fastener

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening element (1) comprising: - a locking member (2) having a first face (4) and a second face (5), the locking member (2) comprising a locking opening; - a pin (3) having a head comprising an upper face and a lower face, the pin (3) comprising a locking section projecting from the upper face and a clipping section projecting, along an elongation direction XX', from the lower face, the locking section comprising a pin and a locking structure, the locking section being configured to secure the pin (3) to the locking member (2), the clipping section comprising at least one clipping means for enabling engagement by insertion of said clipping section into the support opening. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: fastening element FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of fastening elements. In particular, the present invention concerns a fastening element for limiting the forces during the anchoring of parts, and more particularly of deflectors, on the rocker panels of motor vehicles. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Motor vehicles include a number of parts fixed to the bodywork, particularly the underbody. Among these parts are deflectors, which play a protective role and also improve the aerodynamics of said vehicles.

[0003] The attachment of the deflectors generally involves the use of threaded studs and nuts. In particular, the studs can be formed by projection onto the crossmembers of the underbody and inserted into openings in the deflector before the latter is secured with nuts.

[0004] However, this solution is a source of musculoskeletal disorders for people carrying out the assembly of such deflectors.

[0005] Furthermore, the displacement of the studs affects the aerodynamics of motor vehicles.

[0006] One object of the present invention is therefore to propose a fastening element that makes it possible to limit the hardship of work, and in particular the musculoskeletal disorders that may affect people involved in the assembly of the deflectors.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is also to provide a fastening element that allows for limiting assembly time, in particular the assembly time of deflectors.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is also to propose a fastening element having a low impact on the aerodynamics of motor vehicles when it comes to implementing them for the attachment of deflectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The objectives of the present invention are, at least in part, achieved by a fastening element for fixing a part, called the supported part, by one of its faces, called the supported face, to a face, called the support face, of a support, the supported part comprising at least one opening, called the anchoring opening, and passing through said supported part from a free face to the supported face opposite the free face, the support comprising an opening, called support opening, passing through the support from its support face to a face, called the internal face and opposite to the support face, the fixing element comprising:

[0010] - a locking member having two opposing faces and said, respectively, first face and second face, the locking mechanism comprising a through opening, called the locking opening, which includes a central part and at least one radial cutout;

[0011] - a pin having a head comprising two parallel principal faces between them, respectively called upper face and lower face, the pin comprising a locking section projecting from the upper face and a clipping section projecting, along an elongation direction XX', from the lower face, the locking section comprising, from the upper face, a pin and a locking structure of complementary shape to the locking opening, the locking section being configured to secure the pin to the locking member by an insertion and rotation movement of said locking structure in the locking opening from the second face, the clipping section comprising a clipping means to allow snapping by insertion of said clipping section into the support opening.

[0012] It is understood that the locking organ is of relatively flat shape, the first face and the second face being essentially parallel to each other.

[0013] In particular, the locking member may be polygonal in shape, for example square. Advantageously, the locking member may be a washer.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the clipping section comprises, along the elongation direction XX', a first portion, essentially cylindrical, and a tapered portion.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the clipping means includes at least one clipping tab, the at least one clipping tab is attached to the first portion by one of its ends, called the fixed end, and extends, in a direction opposite to the elongation direction XX', towards a free end.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the thickness of at least one clipping tab increases in the direction opposite to the elongation direction XX'.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least one clipping tab comprises three clipping tabs formed at a regular angular spacing.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the pin includes a spring means configured to put the pin under tension when the clipping section is snapped into the support opening.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the spring means is formed on the lower face.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the spring means is inscribed in a frustoconical surface diverging along the elongation direction XX'.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the locking structure includes at least one radial tab which extends radially from one end of the pin, and is advantageously of complementary shape to the radial cut.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the locking section is configured to be inserted into the locking opening by the second face in an angular position, called the angular insertion position, relative to said locking opening, and thus position the locking structure in projection relative to the first face, the locking section is also configured, once it is inserted into the locking opening, to pivot from the angular insertion position to an angular position called the angular locking position for which at least one radial tab is angularly offset from the radial cutout and in contact with the first face.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the locking member includes ribs on the first face.

[0024] According to one embodiment, at least one radial tab includes locking means while the locking member includes complementary locking means configured to cooperate with the locking means when the locking section is in the angular locking position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the locking means include a notch formed on an end edge of at least one radial tongue and the additional locking means include a tooth formed on a rib of the locking member.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least one radial cut is delimited by a contour having two lateral sections and an end section connecting the two lateral sections, the two lateral sections being chamfered by the first face.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the locking section and the locking member are configured so that, when the locking section is inserted into the locking opening in the angular locking position, they clamp the carried part.

[0028] According to one embodiment, after fixing the carried part against the support part by means of said fixing element, the locking member can be decoupled from the pin for the purpose of removing the carried part, the pin remaining attached to the support part. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0030] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a fastening element according to the present invention, in particular, the fastening element is illustrated in perspective and exploded view.

[0031] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a representation, by the first face, of the locking member of the fixing element of the [Fig.1];

[0032] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a magnification of a radial cut of the locking member of the [Fig.2];

[0033] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a representation of the pin of the fixing element of the [Fig.1];

[0034] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a representation of the pin of the fixing element of the [Fig.1], in particular the pin is represented by the upper face;

[0035] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] represents the implementation of the first phase of securing the pin with the locking member;

[0036] [Fig.7] Fig.7 represents the pin with the locking member at the end of the first phase;

[0037] [Fig.8] Fig.8 represents the pin with the locking member at the end of the second phase;

[0038] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] represents the locking section of the pin inserted in the anchoring opening of the carried part;

[0039] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] represents the fastening element fixed to a supported part;

[0040] [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 represents an alternative wear part to that shown in the [Fig.10];

[0041] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of the supported part fixed to the support by means of the fixing element according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present invention relates to a fastening element, and in particular a fastening element intended to anchor a part, called the supported part, on a support face of a support.

[0043] The carried part may in this respect include a deflector, while the support may be a rocker panel of a motor vehicle.

[0044] It is nevertheless understood that the present invention is not limited to a fastening element whose sole function is to anchor a deflector on a motor vehicle.

[0045] Thus, the present invention relates to a fastening element for fixing a part, referred to as the supported part, by one of its faces, referred to as the supported face, to a face, referred to as the support face, the supported part comprising at least one opening, referred to as the anchoring opening, and passing through said supported part from a free face to the supported face opposite the free face, the support comprising an opening, referred to as the support opening, passing the support from its supporting face towards a face, called the internal face and opposite to the supporting face, the fixing element comprising:

[0046] - a locking member having two opposing faces and said, respectively, first face and second face, the locking mechanism comprising a through opening, called the locking opening, which includes a central part and at least one radial cutout;

[0047] - a pin having a head comprising two parallel principal faces between them, respectively called upper face and lower face, the pin comprising a locking section projecting from the upper face and a clipping section projecting, along an elongation direction XX', from the lower face, the locking section comprising, from the upper face, a pin and a locking structure of complementary shape to the locking opening, the locking section being configured to secure the pin to the locking member by an insertion and rotation movement of said locking structure in the locking opening from the second face, the clipping section comprising a body and at least one clipping tab to allow snapping by insertion of said clipping section into the support opening.

[0048] In [Fig. 1] a fastening element 1 according to the present invention can be seen.

[0049] In particular, [Fig.1] illustrates the fastening element 1 in perspective and according to an exploded view.

[0050] The fastening element 1 comprises a locking member 2 and a pin 3.

[0051] More specifically, the locking member 2, as shown in [Fig. 1], has the shape of a disk whose main faces are named, respectively, first face 4 and second face 5.

[0052] It is understood that the locking organ is of relatively flat shape, the first face and the second face being essentially parallel to each other.

[0053] In particular, the locking member may be polygonal in shape, for example square. Advantageously, the locking member may be a washer.

[0054] The locking member 2 also includes a through opening called the locking opening 6 ([Fig.2]).

[0055] By "through opening", we mean an opening which leads from both of the two main faces of the locking member.

[0056] The locking opening 6 comprises a central portion 7, for example circular, and at least one radial cutout 8. The at least one radial cutout 8 may be delimited, at least partially, by a contour, said contour being provided with two lateral sections 9, each extending from the central portion 7 to one of its ends, called the lateral end, and an end section 10 connecting the two lateral sections by the lateral extremities. The end section 10 can take the form of an arc of a circle.

[0057] Furthermore, the edge between the first face and an end section can give way to a chamfer 11.

[0058] In the example shown in [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2], and [Fig. 3], the locking member comprises three radial cutouts 8 arranged at regular angular spacing. However, the invention is not limited to the consideration of only three radial cutouts. In particular, those skilled in the art may consider any number of radial cutouts, especially those arranged at regular angular spacing.

[0059] The locking member 2 may also include ribs 12, thus contributing to the mechanical reinforcement of said locking washer 2. In particular, the ribs 12 may be formed on the first face 4.

[0060] More particularly, rib sections, called end ribs 13, can overcome the end sections 10 of the radial cutouts 8.

[0061] Two adjacent end ribs 13 can be connected to each other by an intermediate rib 14.

[0062] The fastening element 1 also includes a pin 3 (in particular shown in [Fig.4],

[0063] The pin 3 includes a head 15 which comprises two principal faces parallel to each other called, respectively, upper face 16 and lower face 17.

[0064] The head 15 can form a disc without however limiting the invention to this aspect.

[0065] The pin 3 also includes a locking section 18 in projection by the upper face 16 and a clipping section 19 in projection, along an elongation direction XX', by the lower face 17.

[0066] The locking section 18 includes, from the top face 16, a pin 20 and a locking structure 21.

[0067] The locking section 21 can generally be flat in shape with two main faces essentially parallel to the upper face 16.

[0068] The locking section 21 may, although not strictly necessary, have on either of its main faces a shape that is complementary, or at least partially complementary, to the locking opening. In particular, the locking section 21 is configured to secure the pin to the locking member. More specifically, securing the locking section 21 to the locking member 2 may involve an insertion and rotation of said locking structure into the locking opening through the second face.

[0069] Advantageously, the locking structure 21 includes at least one radial tab 22 which extends radially from one end of the pin 20, and is complementary in shape to the radial cutout 8. In particular, the locking structure 21 may include three radial tabs 22 arranged at regular angular spacing around the direction of elongation.

[0070] By way of example, the securing of the pin 3 with the locking member 2 may include a first phase of inserting the locking section 18 into the locking opening 6 ([Fig. 6]). This insertion is notably carried out by presenting the locking section 18 with its second face 17 and in a direction opposite to the elongation direction XX'. During this first phase, the locking structure is aligned with the locking opening and in an angular position referred to as the angular insertion position. In particular, each radial tab 22 is aligned with a radial cutout 8.

[0071] At the end of the first phase, the locking structure 21 passes the first face (in the direction opposite to the direction of elongations, [Fig.7]) and the pin can then pivot around the direction of elongation from the angular position of insertion to an angular locking position ([Fig.8]) by execution of a second phase.

[0072] This pivoting of the pin leads to an angular offset of at least one radial tab relative to at least one radial cutout, and thus locks the locking structure (and the pin) with the locking member ([Fig.8]).

[0073] Still in this example, and without being limited to the implementation of three radial tabs and three radial cutouts, at least one radial tab 22 includes locking means, while the locking member 8 includes complementary locking means configured to cooperate with the locking means when the locking section is in the angular locking position. In particular, the locking means and the complementary locking means, when they cooperate, provide resistance to pivoting of the pin.

[0074] By way of further example, the locking means include a notch 23 formed on an end edge 24 of at least one radial tongue 22 and the additional locking means include a tooth 25 formed on an intermediate rib 14 of the locking member.

[0075] Advantageously, the supported part 100 can be mounted on the pin 3 before the first phase is carried out ([Fig. 9]). In this respect, the supported part may include at least one opening, called the anchoring opening 101, into which a face, called the supported face 102, of the supported part 100 can be inserted. Following this insertion, the locking member can be mounted on the locking section ([Fig. 10]).

[0076] Alternatively, it is possible to consider an anchorage opening 101 having a first region 101a and a second region 101b. In particular, the first region is configured to allow the insertion of the assembled fastening element and therefore sliding towards the second region 101b.

[0077] Regardless of the supported part considered, after the mounting of the fixing element in the anchoring opening 101, the supported part is interposed between the head and the locking member.

[0078] The clipping section 19 includes at least one clipping tab 27 (for example 4 clipping tabs), arranged at a regular angular spacing around the elongation axis of the clipping section, to allow snapping by insertion of said clipping section into the support opening.

[0079] The clipping section may include, according to the elongation direction XX', a first portion 28, essentially cylindrical, and a tapered portion 29. The tapered portion 29 may, for example, include a cone or be pyramidal.

[0080] At least one clipping tab 27 is attached to the first portion 28 by one of its ends, called the fixed end, and extends, in a direction opposite to the elongation direction XX', towards a free end.

[0081] Advantageously, the thickness of at least one clipping tab 28 increases in the direction opposite to the elongation direction XX'.

[0082] The pin 3 includes a spring means 30 configured to put the pin 3 under tension when the clipping section is snapped into the support opening.

[0083] The spring means can be formed on the lower face 17. The spring means is inscribed in a frustoconical surface diverging along the elongation direction XX'.

[0084] Thus, in operation, and as illustrated in [Fig.12], as soon as the pin is clicked into the support opening 201 of the support face 202 of the support 200, the spring means comes to rest against said support face.

[0085] The fixing element attached to the supported part allows for easy and effortless mounting of the latter on a support.

[0086] This fixing element can in particular be used for mounting a deflector on a sheet metal part of a motor vehicle body.

[0087] Optionally, additional spring means 103 may be formed on the bearing surface. These additional spring means 103 are intended, in particular, to bear against the support surface 202, thereby putting the fastener under tension. Advantageously, the deflection of the additional spring means 103 can serve as an indicator of correct assembly.

[0088] The fastening element according to the present invention also allows the disassembly of the supported part. In particular, the rotation of the locking member allows the locking member to be disengaged from the pin and thus permits the removal of The part being supported. It is understood that this disassembly remains partial insofar as the pin remains engaged in the opening supporting the part. The ribs formed on the locking mechanism facilitate its manipulation for disassembly.

[0089] Advantageously, after fixing the carried part against the support part by means of said fixing element, the locking member can be decoupled from the pin for the purpose of removing the carried part, the pin remaining attached to the support part.

[0090] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Fastening element (1) for fixing a part, called the supported part, by one of its faces, called the supported face, to a face, called the support face (202) of a support, the supported part (100) comprising at least one opening, called the anchoring opening (101), and passing through said supported part (100) from a free face to the supported face opposite the free face, the support comprising an opening, called the support opening (201), passing through the support from its support face (202) to a face, called the internal face and opposite the support face (202), the fastening element (1) comprising: - a locking member (2) having two opposite faces and called, respectively, the first face (4) and the second face (5), the locking member (2) comprising a through opening, called the locking opening (6), which includes a central part (7) and at least one radial cutout (8); - a pin (3) provided with a head (15) which comprises two main parallel faces, called,respectively, upper face (16) and lower face (17), the pin (3) comprising a locking section (18) projecting from the upper face (16) and a clipping section (19) projecting, along an elongation direction XX', from the lower face (17), the locking section (18) comprising, from the upper face (16), a pin (20) and a locking structure (21), advantageously of a shape complementary to the locking opening (6), the locking section (18) being configured to secure the pin (3) to the locking member (2) by an insertion and rotation movement of said locking structure (21) in the locking opening (6) from the second face (5), the clipping section (19) comprising at least one clipping means to allow snapping by insertion of said clipping section (19) into the support opening (201).

2. Fastening element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clipping section (19) comprises, along the elongation direction XX', a first portion (28), essentially cylindrical, and a tapered portion (29).

3. Fastening element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the clipping means comprises at least one clipping tab, at least one clipping tab is attached to the first portion (28) by one of its ends, called the fixed end, and extends, in a direction opposite to the elongation direction XX', towards a free end.

4. Fastening element (1) according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of at least one clipping tab increases in the direction opposite to the elongation direction XX'.

5. Fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one clipping tab comprises three clipping tabs formed at a regular angular spacing.

6. Fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pin (3) includes a spring means configured to tension the pin (3) when the clipping section (19) is snapped into the support opening (201).

7. Fastening element (1) according to claim 6, wherein the spring means is formed on the lower face (17).

8. Fixing element (1) according to claim 7, in which the spring means is inscribed in a frustoconical surface diverging along the elongation direction XX'.

9. Fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking structure (21) comprises at least one radial tab (22) which extends radially from one end of the pin (20), and is advantageously of complementary shape to the radial cutout (8).

10. Fastening element (1) according to claim 9, wherein the locking section (18) is configured to be inserted into the locking opening (6) by the second face (5) in an angular position, referred to as the angular insertion position, relative to said locking opening (6), and thus position the locking structure (21) in projection relative to the first face (4), the locking section (18) is also configured, when inserted into the locking opening (6), to pivot from the angular insertion position to an angular position referred to as the angular locking position in which at least one radial tab (22) is angularly offset from the radial cutout (8) and bearing against the first face (4).

11. Fastening element (1) according to claim 10, wherein the locking member (2) includes ribs (12) on the first face (4).

12. Fastening element (1) according to claim 11, in at least one radial tab (22) includes locking means while the locking member (2) includes complementary locking means configured to cooperate with the locking means when the locking section (18) is in the locking angular position.

13. Fastening element (1) according to claim 12, wherein the locking means comprise a notch (23) formed on an end edge (24) of at least one radial tab (22) and the additional locking means comprise a tooth (25) formed on a rib of the locking member (2).

14. A fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one radial cutout (8) is delimited by a contour having two lateral sections (9) and an end section (10) connecting the two lateral sections (9), the two lateral sections (9) being chamfered by the first face (4).

15. A fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the locking section (18) and the locking member (2) are configured to, when the locking section (18) is inserted into the locking opening (6) in the angular locking position, clamp the worn part.

16. Fastening element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein after fixing the carried part (100) against the support part by means of said fastening element (1), the locking member (2) can be decoupled from the pin (3) for the purpose of removing the carried part, the pin (3) remaining attached to the support part.