Temporary fastener for structures

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastener (10) for the temporary assembly of structures, comprising: - a hollow main body (34, 42); - elastic grippers comprising a hooking lip; - a separator (28); and - an actuating element (30), able to rotate with respect to the main body. The fastener further comprises a tubular gripper body (24), movable relative to the main body; the gripper body comprising a first portion (50) comprising longitudinal openings (56); each elastic gripper being attached to one of the longitudinal openings; each elastic gripper being movable between a retracted position, in which the hooking lip lies in the corresponding longitudinal opening, and a deployed position, in which the hooking lip forms a projection with respect to the radial surface. The gripper body further comprises a second portion (52), connected to the actuating element (30).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Temporary fixing of structures

[0003] The present invention relates to a fastener for the temporary assembly of at least two previously drilled structures, of the type comprising: a hollow main body, extending along an axis; a plurality of elastic clamps extending between a first and a second end, the first end of each elastic clamp comprising a hooking beak; a spacer extending along the axis, the spacer being fixed in translation relative to the main body; and an actuating element, extending along the axis inside the main body, said actuating element being fixed in translation and movable in rotation relative to the main body; the actuating element having a tubular shape, an internal surface of said actuating element comprising a thread; the fastener further comprising a tubular clamp body, movable relative to the main body and extending along the axis;the clamp body comprising a first portion having a radial surface, substantially cylindrical in revolution; the second end of each elastic clamp being fixed to said first portion of the clamp body; the first end of each elastic clamp being movable between: a retracted position, in which the hooking beak of said first end is entirely contained inside an envelope surface comprising the radial surface; and a deployed position, in which the hooking beak of said first end forms a radial projection relative to the radial surface.;

[0004] The invention is particularly applicable to temporary fasteners of the pinning staple type.

[0005] In the aeronautical industry, before carrying out the final assembly of two structural elements, it is known to carry out a temporary assembly of said elements by means of temporary fasteners inserted into through holes. Such temporary fasteners are described in particular in document EP3781825 in the name of the Applicant.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a fixing as described above, allowing efficient conversion of the rotational movement of the actuating element relative to the main body, into a translational movement of the elastic clamps relative to said main body, taking into account the mechanical constraints in the fixing.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a fastener of the aforementioned type, in which: the clamp body further comprises a second portion, axially adjacent to the first portion, said second portion comprising a thread, a first end of the actuating element being connected to said thread of the second portion by the tapping of the internal surface of said actuating element; one end of the main body comprises a first rotational locking form; the second portion of the clamp body comprises a first rotational locking member; and the fastener comprises an element configured to cooperate with said first rotational locking form and with said first rotational locking member, so that the clamp body is fixed in rotation and movable in translation relative to the main body.

[0008] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the attachment comprises a holding element, arranged in the main body, said holding element comprising: a second rotation-locking form, capable of cooperating with the first rotation-locking form of the main body to lock the holding element in rotation relative to the main body; and a second rotation-locking member, capable of cooperating with the first rotation-locking member to lock the clamp body in rotation relative to the holding element.

[0009] Such a configuration allows the fastener to withstand the shear stresses induced by the torsions associated with the rotation of the actuating element and the translation of the clamps. This configuration is therefore suitable for the production of fasteners with large diameters whose elements are subjected to high torsional moments.

[0010] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the first portion of the clamp body further comprises a plurality of longitudinal openings, each longitudinal opening extending between a first and a second end, the second end of each elastic clamp being fixed to the second end of one of the longitudinal openings; and in the retracted position of the first end of each elastic clamp, the hooking beak of said first end is disposed in the corresponding longitudinal opening and entirely contained within the radial surface of the first portion of the clamp body.

[0011] Thus, due to the tubular structure of the clamp body, the clamp body aligns with the bore and the fastener can be removed easily, because the jaws are housed inside the tubular portion and do not risk catching the rear surface of the structure. The tubular clamp body also has the advantage of having good centering, an increased bearing surface on the jaws, better shear strength and higher tensile strength than a temporary fastener of the prior art.

[0012] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the fixing comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations between them and / or with the aforementioned characteristics:

[0013] - the holding element comprises: an annular plate provided with a first orifice; and two legs extending from said annular plate in a direction along the axis, the second portion of the clamp body being arranged between the legs of the holding element and resting against the annular plate, the first portion of the clamp body passing through the first orifice of the annular plate and extending axially in a direction opposite to the direction of the legs;

[0014] - the legs and / or an edge of the first orifice comprise flat surfaces parallel to the axis, said flat surfaces forming the second rotation locking member;

[0015] - the holding element further comprises a joining piece, integral with the legs and arranged opposite the annular plate;

[0016] - the spreader is cylindrical in shape and extends along the axis inside the clamp body, the holding element and the actuating element;

[0017] - the spreader is integral with the holding element;

[0018] - the spacer is integral with the junction piece of the holding element, and preferably screwed to said junction piece;

[0019] - the spreader is integral with the actuating element;

[0020] - the first rotational locking form is a diametrical slot, the spreader comprises at least one arm extending perpendicular to the axis, said arm being housed in the diametrical slot; and the clamp body comprises at least one longitudinal slot in which said arm is able to slide during a movement of the clamp body relative to the spreader along the axis;

[0021] - a second end of the actuating element comprises a means for driving said actuating element in rotation.

[0022] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a fastener as described above, comprising the following steps: manufacturing the radial surface, substantially cylindrical in revolution, of the first portion of the clamp body; then cutting said radial surface, so as to form the longitudinal openings and a blank of the clamps; then shaping and bending said blanks to lead to the clamps maintaining the retracted position inside the longitudinal openings.

[0023] The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a fastener as described above, comprising the following steps: manufacturing the radial surface, substantially cylindrical in revolution, of the first portion of the clamp body; then arranging recesses in said radial surface, so as to form the longitudinal openings; then fixing a clamp to a rear end of each of said longitudinal openings.

[0024] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0025] - figure 1 is an exploded view of a fastener according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0026] - Figure 2 is a sectional view of the attachment of Figure 1;

[0027] - figure 3 is a partially exploded view of a fastener according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0028] - Figure 4 is a sectional view of the attachment of Figure 3;

[0029] - figure 5 is an exploded view of a fastener according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0030] - Figure 6 is a sectional view of the attachment of Figure 5;

[0031] - figure 7 is an exploded view of a fastener according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0032] - Figure 8 is a sectional view of an assembly comprising the fastener of Figure 7;

[0033] - Figure 9 is a partially exploded view of a fastener according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and

[0034] - Figure 10 is a sectional view of the attachment of Figure 9.

[0035] Figures 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 show respectively: a fastener 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention; a fastener 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention; a fastener 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention; and a fastener 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and a fastener 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0036] In the following description, fasteners 10, 110, 210, 310 and 410 will be described simultaneously, with like elements of the fasteners being designated by the same reference numbers.

[0037] The fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 is capable of temporarily assembling at least two structures 12, to form an assembly 13. The structures 12 and the assembly 13 are visible in FIG. 8. For the purposes of simplification, the structures 12 are shown in a single piece, defining two opposite faces 14, 16. A bore 18 passes through the structures 12 from the first 14 to the second 16 face.

[0038] The fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 extends along an axis 20 and comprises: a main body 22, 122, 222, 322; a clamp body 24, 324, 424; a plurality of elastic clamps 26, 426; a spacer 28, 128, 328; and an actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330. In the first, second, third and fifth embodiments, the fastener 10, 110, 210, 410 further comprises a holding element 32, 132, 232.

[0039] In the embodiments shown, the main body 22, 122, 222, 322 is formed of a hollow tubular portion 34, 134, 234, 334, and an end piece 42. The tubular portion defines an internal cavity 36 of substantially cylindrical shape along the axis 20. The tubular portion extends between a front end 38, 338 and a rear end 40. The end piece 42 is fixed to the front end 38, 338 of the tubular portion, preferably by a thread / tapping assembly. The end piece 42 comprises a bearing face 44 substantially perpendicular to the axis 20, capable of coming into contact with the first face 14 of the structures 12. The bearing face 44 comprises a central opening 46 communicating with the internal cavity 36.

[0040] In the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments, the external surface of the tubular part 34, 234, 334 comprises rotation locking means 48, 248, 348, such as flats or teeth. The rotation locking means are in particular capable of locking the main body 22, 222, 322 in rotation in a laying nose (not shown).

[0041] In the second embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the external surface of the tubular part 134 of the main body 122 has a cylindrical revolution shape. The rotational locking of the fixing 110 is carried out for example by means of a setting tool provided with a roller cage.

[0042] The external shape of the main body is preferably adapted to the installation means: the external surface of one of the five embodiments can thus be used in one of the other three embodiments, without impact on the internal operation of the fixing 10, 110, 210, 310, 410.

[0043] The front end 38, 338 of the tubular portion 34, 134, 234, 334 comprises a first rotation-locking form 49, 349. In the first, second, third and fifth embodiments, said first rotation-locking form is a multi-sided internal surface 49. In the fourth embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, said first rotation-locking form is a diametrical groove 349, extending axially in the front end 338.

[0044] The first rotation locking form 49, 349 is capable of locking the rotation of, respectively, the holding element 32, 132, 232 and the spacer 328, during the installation or removal of the fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 as will be described later. The clamp body 24, 324, 424 has a tubular shape and extends along the axis 20. The clamp body comprises a front portion 50, 350, 450 and a rear portion 52, 352 axially adjacent and integral with each other.

[0045] The front portion 50, 350, 450 is intended to pass through the drilling 18 of the structures 12.

[0046] The front portion 50, 350, 450 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424 comprises a radial surface 54, 454, substantially cylindrical in revolution around the axis 20. In the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, said front portion 50, 350 of the clamp body 24, 324 further comprises: a front wall 55; and a plurality of longitudinal openings 56.

[0047] In the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, the front wall 55 is substantially perpendicular to the axis 20 and forms an axial end of the radial surface 54, opposite the rear portion 52, 352.

[0048] In the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, the front portion 50, 350 comprises two longitudinal cutouts or openings 56 parallel to the axis 20 and facing each other with respect to said axis 20. Each longitudinal opening extends between a closed front and rear end. Said front end is preferably arranged at a first non-zero axial distance from the front wall 55.

[0049] In the fourth embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the front portion 350 further comprises two slots 358 parallel to the axis 20 and facing each other with respect to said axis 20. Each slot 358 extends between a front end and a rear end. Said front end is closed, and is axially offset from the front ends of the longitudinal openings 56. It is preferably arranged at a second non-zero axial distance from the front wall 55, greater than the first axial distance.

[0050] The longitudinal openings 56 and the slots 358 are angularly alternated in a regular manner around the axis 20.

[0051] In the fifth embodiment, the front portion 450 of the clamp body 424 is a continuous cylinder of revolution, materializing the radial surface 454. Said front portion 450 extends axially between a rear end, integral with the rear portion 52 of the clamp body 424, and a front end 459.

[0052] The rear portion 52, 352 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424 has an external diameter greater than an external diameter of the radial surface 54, 454 of the first portion. The rear portion is connected to the front portion by a shoulder 60, 360. A radial surface of the rear portion 52, 352 comprises a thread 62. The rear portion 52, 352 comprises a first member 64, 364 for locking the clamp body 24, 324, 424 against rotation. In the first, second, third and fifth embodiments of the invention, the first member for locking the clamp body against rotation is formed by flats 64 parallel to the axis 20. More precisely, in the first, second, third and fifth embodiments, the rear portion 52 of the clamp body 24, 424 comprises two flats 64 parallel to each other and arranged on either side of the axis 20.

[0053] In the fourth embodiment of figures 7 and 8, the first rotation locking member of the clamp body is formed by a transverse groove 364, formed in the shoulder 360 and passing through the second end of the slots 358 of the front portion 350.

[0054] The rear portion 52, 352 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424 is disposed in the main body 22, 122, 222, 322; and the front portion 50, 350, 450 passes through the central opening 46.

[0055] The elastic clips 26, 426 are substantially identical, at least two in number. In the fifth embodiment, the elastic clips 426 are four in number. Each elastic clip 26, 426 extends between a first and a second end, the first end comprising a hooking beak 66.

[0056] In the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, the second end of each elastic clamp 26 is attached to the second end of one of the longitudinal openings 56 of the clamp body 24. In the fifth embodiment, the second end of each elastic clamp 426 is attached to the front end 459 of the front portion 450 of the clamp body 424.

[0057] In each of Figures 1-6 and 9-10, the elastic clamps 26, 426 are shown in a retracted configuration. In said retracted configuration, each elastic clamp 26, 426, including the hooking beak 66, is entirely contained within a cylindrical envelope surface of revolution, extending along the axis 20 and comprising the radial surface 54, 454 of the front portion 50, 350, 450 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424. In the fifth embodiment, said envelope surface axially extends the radial surface 454 of the front portion 450.

[0058] In the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, in the retracted configuration, the hooking beak 66 of each elastic clamp 26 is disposed in the corresponding longitudinal opening 56. More specifically, in the retracted configuration, each elastic clamp 26, including the hooking beak 66, is entirely contained within the radial surface 54 of the front portion 50, 350 of the clamp body 24, 324. In Figures 7 and 8, the elastic clamps 26 are shown in a deployed configuration. In said deployed configuration, the hooking beak 66 of each elastic clamp 26, 426 forms a radial projection relative to the radial surface 54, 454.

[0059] Each elastic clamp 26, 426 is capable of elastically deforming between the retracted and extended configurations. In the absence of mechanical stress, each elastic clamp is in the retracted configuration, as in Figures 1-6 and 9-10.

[0060] The spacer 28, 128, 328 extends along the axis 20 between a first end 70, 370, called the front end, and a second end 72, 172, 372, called the rear end.

[0061] The spacer 28, 128, 328 passes through the central opening 46 of the main body 22, 122, 222, 322, so that the front 70, 370 and rear 72, 172, 372 ends are located respectively outside and inside said main body.

[0062] In the first, second, third and fifth embodiments, the spacer 28, 128 has a substantially cylindrical shape, extending along the axis 20 between the front 70 and rear 72, 172 ends.

[0063] In the fourth embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the spreader 328 comprises: a main part 374, substantially rectilinear along the axis 20 between the front 370 and rear 372 ends; and at least one arm 375, extending perpendicular to the axis 20 from the rear end 372. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, the spreader 328 has a T shape and comprises two arms 375 extending perpendicular to the axis 20 at the rear end 372.

[0064] The arms 375 of the spreader 328 are housed in the diametrical groove 349 of the tubular part 334 of the main body 322 so that the spreader is blocked in rotation and in translation relative to the main body.

[0065] The actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 is arranged inside the main body 22, 122, 222, 322. In the embodiments shown, the actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 is fixed in translation and movable in rotation relative to the main body 22, 122, 222, 322.

[0066] The actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 extends along the axis 20 between a front end 74 and a rear end 76, 176, 276, 376. The rear end 76, 176, 276, 376 of the actuating element is arranged at the rear end 40 of the body 22, 122, 222, 322.

[0067] The front end 74 of the actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 is open and connected to the rear portion 52, 352 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424 by a thread / tapping type mechanism. In the embodiments shown, the actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 has a tubular shape; and an inner surface of said actuating element comprises a tapping 78 adapted to cooperate with the thread 62 of the rear portion 52, 352 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424.

[0068] In the second and third embodiments, the rear end 172 of the spacer 128 is attached to the rear end 176, 276 of the actuating element 130, 230, for example by brazing or crimping, so that the spacer cannot rotate or move axially relative to the actuating element.

[0069] In the embodiments shown, the rear end 76, 176, 276, 376 of the actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 comprises a means 80, 180, 280, 380 for driving in rotation relative to the main body 22, 122, 222, 322. In the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments, said means for driving in rotation is an axial imprint 80, 180, 380, forming a cavity in the rear end 76, 176, 376 of the actuating element. In the third embodiment of figures 5 and 6, said rotational drive means is formed by sections 280 parallel to the axis 20 and arranged on an external surface of the rear end 276 of the actuating element.

[0070] The holding element 32, 132, 232 of the first, second, third and fifth embodiments is arranged in the main body 22, 122, 222 and fixed in rotation and in translation relative to said main body. Furthermore, said holding element 32, 132, 232 comprises a second rotation-locking member 82, 182, 282, capable of cooperating with the first rotation-locking member 64 to lock the clamp body 24, 424 in rotation relative to the main body 22, 122, 222.

[0071] More specifically, the holding element 32, 132, 232 comprises an annular plate 84 and two axially extending tabs 86, 186, 286. In the first, second and fifth embodiments, the holding element 32, 132 further comprises a joining piece 88, 188.

[0072] The annular plate 84 is arranged perpendicular to the axis 20 and comprises a first orifice 89, 289 centered on said axis 20. The annular plate 84 is in contact with the end piece 42 of the main body, the center of the first orifice 89, 289 being aligned with the center of the central opening 46 of said end piece.

[0073] In the first, second and fifth embodiments of Figures 1-4 and 9-10, the first orifice 89 of the annular plate 84 has a shape complementary to the rear portion 52 of the clamp body 24, 424. In the third embodiment of Figures 5-6, the first orifice 289 of the annular plate is cylindrical.

[0074] In the first, second, third and fifth embodiments of Figures 1-6 and 9-10, a minimum dimension of the first orifice 89, 289 is greater than the diameter of the front portion 50, 450 of the clamp body. Further, in the third embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the diameter of the first orifice 289 is less than the outer diameter of the rear portion 52.

[0075] The front portion 50, 450 of the clamp body 24, 424 passes through the first orifice 89, 289 and extends axially in a direction opposite to the direction of the legs 86, 186, 286. In the first, second and fifth embodiments of Figures 1-4 and 9-10, the rear portion 52 of the clamp body 24, 424 also passes through the first orifice 89. In the third embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the rear portion 52 rests against a face of the annular plate 84.

[0076] Furthermore, the spacer 28 passes through the first orifice 89, 289.

[0077] An outer edge of the annular plate 84 comprises a second rotation-locking shape 90, capable of cooperating with the first rotation-locking shape 49 of the front end 36 of the tubular portion 34, 134, 234 of the main body 22, 122, 222. In the first, second, third and fifth embodiments shown, the second rotation-locking shape 90 is a multi-sided outer surface, capable of fitting into the multi-sided inner surface 49 of the main body 22, 122, 222 to lock the holding element 32, 132, 232 in rotation relative to said main body. Other anti-rotation shapes blocking the rotation of the holding element 32, 132, 232 relative to the tubular part 34, 134, 234 of the main body can be implemented, such as for example a device of complementary grooves and splines.

[0078] The tabs 86, 186, 286 of the holding element 32, 132, 232 form a rear projection relative to the annular plate 84 from an edge of the first orifice 89, 289. Said tabs 86, 186 and / or said edge of the first orifice 89, 289 comprise flat surfaces 82, 182, 282 parallel to the axis 20. Said flat surfaces form the second rotation-locking member 82, 182, 282 and are capable of coming into contact with the flats 64 of the rear portion 52 of the clamp body 24, 424.

[0079] As detailed below, the interaction of said flat surfaces 82, 182, 282 of the holding element 32, 132, 232 with the flats 64 of the rear portion 52 of the clamp body 24, 424 makes it possible to convert a rotation of the actuating element 30, 130, 230 into a translation of the clamp body 24, 424 in the holding element 32, 132, 232, with good mechanical resistance of the fastener to shear stresses due to torsion. The fastener 10, 110, 210, 410, according to the first, second, third and fifth embodiments described above, is therefore particularly suitable for the implementation of fasteners of large diameters.

[0080] The legs 86, 186, 286 extend inside the actuating element 30, 130,

[0081] 230. In the third embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, each leg 286 has a free rear end, opposite the annular plate 84. In the first, second and fifth embodiments, the connecting piece 88, 188 is integral with the rear ends of the legs 86, 186 opposite the annular plate 84. The connecting piece 88, 188 and the legs 86, 186, 286 are arranged inside the actuating element 30, 130.

[0082] In the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 and in the fifth embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the rear end 72 of the spacer 28 is secured to the connecting piece 88, preferably by screwing, or by brazing or crimping. The spacer 28 is thus fixed in rotation and in translation relative to the main body 22 and to the holding element 32. Such a configuration facilitates in particular the mounting of the fixing 10, 410.

[0083] In the second embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the joining piece 188 is pierced with a second orifice 192 whose center is aligned with the center of the first orifice 89, 289, said second orifice being crossed by the rear end 172 of the spacer 128. Said spacer 128 is free to rotate in the orifices 89, 192 relative to the main body 122, since it is linked in rotation with the actuating element 130.

[0084] In an initial state of the fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, the clamp body 24, 324, 424 has a first axial position relative to the main body 22, 122, 222, 322. The shoulder 60 of the clamp body 24, 424 of the fasteners 10, 110 and 410 bears against an internal face of the end piece 42 of the main body. The initial state of the fastener 10, 110, 210, 410 is notably shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 10.

[0085] In the initial state of the attachment 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, the hooking beaks 66 of the elastic clips 26, 426 are axially spaced from the front end 70, 370 of the spacer 28, 128, 328; and said elastic clips 26, 426 are in the retracted configuration of Figures 1-6 and 9-10.

[0086] In the initial state of the attachment 310 of Figures 7 and 8, the arms 375 of the spreader 328 are housed in the slots 358 and in the transverse groove 364 of the clamp body 324.

[0087] In an installed state of the fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, the clamp body 24, 324, 424 has a second axial position relative to the main body 22, 122, 222, 322. In said second axial position, the rear portion 52, 352 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424 is closer to the rear end 40 of the main body 22, 122, 222, 322 than in the first axial position of the initial state.

[0088] The installed state of the fastener 310 is shown in Figure 8 in the assembly 13.

[0089] In the installed state of the fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, the hooking beaks 66 of the elastic clips 26, 426 are arranged around the front end 70, 370 of the spreader 28, 128, 328; and said elastic clips 26, 426 are in the deployed configuration of FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0090] More precisely, in the assembly 13 of FIG. 8, the clamp body 324 is arranged in the bore 18; the bearing face 44 of the main body 322 and the hooking beaks 66 of the elastic clamps 26 are in contact respectively with the first 14 and the second 16 faces of the structures 12; and an axial clamping force is exerted on said structures 12 by the fixing 310.

[0091] A method of installing the fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 will now be described.

[0092] At the beginning of the installation process, the fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 is in the initial state described above.

[0093] The fastener 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 in the initial state is assembled to a manual or robotic installation tool (not shown), provided with an installation nose or an installation module as described for example in document FR3005886 in the name of the Applicant. The robot or the operator inserts the clamp body 24, 324, 424 into the bore 18 of the structures 12, until the bearing face 44 of the main body 22, 122, 222, 322 comes into contact with the first face 14 of said structures. The hooking beaks 66 of the elastic clamps 26, 426 then form an axial projection relative to the second face 16 of the structures 12.

[0094] Then, the main body 22, 122, 222, 322 is held fixed by the installation tool relative to the structures 12; and the actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 is driven in rotation relative to said main body. For this purpose, the nose or the installation module is coupled to the means 80, 180, 280, 380 for driving the actuating element in rotation.

[0095] In the second and third embodiments, the rotation of the actuating element 130, 230 drives the spacer 128 in rotation, said spacer remaining fixed in translation relative to the main body 122, 222.

[0096] Under the effect of the rotation of the actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330, the tapping 78 cooperates with the thread 62 of the rear portion 52, 352 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424. Said clamp body moves axially in the main body 22, 122, 222, 322 towards the rear end 40, while being blocked in rotation relative to said main body.

[0097] More specifically, in the first, second, third and fifth embodiments, the clamp body 24, 424 moves axially relative to the holding element 32, 132, 232 while being locked in rotation by the cooperation of the first 64 and second 82, 182, 282 rotation locking members. The rotation of the actuating element 30, 130, 230 therefore results in the translation of the clamp body 24, 424 in the holding element 32, 132, 232, with good mechanical resistance of the fixing 10, 110, 210, 410 to the torsional moments undergone.

[0098] In the fourth embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the arms 375 of the spreader 328 slide in the slots 358 of the clamp body 324, ensuring the rotational locking of said clamp body relative to the main body 322.

[0099] Thus, the hooking beaks 66 of the elastic clamps 26, 426 move axially closer to the front end 70, 370 of the spreader 28, 128, 328.

[0100] When said hooking beaks 66 reach said front end 70, 370, the hooking beaks 66 move apart from each other and form a radial projection relative to the radial surface 54, 454 of the clamp body 24, 324, 424.

[0101] The rotation of the actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 is continued until the hooking beaks 66 come into contact with the second face 16 of the structures 12 and the desired force is applied to said structures.

[0102] The assembly 13 thus formed is disassembled by assembling the installation tool to the main body 22, 122, 222, 322 of the fastener, and rotating the actuating element 30, 130, 230, 330 in the opposite direction, so as to return the fastener to the initial state. Said fastener can then be dissociated from the structures 12 and reused.

[0103] A method of manufacturing the fastener 10, 110, 210, 310 according to the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, in particular the clamp body 24, 324 and the clamps 26, will now be described.

[0104] According to a first embodiment, the radial surface 54 of the clamp body is wire-cut, so as to form a blank of the clamps 26 in a single piece in the cylinder, as well as the longitudinal openings 56. The clamp blanks are then machined to form the jaws 66, then curved, so as to maintain their retracted position inside the clamp body.

[0105] According to a second embodiment, recesses are first provided in the radial surface 54 of the clamp body to form the longitudinal openings 56; then a clamp 26 is fixed to the rear end of each of said longitudinal openings 56, for example by welding.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Fastener (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for the temporary assembly of at least two previously drilled structures, said fastener comprising: - a hollow main body (22, 122, 222, 322), extending along an axis (20); - a plurality of elastic clips (26, 426) extending between a first and a second end, the first end of each elastic clip comprising a hooking beak (66); - a spacer (28, 128, 328) extending along the axis (20), the spacer being fixed in translation relative to the main body (22, 122, 222, 322); and - an actuating element (30, 130, 230, 330), extending along the axis inside the main body, said actuating element being fixed in translation and movable in rotation relative to the main body (22, 122, 222, 322); the actuating element having a tubular shape, an internal surface of said actuating element comprising a thread (78); the attachment further comprising a tubular clamp body (24, 324, 424), movable relative to the main body and extending along the axis (20); the clamp body comprising a first portion (50, 350, 450) comprising a radial surface (54, 454), substantially cylindrical of revolution; the second end of each elastic clamp (26, 426) being fixed to said first portion of the clamp body;the first end of each elastic clamp being movable between: a retracted position, in which the hooking beak (66) of said first end is entirely contained within an envelope surface comprising the radial surface (54, 454); and a deployed position, in which the hooking beak of said first end forms a radial projection relative to the radial surface; the attachment being characterized in that:; - the clamp body further comprises a second portion (52, 352), axially adjacent to the first portion, said second portion comprising a thread (62), a first end of the actuating element being connected to said thread of the second portion (52, 352) by the tapping (78) of the internal surface of said actuating element; - one end of the main body comprises a first rotation locking form (49, 349); - the second portion (52, 352) of the clamp body (24, 324, 424) comprises a first rotation locking member (64, 364); and - the fixing comprises an element (32, 132, 232, 328) configured to cooperate with said first rotational locking form (49, 349) and with said first member (64, 364) for rotational locking, so that the clamp body (24, 324, 424) is fixed in rotation and movable in translation relative to the main body.

2. Fastener (10, 110, 210, 410) according to claim 1, comprising a holding element (32, 132, 232), arranged in the main body, said holding element comprising: a second rotation locking form (90), capable of cooperating with the first rotation locking form (49) of the main body to lock the holding element in rotation relative to the main body; and a second rotation locking member (82, 182, 282), capable of cooperating with the first rotation locking member (64) to lock the clamp body (24, 424) in rotation relative to the holding element.

3. A fastener (10, 110, 210, 410) according to claim 2, wherein the holding element comprises: an annular plate (84) provided with a first orifice (89, 289); and two tabs (86, 186, 286) extending from said annular plate in a direction along the axis, the second portion (52) of the clamp body (24, 424) being disposed between the tabs of the holding element and resting against the annular plate, the first portion (50, 450) of the clamp body passing through the first orifice (89, 289) of the annular plate and extending axially in a direction opposite to the direction of the tabs.

4. Fastening (10, 110, 210, 410) according to claim 3, in which the tabs (86, 186) and / or an edge of the first orifice (89, 289) comprise flat surfaces parallel to the axis (20), said flat surfaces forming the second rotation locking member (82, 182, 282).

5. Fastening (10, 110, 410) according to claim 3 or 4, in which the holding element (32, 132) further comprises a joining piece (88, 188), integral with the tabs (86, 186) and arranged opposite the annular plate (84).

6. Fastener (10, 110, 210, 410) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which the spacer (28) is cylindrical in shape and extends along the axis inside the clamp body (24, 424), the holding element (32, 132, 232) and the actuating element (30, 130, 230).

7. Fastener (10, 410) according to claim 6, in which the spacer (28) is integral with the holding element (32).

8. Fastening (10, 410) according to claim 7 taken in combination with claim 5, in which the spacer (28) is integral with the junction part (88) of the holding element, and preferably screwed to said junction part (88).

9. Fastener (110, 210) according to claim 6, in which the spacer (128) is integral with the actuating element (130, 230).

10. Fastener (10, 110, 210, 310) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first portion (50, 350) of the clamp body (24, 324) further comprises a plurality of longitudinal openings (56), each longitudinal opening extending between a first and a second end, the second end of each elastic clamp (26) being fixed to the second end of one of the longitudinal openings; and in the retracted position of the first end of each elastic clamp, the hooking beak (66) of said first end is disposed in the corresponding longitudinal opening and entirely contained within the radial surface (54) of the first portion of the clamp body.

11. Fastener (310) according to claim 10 taken in combination with claim 1, in which: the first rotational locking form is a diametrical slot (349), the spacer (328) comprises at least one arm (375) extending perpendicular to the axis, said arm being housed in the diametrical slot (340); and the clamp body comprises at least one longitudinal slot (358) in which said arm is able to slide during a movement of the clamp body (324) relative to the spacer along the axis (20).

12. Fastening according to one of the preceding claims, in which a second end of the actuating element comprises means (80, 180, 280, 380) for driving said actuating element in rotation.

13. Method for manufacturing a fastener (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 10, comprising the following steps: manufacturing the radial surface (54), substantially cylindrical of revolution, of the first portion (50, 350) of the clamp body (24, 324); then cutting said radial surface, so as to form the longitudinal openings (56) and a blank of the clamps (26); then shaping and bending said blanks to lead to the clamps (26) maintaining the retracted position inside the longitudinal openings.

14. A method of manufacturing a fastener (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 10, comprising the following steps: manufacturing the radial surface (54), substantially cylindrical in revolution, of the first portion (50, 350) of the clamp body (24, 324); then arranging recesses in said radial surface, so as to form the longitudinal openings (56); then fixing a clamp (26) to a rear end of each of said longitudinal openings (56).

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