CA2646690C - Clamping device - Google Patents
Clamping device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2646690C CA2646690C CA2646690A CA2646690A CA2646690C CA 2646690 C CA2646690 C CA 2646690C CA 2646690 A CA2646690 A CA 2646690A CA 2646690 A CA2646690 A CA 2646690A CA 2646690 C CA2646690 C CA 2646690C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- base
- shank
- threaded portion
- hole
- free ends
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000003351 stiffener Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000000080 chela (arthropods) Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B37/00—Nuts or like thread-engaging members
- F16B37/08—Quickly-detachable or mountable nuts, e.g. consisting of two or more parts; Nuts movable along the bolt after tilting the nut
- F16B37/0807—Nuts engaged from the end of the bolt, e.g. axially slidable nuts
- F16B37/0842—Nuts engaged from the end of the bolt, e.g. axially slidable nuts fastened to the threaded bolt with snap-on-action, e.g. push-on nuts for stud bolts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B37/00—Nuts or like thread-engaging members
- F16B37/005—Nuts or like thread-engaging members into which threads are cut during screwing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B37/00—Nuts or like thread-engaging members
- F16B37/02—Nuts or like thread-engaging members made of thin sheet material
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
Abstract
The clamping device comprises: a screw member with a bearing head and a shank equipped with a threaded portion, a retainer (10) comprising a base (21) equipped with a through-hole (20) for the passage of the shank of the screw member, and retaining means supported by the base (21) to lie vertically in line with the through-hole (20), and designed to collaborate with the threaded portion in order axially to immobilize the screw member relative to the retainer (10). The retaining means consist of flexible and elastic tabs (22, 23) arranged such that they converge. Their free ends (221, 231) between them determine a gap (d) smaller than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion (15) so that they automatically engage with the threads of the threaded portion (15) when the shank (12) is inserted axially into the through-hole (20). A burr (29) is arranged at the periphery of the through-hole (20) towards the flexible tabs (22, 23) to form an end stop for the free ends (221, 231) when the shank (12) is axially withdrawn.
Description
Transtek Document No. FR0620 Clamping device Technical field of the invention The invention concerns a clamping device comprising:
- a bolt member with a support head and a shank provided with a threaded portion, - a locking clip comprising a base equipped with a through-hole for the passage of the shank of the bolt member, and retaining means which are supported by the base so as to be arranged vertically to the through-hole and which are suitable for cooperating with the threaded portion to effect axial immobilization between the bolt member and the locking clip.
Prior art Such a device can be used in assembling a plurality of parts by axial compression, particularly by bolt and nut clamping. The parts are, for example, planar elements in the nature of plates, panels[,] metal sheets or the like. One class of element that has been known for many years is pincer-shaped nuts, that is, nuts having the general shape of a U and essentially comprising a first branch having a screw socket, connected to a second branch with an opening for the passage of a bolt. An example of this type of clamping device is described in the document FR2754575, with a nut forming a pincer further comprising an annular portion cut out of a flap bent back from the second branch so as to extend between the two branches of the nut and center it on one of the planar elements to be assembled.
The known clamping devices are not completely satisfactory, however, since the retaining means designed to cooperate with the threaded portion of the shank are in the form of screw sockets in which the threads of that portion can engage. To ensure clamping during assembly. it is therefore necessary to tighten the bolt member so that it is translated in a helical movement relative to the Transtek Document No. FR0620 locking clip to effect the desired clamping. The mounting and manipulation time required for such assembly is long, especially when the dimensions of the parts to be assembled necessitate more than one clamping device. That time is directly related to the length of the threaded portion and to the relative arrangement of the parts. The significance of this drawback is all the greater since the clamping devices are used in final assembly lines, which are generally the most cost-intensive.
In addition, the pull-out strength of the bolt member is relatively low, since it is directly related to the mechanical strength of the screw sockets. The latter consist, for example, of rigid tongues punched and stamped from the base, whose free ends are rigidly engaged in the threads of the threaded portion. When a very high pull-out force is applied to the bolt member, the tongues will often deform (axially or radially) irreversibly and will unexpectedly release the bolt member.
Subject matter of the invention The object of the invention is to propose a clamping device that is of simple and inexpensive design, and which facilitates the assembly operation and increases the reliability of the assembly obtained.
This object is achieved according to the invention by the fact that the retaining means are constituted by a plurality of flexible and elastic tongues, arranged convergently such that their free ends define between them a gap which is smaller than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion so that they automatically enter into engagement with the threads of the threaded portion when the shank is inserted axially into the through-hole, and by the fact that a burr directed toward the flexible tongues is provided at the periphery of the through-hole to form a stop for the free ends when the shank is axially withdrawn.
The axial insertion movement of the bolt member in the locking clip spreads the free ends of the flexible tongues apart radially. At the end of insertion, the elasticity of the flexible tongues automatically causes their free ends to engage with the threads of the threaded portion to the ensure retention and axial immobilization of the bolt member relative to the locking clip. To increase the clamping force produced by axial compression, the operator then need only tighten the bolt member slightly until a desired tightening torque is reached.
In other words, assembly is effected, first, merely by exerting axial pressure on the bolt member relative to the locking clip, and then, optionally, by tightening the bolt member slightly.
This feature facilitates assembly by virtue of the fast, simple manipulation of the bolt member.
When a pull-out force is applied to the bolt member, the free ends of the tongues come to rest against the respective ends of the burr. This deprives the free ends of the flexible tongues of their radial and axial mobility. The pull-out strength of the bolt member, which gives the clamping device its mechanical strength, is consequently very high, which helps to increase the reliability of the assembly.
In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a clamping device comprising: a bolt member with a support head and a shank provided with a threaded portion, a locking clip comprising a base equipped with a through-hole for the passage of said shank of said bolt member, and retaining means which are supported by said base so as to be arranged vertically to said through-hole and which are suitable for cooperating with said. threaded portion to effect axial immobilization between said bolt member and said locking clip, characterized in that said retaining means are formed by a plurality of flexible and elastic tongues, arranged convergently such that their free ends define between them a gap (d) which is smaller than the nominal diameter of said threaded portion so that they automatically enter into engagement with the threads of said threaded portion when said shank is inserted axially into said through-hole, and by the fact that a burr directed toward said flexible tongues is provided at the periphery of said through-hole to form a stop for said free ends when said shank is axially withdrawn, and by the fact that said connecting arms are interconnected by at least one stiffener that is parallel to said base and by the fact that the opposite ends of said flexible tongues from said free ends are each integral to a respective connecting arm connected to said base by an elastically deformable region.
Brief description of the drawings Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, provided as non-limitative examples and depicted in the appended drawings, wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the locking clip in a first exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, - Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the locking clip from Fig. 1, - Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the first exemplary clamping device, showing a planar element to be assembled and the locking clip in cross section, - Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the locking clip in a second exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, - Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the locking clip in a third exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, - Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the locking clip in a fourth exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention.
5a Transtek Document No. FR0620 Description of particular embodiments Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first exemplary clamping device according to the invention, composed of a locking clip 10 and a bolt member 11. The bolt member 11, which is made of metal, for example, and is visible only in Fig. 3, comprises a partially threaded shank 12 and, at the so-called proximal end, a support head 13. The shank 12 has a smooth upper portion 14 located close to the support head 13 and a threaded lower portion 15 extending to the opposite end, referred to as the distal end.
In the first embodiment, the locking clip 10 is configured as a straddle member having the general shape of a U, with substantially parallel first and second branches 16, 17. The locking clip 10 is fabricated by being cut from a metal plate and bent.
The clamping device will now be described in a specific but in no way limitative application example, consisting of the assembly of planar elements in the nature of plates, panels, metal sheets or the like. It goes without saying, however, that the clamping device can be used more generally in all applications requiring the use of a bolt and nut type system.
In this application example, one of the planar elements to be assembled, partially illustrated in Fig. 3 as reference 18, is designed to be placed between the branches 16, 17 of the locking clip 10. The other planar element or elements of the assembly are not shown.
Branches 16, 17 can exhibit a slight convergence so that the locking clip 10 can be premounted and affixed to the planar element 18 prior to the final assembly operation executed in cooperation with bolt member 11.
First branch 16 and second branch 17 each have respective through-holes, referenced 19, 20, for the passage of the shank 12 of bolt member 11. First branch 16 terminates in an outwardly bent portion 24 designed to facilitate the placement of the locking clip 10 on the planar element 18.
According to the invention, second branch 17 constitutes a base, noted 21, supporting two flexible and elastic tongues 22, 23 disposed, relative to the base 21, on the opposite side from Transtek Document No. FR0620 first branch 16. The flexible tongues 22, 23 are arranged to be convergent, such that their free ends, respectively referenced 221, 231, are situated vertically to the through-hole 20 and define between them a gap, noted d, which is smaller than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion 15. Each free end 221, 231 presents a circular hollow-out portion whose diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the threading forming threaded portion 15. The opposite ends 222, 232 of the flexible tongues 22, 23 from the free ends 22 1, 231 are each integral to a respective connecting arm 25, 26 connected to the base 21 by a portion 27 bent back 180 , constituting an elastically deformable region. The connecting arms 25, 26 are perpendicular to their respective flexible tongues 22, 23. In the example described, flexible tongues 22, 23 and connecting arms 25, 26 are therefore coplanar, and are parallel to the base 21. Connecting arms 25, 26 are connected to each other by a stiffener 28, which is straight in the example.
When the operator assembles the planar elements using the above-described clamping device, the locking clip 10 is first premounted and attached to the planar element 18.
The other planar element or elements that are to be assembled with element 18 are then superposed and are positioned against the first branch 16 or near it, outside the locking clip 10. Each planar element is provided with an opening designed to be traversed axially by the shank 12.
The planar elements can each be integral to a respective part of any desired shape, said parts (not shown) being designed to be assembled to one another in a region where the planar elements are superposed and can be assembled by clamping.
The shank 12 of the bolt member 1 1 is then inserted into the openings in the planar elements to be assembled with element 18, proceeding from the distal end toward the proximal end, then into through-hole 19, then through planar element 18, then into through-hole 20, until coming into contact with the free ends 221, 23I of the flexible tongues 22, 23. The axial insertion of the shank 12 into the locking clip 10 then causes the flexible tongues 22, 23 to flex in such a way that their free ends 22 1, 23 1 move axially away from through-hole 20 of base 21. Due to the manner in which flexible tongues 22, 23 are supported on base 21, this flexing movement of the flexible tongues 22, 23 is accompanied by spreading of the free ends 221, 231 in the radial direction, commensurately increasing the gap d. These axial and radial movements of the free ends 221, 231, are facilitated and amplified by the presence of deformable regions constituted by Transtek Document No. FR0620 bent portions 27. The stiffener 28 eliminates or at least limits the ability of connecting arms 25 and 26 to rotate about the axis perpendicular to the plane of the base 21.
At the end of the insertion of the bolt member 11, support head 13 butts against the relevant planar element, and the elasticity of the flexible tongues 22, 23 automatically causes their free ends 221, 231 to engage with the threads of threaded portion 15. More precisely, the hollowed-out portions come to bear linearly against the roots of the threads to effect the retention and axial immobilization of bolt member 1 I relative to locking clip 10. The profiles of the flexible tongues 22, 23 at the opposite ends 222, 232 are chosen so that the free ends 221, 23 1 can be made to rotate by twisting the flexible tongues 22, 23, and thus to orient themselves to the angle of inclination of the threads of threaded portion 15. This feature increases the torque strength of the locking clip 10.
The axial immobilization serves to clamp planar element 18 together with the other planar element or elements, and thus to assemble them. To increase the clamping force produced by axial compression, the operator then need only tighten bolt member 1 1 slightly to a desired tightening torque. In other words, the assembly of the planar elements 18 and other elements is performed, first, merely by exerting axial pressure on the bolt member 1 1 relative to the locking clip 10, and then, optionally, by tightening the bolt member I I slightly.
This feature facilitates assembly by virtue of the fast, simple manipulation of the bolt member 11.
When a pull-out force is applied to the bolt member 11, the free ends 221, 231 of the flexible tongues 22, 23 come to rest against the top end of a burr 29 directed toward the flexible tongues 22, 23 and provided at the periphery of the through-hole 20. The burr 29 thus forms a stop for the free ends 221, 231 which deprives them of their radial and axial mobility.
This effect is amplified by the presence of the stiffener 28. The pull-out strength of the bolt member 11, which gives the clamping device its mechanical strength, is consequently very high, which helps to increase the reliability of the assembly obtained.
The locking clip 10 and the bolt member 1 1 can be made from other suitable materials, varying with the application, such as molded plastic, for example. The number of flexible tongues 22, 23 Transtek Document No. FR0620 can also vary with the application, based, for example, on the constituent material of the locking clip 10 and/or the desired rigidity during the axial insertion of the bolt member 11 and/or the sought pull-out strength.
Figures 4 and 5 respectively illustrate the locking clips 30 and 40 in two other exemplary embodiments of the clamping device according to the invention, usable in different applications.
Locking clip 30 (Fig. 4) differs from locking clip 10 by the fact that first branch 16 has been eliminated. The manner of operation of the base 21 and the flexible tongues 22, 23 remains the same, however. Extending from one edge of the base 21 is a fixing flap 31 suitable for insertion in a mating receptacle provided in a first part to be clamped against a second part held in place by support head 13. The first and second parts are formed, for example, by the two articulated half-bores of a pipe clamp.
Locking clip 40 (Fig. 5) differs from locking clip 30 by the fact that the fixing flap 31 has been eliminated and the base 21 has larger dimensions in at least one of the directions, to be able to accommodate a plurality of fixing holes 41. The fixing holes 41 make it possible, for example, to overmold one of the parts to be clamped onto locking clip 40, or to affix the clip to one of the parts to be clamped by means of bolts or screws.
Figure 6 illustrates the locking clip 50 in a fourth exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention. Locking clip 50 differs from locking clip 30 by the fact that the connecting arms 25, 26 extend beyond their junction with the opposite ends 222, 232 of the flexible tongues 22, 23. The free ends 251, 261 of the connecting arms, i.e., the opposite ends from those connected to the base 21, are connected to each other by a stiffener 5 1. The connecting arms 25, 26 and the stiffeners 28, 51 form a stiffening frame designed to eliminate any possibility of radial movement by free ends 221, 231 other than that caused by the flexion of flexible tongues 22, 23 during the insertion of bolt member 11. This feature increases both the pull-out strength of the bolt member 1 1 and the torque strength of the locking clip 50.
- a bolt member with a support head and a shank provided with a threaded portion, - a locking clip comprising a base equipped with a through-hole for the passage of the shank of the bolt member, and retaining means which are supported by the base so as to be arranged vertically to the through-hole and which are suitable for cooperating with the threaded portion to effect axial immobilization between the bolt member and the locking clip.
Prior art Such a device can be used in assembling a plurality of parts by axial compression, particularly by bolt and nut clamping. The parts are, for example, planar elements in the nature of plates, panels[,] metal sheets or the like. One class of element that has been known for many years is pincer-shaped nuts, that is, nuts having the general shape of a U and essentially comprising a first branch having a screw socket, connected to a second branch with an opening for the passage of a bolt. An example of this type of clamping device is described in the document FR2754575, with a nut forming a pincer further comprising an annular portion cut out of a flap bent back from the second branch so as to extend between the two branches of the nut and center it on one of the planar elements to be assembled.
The known clamping devices are not completely satisfactory, however, since the retaining means designed to cooperate with the threaded portion of the shank are in the form of screw sockets in which the threads of that portion can engage. To ensure clamping during assembly. it is therefore necessary to tighten the bolt member so that it is translated in a helical movement relative to the Transtek Document No. FR0620 locking clip to effect the desired clamping. The mounting and manipulation time required for such assembly is long, especially when the dimensions of the parts to be assembled necessitate more than one clamping device. That time is directly related to the length of the threaded portion and to the relative arrangement of the parts. The significance of this drawback is all the greater since the clamping devices are used in final assembly lines, which are generally the most cost-intensive.
In addition, the pull-out strength of the bolt member is relatively low, since it is directly related to the mechanical strength of the screw sockets. The latter consist, for example, of rigid tongues punched and stamped from the base, whose free ends are rigidly engaged in the threads of the threaded portion. When a very high pull-out force is applied to the bolt member, the tongues will often deform (axially or radially) irreversibly and will unexpectedly release the bolt member.
Subject matter of the invention The object of the invention is to propose a clamping device that is of simple and inexpensive design, and which facilitates the assembly operation and increases the reliability of the assembly obtained.
This object is achieved according to the invention by the fact that the retaining means are constituted by a plurality of flexible and elastic tongues, arranged convergently such that their free ends define between them a gap which is smaller than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion so that they automatically enter into engagement with the threads of the threaded portion when the shank is inserted axially into the through-hole, and by the fact that a burr directed toward the flexible tongues is provided at the periphery of the through-hole to form a stop for the free ends when the shank is axially withdrawn.
The axial insertion movement of the bolt member in the locking clip spreads the free ends of the flexible tongues apart radially. At the end of insertion, the elasticity of the flexible tongues automatically causes their free ends to engage with the threads of the threaded portion to the ensure retention and axial immobilization of the bolt member relative to the locking clip. To increase the clamping force produced by axial compression, the operator then need only tighten the bolt member slightly until a desired tightening torque is reached.
In other words, assembly is effected, first, merely by exerting axial pressure on the bolt member relative to the locking clip, and then, optionally, by tightening the bolt member slightly.
This feature facilitates assembly by virtue of the fast, simple manipulation of the bolt member.
When a pull-out force is applied to the bolt member, the free ends of the tongues come to rest against the respective ends of the burr. This deprives the free ends of the flexible tongues of their radial and axial mobility. The pull-out strength of the bolt member, which gives the clamping device its mechanical strength, is consequently very high, which helps to increase the reliability of the assembly.
In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a clamping device comprising: a bolt member with a support head and a shank provided with a threaded portion, a locking clip comprising a base equipped with a through-hole for the passage of said shank of said bolt member, and retaining means which are supported by said base so as to be arranged vertically to said through-hole and which are suitable for cooperating with said. threaded portion to effect axial immobilization between said bolt member and said locking clip, characterized in that said retaining means are formed by a plurality of flexible and elastic tongues, arranged convergently such that their free ends define between them a gap (d) which is smaller than the nominal diameter of said threaded portion so that they automatically enter into engagement with the threads of said threaded portion when said shank is inserted axially into said through-hole, and by the fact that a burr directed toward said flexible tongues is provided at the periphery of said through-hole to form a stop for said free ends when said shank is axially withdrawn, and by the fact that said connecting arms are interconnected by at least one stiffener that is parallel to said base and by the fact that the opposite ends of said flexible tongues from said free ends are each integral to a respective connecting arm connected to said base by an elastically deformable region.
Brief description of the drawings Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, provided as non-limitative examples and depicted in the appended drawings, wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the locking clip in a first exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, - Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the locking clip from Fig. 1, - Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the first exemplary clamping device, showing a planar element to be assembled and the locking clip in cross section, - Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the locking clip in a second exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, - Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the locking clip in a third exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, - Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the locking clip in a fourth exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention.
5a Transtek Document No. FR0620 Description of particular embodiments Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first exemplary clamping device according to the invention, composed of a locking clip 10 and a bolt member 11. The bolt member 11, which is made of metal, for example, and is visible only in Fig. 3, comprises a partially threaded shank 12 and, at the so-called proximal end, a support head 13. The shank 12 has a smooth upper portion 14 located close to the support head 13 and a threaded lower portion 15 extending to the opposite end, referred to as the distal end.
In the first embodiment, the locking clip 10 is configured as a straddle member having the general shape of a U, with substantially parallel first and second branches 16, 17. The locking clip 10 is fabricated by being cut from a metal plate and bent.
The clamping device will now be described in a specific but in no way limitative application example, consisting of the assembly of planar elements in the nature of plates, panels, metal sheets or the like. It goes without saying, however, that the clamping device can be used more generally in all applications requiring the use of a bolt and nut type system.
In this application example, one of the planar elements to be assembled, partially illustrated in Fig. 3 as reference 18, is designed to be placed between the branches 16, 17 of the locking clip 10. The other planar element or elements of the assembly are not shown.
Branches 16, 17 can exhibit a slight convergence so that the locking clip 10 can be premounted and affixed to the planar element 18 prior to the final assembly operation executed in cooperation with bolt member 11.
First branch 16 and second branch 17 each have respective through-holes, referenced 19, 20, for the passage of the shank 12 of bolt member 11. First branch 16 terminates in an outwardly bent portion 24 designed to facilitate the placement of the locking clip 10 on the planar element 18.
According to the invention, second branch 17 constitutes a base, noted 21, supporting two flexible and elastic tongues 22, 23 disposed, relative to the base 21, on the opposite side from Transtek Document No. FR0620 first branch 16. The flexible tongues 22, 23 are arranged to be convergent, such that their free ends, respectively referenced 221, 231, are situated vertically to the through-hole 20 and define between them a gap, noted d, which is smaller than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion 15. Each free end 221, 231 presents a circular hollow-out portion whose diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the threading forming threaded portion 15. The opposite ends 222, 232 of the flexible tongues 22, 23 from the free ends 22 1, 231 are each integral to a respective connecting arm 25, 26 connected to the base 21 by a portion 27 bent back 180 , constituting an elastically deformable region. The connecting arms 25, 26 are perpendicular to their respective flexible tongues 22, 23. In the example described, flexible tongues 22, 23 and connecting arms 25, 26 are therefore coplanar, and are parallel to the base 21. Connecting arms 25, 26 are connected to each other by a stiffener 28, which is straight in the example.
When the operator assembles the planar elements using the above-described clamping device, the locking clip 10 is first premounted and attached to the planar element 18.
The other planar element or elements that are to be assembled with element 18 are then superposed and are positioned against the first branch 16 or near it, outside the locking clip 10. Each planar element is provided with an opening designed to be traversed axially by the shank 12.
The planar elements can each be integral to a respective part of any desired shape, said parts (not shown) being designed to be assembled to one another in a region where the planar elements are superposed and can be assembled by clamping.
The shank 12 of the bolt member 1 1 is then inserted into the openings in the planar elements to be assembled with element 18, proceeding from the distal end toward the proximal end, then into through-hole 19, then through planar element 18, then into through-hole 20, until coming into contact with the free ends 221, 23I of the flexible tongues 22, 23. The axial insertion of the shank 12 into the locking clip 10 then causes the flexible tongues 22, 23 to flex in such a way that their free ends 22 1, 23 1 move axially away from through-hole 20 of base 21. Due to the manner in which flexible tongues 22, 23 are supported on base 21, this flexing movement of the flexible tongues 22, 23 is accompanied by spreading of the free ends 221, 231 in the radial direction, commensurately increasing the gap d. These axial and radial movements of the free ends 221, 231, are facilitated and amplified by the presence of deformable regions constituted by Transtek Document No. FR0620 bent portions 27. The stiffener 28 eliminates or at least limits the ability of connecting arms 25 and 26 to rotate about the axis perpendicular to the plane of the base 21.
At the end of the insertion of the bolt member 11, support head 13 butts against the relevant planar element, and the elasticity of the flexible tongues 22, 23 automatically causes their free ends 221, 231 to engage with the threads of threaded portion 15. More precisely, the hollowed-out portions come to bear linearly against the roots of the threads to effect the retention and axial immobilization of bolt member 1 I relative to locking clip 10. The profiles of the flexible tongues 22, 23 at the opposite ends 222, 232 are chosen so that the free ends 221, 23 1 can be made to rotate by twisting the flexible tongues 22, 23, and thus to orient themselves to the angle of inclination of the threads of threaded portion 15. This feature increases the torque strength of the locking clip 10.
The axial immobilization serves to clamp planar element 18 together with the other planar element or elements, and thus to assemble them. To increase the clamping force produced by axial compression, the operator then need only tighten bolt member 1 1 slightly to a desired tightening torque. In other words, the assembly of the planar elements 18 and other elements is performed, first, merely by exerting axial pressure on the bolt member 1 1 relative to the locking clip 10, and then, optionally, by tightening the bolt member I I slightly.
This feature facilitates assembly by virtue of the fast, simple manipulation of the bolt member 11.
When a pull-out force is applied to the bolt member 11, the free ends 221, 231 of the flexible tongues 22, 23 come to rest against the top end of a burr 29 directed toward the flexible tongues 22, 23 and provided at the periphery of the through-hole 20. The burr 29 thus forms a stop for the free ends 221, 231 which deprives them of their radial and axial mobility.
This effect is amplified by the presence of the stiffener 28. The pull-out strength of the bolt member 11, which gives the clamping device its mechanical strength, is consequently very high, which helps to increase the reliability of the assembly obtained.
The locking clip 10 and the bolt member 1 1 can be made from other suitable materials, varying with the application, such as molded plastic, for example. The number of flexible tongues 22, 23 Transtek Document No. FR0620 can also vary with the application, based, for example, on the constituent material of the locking clip 10 and/or the desired rigidity during the axial insertion of the bolt member 11 and/or the sought pull-out strength.
Figures 4 and 5 respectively illustrate the locking clips 30 and 40 in two other exemplary embodiments of the clamping device according to the invention, usable in different applications.
Locking clip 30 (Fig. 4) differs from locking clip 10 by the fact that first branch 16 has been eliminated. The manner of operation of the base 21 and the flexible tongues 22, 23 remains the same, however. Extending from one edge of the base 21 is a fixing flap 31 suitable for insertion in a mating receptacle provided in a first part to be clamped against a second part held in place by support head 13. The first and second parts are formed, for example, by the two articulated half-bores of a pipe clamp.
Locking clip 40 (Fig. 5) differs from locking clip 30 by the fact that the fixing flap 31 has been eliminated and the base 21 has larger dimensions in at least one of the directions, to be able to accommodate a plurality of fixing holes 41. The fixing holes 41 make it possible, for example, to overmold one of the parts to be clamped onto locking clip 40, or to affix the clip to one of the parts to be clamped by means of bolts or screws.
Figure 6 illustrates the locking clip 50 in a fourth exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention. Locking clip 50 differs from locking clip 30 by the fact that the connecting arms 25, 26 extend beyond their junction with the opposite ends 222, 232 of the flexible tongues 22, 23. The free ends 251, 261 of the connecting arms, i.e., the opposite ends from those connected to the base 21, are connected to each other by a stiffener 5 1. The connecting arms 25, 26 and the stiffeners 28, 51 form a stiffening frame designed to eliminate any possibility of radial movement by free ends 221, 231 other than that caused by the flexion of flexible tongues 22, 23 during the insertion of bolt member 11. This feature increases both the pull-out strength of the bolt member 1 1 and the torque strength of the locking clip 50.
Claims (6)
1. A clamping device comprising:
- a bolt member (11) with a support head (13) and a shank (12) provided with a threaded portion (15), - a locking clip (10) comprising a base (21) equipped with a through-hole (20) for the passage of said shank (12) of said bolt member (11), and retaining means which are supported by said base (21) so as to be arranged vertically to said through-hole (20) and which are suitable for cooperating with said threaded portion (15) to effect axial immobilization between said bolt member (11) and said locking clip (10), characterized in that said retaining means are formed by a plurality of flexible and elastic tongues (22, 23), arranged convergently such that their free ends (221, 231) define between them a gap (d) which is smaller than the nominal diameter of said threaded portion (15) so that they automatically enter into engagement with the threads of said threaded portion (15) when said shank (12) is inserted axially into said through-hole (20), and by the fact that a burr (29) directed toward said flexible tongues (22, 23) is provided at the periphery of said through-hole (20) to form a stop for said free ends (221, 231) when said shank (12) is axially withdrawn, and by the fact that said connecting arms (25, 26) are interconnected by at least one stiffener (28, 51) that is parallel to said base (21) and by the fact that the opposite ends (222, 232) of said flexible tongues (22, 23) from said free ends (221, 231) are each integral to a respective connecting arm (25, 26) connected to said base (21) by an elastically deformable region (27).
- a bolt member (11) with a support head (13) and a shank (12) provided with a threaded portion (15), - a locking clip (10) comprising a base (21) equipped with a through-hole (20) for the passage of said shank (12) of said bolt member (11), and retaining means which are supported by said base (21) so as to be arranged vertically to said through-hole (20) and which are suitable for cooperating with said threaded portion (15) to effect axial immobilization between said bolt member (11) and said locking clip (10), characterized in that said retaining means are formed by a plurality of flexible and elastic tongues (22, 23), arranged convergently such that their free ends (221, 231) define between them a gap (d) which is smaller than the nominal diameter of said threaded portion (15) so that they automatically enter into engagement with the threads of said threaded portion (15) when said shank (12) is inserted axially into said through-hole (20), and by the fact that a burr (29) directed toward said flexible tongues (22, 23) is provided at the periphery of said through-hole (20) to form a stop for said free ends (221, 231) when said shank (12) is axially withdrawn, and by the fact that said connecting arms (25, 26) are interconnected by at least one stiffener (28, 51) that is parallel to said base (21) and by the fact that the opposite ends (222, 232) of said flexible tongues (22, 23) from said free ends (221, 231) are each integral to a respective connecting arm (25, 26) connected to said base (21) by an elastically deformable region (27).
2. The device as in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said free ends (221, 231) of said flexible tongues (22, 23) present hollowed-out portions.
3. The device as in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said base (21) comprises fixing means (16) for attaching it to one of the parts to be clamped.
4. The device as in claim 5, characterized in that said locking clip (10) has the general shape of a U, with a first branch (16) substantially parallel to said base (21), which latter constitutes a second branch (17), said first branch (16) being disposed, relative to said base (21), on the opposite side from said flexible tongues (22, 23).
5. The device as in claim 5, characterized in that said base (21) comprises a plurality of fixing holes (41).
6. The device as in claim 5, characterized in that a fixing flap (31) extends from one of the edges of said base (21).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR06/03152 | 2006-04-10 | ||
| FR0603152A FR2899658B1 (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2006-04-10 | CLAMPING DEVICE |
| PCT/EP2007/002001 WO2007115622A1 (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2007-03-08 | Clamping device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2646690A1 CA2646690A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| CA2646690C true CA2646690C (en) | 2012-05-22 |
Family
ID=37434001
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2646690A Active CA2646690C (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2007-03-08 | Clamping device |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20100011546A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2007991B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101405511A (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0710594B8 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2646690C (en) |
| CY (1) | CY1117787T1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2582487T3 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2899658B1 (en) |
| PL (1) | PL2007991T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007115622A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103321999A (en) * | 2012-03-23 | 2013-09-25 | 冠捷投资有限公司 | Combined device of locking structure and object as well as locking structure |
| US8979456B2 (en) * | 2013-01-18 | 2015-03-17 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Retention clip assembly |
| CN103398075A (en) * | 2013-08-05 | 2013-11-20 | 无锡市张泾宇钢机械厂 | Pre-tightening elastic piece of screw |
| WO2015135535A1 (en) * | 2014-03-12 | 2015-09-17 | Rittal Gmbh & Co. Kg | Fastening system for assembling appliances, in particular electrical appliances |
| CN105570253A (en) * | 2014-10-16 | 2016-05-11 | 重庆玛格装饰建材有限公司 | Fastening device |
| US9746018B2 (en) | 2015-02-02 | 2017-08-29 | Denso International America, Inc. | Speed nut |
| CN104930037B (en) * | 2015-06-18 | 2017-01-18 | 嘉兴汉工汽车紧固件有限公司 | Self-tapping nail nut seat, detachable assembly applying same and machining process |
| CN105480172B (en) * | 2016-01-07 | 2017-09-05 | 安徽江淮汽车集团股份有限公司 | Wire clamp |
| CN112567162B (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2023-02-21 | 爱迪实业产品有限公司 | Retainer for clamp assembly |
| DE102019121911A1 (en) * | 2019-08-14 | 2021-02-18 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Bolt fastening |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3123880A (en) * | 1964-03-10 | Clip-on receptacle or socket member for one-quarter turn stud | ||
| USRE22049E (en) * | 1936-10-01 | 1942-03-10 | Spring fastener | |
| US2407608A (en) * | 1942-11-28 | 1946-09-10 | Tinnerman Products Inc | Fastening device |
| US2373312A (en) * | 1943-06-11 | 1945-04-10 | Orlin F Goudy | Fastener |
| US2427392A (en) * | 1944-11-25 | 1947-09-16 | Oliver C Eckel | Clip |
| US2560518A (en) * | 1947-03-05 | 1951-07-10 | United Carr Fastener Corp | Friction nut |
| GB657161A (en) * | 1948-01-28 | 1951-09-12 | Tinnerman Products Inc | Improvements relating to sheet metal fasteners |
| US3491820A (en) * | 1968-05-29 | 1970-01-27 | Modular Syst | Flexible joint structure and clips therefor |
| US3841196A (en) * | 1972-10-31 | 1974-10-15 | G Tinnerman | Quick-acting clamp |
| US4508477A (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1985-04-02 | Eaton Corporation | Fastening device |
| US4826375A (en) * | 1987-08-17 | 1989-05-02 | Eaton Corporation | Variable diameter screw fastener |
| FR2754575B1 (en) * | 1996-10-10 | 1998-11-27 | Rapid Sa | CLAMP-FORMING NUT FOR ASSEMBLING PANELS, SHEETS OR THE LIKE |
| JP2006308020A (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-09 | Piolax Inc | Push nut |
-
2006
- 2006-04-10 FR FR0603152A patent/FR2899658B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-03-08 BR BRPI0710594A patent/BRPI0710594B8/en active IP Right Grant
- 2007-03-08 US US12/279,921 patent/US20100011546A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-03-08 CA CA2646690A patent/CA2646690C/en active Active
- 2007-03-08 WO PCT/EP2007/002001 patent/WO2007115622A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-03-08 PL PL07723096.9T patent/PL2007991T3/en unknown
- 2007-03-08 EP EP07723096.9A patent/EP2007991B1/en active Active
- 2007-03-08 CN CNA2007800103326A patent/CN101405511A/en active Pending
- 2007-03-08 ES ES07723096.9T patent/ES2582487T3/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-07-15 CY CY20161100687T patent/CY1117787T1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| PL2007991T3 (en) | 2016-11-30 |
| EP2007991B1 (en) | 2016-05-11 |
| FR2899658A1 (en) | 2007-10-12 |
| ES2582487T3 (en) | 2016-09-13 |
| FR2899658B1 (en) | 2010-08-27 |
| CA2646690A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| US20100011546A1 (en) | 2010-01-21 |
| WO2007115622A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| BRPI0710594A2 (en) | 2011-08-16 |
| BRPI0710594B1 (en) | 2018-04-24 |
| BRPI0710594B8 (en) | 2019-01-22 |
| CY1117787T1 (en) | 2017-05-17 |
| CN101405511A (en) | 2009-04-08 |
| EP2007991A1 (en) | 2008-12-31 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2646690C (en) | Clamping device | |
| JP4276196B2 (en) | Vehicle roof antenna mounting device | |
| US5707192A (en) | Panel--fastener connector clip | |
| JP4582316B2 (en) | Hose clamp holding structure | |
| EP1688306A1 (en) | Vehicle roof antenna installation device | |
| KR20210013316A (en) | Coupling having tabbed retainer | |
| KR101512506B1 (en) | Profiled clamp | |
| CA2631960A1 (en) | Clamp for circular objects | |
| KR20120101465A (en) | Nut with lug flare | |
| KR102212313B1 (en) | Profile clamp having sealing element | |
| IL209937A (en) | Pipe clamp assembly with tightening element keeper | |
| JP2013213582A (en) | Connection arrangement for coned flange connection and coned flange connection | |
| US20190293209A1 (en) | Cable Fastening Assembly And Method For Using Same | |
| JP5017225B2 (en) | Folded plate roof fixture | |
| MXPA02002324A (en) | Dual function retainer clip. | |
| US20070194190A1 (en) | Device to be fastened to a support which is provided with a threaded bolt | |
| KR101064847B1 (en) | Supporting Structure of Clamp for Clamping Hose | |
| JP6313737B2 (en) | Brace coupling bracket | |
| GB2024975A (en) | Anchoring Nuts or Bolts Using a Clip | |
| EP3839272B1 (en) | A fixing and an assembly comprising the same | |
| US8721247B2 (en) | Spring clip | |
| KR20120090738A (en) | Hose clamp | |
| JP5669186B2 (en) | Long body cover mounting tool and long body cover mounting method using the same | |
| JP5222887B2 (en) | Roof mounting fixture | |
| CA2751965C (en) | Push-in fitting for electrical metallic tubing with enhanced sealing and continuity |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |