HOLLOW-CYLINDRICAL BASE ELEMENT OF A CONNECTING UNIT

Abstract

A hollow-cylindrical base element of a connecting unit for connecting a first component to a second component with a distance therebetween has an outer side, a threadless inner side, adjacent to a first axial end has a first drive feature and a first inner diameter, and adjacent to a second axial end a pivoting element with a threadless passage opening having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. A first outer thread is provided between the first and the second axial end, wherein the first outer thread, when used in the first component, is in engagement therewith. The pivoting element is at least partially in engagement with the inner side of the base element in such a form-fitting manner that it is immovable along a longitudinal axis of the base element and is pivotable relative to the base element.

Claims

1. A hollow-cylindrical base element of a connecting unit for connecting a first component to a second component with a distance therebetween, comprising: a. an outer side and a threadless inner side, b. adjacent to a first axial end, a first drive feature and a first inner diameter, c. adjacent to a second axial end arranged opposite to the first axial end, a pivoting element having a threadless passage opening which has a second inner diameter which is smaller than the first inner diameter, and d. between the first and the second axial end, a first outer thread which, when used in the first component, is in engagement therewith, wherein e. the pivoting element is in engagement at least partially with the threadless inner side of the hollow-cylindrical base element in such a form-fitting manner that it e1. is immovable in the axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the base element, and e2. is pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis of the base element.

2. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1, in which the pivoting element comprises a ball segment section and the base element comprises a connecting section adapted to the ball segment section, so that the pivoting element is at least partially in engagement with the threadless inner side of the hollow-cylindrical base element in a form-fitting manner.

3. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1 in which the first outer thread is formed in a self-cutting or self-tapping manner.

4. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1 which comprises a flange at the first axial end.

5. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1, which comprises, adjacent to the second axial end, a circumferential groove for the fastening of a securing disc.

6. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1, wherein the base element is made of a first plastic and the pivoting element is made of a second plastic or metal.

7. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1, in which the pivoting element is pivotable by a solid angle of at least 2 relative to the longitudinal axis of the base element.

8. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1, in which the pivoting element further comprises a cylindrical section which is arranged at the ball segment section facing away from the first axial end.

9. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting element can be rotated by 360 relative to the base element.

10. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 2 in which the first outer thread is formed in a self-cutting or self-tapping manner.

11. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 2 which comprises a flange at the first axial end.

12. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 2, which comprises, adjacent to the second axial end, a circumferential groove for the fastening of a securing disc.

13. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 2, wherein the base element is made of a first plastic and the pivoting element is made of a second plastic or metal.

14. The hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 2, in which the pivoting element is pivotable by a solid angle of at least 2 relative to the longitudinal axis of the base element.

15. A connection of a first and a second component with a distance therebetween, wherein a hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1 is screwed into the first component and a second outer thread of a connecting screw is in engagement with a second inner thread at or adjacent to the second component, wherein the connecting screw has a head as well as a shaft and the second outer thread is provided at the shaft, which is, in use, in engagement with the second inner thread at or adjacent to the second component, wherein the first inner diameter of the base element is larger than an outer diameter of the head of the connecting screw and the second inner diameter of the passage opening of the pivoting element is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft of the connecting screw, so that the head of the connecting screw is arrangeable in the base element and the shaft of the connecting screw extends through the passage opening.

16. A manufacturing method of a hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1, which comprises the steps: a. providing a pivoting element and a casting mold for the base element having a shape complementary to the base element, and either b1. arranging the pivoting element in the casting mold, c1. casting a material for the base element into the casting mold, and d1. curing and demolding the base element with the pivoting element at least partially molded therein, or b2. casting a material for the base element into the casting mold, wherein the base element has a radial clearance adjacent to the second axial end, c2. curing and demolding the base element and d2. clipping the pivoting element into the demolded base element.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, in which the material of the base element is a first plastic and the pivoting element is made of a second plastic or metal.

18. A connecting method of a first component to a second component with a distance therebetween by a hollow-cylindrical base element according to claim 1 in combination with a connecting screw having a head, a shaft and a second outer thread provided at the shaft, which is, in use, in engagement with a second inner thread at or adjacent to the second component, wherein the first inner diameter of the base element is larger than an outer diameter of the head of the connecting screw and the second inner diameter of the passage opening of the pivoting element is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft of the connecting screw, so that the head of the connecting screw is arrangeable in the base element and the shaft of the connecting screw extends through the passage opening, comprising the following steps: a. screwing the base element into a first opening in the first component, b. inserting the connecting screw into the base element such that the head of the connecting screw is arranged in the base element and the shaft of the connecting screw extends through the passage opening; and c. screwing the connecting screw into the second inner thread at or adjacent to the second component.

19. The connecting method according to claim 18, wherein the base element comprises a circumferential groove adjacent to the second axial end and the connecting method comprises the further step: d. arranging a securing disc in the groove after the step of screwing-in the base element so that the base element is secured against unintentional loosening from the first component.

20. The connecting method according to claim 18, which comprises the further step: e. adjusting a distance between the first and the second component by rotating the base element after the step of screwing-in the connecting screw.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In the following, the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the drawings. Identical reference signs in the drawings designate identical components and/or elements. Showing:

[0041] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a hollow-cylindrical base element according to the company's internal prior art with a partial section through the base element,

[0042] FIG. 2 a perspective view of the hollow-cylindrical base element of FIG. 1 during use,

[0043] FIG. 3 a first perspective view of a hollow-cylindrical base element with partial section through the base element,

[0044] FIG. 4 a second perspective view of the hollow-cylindrical base element from FIG. 3 with a pivoted pivoting element,

[0045] FIG. 5 a perspective view of the hollow-cylindrical base element of FIG. 4,

[0046] FIG. 6 a plan view of the hollow-cylindrical base element according to FIG. 3,

[0047] FIG. 7 a view of the hollow-cylindrical base element according to FIG. 3 from below,

[0048] FIG. 8 a view of the hollow-cylindrical base element according to FIG. 3 in which the right side is shown in section,

[0049] FIG. 9 a sectional view of the hollow-cylindrical base element of FIG. 3 with a pivoted pivoting element,

[0050] FIG. 10 a perspective view of a securing disc,

[0051] FIG. 11 a first sectional view of a connection of a first and a second component with the base element according to FIG. 3, wherein the first and the second component are arranged parallel to each other,

[0052] FIG. 12 a second sectional view of a connection of a first and a second component with the base element according to FIG. 3, wherein the first and the second component are not arranged parallel to each other,

[0053] FIG. 13 a schematic process sequence of an embodiment of a manufacturing method,

[0054] FIG. 14 a schematic process sequence of an embodiment of a connecting method,

[0055] FIG. 15 a first perspective view of a hollow-cylindrical base element according to a second embodiment,

[0056] FIG. 16 a second perspective view of the hollow-cylindrical base element according to the second embodiment,

[0057] FIG. 17 a first sectional view of the base element according to FIG. 15,

[0058] FIG. 18 a second sectional view of the base element according to FIG. 15, and

[0059] FIG. 19 a schematic process sequence of an embodiment of a manufacturing method for the base element according to FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In the following, embodiments of a hollow-cylindrical base element 10 are described in detail. The base element 10 is distinguished in particular by the fact that it is axially adjustable as well as that it offers a radial compensation possibility, i.e. a desired distance between two components A, B is manually adjustable by means of the base element 10. In addition, the base element 10 ensures that the components A, B are not connected to each other under tension, even at a non-parallel and/or displaced arrangement of the connecting points or connecting places of the two components A, B to be connected.

[0061] The base element 10 can therefore be used wherever two components A, B have to be connected with a distance therebetween and an angle between the connecting points or connecting places may have to be compensated, i.e. where the connecting points or connecting places are not aligned parallel to each other. An example of this is the fastening of lights, in particular tail lights, to the vehicle body of a motor vehicle.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 12, the hollow-cylindrical base element 10 comprises a first axial end 12 and a second axial end 14 which define a longitudinal axis of the base element 10. A first drive feature is provided adjacent to the first axial end 12. The first drive feature may be an inner and/or outer drive feature. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base element 10 comprises a flange at the first axial end 12, which provides an outer hexagon on the radial outer side as the outer drive feature and an inner hexagon on the radial inner side as the inner drive feature. Thus, the base element 10 is screwable into the first component A by means of a wrench or the like as well as by means of an Allen key or the like.

[0063] In the following, the design of the radial outer side of the base element 10 is first discussed with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Along the longitudinal axis of the base element 10, the first drive feature adjacent to the first axial end 12 is followed by a first outer thread 16, which is in or upon use with the first component A in engagement therewith. The first outer thread 16 is formed in a self-cutting or self-tapping manner, see FIG. 5. This is particularly useful with regard to a first component A made of plastic, since the opening in the first component A does not have to comprise an inner thread. This therefore simplifies the manufacturing process. Regarding the design of self-cutting or self-tapping threads, reference is made, for example, to DE 10 2016 101 910 A1 or DE 10 2004 021 484 A1, which describe correspondingly designed threads.

[0064] Along the longitudinal axis of the base element 10 in the direction of the second axial end 14, a circumferential groove 22 is also provided for fastening a securing disc 50. The groove is thus arranged adjacent to the second axial end 14. In use, after the base element 10 has been screwed into the first opening in the first component A, the securing disc 50 is arranged in the groove 22 so that it serves for securing against unintentional unscrewing of the base element 10 from the first component A. The securing disc 50 can also act as a transport safety or protection if the first component A with the base element 10 already screwed into it is to be transported to another processing location.

[0065] Now, the design of the base element 10 in the interior is explained with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 to 9. As already discussed above, the base element 10 also has an inner drive feature, namely the inner hexagon adjacent to the first axial end 12. Along the longitudinal axis of the base element 10 a threadless inner side 18 is following, which extends up to the second axial end 14. At that, the threadless inner side 18 comprises at least two sections.

[0066] In a first section adjacent to the first axial end 12, the hollow-cylindrical base element 10 comprises a first inner diameter. At that, the first inner drive feature transitions with a step into this round threadless section with the first inner diameter. The section with the first inner diameter transitions via a further step into a connecting section 20, which terminates with the second axial end 14.

[0067] In the area or portion of the connecting section 20, i.e. adjacent to the second axial end 14, a pivoting element 40 with a threadless passage opening 42 is provided. The pivoting element 40 comprises a ball segment section 44 as well as a cylindrical section 46. The cylindrical section 46 is arranged at the ball segment section 44 facing away from the first axial end 12 and, when in use, provides an abutment face for the second component B, which will be discussed later.

[0068] The threadless passage opening 42 comprises a second inner diameter which is smaller than the first inner diameter, i.e. the inner diameter in the first threadless section adjacent to the first axial end 12 of the base element 10. The passage opening 42 extends with an unchanged diameter through both the ball segment section 44 and the cylindrical section 46.

[0069] To provide a form-fitting connection between the pivoting element 40 and the base element 10, the connecting section 20 comprises a configuration adapted to the ball segment section 44 of the pivoting element 40. In this way, the pivoting element is immovable in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis of the base element 10. This means that the pivoting element cannot be released from the base element 10 without destroying the base element 10.

[0070] Furthermore, and as can be seen particularly in FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, by this design, the pivoting element 40 is pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis of the base element 10. The pivotability may be present in a solid or space angle of at least 2, or at least 3 or at least 4 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base element 10. These are the solid or space angles which are usually to be compensated if a tail light is to be fastened to a vehicle body of a motor vehicle. In this way, the application area or field is selected to be particularly advantageous. Depending on the dimensioning and design of the base element 10 and the pivoting element 40, larger angle ranges can also be realized.

[0071] In addition, because of this special form-fitting connection, the pivoting element 40 may be arranged in the base element 10 so that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis. In particular, the pivoting element 40 can be rotated by 360 in the base element 10. The advantage of this construction will become clear later in the explanation of the connecting method.

[0072] The base element 10 may be made of a first plastic and the pivoting element 40 is made of a second plastic or metal. If the pivoting element 40 is made of metal, a particularly tight screw connection between the first A and second component B can be realized. If the pivoting element 40 is made of plastic, the plastic for the pivoting element 40 must have a higher melting temperature than the plastic for the base element 10. For clarification, the manufacturing method of the base element 10 is explained below with reference to FIG. 13.

[0073] In a first step I, a providing of a pivoting element 40 and a casting mold for the base element 10 having a shape complementary to the base element 10 takes place. In a subsequent second step II, the pivoting element 40 is arranged in the mold. Casting a material for the base element 10 into the casting mold takes place in step III and in step IV a curing and demolding of the base element 10 with the pivoting element 40 at least partially molded therein takes place.

[0074] As explained above, the material of the base element 10 is in particular a first plastic and the pivoting element 40 is made of a second plastic or metal. If the pivoting element 40 is made of metal, the surface of the pivoting element 40, in particular the ball segment section 44, may be coated with a lubricant in order to achieve a particular ease of movement when the pivoting element moves relative to the base element 10.

[0075] For example, PPA-GF50 can be used as the material for the base element 10. If the pivoting element 40 is also to be made of plastic, then PEEK can be used. PEEK has a higher melting temperature compared to PPA-GF50, which is necessary due to recasting or overmolding with the material of the base element 10. Therefore, the second plastic for the pivoting element 40 must inevitably have a higher melting temperature than the first plastic for the base element 10 in order to be able to realize the desired structure.

[0076] In addition, it may be preferred that the pivoting element 40 is coated with a lubricant, in particular in the area of the ball segment section 44, in order to ensure a corresponding ease of movement later during a relative movement with respect to the base element 10. If both the pivoting element 40 and the base element 10 are made of plastic, as described above, the plastic of the base element 10 may comprise an additive such as PTFE in order to increase the sliding properties of the pivoting element 40 in the base element 10. The use of an additive such as PTFE in the material of the base element 10 may also be preferred for a pivoting element 40 made of metal.

[0077] Now with reference to FIG. 11 and the sequence of a connecting method according to FIG. 14, the use of the base element 10 is described. In the example according to FIG. 11, the two components A, B are arranged parallel to each other at the connecting points. In this way, the basic understanding of the functionality of the base element 10 shall first be improved.

[0078] First, a screwing of the base element 10 into a first opening in the first component A takes place in step a. Since the first outer thread of the base element 10 is formed self-tappingly or self-cuttingly, the first component A is made of plastic and the first opening is threadless at the beginning. The screwing-in may be performed by means of the first drive feature, i.e. the inner or outer hexagon in this example and until the flange at the first axial end 12 abuts on one side of the first component A.

[0079] In step d, the securing disc 50 shown in FIG. 10 is now arranged in the groove 22. In this way, the base element 10 is secured against unintentional loosening from the first component A, i.e. the securing disc 50 provides a securing or protection against an unscrewing of the base element 10 from the first component A. This is particularly advantageous when adjusting the distance between the two components A and B, as the base element 10 cannot be screwed out of component A by mistake. The use of the securing disc 50 can also be advantageous if the first component A with the base element 10 has to be transported to another processing location. Alternatively, a securing of the base element 10 in the first component A is carried out during transport due to the preferred self-tapping or self-cutting outer thread.

[0080] At the processing location, the second component B with the second opening is arranged adjacent to the first component A. In step b, a connecting screw 60 is inserted into the base element 10 and the passage opening 42 to fasten the two components A and B to each other. The connecting screw comprises a head 62 and a shaft 64 as well as a second outer thread 66 provided at the shaft 64. The first inner diameter of the base element 10 is larger than an outer diameter of the head 62. In this way, the head 62 can be arranged in the base element 60 as well as in abutment with the pivoting element 40. The second inner diameter in the area of the passage opening 42 is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft 64 of the connecting screw 60. Therefore, the shaft 64 can be inserted through the passage opening 42 without being in engagement with it. Due to the radial distance present between the shaft 64 of the connecting screw 60 and the passage opening 42, even at a parallel arrangement of the first A and the second component B a lateral displacement between the openings in the two components A and B can be compensated.

[0081] In the shown embodiment an only one-sided accessibility of the components A, B to be connected is assumed. Therefore, an inner thread 70 matching the second outer thread 66 of the connecting screw 60 is provided at or adjacent to the second component B, for example by means of a weld nut arranged at it. A screwing of the connecting screw 60 into this inner thread 70 at or adjacent to the second component B is carried out in step c. The screwing-in takes place until the head 62 of the connecting screw 60 abuts at the pivoting element 40.

[0082] Finally, in step e, an adjusting of a distance between the first A and the second component B is performed by rotating the base element 10 after the step of screwing-in the connecting screw 60. Due to the specific design of the pivoting element 40 and the base element 10, here it is not necessary to loosen the connecting screw 60. Instead, the base element 10 rotates relative to the pivoting element 40 so that the screw connection by means of the connecting screw 60 remains in place. Accordingly, the pivoting element 40 is rotatable by 360 relative to the base element 10.

[0083] In order to illustrate a further advantage of the base element 10, FIG. 12 shows an example in which the two components A and B are not arranged parallel to each other, so that a solid or space angle has to be compensated as well. The above descriptions for a parallel arrangement apply analogously, so that in this case as well, for example, a lateral displacement between the openings in the two components A and B can be compensated due to the radial distance between the shaft 64 of the connecting screw 60 and the passage opening 42. As can be seen here, the longitudinal axis of the connecting screw 60 is pivoted relative to the longitudinal axis of the base element 10. The longitudinal axis of the connecting screw 60, however, corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the pivoting element 40. The pivoting element 40 thus continues to abut at the second component B with its cylindrical section 46 and the base element 10 is fastened in the first component A.

[0084] In case a distance between the two components A, B has to be changed, the base element 10 can now easily be screwed further into the first component A or further out of the first component A by means of the first drive feature in the base element 10. The screwing of the base element 10 does not influence the fastening of the connecting screw 60 in the second component B. Thus, in this example, the base element 10 also ensures a tension-free fastening of the first component A to the second component B.

[0085] FIGS. 15 to 18 show a further embodiment of a base element 100. Compared to the embodiment of the base element 10 discussed above, the base element 100 comprises a radial cutout or clearance 102 adjacent to the second axial end 14. In this way, the longitudinal axis of the base element 100 encloses an angle of 90 with an assembly and disassembly direction of the pivoting element 40.

[0086] Here, the radial cutout or clearance 102 is designed so that it has a convex shape along the longitudinal axis of the base element 100. This means that a diameter of the cutout or clearance 102 increases starting adjacent to the first outer thread 16 to a maximum and decreases from there towards the second axial end 14. In this way, an undercut is formed in particular adjacent to the first outer thread 16 for the pivoting element 40 in the assembly and disassembly direction, so that the pivoting element 40 is held securely in the base element 100. This can be seen in FIG. 18, which shows a section through the base element 100 in the area of the radial cutout or clearance 102 adjacent to the first outer thread 16. In the area of the maximum diameter of the cutout or clearance 102, as can be seen in FIG. 17, this undercut is preferably not present, which facilitates an assembly and disassembly of the pivoting element 40.

[0087] For clarification, the manufacturing method of the base element 100 is explained below with reference to FIG. 19. In a first step I, a providing of a pivoting element 40 and a casting mold for the base element 100 having a shape complementary to the base element 100 takes place. In a subsequent second step V, a material for the base element 100 is cast into the casting mold, wherein the base element 100 has a radial cutout or clearance 102 adjacent to the second axial end. A curing and demolding of the base element 100 takes place in step VI. Finally, in step VII, the pivoting element 40 is clipped into the demolded base element 100. In all other respects, the explanations for the base element 10 apply analogously.

[0088] While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presently preferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

List of Some Embodiments

[0089] 1. A hollow-cylindrical base element (10) of a connecting unit for connecting a first component (A) to a second component (B) with a distance therebetween, comprising:

[0090] a. an outer side and a threadless inner side (18),

[0091] b. adjacent to a first axial end (12), a first drive feature and a first inner diameter,

[0092] c. adjacent to a second axial end (14) arranged opposite to the first axial end (12), a pivoting element (40) having a threadless passage opening (42) which has a second inner diameter which is smaller than the first inner diameter, and

[0093] d. between the first (12) and the second axial end (14), a first outer thread (16) which, when used in the first component (A), is in engagement therewith, wherein

[0094] e. the pivoting element (40) is in engagement at least partially with the threadless inner side (18) of the hollow-cylindrical base element (10) in such a form-fitting manner that it

[0095] e1. is immovable in the axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the base element (10), and

[0096] e2. is pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis of the base element (10).

[0097] 2. The hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to embodiment 1, in which the pivoting element (40) comprises a ball segment section (44) and the base element (10) comprises a connecting section (20) adapted to the ball segment section (44), so that the pivoting element (40) is at least partially in engagement with the threadless inner side (18) of the hollow-cylindrical base element (10) in a form-fitting manner.

[0098] 3. The hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments in which the first outer thread (16) is formed in a self-cutting or self-tapping manner.

[0099] 4. The hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments which comprises a flange at the first axial end (12).

[0100] 5. The hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments, which comprises, adjacent to the second axial end (14), a circumferential groove (22) for the fastening of a securing disc (50).

[0101] 6. The hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base element (10) is made of a first plastic and the pivoting element (40) is made of a second plastic or metal.

[0102] 7. The hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments, in which the pivoting element (40) is pivotable by a solid angle of at least 2, preferably at least 3 and particularly preferably by at least 4 relative to the longitudinal axis of the base element (10).

[0103] 8. The hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments, in which the pivoting element (40) further comprises a cylindrical section (46) which is arranged at the ball segment section (44) facing away from the first axial end (12).

[0104] 9. The hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pivoting element (40) can be rotated by 360 relative to the base element (10).

[0105] 10. A first component (A) into which a hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the embodiments 1 to 9 is screwed.

[0106] 11. A connecting unit for connecting a first component (A) to a second component (B) with a distance therebetween, comprising:

[0107] a. a hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of embodiments 1 to 9, and

[0108] b. a connecting screw (60) having a head (62), a shaft (64) and a second outer thread (66) provided at the shaft, which is, in use, in engagement with a second inner thread (70) at or adjacent to the second component (B), wherein

[0109] c. the first inner diameter is larger than an outer diameter of the head (62) of the connecting screw (60) and the second inner diameter is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft (64) of the connecting screw (60), so that the head (62) of the connecting screw (60) is arrangeable in the base element (10) and the shaft (64) of the connecting screw (60) extends through the passage opening (42).

[0110] 12. A connection of a first (A) and a second component (B) in which a base element (10) of a connecting unit according to embodiment 11 is screwed into the first component (A) and the second outer thread (66) of the connecting screw (60) is in engagement with a second inner thread (70) at or adjacent to the second component (B).

[0111] 13. A manufacturing method of a hollow-cylindrical base element (10) according to one of the embodiments 1 to 9, which comprises the steps:

[0112] a. providing a pivoting element (40) and a casting mold for the base element (10) having a shape complementary to the base element (10), and either

[0113] b1. arranging the pivoting element (40) in the casting mold,

[0114] c1. casting a material for the base element (10) into the casting mold, and

[0115] d1. curing and demolding the base element (10) with the pivoting element (40) at least partially molded therein, or

[0116] b2. casting a material for the base element (10) into the casting mold, wherein the base element (100) has a radial clearance (102) adjacent to the second axial end,

[0117] c2. curing and demolding the base element (100) and

[0118] d2. clipping the pivoting element (40) into the demolded base element (100).

[0119] 14. The manufacturing method according to embodiment 13, in which the material of the base element (10) is a first plastic and the pivoting element (40) is made of a second plastic or metal.

[0120] 15. A connecting method of a first component (A) to a second component (B) with a distance therebetween by means of a connecting unit according to embodiment 11, comprising the following steps:

[0121] a. screwing the base element (10) of the connecting unit into a first opening in the first component (A),

[0122] b. inserting the connecting screw (60) into the base element (10) such that the head (62) of the connecting screw (60) is arranged in the base element (10) and the shaft (64) of the connecting screw (60) extends through the passage opening (42); and

[0123] c. screwing the connecting screw (60) into an inner thread (70) at or adjacent to the second component (B).

[0124] 16. The connecting method according to embodiment 15, wherein the base element (10) comprises a circumferential groove (22) adjacent to the second axial end (14) and the connecting method comprises the further step:

[0125] d. arranging a securing disc (50) in the groove (22) after the step of screwing-in the base element (10) so that the base element (10) is secured against unintentional loosening from the first component (A).

[0126] 17. The connecting method according to embodiment 15 or 16, which comprises the further step:

[0127] e. adjusting a distance between the first (A) and the second component (B) by rotating the base element (10) after the step of screwing-in the connecting screw (60).