FIXING SYSTEM

Abstract

A fastening system (100) includes a bracket (101) and a fastener (103) configured to engage a stud. The bracket (101) includes an opening (104) through which the fastener (103) is captured. The fastener (103) is freely operable and translatable in position relative to the bracket (101) when captured. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: FIXING SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening system suitable for the automated fastening of parts to the chassis of a vehicle by an automated construction device. Technical background

[0002] In a production line, for example a vehicle production line, it is desirable to automate as many steps of the construction process as possible. This helps to avoid human errors, natural variations and inconsistencies, as well as to reduce the risks of strikes, absence or illness of employees.

[0003] The automation of certain tasks, which must be performed by an automated construction device, such as a robot, is problematic. The programming of such devices is unforgiving and the degree of precision offered by these devices, which is normally an advantage, can become a disadvantage and hinder the rapid construction of a product. Some parts that must be attached to a frame may not require absolute precision in their positioning on the frame, or the frame may move as it progresses along the production line, which causes positioning problems. Finally, simply orienting a part for attachment to a frame by an automated construction device can be problematic. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a fastening system having improved compatibility with an automated construction device.

[0005] A fastening system comprising: a bracket; and a fastener configured to engage a stud; wherein the bracket includes an opening through which the fastener is captured, the fastener, when captured, being freely operable and translatable in position relative to the bracket.

[0006] The fastening system can be adapted for the automated fastening of parts to the chassis of a vehicle by an automated construction device.

[0007] The holder may be configured to grip at least one part. The holder may include a location marker. The location marker may enable orientation of the holder by an automated construction device.

[0008] In some examples, the holder is configured to grip at least one part, the holder including a location marker enabling orientation of the holder by an automated construction device.

[0009] The invention also relates to a fastening system suitable for the automated fastening of parts to the chassis of a vehicle by an automated construction device. The fastening system comprises: a bracket configured to engage at least one part, the bracket comprising a location marker enabling orientation of the bracket by an automated construction device; and a fastener configured to engage a stud. The bracket comprises an opening through which the fastener is captured. The fastener, when captured, is freely operable and translatable in position relative to the bracket.

[0010] The fastener system may comprise a single entity that an automated construction device can manipulate and, using the location marker, orient so that the fastener system can be placed on the chassis of a vehicle. Capturing the fastener in the holder ensures that all parts remain associated with each other and reduces the risk of parts becoming disassociated and the subsequent loss of the fastener, which would cause costly downtime for an automated manufacturing system.

[0011] The holder may provide a platform from which at least one workpiece, such as a pipe (e.g., a cooling pipe), may be secured and held in place (i.e., gripped).

[0012] Allowing the fastener to operate and move freely means that the fastener can be actuated to provide a secure fit to the vehicle frame without adversely or unintentionally changing the position or orientation of the bracket. It is obvious that actuation of the fastener can change the position or orientation of the bracket.

[0013] The location marker may include an elongated socket. The fastener may include an elongated socket, which may be configured to receive the stud. The elongated socket of the location marker may be parallel to the elongated socket of the fastener.

[0014] More specifically, the location marker may include an elongated socket, parallel to an elongated socket of the fastener, which is configured to receive the stud.

[0015] The elongated socket of the fastener may include a plurality of barbs for retaining the stud.

[0016] The opening may include one or more resilient arms that urge the fastener into a predetermined position relative to the support.

[0017] The elastic arms may be arranged to push or act on the captured fastener.

[0018] This helps to dampen the movement of the fastener within the opening. This ensures that the fastener, while still being able to move freely within the opening, moves slowly and predictably and is usually pushed toward the center of the opening. This makes it easier to locate and seat the fastener onto a stud.

[0019] The fastener may include a position lock, for example such that when the fastener grips a stud, the relative position of the bracket and the fastener is locked by the position lock. The bracket may include a position lock, for example such that when the fastener grips a stud, the relative position of the bracket and the fastener is locked by the position lock.

[0020] In some examples, the fastener and / or bracket includes a position lock, such that when the fastener grips a stud, the relative position of the bracket and the fastener is locked by the position lock.

[0021] In this way, unintentional repositioning of the bracket relative to the fastener can be avoided. This can, for example, prevent unintentional detachment of the fastener from the stud if rotation of the fastener relative to the bracket is not hindered by the lock.

[0022] The lock may be one-way, for example such that the fastening system must be destroyed to reopen the lock. The lock may also be placed in an unlocked position by the application of deliberate force by the end user. The lock may take the form of interference features disposed on one or both of the brackets and the fastener, such as ribs.

[0023] The position lock may include one or more ribs disposed on the bracket. The position lock may include one or more ribs disposed on the fastener. The radial ribs may cooperate to lock the relative position of the bracket and the fastener. In some examples, the radial ribs may cooperate to lock the relative position of the bracket and the fastener in one of several different possible orientations.

[0024] More specifically, the position lock may include cooperating radial ribs on the bracket and the fastener to lock the relative position of the bracket and the fastener in one of several different possible orientations.

[0025] The support may comprise a plate. The fastener may comprise a column. The plate may comprise the opening. The opening may be open on one side, for example to receive the column of the fastener.

[0026] In some examples, the bracket includes a plate with the opening and the opening is open on one side to receive a column of the fixture.

[0027] The support may be formed from several parts. The support may include a substantially C-shaped section. The support may include a closure piece. The closure piece may fit together with the C-shaped piece to form a complete support.

[0028] The attachment may include at least one flange. The attachment may include a pair of flanges. The flanges may project radially from the column. The flanges may be spaced apart to receive the plate therebetween.

[0029] More specifically, the attachment may include a pair of flanges projecting radially from the column and spaced apart from each other to receive the plate therebetween.

[0030] At least one of the flanges may include at least one of the radial ribs. The bracket may include at least one of the ribs. The bracket may include a plurality of ribs. The one or more radial ribs of the one or more flanges may cooperate with a pair of the plurality of ribs of the bracket.

[0031] More specifically, at least one of the flanges may include at least one of the radial ribs for cooperating with a pair of a plurality of ribs of the support.

[0032] In some examples, the bracket includes a plate with the opening and the opening is open on one side to receive a column of the fixture; the fixture includes a pair of flanges projecting radially from the column and spaced apart from each other to receive the plate therebetween; and at least one of the flanges includes at least one of the radial ribs for cooperating with a pair of a plurality of ribs of the bracket.

[0033] The fastening system may include a guide to facilitate positioning of the fastening on a stud.

[0034] The use of a guide that allows the fastener to orient itself relative to the stud as the automated construction machine pushes the fastener toward the stud ensures accurate positioning of the fastener on the stud, even if large manufacturing tolerances are used in construction. Indeed, the guide can allow manufacturing tolerances to be relaxed.

[0035] The guide may have a substantially conical shape.

[0036] The shape of a cone lends itself well to the use of a guide, because the conical surface provides a large initial opening, which allows for a large area in which it would be acceptable to receive a stud.

[0037] When the fastener is pushed towards the vehicle frame, the stud may contact the inner tapered surface of the cone and / or stop the movement of the fastener relative to the bracket, e.g., thereby preventing the fastener from protruding beyond the stud. The stud may then follow the tapered surface until it is properly positioned for the fastener to successfully grip the stud.

[0038] In some examples, the guide has a substantially conical shape so that when the fastener is pushed toward a frame of a vehicle, the stud contacts the inner conical surface of the cone and follows the conical surface until it is properly positioned for the fastener to successfully grip the stud.

[0039] The support may include one or more resilient feet. The or each resilient foot or feet may be arranged to contact the frame and / or apply tension to the attachment system.

[0040] More specifically, the support may comprise one or more resilient feet arranged to, in use, contact the frame and apply tension to the attachment system.

[0041] When applying the fastening system, the resilient feet of the bracket may first contact the substrate (e.g., the vehicle chassis) as the fastening system is pushed toward the substrate by the automated build device.

[0042] After contact, and while the fastening system is still being pushed toward the substrate, the legs may deform, resiliently buckle, or flare and apply force to the bracket, and thus to the fastener captured by the bracket. This tension allows the automated construction device to apply the actions necessary to operate the fastening system and ensure that the fastener captures a stud.

[0043] The holder may include one or more clasps for gripping and holding one or more elements in place.

[0044] For the avoidance of doubt, all features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0045] Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way, unless such features are incompatible.

[0046] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", "for example" and any other similar terms used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting, such that any feature so described need not necessarily be present.

[0047] Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged. Brief description of the figures

[0048] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0049] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] illustrates a fixing system according to an example;

[0050] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates the fixing system of [Fig.l] seen from below;

[0051] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates the support of the fixing system of [Fig.l];

[0052] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates the support of [Fig.3] seen from below;

[0053] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates the fixing of the fixing system of [Fig.l];

[0054] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a sectional view of the attachment of Figures 5 through the column between the flanges to show its radial ribs;

[0055] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates another support that can be used with the attachment of the figures 5 and 6; and

[0056] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates the support of figure 9 seen from below. Detailed description of the invention

[0057] Referring now to Figures 1-6, a fastening system 100 consisting of two parts is disclosed, including a bracket 101 that holds the tubes and a fastener 103, or nut, that is to be secured to the stud (not shown). The bracket 101 includes resilient arms 201, or legs, to hold and self-center the fastener 103 upon delivery so that the fastener 103 is positioned in a nominal position. The resilient arms 201 also allow the fastener 103 to move and adjust to the position of the stud during assembly, providing a large tolerance for substantial gap adjustment (e.g., up to 10 mm).

[0058] The fastener 103 includes a guide 202 with a tapered inlet 220 to facilitate assembly with the stud when the fastener 103 and the stud are not aligned. The guide 202 is configured to allow the fastener 103 to orient itself relative to the stud as the automated construction machine pushes the fastener toward the stud, thereby ensuring accurate location of the fastener on the stud, even if large manufacturing tolerances are used in construction. The guide 202 is shown as an inverted hollow cone or collar, having a wide opening into which a stud can easily be placed. It is evident that any tapered structure may be substituted for the cone, provided that it fulfills the function of easily locating a stud and guiding the stud into the fastener 103.

[0059] Figures 1 and 2 show the fastener 103 inserted into the support 101. The support 101 is in the form of a substantially planar, approximately square plate 110, although it is obvious that the support 101 can take any shape. The support 101 includes an opening 104 in which the fastener 103 is captured. The support 101 includes two clasps 111 for gripping and holding in place one or more elements, such as a cooling pipe (not shown).

[0060] It is obvious that the support 101 may include any number of clasps 111 or other means for gripping one or more elements. In the case of a single element, the support 101 may be provided with several clasps 111 for gripping the same element. Similarly, the gripped element is not necessarily a pipe, but may be any other element requiring attachment to a substrate, such as the chassis of a vehicle.

[0061] The fastener 103 comprises an elongated socket 130, which is configured to receive the stud. The elongated socket 130 of the fastener 103 comprises gripping means in the form of a plurality of barbs 131 for retaining the stud. The gripping means may be provided by ribs or threading, or any other suitable gripping means, provided that a secure fit is ensured between the fastener 103 and the stud.

[0062] The fastener 103 also includes a column 132 and a pair of flanges 133, in the form of upper and lower plates, which are spaced apart from each other and project radially relative to the column 132. The fastener 103 also includes a drive means allowing an automated construction device to act on the attachment of the fastener 103 to the stud. This does not have to be rotational; the fastener 103 can be "pushed" or otherwise secured onto the stud. The example drive means illustrated is in the form of a hex nut 134.

[0063] The illustrated fastener 103 is in one piece, but it is not necessary for the fastener 103 to be formed in this way, the fastener 103 may be, for example, in several parts and secured together around the support 101 (for example, by snapping two parts of the fastener 103 together through the opening of the support 104). Such a fastener 103 may be particularly suitable for use with a one-part support 101.

[0064] The opening 104 is open on one side, with a neck 140 and an inlet 141 for guiding the column 132 of the fastener 103 as it is inserted into the opening 104 via the neck 140. The process of capturing and operating the fastener 103 within the holder 101 requires the insertion of the plate 110 between the flanges 133 so that the column 132 of the fastener 103 passes into the opening 104 of the holder 101 through the neck 140. The fastener 103 is held in place by the resilient arms 201, which are resilient in this example. These resilient arms 201 act on the column 132 of the fastener 103 to center the fastener 103.

[0065] Four spring arms 201 are shown in the bracket 101 of [Fig. 3] and 4, but it is obvious that any number of spring arms 201 can be used provided there are enough spring arms 201 to push the fastener 103 towards a geometric center of the opening 104 (i.e., a point which is at the maximum distance from the wall(s) defining the opening 104).

[0066] The elastic arms 201 are formed integrally with the support 101, but they may be constructed separately and mounted after the support 101 is formed. The elastic arms 201 are formed from an elastic material capable of returning to a predetermined state, such as a plastic. Preferably, the elastic arms 201 are made from the same material as the support 101, which may be a polyamide or a polyoxymethylene, for example. Each elastic arm 201 is attached to the support 101 in a corner of the opening 104, although it is obvious that each arm may be located anywhere within the opening 104.

[0067] [Fig.2] shows how the fastener 103, once captured in the opening 104, is free to move within the confines of the opening 104, with the resilient arms 201 applying a gentle force against the column of the fastener 103 to urge the fastener 103 towards a predetermined location, such as a geometric center of the opening 104. In this way, with the fastener 103 free to move and the resilient arms 201 guiding the fastener 103 towards a center, the fastening system 100 is able to accommodate a large tolerance in placement of the fastening system 100) on a stud, of the order of 10mm.

[0068] Figures 3 and 4 show a support 101 without a fastener 103. The support 101 further comprises a location marker 102, taking the form of an elongated socket 120 provided by a cylinder 121 with internal ribs 122 which

[0069] depends on a corner of the support 101. The elongated socket 120 of the location marker 102 is parallel to the elongated socket 130 of the fastener 103.

[0070] Although the location marker 102 is shown in a corner of the support 101, it can be placed at any suitable location on the support 101, provided that the location marker 102 can fulfill its function, namely to allow an automated construction device to orient the support 101 in space.

[0071] The bracket 101 and the fastener 103 also include a position lock 105, in the form of ribs 150, 151 to prevent the fastener 103 from unlocking. On the bracket 101, the ribs 150 radiate from a center of the opening 104. On the fastener 103, the ribs 151 radiate from a central axis of the elongated socket 130 configured to receive a stud. It is obvious that any structure other than the ribs can be used provided that the structure fulfills the function of stopping the movement of the fastener 103 relative to the bracket 101 when the fastener system 100 is in place on a stud.

[0072] The support 101 is further provided with a pair of resilient feet 106 disposed on opposite sides of the support 101. Any number of resilient feet 106 may be used, including one or a plurality of feet, for example three. or more. In this example, the resilient feet 106 take the form of fins projecting at an angle relative to the main face of the holder 101. The resilient feet 106 project, in use, towards the substrate, so that when the holder 101 is pushed towards the substrate, the resilient feet 106 are the first part of the fastening system 100 to contact the substrate.

[0073] The holder 101 is further provided with a pair of resilient feet 106 disposed on opposite sides of the holder 101. Any number of resilient feet 106 may be used, including one or a plurality of feet, for example three or more. In this example, the resilient feet 106 take the form of fins depending obliquely from the plate 110 of the holder 101. The resilient feet 106 protrude, in use, towards the substrate, so that when the holder 101 is pushed towards the substrate, the resilient feet 106 are the first part of the fixing system 100 to come into contact with the substrate.

[0074] The support 101 may be formed from several parts, such as a substantially C-shaped section and a closure piece 203. The closure piece 203 may fit together with the C-shaped piece to form a complete support 101. The closure piece 203 may be omitted, but by including the closure piece 203, an opening 104 defined on all sides may be formed, which increases the structural strength compared to the C-shaped portion alone, resisting the torsional forces to which the ends of the C-shaped portion may be susceptible.

[0075] Alternatively, the support 101 may be formed in one piece with a complete circumference defining the opening 104 without the need to add additional closure pieces.

[0076] Figures 7 and 8 show another support 101', which can also be used with the apparatus 103 described above. The support 101' according to this example is similar to the support 101 described above, with similar references representing similar features followed by a '.

[0077] The holder 101' according to this example differs from the previous example in that the location marker 102' is further from the plate 110', and its elongated socket 120' is formed of an inner cylinder 121' with radial reinforcing fins 122' projecting outwardly from the inner cylinder 121'.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that several variants of the aforementioned embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference signs

[0079] 100 fixing system

[0080] 101 support

[0081] 101' support

[0082] 102 location marker

[0083] 102' location marker

[0084] 103 fixing

[0085] 103' fixation

[0086] 104 opening

[0087] 104' opening

[0088] 105 position lock

[0089] 106 elastic feet

[0090] 106' elastic feet

[0091] 110 plate

[0092] 110'plate

[0093] 111 clasps

[0094] 111' clasps

[0095] 120 elongated socket

[0096] 120' extended socket

[0097] 121 cylinder

[0098] 121'internal cylinder

[0099] 122 internal ribs

[0100] 122' radial reinforcing fins

[0101] 130 elongated socket

[0102] 131 beards

[0103] 132 column

[0104] 133 bridles

[0105] 134 hexagonal nut

[0106] 140 col

[0107] 141 entry

[0108] 150 ribs

[0109] 151 ribs

[0110] 201 elastic arms [YES] 202 guide

[0112] 203 closing part

[0113] 220 conical inlet

Claims

Claims

1. A fastening system (100) comprising: a bracket (101); and a fastener (103) configured to grip a stud; wherein the bracket (101) comprises an opening (104) through which the fastener (103) is captured, the fastener (103), when captured, being freely operable and translatable in position relative to the bracket (101), the bracket (101) being configured to grip at least one workpiece, the bracket comprising a location marker (102) enabling orientation of the bracket (101) by an automated construction device, the location marker (102) comprising an elongated socket (120), parallel to an elongated socket (130) of the fastener (103), which is configured to receive the stud.

2. A fastening system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening (104) comprises one or more resilient arms (201) which urge the fastening (103) into a predetermined position relative to the support (101).

3. A fastening system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener (103) and / or the bracket (101) comprises a position lock (105), such that when the fastener (103) grips a stud, the relative position of the bracket (101) and the fastener (103) is locked by the position lock (105).

4. The fastening system (100) of claim 3, wherein the position lock (105) comprises radial ribs (150, 151) cooperating on the support (101) and the fastener (103) to lock the relative position of the support (101) and the fastener (103) in one of several different possible orientations.

5. The fastening system (100) of claim 4, wherein: the bracket (101) comprises a plate (110) with the opening (104) and the opening (104) is open on one side to receive a column (132) of the fastener (103); the fastener (103) comprises a pair of flanges (133) projecting radially from the column (132) and spaced apart from each other to receive the plate (110) therebetween; and at least one of the flanges (133) comprises at least one of the radial ribs (151) for cooperating with a pair of a plurality of ribs (150) of the support (101).

6. A fastening system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening system (100) comprises a guide (202) to facilitate positioning of the fastening (103) on a stud.

7. A fixing system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the bracket (101) comprises one or more resilient feet (106) arranged to, in use, contact the frame and apply tension to the fixing system (100).

8. A fastening system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support (101) comprises one or more clasps (111) for gripping and holding in place one or more elements.

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