through the recess A2 in the second component 5 and the device 8. The screw element 6 comes into engagement with the driving element 11 and the threaded element 7 attached to the roof railing 2. If the screw element 6 is rotated, for example to the right, the driving element 11 transmits a torque to the compensating element 10, which causes a rotation of the compensating element 10 relative to the base element 9, whereby the compensating element 10 moves downwards out of the base element 9 along a longitudinal central axis L. As soon as the compensating element 10 is turned out of the base element 9 to such an extent that a contact section 10.1 of the same rests on the second component 5, a frictional torque between the second component 5 and the contact section 10.1 exceeds the torque that can be transmitted by the driving element 11 and the compensating element 10 is not further turned out of the base element 9. The compensating element 10 has thus assumed a position referred to as the compensating position and the roof rails 2 can be attached to the first and second components 4, 5 without deforming them.

In 2 is an exploded view of a possible embodiment of the device 8 for compensating tolerances between the first component 4 and the second component 5. 3 shows a perspective view of the device 8 according to 2 and 4 a section of the device 8 according to 2 in assembled state.

The holding element 12 is designed to be clipped into the recess A1 of the first component 4 and includes a holding structure 12.2, 12.3 on two opposite sides of a holding element base body 12.1. The holding element base body 12.1 completely surrounds an outer lateral surface of the base element 9.

A first holding structure 12.2 has two rigid lower support arms 12.2.1, 12.2.2 and an upper support arm 12.2.3. A free space R1 is formed between the support arms 12.2.1 to 12.2.3 to accommodate a first portion of the first component 4 delimiting the recess A1.

A second holding structure 12.3 has a rigid lower support arm 12.3.1 and a resilient upper support arm 12.3.2, with a free space R2 between the support arms 12.3.1, 12.3.2 for receiving a second portion of the first component delimiting the recess A1 4 is trained.

The resilient upper support arm 12.3.2 includes a first leg 12.3.2.1, which limits the free space R2 on an upper side. The resilient upper support arm 12.3.2 further comprises two second legs 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3, which limit the free space R2 on a side facing the holding element 12 and intended to rest on an end face of the second portion of the first component 4. The second legs 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3 are resiliently connected to the holding element base body 12.1.

In the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm 12.3.2 as shown in 4 a contact surface lower support arm 12.3.1.

In the tensioned state of the resilient upper support arm 12.3.2 (dashed line), a distance between the first leg 12.3.2.1 of the resilient upper support arm 12.3.2 and the contact surface X2 of the lower support arm 12.3.1 increases, starting from one of the holding element. Base body 12.1 side facing towards a side facing away from the holding element base body 12.1.

Furthermore, the device 8 includes an in 12 Securing arrangement 13 shown in more detail for securing the compensating element 10 against movement relative to the base element 9. The securing arrangement 13 forms a transport lock for the device 8 in order to prevent unintentional movement of the compensating element 10 relative to the base element 9 during transport.

The securing arrangement 13 comprises a stop ring 10.2 attached to the compensating element 10, on which the contact section 10.1 is formed. On an outer circumference, i.e. H. A first securing element 13.1 designed as a recess is formed on one edge of the stop ring 10.2.

Furthermore, the security arrangement 13 comprises a device arranged on the holding element 12 and in 12 second securing element 13.2, shown in more detail and designed in a ramp shape.

When assembling the device 8 and transferring the torque from the screw element 6 to the compensating element 10, the latter is rotated in such a way that the first securing element 13.1 slides over the second securing element 13.2 while overcoming a predetermined securing torque and the movement of the compensating element 10 from the base element 9 releases out. The specified securing torque is smaller than the torque that can be transmitted from the screw element 6 via the driving element 11 to the compensating element 10. A vertical surface of the ramp-shaped second securing element 13.2 forms an end stop for the compensating element 10 during an opposite rotation.

In the 5 to 8 is a section of a vehicle 1 during assembly of the device 8 according to 2 presented at different points in time.

First, the device 8 according to 5 moved in such a way that the second portion of the first component 4 delimiting the recess A1 is inserted into the free space R2 of the second holding structure 12.3 between the rigid lower support arm 12.3.1 and the resilient upper support arm 12.3.2 until an end face of the second portion a second leg 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3 of the resiliently designed upper support arm 12.3.2 comes into contact with the free space R2 on the side facing the holding element 12.

Then according to 6 such that a first force F1 acting essentially perpendicular to the end face of the second partial region is exerted on the device 8 in such a way that the second legs 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3 move in the direction of the opposite first holding structure 12.2 and the resilient upper support arm 12.3 is tensioned . In the tensioned state of the resiliently designed upper support arm 12.3.2, there is a distance between the side of the second legs 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3 intended to rest against the end face of the second partial region of the first component 4 and one between the support arms 12.2.1, 12.2.2 formed surface of the first holding structure 12.2 smaller than in the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm 12.3.2.

Then according to 7 while maintaining the first force F 1, a second force F2 acting essentially perpendicular to the first force F 1 is exerted on the device 8 in the area of the first holding structure 12.2 until the lower support arms 12.2.1, 12.2.2 of the first holding structure 12.2 are below the Recess A1 delimiting the first portion of the first component 4 are arranged and the upper support arm 12.2.3 of the first holding structure 12.2 is arranged above the recess A1 delimiting the first portion of the first component 4.

Then according to 8th the first force F1 is released and the first portion of the first component 4 delimiting the recess A1 is guided into the free space R1 located between the support arms 12.2.1 to 12.2.3 of the first holding structure 12.2.

9 shows a top view of a section of a vehicle 1 with a device 8 mounted in a first, in particular centered, position in a recess A1 of the first component 4 2 .

Here, in the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm 12.2.3, there is a distance between the side of the second legs 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3 of the second holding structure 12.3 intended to rest against the end face of the second partial region of the first component 4 and one between the support arms 12.2.1 to 12.2.3 of the first holding structure 12.2 formed surface of the first holding structure 12.2 by an amount smaller than a distance between the two partial areas of the recess A1. The amount is smaller than a length of the upper support arm 12.2.3 of the first holding structure 12.2. It is therefore possible to move the device 8 within the recess A1, in particular to compensate for tolerances. At the same time, a “slipping” of the upper support arms 12.2.3, 12.3.2 through the recess A1 and thus a “falling” of the device 8 into the cavity H formed between the components 4, 5 is effectively avoided.

A width of the recess A1 is also greater than a width of the holding element base body 12.1, so that a lateral movement of the device 8 within the recess A1 is also possible.

In 10 is a perspective view of the section of the vehicle 1 according to 9 with the device 8 mounted in a further position in the recess A1 of the first component 4 according to 2 shown.

In contrast to the representation in 9 the device 8 is arranged in a maximally eccentric position within the recess A1. For this purpose, the device 8 is within the recess A1 in the radial direction to the longitudinal central axis L due to the design of the holding element 12 displaceable in order to enable radial tolerance compensation, in particular for length and / or shape tolerances of the roof rails 2 and their attachment points as well as the components 4, 5 and their recesses A1, A2. The holding element base body 12.1 and the lower support arms 12.2.1, 12.2.2, 12.3.1 are designed such that they are supported in every possible position of the device 8 within the recess A1 under the first component 4. Furthermore, the holding element base body 12.1 and the upper support arms 12.2.3, 12.3.2 are designed such that they are supported on the first component 4 in every possible position of the device 8 within the recess A1.

In this case, a dimension of the holding element base body 12.1 designed radially to the longitudinal central axis L limits mobility and compensation in the direction of the first partial region of the first component 4 and further partial regions of the first component 4 which run at least essentially perpendicular to this partial region and which limit the recess. In the direction of the second portion of the first component 4, the mobility and compensation is limited by the legs 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3 of the resilient upper support arm 12.3.2.

11 shows a comparison of a section of the device 8 according to 2 and a device 40 for tolerance equalization according to the prior art in the assembled state.

The device 40 according to the prior art comprises a so-called under-clipping geometry 40.1 with clip arms 40.1.1, which is located under the flexible first component 4, i.e. when a compensating element (not shown) is activated. H. the roof, support and due to the functionality of the clip arms 40.1.1, in particular the bending and restoring capacity of the same and in particular the radially necessary movement of the device 40, a large height h1 of the device 40 is required.

In contrast, the device 8 is characterized according to 2 by a particularly low overall height h2 due to the bending-resistant design of the lower support arms 12.3.1, 12.2.1, 12.2.2 possible from the pivoting installation.

In 12 is a perspective view of the device 8 according to 2 shown from below, which illustrates the design of the security arrangement 13. 13 shows a perspective view of the holding element 12 from below, the second securing element 13.2 being designed as a small spring arm with thereby reduced spring capacity on the holding element 12.

The security arrangement 13 is adapted to the size of the device 8. In particular resilient locking geometries, i.e. H. For its functionality, the second securing element 13.2 needs sufficient overlap with a locking edge of the first securing element 13.1, which is designed as a recess, on the stop ring 10.2 and the locking geometry, which also becomes smaller with a small size, must have sufficient spring capacity for its functionality. Furthermore, tolerances that position the components 4, 5 relative to one another in height are taken into account, especially as the size becomes smaller, in the necessary resilient locking geometry.

Continues to show 13 that the holding element 12 has several step-like recesses 12.4 on its inside to produce one in the 15 and 16 shown in more detail investment position Y.

In 14 is a sectional view of a section of a device 40 for compensating tolerances according to the prior art.

The holding element base body 12.1 and the base element 9 are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner by means of a locking connection 14 formed from a tongue-and-groove system.

Here, the spring 14.1 is formed circumferentially on an inside of the holding element 12 and is narrower than the groove 14.2 formed circumferentially on an outside of the base element 9, the spring 14.1 being snapped into the groove 14.2.

The disadvantage is that the tongue 14.1 is narrower than the groove 14.2 so that it can snap into the groove 14.2. In order to be able to produce the base element 9 and the holding element 12, high tolerances must be taken into account during production, which reduces the accuracy of the device 40 when it is used.

15 shows a perspective view of the holding element 12 of the device 8 according to 2 . In 16 is a partial section of the device 8 according to 2 shown.

To minimize the tolerances in the production of base element 9 and holding element 12, the latching connection 14 is by means of resilient clip elements 14.3 to 14.6 arranged on the holding element 12 and at least one step-shaped latching structure 14.7 which runs around the outside of the base element 9 and into which the clip elements 14.3 to 14.6 engage. educated.

The clip elements 14.3, 14.4 rest on a contact surface of the holding element 12 the locking structure 14.7 of the basic element 9. The clip elements 14.5, 14.6, on the other hand, are shorter.

When joining the base element 9 and the holding element 12, the base element 9 is guided in the axial direction from below into the interior of the holding element 12, with the locking structure 14.9 initially engaging in the “short” clip elements 14.5, 14.6. The base element 9 comes into contact with the holding element 12 in a contact position Y, with the holding element 12 having several step-like recesses 12.4 on its inside and the base element 9 having a circumferential step-shaped projection 9.1 on its outer surface to realize this contact position Y.

To eliminate the play between the base element 9 and the holding element 12, the protruding clip elements 14.3, 14.4 are then pressed down with a corresponding stamp and snap into the locking structure 14.7 in the base element 9. An axial spring-back of the protruding clip elements 14.3, 14.4 creates an axially play-free version of the base element 9 defined in the holding element 12.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

1

vehicle

2

Roof rails

3

Roof construction

4

first component

5

second component

6

screw element

7

Threaded element

8th

contraption

9

basic element

9.1

head Start

10

Compensating element

10.1

Investment section

10.2

stop ring

11

Takeaway element

12

Holding element

12.1

Holding element base body

12.2

first holding structure

12.2.1

Support arm

12.2.2

Support arm

12.2.3

Support arm

12.3

second holding structure

12.3.1

Support arm

12.3.2

Support arm

12.3.2.1

first leg

12.3.2.2

second leg

12.3.2.3

second leg

12.4

recess

13

Security arrangement

13.1

first security element

13.2

second security element

14

Snap connection

14.1

Feather

14.2

Nut

14.3 to 14.6

Clip element

14.7

Rest structure

15

poetry

40

contraption

40.1

geometry

40.1.1

Clip arm

A1, A2

recess

F1, F2

Power

H

cavity

h1, h2

height

L

Longitudinal center axis

R1, R2

free space

X1, X2

investment area

Y

Investment position

Claims (10)

Device (8) for compensating tolerances between a first component (4) and a second component (5) with - a hollow cylindrical base element (9) which defines a longitudinal central axis (L), - one which is in threaded engagement with the base element (9). hollow cylindrical compensating element (10) and - a holding element (12) which is firmly connected to the base element (9) or is formed in one piece with it for holding the base element (9) on the first component (4), the holding element (12) being able to be clipped into a recess (A1) in the first component (4) is set up and at least two, in particular on opposite sides, of a holding element base body (12.1) arranged holding structures (12.2, 12.3), wherein - a first holding structure (12.2) has at least one rigid lower support arm (12.2.1, 12.2.2) and at least one upper support arm (12.2.3), with between the support arms ( 12.2.1 to 12.2.3) a free space (R1) is designed to accommodate a first portion of the first component (4) delimiting the recess (A1), - a second holding structure (12.3) at least one lower support arm (12.3.1) which is designed to be rigid ) and at least one resilient upper support arm (12.3.2), with a free space (R2) between the support arms (12.3.1, 12.3.2) for receiving a second portion of the first component (4) delimiting the recess (A1). is designed and wherein the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) has at least two legs (12.3.2.1, 12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3), with a first leg (12.3.2.1) delimiting the free space (R2) on an upper side and a second leg (12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3) delimits the free space (R2) on a side facing the holding element (12) and intended to rest on an end face of the second portion of the first component (4), - in the relaxed state State of the resiliently designed upper support arm (12.3.2) a contact surface (X1) of the first leg (12.3.2.1) of the resiliently designed upper support arm (12.3.2) intended to rest on an upper side of the second portion of the first component (4). Essentially parallel to a contact surface (X2) of the lower support arm (12.3.1) provided for contact with an underside of the second portion of the first component (4) and - in the tensioned state of the resiliently designed upper support arm (12.3.2) there is a distance between the first leg (12.3.2.1) of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) and the contact surface (X2) of the lower support arm (12.3.1), starting from a side facing the holding element base body (12.1) in the direction of the holding element -Basic body (12.1) enlarged on the side facing away from it. Device (8) after Claim 1 , wherein the second leg (12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3) of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) is resiliently connected to the holding element base body (12.1). Device (8) after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein in the tensioned state of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) there is a distance between the side of the second leg (12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3) intended to rest on the end face of the second portion of the first component (4) and one between the surface of the first holding structure (12.2) formed by the support arms (12.2.1 to 12.2.3) of the first holding structure (12.2) is smaller than in the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2). Device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the relaxed state of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2), a distance between the side of the second leg (12.3.) intended to rest on the end face of the second portion of the first component (4). 2.2, 12.3.2.3) and a surface of the first holding structure (12.2) formed between the support arms (12.2.1 to 12.2.3) of the first holding structure (12.2) - is greater than a distance between the two sections of the recess (A1) or - corresponds to the distance between the two sections of the recess (A1) or - is smaller by an amount than the distance between the two portions of the recess (A1), the amount being smaller than a length of the upper support arm (12.2.2) of the first holding structure (12.2). Device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element base body (12.1) completely surrounds an outer lateral surface of the base element (9). Device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element base body (12.1) and the base element (9) are connected to one another in a form-fitting and play-free manner by means of at least one latching connection (14). Device (8) after Claim 6 , wherein the latching connection (14) is formed from resilient clip elements (14.3 to 14.6) arranged on the holding element (12) and at least one latching structure (14.7) formed on the base element (9), into which the clip elements (14.3 to 14.6) engage. Device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the compensating element (10) can be moved from a starting position into a compensating position by rotating relative to the base element (9), - wherein a screw element (6) extending through an inner cavity of the base element (9) and an inner cavity of the compensating element (10) is provided for a screw connection with a threaded element (7), - wherein a driving element (11) is arranged in the inner cavity of the compensating element (10), which is in frictional engagement with the screw element (6) guided through the cavities in such a way that a torque exerted by the screw element (6) is applied to the compensating element (10 ) is transferable. Device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one securing arrangement (13) for securing the compensating element (10) against movement relative to the base element (9). Method for assembling a device (8) according to one of the preceding claims on the first component (4), wherein the device (8) is moved in such a way that - the second portion of the first component (4) delimiting the recess (A1) in the free space (R2) of the second holding structure (12.3) between the at least one rigid lower support arm (12.3.1) and the at least one resilient upper support arm ( 12.3.2) is inserted until an end face of the second partial area is on a second leg (12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3) of the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2.) which delimits the free space (R2) on a side facing the holding element (12). ) comes to the system, - then a first force (F 1) acting essentially perpendicular to the end face is exerted on the device (8) in such a way that the second leg (12.3.2.2, 12.3.2.3) moves in the direction of the first holding structure (12.2) which is in particular opposite. moves and the resilient upper support arm (12.3.2) is tensioned, - then, while maintaining the first force (F 1), a second force (F2) acting essentially perpendicular to the first force (F 1) is exerted on the device (8) in the area of the first holding structure (12.2) until the at least one lower Support arm (12.2.1, 12.2.1) of the first holding structure (12.2) is arranged below the first portion of the first component (4) delimiting the recess (A1) and the at least one upper support arm (12.2.3) of the first holding structure (12.2 ) is arranged above the first portion of the first component (4) delimiting the recess (A1), - then the first force (F 1) is released and the first portion of the first component (4) delimiting the recess (A1) into the free space (12.2.1 to 12.2.3) of the first holding structure (12.2) located between the support arms (12.2.1 to 12.2.3) R1) is performed.

Images