FASTENING DEVICE

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening device, in particular a plastic pre-holding device for securing a screw to a part to be fastened. The present invention also relates to a fastening element comprising such a plastic pre-holding device and a screw. For example, traction batteries can be attached to the structure of an electric vehicle using these fastening elements. The present invention also relates to a pre-assembled unit comprising the fastening element according to the invention and a structure such as a battery tray. Previous technique

[0002] Specifically, in the area of ​​mounting traction batteries onto a vehicle structure, automated systems are used to perform the screwing step on the bolts that are pre-held in the spacer supporting the battery tray. It is highly preferable that the bolt be held in position throughout the assembly line, right up to the screwing station. The bolt is often held in the spacer by a clip. A clip for pre-holding a bolt in a structure is known from the prior art.

[0003] Patent document US20090317207A1 describes a connecting assembly comprising a screw and a socket with a spring element. The threaded portion of the screw engages with one end of the spring element when the latter is deformed by a hole that receives this connecting element.

[0004] This device does not provide engagement between the screw and the sleeve in the non-pre-mounted position within the hole. Another problem is that assembly and / or disassembly with such a connection assembly requires complex maneuvers. An alternative pre-retaining device is known from US 2015 / 152902 A1. Description of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a fastening device that allows a battery tray to be fixed to a structure while ensuring the fastening device remains in position during the advancement of the assembly line.

[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to a pre-retaining clip according to claim 1 for holding a screw onto a part to be fastened. The present invention also relates to a fastening element comprising the pre-retaining clip and a pre-assembled unit comprising a pre-retaining clip according to the present invention.

[0007] The pre-retaining clip, which is in the form of a sleeve, has a substantially cylindrical tubular body with an opening along its axis.

[0008] According to the invention, the pre-retaining clip has the following characteristics: The clip has at least one spring element on the outer surface of the body, and the spring element protrudes out of the outer surface of the body and is capable of being deformed towards the axis of the body; and the clip further has at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the body, and said at least protrusion is capable of being tapped when a threaded rod with an outside diameter of the thread greater than the inside diameter of the opening is inserted by screwing into the opening.

[0009] Advantageously, the clip is attached to the screw by screwing.

[0010] Advantageously, the clip, which receives a threaded screw in a vertical position, can be suspended or held in a spacer of a structure. The spring element ensures that the clip and screw are held in place at a certain height, particularly with regard to the weight of the screw.

[0011] Advantageously, the screw remains in position during the advancement of the assembly line to the screwing station.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pre-holding clip comprises three spring elements distributed at equal distances on the outer surface of the body.

[0013] According to the invention, said at least one spring element is a V-shaped leaf spring, the two ends of the spring element being fixed to the body.

[0014] Advantageously, the V-shaped leaf spring is deformable for insertion and also allows for disassembly.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pre-retaining clip has a plurality of protrusions on the inner surface of the body.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, the fastening element comprises a screw comprising a head and a threaded shank with thread; and a pre-retaining clip, in the form of a sleeve, comprising a substantially cylindrical tubular body having an opening along its axis, the clip comprising at least one spring element on the outer surface of the body, the spring element projecting out of the outer surface of the body and being capable of being deformed towards the axis of the body; and the clip further comprising at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the body, said at least one protrusion being capable of being tapped when the threaded shank with an outside diameter of the thread greater than the inside diameter of the opening is inserted by screwing into the opening.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pre-holding clip comprises three spring elements distributed at equal distances on the outer surface of the body.

[0018] According to the invention, said at least one spring element is a V-shaped leaf spring, the two ends of the spring element being fixed to the body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the clip has a plurality of protrusions on the inner surface of the body.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, the pre-assembled unit comprises a part comprising a bore, the inside diameter of the bore at a first end being less than the overall inside diameter of the bore, a screw comprising a head and a threaded shank with thread; and a pre-retaining clip, in the form of a sleeve, comprising a substantially cylindrical tubular body having an opening along its axis, the clip comprising at least one spring element on the outer surface of the body, the spring element projecting out of the outer surface of the body and being capable of being deformed towards the axis of the body; and the clip further comprising at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the body, said at least one protrusion being capable of being tapped when the threaded shank with an outside diameter of the thread greater than the inside diameter of the opening is inserted by screwing into the opening.

[0021] In one embodiment, said at least one spring element is deformed towards the axis of the body when the pre-retaining clip with the inserted screw is mounted in the bore by the first end.

[0022] In one embodiment, the clip comprises three spring elements distributed at equal distances on the outer surface of the body.

[0023] According to the invention, said at least one spring element is a V-shaped leaf spring, the two ends of the spring element being fixed to the body.

[0024] In one embodiment, the pre-retaining clip has a plurality of protrusions on the inner surface of the body.

[0025] In one embodiment, the part includes a nut into which the screw can be engaged by its free end. When the screw is engaged in the nut, the pre-retaining clip is in contact with a support other than the nut.

[0026] Advantageously, this allows us to counter the "counter-nut" phenomenon related to the surface. Brief description of the figures

[0027] 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 perspective view of a fastening element comprising a pre-retaining clip according to the present invention and a screw according to one embodiment; the Figure 2 represents a top view of a pre-holding clip according to one embodiment; the Figure 3 represents a cross-sectional view of a pre-assembled unit comprising a pre-retaining clip according to the present invention and a screw and a part to be fixed having a hole, from which the section is made along the axis of the screw pre-mounted on the part; the Figure 4 represents a partial cross-sectional view of a pre-assembled unit of Figure 3, where the screw is engaged in a nut. Description of the implementation methods

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] There Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fastening element comprising a pre-holding clip according to the present invention and a screw according to an embodiment.

[0031] The pre-retaining clip 100 is in the form of a sleeve. The clip essentially comprises a tubular body 20 that is substantially cylindrical. This body has an opening 50 along its axis, which allows a screw 200 to be received.

[0032] The clip 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. Preferably, the clip 100 is made of known materials that are resistant to aging and temperature. Advantageously, the clip 100 is manufactured by means of natural demolding and / or molding with a carriage.

[0033] The clip 100 has at least one spring element 40 on the outer surface of the body 20, preferably three spring elements 40.

[0034] The spring element 40 protrudes from the outer surface of the body 20. In addition, the spring element 40 is susceptible to being deformed towards the axis of the body 20, under the effect of an external force.

[0035] Advantageously, this arrangement provides the operator with a tactile click when the clip is manually inserted into a spacer. Similarly, the fact that the clip, when engaged in a spacer, preferably made of aluminum, can be disassembled makes the clip 100 reusable and / or replaceable. Advantageously, the complete disassembly of the clip 100, along with the screw 200, in the event of a screwing defect in the assembly line, allows for quick replacement through a simple operation.

[0036] In another embodiment, the clip 100 with the screw 200 is mounted in the spacer by pressure / push of the PLC.

[0037] Advantageously, at least one spring element 40 is arranged so as to hold the clip and the screw received at altitude in the spacer.

[0038] According to the invention, the spring element 40 is a V-shaped leaf spring whose two ends are fixed to the body 20.

[0039] A V-shaped blade arm rests against the lower contact interface of the spacer.

[0040] The clip 100 further comprises at least one protrusion 60 on the inner surface of the body 20. When a screw having a threaded shank with an outside diameter of the thread greater than the inside diameter of the opening 50 is inserted into the opening 50, said at least one protrusion 60 is capable of being tapped. Advantageously, the clip 100 is secured to the screw 200 by screwing.

[0041] Advantageously, the threads of the 200 screw remain undamaged by the clip after its insertion, ensuring excellent contact with the nut. This will be detailed later.

[0042] There Figure 2 shows a top view of a pre-holding clip according to one embodiment.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the three spring elements 40 are distributed, preferably at equal angular distances, on the outer surface of the body 20. Advantageously, this allows for a more balanced fixing.

[0044] In this embodiment, the clip 100 comprises, on the inner surface of the body 20, a plurality of protuberances 60 which are preferentially distributed in a uniform manner.

[0045] Clip 100 has 80 contact areas at its upper end. This will be detailed later using the Figure 4 .

[0046] There Figure 3illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pre-assembled assembly comprising a pre-retaining clip according to the present invention and a screw and a part to be fixed having a 320 hole, from which the cut is made along the axis of the screw pre-mounted on the structure 300 which is a spacer.

[0047] Advantageously, the bore 320 has a reduced portion 340 serving as a stop, the inner diameter of which is less than the overall inner diameter of the bore 320. The reduced portion 340 is advantageously located at one end of the bore 320.

[0048] It is planned that a nut 420 will be positioned above the hole 320 in the spacer 300 which is intended to receive the clip and the screw.

[0049] In one embodiment, the nut is preferably welded or crimped onto a structure 400 located above the spacer 300.

[0050] The clip 100 according to the invention and a screw 200 comprising a head and a threaded shank constitute a fastener according to the present invention. Once the screw 200 is pre-mounted in the clip 100, the next step will be to install the fastener in a spacer 300 provided with a hole 320.

[0051] The fastening element, i.e., the clip 100 receiving a threaded screw 200, can be suspended or held vertically in the hole 320 of a spacer 300. The spring element maintains the clip and screw 200 in this vertical position, particularly with respect to the weight of the screw 200. In fact, the lower arm of the V-shaped blade rests against the lower contact interface of the spacer 300 at the reduced portion 340 of the hole. Advantageously, the screw 200 remains in position as the assembly line advances to the screwing station.

[0052] In the vertical position, the present invention advantageously allows a travel of the pre-mounted screw 200 around its axis in the spacer 300 before screwing.

[0053] There Figure 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a pre-assembled unit of Figure 3 , hence screw 200 is engaged in nut 420.

[0054] A pre-assembled assembly according to the present invention comprises a part 300 having a hole 320, the inner diameter of the hole 320 at one end being smaller than the overall inner diameter of the hole 300, and a fastening element comprising a clip and a screw. The clip 100 with the screw 200 is pre-mounted in the hole 320.

[0055] After the automated system locks the plastic clip according to the invention into the spacer via a push / push action, this push then moves the clip and screw onto the nut 420 located above the screw, and tightening the nut completes the fastening process. The clip is thus secured within the spacer 300.

[0056] Advantageously, the pre-holding system, i.e., the spring elements, disappears when screwing screw 200 into spacer 300. As explained above, clip 100 can also be mounted in spacer 300 manually.

[0057] A support 440 is provided to be located below the nut 420. When the screw 200 is engaged in the nut 420, the contact areas 80 of the pre-holding clip 100 come into contact with a support 440 other than the nut 420.

[0058] Advantageously, the fact that the threads of the 200 screw remain undamaged by the clip during its insertion allows for excellent contact with the 420 nut.

[0059] Advantageously, this helps to counter the "lock nut" phenomenon related to surface 20. Indeed, if direct contact occurs between the plastic component and the nut for fixing, an automated anomaly may occur due to excessive tightening torque. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0060] [Tables 1] References Designations 100 Clip / Fastening device / Sleeve 20 Body 40 Spring element / V-shaped leaf spring 42, 44 Fixing point 50 Opening 60 Protuberance 80 Contact area 200 Threaded screw 300 Spacer 320 Drilling 340 Reduced portion / Stop 400 Vehicle structure / sheet metal 420 Nut 440 Sheet metal interface

Claims

1. Pre-holding clip (100), in the form of a sleeve, comprising a substantially cylindrical tubular body (20) having an opening (50) along its axis, wherein the clip (100) comprises at least one spring element (40) on the external surface of the body (20), the spring element (40) protruding from the external surface of the body (20) and being capable of being deformed towards the axis of the body (20), and the clip (100) further comprises at least one protrusion (60) on the internal surface of the body (20), said at least one protrusion (60) is capable of being tapped when a threaded rod with an outside diameter of the thread greater than the inside diameter of the opening (50) is inserted by screwing into the opening (50), characterized in that the spring element (40) is a V-shaped leaf spring, and the two ends of the spring element (40) are secured to the body (20).

2. Pre-holding clip (100) according to claim 1, comprising three spring elements distributed at equal distances over the external surface of the body (20).

3. Pre-holding clip (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of protrusions (60) on the internal surface of the body (20).

4. Fastening element, comprising a screw (200) comprising a threaded head and a threaded rod with thread; and a pre-holding clip (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Pre-assembled assembly, comprising a part comprising a hole, the inside diameter of the hole in a first end being less than the overall inside diameter of the hole, a screw (200) comprising a head and a threaded rod with thread; and a pre-holding clip (100) according to claim 1.

6. Pre-assembled assembly according to claim 5, wherein said at least one spring element (20) is deformed towards the axis of the body (20) when the pre-holding clip (100) with the screw (200) introduced is mounted in the hole by the first end.

7. Pre-assembled assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the clip (100) comprises three spring elements distributed at equal distances over the external surface of the body (20).

8. Pre-assembled assembly according to one of claims 5 to 7, the pre-holding clip (100) comprises a plurality of protrusions (60) on the internal surface of the body (20).