WO2018044709A1 - Pre-assemblable and removable retaining device - Google Patents

Pre-assemblable and removable retaining device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018044709A1
WO2018044709A1 PCT/US2017/048589 US2017048589W WO2018044709A1 WO 2018044709 A1 WO2018044709 A1 WO 2018044709A1 US 2017048589 W US2017048589 W US 2017048589W WO 2018044709 A1 WO2018044709 A1 WO 2018044709A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plate body
teeth
perforation
face
towards
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/048589
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Fulvio Pacifico YON
Massimo SAVI
Riccardo GAGLIARDI
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc. filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Publication of WO2018044709A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018044709A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
    • F16B5/0607—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
    • F16B5/0621—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
    • F16B5/0642—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship the plates being arranged one on top of the other and in full close contact with each other
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B13/00—Dowels or other devices fastened in walls or the like by inserting them in holes made therein for that purpose
    • F16B13/04—Dowels or other devices fastened in walls or the like by inserting them in holes made therein for that purpose with parts gripping in the hole or behind the reverse side of the wall after inserting from the front
    • F16B13/08—Dowels or other devices fastened in walls or the like by inserting them in holes made therein for that purpose with parts gripping in the hole or behind the reverse side of the wall after inserting from the front with separate or non-separate gripping parts moved into their final position in relation to the body of the device without further manual operation
    • F16B13/0808—Dowels or other devices fastened in walls or the like by inserting them in holes made therein for that purpose with parts gripping in the hole or behind the reverse side of the wall after inserting from the front with separate or non-separate gripping parts moved into their final position in relation to the body of the device without further manual operation by a toggle-mechanism

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pre-assemblable and removable retaining device, for connecting, in a removable manner, in other words with the possibility of repeated assembly and dismantling without the risk of damage, two mechanical elements, in particular consisting of vehicle body elements, for example for securing an insulating pad or panel to the inside of the bonnet or the inside of a door of a vehicle.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a retaining device and a system for removably connecting a first mechanical element to a second mechanical element, in particular vehicle body elements, as defined in the attached claims.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective three-quarter view from below of a retaining device made according to the invention
  • Figures 2 and 3 show, on a smaller scale, two orthogonal views in elevation, oriented with respect to one another by 90°, of the retaining device of Figure 1;
  • Figures 4 and 5 show, schematically in elevation, two different configurations that the retaining device of Figure 1 may have, and the steps for pre-assembly of the retaining device on a first mechanical element shown in section, in particular consisting of a vehicle covering element;
  • Figures 6, 7 and 8 show, schematically in elevation, the steps for securing, according to the system for connection according to the invention, using the retaining device of Figure 1, the first mechanical element on a second mechanical element, in particular consisting of a vehicle body sheet;
  • Figure 9 shows a perspective three-quarter view from above of two retaining devices of the invention secured to two different first mechanical elements, in a
  • Figure 10 shows a perspective three-quarter view from above of two retaining devices of the invention coupled in the transport configuration but rotated by 90° with respect to Figure 9, presented on the second mechanical element, to better illustrate the connection system of the invention;
  • Figures 11 and 12 show, schematically in elevation, the steps of dismantling the first mechanical element from the second mechanical element by means of the connection system and the retaining device of the invention;
  • Figures 13 and 14 show schematically a three-quarter front and rear perspective view of a different embodiment of the retaining device of the present invention.
  • Figure 15 shows schematically and in an elevation view of the step of dismantling the first mechanical element from the second mechanical element by means of the connection system and the retaining device according to the embodiment of figures 13 and 14.
  • the reference sign 1 indicates, as a whole, a retaining device that may be connected to a first mechanical element 2 and to a second mechanical element 3, in particular consisting of vehicle body elements, shown only schematically and only partially, for simplicity.
  • the mechanical element 2 consists of an insulating covering element in the form of a panel or pad, while the mechanical element 3 consists of a vehicle body part in the form of a sheet, for example a door or bonnet.
  • the retaining device 1 may come pre-assembled on the mechanical element 2 so that it may then be used to secure the mechanical element 2 to the mechanical element 3, removably.
  • the mechanical element 2 has at least one through-perforation 4 in a form suitable for receiving, passing through it, as will be seen below, a retaining device 1, and the mechanical element 3 has at least one through- perforation 5 in a form such that it may be snap-engaged, as will be seen below, by the retaining device 1.
  • one or more retaining devices 1 and the through-perforations 4 and 5 of the mechanical elements 2 and 3 form a system 6 ( Figures 6-8 and 11-12) for connecting together, removably, the mechanical elements 2 and 3 in a quick and automatable manner.
  • the retaining device 1 comprises a first plate body 7 delimited between a first, upper, face 8 and a second, lower, face 9, opposite to the first face 8; preferably, the faces 8 and 9 are flat.
  • the plate body 7 is also passed through centrally, transversely to the faces 8,9, by a through-perforation 10, rectangular in the example shown.
  • the retaining device 1 further comprises a second plate body 11 delimited between a third, upper, face 12 and fourth, lower, face 13, opposite to the third face; the plate body 1 1 is formed as a rectangular frame so as to delimit internally a second through- perforation 14, which is rectangular, arranged transversely with respect to the faces 12,13.
  • the plate body 11 is arranged facing the plate body 7 and the second through- perforation 14 is facing the through-perforation 10 so that the first face 8 is directed away from the second plate body 11, the second face 9 is directed towards the second plate body
  • the third face 12 is directed towards the first plate body 7 and the fourth face 13 is directed away from the first plate body 7.
  • the retaining device 1 further comprises, according to a first aspect of the invention, at least one pair of opposite articulated arms 15 which connect the face 9 of the first plate body 7 to the second plate body 1 1 without interfering with the third face 12 and with respective opposite first sides 16, which are straight, of the plate body 11, said sides 16 facing the articulated arms 15.
  • the plate body 11 formed as a frame is provided, on the two opposite sides 16, with respective feet 17 which project out therefrom on the same side of the fourth face 13 and the arms 15 are articulated, as will be seen below, directly to the feet 17 and therefore below the sides 16, i.e. beyond the sides 16 in the direction coming from the face
  • Each articulated arm 15 is provided with opposite end hinges 18 ( Figures 1 and 3), by means of which it is connected respectively to the face 9 of the plate body and to a foot 17 of the plate body 11 under each side 16, and with a central hinge 19 arranged between the end hinges 18 so that the articulated arms 15 are able to assume selectively an extended configuration ( Figures 1,3,4), in which the plate bodies 7, 11 are located in a distal position, spaced apart from one another by substantially the whole length of the arms 15, and a folded-up configuration (Figures 5,8,10), in which the plate bodies 7, 11 are adjacent in a vicinal position.
  • the retaining device 1 further comprises, according to one aspect of the invention, a pair of opposite, elastically deformable, first teeth 20 and respective engaging seats 22 (Figure 1) for the teeth 20; the teeth are provided integrally on the plate body 7 and project out from the face 9 towards the plate body 11, terminating in respective L-shaped engaging ends 21 ( Figures 1 and 3) facing each other; the engaging seats 22 ( Figure 1) for the teeth 20 are formed in the plate body 11 at the sides 16 and face towards the articulated arms 15, in this case they are formed on the outside of the feet 17 under the sides 16.
  • the teeth 20 are arranged between the articulated arms 15 and the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11 to snap-engage inside the engaging seats 22 with their engaging ends 21 when the plate bodies 7,11 are situated in the vicinal position, in which the plate bodies 7, 11 are apart by a distance substantially equal to the length by which the teeth 20 project; when the teeth 20 snap-engage inside the seats 22, moreover, the teeth 20 lock the articulated arms 15 in the folded-up configuration.
  • the second plate body 11 is smaller than the first plate body 7 and has a length measured between its opposite first sides 16 substantially equal to the distance between the elastically deformable opposite teeth 20; moreover, the articulated arms 15 are formed so that in the folded-up configuration they are arranged substantially parallel to the faces 8,9 of the plate body 7 and spaced from the face 9 on the side where the second plate body 11 is situated, so as to delimit between the folded-up arms 15 (Figure 5) and the face 9 a receiving space 23 for the mechanical element 2 ( Figure 5).
  • the articulated arms 15 are arranged substantially flush with the second plate body 11 and with the central hinge 19 arranged substantially flush with the engaging ends 21 of the elastically deformable teeth 20.
  • the articulated arms 15, the plate bodies 7,11 and the teeth 20 are made in one piece of a moulded, synthetic, plastic material; in particular, the articulated arms 15 are formed integrally with the plate bodies 7, 11 by means of a single moulding operation and the end hinges 18 and central hinge 19 are plastic hinges defined by respective thinned and elastically flexible portions 24 ( Figures 1 and 3) of the articulated arms 15.
  • the first plate body 7 is provided integrally in one piece, between the teeth 20, with a pair of substantially rigid uprights 25 which are arranged substantially parallel to and facing each other and which extend projecting from the face 9, parallel to the teeth 20, and towards the face 12, inside a predetermined perimetral volume of the through-perforation 14; in particular, the uprights 25 are formed in a position immediately adjacent to opposite first sides 26 ( Figures 9, 10) of the through-perforation 10 parallel to and facing the sides 16 of the plate body 11.
  • the uprights 25 each comprise a root portion 27 arranged towards the plate body 7 and an end portion 28 arranged towards the plate body 11 and are transversely connected together, at the end portions 28, by a pair of elastically deformable cross-bars 29 ( Figures 1 and 9) arranged parallel and spaced relative to each other and perpendicular to the sides 16 so as to form with the uprights 25 a three-dimensional frame structure.
  • each cross-bar 29 ( Figures 1, 9 and 10) is provided in the middle with a tooth 30 which is arranged perpendicularly relative to the teeth 20 (in the sense that it lies in a plane perpendicular to that in which the teeth 20 lie) and which projects out from the cross-bar 29 towards the face 9 and between the uprights 25; each cross-bar 29 has a thinned rectangular cross section and is thus designed to form a plastic hinge which allows a relative rotation of the respective tooth 30 and the plate body 7 about an axis A ( Figure 3) perpendicular to the uprights 25 and to the sides 16; the uprights 25, the respective cross-bars 29 and the respective teeth 30 are moreover configured so as to be received inside the through-perforation 14 when the articulated arms 15 are in the folded-up configuration ( Figure 5).
  • Each tooth 30 comprises a free end 31 directed towards the face 9 and provided parallel to the cross-bars 29 with an L-shaped indentation 32 situated on the opposite side to the other tooth 30 and towards a perimetral edge 33 of the plate body 7.
  • the L-shaped indentation 32 is delimited between a first surface 34 and a second surface 35, in the example shown flat and angled with respect to one another so as to form a slightly obtuse angle, hence slightly greater than 90°.
  • the surface 34 is directed towards the face 9 and is designed to snap-engage, during use, as will be seen below, underneath a perimetral edge 36 ( Figure 10) of the through-perforation 5 of the second mechanical element 3, in such a way as to connect the latter to the mechanical element 2.
  • the surface 35 is angled with respect to the surface 34 and is directed towards the perimetral edge 33; it is also designed to cooperate, in the folded-up configuration of the articulated arms 15, with a respective second side 45 of the plate body 11 on the inside of the through-perforation 14 ( Figure 9) so as to serve as an end-of-rotation stop for the respective tooth 30.
  • a stacking reception seat 40 for another identical retaining device 1 is provided between the first and second plate body 7, 11 at the first plate body 7 and integrally in one piece thereto.
  • the retaining device 1 described above is able to be stacked with one or more identical retaining devices 1, possibly each already secured, or pre-assembled, as will be seen below, to/on a mechanical element 2.
  • each upright 25 is internally hollow and defines on the side where the face 8 is situated a reception seat 37 ( Figures 9 and 10) for the end portion 28 of an upright 25 of another identical retaining device 1; the seat 37 moreover faces, and communicates with, the through-perforation 10.
  • each tooth 30 is delimited, in a direction perpendicular to the sides 16, between a first flat surface 38 and a second flat surface 39 ( Figures 7 and 9), both oblique with respect to the plate bodies 7, 11.
  • each tooth 30 is directed towards the inside of the through-perforation 10 and delimits, together with the perforation 10 and with the reception seat 37 of the root portion 27 of each upright 25, the stacking reception seat 40 ( Figure 9), in the example shown in the shape of a cross, for another identical retaining device 1.
  • This seat 40 makes it possible to receive inside each device 1 all, or most, of the three-dimensional frame structure formed by the uprights 25 and by the cross-bars 29 with the teeth 30 of another device 1, thus making it possible to stack several devices 1 compactly, as long as the arms 15 are already in the folded-up configuration.
  • each tooth 30 which is situated on the opposite side to the through-perforation 10 and towards the perimetral edge 33, is in fact designed to selectively mate with the first flat oblique surface 38 of a corresponding second tooth 30 of another identical retaining device 1, as clearly shown in Figures 9 and 10.
  • each tooth 30 is also designed to cooperate in use with the perimetral edge 36 of the through-perforation 5 of the mechanical element 3 to be connected to the first mechanical element 2 during insertion, as will be seen below, of the device 1 in the perforation 5, applying to the teeth 30 a flexing stress directed towards the inside of the through-perforation 10, and consequently, by means of the teeth 30, to apply to the cross-bars 29 a torsional stress able to elastically deform the cross-bars 29 to cause rotation of the teeth 30 towards the inside of the through-perforation 10.
  • each cross-bar 29 is provided, projecting on the opposite side to the respective tooth 30 and inside the through-perforation 10, with a third tooth 41 (Figures 9 and 10) arranged parallel to the sides 16 and provided towards the face 9 with an oblique surface 42 (i.e. forming an inclined plane) designed to cooperate in use with a tool 43 ( Figures 11,12) which can be introduced through the through-perforation 10 so as to apply to the cross-bars 29 a torsional stress able, again, to cause rotation of the teeth 30 towards the inside of the through-perforation 10.
  • the invention also relates to the system 6 for removably connecting a mechanical element 2 to a second mechanical element 3, in particular consisting of vehicle body elements, comprising at least a retaining device 1, at least a through-perforation 4 formed through the first mechanical element 2 for each device 1 present, and at least a second through-perforation 5 formed through the second mechanical element 3 for each device 1 present and designed to be snap-engaged by the teeth 30.
  • the through-perforation 4 is smaller than the transverse dimensions of the first plate body 7 and designed to be passed through by the second plate body 11, by the uprights 25 with the cross-bars 29 and the teeth 30, and by the articulated arms 15 when the latter are in the extended configuration.
  • the through- perforation 4 is also designed to be smaller than the transverse dimensions of the arms 15 when the latter are in the folded-up configuration, so that the arms 15 in the folded-up configuration interfere with the mechanical element 2, locking it in the reception space 23 between the plate body 7 and the folded-up arms 15; in this way, when the teeth 20 snap- engage with the respective engaging seats 22, the retaining device 1 remains preassembled, securely and permanently, on the first mechanical element 2.
  • a plurality of retaining devices 1 are obtained by moulding with the arms 15 in the extended position and are then each inserted, still with the arms 15 in the extended position, into a through-perforation 4 of an element 2 to be assembled, until the face 9 is brought against the element 2.
  • the arms 15 are then brought into the folded-up configuration, for example simply by pushing the plate body 11 towards the plate body 7, until they are locked by the teeth 20.
  • a plurality of elements 2 provided with pre-assembled devices 1 may be stacked one on top of the other, taking up almost the same amount of space that they would take up if the devices 1 were not present.
  • the devices 1 integral with each element 2 may be stacked one within the other thanks to the presence of the reception seats 40. Further space may be saved in the direction of stacking by giving each perforation 4 (Figure 4) a recess 44 formed on a face of the element 2 intended to face the element 3 and designed to house the arms 15 in the folded-up configuration ( Figure 5).
  • the elements 2 provided with the pre-assembled devices 1 are separated and are each coupled by snap-engagement, one at a time and in a single operation, to an element 3, simply by inserting the teeth 30, which project from the element 2 (whereas they were previously housed in the seats 40 when the elements 2 were stacked) into the perforations 5.
  • the latter to allow the arms 15 to also be housed in the folded-up configuration, must be buttonhole-shaped, as clearly shown in Figure 10, or have greater transverse dimensions in the direction of the axis A.
  • the teeth 30 are also designed in such a way that, after snap-engaging under the edge 36, they may be caused to rotate towards the inside of the perforation 10 of the plate body 7 by pressing on the oblique surface 42 of the teeth 41 from inside the perforation 10 using the tool 43, which may also simply be a screwdriver.
  • the retaining device 1 may be pre- assembled quickly, securely and permanently on a mechanical element to be attached, without increasing the size thereof substantially, and then said mechanical element may be secured to a second mechanical element duly equipped with perforations 5 of suitable shape simply by pushing the device 1 into the perforation 5. Thereafter, the element 2 may be attached to and dismantled from the element 3 simply by acting on the teeth 41, without any risk of damaging the device 1.
  • FIG. 13 to 15 it is shown a second embodiment lb of the retaining device of the invention, configured to engage in a different manner a different mechanical element 3 to be connected with the mechanical element 2.
  • the details similar or identical to those as already described are indicated with the same reference numbers for sake of simplicity.
  • the device lb is essentially identical to the device 1 already described, except for the engagement elements provided at the first plate body 7, which are configured to snap engage, instead with a through perforation, with a threaded stud 100 (figure 15) provided integral with the mechanical element 3, projecting in cantilever fashion therefrom.
  • the first plate body 7 is provided integrally in one piece, between the first teeth 20, with a pair of substantially rigid and flat uprights 250 having a wing-shape, which are arranged substantially parallel and facing to each other and which extend projecting at a first end portion 251 thereof from the second face 9 and towards the third face 12, inside a perimetral volume of the second through-perforation 14, and at a second end portion thereof 252, opposite the first end portion 251, from the first face 8 and in a position immediately adjacent to the opposite first sides 26 of the first through-perforation 10, parallel and at least partially facing to the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11.
  • the uprights 250 are transversely connected together by a pair of elastically deformable cross-bars 290 arranged parallel and spaced relative to each other and perpendicular to the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11.
  • Each cross-bar 290 is provided in the middle with a second tooth 300 which is arranged perpendicularly relative to the first teeth 20 and which projects out from the crossbar 290 both towards the first and second end portions 251 and 252 of the uprights 250 and within a perimetral volume delimited by the uprights 250.
  • Each cross-bar 290 is designed to form a plastic hinge which allows a relative rotation of the respective second tooth 300 and the first plate body 7 about an axis A perpendicular to the uprights and to the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11, as seen for the embodiment represented by the device 1.
  • the second teeth 300 are oriented obliquely to each other, having first ends 301 projecting towards the first end portions 251 of the uprights 250 and diverging from each other and second ends 302 projecting towards the second end portions 252 of the uprights 250 and converging towards each other.
  • the second ends 302 of the second teeth 300 are spaced apart from each other and are provided with a hook end portion 303; in fact, the second teeth 300 are configured to snap-engage the threaded stud 100 of a second mechanical element 3 to be connected to the first mechanical element 2.
  • the first end portion 251 of the uprights 250 and the respective first ends 301 of the second teeth 300 are configured so as to be received inside the second through- perforation 14 when the articulated arms 15 are in the folded-up configuration.
  • first ends 301 of the second teeth 300 are delimited, in a direction perpendicular to the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11, between a first flat surface 380 and a second flat surface 390, both oblique with respect to the first and second plate bodies 7, 11.
  • each second tooth 300 is directed towards the inside of the first through-perforation 10 and in this embodiment delimits, together with the first end portions 251 of the uprights 250, the stacking reception seat 40 for another identical retaining device lb.
  • the second flat oblique surface 390 of each second tooth 300 is situated towards the perimetral edge 33 of the first plate body 7 and is designed to selectively mate with the first flat oblique surface 380 of a corresponding second tooth 300 of another identical retaining device lb.
  • each second tooth 300 is designed to cooperate in use with a tool 43b shaped as a fork, to apply to the cross-bars 290 an elastic torsional stress able to cause rotation of the second teeth 300 towards the outside of the first through-perforation 10 to disengage from the threaded stud 100.

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract

Retaining device (1) including: a first and a second plate body (7, 11) connected by a pair of opposite articulated arms (15) able to assume selectively an extended configuration, in which the plate bodies (7,11) are in a distal position, and a folded-up configuration, in which the plate bodies (7,11) are in an adjacent position; first and second elastically deformable teeth (20,30) mounted integrally on the first plate body (7), the first teeth (20) being able to snap-engage with respective engaging seats (22) formed in the second plate body (11) so as to lock the arms (15) in the folded-up configuration, clamping tightly a first mechanical element (2) against the first plate body (7); the second teeth (30) being arranged opposite respective through-perforations (10,14) of the first and second plate bodies (7,11) and being able to snap-engage, in use, with a second mechanical element (3) which is thus connected to the first element.

Description

PRE-ASSEMBLABLE AND REMOVABLE RETAINING DEVICE
[0001] The present invention relates to a pre-assemblable and removable retaining device, for connecting, in a removable manner, in other words with the possibility of repeated assembly and dismantling without the risk of damage, two mechanical elements, in particular consisting of vehicle body elements, for example for securing an insulating pad or panel to the inside of the bonnet or the inside of a door of a vehicle.
[0002] In the motor vehicle sector, to secure vehicle body elements together, for example an internal finishing panel to the frame of a door or a side of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, or an insulating element (panel or pad) to the inside of the bonnet, the use is known of retaining devices of various types, with snap-engagement or bayonet fitting means, in general made by moulding a synthetic plastic, in one or more parts.
[0003] However, the solutions known to date often do not allow the retaining devices to be removed, for example for maintenance work, without at least the risk of damaging said devices. Moreover, retaining devices are generally assembled on a production line, one at a time, which takes a great amount of time and it is impossible to automate the assembly operation. Lastly, even in cases in which the retaining devices are successfully pre- assembled in the necessary positions on the covering element to be secured to the vehicle body, not only may the retaining devices accidentally come off during transport but, in particular, the covering element with the pre-assembled retaining device takes up a lot of room, making transport difficult and expensive.
[0004] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, providing a retaining device with a structure that is simple, reliable, compact and relatively inexpensive, for securing two elements together, in particular two vehicle body elements, quickly and such that it may be easily dismantled without the risk of damaging the elements secured using said device, and above all one which may be pre-assembled easily and securely, for example on a covering element to be secured to the vehicle body, without increasing the space taken up to an unacceptable degree. [0005] The present invention therefore relates to a retaining device and a system for removably connecting a first mechanical element to a second mechanical element, in particular vehicle body elements, as defined in the attached claims.
[0006] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the description below of one possible embodiment of the invention, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0007] Figure 1 shows a perspective three-quarter view from below of a retaining device made according to the invention;
[0008] Figures 2 and 3 show, on a smaller scale, two orthogonal views in elevation, oriented with respect to one another by 90°, of the retaining device of Figure 1;
[0009] Figures 4 and 5 show, schematically in elevation, two different configurations that the retaining device of Figure 1 may have, and the steps for pre-assembly of the retaining device on a first mechanical element shown in section, in particular consisting of a vehicle covering element;
[0010] Figures 6, 7 and 8 show, schematically in elevation, the steps for securing, according to the system for connection according to the invention, using the retaining device of Figure 1, the first mechanical element on a second mechanical element, in particular consisting of a vehicle body sheet;
[0011] Figure 9 shows a perspective three-quarter view from above of two retaining devices of the invention secured to two different first mechanical elements, in a
configuration for transport and presented on the second mechanical element;
[0012] Figure 10 shows a perspective three-quarter view from above of two retaining devices of the invention coupled in the transport configuration but rotated by 90° with respect to Figure 9, presented on the second mechanical element, to better illustrate the connection system of the invention; [0013] Figures 11 and 12 show, schematically in elevation, the steps of dismantling the first mechanical element from the second mechanical element by means of the connection system and the retaining device of the invention;
[0014] Figures 13 and 14 show schematically a three-quarter front and rear perspective view of a different embodiment of the retaining device of the present invention; and
[0015] Figure 15 shows schematically and in an elevation view of the step of dismantling the first mechanical element from the second mechanical element by means of the connection system and the retaining device according to the embodiment of figures 13 and 14.
[0016] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the reference sign 1 indicates, as a whole, a retaining device that may be connected to a first mechanical element 2 and to a second mechanical element 3, in particular consisting of vehicle body elements, shown only schematically and only partially, for simplicity.
[0017] Preferably, the mechanical element 2 consists of an insulating covering element in the form of a panel or pad, while the mechanical element 3 consists of a vehicle body part in the form of a sheet, for example a door or bonnet.
[0018] The retaining device 1, as will be seen below, may come pre-assembled on the mechanical element 2 so that it may then be used to secure the mechanical element 2 to the mechanical element 3, removably. To this end, the mechanical element 2 has at least one through-perforation 4 in a form suitable for receiving, passing through it, as will be seen below, a retaining device 1, and the mechanical element 3 has at least one through- perforation 5 in a form such that it may be snap-engaged, as will be seen below, by the retaining device 1.
[0019] Together, one or more retaining devices 1 and the through-perforations 4 and 5 of the mechanical elements 2 and 3 form a system 6 (Figures 6-8 and 11-12) for connecting together, removably, the mechanical elements 2 and 3 in a quick and automatable manner.
[0020] The retaining device 1 comprises a first plate body 7 delimited between a first, upper, face 8 and a second, lower, face 9, opposite to the first face 8; preferably, the faces 8 and 9 are flat. The plate body 7 is also passed through centrally, transversely to the faces 8,9, by a through-perforation 10, rectangular in the example shown.
[0021] The retaining device 1 further comprises a second plate body 11 delimited between a third, upper, face 12 and fourth, lower, face 13, opposite to the third face; the plate body 1 1 is formed as a rectangular frame so as to delimit internally a second through- perforation 14, which is rectangular, arranged transversely with respect to the faces 12,13.
[0022] The plate body 11 is arranged facing the plate body 7 and the second through- perforation 14 is facing the through-perforation 10 so that the first face 8 is directed away from the second plate body 11, the second face 9 is directed towards the second plate body
11, the third face 12 is directed towards the first plate body 7 and the fourth face 13 is directed away from the first plate body 7.
[0023] The retaining device 1 further comprises, according to a first aspect of the invention, at least one pair of opposite articulated arms 15 which connect the face 9 of the first plate body 7 to the second plate body 1 1 without interfering with the third face 12 and with respective opposite first sides 16, which are straight, of the plate body 11, said sides 16 facing the articulated arms 15.
[0024] To this end, the plate body 11 formed as a frame is provided, on the two opposite sides 16, with respective feet 17 which project out therefrom on the same side of the fourth face 13 and the arms 15 are articulated, as will be seen below, directly to the feet 17 and therefore below the sides 16, i.e. beyond the sides 16 in the direction coming from the face
12, towards the face 13.
[0025] Each articulated arm 15 is provided with opposite end hinges 18 (Figures 1 and 3), by means of which it is connected respectively to the face 9 of the plate body and to a foot 17 of the plate body 11 under each side 16, and with a central hinge 19 arranged between the end hinges 18 so that the articulated arms 15 are able to assume selectively an extended configuration (Figures 1,3,4), in which the plate bodies 7, 11 are located in a distal position, spaced apart from one another by substantially the whole length of the arms 15, and a folded-up configuration (Figures 5,8,10), in which the plate bodies 7, 11 are adjacent in a vicinal position. [0026] The retaining device 1 further comprises, according to one aspect of the invention, a pair of opposite, elastically deformable, first teeth 20 and respective engaging seats 22 (Figure 1) for the teeth 20; the teeth are provided integrally on the plate body 7 and project out from the face 9 towards the plate body 11, terminating in respective L-shaped engaging ends 21 (Figures 1 and 3) facing each other; the engaging seats 22 (Figure 1) for the teeth 20 are formed in the plate body 11 at the sides 16 and face towards the articulated arms 15, in this case they are formed on the outside of the feet 17 under the sides 16.
[0027] The teeth 20 are arranged between the articulated arms 15 and the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11 to snap-engage inside the engaging seats 22 with their engaging ends 21 when the plate bodies 7,11 are situated in the vicinal position, in which the plate bodies 7, 11 are apart by a distance substantially equal to the length by which the teeth 20 project; when the teeth 20 snap-engage inside the seats 22, moreover, the teeth 20 lock the articulated arms 15 in the folded-up configuration.
[0028] The second plate body 11 is smaller than the first plate body 7 and has a length measured between its opposite first sides 16 substantially equal to the distance between the elastically deformable opposite teeth 20; moreover, the articulated arms 15 are formed so that in the folded-up configuration they are arranged substantially parallel to the faces 8,9 of the plate body 7 and spaced from the face 9 on the side where the second plate body 11 is situated, so as to delimit between the folded-up arms 15 (Figure 5) and the face 9 a receiving space 23 for the mechanical element 2 (Figure 5).
[0029] Furthermore, in the folded-up configuration, the articulated arms 15 are arranged substantially flush with the second plate body 11 and with the central hinge 19 arranged substantially flush with the engaging ends 21 of the elastically deformable teeth 20.
[0030] The teeth 20, moreover, engage with the engaging seats 22 immediately underneath the first sides 16 of the plate body 11, such that the articulated arms 15 are attached to the feet 17 by means of respective end hinges 18 immediately below the engaging seats 22.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment shown, the articulated arms 15, the plate bodies 7,11 and the teeth 20 are made in one piece of a moulded, synthetic, plastic material; in particular, the articulated arms 15 are formed integrally with the plate bodies 7, 11 by means of a single moulding operation and the end hinges 18 and central hinge 19 are plastic hinges defined by respective thinned and elastically flexible portions 24 (Figures 1 and 3) of the articulated arms 15.
[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first plate body 7 is provided integrally in one piece, between the teeth 20, with a pair of substantially rigid uprights 25 which are arranged substantially parallel to and facing each other and which extend projecting from the face 9, parallel to the teeth 20, and towards the face 12, inside a predetermined perimetral volume of the through-perforation 14; in particular, the uprights 25 are formed in a position immediately adjacent to opposite first sides 26 (Figures 9, 10) of the through-perforation 10 parallel to and facing the sides 16 of the plate body 11.
[0033] The uprights 25 each comprise a root portion 27 arranged towards the plate body 7 and an end portion 28 arranged towards the plate body 11 and are transversely connected together, at the end portions 28, by a pair of elastically deformable cross-bars 29 (Figures 1 and 9) arranged parallel and spaced relative to each other and perpendicular to the sides 16 so as to form with the uprights 25 a three-dimensional frame structure.
[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, each cross-bar 29 (Figures 1, 9 and 10) is provided in the middle with a tooth 30 which is arranged perpendicularly relative to the teeth 20 (in the sense that it lies in a plane perpendicular to that in which the teeth 20 lie) and which projects out from the cross-bar 29 towards the face 9 and between the uprights 25; each cross-bar 29 has a thinned rectangular cross section and is thus designed to form a plastic hinge which allows a relative rotation of the respective tooth 30 and the plate body 7 about an axis A (Figure 3) perpendicular to the uprights 25 and to the sides 16; the uprights 25, the respective cross-bars 29 and the respective teeth 30 are moreover configured so as to be received inside the through-perforation 14 when the articulated arms 15 are in the folded-up configuration (Figure 5).
[0035] Each tooth 30 comprises a free end 31 directed towards the face 9 and provided parallel to the cross-bars 29 with an L-shaped indentation 32 situated on the opposite side to the other tooth 30 and towards a perimetral edge 33 of the plate body 7. [0036] The L-shaped indentation 32 is delimited between a first surface 34 and a second surface 35, in the example shown flat and angled with respect to one another so as to form a slightly obtuse angle, hence slightly greater than 90°.
[0037] The surface 34 is directed towards the face 9 and is designed to snap-engage, during use, as will be seen below, underneath a perimetral edge 36 (Figure 10) of the through-perforation 5 of the second mechanical element 3, in such a way as to connect the latter to the mechanical element 2.
[0038] The surface 35 is angled with respect to the surface 34 and is directed towards the perimetral edge 33; it is also designed to cooperate, in the folded-up configuration of the articulated arms 15, with a respective second side 45 of the plate body 11 on the inside of the through-perforation 14 (Figure 9) so as to serve as an end-of-rotation stop for the respective tooth 30.
[0039] According to one essential feature of the invention, a stacking reception seat 40 for another identical retaining device 1 is provided between the first and second plate body 7, 11 at the first plate body 7 and integrally in one piece thereto.
[0040] In this manner, in the folded-up configuration of the articulated arms 15, the retaining device 1 described above is able to be stacked with one or more identical retaining devices 1, possibly each already secured, or pre-assembled, as will be seen below, to/on a mechanical element 2.
[0041] To this end, the root portion 27 of each upright 25 is internally hollow and defines on the side where the face 8 is situated a reception seat 37 (Figures 9 and 10) for the end portion 28 of an upright 25 of another identical retaining device 1; the seat 37 moreover faces, and communicates with, the through-perforation 10.
[0042] Furthermore, each tooth 30 is delimited, in a direction perpendicular to the sides 16, between a first flat surface 38 and a second flat surface 39 (Figures 7 and 9), both oblique with respect to the plate bodies 7, 11.
[0043] The flat oblique surface 38 of each tooth 30 is directed towards the inside of the through-perforation 10 and delimits, together with the perforation 10 and with the reception seat 37 of the root portion 27 of each upright 25, the stacking reception seat 40 (Figure 9), in the example shown in the shape of a cross, for another identical retaining device 1.
[0044] This seat 40 makes it possible to receive inside each device 1 all, or most, of the three-dimensional frame structure formed by the uprights 25 and by the cross-bars 29 with the teeth 30 of another device 1, thus making it possible to stack several devices 1 compactly, as long as the arms 15 are already in the folded-up configuration.
[0045] The second flat oblique surface 39 of each tooth 30, which is situated on the opposite side to the through-perforation 10 and towards the perimetral edge 33, is in fact designed to selectively mate with the first flat oblique surface 38 of a corresponding second tooth 30 of another identical retaining device 1, as clearly shown in Figures 9 and 10.
[0046] Moreover, the second flat oblique surface 39 of each tooth 30 is also designed to cooperate in use with the perimetral edge 36 of the through-perforation 5 of the mechanical element 3 to be connected to the first mechanical element 2 during insertion, as will be seen below, of the device 1 in the perforation 5, applying to the teeth 30 a flexing stress directed towards the inside of the through-perforation 10, and consequently, by means of the teeth 30, to apply to the cross-bars 29 a torsional stress able to elastically deform the cross-bars 29 to cause rotation of the teeth 30 towards the inside of the through-perforation 10.
[0047] Lastly, according to a final but no less important feature of this embodiment of the invention, each cross-bar 29 is provided, projecting on the opposite side to the respective tooth 30 and inside the through-perforation 10, with a third tooth 41 (Figures 9 and 10) arranged parallel to the sides 16 and provided towards the face 9 with an oblique surface 42 (i.e. forming an inclined plane) designed to cooperate in use with a tool 43 (Figures 11,12) which can be introduced through the through-perforation 10 so as to apply to the cross-bars 29 a torsional stress able, again, to cause rotation of the teeth 30 towards the inside of the through-perforation 10.
[0048] On the basis of the above description, it is clear that the invention also relates to the system 6 for removably connecting a mechanical element 2 to a second mechanical element 3, in particular consisting of vehicle body elements, comprising at least a retaining device 1, at least a through-perforation 4 formed through the first mechanical element 2 for each device 1 present, and at least a second through-perforation 5 formed through the second mechanical element 3 for each device 1 present and designed to be snap-engaged by the teeth 30.
[0049] According to the invention, the through-perforation 4 is smaller than the transverse dimensions of the first plate body 7 and designed to be passed through by the second plate body 11, by the uprights 25 with the cross-bars 29 and the teeth 30, and by the articulated arms 15 when the latter are in the extended configuration. The through- perforation 4 is also designed to be smaller than the transverse dimensions of the arms 15 when the latter are in the folded-up configuration, so that the arms 15 in the folded-up configuration interfere with the mechanical element 2, locking it in the reception space 23 between the plate body 7 and the folded-up arms 15; in this way, when the teeth 20 snap- engage with the respective engaging seats 22, the retaining device 1 remains preassembled, securely and permanently, on the first mechanical element 2.
[0050] Therefore, according to the invention, a plurality of retaining devices 1 are obtained by moulding with the arms 15 in the extended position and are then each inserted, still with the arms 15 in the extended position, into a through-perforation 4 of an element 2 to be assembled, until the face 9 is brought against the element 2. The arms 15 are then brought into the folded-up configuration, for example simply by pushing the plate body 11 towards the plate body 7, until they are locked by the teeth 20.
[0051] Next, a plurality of elements 2 provided with pre-assembled devices 1 may be stacked one on top of the other, taking up almost the same amount of space that they would take up if the devices 1 were not present. Indeed, as clearly shown in Figure 9, the devices 1 integral with each element 2 may be stacked one within the other thanks to the presence of the reception seats 40. Further space may be saved in the direction of stacking by giving each perforation 4 (Figure 4) a recess 44 formed on a face of the element 2 intended to face the element 3 and designed to house the arms 15 in the folded-up configuration (Figure 5).
[0052] After that, the elements 2 provided with the pre-assembled devices 1 are separated and are each coupled by snap-engagement, one at a time and in a single operation, to an element 3, simply by inserting the teeth 30, which project from the element 2 (whereas they were previously housed in the seats 40 when the elements 2 were stacked) into the perforations 5. The latter, to allow the arms 15 to also be housed in the folded-up configuration, must be buttonhole-shaped, as clearly shown in Figure 10, or have greater transverse dimensions in the direction of the axis A.
[0053] During the movement of insertion in the perforations 5, the teeth 30 come into contact with the edge 36 through the oblique surfaces 39 and the thrust of insertion causes elastic torsional deformation of the cross-bars 29, allowing the teeth 30 to get past the edge 36 so as to snap-engage it with the surfaces 34, thus locking the element 2 on the element 3 securely, by means of an operation that is simple and may thus be automated.
[0054] The teeth 30 are also designed in such a way that, after snap-engaging under the edge 36, they may be caused to rotate towards the inside of the perforation 10 of the plate body 7 by pressing on the oblique surface 42 of the teeth 41 from inside the perforation 10 using the tool 43, which may also simply be a screwdriver.
[0055] This thrust in the direction of insertion of the teeth 30 in the perforation 5 causes further elastic torsion of the cross-bars 29, which disengages the surfaces 34 of the teeth 30 from the edge 36 of the perforation 5, making it possible to remove the device 1 from said perforation 5, releasing the element 2.
[0056] It is thus clear from the above description that the retaining device 1 may be pre- assembled quickly, securely and permanently on a mechanical element to be attached, without increasing the size thereof substantially, and then said mechanical element may be secured to a second mechanical element duly equipped with perforations 5 of suitable shape simply by pushing the device 1 into the perforation 5. Thereafter, the element 2 may be attached to and dismantled from the element 3 simply by acting on the teeth 41, without any risk of damaging the device 1.
[0057] Referring now to figures 13 to 15, it is shown a second embodiment lb of the retaining device of the invention, configured to engage in a different manner a different mechanical element 3 to be connected with the mechanical element 2. The details similar or identical to those as already described are indicated with the same reference numbers for sake of simplicity.
[0058] The device lb is essentially identical to the device 1 already described, except for the engagement elements provided at the first plate body 7, which are configured to snap engage, instead with a through perforation, with a threaded stud 100 (figure 15) provided integral with the mechanical element 3, projecting in cantilever fashion therefrom.
[0059] At this end, the first plate body 7 is provided integrally in one piece, between the first teeth 20, with a pair of substantially rigid and flat uprights 250 having a wing-shape, which are arranged substantially parallel and facing to each other and which extend projecting at a first end portion 251 thereof from the second face 9 and towards the third face 12, inside a perimetral volume of the second through-perforation 14, and at a second end portion thereof 252, opposite the first end portion 251, from the first face 8 and in a position immediately adjacent to the opposite first sides 26 of the first through-perforation 10, parallel and at least partially facing to the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11.
[0060] Between the first and the second end portions 251 and 252 the uprights 250 are transversely connected together by a pair of elastically deformable cross-bars 290 arranged parallel and spaced relative to each other and perpendicular to the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11.
[0061] Each cross-bar 290 is provided in the middle with a second tooth 300 which is arranged perpendicularly relative to the first teeth 20 and which projects out from the crossbar 290 both towards the first and second end portions 251 and 252 of the uprights 250 and within a perimetral volume delimited by the uprights 250.
[0062] Each cross-bar 290 is designed to form a plastic hinge which allows a relative rotation of the respective second tooth 300 and the first plate body 7 about an axis A perpendicular to the uprights and to the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11, as seen for the embodiment represented by the device 1.
[0063] In the embodiment lb, however, the second teeth 300 are oriented obliquely to each other, having first ends 301 projecting towards the first end portions 251 of the uprights 250 and diverging from each other and second ends 302 projecting towards the second end portions 252 of the uprights 250 and converging towards each other.
[0064] The second ends 302 of the second teeth 300 are spaced apart from each other and are provided with a hook end portion 303; in fact, the second teeth 300 are configured to snap-engage the threaded stud 100 of a second mechanical element 3 to be connected to the first mechanical element 2.
[0065] The first end portion 251 of the uprights 250 and the respective first ends 301 of the second teeth 300 are configured so as to be received inside the second through- perforation 14 when the articulated arms 15 are in the folded-up configuration.
[0066] Moreover, the first ends 301 of the second teeth 300 are delimited, in a direction perpendicular to the first sides 16 of the second plate body 11, between a first flat surface 380 and a second flat surface 390, both oblique with respect to the first and second plate bodies 7, 11.
[0067] The first flat oblique surface 380 of each second tooth 300 is directed towards the inside of the first through-perforation 10 and in this embodiment delimits, together with the first end portions 251 of the uprights 250, the stacking reception seat 40 for another identical retaining device lb.
[0068] The second flat oblique surface 390 of each second tooth 300 is situated towards the perimetral edge 33 of the first plate body 7 and is designed to selectively mate with the first flat oblique surface 380 of a corresponding second tooth 300 of another identical retaining device lb.
[0069] Moreover, with reference to figure 15, the second flat oblique surface 390 of each second tooth 300 is designed to cooperate in use with a tool 43b shaped as a fork, to apply to the cross-bars 290 an elastic torsional stress able to cause rotation of the second teeth 300 towards the outside of the first through-perforation 10 to disengage from the threaded stud 100.
[0070] All the aims of the invention are thus achieved.

Claims

1. A retaining device (1) connectable to a first mechanical element (2), in particular a vehicle body element, the retaining device comprising:
- a first plate body (7) delimited between a first face (8) and a second face (9), opposite to the first face, and passed through centrally, transversely to the first and second faces, by a first through-perforation (10);
- a second plate body (11) delimited between a third face (12) and fourth face (13), opposite to the third face, and formed as a frame so as to delimit internally a second through-perforation (14) arranged transversely with respect to the third and fourth faces, the second plate body (11) being arranged facing the first plate body (7) and with the second through-perforation (14) facing the first through-perforation (10) so that the first face is directed away from the second plate body, the second face is directed towards the second plate body, the third face is directed towards the first plate body and the fourth face is directed away from the first plate body;
- at least one pair of opposite articulated arms (15) which connect the second face (9) of the first plate body to the second plate body (11) without interfering with the third face (12) and with respective opposite first sides (16) of the second plate body facing the articulated arms (15), each articulated arm being provided with opposite end hinges (18), by means of which it is connected to the first and second plate bodies, and with a central hinge (19) arranged between the end hinges so that the articulated arms (15) are able to assume selectively an extended configuration, in which the first and second plate bodies (7,11) are located in a distal position, and a folded-up configuration, in which the first and second plate bodies (7, 11) are located in a vicinal position;
- a pair of opposite, elastically deformable, first teeth (20) which are mounted integrally on the first plate body (7) and project out from the second face (9) towards the second plate body (11), terminating in respective L-shaped engaging ends (21) facing each other; and
- respective engaging seats (22) for the first teeth, formed in the second plate body (11); characterized in that
i)- the engaging seats (22) for the first teeth are formed at the first sides (16) of the second plate body (11) facing towards the articulated arms; - the first teeth (20) are arranged between the articulated arms and the first sides (16) of the second plate body to snap-engage inside the engaging seats (22) with their engaging ends (21) only when the first and second plate bodies are situated in the vicinal position so as to lock the articulated arms (15) in the folded-up configuration;
iii)- a stacking reception seat (40) for another identical retaining device (1) is provided between the first and second plate body (7, 11) at the first plate body (7) and integrally in one piece thereto.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second plate body (11) is smaller than the first plate body (7) and has a length measured between its opposite first sides (16) substantially equal to the distance between the elastically deformable opposite first teeth (20) of the first plate body; the articulated arms (15) being formed so that in the folded-up configuration they are arranged substantially parallel to the first plate body (7) and spaced from the second face (9) on the side where the second plate body is situated, so as to delimit between them and the second face a receiving space (23) for said first mechanical element (2).
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in the folded-up configuration, the articulated arms (15) are arranged substantially flush with the second plate body (11) and with the central hinge (19) arranged substantially flush with the engaging ends (21) of the elastically deformable first teeth.
4. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastically deformable first teeth (20) engage with the engaging seats (22) immediately underneath the first sides (16) of the second plate body, the engaging seats (22) being formed laterally inside respective feet (17) of the second plate body which project out therefrom on the same side of the fourth face (13); the articulated arms being attached to the said feet (17) by means of respective end hinges (18) immediately below the engaging seats (22); the said articulated arms (15) and the said first and second plate bodies (7, 11) being made of a moulded, synthetic, plastic material, the articulated arms having been formed integrally with the first and second plate bodies by means of a single moulding operation and the said end hinges (18) and central hinge (19) being plastic hinges defined by respective thinned and elastically flexible portions (24) of the articulated arms.
5. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plate body (7) is provided integrally in one piece, between the said first teeth (20), with a pair of substantially rigid uprights (25) which are arranged substantially parallel to and facing each other and which extend projecting from the second face (9) and towards the third face (12), inside a perimetral volume of the second through-perforation (14) and in a position immediately adjacent to opposite first sides (26) of the first through-perforation (10) parallel to and facing the first sides (16) of the second plate body; the uprights each comprising a root portion (27) arranged towards the first plate body and an end portion (28) arranged towards the second plate body and being transversely connected together, at the end portions, by a pair of elastically deformable cross-bars (29) arranged parallel and spaced relative to each other and perpendicular to the first sides of the second plate body so as to form with the uprights a three-dimensional frame structure; each cross-bar (29) being provided in the middle with a second tooth (30) which is arranged perpendicularly relative to the first teeth and which projects out from the cross-bar towards the second face and between the uprights; each cross-bar (29) being designed to form a plastic hinge which allows a relative rotation of the respective second tooth (30) and the first plate body (7) about an axis (A) perpendicular to the uprights and to the first sides (16) of the second plate body; the uprights, the respective cross-bars and the respective second teeth being configured so as to be received inside the second through-perforation (14) when the said articulated arms are in the folded-up configuration.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein each second tooth (30) comprises a free end (31) directed towards the second face and provided parallel to the cross-bars with an L-shaped indentation (32) situated on the opposite side to the other second tooth and towards a perimetral edge (33) of the first plate body; the L-shaped indentation (32) being delimited between a first surface (34) and a second surface (35); the first surface (34) being directed towards the second face (9) and being designed to snap-engage, during use, underneath a perimetral edge (36) of a through-perforation (5) of a second mechanical element (3) to be connected to the first mechanical element (2); and the second surface (35) being angled with respect to the first surface and being directed towards the perimetral edge (33) of the first plate body and designed to cooperate, in the folded-up configuration of the articulated arms, with a respective second side (45) of the second plate body (11), perpendicular to the first sides (16) thereof, on the inside of the second through-perforation (14), so as to serve as an end-of-rotation stop for the respective second tooth (30).
7. The device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein, in the folded-up configuration of the articulated arms, it is able to be stacked with one or more identical retaining devices (1), the root portion (27) of each upright being internally hollow and defining on the side where the first face (8) is situated a reception seat (37) for the end portion (28) of an upright of another identical retaining device (1), said reception seat (37) of the upright facing and communicating with the first through-perforation (10); and each said second tooth (30) being delimited, in a direction perpendicular to the first sides (16) of the second plate body, between a first flat surface (38) and a second flat surface (39), both oblique with respect to the first and second plate bodies; the first flat oblique surface (38) of each second tooth being directed towards the inside of the first through-perforation and delimiting, together with the reception seat (37) of the root portion of each upright, said stacking reception seat (40) for another identical retaining device (1); and the second flat oblique surface (39) of each second tooth being situated on the opposite side to the first through-perforation and towards the perimetral edge (33) of the first plate body and being designed to selectively mate with the first flat oblique surface (38) of a corresponding second tooth (30) of another identical retaining device (1) and to cooperate in use with a perimetral edge (36) of a through-perforation (5) of a second mechanical element (3) to be connected to the first mechanical element (2), applying to the second teeth a flexing stress directed towards the inside of the first through-perforation (10), and, by means of the second teeth, to apply to the cross-bars (29) an elastic torsional stress able to cause rotation of the second teeth (30) towards the inside of the first through-perforation.
8. The device as claimed in claim 5 or 6 or 7, wherein each cross-bar (29) is provided, projecting on the opposite side to the respective second tooth (30) and inside the first through-perforation (10), with a third tooth (41) arranged parallel to the first sides of the second plate body and provided towards the second face with an oblique surface (42) designed to cooperate in use with a tool (43) which can be introduced through the first through-perforation so as to apply to the cross-bars (29) an elastic torsional stress able to cause rotation of the second teeth (30) towards the inside of the first through-perforation.
9. The device (lb) as claimed in one of the preceding claims from 1 to 4, wherein the first plate body (7) is provided integrally in one piece, between the said first teeth (20), with a pair of substantially rigid and flat uprights (250) having a wing-shape, which are arranged substantially parallel and facing to each other and which extend projecting at a first end portion () thereof from the second face (9) and towards the third face (12), inside a perimetral volume of the second through-perforation (14), and at a second end portion thereof (), opposite the first, from the first face (8) and in a position immediately adjacent to opposite first sides (26) of the first through-perforation (10), parallel and at least partially facing to the first sides (16) of the second plate body; between the first and the second end portions () the uprights (250) being transversely connected together by a pair of elastically deformable cross-bars (290) arranged parallel and spaced relative to each other and perpendicular to the first sides (16) of the second plate body; each cross-bar (290) being provided in the middle with a second tooth (300) which is arranged perpendicularly relative to the first teeth and which projects out from the crossbar both towards the first and second end portions () of the uprights (250) and within a perimetral volume delimited by the uprights (); each cross-bar (290) being designed to form a plastic hinge which allows a relative rotation of the respective second tooth (300) and the first plate body (7) about an axis (A) perpendicular to the uprights and to the first sides (16) of the second plate body; the second teeth (300) being oriented obliquely to each other, having first ends () projecting towards the first end portions () of the uprights (250) and diverging from each other and second ends () projecting towards the second end portions () of the uprights (250) and converging towards each other; the second ends () of the second teeth being spaced apart from each other and being provided with a hook end portion (); the second teeth (300) being configured to snap-engage a threaded stud () of a second mechanical element (3) to be connected to the first mechanical element (2).
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first end portion () of the uprights (250) and the respective first ends () of the second teeth (300) are configured so as to be received inside the second through-perforation (14) when the said articulated arms are in the folded- up configuration; the first ends () of the second teeth (300) being delimited, in a direction perpendicular to the first sides (16) of the second plate body, between a first flat surface (380) and a second flat surface (390), both oblique with respect to the first and second plate bodies; the first flat oblique surface (380) of each second tooth being directed towards the inside of the first through-perforation (10) and delimiting, together with the first end portions () of the uprights (250), said stacking reception seat (40) for another identical retaining device (1); and the second flat oblique surface (390) of each second tooth being situated towards the perimetral edge (33) of the first plate body and being designed to selectively mate with the first flat oblique surface (38) of a corresponding second tooth (300) of another identical retaining device (lb) and to cooperate in use with a tool () to apply to the cross-bars (290) an elastic torsional stress able to cause rotation of the second teeth (300) towards the outside of the first through-perforation (10) to disengage from said threaded stud ().
11. A system (6) for removably connecting a first mechanical element (2) to a second mechanical element (3), in particular consisting of vehicle body elements, comprising a retaining device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, a first through-perforation (4) formed through the first mechanical element (2), smaller than the transverse dimensions of the first plate body (7) and designed to be passed through by the second plate body (11) and by the articulated arms (15) when the latter are in the extended configuration and to have transverse dimensions smaller than those of the articulated arms (15) when the latter are in the folded-up configuration, so that the retaining device (1) remains preassembled on the first mechanical element (2) when the first teeth (20) snap- engage with the respective engaging seats (22); and either a second through-perforation (5) or a threaded stud () borne by the second mechanical element (3) and designed to be snap- engaged by the second teeth (30;300); the second teeth being configured to be rotated by a tool (;)after snap-engagement, to disengage from either the second through-perforation (5) or the threaded stud () of the second mechanical element.
PCT/US2017/048589 2016-09-02 2017-08-25 Pre-assemblable and removable retaining device WO2018044709A1 (en)

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IT102016000089395A IT201600089395A1 (en) 2016-09-02 2016-09-02 PREMIUMABLE AND REMOVABLE CHECK DEVICE
IT102016000089395 2016-09-02

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WO2021045939A1 (en) 2019-09-06 2021-03-11 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Fastening device and system including said fastening device
FR3131602A1 (en) 2022-01-06 2023-07-07 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Pre-assemblable and removable fastening device for assembling mechanical elements together

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