WO2005124164A1

WO2005124164A1 - A fixing

Info

Publication number: WO2005124164A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001893
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Roger Coles
Original assignee: Rolls-Royce Plc
Priority date: 2004-06-17
Filing date: 2005-05-18
Publication date: 2005-12-29
Also published as: GB0413553D0

Abstract

A fixing (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71) is provided in which the benefits of a rivet for ease of assembly is combined with the releasability of a nut and bolt arrangement. Thus, a core member (2, 22, 32, 52) is combined with a collar member (9, 29, 57) in order that a collapsible portion (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) acts in co-operation with a shoulder (3, 23, 33, 53) of the core (2, 22, 32, 52) to provide a fixing for components (6, 7, 8, 26, 27). However, engagement between a sleeve and a portion of the core (4, 24, 34, 45, 54) is displaceable through a hexagonal end or slot or other means so that the fixing can be released when required. Typically, the engagement between the core (4, 24, 34, 54) is by a screw thread to allow rotation of the core for release of the fixing.

Description

A Fixing The present invention relates to fixings and more particularly to fixings and methods of applying fixings utilised to secure so called p-clips by which cabling or wiring harnesses are retained or where the load caused by the secured part is below that provided by a standard nut and bolt assembly. Clips and so called p-clips are utilised in a wide number of situations in order to retain cabling and wiring harnesses. One such situation is with regard to aircraft engines where it is necessary to retain control and power cabling and wiring over a wide range of operating environments. Furthermore, the nature of such wiring and cabling necessitates a relatively large number of clips to be secured to mounting structures with the result that traditional nut and bolt type securing mechanisms are cumbersome and installation is time consuming. Alternatively, riveting creates a permanent mounting for the clip but also renders it difficult to release the clip in order to adjust or replace cabling as required. Clearly, provision of a releasable or undoable fixing or fastener would be advantageous to allow maintenance and replacement conveniently of cabling and wiring or any other structure secured by the fixing. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a fixing comprising a core member and a collar member, the core member having a shoulder and an engagement core, the collar member having a sleeve to engage the engagement core and a collapsible portion to distend outwardly when the sleeve is displaced towards the shoulder, the sleeve being selectively displaceable from the engagement core to release the fixing. Preferably, the engagement core has a screw thread or a dog joint or a friction association with the sleeve. Possibly, engagement between the engagement core and the sleeve is through a self-tapping embedding of a drive member therebetween. Advantageously, the shoulder and/or the end of the engagement core include displacement means. Typically, such displacement means comprises a hexagonal head or slot or Allen key recess. Additionally, the collar member may be split to allow a forked tool association to cause selective displacement of the sleeve from the engagement core. Generally, the shoulder and/or the end of the engagement core include retention means to retain core member position when the sleeve is displaced towards the shoulder. Normally, such retention means comprises a clamping feature. Normally, the collapsible portion comprises a wall section configured to preferentially deform as the sleeve is displaced under compression towards the shoulder in order to distend outwardly. Normally, the wall section is thinner groove than the remainder of the sleeve. Generally, the collapsible portion is biased towards an outward deformation. Typically, the bias is provided by relative variation in collapsible portion thickness. Possibly, the collapsible portion splits at least under compressive displacement towards the shoulder. Possibly, the sleeve engages the engagement core above and/or below the collapsible portion. Possibly, the fixing includes a spacer about the engagement core and sleeve in order to provide a greater fixing depth. Possibly, the spacer is resilient so that the fixing between the shoulder and collapsible portion is held under tension. Also, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of forming a fixing, the method comprising locating a core member having a shoulder and an engagement core such that the shoulder engages about an aperture with the engagement core protruding through the aperture, locating a collar member such that a sleeve engages the engagement core about at least part of its length, displacing the sleeve towards the shoulder in order that the collapsible portion of the sleeve distends outwardly to retain fixing position relative to the aperture whilst the sleeve can be displaced from the engagement core to release fixing association across the aperture . Normally, the collar member and core member are secured together as a fixing assembly prior to engagement of the shoulder about the aperture. Generally, the engagement core and/or the shoulder are clamped to retain position as the sleeve is displaced. Possibly, a tool to clamp the engagement core is provided and that tool is also utilised in order to provide displacement of the sleeve to cause the sleeve to distend. Normally, the tool clamps an end of the engagement core to prevent axial as well as rotary displacement of the core as the sleeve is displaced. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Fig. 1 provides respective cross-sections of a first embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention in an initial assembly and in a fixing state; Fig. 2 is a cross-section of a second embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a cross-section of a third embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 4 is a cross-section illustrating use of a clamping tool in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 5 provides a cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention in an assembled state and in a fixing state; Fig. 6 illustrates use of a fixing tool in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention depicted in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a plan view of a fixing in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 8 is a plan illustration of an alternative means for releasing a fixing in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, illustrating a first embodiment of the fixing 1 in accordance with the present invention in an assembled state (Fig. la) and in a fixing state (Fig. lb). Thus, as illustrated in Fig. la, in the assembled state a core member 2 includes a shoulder 3 and an engagement core 4 which extends to an aperture 5 formed by overlapping components such as a bracket 6 and p-clip cable retainer ends 7, 8. Within this aperture 5 is also located a sleeve 9 of a collar member which engages the engagement core 4. As can be seen, typically this engagement is through associated screw threads 16. Thus, in terms of assembly the fixing 1 is placed through the aperture 5 with the component 6, 7, 8 in position. The sleeve 9 incorporates a collapsible portion 10 such that upon application of a compressive force A the sleeve 9 collapses with outward distension of the collapsible portion 10 in order to secure the bracket 6 and components 7, 8 sandwiched between the shoulder 3 and that collapsible portion 10. It will be noted that the engagement between the sleeve 9 and the engagement core 4 is retained throughout displacement of the sleeve 9. However, by inappropriate means, in the case of a screw thread as depicted in Fig. 1 through rotation of the core member 3 it is possible to displace and eventually release the fixing 1 in order to remove one or more of the components 6, 7, 8 for maintenance or repair. It will also be noted that an end 11 of the core 4 also incorporates a hexagonal head such that through use of a spanner or other grip it is possible to rotate the core for release as described above. In order to create the collapsible portion 10, normally the sleeve 9 will have a wall section which is thinner than the remainder of the sleeve 9 in order to precipitate appropriate collapse for the outward distension as illustrated in Fig. lb. Fig. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a fixing 21 in accordance with the present invention. Thus, as previously, a core member 22 incorporates a shoulder 23 and an engagement core 24. A sleeve 29 of a collar member engages the engagement core 24 through an aperture 25 in order to retain components 26, 27 sandwiched between a collapsible portion 20 and the shoulder 23. The collapsible portion 20 again achieves outward distension under a compressive displacement force B and retains its position once displaced. The second embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 provides that the shoulder 23 is more perpendicularly presented to edge portions around the aperture 25 such that there may be more robust presentation and assembly of the fixing 21 to secure the components 26, 27. Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section of a third embodiment of a fixing 31 in accordance with the present invention. Thus, a core member 32 incorporates a shoulder 33 and an engagement core 34 upon which a collar member 39 is secured through a sleeve 38. As previously there is engagement between a portion of the engagement core 34 and the sleeve 38. A collapsible portion 30 of the collar member 39 engages a washer 14 which in turn secures a spacer member 15 in order that through the combination of the collapsible portion 30, washer 14, spacer 15 and the shoulder 33 components are fixed by the fixing 31. As previously, displacement of a proportion of the sleeve causes the collapsible member 30 to outwardly distend in order to create the fixing configuration as illustrated in

Fig. 3. Both the embodiments depicted in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 can be released from their fixing configuration depicted by rotation of the core member 22 or 32 typically through an end of the engagement core 24 or 34. This rotation releases the screw thread engagement association between the sleeve 29, 38 and its engagement core 24, 34. Fig. 4 illustrates application of the compressive load to an example fixing 41 in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated that position of the respective core member and collar member in accordance with the present invention must be maintained during the sleeve displacement process in order to achieve a good fixing configuration. Thus, a tool is utilised in order to clamp the core member during the sleeve displacement step. As illustrated in Fig. 4 this tool generally comprises a clamp collar 42 from which projects clamp arms 43. These clamp arms 43 clamp an end 44 of an engagement core 45 whilst the hammer collar 42a creates displacement and compression of a sleeve 45 such that a collapsible portion 40 outwardly distends as described previously. Engagement between the engagement core 45 and the sleeve 46 is retained once the tool 47 is removed. An engagement feature 48 could be provided on the head end 44 for the location of clamp arms 43 by an undercut engagement . Fig. 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a fixing 51 in accordance with the present invention in an assembled state in Fig. 5a and in a fixing state in Fig. 5b. Thus, the fixing 51 comprises a core member 52 incorporating a collar 53 and an engagement core 54 which is engaged by a collar member through respective sleeve portions 56, 57.

Between these sleeve portions 56, 57 a collapsible portion

50 is located such that upon application of a compressive force displacement of the sleeve of the collar causes outward distension in order to create a fixing between that portion 50 and the collar 53. The upper sleeve portion 57 can, as illustrated in Fig. 5, simply act as a guide to ensure appropriate presentation and retention of the collapsible portion 50 about the engagement core 54. However, alternatively this portion 57 may also incorporate some means of retaining position against the engagement core 5 . Fig. 6 illustrates an appropriate tool for applying a necessary compressive force for displacement of the sleeve depicted in Fig. 5. Thus, a tool comprising a compression member 61 engages an upper part of the sleeve section 57 such that through a screw thread drive 62 turning upon a screw thread 63 of the core 54, the compressive force C is presented in order to cause collapse of the collapsible portion 54 for outward distension as shown in order to create an appropriate fixing between that portion 50 and the shoulder 53. Fig. 7 illustrates a plan view of a fixing 71 in accordance with the present invention. Thus, a collar member 79 is secured upon an engagement core 74. As can be seen, collapsible portions 70 have outwardly distended in the direction of arrowhead D with splits 75 between these portions 70 in order to accommodate for the greater circumferential deflection. As can be seen, the engagement core 74 has an end incorporating a hexagonal head shape to allow application of a spanner for release of the fixing 71 as required.

Alternatively, an Allen key engagement could be used or any number of complimentary tooling fixtures such as conventional "posidrive" and flat screw driver engagement. Fig. 8 illustrates a plan view in which a sleeve 91 incorporates side slats 81. as a tooling location on the upper part of the sleeve. Furthermore, the sleeve could include slots to enable a fork type screw driver to be used. Thus, as shown in Figure 8 by broken lines, a slot 90 allow a forked to engage sleeve 91 of a core 84 to allow that sleeve to be turned to cause displacement. The present invention provides a releasable fixing which may be undone when required but utilises the principal of riveting for fixing components. In such circumstances the benefits of riveting, that is to say simplicity, with the benefits of releasable fasteners such as nuts and bolts are combined. The collapsible portion provides the rivet head whilst the engagement between the sleeve and the engagement core allows release as described previously. The collapsible portion will normally be provided by thinning the wall cross section of the sleeve in the vicinity of that portion. Furthermore, by incorporation of grooves, controlled and directed outward distension can be achieved as the sleeve is compressively displaced towards the shoulder in order to provide a fixing grip between that shoulder and the outwardly bulging collapsible portion. Alternatively, the wall portion of the sleeve may be processed or tempered in a way to facilitate localised collapse. Furthermore, a section of different material type may be secured in the sleeve in order to facilitate relative collapse so that a plastic section may be provided between more robust metal sleeve sections for engagement with the engagement core and to provide a robust top edge to the sleeve upon which the compressive force can be applied for deflection/displacement of the sleeve in order to create the outward divergence of the collapsible portion. As can be seen in the illustrations, the most preferred engagement between the engagement core and the sleeve is through a screw thread. In such circumstances, it is possible to provide a hexagonal head or screwdriver slot or Allen key cavity to enable rotation of the core for release as required. However, an alternative could comprise a simple friction association between the core and sleeve such that the core is held by an appropriate tool in order to create collapse of the collapsible section and therefore the fixing whilst for release an excessive force is provided in order to release the friction bond between the core and the sleeve. Further alternatives include dogtooth couplings between the core and sleeve or possibly bayonet type arrangements. Further alternatively self tapping type association between the sleeve and core may be provided whereby upon application of the compressive force to collapse the collapsible portion in order to form the fixing further force is also provided in order to rotate appropriately the core and the sleeve whereby a penetrative edge or tooth further cuts into an opposing part in order to retain position until released by a reverse twisting action. Furthermore, with regard to use of a spacer as depicted in Fig. 3, it may be possible to provide that that spacer provides a resilient bias. Thus, the spacer may be slightly compressed by the action of collapsing the collapsible portion of the sleeve and so once the force for such collapse of the collapsible portion is removed the compression in the spacer is retained in order to maintain the fastener under tension. Such an arrangement may have particular advantage with respect to use of fixings in situations where there may be significant vibration. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A fixing (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71) comprising a core member (2, 22, 32, 52) and a collar member (9, 29, 38, 57), the core member having a shoulder (3, 23, 33, 53) and an engagement core (4, 24, 34, 54, 74), the collar member having a sleeve to engage the engagement core and a collapsible portion (10, 20, 30, 50, 70) to distend outwardly when the sleeve is displaced towards the shoulder, the sleeve being selectively displaceable from the engagement core to release the fixing.

2. A fixing as claimed in claim 1 wherein the engagement core has a screw thread (16) or a dog joint or a friction association with the sleeve.

3. A fixing as claimed in claim 1 wherein engagement between the engagement core and the sleeve is through a self-tapping embedding of a drive member therebetween.

4. A fixing as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the shoulder and/or the end of the engagement core include displacement means (11) .

5. A fixing as claimed in claim 4 wherein the displacement means comprises a hexagonal head or slot or Allen key recess or slot (90) for tool association for selective displacement of the sleeve.

6. A fixing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the shoulder and/or the end of the engagement core include retention means to retain core member position when the sleeve is displaced towards the shoulder.

7. A fixing as claimed in claim 6 wherein the retention means comprises a clamping feature.

8. A fixing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the collapsible portion comprises a wall section configured to preferentially deform as the sleeve is displaced under compression towards the shoulder in order to distend outwardly.

9. A fixing as claimed in claim 8 wherein the wall section is thinner groove than the remainder of the sleeve.

10. A fixing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the collapsible portion is biased towards an outward deformation.

11. A fixing as claimed in claim 10 wherein the bias is provided by relative variation in collapsible portion thickness.

12. A fixing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the collapsible portion splits (25) at least under compressive displacement towards the shoulder.

13. A fixing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sleeve engages the engagement core above and/or below the collapsible portion.

14. A fixing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fixing includes a spacer (15) about the engagement core and sleeve in order to provide a greater fixing depth.

15. A fixing as claimed in claim 14 wherein the spacer is resilient or compressible so that the fixing between the shoulder and collapsible portion is held under tension.

16. A fixing substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A method of forming a fixing (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71) the method comprising locating a core member (2, 22, 32,

52) having a shoulder (3, 23, 33, 53) and an engagement core (4, 24, 34, 54, 74) such that the shoulder (3, 23, 33,

53) engages about an aperture (5, 25) with the engagement core protruding through the aperture, locating a collar member (39, 59, 79) such that a sleeve (9, 29, 38, 57) engages the engagement core about at least part of its length, displacing the sleeve towards the shoulder in order that a collapsible portion (10, 20, 30, 50, 70) of the sleeve distends outwardly to retain fixing position relative to the aperture whilst the sleeve can be displaced from the engagement core to release fixing association across the aperture.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the collar member and core member are secured together as a fixing assembly prior to engagement of the shoulder about the aperture .

19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the engagement core and/or the shoulder are clamped to retain position as the sleeve is displaced.

20. A method as claimed in any of claims 17, 18 or 19 wherein a tool to clamp the engagement core is provided and that tool is also utilised in order to provide displacement of the sleeve to cause the sleeve to distend.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the tool clamps an end of the engagement core to prevent axial as well as rotary displacement of the core as the sleeve is displaced.

22. A method of forming a fixing substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

23. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.