Fixing piece

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fastener (100) for joining a first piece to a second piece having a hole, comprising a body that includes: a head (20) with a rear surface intended to face the first piece, and a stem (60) extending from the rear surface of the head (20) and intended to be inserted into the hole. The stem (60) comprises fins (62) projecting from the stem (60), and at least one of the fins (62) comprises, at its free end, a double head (63) that acts as a thread.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastener, in particular a rivet intended to be inserted and mounted in a hole to fasten a first part to a second part, referred to as a support. For example, the fastener allows for the assembly of hard materials (metal, steel, etc.) to hard materials in the automotive industry (installation of accessories, body parts, etc.). More specifically, the rivet comprises a shank having double-headed wings. Previous technique

[0002] A rivet is known from the prior art in the form of a rod which is fitted at one end with a head. By head, we mean a part with a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the rod.

[0003] The head of this type of fastener has a rear surface designed to be positioned opposite a part to be fastened. Preferably, the head also has a front surface opposite the rear surface.

[0004] The stem extends from the rear surface of the head and is designed to be inserted into a mounting hole located in the parts to be assembled by the fastener. The head can be round or rectangular. The cross-section of the stem can be circular.

[0005] This fastener can be used, for example, to attach a part to a structure or support. To properly secure this prior art fastener, it is important that the fastener is driven sufficiently into the mounting hole. Depending on the force applied during insertion, the rear surface of the fastener head may not be in contact with the part being fastened. As a result, the fastener is not properly installed, making it difficult for the operator to verify the fastening status. In this case, the fastener may come loose during the use of the parts being assembled.

[0006] Progress continues to be made in improving fastening systems that meet various needs such as rigidity, fastening strength (efficient ratio between insertion force and removal force), and many others. A clip is known from EP 2 369 187 A1. Description of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a fixing piece that allows for better rigidity of the end of the clipping blade, a double hook in the thread and a better possibility of unscrewing.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a fastening piece for attaching a first part to a second part having a fastening hole, according to claim 1, comprising a body which includes: a head having a rear surface intended to be positioned opposite the first piece, and a rod extending from the rear surface of the head and intended to be inserted into the fixing hole.

[0009] The rod has gripping fins that protrude from the rod, and at least one gripping fin has, at its free end, a double head serving as a thread.

[0010] In one embodiment, said at least one attachment fin has a thin area between the stem and the double head.

[0011] In one embodiment, the double head comprises an upper head and a lower head separated by an intermediate space, these two heads defining a thread pitch.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fins are in the shape of a Christmas tree.

[0013] The flexible leg includes an elastic arm, one end of which is fixed to the body of the fastener. The arm includes an indicator.

[0014] When the fastener is installed in the part(s) to be fastened, the arm of the flexible leg deforms so that the indicator moves to enter a predefined position relative to the head of the fastener.

[0015] With the movement of the indicator, the operator can visually see that the fastener is correctly mounted.

[0016] Advantageously, the indicator moves towards the head of the fastener in the mounting position. Normally, the head of the fastener and its surroundings are clearly visible, allowing the operator to more easily verify that the indicator is correctly positioned.

[0017] Preferably, the stem of the fastener has fins protruding from the stem, which act as threads that prevent the fastener from coming out of the mounting hole, thus making the fastener stronger.

[0018] Preferably, the head has at least one notch to receive the indicator in the mounting position of the fastener. The notch serves as the predefined position into which the indicator enters. This provides a more clearly visible indication for the operator, especially from a top view. Once the indicator enters the notch, the operator can visually confirm that the fastener is correctly mounted.

[0019] In one embodiment, the head of the fastener includes at least one counter-form, designed to house the indicator when it enters the predefined position, and to prevent the indicator from moving during unscrewing. This configuration ensures that the head is flush during unscrewing, for tooling purposes.

[0020] Preferably, the counter-form is located in the predefined position that receives the witness in the mounting position. Advantageously, each predefined position has two counter-forms to house the witness in a more balanced manner.

[0021] Advantageously, in the mounting position of the fastener, a surface of the indicator coincides with a front surface of the head, so that the two surfaces are flush. That is, there is no step between the surface of the indicator and the front surface of the head. By front surface of the head, we mean the surface opposite the rear surface of the head. In this embodiment, if the fastener is not properly mounted, the operator can determine this by feeling an uneven surface of the head by touching the front surface, especially when the ambient light during the fastening process using the fastener according to the present invention does not allow the operator to see clearly.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flexible leg arm is fixed to the rear surface of the head to provide a more compact structure for the fastening piece.

[0023] Advantageously, the flexible tab is positioned on the rear surface of the head in a relaxed position, that is, when the fastener is not mounted in the part(s) to be fastened and / or is not under any stress. This arrangement ensures that the flexible tab does not impede the mounting and dismounting of the fastener, and that the operator mounts and dismounts the fastener according to the present invention just like a conventional fastener in the prior art, without requiring any special attention or additional effort.

[0024] Advantageously, the arm of the flexible leg extends towards the edge of the head. Similarly, the indicator, which can be attached to the free end of the arm, is located near the edge of the head. This facilitates the manufacture of the fastening component according to the present invention.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fastener comprises at least one pair of flexible tabs. The two flexible tabs of the pair extend in opposite directions. Thus, the two indicators of the flexible tabs are located on opposite sides of the head, demonstrating that the fastener is correctly and evenly mounted when both indicators are in their predefined positions. Preferably, the two flexible tabs of the pair are identical. This simplifies the manufacturing of the fastener. In the correct mounting position, the head of the fastener is parallel to the surface of the part being fastened, which is in contact with the head, when the surface of the part is consistently flat.

[0026] In one embodiment, the head shape is round, and the two flexible legs of the pair of flexible legs extend in two diametrically opposite directions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the head of the fastener has a recess for receiving a tool. Preferably, the tool received by the recess is used to mount and / or dismount the fastener. This facilitates the mounting and / or dismounting of the fastener.

[0028] Preferably, the imprint is located in the center of the frontal surface of the head.

[0029] Advantageously, the fastener is made of a plastic material. Advantageously, the fastener has metal components, called claws, protruding from the stem and extending towards the head so that the fastener is held more securely in the mounting hole of the parts to be fixed. Brief description of the figures

[0030] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes and in no way as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: There Figure 1 represents a cross-sectional view of the first part and the second part to be fixed by a fixing piece according to an embodiment in which both parts to be fixed each have a fixing hole; The Figure 2 represents a perspective view of a fastener according to a given embodiment; The Figure 3 represents another perspective view of a fastener according to one embodiment; The Figure 4 represents a side view of a fastener according to an embodiment; The Figure 5 represents a top view of a fastener according to an embodiment; The Figure 6 represents a side view of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention; The Figure 7 represents a detailed view of area A on the Figure 6 ; There Figure 8represents a cross-sectional view of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention, the rivet being received in a threaded hole; The Figure 9 represents a similar view of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention, the rivet being received in a threaded hole; The Figure 10 represents a detailed view of area B on the Figure 9 ; There Figure 11 represents a cross-sectional view of the double-headed portion of a fin according to one embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0031] The different figures, as well as the elements within a single figure, are not necessarily represented at the same scale. Across all figures, identical elements share the same numerical reference.

[0032] The terminology used in this description should in no way be interpreted in a limiting or restrictive manner, simply because it is used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention.

[0033] There Figure 1 represents a cross-sectional view of the first part 200 and the second part 400 to be fixed by a fixing part 100 according to an embodiment which is not according to the present invention. On the Figure 1 The fastener 100 is not yet mounted. Preferably, the first part 200 may have a first hole 220, or another type of opening, for example, a slot (not shown in the figure). The second part 400 has a second hole 420. As an example only, the first part 200 may be an M6x100 nut, and the second part 400 may be a sheet metal plate to which the M6x100 nut is welded.

[0034] There Figure 2Figure 100 represents a perspective view of a fastener 100 according to an embodiment that is not according to the present invention. The fastener 100 comprises a body which includes a head 20 and a stem 60. The head 20 has a rear surface 21 intended to be positioned opposite the first part 200. The stem 60 extends from the rear surface 21 of the head 20 and is intended to be inserted into the hole(s) of the parts to be assembled.

[0035] Preferably, the head 20 is round. Preferably, the stem 60 is cylindrical.

[0036] The term "stem" used in this description can be technically substituted by the terms "trunk" or "central core".

[0037] In one embodiment (not shown), the fastener 100 has a single flexible tab 40. The flexible tab 40 deforms into an assembly position in which the first part 200 is attached to the second part 400 by the fastener 100. The deformation of the flexible tab 40 allows the operator to visually verify that the fastener 100 is correctly assembled. This part will be described in more detail later.

[0038] In another embodiment, the fastening piece 100 comprises a pair of flexible tabs 40, as illustrated in the Figure 2 Advantageously, the fixing piece 100 has multiple flexible tabs 40, which makes it easier to indicate the correct assembly of the fixing piece 100 when the configuration of the parts to be fixed is more complicated.

[0039] There Figure 3represents another perspective view of a fastening part 100 according to an embodiment that is not according to the present invention. The flexible leg 40 comprises an arm 44, preferably elastic, and the arm 44 includes a witness 42.

[0040] When the fastener 100 is correctly mounted in the mounting hole of the parts to be assembled, that is, when the fastener 100 is in the mounting position, the arm 44 of the flexible tab 40 deforms so that the indicator 42 enters a predefined position relative to the head 20. Preferably, the predefined position is a notch 22 on the head 20, as illustrated in the Figure 3 The 20 head can have one, two, or more notches. On the Figure 3The head 20 includes a pair of notches 22. Preferably, the number of notches 22 corresponds to the number of indicators 42. Each notch is intended to receive one of the indicators 42 in the mounting position of the fixing piece 100.

[0041] In one embodiment, the head 20 has a counter-form 26. Preferably, the counter-form 26 is in the predefined position that receives the witness 42 in the mounting position. Advantageously, each notch 22 has two counter-forms 26, as illustrated in the Figure 3 The counter-forms 26 ensure that the screw is flush when unscrewed. These counter-forms 26 oppose the witness 42. The witness 42 is housed against the counter-forms. This shape is for tooling reasons. Fins 62 on the Figure 3 protrude from the stem 60.

[0042] There Figure 4Figure 100 represents a side view of a fastener according to one embodiment. The wings 62 act as threads that prevent the fastener 100 from being removed, thus making the fastening more secure. Preferably, the wings 62 are fir tree shaped to ensure an even stronger fastening. As an example only, the shank 60 with the wings 62 functions like the shank 60 of a conventional fir tree rivet. The wings 62 will lock the fastener 100 in place as it exits. For example, the fastener 100 with the fir tree-shaped wings 62 can be used to clip a plastic deflector into an M6x100 tapped hole.

[0043] As illustrated on the Figure 4, one end of the arm 44 is integral with the body of the fastener 100. Advantageously, the arm 44 is connected to the head 20 at the rear surface of the head 20. Preferably, the arm 44 extends towards the edge of the head 20. Thus, the structure of the fastener 100 is more compact.

[0044] In one embodiment, the flexible tab 40 is positioned on the rear surface 21 of the head 20 in a relaxed position, when the body of the fastener 100 is not subjected to any external force, as illustrated in the Figures 1, 2 , 3 and 4 .

[0045] Preferably, the indicator 42 is on the free end of the arm to achieve a compact configuration of the fastening part 100. Preferably, the indicator 42 is positioned on the rear surface side of the head 20, in the relaxed position, as illustrated in the Figure 4 .

[0046] In one embodiment, the fastening part 100 comprises a pair of flexible tabs 40. As illustrated in the Figure 4 The two flexible tabs 40 of the pair of flexible tabs extend in two opposite directions. In one embodiment, when the head 20 is round, the two flexible tabs 40 extend in two diametrically opposite directions. This makes it easier for the operator to be certain that the fastener 100 is correctly and evenly mounted.

[0047] Advantageously, the arm 44 and / or the indicator 42 comes into contact with at least one of the parts to be assembled in the mounting position, and preferably, the arm 44 and / or the indicator 42 deforms upon contact with at least one of the parts to be assembled, so that the indicator 42 rises in a direction S, as illustrated in the Figure 4That is to say, the witness 42 rises from the level of the rear surface 21 towards a front surface 23 of the head 20 which is opposite the rear surface 21. The movement of the witness 42 in the S direction is more visible to the operator than in other directions.

[0048] There Figure 5 This illustrates a top view of a fastener 100 according to one embodiment. Two notches 22 are located on the edge of the head 20. The head 20 is round in this embodiment, and the two notches 22 are diametrically opposed. The two notches 22, corresponding to the predefined positions in which the indicators 42 are positioned, each receive an indicator 42 in the mounting position.

[0049] Advantageously, the witness 42 moves until a surface of the witness 42, for example, a surface of the witness 42, coincides with the front surface 23 of the head 20 in the mounting position of the fastener 100. Preferably, the surface of the witness 42 that coincides with the front surface 23 is the front surface of the witness 42, which is visible from the side of the front surface 23 as illustrated in the Figure 5 If the mounting part is not correctly installed, the operator can determine this by feeling a step between the indicator and the front surface of the head by touching the front surface. Preferably, the indicator 42 is fully seated in the mounting position.

[0050] With this movement, once the indicator 42 is at the stop, the operator visually checks that the fixing part is correctly mounted.

[0051] In one embodiment, the head 20 has a recess 24 for receiving a tool. Advantageously, the recess 24 is located on the front surface 23 of the head 20, preferably in the center of the head 20, as illustrated in the Figures 4 And 5 . As an example only, the recess is of type TORX T30, to receive a corresponding tool, for the assembly and / or disassembly of the fixing part 100.

[0052] Advantageously, once the fixing piece 100 is unscrewed, the fixing piece 100 is likely to be clipped back on.

[0053] Preferably, the fastener is made of a plastic material. The fastener 100 according to the invention can be manufactured by molding a known plastic material, for example by thermoplastic injection, more particularly from engineering plastics such as polyamides, acetal resins, and thermoplastic polyesters. Advantageously, the fastener 100 is made of a known material that resists aging and temperature variations, while also allowing the flexible tab 40 to deform, and preferably, the deformation of the flexible tab 40 is elastic.

[0054] In one embodiment, the rod 60 has additional metal fins, called claws, which protrude from the surface of the rod 60 and extend towards the head 20. The additional metal fins can be integrated into the rod 60 using known techniques, for example overmolding, mechanical assembly or ultrasonic welding.

[0055] There Figure 6 Figure 100 represents a side view of a fastener 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The fastener 100 comprises a body which includes a head 20 and a stem 60. The head 20 has a rear surface 21 intended to be positioned opposite the first part 200. The stem 60 extends from the rear surface 21 of the head 20 and is intended to be inserted into the hole(s) of the parts to be assembled.

[0056] Preferably, the head 20 is round. Preferably, the stem 60 is cylindrical.

[0057] The rod 60 has gripping fins 62 which protrude from the rod 60. At least one gripping fin 62 has, at its free end, a double head 63 serving as a thread.

[0058] The term "hook fin" used in this description is technically interchangeable with the term "fin".

[0059] The portion of the attachment fins 62 having a double head 63 can be defined as required. In a preferred embodiment, each attachment fin 62 is provided with a double head 63.

[0060] Advantageously, the presence of a double head at the end of a fin allows for better rigidity of the end of the clipping blade.

[0061] Preferably and optionally, the head 20 and the flexible legs can reproduce the same characteristics described above and illustrated on the Figures 1 to 5 , without repeating them here.

[0062] Generally, the 62 fins are Christmas tree shaped. The Christmas tree shape of the 62 fins ensures a secure hold. The classic Christmas tree shape of the 62 fins will hold the fastener 100 in a hole. For example, the fastener 100 with the Christmas tree-shaped 62 fins can be used to secure a plastic deflector in a threaded hole.

[0063] The advantages and technical effects of having double-headed fins will be detailed later.

[0064] There Figure 7 represents a detailed view of area A on the Figure 6 .

[0065] It can be observed that the double head 63 comprises an upper head 64 and a lower head 66 separated by an intermediate space 65, these two heads 64, 66 defining a thread pitch. This will be explained later with the Figure 8 .

[0066] Preferably, at least one gripping fin 62 has a thin zone 68 between the rod 60 and the double head 63. By "thin zone" is meant a reduced width compared to the double head 63.

[0067] Having a double-headed end 63 makes the length of the thin zone 68 shorter than, for example, a fin without a double head. Advantageously, the compression and deformation leading to breakage of the fins is delayed, thus allowing for a more robust grip when the rivet 100 is pulled out.

[0068] There Figure 8This figure represents a cross-sectional view of a fastener according to one embodiment, where the rivet is received in a threaded hole. It can be seen that the rivet 100 is received in the tapped hole, with its upper head 64 and lower head 66 in the helical grooves of the tapped hole. The double head design allows for twice the number of contact points between the rivet 100 and the hole of the parts to be fastened. Advantageously, this creates a double grip in the thread. This double grip is particularly advantageous and offers, in particular, improved pull-out resistance.

[0069] In one embodiment and more particularly, the lower head 66 plays a predominant role in the pull-out resistance of the rivet 100. In parallel, the upper head 64 provides additional retention to reinforce this hold.

[0070] There Figure 9represents a similar view of a fastener according to one embodiment, the rivet being received in a threaded hole. Figure 10 represents a detailed view of area B on the Figure 9 ;

[0071] Preferably, the upper head 64 has a shape that allows the rivet 100 to be unscrewed or simply pulled out. For example, the upper head 64 has an inclined upper surface that follows the entry chamfer of the nut.

[0072] This also allows for a better possibility of unscrewing.

[0073] This is particularly advantageous for through holes. In fact, with a through hole, the wings of the screw without a double head can cause a problem when they protrude from the nut on the opposite side—that is, when the screw's wings extend beyond the nut. In this situation, even a simple pull could deform the wings, making it difficult to reinsert them into the nut.

[0074] Advantageously, the upper part of the 64 head has a specific geometry that allows for correct insertion while maintaining sufficient force to keep the fins engaged in the thread, thus acting like a screw. This means that the double head allows for easy snap-fit ​​insertion while providing good pull-out resistance. In a solution without a double head, if these fins do not require more mounting force than they can generate in the thread (retaining force), they risk simply shifting within the thread, popping out, and ultimately spinning freely.

[0075] There Figure 11 represents a cross-sectional view of the double-headed portion of a fin according to one embodiment.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper head 64 is provided with a sloping upper surface, as illustrated in the Figure 11 .

[0077] The upper surface of the fin has a downward slope while the fin itself is oriented towards the head 20 of the rivet 100.

[0078] When observing the upper surface of the fin, one can observe a slope or inclination which inclines downwards, that is to say, it gradually descends towards the tip of the upper head 64.

[0079] Other suitable geometries of the upper surface of the upper head 64 are also conceivable. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0080] [Tables 1] References Designations 100 Fastening piece 20 Head 21 Back surface 22 Notch 23 Front surface 24 Footprint 26 Counterform 40 Flexible leg 42 Witness 44 Arm 60 Stem 62 Fin; Attachment fin 63 Double-headed 64 Head above 65 Intermediate space 66 Lower head 68 Thin fin zone 200 First room 220 First hole 400 Second room 420 Second hole

Claims

1. A fastening part (100) for fastening a first part to a second part having a hole, the fastening part (100) includes a body which comprises: - a head (20) having a rear surface intended to be positioned opposite the first part, and - a shank (60) extending from the rear surface of the head (20) and intended to be inserted into the hole; wherein the shank (60) includes fins (62) which project from the shank (60), and wherein at least one fin (62) includes, at its free end, a double-head (63) serving as a thread; characterised in that the fastening part includes at least one flexible tab (40) which comprises an elastic arm (44) one end of which is secured to the body of the fastening part (100), the arm (44) including a control (42); and in that the arm (44) deforms so that the control (42) fits in a predefined position with respect to the head (20), when the fastening part (100) is in a mounting position in which the first part is fastened to the second part by the fastening part (100).

2. The fastening part (100) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fin (62) includes a thin area between the shank (60) and the double-head (63).

3. The fastening part (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the double-head (63) includes an upper head (64) and a lower head (65) separated by an intermediate space (65), these two heads (64, 66) defining a thread pitch.

4. The fastening part (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fins (62) are fir tree like shaped.

5. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head (20) includes at least one notch (22), corresponding to the predefined position, intended to receive the control (42) in the mounting position of the fastening part (100).

6. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head (20) includes a front surface opposite to the rear surface, and a surface of the control (42), in the mounting position of the fastening part (100), is coincident with the front surface of the head (20).

7. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head (20) includes at least one setback (26), intended to accommodate the control (42) once the control (42) fits in the predefined position, and to prevent the control (42) from moving during unscrewing.

8. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (44) of the flexible tab (40) is secured to the rear surface of the head (20).

9. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible tab (40) is positioned on the side of the rear surface of the head (20).

10. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (44) of the flexible tab (40) extends toward the edge of the head (20).

11. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one pair of flexible tabs (40), wherein the two flexible tabs of the pair of flexible tabs (40) extend in two opposite directions.

12. The fastening part (100) according to claim 10, including at least one pair of notches (22), each intended to receive one of the controls (42) in the mounting position of the fastening part (100).

13. The fastening part (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head (20) has an imprint (24) for receiving a tool.

14. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, being manufactured essentially of a plastic material.

15. The fastening part (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shank (60) includes additional fins made of metal, so-called claws, project from the surface of the shank (60) and extend towards the head (20).

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