GB2500622A

GB2500622A - Tool for temporarily retaining bush on bolt

Info

Publication number: GB2500622A
Application number: GB1205329.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jose Luis Lopez Ortiz; Andres Lopez Ortiz
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2012-03-27
Filing date: 2012-03-27
Publication date: 2013-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-27
Also published as: EP2644913A2; GB2500622B; EP2644913B1; GB201205329D0; EP2644913A3; ES2766773T3

Abstract

A tool 1 temporarily retains a bush or washer 3 on each of one or more bolts 5, for example during assembly of parts 9 to vehicle engines. The tool includes spaced first and second engagement members (11, 13, Figure 1), which define a slot (14, Figure 1) open at one end (14L, Figure 1). Preferably, the tool 1 slides into valleys (17, Figure 3) between teeth (16, Figure 3) on the bolt thread(s) (19, Figure 3). The tool 1 may have a handle 15, and may be moulded plastic, stamped or cut metal, or of composite construction. There may be three or more engagement members defining two or more slots, and each slot may be tapered and/or curved at the open end. An assembly system and method are also disclosed.

Description

RETAINING TOOL, SYSTEM & METHOD The present invention relates to a retaining tool; to an assembly system; and to an assembly method.

During automotive assembly processes, automotive components are often bolted together.

In some instances, it is necessary to mount an intermediate element, such as a bush, washer, bearing, spacer or spring, onto each bolt. Sometimes the intermediate elements have a tendency to slide off the bolts, particularly where there is significant play between thc intermediatc element and thc bolt. This can prcscnt difficulties during assembly, such as the loss of intermediate elements, incorrect connection between components, loads not being spread properly, and bearing surfaces not being provided. A significant amount of time can be wasted searching for and/or replacing lost intermediate elements.

Furthermore, when assembling the automotive components, it usually requires at least two assembly personnel to collate the components, and to ensure that the intermediate elements do not fall off the bolts. This is considered to lack efficiency. Alternatively, an additional assembly step can be undertaken, to fixedly attach the intermediate elements to one of the automotive components prior to connecting the components together. This adds to assembly time, increases cost, and therefore is not an optimised solution.

For example, a gusset, which is used to space a catalytic converter from an engine, is connected to an engine block by four bolts in some vehicles. A bush is mounted on each of the bolts and is welded to the gusset. This prevents the bushes from falling off the bolts during the assembly process, and enables the assembly process to be undertaken by one person only. However, welding is a costly and relatively time consuming process; and the gusset requires additional treatments subsequent to welding before it can be attached to the engine block. Welding can also lead to cracking and corrosion and therefore is not a desirable way of solving this problem.

W02006/0 14740 discloses the use of bolt clips that are fixedly attached to a vehicle running board, and are arranged to engage vehicle mounting bolts; thereby securing the running board to the vehicle. During assembly, the bolt clips are permanently attached to the running board. The clips each include a bore with ferrules arranged along the bore, the ferrules being arranged to receive and engage respective bolts. While the bolt clips provide an alternative to welding, they introduce new material to the running board; which adds cost and weight to the vehicle.

Similar problems can occur when connecting components together by bolts, and/or other similar fasteners, in othcr industries.

Accordingly, the present invention seeks to mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned problems, or to at least provide an alternative comprising a retaining tool, assembly system and assembly method.

According to one aspect of the inyention, there is proyided a retaining tool for temporarily retaining an intcrmcdiate assembly clement on at least onc extcrnally thrcadcd fastdller, such as a bolt; said tool including first and second engagcmcnt mcmbcrs that are spaced apart from one another, thereby defining a slot for receiving part of the threaded fastener, said slot being open at one end; the arrangement being such that the retaining tool is mountable onto the threaded fastener, and is removab'e therefrom, in a direction that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fastener. Thus, the retaining tool is arranged to releaseably engage the threaded fastener.

The tool is attached to the threaded fastener(s) by an assembly worker to enable the worker to manoeuvre the assembly components to their correct positions for assembly without the possibility of the intermediate assembly element falling off the threaded fastener, since the first and second engagement members abut against the intermediate assembly element, thereby limiting its relative movement with respect to the fastener in the longitudinal direction. The worker can remove the retaining tool after the bolts have been partially inserted into an assembly component -for example, an engine cylinder block. Thus what was previously a two worker job can be pcrformed by a single worker, without having to permanenfly attach the intermediate assembly element to one of the assemb'y components.

Adyantageously, the retaining tool can be mounted onto the fastener -and removed therefrom -in any direction that is transverse to thc longitudillal axis of thc threaded fastcncr. Prcfcrably thc retaining tool can bc mountcd onto, and is rcmovable from, thc fastener in any direction within an angle of ±30 degrees from a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the threaded fastener, preferably within +20 degrees, more preferably +15 degrees, and more preferably still +10 degrees.

Most preferably the tool can be mounted onto, and is removable from, the fastener in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fastener. The angle at which the tool can be mounted onto, and removed from, the threaded fastener is S largely determined by the pitch of the fastener and the amount of play between the thread and the engagement members.

Advantageously, the tool can include at least one further engagement member. This can provide a second slot, for example between the first and further engagement members, or between the second and further engagement members. Advantageously, the second slot can be arranged substantially parallel to the first slot. The or each further engagement member enables the retaining tool to retain an intermediate assembly element on at least one further threaded fastcner. Advantageously, the retaining tool can include a plurality of further engagement members. Advantageously, each further engagement member can provide a further slot to accommodate additional threaded fasteners. Advantageously, the retaining tool includes a body; and each engagement member comprises a prong that protrudes from the body.

The first and second engagement members can be arranged substantially parallel to one another. This enables the retaining tool to grip the threaded fastener on parts of the fastener that are substantially diametrically opposite to one another. It also helps to facilitate accommodating a plurality of threaded fasteners which each have substantially the same dimensions. Advantageously, the or each further engagement member can be arranged substantially parallel with at least one of the first and second engagement members.

If it is necessary to accommodate threaded fasteners that have different dimensions, particularly different diameters, pairs of the engagement members can be inclined to one another, and/or include a curved portion. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the engagement members can include a stepped portion. Advantageously, respective parts of the stepped engagement members can be arranged substantially parallel to one another.

At least the first and second engagement members can be spaced apart by a distance that is greater than or equal to a diameter of a core of the threaded fastener, and is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the thread along at least part of their lengths, and preferably along substantially their entire lengths. (For clarity, the core of a threaded fastener is its radially innermost part, which is not cut into by the thread). This ensures that the thread intcrfcrcs with the retaining tool, and thereby prevents the tool from moving longitudinally along the threaded fastener. Advantageously, the first and second engagement members are spaced apart by a distance that is substantially equal to a minor diameter of the threaded fastener along at least part of their lengths, and preferably along substantially their entire lengths. This ensures a snug fit between the fastener and the tool. Advantageously the distance between a further engagement member and one of the first and second engagement members and/or an additional further engagement member can be greater than or equal to diameter of a core of the threaded fastener, and is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the thread along at least part of their lengths, and preferably along substantially their entire lengths.

The tool can be arranged to accommodate a plurality of threaded fasteners within the slot, for example spaced along the length of the slot. This reduces the number of retaining tools required. Also, the tool is more firmly held in place when it engages a plurality of threaded fasteners, which assists the retaining fhnction. Typically this is achieved by selecting appropriate lengths for the first and second engagement members. Typically the lengths of the engagement members are at least 10mm, preferably at least 20mm and more preferably still at least 50mm. Typically the lengths of the engagement members are less than or equal to 250mm, preferably less than 200mm and more preferably still less than 150mm. The lengths of the engagement members in part determines the number of threaded fasteners that the tool can accommodate in the slot.

Preferably at least the first and second engagement members have substantially equal lengths. The or each further engagement member can be substantially equal in length to at least one of the first and second engagement members.

Advantageously the thickness of at least a part of at least one of the engagement members, and preferably each of the engagement members, is sized to enable each engagement member so arranged to slide into a valley formed by two adjacent thread teeth.

Advantageously the thickness of the whole body can be sized to enable each engagement member to slide into a valley formed by two adjacent thread teeth. Typically the thickness of each engagement member, at least at a thread engaging part, is at least 0.1mm, preferably at least 0.2mm and more preferably still at least 0.3mm. Typically the thickness is less than or equal to 2.0mm, preferably 1.5mm and more preferably still 1.0mm. In many practicable embodiments the thickness will be around 0.4mm to 0.6mm.

Advantageously at least some of the engagement members lie in substantially the same plane. At least the first and second engagement members can lie in substantially the same plane. The or each further engagement member can lie in the same plane as at least one of the first and second engagement members. This provides a thin overall profile to the tool.

Advantageously at least part of the retaining tool can be flexible. At least a part of each engagement member can be flexible.

Advantageously at least part of the retaining tool can be resilient. At least a part of each engagement member can be resilient.

Advantageously at least part of the retaining tool can be substantially rigid.

Advantageously at least a part of each engagement member can be substantially rigid.

At least the engagement members can include a metal, such as steel or aluminium; and/or a plastics material such as ABS. The retaining tool body can be made from metal and/or a plastics material. The body can be formed from sheet material. The retaining tool can be cut, stamped or moulded.

The tool can include a concave formation that connects the first and second engagement members together. Advantageously the concave formation is substantially semi-circular in plan, and has a diameter that is substantially equal to the minor diameter of the screw thread. The concave formation limits the relative movement between the first and second engagement members and the threaded fastener in the direction of insertion. A similar concave portion can be provided between one of the first and second engagement members and a further engagement member. A similar concave portion can be provided between pairs of further engagement members.

Advantageously the tool can include a handle portion. The handle may be arranged substantially parallel with the first and second engagement members. The handle may protrude from the body in a direction that is substantially opposite to the direction in which the engagement members protrude from the body.

Advantageously, the internal surface of at least one of the engagement members can have a profile that is substantially complementary to the threaded fastener; for example, a substantially V-shaped tooth.

Advantageously, at least one of the first, second and thrther engagement members can include a tapered andlor rounded portion at its leading, or open, end. This helps the retaining tool to be inserted into the screw thread.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly system including at least one threaded fastener, at least one intermediate assembly element for mounting onto the threaded fastener, first and second assembly components arranged for attachment to one another using the threaded fastener, and at least one retaining tool that is mountable onto the threaded fastener for temporarily retaining the intermediate element on the threaded fastener during the assembly process, wherein the retaining tool is removable from the threaded fastener in a direction that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.

The threaded fastener can comprise a bolt, such as a bolt in the size range M2 to M24.

Advantageously, the or each retaining tool can be arranged according to any configuration described herein.

The first and second assembly components are preferably first and second automotive components. The fir st component can comprise an engine (which would generally be partly assembled) and the second component can comprise a gusset. The gusset may comprise a bracket and/or a mounting. At least one of the first and second components can include a through hole arranged to receive the threaded fastener. At least one of the first and second components can include an internally threaded hole to receive the threaded fastener. The first and second components can include a plurality of holes, each arranged to receive one threaded fastener.

The assembly can include a plurality of threaded fasteners, at least some of which have intermediate assembly elements mounted thereon. Advantageously each intermediate assembly element can comprise one of a bearing clement such as a bush, a spring clement, a spacer, and a load spreading element such as a washer.

The threaded flisteners each have a longitudinal axis; and can be arranged such that the longitudinal axes are arranged substantially parallel to one another. Advantageously, the threaded fasteners can be arranged in rows and/or columns. This arrangement helps the retaining tool to engage a plurality of threaded &steners.

The assembly system can include a plurality of retaining tools arranged according to any configuration described herein. Such a plurality of tools may be joined together, for example by a bracket, link, or chain; effectively forming a single tool. This assists organization of the workplace where tools of different sizes are used. Tools of different sizes may be colour-coded to differentiate them.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly method for connecting first and second components together; including providing the first and second components, at least one threaded fastener and at least one intermediate assembly element; mounting the intermediate assembly element onto the threaded fastener, mounting a rctaining tool onto thc thrcadcd fastcncr, and tcmporarily rctaining thc intcrmcdiatc assembly element on the threaded fastener using the retaining tool; and removing the retaining tool from the threaded fhstener in a direction that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.

The retaining tool can be arranged according to any configuration described herein.

The method can include connecting the first and second components together using the at least one threaded fastener, and removing the retaining tool while the threaded fastener is in a partially tightened state.

The method can include filly tightening the threaded listener after the retaining tool has been removed.

The method can include providing a second threaded fastener and a second intermediate assembly element.

The method can include temporarily retaining the second intermediate assembly element on thc sccond threaded fastener using the rctaining tool.

The method can include providing a second retaining tool arranged according to any configuration described herein aM temporarily retaining the second intermediate assembly element on the second threaded fastener using the second retaining tool.

The method can include proyiding at least one further threaded fastener, and at least one further intcrmediate assembly elemcnt, and optionally at least one ffirthcr retaining tool arrangcd according to any configuration dcscribcd hcrein.

An embodiment of thc invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a retaining tool in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the retaining tool of Figure 1, in use; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining tool of Figure 2 along the line A-A; Figure 4 shows nomenclature used in connection with a screw thread; and Figures 5a to 5d show diagrammatically the retaining tool of Figure 1 being used in an automotive assembly process.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a retaining tool I in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 shows a pair of the retaining tools 1 in use. Each retaining tool 1 holds a pair of bushes 3 onto a pair of bolts 5. The bolts 5 are mounted in holes 7 formed in the body of a gusset 9. The gusset 9 is used to space a catalytic converter (not shown) from an engine 10 (see Figures Sc and Sd).

Each retaining tool I includes a body that has a shape similar to a tuning fork. The retaining tool I includes first and second prongs 11, 13, and a handle 15. There is a slot 14 with an opcn end 14L between the prongs. The retaining tool 1 has a thickness (T, Fig. 3) typically in the range 0.1mm to 2mm; and preferably in the range 0.4mm to 0.6mm. The retaining tool 1 has a small thickness T so that the first and second prongs 11, 13 can fit into the valleys 16 formed between two adjacent teeth 17 in the thread bolts 5. This is illustrated in Figwe 3 (other parts of the thread 19 have been omitted for clarity).

The first and second prongs 11, 13 are arranged substantially parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction (see Figure 1), or at least their internal faces 1 Ia, 13a are so arranged. This enables the retaining tool ito accommodate a bolt 5 along substantially the full lcngth of the prongs 11, 13. Since the first and second prongs 11, 13 are arranged substantially parallel to one another, they each engage the bolt 5 at points that are arranged substantially diametrically opposite to one another. This provides a good grip.

The first and second prongs 11, 13 are spaced apart by a distance that is substantially equal to the minor diameter d1 of the external screw thread 19 (see Figure 4). The distance d1 between the first and second prongs 11, 13 is dependent on the size of the bolt 5 onto which the tool is to be mounted. Typically, d1 is in the range 5mm to 20mm; but it can be

any suitable size.

This arrangement enables the tool 1 to slide onto the core of the bolt 5, from a transverse direction, such that a part of each prong II, 13 fits snugly into a val Icy 16 between two adjacent teeth 17 of the thread, and part of each prong 11, 13 protrudes above the teeth 17.

The arrangement is such that the longitudinal axis of the tool 1 is arranged substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the bolt 5.

The teeth 17 prevent the tool I from moving along the longitudinal axis of the bolt 5. The prongs 11, 13 engage the bush 3 and act to limit its movement along the longitudinal axis of the bolt 5. Therefore the retaining tool 1 provides a stop for preventing the bush 3 from falling from the bolt 5 during an assembly process. It is desirable to select teeth 17 that are located close to the bush 3 to limit the movement of the bush 3 along the boltS. Tool 1 also holds bolt 5 onto gusset 9 during assembly.

Tool I can be removed from the bolt 5 by sliding the tool in a direction that is substantially opposite to the direction in which it was mounted onto the bolt 5. Therefore the retaining tool provides a temporary retaining function. This is advantageous since it does not suffer from the problems associated with permanently fixing the bushes (and similar elements) to the assembly components mentioned in the introductory section.

Where the first and second prongs 11, 13 are connected together, the body is rounded and has a substantially semi-circular profile 12, the diameter of which is substantially equal to the minor diameter d1 of the bolt thread 19. The profile 12 accommodates the bolt 5, and limits further relative movement between the bolt 5 and the tool 1 in the insertion direction.

Each prong 11, 13 includes a tapered and/or rounded leading edge 11L,13L. The tapers together subtend an angle e, which is typically in the range 100 to 600. The purpose of the rounded and/or tapered parts IIL,13L is to enable the retaining tool I to slide more easily onto the bolts 5.

Edges IlL, 13L are called the leading edge (or end) because they meet the threaded fastener first during installation of the retaining tool. The open leading end 14L of slot 14 corresponds to this convention. Conversely, semi-circular profile 12 is at the trailing end or edge of the slot 14 located between prongs or engagement members 11, 13.

The length L of each of the first and second prongs 11, 13 is substantially equal. Prong length L is determined by the number of bolts 5 to be accommodated by the prongs 11, 13 in a single retaining operation, and the spacing therebetween. The length L of the prongs is such that the retaining tool I can accommodate the diameter of at least one bolt 5; and preferably a plurality of bolts 5. Preferably the length L is selected to accommodate between one and four bolts 5; and most preferably two bolts 5. Typically the prongs 11, 13 have a length L in the range 10mm to 250mm.

Thewidth W ofeach prong 11, 13 is typically in the range 2mm to 15mm, and preferably in the range 4mm to 10mm. The width W of each prong 11, 13 defines the retaining surface (20,21, Fig. 3) that abuts against the bush 3 and prevents said bush from sliding off the bolt 5. The width W is selected to provide an appropriate retaining function for the application.

The handle 15 enables the user to grip the retaining tool 1, and to slide it into place; and conversely, to remove it from the bolt 5 when the operation is completed.

The retaining tool I is preferably made from a metal, such as steel or aluminium; or a plastics material, such as ABS. The retaining tool I can be manufactured by, for example, stamping and/or cutting the tool out of sheet material. Additionally, or alternatively, the tool I can be moulded. In preferred embodiments, the body is made from a single piece of material, which provides a very simple and cheap construction.

An automotive assembly process using two of the retaining tools 1 according to the invention, will now be described, with reference to Figures Sa to 3d. The assembly process is the connection of a gusset 9 to an engine block 23. The gusset 9 is connected to the engine block 23 by four bolts 5. The bohs 5 are arranged substantially parallel to one another, and are arranged in an array.

The bolts 5 arc inserted into holes 7 formed in the gusset 9. A bush 3 is placed onto each of the bolts S (see Figure 5a). One of the retaining tools I is then slid onto the upper two bolts 5, from a transverse direction, to hold the bushes 3 in place on their respective bolts 5; and the other retaining tool I is slid across the lower two bolts 5 to hold their bushes 3 in place on their respective bolts 5. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that in Figures 5a to Sc, thc retaining tooLs have been slid across the bolts 5 from a sideways direction.

However, the tools 1 can be mounted onto the bolts 5 in a vertical direction. In this case, one of the retaining tools I is used to hold in place the bushes 3 on the left hand side bolts 5. Another tool 1 holds bushes 3 in place on the right hand side bolts 5. It will be appreciated that both the sideways and vertical directions arc substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axes of the bolts. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in practice the retaining tools 1 may be mounted on the bolts 5 so that they are inclined to the longitudinal axis of the bolts 5. The angle is largely dependent on the pitch of the thread 19. If the pitch is very small the angle is likely to be close to 90 degrees, however if the pitch is slack the angle of inclination can be + 30 degrees, or more away from an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bolt 5. Thus the tool is arranged to slide onto, and be removed from, the bolt 5 in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bolt 5; rather than being screwed onto the thread 19 in a manner similar to a nut.

The operator then moves the gusset 9 into place such that the bolts 5 are aligned with internally threaded holes 25 formed in the engine block 23. The operator uses a power tool or a pncumatic tool (not shown) to partially tighten the bolts 5. When thc bolts 5 are partially inserted into the holes 25, the operator removes the retaining tools 1; and then completes the operation by fully tightening the bolts 5.

The process ensures that the bushes 3 do not fall off the bolts 5 during the assembly opcration. This obviates the nccd to wcld the bushes to thc gusset 9 prior to the asscmbly operation. It also obviates the subsequent processes that are required post-welding and prevents corrosion and/or cracking that can be associated with the welding operations. The inventors have found that the operation reduces the cost of producing a car by around 25 Euros. When it is considered that many millions of cars are made each year, this leads to a substantial saving ovcrall.

Furthermore, the process can be completed by a single assembly worker.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that modifications can be made to the above embodiment, that fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the retaining tool 1 can be used to hold other elements onto a bolt 5 such as, for example, a spring, washer, spacer or other type of bearing. The tool 1 can be used in other automotive assembly proccsscs, and has application in non-automotivc assembly processes.

The two retaining tools 1 shown in Figures Sa to Sd can be connected together such that they form a single retaining tool 1. For example, they can be made as a single moulding. In this arrangement, the retaining tool can include a spacer part to space the pairs of prongs apart to account for the spacing between rows or columns of bolts 5. Alternatively, two or more rctaining tools can be connected by a flexiblc conncctor, such as a cord or chain; or by an arm connected to each tool.

Additionally, or alternatively, the retaining tool I can include at least one fhrther prong to accommodate at lcast one additional bolt 5. Thus, the retaining tool can include at Icast two prongs 11, 13; howcvcr, it may include any practicablc numbcr of prongs 11, 13.

The inner sides ha, 13a of the prongs can includc a profilc that is substantially complementary to the thread 19 into which the retaining tool is inserted. Effectively, this means that the prongs 11, 13 can include an internal tooth that mates with the external thread on the bolts 5.

The tool I can be adapted such that only those parts that mate with the screw thread 19 of the bolt have a thickness T that is sufficiently thin to enable the tool to fit between two teeth 17 on the screw thread. The remainder of the body can have a thickness T of any suitable size. However, the uniformly thin embodiment described above is an exemplary embodiment, since the material usage is low, and it can be constructed very easily.

The embodiment shown is used to hold bushes 3 onto bolts 5 that each have the same diameter. If different diameter bolts 5 are used, separate retaining tools 1, each appropriately dimensioned, can be used. Alternatively, one retaining tool can be used to accommodate different diameter bolts 5 by adapting the prongs, for example to include a stepped portion; or to arrange the prongs so that they are inclined to one another, and/or include a curved portion.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A retaining tool for temporarily retaining an intermediate assembly element on at least one externally threaded fastener, said tool including first and second cngagcmcnt mcmbcrs that arc spaccd apart from onc anothcr thcrcby dcfining a slot for receiving part of the threaded fastener, said slot being open at one end, the arrangement being such that the retaining tool is mountable onto the threaded fastcncr, and is rcmovablc thcrcfrom, in a dircction that is transvcrsc to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
2. A retaining tool according to claim 1, arranged such that the retaining tool is mountable onto the fastener, and removable therefrom, in any direction that is within an angle of +30 degrees from a direction that is substantially perpendicular to thc longitudinal axis of thc thrcadcd fastcncr, prcfcrably within +20 dcgrccs, more preferably ± 15 degrees, more preferably still ±10 degrees, and most preferably in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fastener.
3. A rctaining tool according to claim I or claim 2, including at least onc fiirthcr engagement member.
4. A retaining tool according to any onc ofthc prcccding claims, whcrcin thc first and second engagement members are arranged sustainably parallel to one another.
5. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second engagement members are spaced apart by a distance that is greater than or equal to the diameter of a core of the threaded fastener, and is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the thread along at least part of the lengths of said engagement members, and preferably along substantially their entire lengths.
6. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool is arranged to accommodate a plurality of threaded fasteners within the slot.
7. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first and second engagement members have substantially equal lengths.
8. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lengths of the engagement members are in the range 10mm to 250mm, and preferably in the range 20mm to 200mm.
9. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of at least a part of at least one of the engagement members is sized to enable the engagement member to slide into a valley formed by two adjacent thread teeth on said threaded fastener.
10. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of each engagement member, at least at a thread engaging pan, is in the range 0.1mm to 2mm, and is preferably around 0.4 to 0.6mm.
11. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the engagement members lie in substantially the same plane.
12. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the retaining tool is flexible.
13. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the retaining tool is resilient.
14. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the retaining tool is substantially rigid.
15. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the engagement members include a metal, such as steel or aluminium; and/or a plastics material such as ABS.
16. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, including a concave formation that connects the first and second engagement members together.
17. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, including a handle portion.
18. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal surface of at least one of the engagement members has a profile that is substantially complementary to the threaded fastener.
19. A retaining tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the engagement members includes a tapered and/or rounded portion at its leading edge.
20. An assembly system including at least one threaded fastener, at least one intermediate assembly element for mounting onto the threaded fastener, first and second assembly components arranged for attachment to one another using the threaded fastener, and at least one retaining tool that is mountable onto the threaded fastener for temporarily retaining the intermediate element on the threaded fastener during the assembly process, wherein thc retaining tool is removable from the threaded fastener in a direction that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
21. An assembly system according to claim 20, wherein the or each retaining tool is arranged according to anyone of claims I to 19.
22. An assembly system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the first and second assembly components are first and second automotive components.
23. An assembly system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, including a plurality of threaded fasteners, at least some of which have intermediate assembly elements mounted thereon.
24. An assembly system according to claim 23, wherein the threaded fasteners each have a longitudinal axis, and wherein the fasteners are arranged such that the longitudinal axes are arranged substantially parallel to one another.
25. An assembly system according to any one of claims 20 to 24, including a plurality of retaining tools.
26. An assembly method for connecting first and second components together, including providing the first and second components, at least one threaded fastener and at least one intermediate assembly element, mounting the intermediate assembly element onto the threaded fastener, mounting a retaining tool onto the threaded fastener and temporarily retaining the intermediate assembly element on the threaded fastener using the retaining tool, and removing the retaining tool from the threaded fastener in a direction that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
27. An assembly method according to claim 26, wherein the retaining tool is arranged according to any one of claims I to 19.
28. An assembly method according to claim 26 or 27, including connecting the first and second components together using a threaded fastener, and removing the retaining tool while the threaded fastener is in a partially tightened state.
29. An assembly method according to claim 28, including fully tightening the threaded fastener after the retaining tool has been removed.
30. An assembly method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, including providing a second threaded fastener and a second intermediate assembly element.
31. A method according to claim 30, including temporarily retaining the second intermediate assembly element on the second threaded fastener using the retaining tool.
32. A method according to claim 30, including providing a second retaining tool and temporarily retaining thc second intermediate assembly element on the second threaded fastener using the second retaining tool.
33. An assembly method according to any one claims 30 to 32, including providing at least one further threaded fastener, and at least one further intermediate assembly element, and optionally at least one fUrther retaining tool.
34. An assembly method according to any one of claim 26 to 34, wherein the first and second components are automotive components.
35. A retaining tool as herein described and as illustrated in any one or more of Figures Ito 3, and 5a to 5d.