Torsion clamp

Abstract

The invention discloses a torsion clamp. The torsion clamp comprises a latch which is biased towards an engaged position. The latch includes four gripping surfaces arranged in two opposing pairs, the two opposing pairs being arranged perpendicular to each other. The torsion clamp further includes at least one stop disposed opposite the gripping surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a torsion clamp. Background Art

[0002] In vehicle production lines, efficiency of the production process is key to high production output. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the time required for production. One area where problems exist is in fixings, which require assembly (in the case of nuts to bolts) and then require special tools or general tools to securely tighten. These steps can be time consuming and require operators to travel back and forth between tool storage and vehicles during, for example, the production process.

[0003] The same problem is observed with additives or chemical fixatives in the production line, so holes can be punched to avoid the use of this solution.

[0004] Because of the need and desire for ongoing maintenance of vehicles during the life of the vehicle, one-way fasteners are undesirable because they cannot be reused.

[0005] Where removable fasteners are used, they may become difficult to remove over time, either due to corrosion, deformation, or the fastener may be biased towards an engaged position and the operator may need to maintain pressure on the fastener to remove it, which is inconvenient. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a torsion clamp is provided, comprising: a latch that can rotate between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the latch is biased toward the engaged position, the latch comprising four gripping surfaces arranged in two pairs relative to each other, the two pairs relative to each other being arranged perpendicularly to each other; and at least one stopper, the at least one stopper being arranged relative to the gripping surfaces. Providing two pairs relative to each other arranged perpendicularly to each other means that the torsion clamp forms four independent contact points with the substrate via the gripping surfaces when in the engaged position. Clearly, the two pairs relative to each other arranged perpendicularly to each other mean that the gripping surfaces are arranged so that their positions are described and / or approximated as vertices of a quadrilateral (such as a square), wherein the relative pairs are diagonally positioned across the quadrilateral. Each relative pair includes two gripping surfaces of the four gripping surfaces. Here, "relative" does not mean that the gripping surfaces of the relevant relative pair face each other, and the gripping surfaces can be arranged to be away from each other. Here, relative is used to describe the position of a gripping surface relative to the second gripping surface in a specific relative pair. Biasing the latch towards the engaged position ensures that the latch cannot be inadvertently placed in a disengaged position. In addition, the torque clamp can be provided with a snap-fit ​​function so that when the torque clamp is applied to the substrate, the torque clamp automatically enters a fixed fit (i.e., the latch is in the engaged position). The stops act as surfaces against which the substrate can be pushed to achieve a clamping grip on the substrate and thus allow the torque clamp to provide a fixing function.

[0007] Preferably, the torque clamp further comprises at least one resilient skirt or resilient leg arranged opposite to the gripping surface. Here, the skirt or leg refers to any suitable structure that pushes the substrate towards the gripping surface. Pushing the substrate towards the gripping surface ensures effective gripping of the substrate by the torque clamp and ensures successful fixation.

[0008] Suitably, the at least one resilient skirt or resilient leg is at least partially arranged on the at least one stop. In this way, the clamping grip between the resilient leg or resilient skirt and the gripping surface is further improved. It should be noted that the torque clamp may comprise both a resilient leg and a resilient skirt, the presence of one not preventing or hindering the presence of the other.

[0009] Suitably, at least one of the four gripping surfaces is ramped such that the ramp reaches a maximum height towards the centre of the two opposing pairs of gripping surfaces. Here, with reference to the quadrilateral description above, the "centre" of the two opposing pairs refers to the intersection of lines drawn between the vertices of the quadrilateral (e.g. the centre of a square). The ramp allows gripping of substrates of varying widths between the gripping surface and the stop, or may adequately grip the same substrate of varying widths.

[0010] Preferably, each of the four gripping surfaces is ramped so that each of the gripping surfaces can accommodate different substrates of different widths or a single substrate of different widths.

[0011] Suitably, the latch comprises a ridge, wherein the ridge reaches a maximum height towards the four gripping surfaces. In this way, the latch can be self-centering when inserted into a hole in the substrate, as the inclination of the ridge pushes the latch away from the edge of the hole and towards the center of the hole. For this purpose, multiple ridges may be employed on the latch.

[0012] Suitably, the torque clip further comprises an insertion head. The insertion head provides a locating feature to allow the torque clip to be located within the aperture of the base plate and within the cover for the latch. The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion head may be less than or equal to the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the gripping surface (or a quadrilateral described by the position of the gripping surface).

[0013] Preferably, the torque clamp includes a keyway operable to move the latch between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Suitably, a key may be inserted into the keyway at a later point in time and the latch intentionally operated from the engaged position to the disengaged position. This allows the torque clamp to be intentionally removed and potentially reused.

[0014] Suitably, the keyway is located on at least one stop, or when the torque clamp includes an insertion head, the keyway can be located on the insertion head. The presence of the insertion head does not mean that the keyway must be located in the insertion head. The keyway can be located on the at least one stop, while the torque clamp also includes an insertion head. Therefore, the keyway can be arranged on either side of the torque clamp. Therefore, a variant of the torque clamp is possible, which can release the torque clamp from different sides (stop end or insertion head end) via the keyway. It is also possible to make a single torque clamp equipped with a keyway in both the stop end and the insertion head end, so that the torque clamp can be released from either side via the keyway. The term "keyway" refers to any suitable structure that can accept a tool of appropriate shape to apply an appropriate force on the keyway to move the latch to the disengaged position. Such a tool can be a key, a screwdriver, a hexagonal rod, a square rod or other tools.

[0015] Suitably, the latch includes a catch arranged to release or disengage the bias of the latch. As the latch is rotated via the keyway, the operator may choose to rotate the latch into the catch to maintain the position of the latch in a desired position, whether engaged, disengaged or an intermediate position. Typically, the disengaged position will be selected when the latch is biased toward the engaged position. Capturing the latch in the disengaged position facilitates removal of the torque clamp.

[0016] Preferably, the catch comprises a recess arranged on the at least one stop and a finger arranged on the latch. The finger can fall into the recess, thereby preventing further rotation of the latch. It should be noted that the catch can be permanent, completely preventing further rotation of the latch and locking the position, or alternatively, the catch can escape upon intentional action by the operator (e.g., further operation of the keyway with an appropriate key).

[0017] Suitably, the torque clamp further comprises a housing sized to capture and accommodate the at least one stop. The housing is arranged to receive the stop in a sliding fit so that the torque clamp can be retained by the housing. The housing may be formed in the first part of the vehicle or may be a separate element preventing the torque clamp from passing through the hole of the first part. The first part may be pushed towards the second part of the vehicle, wherein the torque clamp is pushed through the hole of the second part. The gripping surfaces grip and clamp the second part to the stop, and the housing retains the stop on the first part. In this way, an effective fixation may be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 Shown are A) a side view of the torsion clamp and B) a bottom view of the torsion clamp.

[0020] Figure 2 A perspective view of the torsion clip and housing is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 The torsion clamp with the housing is shown proximate to the base plate.

[0022] Figure 4 Shown are A) a torque clip used to attach a first part to a second part and B) a latch of the torque clip in place in a base plate.

[0023] Figure 5 Shown are A) the alignment of the first part, the second part and the torsion clamp and B) the connection of the first part and the second part via the torsion clamp.

[0024] Figure 6 A top view of the torsion clamp is shown.

[0025] Figure 7 Shown are A) a top perspective view of another torsion clamp and B) a bottom perspective view of another torsion clamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear", "upward", "lower", and "downward" refer to directions referenced in the drawings and are relative to the components described when assembled and installed. The words "inward", "inwardly", "outwardly", and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from a designated centerline or geometric center (e.g., a central axis) of the described elements, respectively, and the specific meaning is apparent from the context of the description.

[0027] Further, as used herein, the terms "connected," "attached," "coupled," and "mounted" are intended to include a direct connection between two components without any other components interposed therebetween, as well as an indirect connection between components with one or more other components interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

[0028] Further, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," and "third," etc. merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are referenced and is not intended to imply that the objects so described are necessarily in a given order temporally, spatially, in rank, or in any other manner.

[0029] Like reference numerals are used throughout to depict like features.

[0030] The present invention relates to a torque clamp, in particular a torque clamp with 4 contact points, which is an innovative technology for replacing screws & nuts and reducing the associated assembly time, and can be installed by just "clicking", with high maintainability and strong retention.

[0031] The invention is particularly characterized in that the torsion clip shortens assembly time by snapping into a hole in the vehicle BIW (body in white), without the use of screwdrivers, without any additives, and requires fewer parts to be delivered to the automotive production line (in most cases pre-assembled in one layer).

[0032] According to the invention, the torque clip is ergonomically designed for low insertion force and, if necessary (in case several torque clips are to be removed), has a locked position between the pin and the holder.

[0033] According to the invention, the torsion clamp is robust and versatile, with a high holding force (over 60 daN) depending on the thickness of the metal sheet.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, the torque clip can be reused an unlimited number of times without plastic deformation (there is a break point stop between the pin & retainer to avoid breakage and no stress is applied to the torque clip after installation).

[0035] Furthermore, the torsion clamp is customizable, with different versions already existing for a wide range of applications.

[0036] The Torsion Clamp utilizes a patented torsion bar that twists when pushed into the hole. Once secured, the bar springs back to its original position under the metal plate. This torsion bar allows for easy and secure assembly, guaranteeing low insertion forces and strong retention. No tools are required to assemble the parts, only manually pushing the parts into the corresponding holes.

[0037] Torsion clamp technology has a wide range of possible applications in vehicles and is available in different customizable designs to meet all specifications.

[0038] The technical features of the present invention are shown in and can be obtained from the drawings.

[0039] A torsion clamp with 4 contact points is proposed. The assembly time of the torsion clamp is shortened, it can be installed by simply "clicking in", and it has high maintainability and strong retention.

[0040] Figure 1 A) and B) show a torque clamp 102. The torque clamp 102 has a latch 104 that rotates between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, a gripping surface 106 is placed in a position to interfere with any substrate located between the latch 104 and a stop 108. The latch 104 is connected to the stop 108 so that a substrate placed between the latch 104 and the stop 108 is captured by the gripping surface 106 when the latch 104 is in the engaged position.

[0041] The torque clamp 102 may be provided with a resilient skirt 110 or other suitable resilient member (such as resilient legs) arranged to push the substrate away from the stop 108 and toward the gripping surface 106 to ensure a tight grip of the substrate by the torque clamp 102 .

[0042] Similarly, the gripping surface 106 may be provided with a ramp to urge a substrate towards the stop 108 or to ensure that the gripping surface engages substrates of varying thicknesses (because the distance between the stop 108 and the gripping surface 106 is fixed).

[0043] The latch 104 is provided with one or more ridges 112 that are generally aligned with the gripping surface 106. The ridges 112 have the greatest extent towards the latch 104 and the smallest extent towards the end of the latch 104 that first encounters the substrate in use. In this way, the substrate is guided into position on the torque clip by following the ridges 112 so that the torque clip 102 self-centers within the hole of the substrate.

[0044] An insertion head 114 is further provided near the end of the latch 104 that first encounters the base plate in use. The insertion head 114 provides a locator with which to easily find the hole and begin the insertion of the torque clip. The insertion head 114 is stationary relative to the latch 104 (it does not rotate with the latch 104 between the engaged and disengaged positions).

[0045] The ridges 112 also allow the torque clip to have a snap fit within the hole of the base plate, with the latch biased toward the engaged position, but when the torque clip is pushed into the hole of the base plate, the action / interference of the ridges 112 with the hole pushes the latch into the disengaged position, allowing the torque clip to pass through the hole. Once the maximum extent of the ridges passes through the hole, the torque clip snaps into the engaged position due to the biasing means and captures the base plate between the gripping surface 106 and the stop 108.

[0046] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 1, wherein the keyway 202 is visible. The keyway 202 provides a handle or slot for a tool to grasp while allowing a user to manually rotate to move the latch between the engaged and disengaged positions (note that the latch may be biased or unbiased toward either position).

[0047] The cover 204 can be used to easily place or position the torque clip 102 on the first part. The size of the cover 204 is determined to capture and retain the detent of the torque clip 102, thereby attaching the torque clip 102 to the first part. The cover can be provided with a hole to allow access to the keyway 202.

[0048] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The torsion clip 102 is aligned with the base plate 302 having a hole, the insertion head is pushed into the hole and then the latch 104 is pushed into the hole.

[0049] Figure 4 A) and B) show Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first part 402 is held by a stop (the stop can be used to hold multiple parts). The hole of the first part can be larger than the latch 104 so as not to interfere with the latch, alternatively, the latch 104 can accommodate multiple substrates between the gripping surface 106 and the stop. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4A , the second part 404 is held adjacent to the first part 402 via a latch.

[0050] This is Figure 4B), which shows a bottom side view of the second part 404. The latch protrudes through the hole in the second part 404, the latch is biased into an engaged position, and the gripping surface is rotated into an interfering fit with the second part 404, thereby preventing the latch 104 from accidentally returning through the hole in the second part 404. The insertion head 114 provides a rounded surface for the torque clip 102 and provides some protection for the latch 104 from accidental impacts that may impair the function of the latch 104.

[0051] Figure 5 A) and B) show the Figure 4 404, which may be, for example, a battery housing for a vehicle. A plurality of torque clamps 102 may be used around the perimeter of these parts, and effective fixation of the two parts to each other is achieved by pushing the second part 404 toward the first part 402. Since the torque clamps 102 are snap-fit, effective connection may be achieved simply by manual placement without the use of tools, and thus a reduced manufacturing time is achieved. The first part 402 may be manufactured with the torque clamps 102 pre-placed, thereby eliminating the need for an operator to install the torque clamps 102 during vehicle production.

[0052] Figure 6 is a top view of a torsion clamp 102 having a Figure 1 and Figure 2 The invention relates to a torsion clamp 102 having the same features as the torsion clamp 102, except that the resilient skirt is replaced with resilient legs 602, which provide the same function in a different form. The keyway 202 is visible at the top and is connected to a latch (not shown). The keyway 202 is connected to a catch 604, which is capable of locking the position of the latch in a defined position (such as a disengaged position), thereby overriding the biasing means that pushes the latch into the engaged position. Any suitable catch may be used to achieve this function. Figure 6 The catch 604 in the embodiment includes a recess 606 and a finger 608, and when the keyway 202 is rotated, the finger 608 falls into the recess 606 and the latch 104 is held in a predetermined position. The catch can be permanent, but is typically releasable to allow the latch to return to the engaged position via a biasing device. The catch 604 helps lock the torque clamp 102 into a disengaged position for easy removal, especially as Figure 5 As shown, in the case where a part may be provided with a plurality of torsion clips, retaining the torsion clips in the disengaged position against the respective biasing means of each torsion clip is not easily implemented.

[0053] Figure 7 Another torsion clamp 702 is shown, which is similar to Figure 1The torque clamp 102 has a stop 704, a ridge 706, a latch 708, an insertion head 712, and a gripping surface 714. The torque clamp 702 is Figure 1 702 functions in the same manner as the torque clip 102 of FIG. 702. The difference in the torque clip 702 is the location of the keyway 710, which is located in the insertion head 712 rather than in the stop 704. A second keyway may be present in the stop 704. The purpose of locating the keyway in one or both of the stop or the insertion head 712 is to allow the torque clip 702 to be removed from either side, for example, if it is clear that the torque clip 702 will only be accessible from a single side in the vehicle being constructed, the keyway may be located on the appropriate side to allow the torque clip 702 to be removed.

[0054] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above detailed examples are described by way of example only without any limiting meaning, and that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the above detailed examples are possible.

[0055] In the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and their variations mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integral bodies or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, this specification should be understood to contemplate plural as well as singular forms, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0056] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except for at least some mutually exclusive combinations of such features and / or steps. The invention is not limited to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps in any of the steps of the method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A torsion clamp, comprising: a latch rotatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the latch is biased toward the engaged position, the latch comprising four gripping surfaces arranged in two opposing pairs, the two opposing pairs being arranged perpendicular to each other, and At least one stop is disposed opposite the gripping surface.

2. The torque clamp of claim 1, further comprising at least one elastic skirt or elastic leg, the at least one elastic skirt or elastic leg being arranged opposite to the gripping surface.

3. The torque clamp according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one elastic skirt or elastic leg is at least partially arranged on the at least one stop portion.

4. The torque clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the four gripping surfaces is ramped such that the ramp reaches a maximum height toward the center of the opposing pairs.

5. The torque clamp according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the four gripping surfaces is ramped.

6. The torque clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The latch includes a ridge, wherein the ridge reaches a maximum height toward the four gripping surfaces.

7. The torque clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The torque clamp further includes an insertion head.

8. The torque clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The torque clamp includes a keyway operable to move the latch between the engaged and disengaged positions.

9. The torque clamp of claim 8, wherein: The keyway is located on the at least one stop portion or, when dependent on claim 7, on the insertion head.

10. The torque clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The latch includes a catch arranged to release or disengage a bias of the latch.

11. The torque clamp of claim 10, wherein: The catch includes a recess disposed on the at least one stop and a finger disposed on the latch.

12. The torque clamp of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a housing sized to capture and accommodate the at least one stop.

Images