clamp

Abstract

The present application relates to a clamp (102) for securing a substrate (104) having a hole (106) with a support (304) that supports a stud (302). The clamp (102) has a top side (116), a bottom side (118), and a body (108) that includes separate segments (502) having clamping arms (110) that form a cylindrical channel (114) configured to hold the stud (302) when the stud (302) is inserted into the cylindrical channel (114) from the bottom side (118). The segments (502) are separated from each other by radial spacers (508) and joined together by a resilient portion (512a). The radial spacers (508) and the resilient portion (512a) resiliently couple the segments (502) and allow the clamping arms (110) to clamp onto the substrate (104) when the cylindrical channel (114) is inserted into the hole (106) from the top side (116).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a clamp for securing a substrate with holes to a support member with support studs. The clamp can be adapted to attach a substrate to a support member with studs, which is part of a vehicle, such as the underside of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Improved drivetrains in vehicles have reduced noise generation. To provide audible feedback at low speeds (when pedestrians may be nearby), vehicles must be equipped with speakers arranged to emit audible sound to the outside of the vehicle below a set speed. These need to be attached to the vehicle in a way that minimizes sound transmission into the vehicle's interior. Previous attempts have used elastomeric bushings, which can be difficult to install and / or may be damaged during assembly. Such methods are also time-consuming and difficult because they require multiple parts for technicians to interact with. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to this disclosure, a clamp is provided for securing a substrate with a hole to a support member for a support stud. The clamp has a top side, a bottom side, and a body. The body includes separate sections having clamping arms forming cylindrical channels. The cylindrical channels are configured to hold the stud when it is inserted into the channels from the bottom side. The sections are separated from each other by radial spacers and connected by elastic portions. The radial spacers and the elastic portions are elastically engaged with the sections and allow the clamping arms to clamp onto the substrate when the cylindrical channels are inserted into the holes from the top side. The clamp is configured as a single piece, thereby accelerating assembly. The elastic portions provide a damping effect, thereby limiting sound conduction on the clamp, and is also independent of stud size.

[0004] Preferably, there are three sections separated from each other by three radially spaced portions, and optionally, the radially spaced portions extend radially from the cylindrical channel. Each section may be provided with one of the clamping arms to distribute the gripping of the stud among the radially spaced portions.

[0005] Appropriately, the elastic portion allows the cylindrical channel to expand outward or narrow inward in order to achieve a successful connection.

[0006] Appropriately, the inner surface of the cylindrical channel includes discontinuous teeth or threads, wherein, optionally, the discontinuous teeth or threads are distributed in a complementary manner on each of the clamping arms. The dimensions of such discontinuous teeth or threads can be set to be complementary to corresponding features on the stud. When using threads, the clamp can be disassembled by rotating the clamp relative to the stud and thereby unscrewing the threads from the stud.

[0007] Preferably, the clamping arm includes a retaining element that projects radially from an outer surface of the clamping arm opposite to an inner surface of the clamping arm in the cylindrical channel. The retaining element is optionally configured to prevent any displacement of the clamping arm from the hole as the cylindrical channel is inserted from the top side into the hole (e.g., by abutment). This provides improved security during assembly.

[0008] Suitablely, a hollow portion is provided in the body, and / or a flat surface is provided on the outer surface of the clamping arm.

[0009] Appropriately, the clamp may also include a damping nut that absorbs sound and prevents sound from passing through the clamp.

[0010] Appropriately, a bottom damping member is disposed on the bottom side of the body, and / or a top damping member is disposed on the top side of the body.

[0011] Preferably, the bottom damping member and / or the top damping member are arranged around the cylindrical channel.

[0012] Appropriately, the top damping member and / or the bottom damping member have elastic portions, which may optionally be located above and / or below the elastic portion of the body. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The jig is shown in perspective before and after being assembled through the substrate.

[0015] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The perspective view shows the assembly process before and after further stud assembly. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fixture for the substrate.

[0016] Figure 5 The clamp is shown separately in perspective view.

[0017] Figure 6 The clamp is shown separately in a top view.

[0018] Figure 7 The clamp is shown separately in a side view.

[0019] Figure 8 Shown from another side view Figure 7 The fixture, and the fixture as Figure 4 The image shows the assembly via a substrate and after further assembly of studs.

[0020] To facilitate identification of any particular element or action, the most prominent one or more digits in the figure reference numerals indicate the figure number in which the element first appears in the drawing.

[0021] The term “stud” is used to unambiguously specify any releasable fastening element or part of such element that has external threads, such as a screw, a part of a screw, a threaded fastener, etc. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The use of certain terms in the following description is for convenience only and not restrictive. The terms “right,” “left,” “down,” “up,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” and “downward” in the accompanying drawings indicate the direction of reference and are relative to the component described during assembly and installation. The terms “inner,” “inward,” “outer,” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from the specified centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described element, respectively, and their specific meanings are self-evident from the context of the description.

[0023] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “attachment,” “link,” and “installation” are intended to encompass both a direct connection between two components, where no other component is inserted between them, and an indirect connection between components, where one or more other components are inserted between them. This terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, ordinal adjectives such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used.

[0024] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The fixture 102 of the present invention and its assembly process with the hole 106 in the substrate 104 and with the stud 302 are shown.

[0025] Stud 302 is, for example, a standard M6 screw type.

[0026] The clamp 102 is used to fix the substrate 104 with the hole 106 together with the support member 304 of the support stud 302.

[0027] The clamp 102 is also designed to reduce vibration of the substrate 104 relative to the support 304.

[0028] The substrate 104 and / or the support 304 are, for example, components of a vehicle (not shown), particularly, for example, the bottom surface of a vehicle.

[0029] The clamp 102 has a top side 116, a bottom side 118 opposite to the top side 116, and a body 108 therebetween.

[0030] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the main body 108 includes separate segments 502.

[0031] Sections 502 are separated from each other by radial spacing 508.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, segments 502 can be formed together into a hexagonal shape, which is configured to allow the clamp 102 and base plate 104 to be unscrewed from the threaded stud 302 after assembly by turning the hexagonal shape with a simple and / or standard tool (such as a socket wrench).

[0033] Section 502 may be provided in any other suitable form to facilitate tightening and / or unscrewing of the clamp 102 relative to the substrate 104 using specific or standard tools.

[0034] In this example, there are three sections 502 in fixture 102.

[0035] In this example, the three sections 502 are separated from each other by three radial spacers 508.

[0036] Section 502 is connected together by elastic portion 512a.

[0037] In this example, the main body 108 has three elastic parts 512a.

[0038] The radial spacing portion 508 and the elastic portion 512a are elastically coupled to the section 502.

[0039] Section 502 has a clamping arm 110.

[0040] When the clamping arms 110 are designed to clamp the studs 302, which are hard elements (typically metal), they may contain hard compounds, such as semi-crystalline thermoplastics, like polyoxymethylene.

[0041] In the example, each segment 502 has one clamping arm in the clamping arms 110.

[0042] The clamping arms 110 together form a cylindrical channel 114.

[0043] The cylindrical channel 114 is configured to be fitted into the hole 106.

[0044] In this example, the radial spacing 508 extends radially from the cylindrical channel 114.

[0045] The radial spacing 508 allows the cylindrical channel 114 to expand outward or narrow inward.

[0046] The cylindrical channel 114 is configured to hold the stud 302 in place when the stud 302 is inserted into the cylindrical channel 114 from the bottom side 118.

[0047] The cylindrical channel 114 is also configured to block the stud 302 when the stud 302 is forced out of the cylindrical channel 114 by the bottom side 118.

[0048] In fact, when the entire cylindrical channel 114 expands along with the clamping arm 110, the section 502 moves and separates simultaneously, and when the cylindrical channel 114 narrows, the section moves closer together, which facilitates the insertion of the stud 302 and enhances the retention of the cylindrical channel 114 in the hole 106.

[0049] Furthermore, the elastic portion 512a allows the cylindrical channel 114 to elastically return to its rest position by resisting its inward or outward expansion / opening or narrowing / closing.

[0050] The radial spacer 508, which can contract or expand with the action of the elastic portion 512a, allows the cylindrical channel 114 to contract to enter the hole 106 or to expand in a locking manner when inserted into the hole.

[0051] Then, the radial spacing 508 and the elastic portion 512a allow the clamping arm 110 to be clamped onto the substrate 104 when the cylindrical channel 114 is inserted into the hole 106 from the top side 116.

[0052] In other words, the radially spaced portion 508 and the elastic portion 512a working together allow the cylindrical channel 114 to snap onto the substrate 104 when it is inserted through the through hole 106. This is a particularly easy and quick way for the operator to fix the clamp 102 onto the substrate 104 without the need for any tools.

[0053] The inner surface of the cylindrical channel 114 may include discontinuous teeth or threads 504.

[0054] Discontinuous teeth or threads 504 are distributed in a complementary manner on each of the three clamping arms 110.

[0055] Because the stud 302 includes external threads, the discontinuous teeth or threads 504 allow the stud 302 to be securely clamped by tightening.

[0056] Alternatively, the stud 302 is secured to the clamp 102 by friction within the cylindrical channel 114, which allows for rapid assembly by snapping the stud into the cylindrical channel 114.

[0057] Therefore, the clamp 102 can be quickly fixed to the support member 304 of the support stud 302 with or without tightening.

[0058] The clamping arm 110 may include a retaining element 112.

[0059] The retaining element 112 is configured to increase the retention of the clamp 102 on the substrate 104.

[0060] In this example, the retaining element 112 protrudes radially from the outer surface of the clamping arm 110, which is opposite to the inner surface of the clamping arm 110 in the cylindrical channel 114.

[0061] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the retaining element 112 may be configured to block any reverse movement of the clamping arm 110 out of the hole 106 when the cylindrical channel 114 is inserted into the hole 106 from the top side 116 (e.g., by abutment).

[0062] The clamp 102 may also include a hollow portion 514 in the main body 108.

[0063] The hollow section 514 reduces the material of the main body 108 and makes it lighter.

[0064] The clamp 102 may also include a flat surface 506 on the outer surface of the clamping arm 110.

[0065] The clamp 102 may also include a damping nut.

[0066] The clamp 102, which serves as a damping nut, may also be provided with a bottom damping member 802 and / or a top damping member 510.

[0067] The bottom damping member 802 is on the bottom side 118 of the body 108, for example, overmolded thereon.

[0068] The bottom damping member 802 may be formed in several parts, such as three parts, each part being disposed on the bottom side 118 of one of the three sections 502.

[0069] The top damping member 510 is on the top side 116 of the body 108, for example, overmolded thereon.

[0070] The top damping member 510 can be further placed around the cylindrical channel 114.

[0071] The top damping member 510 may have an elastic portion 512b, thereby allowing the top damping member 510 to follow the expansion or contraction movement of the body 108 without breaking or being damaged.

[0072] The elastic portion 512b of the top damping member 510 can be radially aligned and / or correspond to the elastic portion 512a of the body 108.

[0073] The elastic portion 512b of the top damping member 510 can then be disposed above the elastic portion 512a of the main body 108.

[0074] The top damping member 510 allows for the absorption of vibrations from the substrate 104, thereby reducing vibrations transmitted from the substrate 104 to the body 108.

[0075] The bottom damping member 802 allows the absorption of vibrations from the support member 304, thereby reducing vibrations between the substrate 104 and the body 108.

[0076] The top damping member 510 and the bottom damping member 812 may be integral with each other (e.g., integrally molded onto the body 108). One or more connecting portions may connect the top damping member 510 and the bottom damping member 812 together, for example, through the body 108.

[0077] Damping elements may contain soft compounds (such as polyester plastics, for example, polyethylene terephthalate) to achieve better vibration absorption.

[0078] This damping configuration forms a damping nut, which allows for the reduction of vibration between the base plate 104 and the support 304, thus improving both mechanical reliability and acoustic comfort.

[0079] The present invention allows for rapid assembly or pre-assembly of a support 304 having a stud 302 and a substrate 104 having a hole 106. The discontinuous teeth or threads 504 allow the stud 302 to be clamped by the threads of the stud 302, and the elasticity of the structure having a lower flexible region at the bottom of the clamping arm 110 allows the cylindrical channel 114 to easily open when pushed onto the stud 302 (but not when pulled in the opposite direction) and return to its original position so that the discontinuous teeth or threads 504 clamp and hold the stud 302.

Claims

1. A clamp (102) for securing a substrate (104) having a hole (106) to a support (304) of a support stud (302), the clamp (102) having a top side (116), a bottom side (118) and a body (108), the body including a separate section (502) having a clamping arm (110) forming a cylindrical channel (114) configured to allow the stud (302) to be inserted from the bottom side (118). The stud (302) is held in the cylindrical channel (114), the segments (502) are separated from each other by radial spacers (508) and connected by elastic portions (512a), the radial spacers (508) and the elastic portions (512a) are elastically engaged with the segments (502) and allow the clamping arm (110) to clamp onto the substrate (104) when the cylindrical channel (114) is inserted into the hole (106) from the top side (116).

2. The clamp (102) according to claim 1, wherein, There are three segments (502) separated from each other by three radially spaced portions (508), and optionally, Wherein, the radial spacing portion (508) extends radially from the cylindrical channel (114), and / or Each segment (502) has one of the clamping arms (110).

3. The clamp (102) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The elastic portion (512a) allows the cylindrical channel (114) to expand outward or narrow inward.

4. The clamp (102) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inner surface of the cylindrical channel (114) includes discontinuous teeth or threads (504), wherein, optionally, the discontinuous teeth or threads (504) are distributed in a complementary manner on each of the clamping arms (110).

5. The clamp (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The clamping arm (110) includes a retaining element (112) that protrudes radially from an outer surface of the clamping arm (110) opposite to the inner surface of the clamping arm (110) in the cylindrical channel (114). The retaining element (112) is optionally configured to prevent any displacement of the clamping arm (110) from the hole (106) by abutment when the cylindrical channel (114) is inserted into the hole (106) from the top side (116).

6. The clamp (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprises: The hollow portion (514) in the body (108), and / or the flat surface (506) on the outer surface of the clamping arm (110).

7. The clamp (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a damping nut.

8. The clamp (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: Bottom damping member (802) on the bottom side (118) of the body (108), and / or top damping member (510) on the top side (116) of the body (108).

9. The clamp (102) according to claim 8, wherein, The bottom damping member (802) and / or the top damping member (510) are arranged around the cylindrical channel (114).

10. The clamp (102) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The top damping member (510) and / or the bottom damping member (802) have an elastic portion (512b) which is optionally located above and / or below the elastic portion (512a) of the body (108).

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