Fastening device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening device comprising:-an insertion element (100) provided with an insertion section (101) comprising a flat front face; -a housing (400) forming an inner space and wherein the insertion section (101) is intended to be inserted in an insertion direction in a locking position for which the front face and the inner face of the fastening device (10) face each other; -a spring member (300) configured to oppose the gap between the inner face and the front face; -a separation member configured to maintain the inner face away from the front face from the insertion position when the insertion section is inserted and to allow the inner face and the front face to converge when the insertion section adopts the locking position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical components. In particular, this invention relates to a plug-in fastening device. Background Technology

[0002] Fastening devices can be used in a wide range of fields, including the automotive and construction industries.

[0003] The fastening device may be of the "plug-in" type, and more specifically includes a housing and an insertion element configured to plug into the housing.

[0004] However, gripping such fastening devices, and especially plugging them in, may detract from their appearance.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a fastening device for which gripping, and more specifically insertion, limits degradation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved by a fastening device comprising:

[0007] - An insertion element having an insertion section including a flat front side;

[0008] - A housing that forms an internal space, wherein the insertion section is intended to be inserted into a locking position in the insertion direction, wherein, in the locking position, the front and internal surfaces of the fastening device face each other and are advantageously parallel to each other;

[0009] - A spring component configured to face the gap between the inner and outer surfaces by means of a spring effect when the insertion section is inserted into the inner space;

[0010] - Separating component, which is configured to keep the inner surface away from the front face and beyond the main travel distance from the insertion position when the insertion section is inserted, and to allow convergence between the inner surface and the front face under the action of the spring component when the insertion section is in the locked position.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the separating component includes one or more bosses and one or more recesses, the one or more bosses and one or more recesses being configured such that each recess receives a boss when the insertion segment is in a locked position.

[0012] According to one implementation, the spring component is integrated into the internal space of the housing and supports the internal surface.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the spring component and the insertion section are configured such that when the insertion section is inserted into the internal space from the insertion position to the locking position, the connection between the insertion section and the spring component is a sliding connection in the insertion direction, which is parallel to the two parallel main edges of the insertion section.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the spring component formed from sheet material includes a substantially flat central section, one side of which is an inner surface. The spring component also includes two side sections arranged on the sides of the central section and curved in a converging manner to engage with the back side of the insertion section opposite the front side in a sliding connection manner.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each side segment includes a spring blade configured to apply a spring effect against the back of the body.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the housing overlaps with the central and side sections of the spring component via the intermediate surface of the main section opposite to the internal surface.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the housing includes a main portion and two sidewalls, the main portion overlapping the intermediate surface, and each sidewall extending laterally to the main portion overlapping a side segment and ending at a contact edge.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the boss is supported by a main part and passes through the central section via an opening arranged in the central section, while the recess is formed on the front side.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the boss is configured to slide on the front side during the insertion stroke and to be received in the recess when the insertion segment reaches its locked position.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the boss is supported by a contact edge, while the recess is supported by two sliding sections of the insert element and is integral with the insert section via its back side.

[0021] According to one implementation, the generally flat sliding section extends in a direction parallel to the main edge of the insertion section.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the boss is configured to slide on the sliding section during the insertion stroke and to be received in the recess once the insertion section reaches its locking position.

[0023] According to one implementation, the upper spring guard and the lower spring guard each extend from the spring base toward the so-called spring edge in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the housing overlapping the spring component includes a base referred to as the housing base, and two housing wings referred to as the upper housing wing and the lower housing wing, respectively, each extending from the housing base.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the housing includes two connecting walls that extend from the base of the housing in a direction parallel to the insertion direction, each connecting wall connecting each of the two housing wings, and the housing includes a slot called an insertion slot that extends in the insertion direction and wherein the insertion section is intended to be inserted into the slot.

[0026] According to one implementation, the boss protrudes relative to the inner surface, and the recess is on the insertion section.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the spring component can be positioned in the housing in two positions, referred to as a first position and a second position, respectively. The first position is a position where the spring guard has a first gap, and the second position is a position where the spring guard has a second gap smaller than the first gap.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the spring component and the housing are configured such that during the insertion stroke of the insertion section, the spring component is held in its first position by the separation component, and the movement of the spring component from its first position to its second position involves the movement of the spring component in the insertion direction.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the separating component includes at least one tab formed on the upper spring guard and at least one stop formed on the upper housing guard, and the tab remains against the at least one stop when the spring component is in its first position.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the fastening device includes a locking member configured to allow the insertion section to be locked in its locked position.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the locking component includes a locking cavity and a locking plate, the locking cavity being disposed in the plug-in section and opening outward to the contact surface, and the locking plate extending divergently from the inner surface and configured to engage with the locking cavity.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the locking component includes pointed blades extending divergently from the inner surface, and the front surface is configured.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the spring component is in an unrestrained state until it engages in the insertion position.

[0034] The term "unconstrained state" is used to describe a spring component that is not subjected to any force and is not subjected to any force. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] [ Figure 1 ] [ Figure 1 [This is a schematic diagram of a fastening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in particular,] Figure 1 The fastening device is shown in perspective and according to the exploded view;

[0037] [ Figure 2 ] [ Figure 2 ]yes[ Figure 1 A separate schematic diagram of the inserted element, and a perspective view viewed from its front;

[0038] [ Figure 3 ] [ Figure 3 ]yes[ Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the casing;

[0039] [ Figure 4 ] [ Figure 4 ]yes[ Figure 1 A separate schematic diagram of the spring component, based on a perspective view;

[0040] [ Figure 5 ] [ Figure 5 ]yes[ Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the spring component, also a perspective view, which allows the locking plate to be seen;

[0041] [ Figure 6 ] [ Figure 6 ]yes[ Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the casing;

[0042] [ Figure 7 ][ Figure 7 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of the housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] [ Figure 8 ][ Figure 8 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of an insertion element according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] [ Figure 9 ][ Figure 9 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of an assembly including a housing and components according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] [ Figure 10 ][ Figure 10 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of the housing according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] [ Figure 11 ][ Figure 11[Illustration] is a schematic diagram of a spring component according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] [ Figure 12 ][ Figure 12 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of an insertion element according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] [ Figure 13 ][ Figure 13 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of an assembly including a housing and components according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] [ Figure 14 ][ Figure 14 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of the housing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] [ Figure 15 ][ Figure 15 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of a spring component according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The present invention relates to a fastening device having an insertion element and a housing, the insertion element being intended to be housed within the interior space of the housing.

[0052] In particular, the present invention relates to a fastening device comprising:

[0053] An insertion element having an insertion section including a flat front surface;

[0054] - A housing that forms an internal space, wherein the insertion section is intended to be inserted into a locking position in the insertion direction, wherein, in the locking position, the front and inner surfaces of the fastening device face each other and are parallel to each other;

[0055] - A spring component configured to face the gap between the inner and outer surfaces by means of a spring effect when the insertion section is inserted into the inner space;

[0056] - Separating component, which is configured to keep the inner surface away from the front face and beyond the main travel distance from the insertion position when the insertion section is inserted, and to allow convergence between the inner surface and the front face under the action of the spring component when the insertion section is in the locked position.

[0057] Advantageously, the spring component is in a stress-free state until it engages in the insertion position.

[0058] The term "unconstrained state" is used to describe a spring component that is not subjected to any force and is not subjected to any force.

[0059] therefore,[ Figure 1 The first embodiment of the fastening device 10 according to the present invention is shown.

[0060] Specifically, the fastening device 10 includes an insertion element 100, a spring component 300, a housing 400, and a separation component.

[0061] [ Figure 2 The image shows a separate perspective view of the insert element 100 through one of its faces (referred to as front face 103).

[0062] In particular, [ Figure 2 The insertion element 100 shown includes an insertion section 101 and an optional base 102. Specifically, the insertion section 101 may, for example, have a cuboid overall shape and includes two main faces opposite each other, referred to as a front face 103 and a back face 104, respectively. Specifically, the two main faces 103 and 104 are connected by two side faces 105 and 106, which extend in a direction referred to as the insertion direction.

[0063] It should be understood that the insertion direction is also defined by the side edges of the front face 103, with each side edge located at the junction of one of the sides of the front face and the side face.

[0064] like[ Figure 2 As shown, the base 102 forming, for example, a cuboid (block) can be integrated with the insertion section 101 using a face (referred to as the first face) perpendicular to the main face and the side face of the section 101.

[0065] [ Figure 3 The housing 400 shown forms an internal space 201, and the insertion section is designed to be inserted into the internal space along the insertion direction to enter a locked position.

[0066] Specifically, the interior space 201 includes an interior surface 202 (which may be carried, for example, by a spring component described below), so that when the insertion section is in the locked position, the front surface 103 and the interior surface 201 face each other and are advantageously parallel to each other.

[0067] It should be understood that the insertion of the insertion segment 101 is accomplished by presenting the insertion segment 101 in the interior space 201 through one of its faces (referred to as the second face and opposite to the first face). In this respect, the interior space 201 includes an opening through which the insertion segment is inserted. During insertion, the front and interior faces remain opposite each other and advantageously parallel to each other.

[0068] In addition, the fastening device 10 also includes a spring component 300, which is configured to face the gap between the inner surface and the front surface by means of a spring effect when the insertion section is inserted into the inner space.

[0069] Advantageously, the spring component is integrated into the internal space of the housing and supports the internal surface.

[0070] Advantageously, the spring component 300 and the insertion section 101 are configured such that when the insertion section is inserted into the internal space, the connection between the insertion section and the spring component is a sliding connection in the insertion direction, and in particular, a maintained sliding connection. In other words, the sliding connection contemplated in this invention can withstand forces in directions other than the connection direction without the risk of disengagement.

[0071] Therefore, as [ Figure 4 As shown, the spring component 300 may be formed of a metal sheet and includes a substantially flat central section 301, one face of which forms an inner surface 201. The spring component 300 also includes two side sections 302 and 303, which are arranged on the sides of the central section 301 and convergently curved to slidably engage with the back surface of an insertion section. It should be understood that both side sections are curved toward the inner surface 201. It should also be understood that, to ensure a sliding connection, each side section overlaps with a portion of the side surfaces 105, 106 and the back surface 104.

[0072] Additionally, each side section 302 and 303 includes a spring blade 305 configured to apply a spring effect against the back of the body. Specifically, when the insertion section is in its locked position, the spring effect allows the inner surface to abut against the front surface.

[0073] It should be understood that once a force is applied to the spring component in a direction perpendicular to the front, the spring blade provides the possibility of moving the inner surface away from the front.

[0074] The fastening device 10 may also include a locking member configured to allow the insertion section 101 to be locked in its locked position.

[0075] By way of example, the locking component includes a locking cavity 107 ([ Figure 2 ]) and locking plate 306 ([ Figure 5 Specifically, the locking cavity 107 is formed in the insertion section 101 and opens outward through the front surface 103, and the locking plate 306 extends divergently from the inner surface 201 and is configured to engage with the locking cavity.

[0076] The housing 400 is configured to overlap with the central section (and opposite the inner surface) and side sections of the spring component. In this respect, the housing 400 may include an electrically insulating material, such as plastic.

[0077] The housing 400 includes a main portion 401 and two side walls 402, the main portion overlapping the intermediate surface, and each side wall extending laterally to the main portion overlapping the side section and ending at a contact edge 403.

[0078] The fastening device 10 according to the invention also includes separating components. These separating components are specifically configured to keep the inner surface 201 away from the front surface 103 and beyond the main travel distance from the insertion position when the insertion section 101 is inserted, and to allow convergence and advantageous contact between the inner surface 201 and the front surface 103 when the insertion section is in the locked position.

[0079] These separate components thus retain the surface finish of the front 101 and the surface finish of the inner surfaces.

[0080] Particularly advantageously, the separating component includes one or more bosses and one or more recesses. In particular, the bosses and recesses are configured such that each recess receives a boss when the insertion segment is in its locked position.

[0081] Specifically, boss 404 ([ Figure 6 The main part 401 carries the structure and is located via an opening 307 arranged in the central section. Figure 5 ]) passes through the central section, while the recessed portion 108 ([ Figure 2 ]) is formed on the front 103.

[0082] Therefore, the bosses are configured to slide on the front side during the insertion stroke and each is accommodated in a recess when the insertion segment reaches its locked position.

[0083] The present invention also relates to a second embodiment, which substantially repeats all the principles set forth in conjunction with the first embodiment.

[0084] However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the boss 404 is formed by the contact edge 403 ([ Figure 7 The recessed portion 108 is supported by two sliding sections 109 of the inserted element. Figure 8 It carries and is integrated with the back side of the insertion section 101.

[0085] Specifically, the generally flat sliding section 109 extends in a direction parallel to the main edge of the insertion section 101.

[0086] Therefore, the boss 404 is configured to slide on the sliding section during the insertion stroke and to be accommodated in the recess when the insertion section reaches its locked position.

[0087] The present invention also relates to a third embodiment, which substantially repeats all the principles set forth in conjunction with the first embodiment.

[0088] However, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the housing and spring components have a U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the inner surface and including the insertion direction.

[0089] In particular, [ Figure 9 The image shows a housing overlapping the spring component according to a third embodiment.

[0090] [ Figure 10 The image shows a separate housing.

[0091] Specifically, the housing 400 includes a base referred to as housing base 405, and two housing wings referred to as upper housing wing 406 and lower housing wing 407, respectively, each extending from housing base 405.

[0092] The housing 404 also includes two connecting walls 409 extending from the base of the housing in a direction parallel to the insertion direction, each connecting wall connecting each of the two housing wings, and the housing includes a slot called an insertion slot 410 extending in the insertion direction and wherein the insertion section is intended to be inserted into the slot.

[0093] exist[ Figure 11 The spring component shown separately in the figure includes a base referred to as spring base 307 and two spring guards referred to as upper spring guard 308 and lower spring guard 309, respectively, which each extend from the spring base toward the so-called spring edge in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

[0094] According to the third embodiment, the boss 404 is formed protruding relative to the inner surface, and the recess is on the insertion section.

[0095] Still according to the third embodiment, the locking member includes at least one pointed blade 310 that extends divergently from the inner surface and is configured to retain the insertion section by gripping engagement, particularly on the front.

[0096] like[ Figure 12 As shown, the recess 405 is formed on the insertion section, and specifically through the front side ([ Figure 12 It is open to the outside.

[0097] The present invention also relates to a fourth embodiment, which substantially repeats all the principles described in conjunction with the third embodiment.

[0098] However, the fourth implementation differs from the third implementation in that it uses these separate components.

[0099] In particular, [ Figure 13 The image shows a housing overlapping the spring component according to a fourth embodiment.

[0100] The housing 400 and the spring component 200 are respectively in [ Figure 14 ]and[ Figure 15It is shown separately in the image.

[0101] According to this fourth embodiment, the spring component can be positioned in two locations within the housing, referred to as the first position and the second position. The first position is where the spring guard is a first distance away from the housing, while the second position is where the spring guard is a second distance away from the housing, the second distance being less than the first distance.

[0102] More specifically, the spring component 300 and the housing 400 are configured such that the spring is in a first position throughout the main travel distance and in a second position once the insertion section is in its locked position.

[0103] Specifically, moving from the first position to the second position involves moving the spring component in the insertion direction. Specifically, the movement involves pushing the insertion section against the spring base.

[0104] Holding the spring component in the first position involves separating components. These may specifically include at least one tab 311 formed on the upper spring guard and at least one stop 312 formed on the housing 400.

[0105] More specifically, these separating components are configured such that when the spring component moves in the insertion direction, at least one tab 311 disengages from at least one stop 312, thereby allowing the spring guards to be brought together.

[0106] Therefore, when the insertion section is inserted into the internal space, it is guided by the insertion slot. During guidance, and during the main travel distance, the lower spring guard contacts the back of the insertion section, while the upper spring guard remains at a distance from the front. At the end of the main travel distance, the insertion section for the spring component is in the insertion section at the spring base. Thrust disengages at least one tab 311 and at least one stop, thereby allowing the spring guard to tighten.

[0107] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and variant embodiments are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A fastening device (10), comprising: - an insertion element (100) provided with an insertion section (101) comprising a flat front face (103); - a housing (400) forming an inner space (201), and wherein the insertion section (101) is intended to be inserted in a locking position in an insertion direction, for which the front face (103) and an inner face (202) of the fastening device (10) face each other and advantageously are parallel to each other; - a spring member (300) configured to oppose, by spring effect, a gap between the inner face (202) and the front face (103) when the insertion section (101) is inserted in the inner space (201); - a separation member configured to keep the inner face (202) away from the front face (103) and beyond a main travel distance from an insertion position when the insertion section (101) is inserted, and to allow a convergence between the inner face (202) and the front face (103) under the action of the spring member (300) when the insertion section (101) assumes the locking position.

2. The fastening device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the separation member comprises one or more bosses (404) and one or more recesses (108) configured so that each recess (108) accommodates a boss when the insertion section (101) assumes the locking position.

3. The fastening device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the spring member (300) is integrated in the inner space (201) of the housing (400) and carries the inner face (202).

4. The fastening device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the spring member (300) and the insertion section (101) are configured so that, when the insertion section (101) is inserted in the inner space (201) from the insertion position to the locking position, the connection between the insertion section (101) and the spring member (300) is a sliding connection in the insertion direction, which is parallel to two main edges of the insertion section (101) that are parallel to each other.

5. The fastening device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the spring member (300), formed from a sheet of metal, comprises a substantially flat central section, one face of which is the inner face (202), and two side sections arranged on the side of the central section and curved in a converging manner so as to cooperate in sliding connection with a back face (104) of the insertion section (101) opposite the front face (103).

6. The fastening device (10) according to claim 5, wherein each side section (302, 303) comprises a spring leaf (305) configured to exert a spring effect against the back face (104) of the main body.

7. The fastening device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the housing (400) overlaps the central section and the side sections of the spring member (300) by an intermediate face of the main section opposite the inner face (202).

8. The fastening device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the housing (400) comprises a main portion overlapping the intermediate face and two side walls laterally extending to the main portion overlapping the side sections and ending in contact edges (403).

9. The fastening device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the protrusions (404) are carried by the main portion and pass through the central section via openings (307) arranged in the central section, while the recesses (108) are formed on the front face (103).

10. The fastening device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the protrusions (404) are configured to slide on the front face (103) during the insertion stroke and are each accommodated in a recess (108) when the insertion section (101) reaches its locked position.

11. The fastening device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the protrusions (404) are carried by the contact edges, while the recesses (108) are carried by two slide sections (109) of the insertion element (100) and are integral with the insertion section (101) by their back face (104).

12. The fastening device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the substantially flat slide sections (109) extend in a direction parallel to a main edge of the insertion section (101).

13. The fastening device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the protrusions (404) are configured to slide on the slide sections (109) during the insertion stroke and are each accommodated in a recess (108) once the insertion section (101) reaches its locked position.

14. The fastening device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the spring member (300) comprises a base referred to as spring base and two spring wings referred to as upper spring wing (308) and lower spring wing (309), respectively, each extending from the spring base and in a direction parallel to the insertion direction towards a so-called spring edge.

15. The fastening device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the housing (400) overlapping the spring member (300) comprises a base referred to as housing base (405) and two housing wings referred to as upper housing wing (406) and lower housing wing (407), respectively, each extending from the housing base (405).

16. The fastening device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the housing (400) comprises two connecting walls (409) extending from the housing base (405) in a direction parallel to the insertion direction, each connecting wall connecting each of the two housing wings, and the housing comprises a slot, referred to as insertion slot, extending in the insertion direction and wherein the insertion section (101) is intended to be inserted in the slot.

17. The fastening device (10) according to claim 16 in combination with claim 2, wherein the protrusion is formed with respect to the inner face (202) and the recess (108) is on the insertion section (101).

18. The fastening device (10) according to claim 16, wherein the spring member (300) can adopt two positions in the housing (400), referred to as first position and second position respectively, the first position being a position in which the spring wings have a first gap, and the second position being a position in which the spring wings have a second gap smaller than the first gap.

19. The fastening device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the spring member (300) and the housing (400) are configured such that, during the insertion travel of the insertion section (101), the spring member (300) is held in its first position by the separation member, and the passage of the spring member (300) from its first position to its second position involves a movement of the spring member (300) in the insertion direction.

20. The fastening device (10) according to claim 19, wherein the separation member comprises at least one tab (311) formed on the upper spring wing (308) and at least one stopper (311) formed on the upper housing wing (406), and when the spring member (300) is in its first position, the tab (311) is held against the at least one stopper.

21. The fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the fastening device (10) comprises a locking member configured to allow locking of the insertion section (101) in its locked position.

22. The fastening device (10) according to claim 21, wherein the locking member comprises a locking cavity (107) provided in the spigot section and open outwardly onto the contact face, and a locking plate (306) extending divergently from the inner face (202) and configured to cooperate with the locking cavity (107).

23. The fastening device (10) according to claim 21, wherein the locking member comprises a sharp blade extending divergently from the inner face (202), and the front face (103) is configured.

24. The fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the spring member (300) is in an unconstrained state as long as it is not engaged in the insertion position.

Images