Elastic clamping fastening device and method

Abstract

A fastening device (3) comprising a body (4), a compression head (5), and an elastic element (6) configured to simultaneously exert a force on the head (5) of the device (3) to maintain it in a locked position and a force on a part (1) to press it against another part (2) to which the body (4) of the device (3) is fixed. A tool and method for fastening it. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 12

Description

Title of the invention: Device and method for elastic clamping fastening technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of fastening techniques enabling a part to be held against another part.

[0002] The invention is of particular interest, but not limited to, the fixing of parts forming miniaturized assemblies, for example for fixing an electronic board onto a support.

[0003] The invention can be implemented in many sectors, including for securing critical components, for example, aeronautical or space components. Prior art

[0004] Many assemblies in sectors as diverse as aeronautics, electronics or automotive, among other examples, are made using threaded fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0005] To reduce the risk of loosening such fasteners, it is known to use securing means such as locking wires or thread-locking glue.

[0006] Known securing methods complicate the assembly and disassembly operations and / or are unsuitable for certain conditions of use and / or in applications where the risk of debris must be avoided. Description of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to resolve all or part of the aforementioned disadvantages associated with conventional fastening techniques.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a fastening device for holding a first part against a second part, comprising a body and at least one compression member extending about a longitudinal axis, the body comprising a connecting part for fixing the body to said second part and a longitudinal end, the compression member comprising a head and an elastic element, said longitudinal end of the body and the compression member being configured to cooperate so that, in at least one angular position of the head relative to the body, said angular locking position, the head is movable in axial translation relative to the body between: - a first axial position in which the head can be moved relative to the body rotating around the longitudinal axis in order to modify its angular position, and - a second axial position in which one or more circumferential stop elements, formed by the head and / or by said longitudinal end of the body, prevent rotation around the longitudinal axis of the head relative to the body.

[0009] Said longitudinal end of the body and / or the head include one or more axial stop surfaces configured to prevent axial translation of the head relative to the body in a first direction, from said first axial position to said second axial position, beyond said second axial position when the head is in said angular locking position.

[0010] The device is configured so that, when the head is in said second axial position and in said angular locking position, the elastic element can simultaneously exert: - an axial force on the head in the said first direction, and - an axial force, in a second direction opposite to the first direction, on the said first piece in order to hold it pressed against the second piece.

[0011] The invention makes it possible to fix parts, more particularly to hold one part against another, under the action of a force exerted by the elastic element. In other words, the device of the invention makes it possible to fix parts by elastic clamping.

[0012] Unlike a conventional fastener such as a screw, the force exerted by the elastic element is not dependent on a tightening torque or on friction between the fastener and the parts of the assembly.

[0013] The invention thus makes it possible to fix parts without risk of loosening and without resorting to safety elements such as locking wires or threadlocker glue.

[0014] The invention also makes it possible to control the clamping force exerted by the device by simple calibration of the elastic element.

[0015] In addition, the locking of the device is ensured by the elastic element itself, which exerts on the head of the device a force opposing its unlocking.

[0016] The device of the invention also makes it possible to absorb vibrations and deformations of the parts it fixes, particularly in the event of thermal expansion.

[0017] Moreover, the device of the invention requires few parts - in this case a body and a compression member - and can be made compact.

[0018] More generally, the invention can be implemented in many applications, whether in assemblies requiring relatively large fastening forces or, on the contrary, in assemblies requiring relatively small fastening forces and / or requiring miniaturized fastening elements, for example in the electronics sector.

[0019] In particular, the dimensions and / or materials of the device can be adapted by depending on the tightening forces to be applied and / or environmental constraints to be respected.

[0020] In one embodiment, said circumferential stop elements comprise one or more lugs.

[0021] In one embodiment, said circumferential stop elements are configured to bear against said axial stop surfaces under the action of said axial force exerted on the head by the elastic element.

[0022] In one embodiment, said longitudinal end of the body and / or the head comprise at least one hollowed portion extending circumferentially in relation to said circumferential stop elements when the head is in said first axial position, said hollowed portion being configured to receive said circumferential stop elements when the head is, in said first axial position, displaced relative to the body in rotation around the longitudinal axis.

[0023] Without limitation, said hollowed-out part may form a circular groove.

[0024] The device can be configured so that, when the head is in said first axial position, it can be moved in rotation around the longitudinal axis relative to the body between said locking angular position and an unlocking angular position in which the head is mobile in axial translation relative to the body between said first axial position and a free position allowing the removal of said axial forces exerted by the elastic element.

[0025] The invention thus provides a solution enabling rapid assembly and disassembly of the fastening device, while reducing the risks of wear resulting from multiple assembly and disassembly cycles.

[0026] By way of non-limitation, a movement of the head from one to the other of said angular locking and unlocking positions may for example correspond to a rotation having an angular value chosen in a range from 6 rad to 5ir / 6 rad, preferably from ir / 4 rad to 3ir / 4 rad, more preferably from ir / 3 rad to 2ir / 3 rad, for example equal to ir / 2 rad.

[0027] A rotation of ir / 2 rad between the locking and unlocking positions makes it possible to achieve a quarter-turn type device.

[0028] In one embodiment, said longitudinal end of the body and / or the head comprise one or more surfaces configured to cooperate with said circumferential stop elements so as to guide the head in axial translation relative to the body between said first and second axial positions when the head is in said angular locking position.

[0029] These guiding surfaces can form one or more flat surfaces.

[0030] The term "flat" refers to a flat, or substantially flat, part which is formed on a cylindrical or curved part.

[0031] Of course, said flats can be replaced by non-planar surface parts, for example curved parts.

[0032] In one embodiment, said longitudinal end of the body and / or the head comprise one or more surfaces configured to cooperate with said circumferential stop elements so as to guide the head in axial translation relative to the body between said first axial position and said free position when the head is in said angular unlocking position.

[0033] These guiding surfaces can also form one or more flat surfaces.

[0034] These different guiding surfaces can be combined so that said The longitudinal end of the body and / or the head may comprise both one or more surfaces, called first surfaces, configured to cooperate with said circumferential stop elements so as to guide the head in axial translation relative to the body between said first and second axial positions when the head is in said angular locking position and one or more surfaces, called second surfaces, configured to cooperate with said circumferential stop elements so as to guide the head in axial translation relative to the body between said first axial position and said free position when the head is in said angular unlocking position.

[0035] It is preferred but not mandatory that the compression member form a female part receiving said longitudinal end of the body when the device is in service.

[0036] Thus, in one embodiment, the head forms a ring extending radially outside the longitudinal end of the body.

[0037] When the head forms a ring, it may preferably include elements which extend radially inwards, forming one or more of said circumferential stop elements.

[0038] When one or more of said circumferential stop elements are formed by the head, said longitudinal end of the body preferably forms one or more of said axial stop surfaces and / or said hollowed part and / or one or more of said guide surfaces which are arranged to cooperate with this or these circumferential stop elements in the manner described above.

[0039] Alternatively or complementarily, one or more of said circumferential stop elements may be formed by the body, in which case the head preferably forms one or more of said axial stop surfaces and / or said hollowed part and / or one or more of said guide surfaces which are arranged to cooperate with this or these circumferential stop elements in the manner described above.

[0040] In one embodiment, the body includes a shoulder configured to prevent axial translation of the head relative to the body in said second direction beyond said first axial position.

[0041] In one embodiment, the elastic element includes a compression spring.

[0042] Alternatively or complementarily, the elastic element may comprise an elastic material such as rubber.

[0043] The elastic element can be a separate part of the head or be formed as a single piece with the head.

[0044] When the elastic element is a separate part from the head, the elastic element and the head can optionally be fixed to each other.

[0045] The device of the invention may include several compression members such as that described above.

[0046] For example, the device may include two compression members such as the one described above, one being configured to cooperate with said longitudinal end of the body, which forms a first longitudinal end, the other compression member being configured to cooperate in a similar way with a second longitudinal end, opposite said first longitudinal end.

[0047] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a device as defined above and a tool configured to cooperate with the head of at least one compression member.

[0048] The tool can be configured to drive the head in translation from said free position to said first axial position, and then to drive it in rotation from said unlocking angular position to said locking angular position, in order to mount the device.

[0049] To disassemble the device, the tool can be configured to be able to drive the head in translation from said second axial position to said first axial position, and then to be able to drive it in rotation from said locking angular position to said unlocking angular position.

[0050] In one embodiment, the tool and the head may be provided with complementary shape elements, preferably including at least one removable or retractable shape element. For example, the tool may include a connecting element such as a ball or a peg configured to be moved between a first position, in which the connecting element extends into an opening formed by the head, and a second position in which the connecting element is withdrawn from this opening in order to free the head.

[0051] In one embodiment, the tool includes a trigger configured to place the connecting element in the second position, for example under the action of a manual force, and a spring configured to actuate such a trigger so as to return the connecting element to the first position.

[0052] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method of fixing.

[0053] After placing a first part on a second part, the method comprises a fixing of the body of a device as defined above to said second part and an arrangement of at least one compression member of the device in said angular locking position so as to keep the first part pressed against the second part.

[0054] The invention can be implemented in many sectors including, but not limited to, aeronautics, automotive, space or electronics.

[0055] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed, non-limiting description. Brief description of the drawings

[0056] The following detailed description refers to the attached drawings on which: - [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of part of an assembly of two plates held pressed against each other by means of two fastening devices according to the invention; - [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a fastening device in accordance with the invention, this device comprises a body and a compression member having a head and an elastic element; - [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the body of the device in [Fig.2]; - [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of the head of the device [Fig.2]; - [Fig.5] is a schematic top view of the head of the device in [Fig.2] - [Fig. 6] is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device head of the [Fig.2]; - [Fig.7] is a schematic perspective view of the elastic element of the device of the [Fig.2]; - [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of the elements of the assembly of [Fig.1], in a first state; - [Fig.9] is a schematic perspective view of the assembly elements of the [Fig.l], in a second state; - [Fig. 10] is a schematic perspective view of the elements of the assembly of [Fig.1], in a third state; - [Fig.l 1] is a schematic perspective view of the elements of the assembly of [Fig.l], in a fourth state; - [Fig. 12] is a schematic perspective view of the assembly elements of the [Fig.l], in a fifth state; - [Fig. 13] is a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention, this device comprising a body and two compression members which are each equipped with a head and an elastic element; - [Fig. 14] is a schematic perspective view of a part of a body of a device according to the invention; - [Fig. 15] is a schematic perspective view of a part of a body of a device according to the invention; - [Fig. 16] is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of part of a device according to the invention and of a tool for assembling and disassembling this device. Detailed description of implementation methods

[0057] Fig. 1 shows an assembly of two parts 1 and 2 in which part 1 is held pressed against part 2 by means of two fastening devices 3 according to the invention.

[0058] In this non-limiting example, part 1 is a printed circuit board, in the form of a plate, and part 2 is a support defining a flat surface 101 on which the printed circuit board 1 is placed.

[0059] Figures 2 to 7 represent a fastening device 3 according to the invention.

[0060] In general, the device 3 comprises a body 4, a head 5 and a spring 6.

[0061] The head 5 and the spring 6 together form a compression element 7.

[0062] With reference to [Fig.2] showing the coupled body 4 and compression member 7, the device 3 has a longitudinal axis Al around which the body 4 and compression member 7 extend, and in particular the head 5 and the spring 6.

[0063] The [Fig.3] includes a reference frame, associated with the body 4, defining orthogonal directions D1, D2 and D3.

[0064] With reference to [Fig. 3], the body 4 of the device 3 is in the form of a generally cylindrical part which is elongated along the axis Al, the axis Al being parallel to the direction DL

[0065] In this example, the body 4 includes an orifice 10 passing through the body 4 from one side to the other along the axis Al and includes, from the bottom to the top of [Fig.3], a first longitudinal end 11, a collar 12 and a second longitudinal end 13.

[0066] The end 11 and the collar 12 each have a cylindrical external surface, the external surface of the end 11 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the collar 12.

[0067] The end 13, axially opposite the end 11, comprises several stages which all fit within a fictitious cylinder (not shown) having a diameter less than that of the collar 12.

[0068] More specifically, end 13 in this example comprises floors 14-17 presenting respective dimensions and geometries described below.

[0069] The stages 14 and 15 each comprise an external cylindrical surface having two symmetrical flats 21 (only one flat 21 being visible in [Fig.3]) which extend along the axis Al, axially passing through these two stages 14 and 15.

[0070] The distance between the flats 21, in this case along the direction D2, is less than both a first diameter defined by the cylindrical parts of the stage 14 and a second diameter defined by the cylindrical parts of the stage 15, said first diameter being here less than said second diameter.

[0071] The stage 16 forms a groove, that is to say a circular groove extending around the axis AL

[0072] The groove 16 has a diameter less than the second diameter of the stage 15, thus forming a shoulder 22 which axially delimits the stages 15 and 16 with respect to each other.

[0073] Regarding the stage 17, it comprises an external cylindrical surface having two symmetrical flats 23 which extend along the axis Al, traversing axially through the stage 17.

[0074] The distance XI between the flats 23, in this case along the direction D2, is less than a diameter X2 defined by the cylindrical parts of the stage 17 and greater than the diameter of the groove 16.

[0075] In this example, the diameter X2 is less than said second diameter defined by the cylindrical parts of stage 15.

[0076] The end 13 of the body 4 includes two other symmetrical flats 24, in the form of notches, which cross axially the groove 16 and extend over an axial portion of length X3 of the stage 17.

[0077] In this example, each of the notches 24 thus forms, on the one hand, a surface 25 which extends in a plane parallel to the directions DI and D2 and, on the other hand, a surface 26 which extends in a plane parallel to the directions D2 and D3 opposite the shoulder 22.

[0078] The distance X4 between the surfaces 25 of the notches 24, in this case along the direction D3, is here less than the diameter of the groove 16.

[0079] In this non-limiting example, the flats 23 pass through fictitious first planes (not shown) and the notches 24 pass through fictitious second planes (not shown) perpendicular to said first planes.

[0080] In other words, each of the notches 24 is in this example offset by an angular distance of ir / 2 rad with respect to each of the flats 23, and vice versa (cf. [Fig.3]).

[0081] Floor 17 also has a surface 27 perpendicular to the axis Al forming an axial end surface of end 13 of body 4.

[0082] With reference to figures 4 to 6, the head 5 of the device 3 is in this example in the form of a ring extending around the axis Al.

[0083] Figures 4 to 6 include a reference frame, associated with the head 5, defining orthogonal directions D4, D5 and D6. The axis Al is parallel to the direction D4.

[0084] The head 5 comprises radially internal surfaces 30 and external surfaces 31 as well as surfaces 33 and 34 forming axial ends of the head 5, the surfaces 33 and 34 being spaced apart from each other by a distance X5 which defines a length of the head 5.

[0085] The internal surface 30 defines an orifice traversing the head 5 axially from one side to the other.

[0086] In this example, the external surface 31 has two symmetrical flats 32 which extend over an axial portion of the head 5 so as to open onto the end surface 33.

[0087] In this embodiment, the head 5 comprises two lugs 35 which extend radially inwards from said internal surface 30.

[0088] The lugs 35 are arranged symmetrically, opposite each other, each of the lugs 35 forming a surface 36 which extends in a respective plane parallel to the axis Al and to the directions D4 and D6, the surface 36 of one of the lugs 35 being thus parallel to the surface 36 of the other lug 35.

[0089] The surfaces 36 of the lugs 35 are spaced apart from each other by a distance X6, in this case along the direction D5, less than the diameter of the orifice formed by the internal surface 30.

[0090] Each of the lugs 35 also forms two surfaces 37 and 38 extending perpendicularly to the axis Al and which are spaced apart from each other along the axis Al by a distance X7 defining a thickness of the lugs 35 (cf. [Fig.6]).

[0091] In this example, the surfaces 38 of the lugs 35 form part of the axial end surface 34 of the head 5.

[0092] With reference to [Fig. 7], the spring 6 of the device 3 is in this example in the form of a ring extending around the axis AL

[0093] The spring 6 comprises radially internal surfaces 40 and external surfaces 41, the internal surface 40 delimiting an orifice which passes axially through the spring 6.

[0094] The spring 6 also includes surfaces 43 and 44 forming axial ends of the spring 6, the surfaces 43 and 44 being spaced apart from each other by a distance X8 along the axis Al which defines a length of the spring 6.

[0095] The spring 6 is a compression spring, that is to say, configured to be elastically deformed from an initial state, in particular a state of rest, under the action of an axial stress causing the surfaces 43 and 44 to move closer together with respect to each other and a corresponding storage of energy and, when said axial stress is eliminated or falls below a threshold, to return to its initial state by restitution of the stored energy.

[0096] For illustrative purposes only, the spring 6 of the device 3 in [Fig.2] has in this example an outside diameter of approximately 7 mm.

[0097] The body 4, the head 5 and the spring 6 are dimensioned so that they can be assembled together in the manner illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0098] With reference to figures 2, 3 and 7, the spring 6 is configured to be able to be inserted on the end 13 of the body 4, so as to extend radially out of this end 13 and to be able to slide along the axis Al on the external surface of the stage 15 of the body 4.

[0099] With reference to figures 2, 3 and 6, the head 5 is configured so as to be able to be inserted on the end 13 of the body 4, so as to extend radially out of this end 13 and in particular of its stage 17.

[0100] To assemble the head 5 with the body 4, the head 5 is placed in a first configuration in which, axially, the end surface 34 of the head 5 and the end surface 27 of the body 4 are placed end-to-end and, angularly, the lugs 35 of the head 5 are opposite the flats 23 of the stage 17 of the body 4. In this configuration, the plane D1-D2 defined by the reference frame associated with the body 4 is parallel to the plane D4-D5 defined by the reference frame associated with the head 5.

[0101] In this example, the distance X6 between the surfaces 36 of the lugs 35 is slightly greater than the distance XI between the flats 23 and the diameter of the orifice formed by the internal surface 30 of the head 5 is slightly greater than the diameter X2 of the stage 17 of the body 4. The head 5 can thus be translated along the axis Al relative to the body 4 between said first configuration and a second configuration in which, axially, the lugs 35 are arranged at the level of the groove 16 and, angularly, the head 5 is in the same angular position as in the first configuration.

[0102] When the head 5 is in axial positions intermediate between said first and second configurations, the flats 23 and the lugs 35 prevent rotation of the head 5 around the axis Al relative to the body 4, or at least limit the angular displacement that may result from assembly play.

[0103] The lugs 35 thus constitute circumferential stop elements in such axial positions.

[0104] In this example, the flats 23 provide a translational guidance function for the head 5 between said first configuration and said second configuration.

[0105] In this example, the axial dimension of the groove 16 is slightly greater than the thickness X7 of the lugs 35, thus allowing the head 5 to rotate around the axis Al relative to the body 4 from said second configuration to a third configuration in which, axially, the head 5 is in the same position that in the second configuration and, angularly, the lugs 35 of the head 5 are opposite the notches 24 of the longitudinal end 13 of the body 4. In the third configuration, the plane D1-D3 defined by the reference frame associated with the body 4 is parallel to the plane D4-D5 defined by the reference frame associated with the head 5.

[0106] In this example, the distance X6 between the surfaces 36 of the lugs 35 is slightly greater than the distance X4 between the surfaces 25 of the notches 24, thus allowing a translation along the axis Al of the head 5 relative to the body 4 between said third configuration and a fourth configuration in which, axially, the surface 37 of the lugs 35 comes to rest on the surface 26 formed by the notches 24 and, angularly, the head 5 is in the same angular position as in said third configuration.

[0107] When the head 5 is in the fourth configuration, or in an intermediate configuration between said third and fourth configurations, the lugs 35 prevent rotation of the head 5 around the axis Al relative to the body 4, or at least limit the angular displacement that may result from mounting clearances.

[0108] The lugs 35 thus constitute circumferential stop elements in said fourth configuration and in axial positions of the head 5 between said third and fourth configurations.

[0109] In this example, the notches 24 provide a translational guidance function for the head 5 between said third and fourth configurations.

[0110] Fig. 2 shows device 3 in said fourth configuration.

[0111] The device 3 is dimensioned so that, in service and in particular in the application example of [Fig.1], the spring 6 is axially compressed between the surface 34 of the head 5 of the device 3 and the part 1, so as to reduce its length X8 compared to the rest state.

[0112] Under these conditions, the spring 6 exerts an axial force on the head 5 in a direction SI along the axis Al and, simultaneously, an axial force on the part 1 in a direction S2 along the axis AL

[0113] This results, on the one hand, in the device 3 being held in said fourth configuration, the force in the direction SI opposing a translation of the head 5 in the direction S2 towards said third configuration and, on the other hand, in the part 1 being held against the part 2.

[0114] It follows from the above that the end 13 of the body 4 and the compression member 7 are configured to cooperate with each other in such a way as to permit assembly or disassembly of the device 3 in three stages.

[0115] During assembly, device 3 is configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration, then from the second configuration to the third configuration, and then from the third configuration to the fourth configuration.

[0116] Conversely, during disassembly, the device 3 is configured to move from the fourth configuration to the third configuration, then from the third configuration to the second configuration, and then from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0117] In the first and second configurations, the head 5 is in a first angular position relative to the body 4, called the unlocking angular position, in which it is free to translate along A1 between these two configurations. In the first configuration, the head 5 is in a free axial position because the head 5 and the body 4 are uncoupled. In the second configuration, the head 5 is in a first axial position in which the head 5 can be moved relative to the body 4 by rotating about the axis A1 between said first angular position and a second angular position, called the locking angular position.

[0118] In said third and fourth configurations, the head 5 is relative to the body 4 in said second angular position, in which the head 5 is movable in translation along A1 between these two configurations. In the third configuration, the head 5 is in said first axial position. In the fourth configuration, the head 5 is in a second axial position in which the circumferential stop elements formed by the lugs 35 prevent rotation of the head 5 relative to the body 4 around the axis A1 until it reaches said unlocking angular position.

[0119] An example of a corresponding fixing method will now be described, within the framework of the application of [Fig.1].

[0120] Figures 8 to 12 illustrate different assembly steps leading to the configuration of [Fig.1].

[0121] In this example, the assembly comprises two fastening devices 3, one of which, located to the right of [Fig.1], is identical to the device 3 described above with reference to Figures 2 to 7. The other device 3 of this assembly, located to the left of [Fig.1], conforms to an alternative embodiment described later below.

[0122] The following description of figures 8 to 12 is made with reference to device 3 located towards the right of [Fig.1] and applies by analogy to the other device 3 of the assembly of [Fig.1].

[0123] In [Fig.8], parts 1 and 2 and the components of the device 3, namely the body 4, the head 5 and the spring 6, are separated from each other.

[0124] In this example, the body 4 of the device 3 is inserted into an opening 100 in the part 2, which in this example comprises a cylindrical orifice and a counterbore (see [Fig. 8]). The body 4 of the device 3 is inserted so that its end 11, forming a connecting portion, is housed in the orifice and the collar 12 is housed in the counterbore of the opening 100 (see Figures 8 and 9). In this example, the body 4 thus arranged is fixed to the part 2 by means of a fixed connection, for example by welding.

[0125] In the configuration of [Fig.9], the end 13 of the body 4 extends to the right of the surface 101 of the part 2.

[0126] With reference to figures 9 and 10, part 1 is arranged on the surface 101 of part 2 so that the end 13 of body 4 passes through an orifice 102 of part 1.

[0127] With reference to figures 10 and 11, the spring 6 is mounted on the end 13 of the body 4 so that its surface 44 (cf. [Fig.7]) comes to rest on a surface 104 of the part 1, opposite the (not visible) surface of the part 1 which is opposite the surface 101 of the part 2.

[0128] With reference to Figures 11 and 12, the head 5 is then engaged on the end 13 of the body 4, so as to move from said first configuration to said second configuration (see above). In doing so, during the translation of the head 5 from said free position to said first axial position, the surface 34 of the head 5 (see [Fig. 6]) comes into contact with the surface 43 of the spring 6 (see [Fig. 7]), after which the continuation of its translation compresses the spring 6, thus reducing its length X8 (see [Fig. 2], 7 and 12). In this example, the shoulder 22 of the body 4 (see [Fig. 3]) limits the stroke of the head 5 and thus prevents excessive compression of the spring 6.

[0129] To move from the configuration of [Fig. 12] to that of [Fig. 1], the head 5 is first rotated from said second configuration to said third configuration. When said third configuration is reached, the spring 6 releases some of the energy it has stored so as to push the head 5 towards said second axial position, thus placing the device 3 in said fourth configuration.

[0130] Disassembly can be carried out similarly in reverse, by applying force with the head 5 that compresses the spring 6 so as to move from the fourth to the third configuration, by rotating the head 5 from said second angular position to said first angular position, thus moving the device 3 from the third to the second configuration. When the second configuration is reached, the spring 6 releases the energy it has stored by pushing the head 5 towards said free position.

[0131] The other device 3 of the assembly of [Fig. 1], located towards the left of [Fig. 1], is shown separately in [Fig. 13]. This device 3 differs from that of [Fig. 2] in that it includes a second compression member 7B.

[0132] In this example, the compression member 7B comprises a head 5B and a spring 6B similar to the head 5 and spring 6 of the compression member 7.

[0133] The body 4 of the device 3 of [Fig. 13] comprises a longitudinal end 1 IB which differs from the end 11 of the body 4 of [Fig. 3] in that it comprises stages similar to stages 16 and 17 of the body 4 of [Fig. 3], in order to cooperate with the compression member 7B in the same way as the compression member 7 cooperates with end 13.

[0134] The description of figures 2 to 7 applies by analogy to device 3 of [Fig. 13].

[0135] Device 3 of [Fig. 13] thus makes it possible to keep two parts located at on either side of another piece. In the example of [Fig.1], the device 3 located towards the left thus allows a third piece (not shown) to be held on the surface of piece 2 opposite the surface 101 on which piece 1 is placed.

[0136] Numerous variations can be made to the embodiments described above, including the non-limiting variations described below. The preceding description applies by analogy to the examples that follow.

[0137] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the body 4 of the device 1 is devoid of the orifice 10.

[0138] In an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 14], the body 4 of the device of the invention includes a longitudinal end 13 which differs from that of [Fig. 3] in that the external surface of the stages 14 and 15 is devoid of a flat.

[0139] In the embodiment of [Fig. 15], the longitudinal end 13 of the body 4 comprises, instead of the groove 16 of the example in [Fig. 3], two symmetrical hollowed portions 200 (only one of which is visible in [Fig. 15]) which each extend over a limited angular portion, so as to form circumferential stop surfaces 201. The hollowed portions 200 are configured to cooperate with elements of the device head (not shown), such as lugs arranged similarly to the lugs 35 illustrated in Figures 4-6, so as to guide the rotation of the head between said locking and unlocking angular positions. The circumferential stop surfaces 201 are configured in this example to prevent rotation of the head beyond the locking and unlocking angular positions.

[0140] In the preceding examples, the device is configured so that a movement of the head between the locking and unlocking angular positions defines an angle of ir / 2 rad, thus forming a quarter-turn type system. Of course, the device can be configured so that this angular value is different, for example equal to ir / 3 rad.

[0141] By way of another example, the spring 6 of the compression member(s) of the device can be replaced by another type of elastic element, for example an elastically deformable material such as rubber. Furthermore, the elastic element can be fixed to the head, or be formed as a single piece with the head.

[0142] In an unshown variant, the compression member may form a male part and the body a female part, contrary to the preceding examples in which the compression member forms a female part and the body a male part. In this case, without limitation, the head may include similar spurs. to the lugs 35 of the head 5 of figures 4-6 but oriented radially outwards, so as to cooperate for example with protuberances extending radially into the body to prevent rotation of the head in locking configuration.

[0143] More generally, the various embodiments and variants described above can be combined, and the different parts of the device of the invention can have various geometries and dimensions and be made of various materials depending on the applications and, in particular, the clamping forces to be applied. Typically, and without limitation, increasing the diameter of the spring makes it possible to increase the compression force.

[0144] In the example of Figures 1 to 12 described above, the connecting portion of the body 4 formed by its end 11 is welded to the part 2. Of course, the connecting portion of the body 4, which can have various geometries, can be attached to the part 2 or to another part by other means, for example by riveting, bonding, and / or screwing. When the body 4 includes surfaces such as those formed by the flats 21, these can be used to attach the body 4 to the part 2, particularly when the attachment is made by screwing. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the connecting portion of the body is attached to said second part by means of a pivot joint allowing, on the one hand, rotation of the body relative to said second part around the longitudinal axis of the body and, on the other hand, securing the body and the second part together in translation along this longitudinal axis.In this case, the mounting of the head on the body, in particular the transition from said second configuration to said third configuration, can be achieved by immobilizing the body in rotation around the longitudinal axis, for example by means of a tool (not shown) cooperating with an internal surface of the body and / or with another part of the body.

[0145] Figure 16 shows a tool 300 which facilitates the mounting of the head 5 of the device 3 onto its body 4. In this example, the head 5 is similar to that illustrated in Figure 4. The tool 300 includes a handle 301 and a mechanism for locking the handle 301 to the head 5, in this example both in translation along the axis A1 of the device 3 and in rotation about this axis A1. Without limitation, said mechanism of the tool 300 includes a trigger 302 and a ball 303 configured to enter an opening 310 in the head 5 (see [Fig. 4]), the trigger 302 being configured to hold the ball 303 in the opening 310 by means of a spring and to release the head 5 by means of manual force applied to the trigger 302 against the spring. Such a tool 300 also makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the head 5.

Claims

Claims

1. Fixing device (3) intended to hold a first part (1) pressed against a second part (2), comprising a body (4) and at least one compression member (7) extending around a longitudinal axis (A1), the body (4) comprising a connecting part (11) intended to fix the body (4) to said second part (2) as well as a longitudinal end (13), the compression member (7) comprising a head (5) and an elastic element (6), said longitudinal end (13) of the body (4) and the compression member (7) being configured to cooperate so that, in at least one angular position of the head (5) relative to the body (4), called the angular locking position, the head (5) is movable in axial translation relative to the body (4) between: - a first axial position in which the head (5) can be moved relative to the body (4) in rotation around the longitudinal axis (Al) in order to be able to modify its angular position, and - a second axial position in which one or more circumferential stop elements (35), formed by the head (5) and / or by said longitudinal end (13) of the body (4), prevent rotation around the longitudinal axis (Al) of the head (5) relative to the body (4), said longitudinal end (13) of the body (4) and / or the head (5) comprising one or more axial stop surfaces (26, 37) configured to prevent axial translation of the head (5) relative to the body (4) in a first direction (SI), going from said first axial position to said second axial position, beyond said second axial position when the head (5) is in said angular locking position, the device (3) being configured so that, when the head (5) is in said second axial position and in said angular locking position, the elastic element (6) can simultaneously exert: - an axial force on the head (5) in said first direction (SI), and - an axial force, in a second direction (S2) opposite to the first direction (SI), on said first part (1) in order to hold it pressed against the second piece (2).

2. Device (3) according to claim 1, wherein said circumferential stop elements comprise one or more lugs (35).

3. Device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said circumferential stop elements (35) are configured to come into contact with said axial stop surfaces (26) under the action of said axial force exerted on the head (5) by the elastic element (6).

4. Device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said longitudinal end (13) of the body (4) and / or the head (5) comprise at least one recessed portion (16, 200), forming for example a circular groove (16), extending circumferentially opposite said circumferential stop elements (35) when the head (5) is in said first axial position, said recessed portion (16, 200) being configured to receive said circumferential stop elements (35) when the head (5) is, in said first axial position, moved relative to the body (4) in rotation around the longitudinal axis (Al).

5. Device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured so that, when the head (5) is in said first axial position, it can be moved in rotation about the longitudinal axis (A1) relative to the body (4) between said angular locking position and an angular unlocking position in which the head (5) is movable in axial translation relative to the body (4) between said first axial position and a free position making it possible to eliminate said axial forces exerted by the elastic element (6), a movement of the head (5) from one to the other of said angular locking and unlocking positions being able for example to correspond to a rotation having an angular value chosen in a range going from jt / 6 rad to 5ir / 6 rad, preferably going from ir / 4 rad to 3ir / 4 rad, more preferably going from ir / 3 rad to 2ir / 3 rad, for example equal to ir / 2 rad.

6. Device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: - said longitudinal end (13) of the body (4) and / or the head (5) comprise one or more first surfaces (25), forming for example one or more flats, configured to cooperate with said circumferential stop elements (35) so as to guide the head (5) in translation axial relative to the body (4) between said first and second axial positions when the head (5) is in said angular locking position, and / or - when the device (3) comprises the characteristics of claim 5, said longitudinal end (13) of the body (4) and / or the head (5) comprise one or more second surfaces (23), forming for example one or more flats, configured to cooperate with said circumferential stop elements (35) so as to guide the head (5) in axial translation relative to the body (4) between said first axial position and said free position when the head (5) is in said angular unlocking position.

7. Device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the head (5) forms a ring extending radially outside the longitudinal end (13) of the body (4) and comprising elements which extend radially inwards forming one or more of said circumferential stop elements (35).

8. Device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the body (4) comprises a shoulder (22) configured to prevent axial translation of the head (5) relative to the body (4) in said second direction (S2) beyond said first axial position.

9. Device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elastic element comprises a compression spring (6) and / or an elastic material such as rubber.

10. Fixing method comprising: - arranging a first part (1) on a second part (2), - fixing the body (4) of a device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to said second part (2), - arranging the at least one compression member (7) of the device (3) in said angular locking position so as to keep the first part (1) pressed against the second part (2).

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