Fixing member for a screw

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening member (100, 200) for captively retaining a screw (27) and guiding a screw assembly (27) into an orifice (39) of a connector base (35) (37), particularly in a vehicle. The fastening member (100, 200) may include a portion (5) with a threaded inner wall (13) or a slot (23). The invention also relates to a method of assembling a fastening member (100, 200) to a screw (27), as well as a method of assembling a fastening member (100, 200) and a screw (27) to a connector base (35) (37). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Fastening member for a screw

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening member for captively retaining a screw and guiding a screw assembly into a hole in a connector base, particularly in a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of assembling a fastening member to a screw, as well as a method of assembling a fastening member and a screw to a connector base.

[0002] The automotive industry sometimes requires assembling parts using screws in spaces with complex geometries, tight spaces, and difficult access. So much so that it can be difficult to retrieve a screw that has fallen inside the vehicle. It is known to use devices, such as a screw sleeve, to guide and correctly align a screw with a base or a part to be assembled. These devices also prevent the screw from loosening or falling before or during assembly. These fastening methods therefore prevent the screw from falling and consequently avoid the impact of a falling screw that could cause damage to nearby equipment.

[0003] The present invention aims to improve the fastening means. In particular, the present invention aims to secure a screw by holding it captive during its assembly and disassembly from a connector base. The present invention also aims to facilitate the guiding and assembly of the screw. To this end, the invention provides a fastening member for a screw capable of guiding the screw during its assembly and securing the screw during its assembly or disassembly once fixed in the fastening member.

[0004] The object of the invention is achieved by means of a fastening member according to a first aspect of the invention. According to the first aspect of the invention, a fastening member for captively retaining a screw and guiding a screw assembly into an opening in a connector base, particularly in a vehicle, is provided. The screw may have a screw head and a shank. The shank may include at least one threaded portion. The fastening member comprises a hollow cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal direction. The fastening member is provided with a stop means projecting from the hollow cylindrical body so as to allow a butt grip between the fastening member and the opening of a connector base in the longitudinal direction.Furthermore, the hollow cylindrical body is provided with at least a first portion that extends partially from the first end towards the second end along the longitudinal direction. The hollow cylindrical body is provided with at least a second portion that extends from the first portion towards, in particular to, . The second end. The first portion has a threaded inner wall configured to be screwed onto the threaded portion of the screw shank. A cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the threaded inner wall of the first portion is circular. The first portion has a smaller internal diameter than the internal diameter of the second portion.

[0005] The fastening member thus described guides the screw during its assembly to a part, in particular to a base of a vehicle connector. Indeed, thanks to its hollow cylindrical body, once the screw is inserted into the fastening member, the fastening member, in particular its second portion, guides the screw.

[0006] Furthermore, the fastening member described above secures the screw. Indeed, once the screw is inserted into the fastening member, specifically by screwing the threaded portion of its shank into the threaded portion of the first section of the fastening member, the screw is held in place by the fastening member. The screw can then no longer be removed from the fastening member without first unscrewing the threaded portion of the first section of the fastening member. Thus, when the screw is not, or is no longer, attached to the connector base, the screw is held captive by the fastening member and is therefore secured. The fastening member prevents the screw from accidentally falling out, which can improve the safety and reliability of the assembly or disassembly process.

[0007] The term "orifice" of a connector base means a recess, hole, or opening in the surface of the connector base. A screw and / or fastener is intended to be inserted into this orifice, particularly for securing the connector base to a panel or wall, especially in a vehicle.

[0008] The fact that the first portion of the fastening member has a smaller internal diameter than the internal diameter of the second portion allows the screw, once screwed in and inserted into the hollow cylindrical body of the fastening member, to move along its shank in the longitudinal direction without requiring tightening (or loosening). In particular, the screw can be inserted towards the second end along the longitudinal direction until its screw head abuts against the first end of the fastening member.

[0009] Whether for the first or second portion, the "internal diameter" must be understood as the longest segment that can be inserted into a surface delimited by an internal section of the portion. The internal section of the portion is obtained by cutting the portion in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. For example, for a cylindrical portion with a square base, in other words, a rectangular prism, the surface of the internal section of the portion will be a square. The internal diameter of the portion will then be understood as the diagonal of the square. For a circular cylindrical portion, the surface of the internal section will be a circle. The internal diameter of the portion will then be understood as the diameter of the circle, i.e., twice the radius of the circle.

[0010] Furthermore, the stop means for the fastening member facilitates the installation of the fastening member into the hole of a connector base. The fastening member is inserted until the stop means abuts against a surface of the connector base. Thus, the stop means ensures that the fastening member is not inserted deeper than necessary into the hole of the connector base. This stop means provides a physical reference point for the operator. Precise guidance during assembly is made possible, while preventing over-insertion, thereby simplifying the installation process.

[0011] The object of the invention is also achieved by means of a fastening member according to a second aspect of the invention. According to the second aspect of the invention, a fastening member for holding a screw captive and guiding a screw assembly into an opening in a connector base, particularly in a vehicle, is provided. The screw may have a screw head and a shank, the shank comprising at least one threaded portion. The fastening member comprises a hollow cylindrical body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The fastening member is provided with a stop means projecting from the hollow cylindrical body so as to allow a buttressing action between the fastening member and the opening of a connector base in the longitudinal direction. The hollow cylindrical body is provided with a slot extending from the first end to the second end.The hollow cylindrical body is deformable, in particular mechanically deformable, between an unlocked state and a locked state so as to modify the opening angle of the slot and such that: in the unlocked state, the opening angle of the slot allows the insertion of the screw into the hollow cylindrical body or the removal of a screw inserted into the hollow cylindrical body, and in the locked state, the opening angle of the slot prevents the insertion of a screw into the hollow cylindrical body or allows a screw inserted into the hollow cylindrical body to be held captive.

[0012] The fastening member thus described guides the screw during its assembly to a part, in particular to the base of a vehicle connector. Indeed, thanks to its hollow cylindrical body, the fastening member guides the screw once it is inserted into the fastening member.

[0013] The fastening member can be deformed from the unlocked state to the locked state by clamping, for example by means of a tool such as pliers, by pressing, or by crimping. The deformed fastening member secures the screw in the locked state. In the locked state, the screw can no longer be removed from the fastening member without manual intervention or the use of a tool. Thus, when the If the screw is not, or is no longer, attached to the connector base, the screw is secured by the retaining clip. The retaining clip prevents the screw from being lost, for example, by falling inside the vehicle, particularly during assembly or disassembly with a connector base.

[0014] By "opening angle" of the slit, we must understand the angular separation between the two edges of the slit, in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] In the locked state, reducing the opening angle of the slot in the fastening member according to the second aspect of the invention secures the screw once it is inserted into the fastening member. Indeed, to remove the screw, the fastening member must then be deformed in the opposite direction. Consequently, once the screw is assembled with the fastening member in the locked state, the screw can no longer fall out or be lost during its assembly or disassembly at a connector base.

[0016] The fixing member according to the second aspect, thanks to its slot, can be easily adapted in size, in particular to different types of screws.

[0017] In particular, the hollow cylindrical body may be provided with at least: a first portion extending partially from the first end towards the second end along the longitudinal direction, and a second portion extending from the first portion towards, in particular to, the second end. The first portion may have a smaller internal diameter than the internal diameter of the second portion. The first portion can serve as a guide and physical reference point for an operator when inserting a screw into the fastener. The fact that the first portion has a smaller internal diameter than the second portion gives orientation to the fastener by indicating its direction. This difference in internal diameters thus guides the operator during assembly and ensures correct mounting.

[0018] Furthermore, the stop means for the fastening member facilitates the installation of the fastening member into the hole of a connector base. The fastening member is inserted until the stop means abuts against a surface of the connector base. Thus, the stop means ensures that the fastening member is not inserted deeper than necessary into the hole of the connector base. This stop means provides a physical reference point for the operator. Precise guidance during assembly is made possible, while preventing over-insertion, thereby simplifying the installation process.

[0019] In one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the slot of the fixing member can extend from the first end to the second end.

[0020] A slot extending from the first end to the second end facilitates machining of the fastener member as well as the assembly of the fastener member and the screw. A slot extending from the first end to The second end also facilitates the disassembly of the fixing member and the screw, particularly with a tool. The slot allows the fixing member to be opened wide, making it easier to insert the screw into the fixing member, especially into the hollow cylindrical body.

[0021] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, a section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the hollow cylindrical body can be substantially circular in the locked state. Thus, the inner wall of the fastening member can lock the corresponding part of a screw shank, typically in the shape of a circular cylinder, by complementary shape.

[0022] In an embodiment of the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the hollow cylindrical body can be made of a metallic material, in particular steel.

[0023] Thus, the resistance of the fastening member to mechanical and / or thermal stresses is increased compared to other materials, such as plastic. This also facilitates the manufacturing of the fastening member. For example, the manufacturing member can be directly machined from a block of metallic material.

[0024] In an embodiment of the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the second portion of the hollow cylindrical body can extend to the second end and can be without threads.

[0025] The feature of a second portion extending to the second end and without threads facilitates the insertion and guiding of the screw in the hollow cylindrical body. The absence of threads also simplifies machining of the part, as there are fewer areas to tap.

[0026] The first portion of the hollow cylindrical body extends from the first end where a circular opening is present. The second portion may begin directly after the end of the first portion, without being superimposed on it. The two portions may be placed side by side without any gap between them. In other embodiments of the first and / or second solution of the invention, there may be more than two portions. These additional portions may be placed side by side without being superimposed on one another. Each of these additional portions may or may not have a thread, and may have a diameter equal to or different from the diameter of the other portions, in particular the first and second portions.

[0027] In one embodiment of the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the second portion is at least 5 times, in particular 8 times, longer than the first portion along the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to limit the length of the threaded portion (first portion) of the fastening member, thus simplifying its machining.

[0028] In an embodiment of the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the stop means can be arranged closer to the second end than to the first end of the hollow cylindrical body along the longitudinal direction.

[0029] This arrangement facilitates access to the screw, particularly for an operator, during assembly or disassembly. It also allows adjustment of the insertion depth of the fastening member in the base.

[0030] Alternatively, the stop means can be formed at an equal distance from the two ends of the hollow cylindrical body along the longitudinal direction.

[0031] A stop means formed equidistant from the two ends of the hollow cylindrical body along the longitudinal direction facilitates machining and production of the fastening member. This reduces production costs.

[0032] In an embodiment of the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first portion may include at the first end a stop surface which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and configured to engage with a screw head.

[0033] The stop surface prevents the screw from being driven too far into the fastener, ensuring that the screw is inserted to a predetermined depth, thus guaranteeing proper fastening. The stop surface also provides a visual and tactile indicator for the screw to be correctly tightened. This simplifies assembly operations, as an operator can more easily determine when the screw is correctly installed. Furthermore, by engaging with the screw head, the stop surface distributes the forces exerted on the screw evenly, thereby reducing the risk of deformation or damage to the fastener.

[0034] In an embodiment of the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the stop means may be formed by a projection or a shoulder which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and outwards from the hollow cylindrical body and at least partially around an external wall of the hollow cylindrical body.

[0035] The shoulder or projection acts as a stop, preventing excessive insertion of the fastening member into the base opening, thus ensuring correct positioning. By extending partially or completely around the outer wall, the shoulder distributes the forces exerted on the fastening member, thereby strengthening the stability of the assembly within the base.

[0036] In particular, the shoulder or projection can be formed integrally with the hollow cylindrical body. This simplifies the manufacturing process. The fastening member can advantageously be machined in one piece.

[0037] In an embodiment of the first and / or second aspect of the invention, a section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the second portion may be a circular opening.

[0038] A section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the second portion, which is a circular opening, facilitates the machining and manufacturing of the fastener. Consequently, this reduces production costs. It also improves the guidance of the screw during assembly.

[0039] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a screw and a fastener according to the first or second aspect of the invention. The screw may have a screw head and a shank. The screw may be a socket head screw. The shank may include at least one threaded portion. In the assembly, the screw may be captive to the fastener.

[0040] By captive retention, it is understood that the screw is assembled and retained to the fastening member. In other words, the screw can no longer be lost or fall out when it is captive to the fastening member.

[0041] However, even when the screw is captive, it can still be moved in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the screw can be moved without tightening or loosening in both directions in the longitudinal direction, that is, from the first end to the second end or from the second end to the first end. In the direction from the first end to the second end, the screw is movable until the screw head abuts against the first end of the fastener. In the case of a fastener according to the first aspect of the invention, in the direction from the second end to the first end, the screw is movable until the threaded portion of the screw shank abuts or reaches the threaded portion of the first portion of the fastener. In the case of a fixing member according to the second aspect of the invention, in the direction from the second end to the first end, the screw is movable until the threaded part of the screw shank reaches the first portion of the fixing member and / or butts up against a surface of the first portion of the fixing member.

[0042] In one embodiment, the screw may be a socket head screw. The socket head screw may include a recess in the screw head. The recess may have a shape complementary to a tightening or screwing tool. The recess may have a hexagonal shape. This allows the use of a suitable tool, such as an Allen key or hex key, for tightening and loosening the screw. This design allows the socket head screw to be integrated into space-constrained environments, which is particularly suitable in vehicles.

[0043] The object of the invention is achieved by means of a method for assembling a fastener member, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention, with a screw. The screw may have a screw head and a shank. The shank may include at least one threaded portion. The method comprises the steps of: providing a fastener member to retain the screw captive and guide a screw assembly into an opening in a connector base, particularly in a vehicle, the fastening member comprising a hollow cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal direction, and the fastening member having a stop means projecting from the hollow cylindrical body so as to permit a buttress grip between the fastening member and the opening in a connector base in the longitudinal direction, and the hollow cylindrical body having at least: a first portion extending partially towards the second end from the first end along the longitudinal direction, and a second portion extending from the first portion towards, in particular to, the second end, and the first portion having a threaded inner wall configured to be screwed into the threaded portion of the screw shank,and a section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the threaded inner wall of the first portion is circular, and the first portion has a smaller internal diameter than the internal diameter of the second portion; and insert the screw shank into the hollow cylindrical body by the first end by screwing the threaded part of the screw shank to the threaded part of the first portion; then insert the remainder of the screw shank along the longitudinal direction towards the second end, in particular until the screw head abuts against the first end of the hollow cylindrical body of the fastening means.

[0044] This method allows us to benefit from all the advantages of the fixing member according to the first aspect of the invention described above.

[0045] This method allows the screw to be assembled with the fastening member and, if necessary, to be disassembled from the fastening member by unscrewing. Once disassembled, the screw is no longer captive. The screw can then be easily reused and / or replaced. Similarly, the fastening member can then be reused and / or replaced once disassembled from the connector base. This method reduces assembly time and costs, while avoiding the need to modify the connector and its base, or to adapt the screws used.

[0046] The screw can, in particular, be inserted into the hollow cylindrical body from the first end by screwing the threaded part of the shank by an operator, either directly with their fingers or using a tool, in particular a screwdriver. Guiding the screw within the fastener simplifies and speeds up the assembly process.

[0047] The object of the invention is achieved by means of a method for assembling a fastening member, in particular according to the second aspect of the invention, with a screw. The screw may have a screw head and a shank. The shank may include at least one threaded portion. The method comprises at least the steps of: providing a fastening member to retain the screw captive and guiding an assembly of the screw in an opening of a connector base, particularly in a vehicle, the fastening member comprises a hollow cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal direction, and the fastening member is provided with a stop means projecting from the hollow cylindrical body so as to allow a buttress grip between the fastening member and the opening of a connector base in the longitudinal direction, and the hollow cylindrical body is provided with a slot extending from the first end to the second end, and the hollow cylindrical body is deformable between an unlocked state and a locked state so as to modify an opening angle of the slot, and such that: in the unlocked state, the opening angle of the slot allows the insertion of the screw into the hollow cylindrical body or the removal of a screw inserted into the hollow cylindrical body, and in the locked state,The opening angle of the slot prevents the insertion of a screw into the hollow cylindrical body or allows a screw inserted into the hollow cylindrical body to be held captive; insert the screw shank into the hollow cylindrical body in the unlocked state of said hollow cylindrical body, specifically until the screw head abuts against the first end; then tighten the fastening member around the screw shank so as to reduce the opening angle of the slot, so that the hollow cylindrical body is in its locked state.

[0048] This method allows us to benefit from all the advantages of the fixing member according to the second aspect of the invention described above.

[0049] This method allows the screw to be secured to the fastening member easily and quickly. Indeed, once assembled to the fastening member, the screw is held captive and cannot be removed from the fastening member. However, it is possible to intentionally remove the screw from the fastening member by conversely deforming the fastening member so that the opening angle of the slot allows the screw to be removed from the hollow cylindrical body.

[0050] The retaining member can be clamped around the screw shank using a tool, in particular pliers or a press, or any tool that allows the retaining member to be adequately deformed. The deformation of the retaining member is mechanical, specifically plastic. It should be understood, however, that the material of the retaining member allows deformation under mechanical stress in order to modify the opening angle of the slot and, consequently, to secure the screw. However, the material of the retaining member is such that the retaining member is not deformed by the mechanical and thermal stresses that the vehicle parts are expected to withstand.

[0051] In one embodiment of said method, the step of tightening the fixing member around the screw shank so as to reduce the opening angle of the slot can be carried out by means of a tool, in particular a clamp.

[0052] Using a tool, particularly pliers, to tighten the fastener around the screw shank makes tightening easier. This allows the fastener to be properly tightened without damaging it.

[0053] The object of the present invention is also achieved with a method of assembling an assembly comprising a fastener member, in particular according to the first or second aspect of the invention, and a screw to a connector base, in particular a connector base in a vehicle. The screw may have a screw head and a shank. The shank may include at least one threaded portion. The method comprises the steps of assembling the fastener member and the screw according to one of the methods described above so as to form an assembly comprising the screw and the fastener member, and inserting the assembly into the hole until the stop means engages with the base. In particular, the assembly comprising a fastener member according to the first aspect is assembled using the assembly method according to the first aspect; and the assembly comprising a fastener member according to the second aspect is assembled using the assembly method according to the second aspect.

[0054] The assembly method allows one to benefit from all the advantages of a fastening member according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention. In particular, this assembly method allows for easier assembly and a screw that is secured to the fastening member because it is captive.

[0055] The fastening member, in both its first and second aspects, provides a part that is simple to manufacture, particularly by machining, and easy to assemble. The first aspect allows assembly by screwing, while the second aspect allows assembly by clamping. This design facilitates the production process while ensuring quick and efficient implementation, suitable for various types of applications, particularly in vehicles.

[0056] The drawings accompanying the invention are incorporated into the description and form an integral part thereof to illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. These drawings, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are intended solely to illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the invention can be implemented and used, and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to only those embodiments illustrated and described.

[0057] Furthermore, several aspects of the embodiments can constitute, individually or in different combinations, solutions according to the present invention. The embodiments described below can therefore be considered alone or in an arbitrary combination. Other features and The advantages will become apparent from the more precise description that follows of the various embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which similar references refer to similar elements, and where:

[0058] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a cross-section parallel to the longitudinal direction of a fixing member according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0059] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a fixing member according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0060] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of an assembly of a screw and a fixing member according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

[0061] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of an assembly when the screw is assembled to the fixing member according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0062] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of an assembly when the screw is assembled to the fixing member according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0063] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of an assembly attached to a connector base, the assembly of which includes a fixing member according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0064] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of an assembly attached to a connector base, the assembly of which includes a fixing member according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0065] The [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of a cross-section, in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction 17, of a fixing member 100 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0066] In [Fig. 1], the fixing member 100 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 3, a first portion 5 and a second portion 7. The first portion 5 and the second portion 7 respectively have a circular cross-section with respect to the longitudinal direction 17. The first portion 5 has an internal diameter d. The second portion has an internal diameter q. The internal diameter d is less than the internal diameter q.

[0067] The first portion 5 comprises a threaded or tapped part 13. The threaded part 13 extends from a first end 9 of the fastening member 100 over a defined length L1 along the longitudinal direction 17. The first portion 5 thus has a length L1. The second portion 7, which is not tapped and whose inner wall is essentially smooth, has a length L2. The length L2 is greater than the length L1, in particular at least five times longer. The second portion 7 is directly adjacent to the first portion 5, without being superimposed on it. The second portion 7 of length L2 therefore extends from the first portion 5 to a second end 11 of the fastening member 100.

[0068] In this embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the fastening member 100 comprises a circular opening 19, 21 respectively at each of its two ends 9, 11. The longitudinal direction 17 passes through the center of each of the circular openings 19, 21. The circular opening 19 has a smaller dimension than the circular opening 21. The circular opening 19 has an internal diameter adapted to a screw diameter intended to be screwed into the threaded portion 13.

[0069] The fixing member 100 includes a stop means 15. The stop means 15 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 17 outwards from the hollow cylindrical body 3. In the example illustrated by [Fig. 1], the stop means 15 of the fixing member 100 forms a shoulder 15 which extends over the entire circumference of an outer wall 4 of the hollow cylindrical body 3. In the example illustrated by [Fig. 1], the stop means 15 is arranged equidistant from the ends 9, 11 along the longitudinal direction 17.

[0070] Figure [Fig. 2] is a schematic representation of a fixing member 200 according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0071] The fastening member 200 differs from the fastening member 100 in that the fastening member 200 includes a slot 23. In the example of [Fig. 2], the fastening member 200 is in an unlocked state. In this state, it is possible to insert or remove a screw from the hollow cylindrical body 3 because the slot 23 has an opening angle 'a' (alpha) large enough to allow the insertion or removal of a screw from the hollow cylindrical body 3.

[0072] The slot 23 extends from the first end 9 of the fixing member 200 to the second end 11 of the fixing member 200. The slot 23 comprises two edges 22, 24. The opening angle a of the slot 23 is defined between the two edges 22, 24. In the example of [Fig.2], the two edges 22, 24 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 17.

[0073] The fastening member 200 comprises a first portion 25 which, unlike the first portion 5 of the fastening member 100 of [Fig. 1], does not include a threaded part. In the example of [Fig. 2], and similarly to that of [Fig. 1], the internal diameter d (not shown in [Fig. 2]) of the first portion 25 of the fastening member 200 is smaller than the internal diameter q (not shown in [Fig. 2]) of the second portion 7 (not shown in [Fig. 2]) of the fastening member 200.

[0074] The [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of an assembly 500 of a screw 27 and a fixing member 100 or 200 previously described, when the screw 27 is not yet fixed to the fixing member 100 or 200.

[0075] The screw 27 comprises a screw head 29, a shank 31. The shank 31 comprises a threaded portion 33.

[0076] Fig. 3 represents an initial step of a method of assembling the assembly 500 in which the screw 27 is aligned with the longitudinal direction 17 and its shank 31 is partially introduced into the first portion 5, 25 of the fixing member 100, 200 by the first end 9 of the hollow cylindrical body 3.

[0077] In [Fig.3], the screw 27 is not yet assembled to the fixing member 100 or 200 and is therefore not yet held captive.

[0078] The [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of an assembly 600 of the screw 27 captively assembled to the fixing member 100.

[0079] Between the states illustrated by figures 3 and 4, the threaded part 33 of the screw 27 was screwed into the threaded part 13 of the first portion 5. Then, the rest of the shank 31 of the screw 27 was inserted along the longitudinal direction 17 towards the second end 11 of the fixing member 100, in particular until the screw head 29 came to rest against the first end 9 of the hollow cylindrical body 3.

[0080] In the locked state of the screw 27 to the fixing member 100 illustrated by [Fig.4], the threaded part 33 of the screw 27 protrudes out of the fixing member 100 through the opening 21 of the end 11. Thus, the threaded part 33 of the screw 27 can be assembled, in particular by screwing, to another part.

[0081] Fig. 4 shows that the screw 27 is a screw with a hollow head 29.

[0082] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the assembly 300 of the screw 27 captive assembly at the fixing member 200.

[0083] Between the states illustrated by Figures 3 and 5, the screw shank 31 was partially inserted into the hollow cylindrical body 3 along the longitudinal direction 17 towards the second end 11. Then, the fixing member 200 was tightened around the shank 31 of the screw 27 so as to reduce the opening angle a of the slot 23, in particular by bringing the two edges 22, 24 of the slot 23 closer together. The hollow cylindrical body 3 was thus deformed from an unlocked state ([Fig.3]) to a locked state ([Fig.5]). In the locked state, the screw 27 is held and locked inside the fastening member 200. In the example of [Fig. 5], the edges 22, 24 of the slot 23 are not in surface contact with each other because the opening angle α of the slot is not zero in the locked state. In an alternative embodiment, the opening angle α could be zero in the locked state.In all cases, the opening angle in the locked state is adjusted so as to prevent unintentional or accidental removal of the screw 27 from the fixing member 200.

[0084] The [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of several assemblies 600 assembled to a connector base 35 37.

[0085] Each set 600 comprises a screw 27 and a fixing member 100 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0086] In another embodiment not shown, the fastening member could be a fastening member 200 according to the second aspect of the invention (see [Fig. 7]). In yet another embodiment not shown, the base 35 could be provided with at least one fastening member 100 and at least one fastening member 200.

[0087] The base 35 comprises a support surface 41 from which cylindrical shafts 43 extend. The cylindrical shafts 43 are respectively adapted to receive electrical connector pins (not shown). The number of cylindrical shafts 43 is not limiting. The base 35 is provided with three openings 39. The number of openings 39 is not limiting. Each opening 39 is formed by a through-hole in the support surface 4L. Each opening 39 has a circular cross-section in a plane parallel to the support surface 4L. The outer wall 4 of the hollow cylindrical body 3 in the locked state of the assembly 600 has an external diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of each opening 39.

[0088] Each assembly 600 is assembled to the base 35 at an opening 39. To do this, each assembly 600 is inserted into an opening 39 until the stop means 15 (which is in particular a shoulder 15) of the fastening member 100 is engaged against the support surface 41 of the base 35. The stop means 15 of the fastening member 100 prevents excessive insertion of the fastening member 100 into the opening 39 of the base 35. It ensures the correct positioning of the fastening member 100 relative to the connector base 35 37.

[0089] In each of the holes 39, the screw 27 is held captive in the fastening member 100. The screw 27 is inserted and screwed into the fastening member 100 so that the head of the screw 29 abuts against the first end 9 of the hollow cylindrical body 3. In the configuration shown in [Fig. 6], the threaded portion 33 of the shank 31 of the screw 27 protrudes in a direction opposite to the cylindrical shafts 43. The protruding threaded portion 33 of the screw 27 can then be assembled, in particular by screwing it to a compatible part. The assembly 600 thus allows the base 35 of the connector 37 to be assembled to another part such as a panel or a wall (not shown).

[0090] The [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of several assemblies 300 assembled to a connector base 35 37.

[0091] Each assembly 300 comprises a screw 27 and a fixing member 200 according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0092] In another embodiment not shown, the fastening member could be a fastening member 100 according to the first aspect of the invention (see [Fig. 6]). In yet another embodiment not shown, the base 35 could be provided with at least one fastening member 100 and at least one fastening member 200.

[0093] The base 35 comprises a support surface 41 from which cylindrical shafts 43 extend. The cylindrical shafts 43 are respectively adapted to receive Electrical connector pins (not shown). The number of cylindrical barrels 43 is not limited. The base 35 has three openings 39. The number of openings 39 is not limited. Each opening 39 is formed by a through-hole in the support surface 4L. Each opening 39 has a circular cross-section in a plane parallel to the support surface 4L. The outer wall 4 of the hollow cylindrical body 3 in the locked state of the assembly 300 has an external diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of each opening 39.

[0094] Each assembly 300 is assembled to the base 35 at an opening 39. To do this, each assembly 300 is inserted into an opening 39 until the stop means 15 (which is in particular a shoulder 15) of the fastening member 200 is engaged against the support surface 41 of the base 35. The stop means 15 of the fastening member 200 prevents excessive insertion of the fastening member 200 into the opening 39 of the base 35. It ensures the correct positioning of the fastening member 200 relative to the connector base 35 37.

[0095] In each of the holes 39, the screw 27 is held captive in the fastening member 200. The screw 27 is inserted into the fastening member 200 so that the screw head 29 abuts against the first end 9 of the hollow cylindrical body 3. In the configuration shown in [Fig. 7], the threaded portion 33 of the shank 31 of the screw 27 protrudes in a direction opposite to the cylindrical shafts 43. The protruding threaded portion 33 of the screw 27 can then be assembled, in particular by screwing it to a compatible part. The assembly 300 thus allows the base 35 of the connector 37 to be assembled to another part such as a panel or a wall (not shown).

[0096] The embodiments described are simply possible configurations and it should be borne in mind that the individual characteristics of the different embodiments can be combined with each other or provided independently of each other.

[0097] List of reference signs 3: hollow cylindrical body 4: outer wall of the hollow cylindrical body 5: first portion 7: Second portion 9: first extremity 11: second end 13: threaded part 15: means of stopping 17: longitudinal direction 19: Opening 21: Opening 22: edge of the slit 23: slot 24: edge of the slit 25: first portion 27: screw 29: screw head 31: screw rod 33: threaded part of the screw shank 35: Connector base 37: connector 39: orifice 41: support surface 43: cylindrical barrel 100: Fixing member 200: Fixing member 300, 500, 600: screw and fixing member assembly d: internal diameter of the first portion q: internal diameter of the second portion Ll: length of the first portion L2: length of the second portion

Claims

Demands

1. A fastening member (200) for captively retaining a screw (27) and guiding a screw assembly (27) into an opening (39) in a connector base (35) (37), particularly in a vehicle, the screw (27) having a screw head (29) and a shank (31), the shank (31) comprising at least one threaded portion (33), the fastening member (200) comprising a hollow cylindrical body (3) extending between a first end (9) and a second end (11) along a longitudinal direction (17), and the fastening member (200) is provided with a stop means (15) projecting from the hollow cylindrical body (3) so as to permit a stop between the fastening member (200) and the opening (39) of a connector base (35) (37) in the longitudinal direction (17), and the hollow cylindrical body (3) is provided with a slot (23) which extends from the first end (9) to the second end (11),and the hollow cylindrical body (3) is deformable between an unlocked state and a locked state so as to modify an opening angle (a) of the slot (23), and such that: in the unlocked state, the opening angle (a) of the slot (23) allows the insertion of the screw (27) into the hollow cylindrical body (3) or the removal of a screw (27) inserted into the hollow cylindrical body (3), and in the locked state, the opening angle (a) of the slot (23) prevents the insertion of a screw (27) into the hollow cylindrical body (3) or allows a screw (27) inserted into the hollow cylindrical body (3) to be held captive.

2. The fixing member (200) according to claim 1 in which the slot (23) extends from the first end (9) to the second end (11).

3. The fastening member (200) according to claim 1 or 2, the hollow cylindrical body (3) of which is provided with at least: a first portion (25) which extends partially towards the second end (11) from the first end (9) along the longitudinal direction (17), and a second portion (7) which extends from the first portion (25) towards, in particular to, the second end (11), and the first portion (25) has an internal diameter (d) smaller than the internal diameter (q) of the second portion (7).

4. The fixing member (200) according to claim 3, wherein a section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (17) of the hollow cylindrical body (3) is substantially circular in the locked state.

5. The fixing member (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, the hollow cylindrical body (3) of which is made of a metallic material, in particular steel.

6. The fixing member (200) according to claim 3, wherein the second portion (7) of the hollow cylindrical body (3) extends to the second end (11) and is devoid of thread.

7. The fixing member (200) according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the second portion (7) is at least 5 times, in particular 8 times, longer than the first portion (5, 25) along the longitudinal direction (17).

8. The fixing member (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop means (15) is arranged closer to the second end (11) than to the first end (9) of the hollow cylindrical body (3) along the longitudinal direction (17).

9. The fixing member (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the stop means (15) is formed at an equal distance from the two ends (9, 11) of the hollow cylindrical body (3) along the longitudinal direction (17).

10. The fixing member (200) according to claim 3, wherein the first portion (5) comprises at the first end (9) a stop surface which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (17) and configured to engage with a screw head (29).

11. The fixing member (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop means (15) is formed by a projection or shoulder which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (17) and outwards from the hollow cylindrical body (3) and at least partially around an external wall of the hollow cylindrical body (3).

12. The fixing member (200) according to claim 3, wherein a section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (17) of the second portion (7) is a circular opening (21).

13. An assembly (300, ) comprising a screw (27) and a fixing member (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the screw (27) having a screw head (29) and a shank (31), the shank (31) comprising at least one threaded portion (33) and in which the screw (27) is held captive to the fixing member (200).

14. A method of assembling a fastening member (200) with a screw (27) having a screw head (29) and a shank (31), the shank (31) comprising at least one threaded portion (33), the method comprising the steps of: - providing a fastening member (200) to retain the screw (27) captive and guide an assembly of the screw (27) into an orifice (39) of a connector base (35) (37), particularly in a vehicle, the fastening member (200) comprising a hollow cylindrical body (3) extending between a first end (9) and a second end (11) along a longitudinal direction (17), and the fastening member (200) is provided with a stop means (15) projecting from the hollow cylindrical body (3) so as to allow a stop between the fastening member (200) and the orifice (39) of a connector base (35) (37) in the longitudinal direction (17),and the hollow cylindrical body (3) is provided with a slot (23) extending from the first end to the second end (11), and the hollow cylindrical body (3) is deformable between an unlocked state and a locked state so as to modify an opening angle (a) of the slot (23), and such that: in the unlocked state, the opening angle (a) of the slot (23) allows the insertion of the screw (27) into the hollow cylindrical body (3) or the removal of a screw (27) inserted into the hollow cylindrical body (3), and in the locked state, the opening angle (a) of the slot (23) prevents the insertion of a screw (27) into the hollow cylindrical body (3) or allows a screw (27) inserted into the hollow cylindrical body (3) to be held captive; - insert the screw shank (31) into the hollow cylindrical body (3) in the unlocked state of said hollow cylindrical body (3), in particular until the screw head (29) butts up against the first end (9); then - tighten the fixing member (200) around the shank (31) of the screw (27) so as to reduce the opening angle (a) of the slot (23), so that the hollow cylindrical body (3) is in its locked state.

15. The assembly method according to claim 14, wherein the step of tightening the fixing member (200) around the shank (31) of the screw (27) so as to reduce the opening angle (a) of the slot (23) is carried out by means of a tool, in particular a clamp.

16. A method of assembling an assembly (300) comprising a fastener member (200) and a screw (27) having a screw head (29) and a shank (31), the shank (31) comprising at least one threaded portion (33), to an opening (39) of a connector base (35) (37), in particular a connector base (35) (37) in a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: - assembling the fastener member (200) and the screw (27) according to the method of claim 14 or 15 so as to form an assembly (300) comprising the screw (27) and the fastener member (200), - inserting the assembly (300) into the opening (39) until the stop means (15) is fully engaged on the base (35).

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