WO2014020365A1

WO2014020365A1 - Demountable clip

Info

Publication number: WO2014020365A1
Application number: PCT/HU2013/000079
Authority: WO
Inventors: István Kovács; Sándor TOASO
Original assignee: Kovacs Istvan; Toaso Sandor
Priority date: 2012-07-30
Filing date: 2013-07-30
Publication date: 2014-02-06
Also published as: HU229817B1; HUP1200450A1

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a dismountable clip joint that is suitable for attaching disc-like parts through drilled or shaped holes to each other, to other structural elements either as an individual part or as a carrier element. The securing elements (4,5) of the clip are turned into out-bended position during manufacturing due to manufacturing restriction such as avoiding undercutting. Bending the securing elements (4, 5) up to their default position the clip (1) can be inserted into a shaped hole (34), where the securing elements (4, 5) will maintain a self- locking bond. Dismountable clip joint comprises a main body (3) and securing elements (4, 5) which are bended up to the body (3) of the clip. By means of moving the ring-like elements (8, 9) toward the center of the clip with an ordinary screwdriver in a corresponding direction the ring-like elements (8, 9) are being centralized. The centralized ring-like (8,9) elements are moving the securing elements (4,5) in such a position where they will be entirely within the outer skirt of the body (3), therefore the clip (1) can be removed without any blocking point from the shaped hole (34). During insertion or removal of the clip (1) the securing elements (4, 5) are bended through the flexible zones (14, 15). In order to remove the clip (I) there is no need to touch the clip by hand therefore one hand removal is possible by means of a screwdriver (32). Due to flexible deformation of the ring¬ like elements (8, 9) they are pressed against the stem of screwdriver (32) therefore the clip (1) can be removed together with the screwdriver (32) from the shaped hole (34). The advantages of said dismountable clip are easy and multi-directional operability, quick and damage-free removal which makes multiple reusability possible while both cost and service time can be reduced. The clip (1) can be made of reusable, recycled plastics. These factors can greatly contribute to reducing environmental impact.

Description

RECORD COPY

A

DEMOUNTABLE CLIP

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject of the invention is a dismountable clip joint that is suitable for attaching disc-like parts through drilled or shaped holes to each other, to other structural elements either as an individual part or as a carrier element.

The dismountable clip itself ensures a non-dismountable bond that can be released and removed by ordinary screwdrivers found in most workshops. Releasing of bond happens through pulling the securing elements inwards with the forcing movement of tool that is pushed into the ring-like elements (round, rectangle frame etc.) on the securing elements. The clip is made of plastic which is suitable for low or high pressure injection moulding, or reinforced fiber plastic manufacturing, or metal, non-metallic alloy that is suitable for precision casting and is carefully selected according to other technical requirements.

The area of use is a form of fixation where disc-like parts, covers, plates (metallic or non- metallic), consoles, and frames are attached to each other or to supporting elements through drilled or pre-shaped holes by means of flexible deformation.

The clip can be used as a structural or bearing element of a sub assembly (bumper fixation, Maintenance decks fixation) or part of components such as cables, harnesses, ties.

PRIOR ART

Currently there are several dismountable clips in use. The most widely applied ones are plastic, made up of two or more components where the bond is achieved by flexible deformation of locking elements inserted into drilled holes.

Patent Nr. HU 197417 is one of these. In order to release the bond the locking element has to be removed partly or entirely thus disengaging the locking position. Removal of the locking element is usually awkward and requires special tools that cause damage. During the removal process the fastener suffers damage or permanent deformation both mechanically and aesthetically that limits or excludes its reusability. Other negative aspects are the difficult and time-consuming maintenance, multi tool production, high failure rate, limited reusability that also has undesirable effect on the environment.

Patent Nr. US 2003/0053880 Al is an improved one piece fastener. To achieve the bond the fastener needs to be placed in the drilled hole or socket where the flexible deformation of heel-like elements ensures the locking effect. Releasing the fastener from its locked position requires a special tool. By means of this special tool the heel-like elements turn around the rectangular axis hence the self-locking is disengaged.

From mechanical point of view the disadvantage is that the axis of heel-like elements is rectangular shaped due to tooling reasons. These are exposed to torsional loading both during the insertion and removal processes of the clip. This can lead to fatigue and damage of the material. These clips shall also carry on the axial loading of bond. Reinforcement or oversizing of rectangular axis can lead to operational difficulties of the clip due to increased torsional moment.

To release the clip a special tool is needed that involves extra cost. The clip does not limit the accessibility of oversized or larger diameter tools used for releasing of the bond; however this makes the release impossible. a.

OBJECT OF INVENTION

The aim of this invention is to further improve the existing clip solutions by achieving a clip that is made of one piece, can be easily and quickly applicable without permanent deformation or damage during multiple insertion and removal.

Invention is based on the observation that the release of a one-piece dismountable clip can be carried out through alignment of ring- like elements (either open or closed ring- like elements) of securing elements where the securing elements are loaded only by bending moment. Our invention has two distinguishable conditions: manufacturing and operating conditions. In manufacturing condition the securing elements of the clip are spread out in a pre-set position to ensure easy tooling and avoid undercutting. Bending and pressing the securing elements into position of operating condition makes the clip possible to secure disc-like parts or other parts by pressing the clip into drilled holes by hand or by machine. By default the securing elements are protruding from the main body of the clip. Upon insertion into holes or sockets these securing elements are pressed into the body of the clip. Upon removal these securing elements are moved behind the outer skirt of the main body by means of bending them through alignment of ring-like element of securing elements with an ordinary screwdriver therefore the securing elements have purely bending load and there is no additional torsional load on them. The ring-like element on the securing elements can be aligned by means of ordinary screwdriver, which ensures the forced movements of securing elements inwards to a releasable position. In this position the clip becomes freely removable from its hole.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is achieved with a clip construction according to attached Patent Claim 1. Advantageous details and embodiments are set out in Patent Claims 2 to 19.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The advantages of one-piece dismountable clipping joint are described in details in drawings where:

Figure 1 is a central longitudinal cross section of the clip in operating condition,

Figure 2 is a central longitudinal cross section of the clip in manufacturing condition,

Figures 3-4 are axonometric views of the clip in production condition,

Figure 5 shows the process of securing elements being moved from manufacturing condition to operating condition in axonometric view,

Figure 6 is an axonometric view of the clip in operating condition,

Figure 7 is an axonometric view of the clip in operating condition where the main body of the clip is in section,

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the clip,

Figure 9 is a front view of the clip,

Figure 10 shows an ordinary screwdriver suitable for releasing the clip in axonometric view, Figures 11-13 are central longitudinal cross sections of installation process of clip,

Figures 14-16 are central longitudinal cross sections of removal process of clip,

Figures 17-18 show a further advantageous embodiment of the clip in cross section view, Figure 19 shows an additional embodiment of the clip in axonometric view. DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows the embodiment of invention in its operating condition in longitudinal cross section view. The role of head (2) on figure 11 is to prevent the axial movement of part (33) and to carry the flexible ribs (26, 27) on Figure 9. By means of flexible ribs (26, 27) on Figure 9 a flexible movement of the center of head is enabled axially in order to support installation and release of the clip.

The body (3) attached to the head (2) is cone shaped which makes installation or removal easy. The securing elements (4, 5) are attached to the body (3). The flexible zones (14, 15) ensure the necessary flexible deformation of securing elements (4, 5) during installation and removal. An ordinary screwdriver (32) on figure 10 shall be inserted either into upper or lower holes (28, 29 on figure 7.) and further into the ring-like elements (8, 9) of securing elements (4, 5) which are pulled into a centralized position.

The insertion of screwdriver (32) into the ring-like elements (8, 9) is eased by the cone shaped surfaces (12, 13). The upper and lower holes (28, 29) allow solely the insertion of screwdrivers (32) with a diameter necessary to pull the ring-like elements (8, 9) into a centered position. Larger diameters don't fit in the holes.

The shoulders (10, 11) of securing elements (4, 5) prevent the returning of securing elements into manufacturing condition after moving the securing elements (4, 5) into operating condition. The grooves (6, 7) on the securing elements (4, 5) enable the opposing ring-like elements (8, 9) to be pulled without any restriction inwards upon release.

Figure 2 shows the longitudinal section view of dismountable clip joint in its manufacturing condition. Tooling of the production of clip is carried out in this manufacturing condition which allows one-piece production. The cut holes (30, 31) on the body (3) accommodate the securing elements (4, 5) in operating condition and during installation and removal. The flexible hinges (20, 21) attach the body (3) with the securing elements (4, 5) and enable the movement of securing elements.

There are two limiter surfaces (22, 23) on the bottom of cut holes (30, 31) that maintain the position of securing elements (4, 5) after being moved into operating condition and also block their further inward movement to prevent self-release. In operating condition the blocking pins (18, 19) on the securing elements (4, 5) are pressed against the limiter surfaces (22, 23). Thus the axial load of securing elements (4, 5) is carried over by the body (3). Therefore there are no other loading on the flexible hinge (20, 21) other than when the securing elements (4, 5) are moved into operating condition. During operation of the clip the flexible hinges (20, 21) are not loaded.

The axial position of securing elements (4, 5) is maintained by positioning grooves (24, 25) shown on figures 3 and 4. The cams (16, 17) found on the securing elements (4, 5) are pressed against the positioning grooves (24, 25) and ensure appropriate positioning for the thickness of part (33) as shown on figure 11. Figure 6 (Axonometric view) and Figure 8 (front view) show the cam (16) in the positioning groove (24). With this solution any malfunctions (initial nominal clearance change) can be eliminated that are caused by an unfavorable creep or permanent elongation of the flexible hinge (20, 21) due to multiple bending of securing elements (4, 5) between its operating and manufacturing conditions. Figure 5 shows the process of moving the securing elements (4, 5) between manufacturing and operating condition in an entirely under control way in axonometric view. Securing elements (4, 5) shall be moved into the given direction (35, 36) without any specific order as the ring-like elements (8, 9) have no colliding points. Figure 7 shows the position of securing elements (4, 5) in the body (3) in operating condition in axonometric view. \

Figures 11-12-13 show the process of installation of dismountable clip joint (1). The dismountable clip joint (1) is pressed in the given direction (37) into the hole either manually or by machine. During the installation process the securing elements (4, 5) are pressed inwards a shaped hole (34) meanwhile flexible deformation happens in flexible zones (14, 15).

When bond is maintained the securing elements (4, 5) return to their default operating condition due to flexible deformation. Due to the bending load of the securing elements (4, 5), the clip is much more resistant to wear-out or fatigue failures than in comparison with torsional loading, hence the lifetime and reusability of the clip is greatly increased.

Figures 14-15-16 show the unlocking process of dismountable clip joint (1). The screwdriver (32) is inserted into the clip (1) (manually or by machine) in the given direction (38). The screwdriver (32) forces the ring-like elements (8, 9) on the securing elements (4, 5) to move inwards. During unlocking (corresponding with the locking phase) flexible deformation occurs in flexible zones (14, 15) on the securing elements (4, 5). In withdrawn position the securing elements (4, 5) are fully merged into the body (3) which ensures the removal of clip (1) as the securing elements cannot be blocked by the shaped hole (34). The screwdriver (32) and the unlocked clip (1) are pulled together in the given direction (39) from the shaped hole (34) either manually or by machine. Another advantage of dismountable clip joint (1) is that only the screwdriver (32) needs to be held but not the clip therefore one hand is enough for the unlocking process. In withdrawn position when the securing elements (4, 5) are fully merged into the body (3) by means of a screwdriver (32) the ring-like elements (8, 9) are pressed against the stem of screwdriver (32) due to flexible deformation. This effect ensures that the clip (1) remains on the screwdriver (32) during removal.

Once the clip (1) is removed from the assembly it can easily be slipped off the screwdriver (32). A slight manual press on the securing elements (4, 5) loosens the grip of ring-like elements (8, 9).

Due to the minor loading during insertion and removal of clip (1) there will be no mechanical or aesthetical damage which makes reusability possible reducing negative effects on the environment.

By carefully choosing raw material high number of installation and removal is possible. Recommended materials are Polyamide (PA), Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP) that has suitable mechanical properties for such a clip.

Figure 19 shows a further advantageous embodiment of the clip. This version of dismountable clip joint (41) has a threaded end as head (42) and securing elements (4, 5) can be turned in from sideward. This solution enables alternative tooling options so the position of securing elements (4, 5) can be altered by demand.

Figures 17 and 18 show the different unlocking processes of this possible embodiment of the clip (41). The clip (41) is attached to the disc-like part (43) through a threaded hole (42). The disc-like part (44) then can be secured through the shaped hole (45). The direction of removal is chosen by the preference of the user or better accessibility. The removal of disc-like part (44) can be carried out by inserting the screwdriver (32) from either directions (38 or 40).

The advantages of dismountable clip joint are its easy, multi-directional accessibility, quick and damage-free removal that contributes to its cost and time effective reusability. The clip can be made of recycled materials (e.g. plastics). These factors can greatly contribute to reducing the environmental impact.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Dismountable clip joint (1) that is suitable for attaching disc- like parts with drilled or shaped holes to each other, to other structural elements as an individual part or as a carrier element which is characterized in that it comprises a head (2), a body (3) and at least one securing element (4) that is capable of carrying out locking effect and is retractable into the body (3) by a ring-like element (8).

2. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its raw material is of reusable, recycled thermoplastic polymer suitable for moulding or fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer.

3. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its raw material is of precision die casting raw materials (Ferro and Non-Ferro based alloys) which allows casting core implementation and removal by heat, mechanically or chemically.

4. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that after folding its securing elements (4) into operating condition the clip forms a self-locking, non-dismountable joint when inserted into pre-shaped hole (34). Unlocking is only possible with tool.

5. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that there is center slot (28) on the head (2) through which the unlocking tool is inserted and there is at least one flexible rib that helps insertion and release.

6. Clip(l) according to claim 1, characterized in that the geometry of head (2) is similarly shaped as its body (3), cannot be distinguished from each other and can be threaded on demand.

7. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its head (2) can serve a carrier function to other structural elements (cable harness, tie etc.)

8. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its body (3) has openings (30, 31) corresponding in number to securing elements (4, 5). These openings (30, 31) have at least one limiter surface (22), at least one positioning grooves (24) and a centered bottom slot (29) through which the opening tool can be inserted.

9. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its body is cylindrical or polygonal (3 or more sided) that shall have draft base on demand.

10. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its securing element (4) has at least one taper (12) on the ring-like element (8). Furthermore it has at least one locking shoulder (10) that locks into the slot (33) after insertion; at least one flexible zone (14); at least one blocking pin (18); at least one positioner groove (24) and at least one groove (6) that ensures that the ring-like element (8, 9) does not collide or obstruct each other in case if multiple securing elements (4, 5) are used.

11. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that self- locking is formed between the body (3) and the securing element (4) when the securing element (4) is folded into the body (3). C

12. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer shape of ring-like element(8) on the securing element(4) can be circular or polygonal shaped.

13. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner part of ring- like element (8) on the securing element (4) is appropriately shaped to fit the opening tool (flat head, Phillips screwdriver etc.)

14. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ring- like element(8) is attached to the body (3) and its structure makes the movement of the securing element (4) towards the center line of the body (3) feasible when centralized.

15. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its body (3) and securing element (4) are attached to each other with at least one hinge-like element (20).

16. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge-like element (20) attaching the body (3) to the securing element (4) can be placed correspondingly to the direction of bending either on the bottom or on the side of body (3) and of securing element(4).

17. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that upon release the ring-like elements (8) on the locking clip (4) is centralized by inserting a screwdriver (32) through the top or bottom slots (28, 29). As a result the securing element (4) is moved behind the outer skirt of the body (3).

18. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - depending on the shape of ring-like elements (8) found on securing element (4) - the release of dismountable clip is achieved either by different types of screwdrivers (32) or other tool with same diameter that is capable of creating the retracting effect on the ring-like element (8).

19. Clip (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its head (2) and body (3) is formed of multiply segments which are linked together with at least one hinge-like element (20) like in case of securing element (4).