FIXING SYSTEM WITH LOCKING MEANS

Abstract

Fastening system (1) comprising a main part (3) having a body (4) and a wall (7) extending from the body (4), and a support (5) comprising a passage (2), the main part (3) having a hook (9, 23) extending from the body (4) and adapted to cooperate with the support (5), the main part (3) further comprising a filling element (11) materially integrated with the body (4) and in material continuity therewith, the filling element (11) having an unlocking position in which said filling element (11) is distant from the passage (2) and a locking position in which it is at least partially in the passage (2) between the wall (7) and the support (5). Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: FIXING SYSTEM WITH LOCKING MEANS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to fasteners. In particular, the invention relates to a fastening system which integrates a first elastic main fastening and a double safety system via a latch on a single injected plastic part. Technical background

[0002] Elastic fastening systems are known which engage to allow a main part to be held relative to a support, in particular by the fitting of clips. These systems require providing a space in the parts or around them for the positioning and fitting of the clips.

[0003] These spaces can cause adjustment gaps resulting in vibrations between the parts, and even disassembly of the main part relative to the support, this problem being particularly accentuated when the intensity of the stresses is significant. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to overcome at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a fixing system capable of combining the advantages of speed, simplicity and reliability for its implementation.

[0005] In view of the above, the subject of the invention is a fixing system comprising a main part having a body and a wall extending from the body, and a support comprising a passage.

[0006] The main part has a hook extending from the body and adapted to cooperate with the support. The hook may include a hook portion configured to engage with the passage and a main clip configured to cooperate with the support and to lock the hook portion when engaged with the passage.

[0007] The main part further comprises a filling element materially integrated into the body and in material continuity with it. In other words, the filling element is integral with the body. The filling element and the body are made of a single piece.

[0008] The filling element has an unlocking position in which it is moved away from the passage and a locking position in which it is at least partially in the passage between the wall and the support.

[0009] For example, the system further comprises a hinge in material continuity with the filling element and the body, so that the filling element pivots relative to the body around the hinge between the unlocked and locked position. In other words, the hinge is integral with the filler element and the body. The hinge, the filler element and the body are a single piece.

[0010] For example, the hinge is provided such that the filling element is pivotally connected to the body by said hinge so as to allow pivoting of said filling element relative to the body around said hinge.

[0011] For example, the hinge defines at least one pivot axis about which the filling element pivots between the unlocked position and the locked position, the pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to an axis about which the passage extends.

[0012] For example, the hinge comprises at least one narrowing zone configured to allow pivoting of the filling element relative to the body by at least one fold at the location of said narrowing zone.

[0013] For example, the hinge comprises a first narrowing zone configured to allow rotation of said filling element relative to the body by a first fold at the location of said first narrowing zone.

[0014] Advantageously, the hinge comprises a second narrowing zone configured to allow rotation of said filling element relative to the body by a second fold at the location of said second narrowing zone, complementary to the first fold.

[0015] The passage may have the shape of a quadrilateral, for example a rectangle or a square.

[0016] Each side of the quadrilateral can define a free edge.

[0017] The hook and the filler member may be configured to grip or engage adjacent sides of the passage.

[0018] The filling element engages in particular with the passage when it pivots towards the locking position.

[0019] The filler element may be configured to engage with the passage via a secondary clip.

[0020] The locking position of the filling element can thus also correspond to a locking position.

[0021] The pivot axis(es) of the hinge may be substantially parallel to the side of the passage with which the filling element engages.

[0022] For example, the hook is able to cooperate with a first free edge of the passage.

[0023] The hook portion may be configured to engage with the first free edge of the passage, and the main clip to engage with an edge of the bracket extending substantially parallel to the first free edge so as to lock the hook portion when engaged with the first free edge.

[0024] The filling element can be configured to clip onto a second free edge of the passage, for example using the secondary clip.

[0025] For example, the second free edge is adjacent to the first free edge.

[0026] In other words, the first and second free edges form two consecutive sides of the quadrilateral forming the passage.

[0027] For example, the filling element comprises ribs for the adjusted maintenance of the filling element against the wall in the locking position of the system.

[0028] The fixing system may further provide that the main part is a part injected entirely from plastic or polymer material, whether or not loaded.

[0029] For example, the filling element comprises a gripping element.

[0030] For example, the main part is an interface part of a motor vehicle degassing tank. Brief description of the figures

[0031] The invention will be better understood from a detailed study of an embodiment taken as a non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0032] [Fig-1] represents an example of a fixing system according to the invention in the position of unlocking, in perspective view.

[0033] [Fig.2] represents the fixing system in the unlocked position, in front view.

[0034] [Fig.3] shows the fixing system in the unlocked position, in side view.

[0035] [Fig.4] represents the fixing system in the locking position, in view in perspective.

[0036] [Fig.5] shows the fixing system in the locking position, in front view.

[0037] [Fig.6] shows the fixing system in the locking position, in side view. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate the fixing system of the invention in its unlocked position according to at least one embodiment.

[0039] The fixing system 1 comprises a main part 3 having a body 4 and a wall 7 extending from the body 4, and a support 5 comprising a passage 2.

[0040] The main part 3 comprises a hook 9, 23 extending from the body 4 and capable of cooperating with the support 5.

[0041] The hook may comprise a main clip 9 and a hook portion 23.

[0042] The main part 3 further comprises a filling element 11 materially integrated into the body 4 and in material continuity with it.

[0043] The filling element has an unlocking position in which it is away from the passage 2 and a blocking position in which it is at least partially in the passage 2 between the wall 7 and the support 5.

[0044] The fixing system 1 makes it possible to fill the free space in the passage 2 when the main part 3 is inserted into the support 5.

[0045] In addition, the locking position makes it possible to eliminate any movement of the main clip 9 and therefore any possibility of unclipping the main clip 9, even in the event of strong vibrations or other strong mechanical stresses, or even in the event of inappropriate handling by the user.

[0046] Furthermore, the locking position prevents the filling element 11 from escaping from its housing in the passage 2 given its connection with the main part 3.

[0047] The blocking of the main part 3 relative to the support 5 is for example achieved thanks to the hook portion 23 which grips one side 10 of the support 5 against the main clip 9.

[0048] Even in the event of breakage of the main clip 9, the fixing of the main part 3 is still ensured by the support of the hook portion 23 against the side 10 of the support 5.

[0049] This is made possible by the presence of the filling piece 11 which then presses the hook portion 23 via the wall 7 against the side 10 and under the main piece 3.

[0050] The hook portion 23 then holds the main part 3 in the passage 2.

[0051] The filling element 11 is thus designed to be adjusted so as to hold in position the main part 3.

[0052] The filling element 11 provides a robust counter-locking solution compared to a standard clip.

[0053] Furthermore, the filling element 11 compensates for untimely unclipping caused by significant mechanical / vibratory stresses which may act on the support 5 or directly on the main part 3.

[0054] The fixing system 1 may further comprise a hinge 13 in material continuity with the filling element 11 and the body 4.

[0055] The hinge 13 is for example provided so that the filling element 11 is connected in pivot connection with the body 4 by means of said hinge 13 so as to pivot said filling element 11 relative to the body 4 around the hinge 13.

[0056] This hinge 13 is for example illustrated by [Fig.2].

[0057] Those skilled in the art may envisage other connection alternatives than the hinged pivot connection 13 so that the filling element 11 can be moved into the locking position and so as to form a one-piece solution integrally and materially connected to the main part 3.

[0058] Thus, the entirety of the filling element 11 is in the same material and in continuous mechanical connection.

[0059] This allows production costs to be reduced by limiting the number of production lines compared to a solution with an attached part in passage 2.

[0060] This also makes it possible to prevent this part from escaping from its housing and going missing, or even causing damage, for example inside a vehicle which contains the fixing system 1.

[0061] Indeed, in a factory assembly line, it is relatively complicated to integrate into a process the adjusted insertion of an added part

[0062] On the other hand, it is much simpler to only have to carry out one sliding of the filling element 11, in particular a sliding into position by a single rotational drive.

[0063] Furthermore, profitability is reduced by having to mold two separate parts, and deliver them together without risk of separation.

[0064] Finally, this solution requires handling this added part to position it correctly without guidance or support, which causes an additional time-consuming step, and handling and positioning errors.

[0065] As illustrated by [Fig. 3], the hinge 13 may comprise a first narrowing zone 25 configured to allow rotation of said filling element 11 relative to the body 4 by a first fold at the location of said first narrowing zone 25.

[0066] This first narrowing zone 25 makes it possible to form a hinge in material continuity.

[0067] This first narrowing zone 25 also makes it possible to minimize the effort required by the user to mechanically fold the filling element 11 towards the locking position.

[0068] Advantageously, the hinge 13 comprises a second narrowing zone 27 configured to allow the rotation of said filling element 11 relative to the body 4 by a second fold at the location of the second narrowing zone 27, complementary to the first fold.

[0069] The second narrowing zone 27 makes it possible to reduce the effort required by the user to mechanically fold the filling element 11 towards the locking position compared to a single narrowing zone 25.

[0070] The second narrowing zone 27 also makes it possible to increase the pivot angle of the filling element 11 permitted by the hinge 13 between the locking position and the unlocking position, in particular up to approximately ninety degrees of angle.

[0071] Thus, for example, from a substantially vertical position corresponding to the unlocking position, the filling element 11 can be inserted into the hollow part formed by the passage 2 of the support 5, to move into the locking position in which the filling element 11 is substantially horizontal.

[0072] As illustrated by [Fig.4], the support 5 comprises for example an upper face in the shape of a quadrilateral.

[0073] The upper face has for example a passage hole in its center which is also in the shape of a quadrilateral, and which forms passage 2.

[0074] In one embodiment, the upper face of the support 5 has a substantially rectangular section.

[0075] Passage 2 can also form substantially a rectangle.

[0076] The main part 3 is for example configured to clip onto a first side 10 of the quadrilateral or rectangle formed by the upper face of the support 5, thanks to the main clip 9.

[0077] The filling element 11 is for example configured to clip onto a second side 12 of the rectangle formed by the upper face of the support 5, using a secondary clip 19, the second side 12 being adjacent to the first side 10.

[0078] The clipping can be adjusted without the use of any tools, i.e. by hand.

[0079] As illustrated by [Fig.5], the fixing system 1 thus provides blocking of all degrees of freedom for the support 5 in the blocking position such that the filling element 11 blocks the unclipping and adds robustness.

[0080] The main and secondary clips 9,19 also reinforce the stability of the fixing system 1.

[0081] As illustrated by [Fig.6], the wall 7 may include bosses 17.

[0082] The bosses 17 are housed in a cavity 15 of the filling element 11 in said locking position, which makes it possible to adjust any play between the filling element 11 and the main part 3, taking into account the different possible vibration directions.

[0083] The filling element 11 may further comprise ribs 18.

[0084] The ribs 18 serve to form resilient wedges for the filling element 11.

[0085] The cavity 15 forms a compressible void to provide strength of the material of the ribs 18 while allowing crushing of the ribs 18 in the cavity 15 so that the filler element 11 enters the passage 2 with a wide tolerance of the dimensions of the passage 2.

[0086] The ribs 18 are for example integrated on an outer wall of the filling element 11 which is opposite the cavity 15 of the filling element 11.

[0087] The ribs 18 are for example in the form of sections of generally tubular shape.

[0088] The ribs 18 go against the support 5 in the locking position for the adjusted maintenance of the filling element 11 against the wall 7 in the locking position of the fixing system 1.

[0089] The fixing system 1 may further provide that the main part 3 is a part injected entirely from plastic or polymer material, whether or not loaded.

[0090] The filling element 11 may comprise a gripping element 21.

[0091] The gripping element 21 improves ergonomics by assisting the user in engaging the hinge 13 from or to the locking position.

[0092] This also makes it possible to increase the affordance of the filling element 11, that is to say to increase the suggestion of its function at first sight to the user, that is to say its filling function by its displacement.

[0093] The gripping element 21 then makes it possible to immediately make the user understand that the filling element 11 can be moved between several positions, in particular by rotational drive in the case of a hinge 13.

[0094] The invention also relates to a fixing system 1 in which the main part 3 is an interface part of a motor vehicle degassing tank.

[0095] The invention also relates to a fixing system 1 in which the main part 3 integrates the filling element 11, the latter being in its locking position as illustrated by Figures 4, 5 and 6, namely housed in the passage 2 of the support 5.

[0096] A two-piece fixing system 1 is thus produced, the locking means of which is produced in a single piece with one of the pieces forming a material wedge which allows the fixing system 1 to have sufficient material to block the space serving as a passage for clipping the two pieces together, and the assembly of which on the support 5 is particularly simple and intuitive, so as to form a fixing system 1 in the locking position which can be delivered in complete safety in a single locked piece. List of reference signs

[0097] 1 Fixing system

[0098] 2 passage

[0099] 3 main room

[0100] 4 bodies

[0101] 5 support

[0102] 7 wall

[0103] 9 main clip

[0104] 10 first side

[0105] 11 filling element

[0106] 12 second side

[0107] 13 hinge

[0108] 15 recess

[0109] 17 bosses

[0110] 18 ribs [YES] 19 secondary clip

[0112] 21 gripping element

[0113] 23 portion of hook

[0114] 25 first narrowing zone

[0115] 27 second narrowing zone

Claims

Claims

1. Fastening system (1) comprising a main part (3) having a body (4) and a wall (7) extending from the body (4), and a support (5) comprising a passage (2), the main part (3) having a hook (9, 23) extending from the body (4) and adapted to cooperate with the support (5), the main part (3) further comprising a filling element (11) materially integrated with the body (4) and in material continuity therewith, the filling element (11) having an unlocking position in which said filling element (11) is distant from the passage (2) and a locking position in which it is at least partially in the passage (2) between the wall (7) and the support (5).

2. A fastening system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge (13) in material continuity with the filling element (11) and the body (4), such that the filling element (11) pivots relative to the body (4) around said hinge (13) between the unlocking position and the locking position.

3. A fastening system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the hinge (13) defines at least one pivot axis around which the filling element (11) pivots between the unlocking position and the locking position, the pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to an axis around which the passage (2) extends.

4. Fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the hinge (13) comprises at least one narrowing zone (25, 27) configured to allow pivoting of the filling element (11) relative to the body (4) by at least one fold at the location of said narrowing zone (25, 27).

5. A fastening system (l) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hook (9, 23) comprises a hook portion (23) adapted to engage with the passage and a main clip (9) adapted to cooperate with the support and to lock the hook portion (23) when engaged with the passage (2).

6. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the passage (2) has a quadrilateral shape and wherein the hook (9, 23) and the filling element (11) are adapted to engage with adjacent sides of the passage.

7. A fastening system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the filler element (11) is adapted to engage with the passage via a secondary clip (19) when the filler element (11) pivots to the locking position.

8. Fixing system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filling element (11) comprises ribs (18) for the adjusted holding of the filling element (11) against the wall (7) in the locking position of the system (1).

9. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filling element (11) comprises a gripping element (21).

10. Fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the main part (3) is an interface part of a motor vehicle degassing tank.

Images