of the invention: fixing system

Abstract

A fastening system (104) comprising a fastener (106) and a cage (102), wherein the fastener (106) is surrounded and held by the cage (102), and a sealing element (108) arranged such that use of the fastener (106) places the sealing element (108) in a sealing zone between the cage (102) and the fastener (106). Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: of the invention: insert fixing system Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a fixing system, in particular with an insert fixing, used in particular in the automotive field. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Unlike existing fasteners, the invention relates to an insert fastener having a seal protecting its various parts, and in particular the insert, against the intrusion of contaminants, fumes or liquids. Brief description of the drawings

[0003] Embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] [Fig. 1] illustrates the fastener in a first embodiment, in partial section (view A), with an insert in partial section (view B), and side view with an insert (view C).

[0005] [Fig.2] illustrates the fastener in a second embodiment, in partial section (view A), with an insert in partial section (view B), and side view with an insert (view C).

[0006] [Fig.3] illustrates the fastener in a third embodiment, in partial section (view A), with an insert in partial section (view B), and side view with an insert (view C).

[0007] [Fig.4] illustrates the fastener in a fourth embodiment, in partial section (view A), with an insert in partial section (view B), and side view with an insert (view C). Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a fixing system having optimized sealing, in particular to protect its insert.

[0009] A fastening system comprising a fastener and a cage, wherein the fastener is surrounded and held by the cage, and a sealing element is arranged such that use of the fastening device places the sealing element in a sealing zone between the cage and the fastening device.

[0010] For example, the sealing element further forms a seal around an insert that is placed in the fastener.

[0011] For example, the sealing element sealingly interferes with the fastener, during use of the fastener.

[0012] The sealing element may be arranged to sealingly interfere between the fastener and the insert.

[0013] The sealing element may further comprise a flexible cap.

[0014] The flexible cap may be located on the sealing element away from the cage.

[0015] For example, the sealing element is loosely associated with the cage and / or the fastener.

[0016] For example, the sealing element is connected directly to the fastener and / or the cage.

[0017] For example, the fastener, the cage and / or the sealing element are respectively formed from or comprise a metal. The metal may comprise copper, a copper alloy, aluminum and / or graphite.

[0018] The sealing element is for example formed from a metal having a reduced hardness compared to the metal forming the fixing and / or the cage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear", "up", "down" and "bottom" designate the directions referred to in the drawings and which relate to the described element when assembled and mounted. The words "inner" and "outer" designate respectively the directions toward and from a designated centerline or geometric center of a described element (e.g., central axis), the particular meaning being readily deducible from the context of the description.

[0020] Additionally, as used herein, "connected," "attached," "coupled," and "mounted" are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other member interposed therebetween, as well as indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the terms specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and terms of similar import.

[0021] Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", etc., merely indicates that different examples of similar objects are being mentioned and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in any given order, whether temporally, spatially, in order of rank, or in any other way.

[0022] Similar reference numerals are used to describe similar features throughout the specification.

[0023] In order to meet current safety standards, a vehicle cabin must be designed to withstand the entry of smoke for a defined period. Many Body-in-white fasteners are not flame retardant. This can pose a risk, especially as more and more vehicles move to an electric drivetrain system where batteries are often located on the underside of the vehicle, in areas immediately below the driver / passenger cabin.

[0024] Polymeric sealants may be used, but such seals cannot be implemented in adjacent parts that are to be welded together, as the heat of the welding process may cause premature failure of such sealants. Fasteners intended to withstand high loads are often welded in position and are therefore not suitable for use with such polymer sealants.

[0025] [Fig.l] shows a fastening system 104 according to a first embodiment. A fastening system 104 comprises a cage 102 with which is associated a retained fastener 106. Such a fastener 106 can be moved relative to the cage 102, but only to a limited extent, so that the two parts cannot be completely separated. The sealing element 108 is loosely associated with the cage 102 and / or the fastener 106. This arrangement is useful in manufacturing since tolerances can be relaxed while still allowing efficient coupling via the fastening system 104.

[0026] The retracted fastening system 104 is intended to support high loads, such as coupling a seat rail inside a cabin, or the white body of a vehicle. The fastening system 104 is generally formed of a weldable metal, such as steel. The fastener 106 retained in the cage may be of the same material, or metal, or different, provided that the properties of the selected material are suitable for the intended use of the fastener 106.

[0027] As discussed, the fastening system 104 contained a fastener 106 and a cage 102. The fastener 106 is retracted by the cage 102. A sealing member 108 is disposed such that use of the fastener 106 places the sealing member 108 in a sealing fit between the cage 102 and the fastener 106. The sealing member 108 is capable of forming a barrier against the ingress of smoke or other anticipated contaminants.

[0028] The fasteners 106, cage 102 and sealing member 108 are respectively made of metal. The sealing member 108 is generally formed of a material that is relatively softer than those forming the cage 102, the fastener 106 or other surrounding materials (such as the body-in-white) such that operation of the fastener 106 pushes the sealing member 108 toward another harder material and causes deformation of the sealing member 108 to provide a sealing fit between the parts where the sealing member 108 is located. Suitable materials for the sealing member 108 include copper or aluminum, where the fastener 106, cage 102, or body-in-white are formed from steel. Thus, the sealing member 108 is formed from a metal having a reduced hardness relative to the metal forming the fastener and / or cage. Plastic, rubber, or any other material with a low melting point / heat tolerance is unsuitable due to the heat generated by welding the cage 102 to the body-in-white.

[0029] The sealing element 108 may also form a seal around an insert 110 that is placed in the fastener 106, so that the seal is formed between the insert 110 and the fastener 106. An insert 110 in this case is any element intended to operate the fastener 106 and form a connection, such as a screw, a threaded rod or a bolt. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an insert 110 without threads so as not to unnecessarily obscure the figures.

[0030] Referring to [Fig. 2], a fastening system 104 is provided according to a second embodiment, similar to that of [Fig. 1], and sharing similar references for similar parts. The sealing element 108 may be arranged to sealingly interfere with the fastener 106, when using the fastener 106 to form the barrier. As illustrated by [Fig. 2], this may be achieved by a tight interfacing between the fastener 106 and the insert 110, and by a ductility of the sealing element 108 allowing the sealing element 108 to be pulled and / or pressed between the parts, such as in the complementary threads (if any) of the fastener 106 and the insert 110. This interaction may be facilitated by providing the sealing element 108 with a collar that directs the material into a snug fit between the connected parts.

[0031] The insert 110 may be self-tapping and the sealing member 108 provided without threads, so that operation of the insert 110 with the fastener 106 results in closely cooperating threads that prevent the passage of smoke or other contaminants. In other words, the threads cut into the sealing member 108 also form a seal between the insert 110 and the sealing member 108.

[0032] Referring to [Fig. 3], a fastening system 104 according to a third embodiment, similar to that of [Fig. 1], is illustrated and shares similar references for similar parts. The sealing element 108 is connected to the fastener 106 and / or to the cage 102. The connection of the sealing element 108 to either the fastener 106 or the cage 102 allows for easier operation of the fastening system 104 since these parts are held in a predefined relationship to each other and do not require alignment prior to assembly. This connection may be transient or loose such that the sealing element 108 can easily detach from the other part. The gripping of the other part on the sealing element 108 need only be sufficient to allow positioning of the insert 110 in the fastener 106 via the sealing element 108. Therefore, the connection can be formed by an adhesive or by pressing the sealing element 108 onto the other part. In the embodiment of [Fig. 3], an interference fit is used, and the sealing element 108 is provided with teeth to increase a contact area between the two parts to provide adequate gripping.

[0033] Referring to [Fig. 4], a fastening system 104 is provided according to a fourth embodiment, similar to that of [Fig. 1] and sharing similar references for similar parts. The cage 102 is generally the part that is subjected to spot welding to the body-in-white and therefore presents a heat hazard to the sealing element 108. Depending on the size of the cage 102, and the part's ability to dissipate heat based on its material properties or design, or otherwise to provide thermal insulation of the sealing element 108 from the cage 102, a flexible cap 402 may be provided over the sealing element 108 to provide the seal, or an additional seal, against smoke or contaminants. The flexible cap 402 may be formed of a sealing material such as rubber, polymer, silicone, or the like.The word "cap" does not require the presence of a closed end or a blind tunnel, but the flexible cap 402 may be a sleeve with two open ends. Such a material may have a low heat tolerance, but due to the small amount of this material and the location of the flexible cap 402, it may be arranged so that it is not in contact with the cage 102 and still provide a suitable seal. In [Fig. 4], the sealing member 108 includes a flexible cap 402, and the flexible cap 402 is located on the sealing member 108 away from the cage 102. Insertion of the insert 110 may puncture the flexible cap 402 so that the flexible cap 402 may provide a sealing fit against the insert 110 and / or between the insert 110 and the fastener 106.

[0034] The flexible cap 402 may itself provide a sufficient seal against the ingress of smoke / contaminants or may operate in synergy with the sealing element 108, which may deform to provide another seal as previously described in the present invention.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments detailed above have been described by way of example only and not in a limiting sense, and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Various modifications of the detailed examples described above are possible.

[0036] In the description and claims of this specification, the words “include” and “contain” and their variants mean “including but not limited to” be limited to it,” and they are not intended to (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, components, wholes or steps.

[0037] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent therewith. Any features disclosed in this specification (including the claims, abstract and accompanying Figures), and / or any steps of a method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any manner, except in combinations where at least some of these features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of the preceding embodiments.The invention extends to any novel feature, or any novel combination, of features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstracts or drawings), or to any step of any method or process so disclosed. List of reference signs

[0038] 102: Cage

[0039] 104: Fixing system

[0040] 106: Fixing

[0041] 108: Sealing element

[0042] 110:Insert

[0043] 402: Soft cap

Claims

Claims

1. A fastening system (104) comprising: a fastener (106), a cage (102) wherein the fastener (106) is surrounded and held by the cage (102), and a sealing member (108) arranged such that use of the fastening device (106) places the sealing member (108) in a sealing area between the cage (102) and the fastening device (106).

2. The fastener system (104) of claim 1, wherein the sealing member (108) further forms a seal around an insert (110) that is placed in the fastener (106).

3. A fastening system (104) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the sealing element (108) sealingly interferes with the fastener (106), during use of the fastener (106).

4. A fastening system (104) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sealing element (108) is arranged to sealingly interfere between the fastening (106) and the insert (110).

5. A fastening system (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing element (108) comprises a flexible cap (402).

6. The fastening system (104) of claim 5, wherein the flexible cap (402) is located on the sealing element (108) remote from the cage (102).

7. A fastening system (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing element (108) is loosely associated with the cage (102) and / or the fastening (106).

8. A fastening system (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing element (108) is connected directly to the fastener (106) and / or to the cage (102).

9. A fastening system (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fastener (106), the cage (102) and / or the sealing element (108) are respectively formed of metal.

10. The fastening system (104) of claim 9, wherein the sealing member (108) is formed from a metal having a hardness reduced relative to the metal forming the attachment (106) and / or the cage (102).

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