GB2582964A

GB2582964A - Assemblies and methods for attaching components which have variation in their position in more than one direction

Info

Publication number: GB2582964A
Application number: GB1905153.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Attewell Curran
Original assignee: Perkins Engines Co Ltd
Current assignee: Perkins Engines Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-11
Filing date: 2019-04-11
Publication date: 2020-10-14
Also published as: GB201905153D0

Abstract

A component 2 is attached to a support 22 by an attachment device 18 through a slot 8 in a clamp element 6 (fig 9) rotatable in the component 2. The component 2 can be positionally adjusted relative to the support 22 by rotating the clamp element 6. A component can have more than one clamp element (figs 7-8). An aperture in the component can have an open periphery (fig 10). The assembly may be an exhaust aftertreatment system.

Description

Assemblies and methods for attaching components which have variation in their position in more than one direction

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to assemblies and methods for attaching components which have variation in their position in more than one direction. Particularly (although not exclusively), the assemblies and methods are suitable for components such as exhaust aftertreatment systems which require adjustable or reconfigurable mounting systems.

Background

[0002] Large components, such as exhaust aftertreatment systems, often require adjustable or reconfigurable mounting systems for assembly of the components. For example, they may need to move, or be positionally adjusted, relative to a support with two degrees of freedom in the plane of an interface between the component and the support.

[0003] A mounting slot can be provided to receive a screw or the like allowing adjustment of a component with one degree of freedom by moving the component along the length axis of the slot relative to the fixing. Alternatively, an assembly of multiple brackets can be used to provide adjustment with two degrees of freedom, However, the use of multiple brackets wastes space which is often sparse on engines and machines. It is also difficult to fit and adjust multiple brackets and they make the overall engine/machine heavier, which is to he avoided.

[0004] US2011/0215220, provides a catalytic converter fastening comprising deformable washers which are received in bores to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and small movements due to thermal expansion.

Summary

[0005] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an assembly including a component having at least one aperture, and at least one clamp element having a slot, the slot having a major, length axis and a minor, width axis, the length and width axes extending in a plane.

[0006] The clamp element being configured to engage the component in an assembled position of the clamp clement relative to the component, wherein in the assembled position the component restrains the damp dement in translation in the plane to define a fixed axis of rotation of the clamp clement relative to the component, and the length axis of the slot is arranged in a selectable rotational position in the plane about the fixed axis of rotation.

[0007] The clamp element being rotatable during assembly about the fixed axis of rotation to the selectable rotational position of the length axis of the slot in the plane.

[0008] The slot communicating with the at least one aperture in the assembled position to receive an attachment device extending along an attachment axis through the slot and the at least one aperture to engage a support to retain the component between the clamp element and the support.

[0009] The attachment axis being normal to the plane and adjustable along the length axis of the slot in multiple rotational positions of the length axis of the slot in the plane.

[0010] The assembly may further include an attachment device configured to extend along the attachment axis to retain the component in compression between the at least one clamp clement and the support to resist rotation of the at least one clamp clement relative to the support in the assembled position.

[0011] The assembly may alternatively include an attachment device configured to extend along the attachment axis to retain the component between the at least one clamp element and the support while permitting rotation of the at least one clamp element relative to the support in the assembled position.

[0012] In the assembly described above, the fixed axis of rotation may intersect the length axis of the slot in the plane.

[0013] In the assembly described above, the at least one clamp element may he a slotted disc.

[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one aperture may include a first aperture and a second aperture, the at least one clamp element may include a first clamp clement and a second clamp clement, the respective slot of each of the first and second clamp elements communicating with a respective one of the first and second apertures in the assembled position to each receive an attachment device extending along an attachment axis through the respective slot and the respective aperture to engage a support to retain the component between the first and second clamp elements and the support.

[0015] In one embodiment, the component includes a restraining surface which is a wall of the aperture and the clamp element is restrained in translation in the plane by the wall of the aperture.

[0016] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for retaining a component between a clamp element and a support.

[0017] The method includes providing a component having a least one aperture and providing at least one clamp element having a slot, the slot having a major, length axis and a minor, width axis, the length and width axes extending in a plane; engaging the at least one clamp element with the component so that in an assembled position of the at least one clamp element relative to the component the component restrains the at least one clamp element in translation in the plane to define a fixed axis of rotation of the at least one clamp element relative to the component, and the length axis of the slot is arranged in a selectable rotational position in the plane about the fixed axis of rotation, and arranging an attachment device to extend along an attachment axis normal to the plane through the slot and the aperture to engage the support to retain the component between the at least one clamp element and the support.

[0018] During assembly, the at least one clamp element is rotated about the fixed axis of rotation to the selected rotational position of the length axis of the slot in the plane and the attachment axis is adjusted along the length axis of the slot to a selected rotational position of the length axis of the slot in the plane.

[0019] The method described above may include arranging the attachment dcviceto retain the component in compression between the at least one clamp element and the support to resist rotation of the at least one clamp element relative to the support in the assembled position.

[0020] The method described above may alternatively include arranging the attachment device to retain the component between the at least one clamp element and the support while permitting rotation of the at least one clamp element relative to the support in the assembled position.

[0021] The optional features of the above mentioned embodiments may be combined together as appropriate in any desired combination.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following illustrative embodiments which will now be described, purely by way of example and without limitation to the scope of the claims, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a section through I-I of Fig. 6 and shows one embodiment of the disclosure where the component is retained between the at least one clamp element and the support while permitting rotation of the at least one clamp element relative to the support in the assembled position.

Fig. 2 shows the section of Fig. 1 where the component is retrained in compression between the at least one clamp element and the support to resist rotation of the at least one clamp element relative to the support in the assembled position.

Fig. 3 shows a section through I-I of Fig. 6 and shows another embodiment of the disclosure where the component retained between the at least one clamp element and the support while permitting rotation of the at least one clamp element relative to the support in the assembled position.

Fig. 4 shows the section of Fig. 3 where the component is restrained in compression between the at least one clamp element and the support to resist rotation of the at least one clamp element relative to the support in the assembled position.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the component and the at least one clamp element having a slot, the slot having a major, length axis and a minor, width axis.

Fig. 6 is a top view showing the component, the at least one clamp clement, the slot and the attachment device.

Fig. 7A is a top view showing a component having a first aperture and a second aperture. Fig. 7B is a top view showing the component of Fig. 7A in an assembled position where the first and second clamp elements have been rotated to a selected rotational position of the length axis of the respective slots in the plane. Fig. 7C shows the component of Fig. 7B where the component has been translated along the length axis of the slot in the plane.

Fig. 8A is a top view showing a component having a first aperture and a second aperture. Fig. 8B is a top view showing the component of Fig. 8A in an assembled position where the first and second clamp elements have been rotated to a selected rotational position of the length axis of the respective slots in the plane that is different to that of Fig. 7B/C. Fig. 8C shows the component of Fig. 8B where the component has been translated along the length axis of the slot in the plane.

Fig. 9 shows the at least one clamp element as a slotted disc.

[00231 Fig 10 is a top view showing a component having a first aperture and a second aperture where both the fu-st aperture and the second aperture have an open periphery. Reference numerals and characters appearing in more than one of the figures indicate the same or corresponding parts in each of them.

Detailed Description

[0024] Referring to Figs. 1-9, the assembly 1 includes a component 2 having at least one aperture 4.

[0025] As shown in Figure 7A and 8A, the component 2 may define a closed periphery of the aperture 4. Which is to say that the aperture 4 is a hole that extends axially through the component with a periphery that is closed when considered in cross-section. Alternatively, the aperture 4 may have an open periphery when considered in cross-section. Which is to say that the aperture 4 forms an opening 5 extending axially through the component 2 and also opening outwardly in a direction generally normal to its axis.

[0026] The aperture 4 may he of any shape. Preferably the aperture 4 is circular when considered in cross-section. It may alternatively be said that the aperture 4 is cylindrical.

[0027] In some embodiments the component 2 has a first aperture 26 and a second aperture 28. It may alternatively he said that the at least one aperture 4 includes a first aperture 26 and a second aperture 28.

[0028] In these embodiments the first aperture 26 may he the same configuration as the second aperture 28. For example, the component 2 may define a closed periphery of the first aperture 26 and the component 2 may define a closed periphery of the second aperture 28. Alternatively, in these embodiments, the first aperture 26 may be different to the second aperture 28. For example, the component 2 may define a closed periphery of the first aperture 26 and the second aperture 28 may have an opening Sthat extends to an edge of the component 2.

[0029] An example of a component 2 which includes a first aperture 26 and a second aperture 28 is shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 8A. In these examples, the first aperture 26 is the same configuration as the second aperture 28 and the component 2 defines a closed periphery of each aperture 26,28 and each aperture 26, 28 is circular when considered in cross section.

[0030] Another example of a component 2 which includes a first aperture 26 and a second aperture 28 is shown in Figure 10. In this example, the first aperture 26 is the same as the second aperture 28 and apertures 26, 28 have openings 5 extending to an edge of component 2.

[0031] The assembly I also includes at least one clamp element 6 having a slot 8. the slot 8 having a major, length axis 10 and a minor, width axis 12, the length and width axes 10, 12 extending in a plane P1.

[0032] The clamp element 6 is configured to engage the component 2 in an assembled position of the clamp element 6 relative to the component 2.

[0033] The clamp element 6 has a clamp surface 14 extending in a clamp plane. The clamp surface 14 is a surface of the clamp element 6 that abuts a surface of the component 2 in an assembled position to engage the component 2 in an assembled position.

[0034] The clamp surface 14 may be parallel with the plane P1 of the slot 8.

[0035] In this specification, a clamp element 6 may be any element having a slot 8 which can engage the component 2 in an assembled position such that the clamp element 6 is restrained by the component 2 in translation in the plane P I to define a fixed axis of rotation 16 of the clamp clement 6 relative to the component 2 and the length axis 10 of the slot 8 is arranged in a selectable rotational position in the plane P1 about the fixed axis of rotation 16. The clamp element 6 is also rotatable during assembly about the fixed axis of rotation 16 to the selectable rotational position of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane P1.

[0036] In order to restrain the clamp element 6 against translation in an assembled position, the component 2 has a restraining surface 46 which abuts a corresponding surface of the clamp element 6 to restrain the clamp element 6 in translation in the plane P1.

[0037] In some embodiments, for example, Fig. 1, clamp clement 6 extends into aperture 4. In these embodiments, the restraining surface 46 of the component 2 is a wall 48 of the aperture 4. In these embodiments, clamp element 6 is restrained in translation by the wall 48 of the aperture 4. The clamp element 6 rotates in the aperture 4 about a fixed axis of rotation 16.

[0038] In other embodiments, the restraining surface 46 is separate to the wall of the aperture 4. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the component 2 may define a recess with a wall 50 and a surface 52. The surface 52 may be normal to the axis of rotation 16. In these embodiments, the restraining surface 46 of the component 2 is the wall 50 of the recess. In these embodiments, the clamp element 6 is restrained in translation by the wall 50 of the recess. The clamp element. 6 rotates in the recess about a fixed axis of rotation 16 defined by the wall of the recess, which may he a surface of rotation about the axis 16. In these embodiments, the clamp surface 14 extends into the recess and abuts the surface 52 of the component 2.

[0039] The clamp element 6 may be any shape provided it engages the component 2 in an assembled position such that the clamp element 6 is restrained by the component 2 in translation in the plane P1. Restraining the clamp element 6 in translation defines a fixed axis of rotation 16 of the clamp element 6 relative to the component 2. The length axis 10 of the slot 8 is arranged in a selectable rotational position in the plane P1 about the fixed axis of rotation 16, and the clamp element 6 is rotatable during assembly about the fixed axis of rotation 16 to a selected rotational position.

[0040] In some embodiments, the clamp element is a slotted disc 24. An example of a suitable slotted disc 24 is show in Fig. 9. The slotted disc 24 has a slot 8 and rotates about a fixed axis of rotation 16 when restrained by the component 2 in translation in the plane P 1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the at least one clamp element 6 includes a first clamp element 30 and a second clamp element 32. Which is to say that the assembly 1 may include a first clamp element 30 and a second clamp element 32.

[0042] In these embodiments, the first clamp element 30 may he the same configuration as the second clamp element 32. For example, each clamp clement 30, 32 may be a respective slotted disc 24. Alternatively, in these embodiments, the first clamp element 30 may be different than the second clamp element 32. For example, the first clamp element 30 may be a slotted disc 24 and the second clamp element 32 may be a polygonal plate having a slot.

[0043] The at least one clamp element 6 has a slot 8, the slot 8 having a major, length axis 10 and a minor, width axis 12, the length and width axes 10, 12 extending in a plane P1.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a top view of a clamp element 6 engaged with a component 2 in an assembled position. The at least one clamp element 6 having a slot 8 with a major, length axis 10 and a minor width axis 12.

[0045] In some embodiments, the clamp clement 6 may define a closed periphery of the slot 8. Which is to say that the slot 8 is a hole that extends axially through the clamp element with a periphery that is closed when considered in cross-section. In other embodiments, the slot 8 may have an open periphery when considered in cross-section. Which is to say that the slot 8 forms an opening extending axially through the component and also opening outwardly in a direction generally normal to its axis.

[0046] In an assembled position, the clamp element 6 is restrained by the component 2 in translation in the plane P1 to define a fixed axis of rotation 16 of the clamp element 6 relative to the component 2.

[0047] The fixed axis of rotation 16 may intersect the length axis of the slot 8 in multiple rotational positions of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane Pl. In embodiments, the fixed axis of rotation 16 may intersect the length axis of the slot 8 in all rotational positions of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane Pl. For example, the slot 8 may be centred on the fixed axis of rotation 16, as in the illustrated embodiments.

[0048] In embodiments where the assembly 1 includes a first clamp element and a second clamp element 32, the slot of the first clamp element 30 may be referred to as a first slot 34 and the slot of the second clamp dement 32 may he referred to as a second slot 36.

[0049] In these embodiments, the first slot 34 may be the same configuration as the second slot 36. For example, the first clamp element 30 may define a closed periphery of the first slot 34 and the second clamp element 32 may define a closed periphery of the second slot 36. Alternatively, the first slot 34 may be differently configured relative to the second slot 26. For example, the first clamp element 30 may define a closed periphery of the first slot 34 and the second slot 36 may define an open periphery.

[0050] As shown in Figs. 1-4, the slot 8 communicates with the at least one aperture 4 in the assembled position to receive an attachment device 18.

[0051] In this specification, an attachment device 18 may be any element that can extend along an attachment axis 20 through the slot 8 and the at least one aperture 4 in an assembled position to engage a support 22 to retain the component 2 between the clamp clement 6 and the support 22. Examples of suitable attachment devices 18 include, but are not limited to, a screw or bolt.

[0052] In an assembled position, or during assembly, the component 2 and support 22 define an interface 54 extending in an adjustment plane P2.

[00531 The adjustment plane P2 may be parallel with the plane P1 of the slot 8. Alternatively, the adjustment plane P2 may he parallel with the plane of each slot 34, 36 where the assembly has two or more clamp elements 30, 32.

[0054] In some embodiments, for example, Fig 2 and Fig. 4, the attachment device may be a flange bolt 56. In other embodiments, for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the attachment device may be a Range shoulder bolt 58.

[0055] The attachment axis 20 is normal to the plane PI and adjustable along the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in multiple rotational positions of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane Pl. This means that the component 2 can be moved in translation with two degrees of freedom (which is to say, in multiple directions) in the plane P1 of the slot 8.

[0056] Preferably, the attachment axis 20 is adjustable along the length axis of the slot 8 in all rotational positions of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane Pl. This means that preferably, the component 2 can he moved in translation in all directions in the plane PI of the slot 8.

[0057] For example, Fig. 7b & 7C shows a component 2 according to one embodiment. In Fig. 7b, the component 2 has been assembled such that first and second damp elements 30, 32 communicate respectively with a first and a second aperture 26, 28 in an assembled position to each receive an attachment device 38, 40 extending along an attachment axis 42, 44 through the respective slot 34, 36 and the respective aperture 26, 28 to engage a support 22. The attachment axes 42, 44 are adjustable along the length axis 10 of their respective slots 34, 36 so that the component can be adjusted in the adjustment plane P2 relative to the support and relative to the attachment device 18, which may be engaged in a predefined position with the support. Therefore, Fig. 7C shows how the component 2 can be adjusted in translation along the length axes 10 of the slots 34, 36 in the planes PI and P2.

[0058] It may alternatively be said that the component 2 translates in the adjustment plane P2.

[0059] Fig. 8B & 8C also show translation of the component 2 except with the length axis 10 of the slots 34, 36 having been rotated into a different selected rotational position, enabling the component 2 to translate in another, different direction in planes P1, P2 relative to the support 22.

[0060] Where the fixed axis of rotation 16 intersects the length axis 10 of the slot 8, the attachment device 18 may he located so that the attachment axis 20 is either collinear or parallel with the fixed axis of rotation 16. In some embodiments, for example in Figs. 1-4, the attachment axis 20 is collinear with the fixed axis of rotation 16 in the assembled position. In other embodiments, the attachment axis 20 may be parallel to the fixed axis of rotation 16 along the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane Pl. It may alternatively be said that the attachment axis 20 is offset from the fixed axis of rotation 16.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a top view of an embodiment where the attachment device 18 is offset from the centre of the slot 8. The attachment axis 20 is therefore offset from, or parallel to, the fixed axis of rotation 16.

[0062] In some embodiments, an attachment device 18 is configured to extend along the attachment axis 20 to retain the component 2 in compression between the at least one clamp element 6 and a support 22 to resist rotation of the at least one clamp element 6 relative to the support 22 in the assembled position.

[0063] When the component 2 is retained in compression, the attachment device 18 frictionally engages the clamp element 6 and the clamp element 6 frictionally engages the component 2 to resist rotation of the clamp element 6 relative to the support 22 in the assembled position. This means that the component 2 is attached in the assembled position and cannot translate in the adjustment plane P2. To ensure that the component 2 is retained in the correct position, during assembly, the at least one clamp element 6 is rotated about the fixed axis of rotation 16 to a selected rotational position of the length axis 10 of the slot 8.

[0064] The attachment device may be a flange bolt 56. For example, see Fig. 2 & Fig. 4 where component 2 is retained in compression between the clamp element 6 and the support 22 by flange bolt 56.

[0065] In other embodiments, an attachment device 18 is configured to extend along the attachment axis 20 to retain the component 2 between the at least one clamp element 6 and the support 22 while permitting rotation of the at least one clamp element 6 relative to the support 22 in the assembled position.

[0066] When rotation of the at least one clamp clement 6 relative to the support 22 is permitted in the assembled position, the component 2 is able to translate in the adjustment plane P2 in multiple rotational positions of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane P1.

[0067] In these embodiments, the attachment device may he a flange shoulder bolt 58. For example, see Fig. 1 & Fig. 3 where component 2 is retained between the clamp element 6 and the support 22 by flange shoulder bolt 58 which retains the component 2 without clamping it between the clamp element 6 and the support 22.

[0068] In some embodiments, the assembly 1 includes a component 2 having a first aperture 26 and a second aperture 28 and a first clamp element 30 and a second damp element 32. In these embodiments the respective slot 34, 36 of each of the first and second clamp elements 30, 32, also referred to as the first slot 34 and the second slot 36, communicates with a respective one of the first and second apertures 26, 28 in the assembled position to each receive an attachment device 38, 40. The attachment devices 38, 40 each extend along a respective attachment axis 42, 44 through the respective slot 34, 36 and the respective aperture 26, 28 to engage a support 22 to retain the component 2 between the first and second clamp elements 30. 32 and the support 22.

[0069] In these embodiments, the attachment device that extends along attachment axis 42 through the first slot 34 and the first aperture 26 may he referred to as a first attachment device 38. Similarly, the attachment device that extends along attachment axis 44 through the second slot 36 and the second aperture 28 may he referred to as a second attachment device 40.

[0070] The first attachment device 38 may he the same configuration as the second attachment device 40. For example, the first attachment device 38 may be a flange bolt 56 and the second attachment device 40 may be a flange bolt 56. Alternatively, the first attachment device 38 may be different to the second attachment device 40. For example, the first attachment device 38 may be a flange bolt 56 and the second attachment device 40 may be a flange shoulder bolt 58.

[0071] The component 2 is retained between the clamp clement 6 and a support 22. In this specification, a support 22 may he any body requiring adjustable, reconfigurable or flexible assembly or which may need to move, or be positionally adjusted, relative to a support with two degrees of freedom in the plane of an interface between the component and the support.

[0072] The support 22 may comprise a chassis, engine body, housing or any other element to which the component is to be mounted, for example, to form part of an exhaust aftertreatment system or other assembly.

I00731 The disclosure also provides a method for retaining a component 2 between a clamp element 6 and a support 22, comprising providing a component 2 having a least one aperture 4 and providing at least one clamp element 6 having a slot 8, the slot having a major, length axis 10 and a minor, width axis 12, the length and width axes extending in a plane P1; engaging the at least one clamp element 6 with the component 2 so that in an assembled position of the at least one clamp element 6 relative to the component 2 the component 2 restrains the at least one clamp element 6 in translation in the plane PI to define a fixed axis of rotation 16 of the at least one clamp clement 6 relative to the component 2, and the length axis 10 of the slot 8 is arranged in a selectable rotational position in the plane PI about the fixed axis of rotation 16; and arranging an attachment device 18 to extend along an attachment axis 20 normal to the plane P1 through the slot 8 and the aperture 4 to engage the support 22 to retain the component 2 between the at least one clamp element 6 and the support 22.

[0074] During assembly, the at least one clamp element 6 is rotated about the fixed axis of rotation 16 to the selected rotational position of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane P1; and the attachment axis 20 is adjusted along the length axis 10 of the slot 8 to a selected rotational position of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane Pl.

[0075] The method described above may include arranging the attachment device 18 to retain the component 2 in compression between the at least one clamp element 6 and the support 22 to resist rotation of the at least one clamp element 6 relative to the support in the assembled position 22.

[0076] When the component 2 is retained in compression, the attachment device frictionally engages the clamp element 6 and the clamp element 6 frictionally engages the component 2 to resist rotation of the clamp element 6 relative to the support 22 in the assembled position. This means that the component 2 is attached in the assembled position and cannot translate in the adjustment plane P2. To ensure that the component 2 is retained in the correct position, during assembly, the at least one clamp element 6 is rotated about the fixed axis of rotation 16 to a selected rotational position of the length axis 10 of the slot 8. The method also involves adjusting the attachment axis 20 along the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane P1.

[0077] The method described above may alternatively include arranging the attachment device 18 to retain the component 2 between the at least one clamp element 6 and the support 22 while permitting rotation of the at least one clamp element 6 relative to the support 22 in the assembled position.

[0078] When rotation of the at least one clamp element 6 relative to the support 22 is permitted in the assembled position, the component 2 is able to translate in the adjustment plane P2 in multiple rotational positions of the length axis 10 of the slot 8 in the plane PI.

[0079] In summary, embodiments provide an assembly for attaching components that need to move, or he positionally adjusted, relative to a support with two degrees of freedom in the plane of an interface between the component and the support is provided. The assembly comprises a component and at least one clamp element. The component can he adjusted during assembly by rotating the clamp element about a fixed axis of rotation to a selectable rotational position and/or adjusting an attachment axis along the length axis of a slot in the clamp element and then clamping the component between the clamp element and a support. This allows the position of the component to be adjusted in any direction in the adjustment plane to correspond to a predefined attachment location or other components of the assembly, and then optionally attached to prevent further movement.

[0080] Many further adaptations are possible within the scope of the claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0081] The assembly of the present specification can be used to attach components that need to move, or be positionally adjusted, relative to a support with two degrees of freedom in the plane of an interface between the component and the support.

[0082] The component can be adjusted during assembly by rotating the clamp element about the fixed axis of rotation and/or adjusting the attachment axis to the selected rotational position and then clamping the component in compression between the clamp element and a support. This allows the position of the component to be adjusted in any direction in the adjustment plane to correspond to a predefined attachment location or other components of the assembly, and then attached to prevent further movement.

[0083] Alternatively, the component can he retained between the clamp element and a support while permitting rotation of the clamp element relative to the support. This allows continued movement of the component in the assembled position so that the component can move in service.

[0084] Since the component is arranged to restrain the clamp element in (i.e. against) translation in the plane P1 -which is to say, the clamp element can rotate but cannot translate relative to the component -the assembly provides a compact and secure attachment which reacts to forces acting in the adjustment plane P2, which would tend to displace the component relative to the attachment device in any force direction other than the length direction of the slot, by direct abutment in the force direction between the component, the clamp element and the attachment device. In addition, the component may he retained by friction maintained by the clamp force of the attachment device acting in the direction of the attachment axis, which resists displacement also in the length direction of the slot.

[0085] In the claims, reference numerals or characters in parentheses are provided purely for ease of reference and should not be construed as limiting features.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

TITLE: Assemblies and methods for attaching components which have variation in their position in more than one direction FILE: 18-1300-70716 1 assembly 2 components 4 aperture aperture opening 6 at least one clamp element 8 slot major, length axis 12 minor, width axis 14 clamp surface 16 fixed axis of rotation 18 attachment device attachment axis 22 support 24 slotted disc 26 first aperture 28 second aperture first clamp element 32 second clamp element 34 first slot 36 second slot 38 first attachment device second attachment device 42 first attachment axis 44 second attachment axis 46 restraining surface 48 wall of aperture wall of recess 52 recess surface 54 interface 56 flange bolt 58 Flange shoulder bolt PI plane of slot P2 adjustment plane

Claims

Claims What is claimed is: 1. An assembly (1) including a component (2) having at least one aperture (4), and at least one clamp element (6) having a slot (8), the slot (8) having a major, length axis (10) and a minor, width axis (12), the length and width axes (10, 12) extending in a plane (P1); the clamp element (6) being configured to engage the component (2) in an assembled position of the clamp clement (6) relative to the component (2), wherein in the assembled position: the component (2) restrains the clamp element (6) in translation in the plane (P1) to define a fixed axis of rotation (16) of the damp element (6) relative to the component (2), and the length axis (10) of the slot (8) is arranged in a selectable rotational position in the plane (P1) about the fixed axis of rotation (16); the clamp element (6) being rotatable during assembly about the fixed axis of rotation (16) to the selectable rotational position of the length axis (10) of the slot (8) in the plane (P1); the slot (8) communicating with the at least one aperture (4) in the assembled position to receive an attachment device (18) extending along an attachment axis (20) through the slot (8) and the at least one aperture (4) to engage a support (22) to retain the component (2) between the clamp element (6) and the support (22); the attachment axis (20) being normal to the plane (P1) and adjustable along the length axis (10) of the slot (8) in multiple rotational positions of the length axis (10) of the slot (8) in the plane (P1).
2. An assembly (1) according to claim 1, further including an attachment device (18) configured to extend along the attachment axis (20) to retain the component (2) in compression between the at least one clamp element (6) and the support (22) to resist rotation of the at least one clamp dement (6) relative to the support (22) in the assembled position.
3. An assembly (1) according to claim 1, further including an attachment device (18) configured to extend along the attachment axis (20) to retain the component (2) between the at least one clamp element (6) and the support (22) while permitting rotation of the at least one clamp element (6) relative to the support (22) in the assembled position.
4. An assembly (1) according to claim I, wherein the fixed axis of rotation (16) intersects the length axis (10) of the slot (8) in the plane (P1).
5. An assembly (1) according claim 1, wherein the at least one damp element (6) is a slotted disc (24).
6. An assembly (1) according to claim 1. wherein the at least one aperture (4) includes a first aperture (26) and a second aperture (28), the at least one clamp element (6) includes a first clamp element (30) and a second clamp element (32), the respective slot (34, 36) of each of the first and second clamp dements (30, 32) communicating with a respective one of the first and second apertures (26, 28) in the assembled position to each receive an attachment device (38, 40) extending along an attachment axis (42, 44) through the respective slot (34, 36) and the respective aperture (26, 28) to engage a support (22) to retain the component (2) between the first and second clamp elements (30, 32) and the support (22).
7. An assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the component includes a restraining surface (46) which is a wall (48) of the aperture (4) and the clamp element (6) is restrained in translation in the plane (P1) by the wall (48) of the aperture (4).
8. A method for retaining a component (2) between a clamp element (6) and a support (22), comprising providing a component (2) having a least one aperture (4); providing at least one clamp element (6) having a slot (8), the slot having a major, length axis ( 1 ()) and a minor, width axis (12), the length and width axes extending in a plane (P1); engaging the at least one clamp element (6) with the component (2) so that in an assembled position of the at least one clamp element (6) relative to the component (2) the component (2) restrains the at least one clamp element (6) in translation in the plane (P1) to define a fixed axis of rotation (16) of the at least one clamp element (6) relative to the component (2), and the length axis (10) of the slot (8) is arranged in a selectable rotational position in the plane (P1) about the fixed axis of rotation (16); and arranging an attachment device (18) to extend along an attachment axis (20) normal to the plane (P1) through the slot (8) and the aperture (4) to engage the support (22) to retain the component (2) between the at least one clamp element (6) and the support (22); wherein, during assembly, the at least one clamp element (6) is rotated about the fixed axis of rotation (16) to the selected rotational position of the length axis (10) of the slot (8) in the plane (P1); and the attachment axis (20) is adjusted along the length axis (10) of the slot (8) to a selected rotational position of the length axis (10) of the slot (8) in the plane (P1).
9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the attachment device (18) is arranged to retain the component (2) in compression between the at least one clamp clement (6) and the support (22) to resist rotation of the at least one clamp dement (6) relative to the support (22) in the assembled position.
10. A method according to claim 8, wherein the attachment device (18) is arranged to retain the component (2) between the at least one clamp element (6) and the support (22) while permitting rotation of the at least one clamp element (6) relative to the support (22) in the assembled position.