Patent Description:
From the prior art, different assembly locking devices are known as for example described in <CIT>, <CIT>, or <CIT>. These assembly locking devices most often consist of several parts, and, thus, are complex to be manufactured and assembled on a component opening.

Further, a spring connection element is described in <CIT>. By means of the spring connection element at least two components can be connected to each other by means of a claw-fit in at least one component opening. The spring connection element has a spiral spring-like wire coil with a first and a second end. The coil comprises a plurality of axially spaced windings, a spiral collar which extends radially beyond a circumference of the wire coil and which is arranged at the first end of the wire coil, and a central traction element protruding radially into the wire coil, which is arranged at the second end of the wire coil, which does not extend axially beyond the wire coil, and by means of which the spring connection element can be pulled into a component opening substantially rotation-free.

It is therefore the problem of the present invention to provide a more simple and effective assembly locking device as compared to the prior art.

The above problem is solved by an assembly locking device according to independent claim <NUM>, a thread bolt in combination with the assembly locking device according to claims <NUM> and <NUM>, a component with a pre-installed connecting bolt by means of the assembly locking device according to independent claim <NUM> as well as a component with a pre-installed connecting bolt by means of the assembly locking device in combination with an outer threaded bushing according to independent claim <NUM>, a manufacturing method for the assembly locking device according to claim <NUM>, as well as a connecting method for a first and a second component according to independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Advantageous designs and further developments of the present invention arise from the following description, the accompanying drawings as well as the appending claims.

The present invention provides an assembly locking device adapted to a shaft of a connecting bolt, preferably a thread bolt, with a bolt head so that the assembly locking device is positionable on the shaft in a loss-proof manner and the connecting bolt is arrangeable in a pull-out-proof manner inserted into a component opening with the help of the assembly locking device. The assembly locking device includes the following features: a wire coil comprised of a plurality of helically wound turns, the coil having a first end and a second end, starting at the first end of the wire coil, a holding turn is provided which extends over an angular range of at least <NUM>° about a central longitudinal axis of the wire coil and comprises an inner diameter DH, following the holding turn, a clamping coil portion is arranged that is formed like a truncated cone having a plurality of subsequent turns of an increasing inner diameter DK compared with the holding turn, with the clamping coil portion extending over at least two turns about the central longitudinal axis of the wire coil and comprises a pitch Pw that is larger compared with the holding turn, and following the clamping coil portion and at the second end of the wire coil, a positioning turn is provided, extending over an angular range of at least <NUM>° about the central longitudinal axis of the wire coil, having an inner diameter DP for which DK>DP≥DH applies, and having a smaller or no pitch PP compared with the clamping coil portion, so that an end of the shaft, facing away from the head, the connecting bolt is receivable in the positioning turn and the thread bolt is holdable aligned in the component opening in a clamping manner with the help of the holding turn and the positioning turn.

The inventive assembly locking device is based on a simple and inexpensive wire construction. It serves for pre-positioning or pre-installation of a connecting bolt within a component opening to facilitate a subsequent connection process of the first component to a second component. The assembly locking device is preferably combined with a bolt-like connecting element having a bolt head and a bolt shaft with a connecting structure. A connecting structure is preferably formed by a thread, a clamping or snapping structure, a riveting structure or the like.

The wire construction of the assembly locking device serves for holding the connecting bolt, preferably a thread bolt, in position for fastening at the second component. To this end, a helically wound wire structure includes at a first end the holding turn adapted to hold the shaft of the thread bolt or to be hold on that shaft. At a second end of the helically wound wire coil, a positioning turn is provided for orienting the thread bolt in front of the component opening. For suitable orientation of the connecting bolt, the holding turn and the positioning turn are preferably coaxially aligned with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the assembly locking device.

In between the holding turn and the positioning turn, the clamping coil is arranged to retain the assembly locking device in a component opening. To this end, the clamping coil has a larger diameter as compared to the holding turn and the positioning turn. Further, the clamping coil is larger in diameter than an inner diameter of a component opening so that the clamping coil can fasten itself therein by a frictional connection. Furthermore and preferably based on its truncated cone shape contour, the clamping coil portion allows for a radial relocatability of a shaft tip of the connecting bolt while retaining the head of the connecting bolt mainly in its place. Even though the connecting bolt is retained within the component opening by means of the assembly locking device, the construction of the assembly locking device provides an elastic flexibility to orientate the connecting bolt for preparing the connecting process to a second component. Thus, the assembly locking device provides a thread bolt pre-holding system based on a simple wire coil construction using frictional forces for holding and positioning the connecting bolt.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting bolt is a thread bolt and the inner diameter DH of the holding turn of the assembly locking device is adapted to an outer thread on the shaft of the thread bolt such that the following applies: d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>, preferably d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM> or d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>,, wherein d3 denotes a core diameter of a standard thread on the shaft.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the assembly locking device is adapted to a connecting bolt configured as a thread bolt having a transition shoulder between the bolt head and the bolt shaft. The holding turn is adapted in size to retain the assembly locking device at the transition shoulder. Therefore, the inner diameter DH of the holding turn is adapted to an outer diameter ds of the transition shoulder between the bolt shaft and the bolt head wherein the outer diameter ds of the transition shoulder is: <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, preferably <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM> or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, and the following applies for the inner diameter DH of the holding turn (<NUM>): dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, preferably dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, wherein dS denotes a core diameter of a standard outer thread on the shaft, preferably a normalized outer thread, preferably a metrical DIN outer thread or an imperial ASTM outer thread.

The inventive assembly locking device is preferably adapted to thread bolts having a bolt head and bolt shaft. According to different preferred constructions of the thread bolt, the shaft is connected directly to the bolt head, or via a transition shoulder or via a transition groove. The holding turn realizes a frictional fixing of the assembly locking device on the bolt shaft below the bolt head. Consequently, the holding turn is preferably dimensioned and sized to retain the assembly locking device on the shaft directly, or on the transition shoulder or on a transition groove arranged below the bolt head.

In order to qualify the preferred dimensions of the assembly locking device, the thread bolt preferably has a standard thread on the thread shaft. Adapted to the standard thread geometry, the thread bolt fulfills known geometry data to which the geometry of the assembly locking device preferably corresponds.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer thread of the thread shaft is a normalized outer thread, preferably a metrical DIN outer thread or an imperial ASTM outer thread.

Further preferred, the outer thread is a normalized standard thread RG with geometrical data according to the DIN standard DIN <NUM>-<NUM> and DIN <NUM>-<NUM> or a normalized fine thread with geometrical data according to DIN standards DIN <NUM>-<NUM> to DIN <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the geometrical data for the normalized standard thread RG and the geometrical data for the normalized fine thread FG define the core diameter d<NUM> with which the holding turn of the assembly locking device is dimensionable.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holding turn starts with a tangentially extending tang which extends in a tangential direction with respect to the holding turn for preventing damage of the thread on the thread bolt.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a retaining portion, preferably a cylindrical retaining portion, is provided between the clamping coil portion and the positioning turn adapted to retain the assembly locking device within a component opening wherein the cylindrical retaining portion extends over an angular range of at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM> °, about the central longitudinal axis L of the wire coil.

Based on the preferred cylindrical shape of the retaining portion, preferably denoted as a retaining turn, the retaining portion realizes a frictional radial contact interface to an inner wall of the component opening. Based thereon, the retaining portion additionally provides a frictionally type connection between the assembly locking device and the component via the inner wall of the component opening.

Preferably, at least <NUM> % of the retaining turns of the retaining portion, more preferred <NUM> %, contact the radial inner wall of the component opening after pre-installation of the connecting bolt within the component opening. The contact is preferably enabled by a constant minimum radius of the retaining turn of the retaining portion with respect to the longitudinal center middle axis L of the wire coil.

Further preferred, the clamping coil portion directly merges into the cylindrical retaining portion. Thereby, the assembly locking device has a compact configuration realizing several functions in a space saving manner.

The wire coil of the assembly locking device is manufactured by winding (see below). To limit the wire coil in length, the wire is cut at its ends which may lead to sharp edges or burr. To prevent damages at the connecting bolt, preferably at the thread of the thread bolt, the holding turn of the assembly locking device has a starting tang. The starting tang extends in a tangential direction at the first end of the wire coil of the assembly locking device. Preferably, the starting tang relocates the first cut end of the wire coil to a position having a protecting distance to the outer thread on the thread shaft. Even if the holding turn tightly grips the thread shaft for fixing the assembly locking device thereon, the cut end of the starting end does not contact the outer thread on the shaft based on the use of the tangential starting tang.

Further preferred, the holding turn extends over at least <NUM>° and windings of the holding turn, which are adjacent to one another, are wound on block.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a last turn of the positioning turn is arranged at the end of the wire coil with an adjacent turn of an increasing inner diameter in a common plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the wire coil.

The positioning turn is larger in diameter as compared to the holding turn. Nevertheless, the holding turn and the positioning turn are preferably coaxially aligned to each other. Thereby, a thread bolt retained by the holding turn and the positioning turn is preferably oriented in parallel to a longitudinal axis of a component opening for connecting to a second component. Furthermore, the positioning turn allows for a lateral deflection of the thread shaft while retained by the holding turn. Thereby, a positioning of a leading end of the thread bolt in view of the component opening is facilitated.

As further preferred, the wire coil is made of a spring wire or a plastic wire having a thickness in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The present invention further discloses a thread bolt with a shaft and a bolt head wherein the shaft comprises a thread, in particular a normalized standard thread RG or a normalized fine thread FG as well as an assembly locking device according to the above-described embodiments, which is held in a loss-proof manner on the shaft by means of the holding turn adjacent to the bolt head.

Furthermore, the present invention discloses a thread bolt with a shaft, a bolt head and a transition shoulder therebetween, wherein the transition shoulder has an outer diameter ds amounting to:
<NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, preferably <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM> or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d3, the shaft comprises a thread, in particular a normalized standard thread RG or a normalized fine thread FG, as well as an assembly locking device according to one of the above-described constructional alternatives, which is held in a loss-proof manner on the transition shoulder by means of the holding turn adjacent to the bolt head.

By means of different constructions of the assembly locking device as described above, a connecting bolt, in particular a thread bolt, is retained in a component opening. To this end, the assembly locking device is made of the wire coil made of helically wound turns. Based on the use of a resiliently deformable wire coil, preferably made of metal or plastic material, the assembly locking device is arranged on a connecting bolt with low efforts and based on frictional interface forces between the wire coil and the bolt shaft. Furthermore, the assembly locking device enables a releasable positioning of the connecting bolt within a component opening. To this end, the clamping coil portion is deformed to fit into the component opening and self expanded to hold the connecting bolt within the component opening by means of the assembly locking device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thread of the thread bolt is defined as a normalized standard thread RG or a normalized fine thread FG on the shaft by the normalized nominal diameter d3 and the shaft has, in combination with the assembly locking device, an outer diameter DM from the range: <NUM> d<NUM>≥DM≥<NUM> d<NUM>, preferably <NUM> d<NUM>≥DM≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥DM≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥DM≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥DM≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥DM≥<NUM> d<NUM>,,so as to hold the connecting bolt in a loss-proof manner in a component opening.

Further preferred, a turn direction of the assembly locking device is equal to a thread direction of the thread on the shaft so that the clamping coil portion of the assembly locking device may enlarge in diameter while rotating the thread bolt together with the assembly locking device within an opening. In order to realize the different functions of the assembly locking device in combination with the thread bolt, the turn direction of the assembly locking device coincides with the thread direction of the outer thread on the shaft. If the thread bolt is rotated against a thread direction, the assembly locking device is preferably decreased in diameter in the clamping portion. Thereby, a positioning of the thread bolt within the component opening is facilitated.

If the assembly locking device is rotated in its turn direction by means of the thread bolt, the clamping portion is enlarged in diameter. As a consequence, frictional forces between the clamping portion and an inner wall of a component opening or an outer threaded bushing are increased. Thereby, rotation of the outer threaded bushing within a threaded component opening is enabled to compensate tolerances by means of the threaded bushing between the first and the second component (see below).

Thus, it is preferred that the clamping coil portion is retained within an inner opening of the outer threaded bushing so that a torque of the thread bolt is transferable via the assembly locking device to the outer threaded bushing.

Furthermore preferred, the outer threaded bushing has a stepped inner opening, and/or a friction ring is mounted on the outer bushing surface for locking the outer threaded bushing within a threaded opening, preferably within a component opening.

Dependent on a preinstallation route of the component, the outer threaded bushing is preinstalled in a component opening in combination with the assembly locking device and the thread bolt. During transport of the preinstalled component, vibrations of the component may loosen or release the threaded bushing from the component opening. A preferred friction ring bridging a gap between the outer thread of the bushing and an inner thread of the component opening preferably generates frictional forces preventing a rotation of the threaded bushing.

Additionally, the invention discloses a component having a component opening being stepped or not stepped in axial direction as well as being provided as a passage hole or blind hole, wherein in the component opening, the thread bolt according to the above-described embodiments is arranged by means of an assembly locking device in a pull-out-proof manner.

The present invention further provides a component having a threaded component opening being provided as a passage hole, wherein in the threaded component opening, the outer threaded bushing in combination with the thread bolt and the assembly locking device as described above is arranged, preferably for tolerance compensation while connecting the component to another component by the thread bolt.

A manufacturing method of an assembly locking device, in particular an assembly locking device according to one of the above-described constructional alternatives is also provided by the present invention. The manufacturing method comprise the following steps: winding a wire to form a wire coil consisting of a plurality of screw-like wound windings of the wire, having a first and a second end, wherein starting at the first end of the wire coil, a holding turn is provided which extends over an angular range of at least <NUM>° about a central longitudinal axis of the wire coil and comprises an inner diameter DH, following the holding turn, a clamping coil portion is arranged that is formed like a truncated cone having a plurality of subsequent turns of an increasing inner diameter DK compared with the holding turn, with the clamping coil portion extending over at least two turns about the central longitudinal axis of the wire coil and comprises a pitch PW that is larger compared with the holding turn, and following the clamping coil portion and at the end of the second end of the wire coil, a positioning turn is provided, extending over an angular range of at least <NUM>° about the central longitudinal axis of the wire coil, having an inner diameter DP for which DK>DP≥DH applies, and having a smaller or no pitch PP compared with the clamping coil portion, so that an end of the shaft, facing away from the head, of the thread bolt is receivable in the positioning turn and the thread bolt is holdable aligned in the component opening in a clamping manner by means of the holding turn and the positioning turn.

Furthermore, the present invention provides an assembly method of a thread bolt according to one of the above constructional alternatives within a component opening of a component to be connected to another component. The assembly method comprises the steps: axially moving (step M1) the connecting bolt with assembly locking device in the direction of the central longitudinal axis into the component opening of the component, during the axially moving of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device into the component opening of the component, generating a relative rotation (step M2) between the component opening and the connecting bolt with assembly locking device, so that the assembly locking device decreases an outer diameter of the clamping coil portion within the component opening, stopping the axial moving (step M3) of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device into the component opening of the component and generating a contrary relative rotation (step M4) compared with step M2, so that the assembly locking device increases the outer diameter of the clamping coil portion within the component opening and retains the connecting bolt in the component opening in a releasable manner.

With respect to the above-described assembly method, it is further preferred in step M2: rotating the thread bolt with assembly locking device in turn direction of the assembly locking device while the assembly locking device is fixedly held by means of the holding turn on the connecting bolt, so that the outer diameter of the clamping coil portion decreases.

It is further preferred in step M3: rotating the thread bolt with assembly locking device contrary to the turn direction of the assembly locking device while the assembly locking device is fixedly held on the connecting bolt by means of the holding turn so that the outer diameter of the clamping coil portion increases.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the assembly method has the further step (step M5): rotating the connecting bolt with assembly locking device in a thread direction of the thread on the shaft and thereby fastening the connecting bolt in a receiving thread of a further component.

The present invention provides a further assembly method of a thread bolt in combination with a threaded bushing within a component opening having an inner thread of a component to be connected to another component. The assembly method comprises axially moving (step M1) the connecting bolt with assembly locking device and the threaded bushing in the direction of the central longitudinal axis into the component opening of the component, during the axially moving of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device and the threaded bushing into the component opening of the component, generating a relative rotation (step M2) between the component opening and the connecting bolt with assembly locking device and the threaded bushing, so that the threaded bushing is screwed into the threaded component opening, stopping the axial moving (step M3) of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device and the threaded bushing into the component opening of the component.

The present invention further provides a connecting method of a first component and a second component, wherein the first component has a component opening being provided as a passage hole according to the above, and the second component has a second threaded opening adapted to the thread bolt, wherein the connecting method comprises the following steps: arranging the first component and the second component opposite to each other so that the thread bolt of the first component is aligned with the second threaded opening of the second component, compressing the axial locking device in an axial direction of the thread bolt thereby introducing a tip of the thread bolt into the threaded opening of the second component, screwing the thread bolt of the first component into the threaded opening of the second component so that the first and the second component are connected to each other.

Furthermore, the present invention discloses a connecting method of a first component and a second component with tolerance compensation between the first and the second component, wherein the first component has a threaded component opening being provided as a passage hole, wherein in the threaded component opening, an outer threaded bushing in combination with the thread bolt and the assembly locking device as described above is arranged. The second component has a threaded opening adapted in size to the thread bolt, wherein the connecting method comprises the following steps: arranging the first component and the second component opposite to each other so that the thread bolt of the first component is aligned with the second threaded opening of the second component, rotating the threaded bushing of the first component to be displace in the direction of the second component for tolerance compensation therebetween, screwing the thread bolt of the first component into the second threaded opening of the second component so that the first and the second component are connected to each other.

In order to realize tolerance compensation, it is further preferred: rotating the thread bolt together with the assembly locking device so that the torque of the thread bolt is transferred by friction to the threaded bushing for tolerance compensation between the first and the second component.

It is additionally preferred in the connecting method: abutting at the second component by the threaded bushing so that the rotation of the threaded bushing is stopped despite of further rotating the thread bolt.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing.

In <FIG>, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the assembly locking device <NUM> is shown. The assembly locking device <NUM> essentially consists of a wire coil <NUM> having a plurality of helically wound turns <NUM>. The wire coil <NUM> has a first end and a second end.

As a general function, the assembly locking device <NUM> is adapted to retain itself on a shaft <NUM> of a connecting bolt <NUM>, preferably a thread bolt having an outer thread on the shaft <NUM>. To this end, the wire coil <NUM> provides a holding turn <NUM> at its first end which is described in greater detail below. The holding turn <NUM> is adapted in diameter to the shaft <NUM> of the threaded bolt <NUM> to realize a resilient gripping or a resilient holding of the wire coil <NUM> on the shaft <NUM>, preferably adjacent to a bottom of a head <NUM> of the thread bolt <NUM>.

Furthermore, the assembly locking device <NUM> is adapted to resiliently retain itself in a component opening <NUM> of a component <NUM> to be connected to a further component <NUM>. To this end, the wire coil <NUM> has an intermediate clamping coil portion <NUM> which is arranged between the holding turn <NUM> and a positioning turn <NUM> (see below). Based on the preferred truncated cone shape S of the external contour of the clamping coil <NUM>, the assembly locking device <NUM> may be reduced and expanded in diameter by turning the wire coil <NUM> in and opposed to a turn direction of the wire coil <NUM>.

This functionality enables a facilitated insertion or installation of the assembly locking device <NUM> holding a thread bolt <NUM> within the component opening <NUM>. Further preferred, this functionality supports a self-retaining of the assembly locking device <NUM> holding a thread bolt <NUM> within the opening <NUM>. To this end, the wire coil <NUM> resiliently expands after insertion into the opening <NUM>. Thereby, at least one turn of the clamping coil portion <NUM> is fastened by frictional forces at an inner wall of the component <NUM>.

As a further preferred functionality of the inventive construction of the assembly locking device <NUM>, the turns of the clamping coil portion <NUM> are expanded in diameter by rotation of the wire coil <NUM> in its turn direction Rw. Thereby, the turns of the clamping coil portion <NUM> are forced radially outwardly against the inner wall of the component opening <NUM> or against an inner wall of a threaded bushing <NUM> for tolerance compensation (see below).

The holding turn <NUM> extends over an angular range of at least <NUM>° about the central longitudinal axis L of the wire coil <NUM>. Further, the holding turn <NUM> has an inner diameter DH as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The holding turn <NUM> retains the assembly locking device <NUM> on the shaft <NUM>, preferably directly below the head <NUM> of the thread bolt <NUM>.

To this end, the holding turn <NUM> preferably has a smaller inner diameter as compared to the outer diameter of the shaft <NUM>. Based thereon, the holding turn <NUM> is resiliently fixed on the shaft <NUM> below the head <NUM>.

The clamping coil portion <NUM> has a plurality of subsequent turns of increasing inner diameter DK (see <FIG>). The diameter DK increases as compared to the diameter DH of the holding turn <NUM>.

For achieving a clamping within a component opening <NUM>, at least two turns are preferred extending over <NUM>°. Further, the clamping coil portion <NUM> preferably has a larger pitch Pw as compared to the holding turn <NUM>. The increased pitch Pw realizes a larger axial distance between adjacent turns to achieve a higher radial deformability of the clamping coil portion <NUM>.

Based on the increased pitch of the clamping coil portion <NUM>, the clamping coil portion <NUM> is preferably qualified by a higher radial flexibility and/or elastic deformability distant from the holding turn <NUM> as close to the holding turn <NUM>. Since the positioning turn <NUM> pre-orientates and/or loosely holds the shaft <NUM> in a distant from the head <NUM> and adjacent to the clamping coil portion <NUM>, the positioning turn <NUM> benefits from the flexibility of the clamping coil portion <NUM> to align the shaft <NUM> of the connecting bolt <NUM>.

The positioning turns <NUM> at the second end of the wire coil <NUM> extend over an angular range of at least <NUM>° about the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, it has an inner diameter DP for which applies DK>DP≥DH.

The positioning coil <NUM> receives the leading tip of the shaft <NUM> of the bolt <NUM>. Thereby, the shaft <NUM> is aligned preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis L by the combined holding effect of the holding turn <NUM> and the positioning turn <NUM>. The positioning turn <NUM> is intended to align the shaft <NUM> with the assembly locking device <NUM>, preferably with its longitudinal axis L, and thereby also with a longitudinal axis of the component opening <NUM>. To this end, a sufficient radial stability of the positioning turn <NUM> is achieved by using a smaller or no pitch Pw compared to the pitch of the clamping coil portion <NUM>.

According to preferred embodiments of the positioning turn <NUM>, a last turn of the positioning turn <NUM> is arranged at the end of the wire coil <NUM>. An adjacent preceding turn has an increasing inner diameter as compared to the last turn. Further preferred, the last turn and the preceding before last turn are arranged in a common plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Thereby, the positioning function of the positioning turn <NUM> is preferably guaranteed.

As a further preferred embodiment of the wire coil <NUM>, a retaining portion <NUM> is provided at the end of the clamping coil portion <NUM> facing the positioning turn <NUM>. As a preferred construction, the clamping coil portion <NUM> is directly connected to the retaining portion <NUM> and thereby forms a bridging coil portion between the clamping coil portion <NUM> and the positioning turn <NUM>.

Based on the preferred cylindrical shape of the retaining portion <NUM>, the retaining portion <NUM> realizes a frictional contact interface to an inner wall of the component opening <NUM>. Based thereon, the retaining portion <NUM> additionally provides a frictionally type connection between the assembly locking device <NUM> and the component <NUM> via the inner wall of the component opening <NUM>.

As a preferred construction, the cylindrical retaining portion <NUM> extends over an angular range of at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM> °, about the central longitudinal axis L of the wire coil <NUM>. Preferably, at least <NUM> % of the retaining portion <NUM>, more preferred <NUM> %, contact the inner wall of the component opening <NUM> after pre-installation of the connecting bolt <NUM> within the component opening <NUM>. The contact is preferably enabled by a constant minimum radius of the wire turn of the retaining portion <NUM> with respect to the longitudinal center middle axis L of the wire coil <NUM>.

In order to realize a sufficient holding force of the holding turns <NUM> on the thread bolt <NUM>, the holding turn <NUM> extends over at least <NUM>°. With increasing angular extension of the holding turns <NUM>, an interface between the holding turns <NUM> and the thread bolt <NUM> is increased which also increases frictional forces therebetween.

Further preferred, adjacent windings of the holding turn <NUM> are wound on block to support the stability of the holding turns <NUM>.

According to different preferred embodiments of the present invention, the shaft <NUM> is connected to the bottom side of the head <NUM> based on different configurations as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The shaft <NUM> is directly connected to the bottom side of the head <NUM>. It is also preferred to use a transition shoulder <NUM> or a transition groove <NUM> for connecting the shaft <NUM> with the bottom side of the head <NUM>.

The lateral extension of the transition shoulder <NUM> or the transition groove <NUM> is preferably in proportion to an outer thread used on the shaft <NUM> of the bolt <NUM>. The present invention preferably uses a standard thread on the shaft <NUM> which is qualified by a core diameter according to known and accepted international standards.

The transition shoulder <NUM> as well as the transition groove <NUM> are preferably configured and dimensioned with respect to the core diameter d<NUM> of the standard thread used on the shaft <NUM>. The transition shoulder <NUM> preferably has an outer diameter dS (see <FIG>) being larger than the core diameter d<NUM>. The transition groove <NUM> preferably has an outer diameter being smaller than the core diameter d<NUM>.

For providing a suitable assembly locking device <NUM> for a thread bolt <NUM> having a direct combination of the shaft <NUM> and the head <NUM> or having a transition groove <NUM>, the inner diameter DH of the holding turn <NUM> is preferably defined as follows
d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>, preferably d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM> or d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or d<NUM>≥DH≥<NUM> d<NUM>,.

If the shaft <NUM> is combined with the head <NUM> via the transition shoulder <NUM>, the transition shoulder <NUM> has the outer diameter dS. With respect to the core diameter d<NUM> of the thread used on the shaft <NUM>, the outer diameter dS of the transition shoulder <NUM> is
<NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, preferably <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM> or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>, or <NUM> d<NUM>≥dS≥<NUM> d<NUM>.

Based thereon, the inner diameter of the holding turn DH is defined as
dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, preferably dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS, or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS or dS≥DH≥<NUM> dS.

The assembly locking device <NUM> is preferably adapted to be arranged on the thread bolt <NUM> having the bolt head <NUM>, the thread shaft <NUM> and the standard thread <NUM> (see <FIG>). The standard thread <NUM>, which can be right-handed or left-handed, is a normalized standard thread RG or a normalized fine thread FG. The geometric data of the normalized standard thread <NUM> are defined in known DIN standards, so that preferably the assembly locking device <NUM> is provided on the basis of the normalized geometric data.

Preferably, the geometric data of the normalized standard thread RG, which are also referred to as nominal dimensions, are specified in the DIN standards DIN <NUM>-<NUM> and DIN <NUM>-<NUM>. The geometric data describing the normalized standard thread RG include the nominal diameter dRG, the pitch PRG, the flank diameter d<NUM>, RG and the core diameter d<NUM>, RG. These geometrical data also define a normalized fine thread FG. As an example, Table <NUM> shows an extract of the geometric data for the standard thread RG according to DIN <NUM>-<NUM>. In Table <NUM>, a portion for the nominal diameter dRG of <NUM> ≤ dRG ≤ <NUM> is defined in combination with values for the pitch PRG in the range of <NUM> ≤ PRG ≤ <NUM>.

In addition, Table <NUM> shows an extract of the geometric data for the fine pitch thread FG according to DIN <NUM>-<NUM>. Table <NUM> refers only to values of the nominal diameter dFG, the flank diameter d<NUM>, FG and the core diameter d<NUM>, FG for a pitch PFG of <NUM>.

For the definition and explanation of the standard thread RG, reference is made to DIN <NUM>-<NUM> and DIN <NUM>-<NUM> and these are incorporated by this reference. The same applies to the geometric data of the fine thread FG, for which reference is made to DIN standards DIN <NUM>-<NUM> to DIN <NUM>-<NUM> and these are herewith incorporated by this reference.

The wire from which the assembly locking device <NUM> is wound preferably comprises a round cross-section, as shown in <FIG>. It is also preferred to use a wire with an elliptical cross-section or a rhombic cross-section or a cross-section rounded on one side. The different cross-sectional shapes are used in dependence thereon to increase a retention of the assembly locking device <NUM> on the thread <NUM> of the thread bolt <NUM> or on an inner component wall.

Preferably, the wire of the assembly locking device is comprised of a spring-elastic material with sufficient tensile strength either made of metal or of plastic material.

As further preferred, the spring wire or the plastic wire of the wire coil <NUM> has a thickness in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment of the assembly locking device <NUM>, the holding turn <NUM> starts at the first end of the wire coil <NUM> with a tangentially extending tang <NUM>. This construction preferably realizes a distance between the thread <NUM> on the shaft <NUM> and sharp edges or burr at the cut first end of the wire coil <NUM>. The wire coil <NUM> is wound from an endless wire. Thus, each wire forming a wire coil <NUM> has to be cut from the endless wire. The cutting process generates sharp edges or burr which leads to damage of the thread <NUM> on the shaft <NUM>. Therefore, the tangential tang <NUM> realizes a protecting distance of the cut wire end to the thread <NUM> of the thread bolt <NUM>.

As already mentioned above, the clamping coil portion <NUM> preferably has a truncated cone shape in its outer of contour. It is such oriented that the smallest extension of the clamping coil portion <NUM> is adjacent to the holding turn <NUM>. Starting from this position, the clamping coil portion <NUM> preferably expands continuously in its diameter in the direction of the positioning turn <NUM>. Close to the positioning turn <NUM>, it has the largest radial extension.

The holding turn <NUM> retains the thread bolt <NUM> in the center of the assembly locking device <NUM>. The clamping coil <NUM> is adapted to be forced into component openings of different size and/or shape to retain therein the assembly locking device <NUM> and thereby the thread bolt <NUM> asserted by frictional forces. The resiliently deformable wire of the wire coil <NUM> enables the clamping coil portion <NUM> to be adapted to different shapes and sizes of the component opening <NUM>. After elastic deformation of the clamping coil portion <NUM>, e. after insertion into the component opening <NUM> being smaller in diameter than the clamping coil portion <NUM>, the clamping coil portion <NUM> attempts to return to its original shape. This intrinsic effort of the clamping coil portion <NUM> generates the clamping frictional forces between the clamping coil portion <NUM> and the inner wall of the component opening <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter DK of the clamping coil portion <NUM> is
DH<DK < <NUM> DH, preferably <NUM> DH<DK<<NUM> DH.

Based on the shape of the clamping coil portion <NUM>, the clamping coil portion <NUM> provides a plurality of increasing inner diameters DK based on the plurality of turns forming the clamping coil portion <NUM>. Each single turn is preferably sufficient to resiliently retain the assembly locking device <NUM> with the thread bolt <NUM> within the opening <NUM>.

Thus, it is also preferred to use a spheric outer contour for providing the clamping coil portion <NUM>. In this preferred context, the holding turn <NUM> and the positioning turn <NUM> would form the poles of the spheric assembly locking device <NUM> which are connected by the longitudinal axis L.

Based on the above described construction of the assembly locking device <NUM>, the thread bolt <NUM> having a standard thread <NUM> is assembled with the assembly locking device <NUM> as exemplarily shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The thread bolt <NUM> of <FIG> comprises the transition groove <NUM>. Preferably, the transition groove <NUM> has a certain depth measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. It is also preferred to reduce the depth of the transition groove <NUM> to zero.

<FIG> shows a thread bolt <NUM> comprising the transition shoulder <NUM>. The inner diameter DH of the holding turn <NUM> is adapted to the size DS of the transition shoulder <NUM>.

By means of the holding turn <NUM>, the assembly locking device <NUM> is mounted in the loss proof manner on the thread bolt <NUM> having the transition groove <NUM> or the transition shoulder <NUM>.

In order to preferably guarantee that the clamping coil portion <NUM> retains the assembly locking device <NUM> in combination with the thread bolt <NUM> within the component opening <NUM>, it has an outer diameter of DM in the range of.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the component opening <NUM> is a stepped through hole. It is also preferred to provide a component <NUM> having a straight through hole to preinstall and retain the assembly locking device <NUM> in combination with the thread bolt <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the assembly locking device <NUM> has a turn direction Rw. Preferably, the wire coil <NUM> starts at the holding turn <NUM> and it regularly runs down an axial direction to the positioning turned <NUM>. For pre-installing the thread bolt <NUM> together with the assembly locking device <NUM> in the component opening <NUM>, a relative rotation between the component opening <NUM> and the thread bolt <NUM> is made in opposite direction to the turn direction Rw. In other words, the thread bolt <NUM> is preferably turned against the turn direction Rw. The holding turn <NUM> fastens the wire coil <NUM> on the shaft <NUM>. The wire coil <NUM> is wound closer or tighter to the shaft <NUM> by turning the shaft <NUM> against the turn direction Rw and by frictionally holding or slowing down the clamping coil portion <NUM> at the inner wall of the component opening <NUM>. Thereby, the preinstallation in the component opening <NUM> is facilitated.

After the pre-installation position of the assembly locking device <NUM> with thread bolt <NUM> is reached within the component opening <NUM>, the thread bolt <NUM> still holding the assembly locking device <NUM> is turned in turn direction Rw to enlarge the diameter DM of the clamping coil portion <NUM>. Thereby, frictional forces between the clamping coil portion <NUM> and the inner wall of the component opening <NUM> are increased and retain the assembly locking device <NUM> with the thread bolt <NUM> within the component opening <NUM>.

From the above described position, the thread bolt <NUM> is preferably screwed in a threaded opening <NUM> of the second component <NUM> (see <FIG>). To this end, the second component <NUM> is placed opposed to the first component <NUM> so that the thread bolt <NUM> and the threaded opening <NUM> are co-axially aligned to each other.

The preferred threaded opening <NUM> is formed by an inner thread of an opening, by a blind rivet nut, by nut, by a weld nut or the like of the second component <NUM>.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping coil portion <NUM> is preinstalled (as described above) in an inner opening <NUM> of an outer threaded bushing <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The combination of the assembly locking device <NUM>, the threaded bolt <NUM> and the preinstalled threaded bushing <NUM> is preferably used as a unit for tolerance compensation between a first part <NUM> and second part <NUM>.

To this end, the component opening <NUM> of the first component <NUM> preferably comprises an inner thread <NUM> adapted to the outer thread of the outer threaded bushing <NUM>.

The unit comprising the assembly locking device bond, the thread bolt <NUM>, and the threaded bushing <NUM> is preferably provided separately to the first component <NUM> or preinstalled in the opening <NUM> of the first component <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The threaded bushing <NUM> installed in the component opening <NUM> serves for bridging a distance D between the first component <NUM> and a second component <NUM>. To this end, the bushing <NUM> is rotated to be displaced in the direction of the second component <NUM>. As soon the bushing <NUM> abuts at the second component <NUM>, the rotation of the bushing <NUM> is stopped. Thereafter, this thread bolt <NUM> is screwed in the threaded opening <NUM> of the second component <NUM> so that first <NUM> and second component <NUM> are fixed to each other.

For rotating and displacing the outer threaded bushing <NUM>, the thread bolt <NUM> holding the assembly locking device <NUM> is preferably turned in turn direction Rw of the wire coil <NUM>. Based on the friction between the inner wall of the inner opening <NUM> of the bushing <NUM> and the clamping coil portion <NUM>, the rotation of the thread bolt <NUM> tries to enlarge the outer diameter DM of the clamping coil portion <NUM>. Thereby, the friction is increased between the inner wall of the inner opening <NUM> and the clamping coil portion <NUM>. This preferably allows the thread bolt <NUM> to rotate the bushing <NUM>.

Based on the configuration shown in <FIG>, the thread bolt <NUM> turns the bushing <NUM> in a clockwise direction as the turn direction Rw is running, if seen from the bolt head <NUM>.

To displace the bushing <NUM> to the second component <NUM>, the inner thread <NUM> of the first component <NUM> as well as of the bushing <NUM> is preferably left-handed. If the turn direction Rw is anticlockwise, the inner thread <NUM> and the thread of the outer threaded bushing <NUM> are right-handed. Preferably, the thread direction of the thread bolt <NUM> is equal to the turn direction Rw.

As soon as the threaded bushing <NUM> abuts the second component <NUM> (see <FIG>), further rotation and displacement of the bushing <NUM> is stopped. Thereafter, the thread bolt <NUM> is screwed into the threaded opening <NUM> of the second component to fasten the first <NUM> and the second component <NUM> to each other (see <FIG> as schematically shown by the dashed line illustrating the thread bolt <NUM> screwed in the second component <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, the inner opening <NUM> of the threaded bushing <NUM> has a stepped configuration with respect to its longitudinal axis. In fastening direction of the thread bolt <NUM>, the inner opening <NUM> has a larger diameter in the first starting section and a smaller diameter in a subsequent section. This axially stepped configuration guarantees that the assembly locking device <NUM> and in particular the clamping quarry portion <NUM> is sufficiently received in the inner opening <NUM>. Based on the installation of the clamping quarry portion <NUM> within the inner opening <NUM>, the clamping coil portion <NUM> preferably realizes frictional anchoring, and thereby connection between the clamping quarry portion <NUM> and the threaded bushing <NUM>.

Referring to the stepped configuration of the component opening <NUM> (see <FIG>), the thread bolt <NUM> is reliably pre-installed thereby. Furthermore, the stepped configuration prevents that the assembly locking device <NUM> is pushed through the opening <NUM> with no fastening of the assembly locking device <NUM>.

Referring to the stepped configuration of the inner opening <NUM> of the outer threaded bushing <NUM>, the assembly locking device <NUM> cannot be pushed through the opening <NUM>. Furthermore, the frictional connection between the thread bolt <NUM> and the threaded bushing <NUM> by means of the assembly locking device <NUM> guarantees a torque transfer from the thread bolt <NUM> to the threaded bushing <NUM>. Thereby, the threaded bushing <NUM> is used for tolerance compensation. Furthermore, the thread bolt <NUM> is preferably kept within the opening <NUM> until the outer threaded bushing <NUM> abuts the second component <NUM>.

Thereafter, the thread bolt <NUM> is screwed in the threaded opening <NUM> of the second component <NUM>.

The threaded bushing <NUM> preferably has a friction ring <NUM> arranged on the outer thread of the bushing <NUM>. The friction ring <NUM>, preferably made of elastic material, has contact to the inner thread <NUM> of the component opening <NUM>. Based on this arrangement, the friction ring <NUM> prevents a release of the threaded bushing <NUM> by vibration and/or during transport.

It is further preferred to provide the first component <NUM> with a preinstalled thread bushing <NUM> in combination with the assembly locking device <NUM> and the thread bolt <NUM>. This pre-installed assembly is also bound together by means of the friction ring <NUM> during transport.

In the following, the above described methods are summarized presenting their essential steps.

The assembly method refers to the thread bolt <NUM> having a direct connection between the shaft <NUM> and the head <NUM> or having the transition groove <NUM> or the transition shoulder <NUM> arranged therebetween. Said thread bolt <NUM> is arranged within the component opening <NUM> of the first component <NUM> to be connected to the second component <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the assembly method comprises the steps: axially moving (step M1) the connecting bolt <NUM> with assembly locking device <NUM> in the direction of the central longitudinal axis L into the component opening <NUM> of the component <NUM>, during the axially moving of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM> into the component opening <NUM> of the component, generating a relative rotation (step M2) between the component opening <NUM> and the connecting bolt <NUM> with assembly locking device <NUM>, so that the assembly locking device <NUM> decreases an outer diameter of the clamping coil portion <NUM> within the component opening <NUM>, stopping the axial moving (step M3) of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM> into the component opening <NUM> of the component and generating a contrary relative rotation (step M4) compared with step M2, so that the assembly locking device <NUM> increases the outer diameter of the clamping coil portion <NUM> within the component opening <NUM> and retains the connecting bolt <NUM> in the component opening <NUM> in a releasable manner.

An alternative assembly method is directed to pre-installing the above described thread bolt <NUM> in the inner opening <NUM> of the outer threaded bushing <NUM> arranged within the component opening <NUM> having an inner thread. The assembly method comprises the steps: axially moving (step M1) the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM> in the direction of the central longitudinal axis into an inner opening <NUM> of the outer threaded bushing <NUM> arranged within the component opening <NUM> of the component, during the axially moving of the connecting bolt <NUM> with assembly locking device <NUM> into the inner opening <NUM> of the threaded bushing <NUM>, generating a relative rotation (step M2) between the inner opening <NUM> and the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM>, so that the assembly locking device <NUM> decreases an outer diameter of the clamping coil portion <NUM> within the inner opening <NUM>, stopping the axial moving (step M3) of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM> into the inner opening <NUM> of the threaded bushing <NUM> and generating a contrary relative rotation (step M4) compared with step M2, so that the assembly locking device <NUM> increases the outer diameter of the clamping coil portion <NUM> within the inner opening <NUM> and retains the connecting bolt in the inner opening <NUM> in a releasable manner.

According to different preferred embodiments of the above described assembly methods, the following measure is carried out in step M2: rotating the thread bolt <NUM> with assembly locking device <NUM> in turn direction RW of the assembly locking device <NUM> while the assembly locking device <NUM> is fixedly held by means of the holding turn <NUM> on the connecting bolt, so that the outer diameter of the clamping coil portion <NUM> decreases.

Further preferred in step M3: rotating the thread bolt <NUM> with assembly locking device <NUM> contrary to the turn direction RW of the assembly locking device <NUM> while the assembly locking device <NUM> is fixedly held on the connecting bolt by means of the holding turn <NUM> so that the outer diameter of the clamping coil portion <NUM> increases.

Furthermore, an assembly method was described referring to the thread bolt <NUM> pre-installed in the threaded bushing <NUM>. This combination is assembled in the component opening <NUM> having the inner thread. It comprises the steps: axially moving (step M1) the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM> and the threaded bushing in the direction of the central longitudinal axis into the component opening <NUM> of the component, during the axially moving of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM> and the threaded bushing into the component opening <NUM> of the component, generating a relative rotation (step M2) between the component opening <NUM> and the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM> and the threaded bushing, so that the threaded bushing <NUM> is screwed in the threaded component opening <NUM>, stopping the axial moving (step M3) of the connecting bolt with assembly locking device <NUM> and the threaded bushing into the component opening <NUM> of the component.

For connecting the first component <NUM> to the second component <NUM>, the connecting method was described. To this end, the first component has the component opening <NUM> being provided as a passage hole and the second component <NUM> has the second threaded opening adapted to the thread bolt <NUM>. For connecting, the following steps are preferably carried out: arranging the first component and the second component opposite to each other so that the thread bolt <NUM> of the first component is aligned with the second threaded opening of the second component, compressing the axial locking device <NUM> in an axial direction of the thread bolt <NUM> thereby introducing a tip of the thread bolt <NUM> into the threaded opening of the second component, screwing the thread bolt <NUM> of the first component into the threaded opening of the second component so that the first and the second component are connected to each other.

An alternatively described connecting method is directed to the combination/connection of the first component <NUM> having the first threaded component opening <NUM> in combination with the pre-installed outer threaded bushing <NUM> in combination with the thread bolt <NUM> and the assembly locking device <NUM>. The connection method comprises the following steps: arranging the first component and the second component opposite to each other so that the thread bolt <NUM> of the first component is aligned with the second threaded opening of the second component, rotating the threaded bushing of the first component to be displace in the direction of the second component for tolerance compensation therebetween, screwing the thread bolt <NUM> of the first component into the second threaded opening of the second component so that the first and the second component are connected to each other.

According to different preferred embodiments of the above connecting method, it comprises the further step: rotating the thread bolt <NUM> together with the assembly locking device <NUM> so that the torque of the thread bolt <NUM> is transferred by friction to the threaded bushing for tolerance compensation between the first and the second component.

As further preferred, it comprises the further step: abutting at the second component by the threaded bushing so that the rotation of the threaded bushing is stopped despite of further rotating the thread bolt <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An assembly locking device (<NUM>) adapted to a shaft (<NUM>) of a connecting bolt, preferably a thread bolt (<NUM>), with a bolt head (<NUM>) so that the assembly locking device (<NUM>) is positionable on the shaft (<NUM>) in a loss-proof manner and the connecting bolt (<NUM>) is arrangeable in a pull-out-proof manner inserted into a component opening (<NUM>) with the help of the assembly locking device (<NUM>), wherein the assembly locking device (<NUM>) includes the following features:
a. a wire coil (<NUM>) comprised of a plurality of helically wound turns (<NUM>), the coil (<NUM>) having a first end and a second end,
b. starting at the first end of the wire coil (<NUM>), a holding turn (<NUM>) is provided which extends over an angular range of at least <NUM>° about a central longitudinal axis (L) of the wire coil (<NUM>) and comprises an inner diameter DH,
c. following the holding turn (<NUM>), a clamping coil portion (<NUM>) is arranged that is formed like a truncated cone (S) having a plurality of subsequent turns of an increasing inner diameter DK compared with the holding turn (<NUM>), with the clamping coil portion (<NUM>) extending over at least two turns about the central longitudinal axis (L) of the wire coil (<NUM>) and comprises a pitch Pw that is larger compared with the holding turn (<NUM>), and
d. following the clamping coil portion (<NUM>) and at the second end of the wire coil (<NUM>), a positioning turn (<NUM>) is provided,
d1. extending over an angular range of at least <NUM>° about the central longitudinal axis (L) of the wire coil (<NUM>),
d2. having an inner diameter DP for which DK>DP≥DH applies, and
d3. having a smaller or no pitch PP compared with the clamping coil portion (<NUM>), so that
d4. an end of the shaft <NUM>, facing away from the head (<NUM>), of the connecting bolt (<NUM>) is receivable in the positioning turn (<NUM>) and the connecting bolt (<NUM>) is holdable aligned in the component opening (<NUM>) in a clamping manner by means of the holding turn (<NUM>) and the positioning turn (<NUM>).