RESILIENT CONNECTING BLOCK, CONNECTING PIN THEREFOR, AND A CONNECTION BETWEEN TWO COMPONENTS VIA THE RESILIENT CONNECTING BLOCK

Abstract

An elastic connecting block with which, by receiving a connecting pin, at least two components can be connected together via a respective component opening. The connecting block, which is formed as a single piece, comprises a central bearing block with two mutually opposing bearing surfaces for the components to be connected. A locking flange, which can be engaged in a component opening, is provided on the first bearing surface. On the other bearing surface, a widening flange is provided, which can be expanded by a spherical head of the connecting pin such that the widening flange is held via an axial undercut in the second component opening of the second component.

Claims

1. An elastic connecting block with which, through a receiving of a connecting pin, at least two components are connectable with each other via one component opening each, and which includes the following features: a. a central abutment block being formed as one piece, which includes a first and a second abutment surface being arranged opposite each other and running parallel with respect to each other, in which b. the first abutment surface comprises a tube-shaped locking flange which extends perpendicularly with regard to the first abutment surface, includes a first central passage channel and includes a circumferential locking recess in combination with a locking web at a radial outside, and c. the second abutment surface includes a tube-shaped widening flange without an outer locking structure which extends perpendicularly to the second abutment surface and includes a second central passage channel which tapers in the direction facing away from the second abutment surface, and d. a central fastening channel completely passes through the abutment block, ends in the first and the second central passage channel and includes a radially widened damping space between the first and the second abutment surface, the space opening radially beyond an inner diameter of the first and the second passage channel.

2. The elastic connecting block according to claim 1, in which the damping space is configured spherically shaped, so that a spherical section of the connecting pin is releasably lockable in there.

3. The elastic connecting block according to claim 1, in which the locking flange and the widening flange comprise lead-in chamfers which are arranged at a radial outside.

4. The elastic connecting block according to claim 1, in which at the locking flange, the locking web is configured circumferentially all round and wavelike in the radial cross section in order to guarantee an elastic deforming of the locking flange in the radial direction and in the axial direction.

5. The elastic connecting block according to claim 1 in which the abutment block has a cylindrical form in which the passage channel is arranged concentrically with respect to an axis of symmetry of the abutment block.

6. The elastic connecting block according to claim 5, in which the abutment block has wavelike punctures at a radial outside which form a wave spring structure.

7. The elastic connecting block according to claim 5, in which the abutment block has radially and/or axially extending openings and/or punctures at a radial outside.

8. The elastic connecting block according to claim 5, in which the abutment block consists of a solid material or of a foamed material with air pockets.

9. A connecting pin with which a connection between at least a first component with a first component opening and a second component with a second component opening can be established with the help of a connecting block according to claim 1 arranged in between, and which includes the following features: a. an end collar at a first axial end of the connecting pin, b. a first cylinder section, directly following the end collar and running in axial direction, having a smaller outer diameter than the end collar, c. a second cylinder section directly following the first cylinder section, having a smaller outer diameter than the first cylinder section, and d. a thickened end section at a second axial end of the connecting pin extending radially beyond the first cylinder section.

10. The connecting pin according to claim 9, in which the first and the second cylinder section are directly connected with each other via a truncated cone section.

11. The connecting pin according to claim 9, in which the thickened end section is connected with a third cylinder section, which faces the second cylinder section axially.

12. The connecting pin according to claim 9, in which the thickened end section is spherically shaped or semi-spherically shaped or elliptic or in the form of an arrow tip.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. A connection between a first component with a first component opening and a second component with a second component opening via an elastic connecting block according to claim 1 and a connecting pin according to claim 9 arranged in there.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. The elastic connecting block according to claim 2, in which the locking flange and the widening flange comprise lead-in chamfers which are arranged at a radial outside.

35. The elastic connecting block according to claim 2, in which at the locking flange, the locking web is configured circumferentially all round and wavelike in the radial cross section in order to guarantee an elastic deforming of the locking flange in the radial direction and in the axial direction.

36. The elastic connecting block according to claim 2, in which the abutment block has a cylindrical form in which the passage channel is arranged concentrically with respect to an axis of symmetry of the abutment block.

37. The elastic connecting block according to claim 3, in which at the locking flange, the locking web is configured circumferentially all round and wavelike in the radial cross section in order to guarantee an elastic deforming of the locking flange in the radial direction and in the axial direction.

38. The elastic connecting block according to claim 3, in which the abutment block has a cylindrical form in which the passage channel is arranged concentrically with respect to an axis of symmetry of the abutment block.

39. The connecting pin according to claim 10, in which the thickened end section is connected with a third cylinder section, which faces the second cylinder section axially.

40. The connecting pin according to claim 10, in which the thickened end section is spherically shaped or semi-spherically shaped or elliptic or in the form of an arrow tip.

Description

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

[0062] FIG. 1 an embodiment of a first alternative of the e damping block with a connecting pin in a perspective, partial sectional view,

[0063] FIG. 2 the damping block of FIG. 1 in a perspective sectional view,

[0064] FIG. 3 the connecting pin of FIG. 1 in a perspective view,

[0065] FIG. 4 a perspective lateral view of the damping block with connecting pin of FIG. 1,

[0066] FIG. 5 a first component with a first component opening into which the damping block with connecting pin according to FIG. 1 is inserted,

[0067] FIG. 6 the first component with the first component opening according to FIG. 5, in which the damping block with connecting pin has been fastened via a locking flange,

[0068] FIG. 7 the arrangement of FIG. 6 in which a widening flange of the damping block has been plugged into a second component opening of a second component,

[0069] FIG. 8 the arrangement of FIG. 7 in a lateral, partial sectional view, in which a thickened end of the connecting pin is held in a damping space of the damping block,

[0070] FIG. 9 the arrangement according to FIG. 8, in which the thickened end, here a spherical head, of the connecting pin has been displaced into the widening shaft in order to fasten the damping block at the second component,

[0071] FIG. 10 the damping block with connecting pin according to FIG. 1, by means of which a first and a second component with one component opening, each, have been fastened at each other,

[0072] FIG. 11 the damping block with inserted connecting pin according to the FIG. 9 or 10 in a partial lateral sectional view without the first and second component,

[0073] FIG. 12 an embodiment of a second alternative of the damping block with a connecting pin in a lateral sectional view in which the thickened end of the connecting pin is held in the damping space of the damping block,

[0074] FIG. 13 the damping block according to FIG. 12 in an enlarged lateral sectional view,

[0075] FIG. 14 a perspective view of an embodiment of the second alternative of the damping block,

[0076] FIG. 15 a perspective view of a further embodiment of the second alternative of the damping block,

[0077] FIG. 16 a perspective view of the connecting pin of the second alternative,

[0078] FIG. 17 a perspective view of the connecting pin according to a further embodiment of the second alternative,

[0079] FIG. 18 a view of the connecting pin according to a further embodiment of the second alternative,

[0080] FIG. 19 a connection between a first component with a component opening and a second component with a connecting pin according to FIG. 16 being fastened at it, via the damping block according to FIG. 14,

[0081] FIG. 20 a connection between a first component with a component opening and a second component with a connecting pin according to FIG. 17 or 18 being fastened at it, via the damping block according to FIG. 15,

[0082] FIG. 21 a flow chart of an embodiment of a manufacturing method of an elastic connecting block,

[0083] FIG. 22 a flow chart of a further embodiment of a manufacturing method of a connecting pin,

[0084] FIG. 23 a flow chart of an embodiment of a manufacturing method of a connecting pin,

[0085] FIG. 24 a flow chart of a connecting method for a first and a second component with one component opening each, and

[0086] FIG. 25 a flow chart of a further connecting method of a first component with a first component opening and a second component with a connecting pin being fastened at it via the damping block.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] FIGS. 9 and 10 each show views of a connection between a first component B1 and a second component B2. The connection is established with the help of an elastic connecting block 1 that may be arranged in a vibration damping manner between the two components B1, B2. In order to fasten the two components B1, B2 at each other, the elastic connecting block 1 has a locking flange 10 and a widening flange 30. The locking flange 10 is used for connecting the components B1, B2 in a first component opening O1 of the first component B1. The widening flange 30 is fastened in a second component opening O2 of the second component B2 for the purpose of connecting the components B1, B2.

[0088] In order to fasten, which may be to lock, the widening flange 30 in the second component opening O2 and the locking flange 10 in the first component opening O1, a connecting pin 60 is inserted into a central fastening channel 40 of the connecting block 1. In this context, a thickened end 62, which may be a spherical head or a spheric-like head, radially widens the widening flange 30 in order to form a fastening axial undercut and a press fit at the second component opening O2.

[0089] A first cylinder section 64 stabilizes the locking flange 10 from the inside and prevents its deforming radially inwardly. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the elastic connecting block 1 with a connecting pin 60 which may be adapted to it. The connecting block 1 consists of the abutment block 20. The abutment block 20 has two abutment surfaces 22, 24 being arranged opposite to each other. The abutment surfaces 22, 24 support the two components B1, B2 in the connection.

[0090] Depending on the requested arrangement of the components B1, B2 in the connection to be established, i.e., the components B1, B2 are arranged parallel to each other or angularly inclined to each other, the abutment surfaces 22, 24 at the abutment block 20 are arranged with respect to each other. Accordingly, the abutment block 20 may be formed in different ways.

[0091] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cylindrical abutment block 20 with parallel abutment surfaces 22, 24. The abutment block 20 could also be formed trapezoidal in the axial cross section, in which the abutment surfaces 22, 24 particularly do not extend parallel to each other, but are configured plane (not shown).

[0092] The constructive features of the abutment block 20 are described based on a cylindrically formed abutment block 20. They analogously apply to differently formed abutment blocks 20.

[0093] As can be recognized based on the FIGS. 9 and 10, the adjacent components B1, B2 rest against the abutment surfaces 22, 24 of the abutment block 20. As the abutment block 20 consists of an elastic material, the abutment block 20 absorbs vibrations of the components B1, B2 via the abutment surfaces 22, 24 and dampens them. For this purpose, the abutment block 20 may consist of an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomer or the like.

[0094] Material alternatives of the abutment block 20, 20′ may include: VMQ (silicone) with the subgroups LSR (liquid silicone) and HCR (solid silicone), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), EPDM-X+PP (ethylene propylene diene/polypropylene), NR (natural rubber), NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber), CR (chloroprene rubber), FKM (fluoro rubber) and ECO (epichlorohydrin rubber).

[0095] A shore hardness of the materials of the abutment block may lie in the range of 10 and 80 shore A.

[0096] The locking flange 10 which is configured tube-shaped extends from the first abutment surface 22 which may be perpendicularly. The locking flange 10 has a locking recess 12 in combination with an adjacent locking web 14 at a radial outside. The locking web 14 is equipped with a lead-in chamfer 16 for a facilitated inserting into the first component opening O1 of the first component B1. Based on the tube-shaped construction of the locking flange 10, a first passage channel 18 extends in its interior through the locking web 10. The passage channel 18 is part of the fastening channel 40 which passes through the complete abutment block 20 which may be formed as one part.

[0097] The locking flange 10 may comprise radial recesses 19 at its radial outside. They increase the flexibility and deformability of the locking flange 10 in order to be able to lock it more easily in the first component opening O1.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the first abutment surface 22 includes elevations (not shown) which extend beyond them in the direction of the locking flange 10. The elevations may consist of weblike ribs or humps. For the compensation of thickness tolerances of the first component B1, the compressible elevations reduce the width of the locking recess 12. Accordingly, the elevations may be sufficiently compressed when the locking flange 10 locks in the first component opening O1, i.e., reduced in their height, so that the first component B1 can engage into the locking recess 12.

[0099] In order to guarantee the damping behavior of the abutment block 20, it includes, besides an elastically deformable material, design features which support a compression of the abutment block 20. Recesses or wavelike geometries may be provided at the lateral or radial outside 26 of the abutment block 20 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening channel 18. These geometries facilitate a compression or deformation of the abutment block 20 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening channel 18. In this context, the abutment block may be made of a solid material with air pockets. Depending on the proportion or share of air pockets, a deformability and a damping capability of the abutment block 20 can thereby be adjusted.

[0100] The fastening channel 40 for receiving the connecting pin 60 (see below) transitions from the passage channel 18 of the locking flange 10 into a damping space 42. Opposite to the locking flange 10, the damping space 42 leads to a passage channel 32 of the widening flange 30. The damping space 42 may have a radial or lateral expansion which extends beyond a radius of the passage channels 18, 32. The damping space 42 may enclose a spherical or elliptic or curvilinear or polygonal air volume which supports the vibration damping of the abutment block 20. In FIG. 2, the damping space 42 is exemplary illustrated spherically shaped. The damping space 42 may be provided as an ellipsoid, a cylinder, a double cone, a prism or a crossing point of a plurality of tubes.

[0101] Beside the supporting and specific influencing of the damping behavior of the abutment block 20, the damping space 42 may have the function of holding the thickened end 62, which may be the spherical head or another suitable design, in a pre-assembled state of the connection (see FIG. 1). In this pre-assembled position, the spherical head 62, which is considered an example for the thickened end 62, does not yet widen the widening flange 30. Accordingly, the widening flange 30 is insertable into the second component opening O2 of the second component B2. Only when the widening flange 30 has been inserted into the second component opening O2 and the second abutment surface 24 rests against the second component B2 is the connecting pin 60 further moved or shifted, respectively, in the connection direction R.sub.V in the fastening channel 40.

[0102] The connecting pin 60 may be shifted into the fastening channel 40 so far until the widening flange 30, widened by the spherical head 62, is sufficiently fastened in the second component opening O2 of the second component B2.

[0103] In order to achieve a reliable fastening of the widening flange 30 in the second component opening O2, the widening flange 30 may include an excess with respect to the inner diameter of the second component opening O2. The advantage of the excess is that the widening flange 30 is held in the second component opening O2 already before the receiving of the spherical head 62 by press fit or friction fit, respectively.

[0104] According to a further design of the widening flange 30, the passage channel 32 tapers in the connection direction R.sub.V. For this purpose, the widening flange 30 is configured conically at its inside. As soon as the spherical head 62 is displaced into the widening flange 30, the spherical head 62 widens the wall of the widening flange 30 radially to the outside. Accordingly, an axial undercut above the second component B2 may be formed in the connection direction R.sub.V. By that, the second component B2 is held between the abutment surface 24 and the undercut of the widening flange 30.

[0105] A lead-in chamfer 36 may be provided at the radial outside of the widening flange 30. It facilitates an inserting of the widening flange 30 in the second component opening O2.

[0106] The above-referenced state of the preassembly is shown in FIG. 8. Here, the spherical head 62 may be arranged in the damping space 42. In this preassembled state, the widening flange 30 is pre-fastened in the second component opening O2 in the second component B2 by means of a press fit. As soon as the second component B2 abuts the abutment surface 24, the connecting pin 60 and thus the spherical head 62 is displaced into the widening flange 30 (see FIGS. 9, 10 and 11) in the connection direction. By that, the spherical head 62 clears the damping space 42 and fastens the widening flange 30 in the second component opening O2.

[0107] In order to be able to establish the connection state according to FIG. 9 as easy as possible, the connecting pin 60 has an end collar 66. The end collar 66 extends radially beyond the first cylinder section 64 as well as beyond an inner diameter of the locking flange 30. While the first cylinder section 64 stabilizes the locking flange 10 within the first component opening O1, the radial extension of the end collar 66 prevents a further inserting of the connecting pin 60 in the connection direction R.sub.V into the fastening channel 40. Accordingly, the connecting pin 60 may be to be pressed or moved into the fastening channel 40 in the connection direction R.sub.v until abutment in order to establish a connection between the two components B1, B2.

[0108] While the end collar 66 may be provided as a connection aid for the worker, an axial end projection 68 may serve as a haptic signal for a completely established connection. Because only when the connecting pin 60 is completely inserted into the fastening channel 40, does the end projection 68 project recognizably and/or haptically sensible beyond the widening shaft 30.

[0109] The connecting pin 60 is shown in larger detail in FIG. 3. It comprises the end collar 66 which is directly connected to the first cylinder section 64. A second cylinder section 70 is provided adjacent to the first cylinder section 64. It may have a smaller outer diameter than the first cylinder section 64. In an established connection (see FIG. 9), the second cylinder section 70 is arranged in the portion of the damping space 42. The outer diameter which is reduced compared with the first cylinder section 64 provides for a reduced supporting of the damping block 20 in the portion of the damping space 42 by the connecting pin 60. In this way, the damping behavior of the damping block 20 is supported or only negligibly impaired by the connecting pin 60.

[0110] The first and the second cylinder section 64, 70 may transition into one another directly or via a conical connection portion 72.

[0111] A third cylinder section 74 may be provided adjacent to the spherical head or the thickened end 62. It stabilizes the widening flange 30 within the second component opening O2. Due to the third cylinder section, a deformation of the widening flange 30 in this portion is minimized radially inwardly.

[0112] The cylinder section 70 may transition directly or via a conical portion 76 into the cylinder section 74. The same may apply to the connection between the spherical head 62 and the cylinder section 74.

[0113] According to different designs of the present disclosure, the thickened end 62 may be configured as a spherical head, lens head, elliptic head, arrow tip head or semi-spherical head. In summary, all thickened designs, which radially widen the widening flange 30 to a fixing undercut, are suitable.

[0114] The connecting pin 60 may consist of a deformation resistant plastic material, for example a thermoplastic. Accordingly, the connecting pin 60 may be produced by an injection molding method. For this purpose, an injection mold is provided having the complementary form features corresponding to the above-described geometric features or a selection of them. After the injection molding of the connecting pin 60 in the injection mold, it is demolded from the same.

[0115] According to a further manufacturing alternative, the connecting pin 60 may be produced by means of a machining process, as for example turning. For this purpose, the connecting pin 60 may consist of metal.

[0116] According to the connecting method for the two components B1, B2 with the help of the elastic connecting block 20 and the connecting pin 60, the connecting pin 60 may be firstly pre-assembled in the central fastening channel 40 of the damping block 20 in a first step S1. This may be carried out before the locking flange 10 is locked in the first component opening O1. The spherical head 62 may be arranged in the damping space 42 in this state.

[0117] In a further step S2, the locking flange 10 of the connecting block 1 is locked in the first component opening O1 of the first component B1. Subsequently, in step S3, the second component B2 is arranged opposite to the first component B1 and the widening flange 30 is plugged into the second component opening O2 of the second component B2. Now, in order to establish the connection between the two components B1, B2, the connecting pin 60 is plugged into the fastening channel 40 so far until the spherical head 62 radially widens the widening shaft 30 and is by that frictionally fastened in the second component opening O2 by means of an axial undercut.

[0118] Within the meaning of the above-described connecting method the connecting pin 60 may be moved in the central fastening channel 40 so far until the first cylinder section 64 is received in the locking flange 10 and stabilizes it against deformation. The connecting pin may be moved so far within the fastening channel 40 until the end projection 68 projects beyond the widening flange 30 or/and is haptically sensible by the worker at this position.

[0119] The present disclosure includes a further alternative of the elastic connecting block 1′ in combination with a connecting pin 60 adapted to it. An embodiment is shown in a lateral view in FIG. 12.

[0120] The elastic connecting block 1′ comprises an abutment block 20′ with the abutment surfaces 22′, 24′ as well as with a central fastening channel 40′ in which the connecting pin 60′ is arranged (see FIGS. 13 to 20). The same reference signs compared with the above described first alternative of the elastic connecting block 1 with connecting pin 60 express that the same designated geometric features have the same construction and realize same functions.

[0121] The abutment surface 22′ is configured without locking flange. It may comprise elevations, such as ribs 25, humps, webs or the like which project out of the abutment surface 22′.

[0122] The abutment block 20′ is provided for a connecting pin 60′ which is already connected with a component B1′. Accordingly, a second cylinder section 70′ is connected with an end face 90, which may be part of the first component B1′.

[0123] Besides the second cylinder section 70′, the connecting pin 60′ may include a further cylinder section 74′ which is arranged adjacent to the thickened axial end portion 62′. The connecting pin 60′ is received in the fastening channel 40′ with the same features of the above-described fastening channel 40. Accordingly, the spherical head 62′ may be pre-assembled or fastened intermediately in the damping space 42′. In the established connection, the cylinder section 70′ is positioned in the damping space 42′ in order to not impair the damping behavior of the abutment block 20′.

[0124] The widening flange 30′ may include a passage channel 32′ conically tapering in the connection direction R.sub.V. Alternating axially extending ribs 50 and recesses 52 may be provided at the radial outside of the widening flange 30′. They support a facilitated deformability of the wall of the widening flange 30.

[0125] In contrast to the abutment block 20, the abutment block 20′ may be configured circumferentially wavelike. The valleys 54 and axil webs 56 support the operability of the abutment block 20′.

[0126] The connecting pin 60′ according to FIG. 16 has the same geometric features as the connecting pin 60 (see above), apart from the first cylinder section 64 and the end collar 66.

[0127] A further design is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The spherical head 62′ may include a circumferential locking projection 77. It is arranged in a radial plane of the connecting pin 60′. A locking recess 79 is provided adjacent to the locking projection 77. As can be seen based on FIG. 20, the spherical head 62′ is moved through the widening flange 30′ so far that the circumferential wall of the widening flange 30′ locks at the locking projection 77. Accordingly, the wall of the widening flange 30′ snaps into the locking recess 79.

[0128] Compared to that, the connecting pin 60′ in FIG. 19 has the same geometric features according to FIG. 16.

[0129] According to FIGS. 19 and 20, the widening flange is radially widened and fastened in the second component opening O2 of the second component B2 when the spherical head 62′ is inserted into the widening flange 30′.

[0130] In order to establish the connection between the two components B1′, B2′ via the elastic connecting block 1′, the connecting pin 60′ may be fastened at the first component B1′. Accordingly, no component opening is necessary in the first component B1′ in order to receive a locking flange. The connecting pin 60′ with the spherical head 62′ may be pre-positioned in the damping space 42′ within the frame of a pre-assembly. It is possible with this positioning that the first component B1′, for example a housing, a cladding or an add-on part, is delivered with the pre-assembled abutment block 20′.

[0131] In a next step, the widening flange 30′ is inserted into the second component opening O2 of the second component B2.

[0132] The components B1′, B2′ to be fastened at each other are moved towards each other relatively in order to force the spherical head 62′ into the widening flange 30′.

[0133] In order to be able to move the spherical head 62′ sufficiently far into the widening flange 30′, the elevations 25 may be compressed by the first component B1′. The compression of the elevations 25 indirectly elongates the connecting pin 60′ so that the spherical head 62′ can be moved further into the widening shaft 30′.

[0134] With respect to FIGS. 17, 18 and 20, the compression of the elevations 25 supports a locking of the wall of the widening flange 30′ at the locking projection 77. This locking may be sensible and/or visible as a feature for the worker, too.

[0135] Furthermore, the compressing of the elevations 25 after the fastening of the widening flange 30′ in the second component opening O2 generates a compressing pretension of the abutment block 20′ between the components B1′ and B2′ which are connected with each other. This pretension guarantees that the components reliably contact the adjacent abutment surfaces 22′, 24′ in order to be able to transfer possible component vibrations onto the abutment block for the purpose of damping vibrations.