Fastening device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening device comprising: - an insertion element (100) provided with an insertion section (101) that comprises a planar front face; - a housing (400) forming an internal space into which the insertion section (101) is intended to be inserted, in an insertion direction, in a locked position in which the front face and an internal face of the fastening device (10) face each other; - a spring means (300) configured to prevent the internal face and the front face from moving apart; - spacing means configured to ensure that, upon insertion of the insertion section, the internal face is maintained at a distance from the front face from the insertion position, and that the internal face and the front face are brought closer together when the insertion section is in the locked position.

Description

Attachment device FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a plug-in fastening device. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fastening devices can be implemented in many fields such as the automotive or construction sectors.

[0003] The fastening devices may in particular be of the “plug-in” type, and more particularly comprise a housing and an insertion element configured to be plugged into said housing.

[0004] However, handling such fastening devices, and in particular their insertion, is likely to damage their appearance.

[0005] An aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a fastening device for which handling, and more particularly plugging, limits degradation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by a fastening device which comprises:

[0007] - an insert element provided with an insert section which comprises a flat front face;

[0008] - a housing forming an internal space, and in which the insertion section is intended to be inserted, in an insertion direction, in a locked position for which the front face and an internal face of the attachment device are opposite each other, and advantageously parallel to each other;

[0009] - a spring means configured to oppose, by spring effect, a gap between the internal face and the front face when the insertion section is inserted into the internal space;

[0010] - spacing means configured to, when inserting the insertion section, keep the internal face at a distance from the front face from the insertion position and over a main stroke, and to allow a rapprochement, under the effect of the spring means, between the internal face and the front face as soon as the insertion section adopts the locked position.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the spacing means comprises one or more bosses and one or more recesses, the one or more bosses and the one or recesses being configured such that each recess accommodates a boss when the insertion section adopts the locked position.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the spring means is integrated into the internal space of the housing and supports the internal face.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the spring means and the insertion section are configured so that the connection between said insertion section and said spring means during insertion of the insertion section into the internal space, from the insertion position to the locked position, is a sliding connection along the insertion direction, said insertion direction being parallel to two main edges, parallel to each other, of the insertion section.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the spring means, formed from a sheet metal, comprises a central section which is essentially flat and one face of which is the internal face, the spring means also comprises two lateral sections arranged laterally to the central section and curved in a convergent manner in order to cooperate in sliding connection with a rear face, opposite the front face, of the insertion section.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each side section comprises spring blades configured to exert a spring effect against the rear face of the main body.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the housing covers the central section and the lateral sections of the spring means by an intermediate face of the main section opposite the internal face.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises a main part and two side walls, the main part overlapping the intermediate face, and each side wall extending laterally, overlapping the side sections, to the main part and ending with a contact edge.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the bosses are carried by the main part and pass through the central section through openings provided in said central section, while the hollows are formed on the front face.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the bosses are configured to slide on the front face during the insertion stroke and to each be housed in a recess once the insertion section reaches its locked position.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the bosses are carried by the contact edges while the hollows are carried by two sliding sections of the insertion element and secured to the insertion section by its rear face.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sliding sections, generally planar, extend in a direction parallel to the main edges of the insertion section.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the bosses are configured to slide over the sliding sections during the insertion stroke and to each be seated in a recess once the insertion section reaches its locked position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, upper spring wing and lower spring wing, which each extend, from the spring base and in a direction parallel to the insertion direction, towards an edge called the spring edge.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the housing, covering the spring means, comprises a base, called the housing base, and two housing wings called, respectively, the upper housing wing and the lower housing wing, which each extend from the housing base.

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

[0026] According to one embodiment, the boss is formed in projection relative to the internal face, and the hollow on the insertion section.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the spring means is capable of adopting, in the housing, two positions called, respectively, first position and second position, the first position being a position for which the spring wings have a first spacing while the second position being a position for which the spring wings have a second spacing less than the first spacing.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the spring means, as well as the housing, are configured so that during the insertion stroke of the insertion section, the spring means is held in its first position by the spacing means, and that the passage of the spring means from its first position to its second position involves a movement of said spring means in the insertion direction.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the spacing means comprise at least one tab formed on the upper spring wing and at least one stop formed on the upper housing wing and against which the tab rests when the spring means is in its first position.

[0030] According to one embodiment, said attachment device comprises locking means configured to allow the insertion section to be locked in its locked position.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the locking means comprise a locking cavity and a locking strip, the locking cavity being provided in the plug-in section and opening out through the contact face, and the locking strip extending divergently from the inner face and being configured to cooperate with the locking cavity.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the locking means comprise a pointed strip which extends divergently from the inner face and is configured on the front face.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the spring means is in an unstressed state until it is engaged in the insertion position.

[0034] By "unstressed state" is meant a spring medium on which no force is exerted, and which exerts no force.

[0035] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0036] Theis a schematic representation of a fastening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in particular, theis the fastening device in perspective and in an exploded view;

[0037] This is a schematic representation of the insertion element in isolation and in a perspective view from its front face;

[0038] This is a schematic representation, in perspective view, of the housing of the;

[0039] This is a schematic representation of the spring means in isolation and in perspective;

[0040] This is another schematic representation of the spring means, also in perspective, and allowing the locking strip to be observed;

[0041] This is a schematic representation, in perspective view, of the housing of the;

[0042] This is a schematic representation of a housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] This is a schematic representation of the insertion element according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] This is a schematic representation of an assembly comprising a housing and means according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] This is a schematic representation of the housing according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] This is a schematic representation of the spring means according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] This is a schematic representation of the insertion element according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] This is a schematic representation of an assembly comprising a housing and means according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] This is a schematic representation of the housing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] This is a schematic representation of the spring means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The present invention relates to a fastening device provided with an insertion element and a housing, said insertion element being intended to be housed in an internal space of the housing.

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

[0053] an insert member provided with an insert section which includes a planar front face;

[0054] - a housing forming an internal space, and in which the insertion section is intended to be inserted, in an insertion direction, in a locked position for which the front face and an internal face of the attachment device are opposite each other and parallel to each other;

[0055] - a spring means configured to oppose, by spring effect, a gap between the internal face and the front face when the insertion section is inserted into the internal space;

[0056] - spacing means configured to, when inserting the insertion section, keep the internal face at a distance from the front face from the insertion position and over a main stroke, and to allow a rapprochement, under the effect of the spring means, between the internal face and the front face as soon as the insertion section adopts the locked position.

[0057] Advantageously, the spring means is in an unstressed state until it is engaged in the insertion position.

[0058] By "unstressed state" is meant a spring medium on which no force is exerted, and which exerts no force.

[0059] Thus, a first embodiment of a fastening device 10 according to the present invention can be seen.

[0060] In particular, the attachment device 10 comprises an insertion element 100, a spring means 300, a housing 400 and spacing means.

[0061] The insertion element 100 is represented in isolation and in a perspective view by one of its faces called the front face 103.

[0062] In particular, the insertion element 100, shown in the, comprises an insertion section 101 and possibly a base 102. In particular, the insertion section 101 may for example have the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and in this respect comprise two main faces, opposite one another and called, respectively, front face 103 and rear face 104. The two main faces 103 and 104 are in particular connected by two lateral faces 105 and 106, which extend in a direction called the insertion direction.

[0063] It is understood that the insertion direction is also defined by the lateral edges of the front face 103, each lateral edge being at the junction of the front face and one of the lateral faces.

[0064] As shown in the figure, the base 102, forming for example a rectangular parallelepiped (a block), can be secured to the insertion section 101 by a face, called the first face, of said section 101 perpendicular to the main faces and to the lateral faces.

[0065] The housing 400 is shown in the form of an internal space 201 in which the insertion section is intended to be inserted, in an insertion direction, in a locked position.

[0066] In particular, the internal space 201 comprises an internal face 202 (which can for example be carried by a spring means described in the remainder of the statement), for which, when the insertion section is in the locked position, the front face 103 and the internal face 201 are opposite each other, and advantageously parallel to each other.

[0067] It is understood that the insertion of the insertion section 101 is carried out by presenting said insertion section 101, by one of its faces, called the second face and opposite the first face, in the internal space 201. In this regard, the internal space 201 comprises an opening through which the insertion section is inserted. During this insertion, the front face and the internal face are held facing each other and advantageously parallel to each other.

[0068] Furthermore, the attachment device 10 also comprises a spring means 300 configured to oppose, by spring effect, a separation between the internal face and the front face when the insertion section is inserted into the internal space.

[0069] Advantageously, the spring means is integrated into the internal space of the housing and carries the internal face.

[0070] Advantageously, the spring means 300 and the insertion section 101 are configured so that the connection between said insertion section and said spring means, when inserting the insertion section into the internal space, is a sliding connection, and in particular a maintained sliding connection, in the insertion direction. In other words, the sliding connection considered in the present invention can withstand forces in directions other than the coupling direction without risk of disengagement.

[0071] Thus, and as illustrated in the, the spring means 300 may be formed from a sheet metal and comprise a central section 301 which is essentially planar and one face of which forms the internal face 201. The spring means 300 also comprises two lateral sections 302 and 303 arranged laterally to the central section 301 and curved in a convergent manner in order to cooperate in sliding connection with the rear face of the insertion section. It is understood that the two lateral sections are curved towards the internal face 201. It is also understood that the lateral sections, in order to ensure the sliding connection, each cover a lateral face 105, 106 and a portion of the rear face 104.

[0072] In addition, each side section 302 and 303 comprises spring blades 305 configured to exert a spring effect against the rear face of the main body. This spring effect makes it possible in particular to place the internal face in abutment against the front face when the insertion section is in its locked position.

[0073] It is understood that the spring blades offer the possibility of moving the internal face away from the front face as soon as a force is exerted on the spring means in a direction normal to the front face.

[0074] The attachment device 10 may also comprise locking means configured to allow the insertion section 101 to be locked in its locked position.

[0075] For example, the locking means comprise a locking cavity 107 () and a locking strip 306 (). In particular, the locking cavity 107 is provided in the insertion section 101 and opens out through the front face 103, and the locking strip 306 extends divergently from the inner face 201 and is configured to cooperate with the locking cavity.

[0076] The housing 400 is configured to cover an intermediate face of the central section (and opposite the internal face) and the lateral sections of the spring means. In this regard, the housing 400 may comprise an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic material.

[0077] The housing 400 comprises a main part 401 and two side walls 402, the main part overlapping the intermediate face, and each side wall extending laterally, overlapping the side sections, to the main part and ending in a contact edge 403.

[0078] The attachment device 10 according to the present invention also comprises spacing means. These spacing means are in particular configured to, during insertion of the insertion section 101, keep the internal face 201 at a distance from the front face 103 from the insertion position and over a main stroke, and to allow a rapprochement, advantageously a contact, between the internal face 201 and the front face 103 as soon as the insertion section adopts the locked position.

[0079] These spacing means therefore make it possible to preserve the surface condition of the front face 101 as well as that of the internal face.

[0080] Particularly advantageously, the spacing means comprises one or more bosses and one or more recesses. In particular, the bosses and recesses are configured such that each recess accommodates a boss when the insertion section adopts its locked position.

[0081] In particular, the bosses 404 () are carried by the main part 401 and pass through the central section through openings 307 () provided in said central section, while the hollows 108 () are formed on the front face 103.

[0082] Thus, the bosses are configured to slide on the front face during the insertion stroke and to each be housed in a recess as soon as the insertion section reaches its locked position.

[0083] The invention also relates to a second embodiment which essentially incorporates all of the principles set out in relation to the first embodiment.

[0084] However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the bosses 404 are carried by the contact edges 403 () while the recesses 108 are carried by two sliding sections 109 () of the insertion element and secured to the insertion section 101 by its rear face.

[0085] In particular, the sliding sections 109, generally planar, extend in a direction parallel to the main edges of the insertion section 101.

[0086] Thus, the bosses 404 are configured to slide over the sliding sections during the insertion stroke and to each be seated in a recess once the insertion section reaches its locked position.

[0087] The invention also relates to a third embodiment which essentially incorporates all of the principles set out in relation to the first embodiment.

[0088] However, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the housing and the spring means have a U-shaped section along a plane perpendicular to the internal face and which includes the direction of insertion.

[0089] In particular, it represents the housing covering the spring means according to the third embodiment.

[0090] This is an illustration of the case taken in isolation.

[0091] In particular, the housing 400 comprises a base, called housing base 405, and two housing wings called, respectively, upper housing wing 406 and lower housing wing 407, which each extend from the housing base 405.

[0092] The housing 404 also comprises two connecting walls 409 which extend from the housing base in a direction parallel to the insertion direction, each connecting wall each connecting the two housing wings, and comprises a slot, called insertion slot 410, which extends in the insertion direction and in which the insertion section is intended to be inserted.

[0093] The spring means, shown in isolation in the, comprises a base, called spring base 307, and two spring wings called, respectively, upper spring wing 308 and lower spring wing 309, which each extend, from the spring base and in a direction parallel to the insertion direction, towards an edge called spring edge.

[0094] According to this third embodiment, the boss 404 is formed in projection relative to the internal face, and the hollow on the insertion section.

[0095] Still according to this third embodiment, the locking means comprise at least one pointed strip 310 which extends in a divergent manner from the internal face and configured to maintain the insertion section by clawing, in particular of the front face.

[0096] The hollow 405, as illustrated in the, is formed on the insertion section and opens in particular through the front face ().

[0097] The invention also relates to a fourth embodiment which essentially incorporates all of the principles set out in relation to the third embodiment.

[0098] However, the fourth embodiment differs from the third by these spacing means.

[0099] In particular, it represents the housing covering the spring means according to the fourth embodiment.

[0100] The housing 400 and the spring means 200 are shown in isolation, respectively, at and at.

[0101] According to this fourth embodiment, the spring means is capable of adopting, in the housing, two positions called, respectively, first position and second position. The first position is a position for which the spring wings have a first spacing while the second position is a position for which the spring wings have a second spacing less than the first spacing.

[0102] More particularly, the spring means 300 and the housing 400 are configured so that the spring is in the first position throughout the main stroke, and adopts the second position as soon as the insertion section is in its locked position.

[0103] In particular, the transition from the first position to the second position comprises a movement of the spring means in the direction of insertion. This movement notably involves a thrust of the insertion section against the spring base.

[0104] Maintaining the spring means in the first position involves the spacing means. The latter may in particular comprise at least one tab 311 formed on the upper spring wing and at least one stop 312 formed on the housing 400.

[0105] More particularly, these spacing means are configured so that when the spring means is moved in the insertion direction, the at least one tab 311 disengages from the at least one stop 312 and thus allows the spring wings to move closer together.

[0106] Thus, when inserting the insertion section into the internal space, said insertion section is guided by the insertion slots. During this guidance, and during the main stroke, the lower spring wing is in contact with the rear face of the insertion section, while the upper spring wing remains at a distance from the front face. When it reaches the end of its main stroke, the insertion section for the spring means in the insertion direction at the base springs. This thrust leads to a disengagement of the at least one tab 311 and the at least one stop and thus allows a tightening of the spring wings.

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

Claims

Fastening device (10) which comprises:- an insertion element (100) provided with an insertion section (101) which comprises a flat front face (103);- a housing (400) forming an internal space (201), and in which the insertion section (101) is intended to be inserted, in an insertion direction, in a locked position for which the front face (103) and an internal face (202) of the fastening device (10) are opposite each other, and advantageously parallel to each other;- a spring means (300) configured to oppose, by spring effect, a separation between the internal face (202) and the front face (103) when the insertion section (101) is inserted into the internal space (201);- spacing means configured to, when inserting the insertion section (101), keep the internal face (202) at a distance from the front face (103) from the insertion position and over a main stroke, and to allow a rapprochement, under the effect of the spring means (300), between the internal face (202) and the front face (103) as soon as the insertion section (101) adopts the locked position.; A fastener (10) according to claim 1, wherein the spacing means comprises one or more bosses (404) and one or more recesses (108), the one or more bosses (404) and the one or recesses (108) being configured such that each recess (108) accommodates a boss when the insertion section (101) adopts the locked position. Fastening device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the spring means (300) is integrated in the internal space (201) of the housing (400) and carries the internal face (202). Fastening device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the spring means (300) and the insertion section (101) are configured so that the connection between said insertion section (101) and said spring means (300) during insertion of the insertion section (101) into the internal space (201), from the insertion position to the locked position is a sliding connection along the insertion direction, said insertion direction being parallel to two main edges, parallel to each other, of the insertion section (101). Fastening device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, in which the spring means (300), formed of a sheet metal, comprises a central section which is essentially flat and one face of which is the internal face (202), the spring means (300) also comprises two lateral sections arranged laterally to the central section and curved in a convergent manner in order to cooperate in sliding connection with a rear face (104), opposite the front face (103), of the insertion section (101). A fastening device (10) according to claim 5, wherein each side section (302, 303) comprises spring blades (305) configured to exert a spring effect against the rear face (104) of the main body. Fastening device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, in which the housing (400) covers the central section and the lateral sections of the spring means (300) by an intermediate face of the main section opposite the internal face (202). Fastening device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which the housing (400) comprises a main part and two side walls, the main part overlapping the intermediate face, and each side wall extending laterally, overlapping the side sections, to the main part and ending in a contact edge (403). A fastening device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the bosses (404) are carried by the main part and pass through the central section through openings (307) provided in said central section, while the recesses (108) are formed on the front face (103). A fastening device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the bosses (404) are configured to slide on the front face (103) during the insertion stroke and to each be housed in a recess (108) once the insertion section (101) reaches its locked position. Fastening device (10) according to claim 8, in which the bosses (404) are carried by the contact edges while the hollows (108) are carried by two sliding sections (109) of the insertion element (100) and integral with the insertion section (101) by its rear face (104). Fastening device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the generally planar sliding sections (109) extend in a direction parallel to the main edges of the insertion section (101). A fastening device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the bosses (404) are configured to slide over the sliding sections (109) during the insertion stroke and to each be housed in a recess (108) once the insertion section (101) reaches its locked position. Fastening device (10) according to claim 1, in which the spring means (300) comprises a base, called spring base, and two spring wings called, respectively, upper spring wing (308) and lower spring wing (309), which each extend, from the spring base and in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion, towards an edge called spring edge. Fastening device (10) according to claim 14, in which the housing (400), covering the spring means (300), comprises a base, called the housing base (405), and two housing wings called, respectively, the upper housing wing (406) and the lower housing wing (407), which each extend from the housing base (405). Fastening device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the housing (400) comprises two connecting walls (409) which extend from the housing base (405) in a direction parallel to the insertion direction, each connecting wall each connecting the two housing wings, and comprises a slot, called an insertion slot, which extends in the insertion direction and into which the insertion section (101) is intended to be inserted. A fastening device (10) according to claim 16 in combination with claim 2, wherein the boss is formed projecting from the inner face (202), and the recess (108) on the insertion section (101). Fastening device (10) according to claim 16, in which the spring means (300) is capable of adopting, in the housing (400), two positions called, respectively, first position and second position, the first position being a position for which the spring wings have a first spacing while the second position being a position for which the spring wings have a second spacing less than the first spacing. Fastening device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the spring means (300), as well as the housing (400), are configured so that during the insertion stroke of the insertion section (101), the spring means (300) is held in its first position by the spacing means, and that the passage of the spring means (300) from its first position to its second position involves a movement of said spring means (300) in the insertion direction. Fastening device (10) according to claim 19, in which the spacing means comprise at least one tab (311) formed on the upper spring wing (308) and at least one stop (311) formed on the upper housing wing (406) and against which the tab (311) bears when the spring means (300) is in its first position. Fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said fastening device (10) comprises locking means configured to allow locking of the insertion section (101) in its locked position. Fastening device (10) according to claim 21, wherein the locking means comprise a locking cavity (107) and a locking strip (306), the locking cavity (107) being provided in the plug-in section and opening through the contact face, and the locking strip (306) extends divergently from the inner face (202) and is configured to cooperate with the locking cavity (107). A fastening device (10) according to claim 21, wherein the locking means comprises a pointed strip which extends divergently from the inner face (202) and is configured as the front face (103). A fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the spring means (300) is in an unstressed state until engaged in the insertion position.

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