WO2013088447A1 - Assembly comprising two elements attached by invisible attachment organs - Google Patents
Assembly comprising two elements attached by invisible attachment organs Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013088447A1 WO2013088447A1 PCT/IN2011/000860 IN2011000860W WO2013088447A1 WO 2013088447 A1 WO2013088447 A1 WO 2013088447A1 IN 2011000860 W IN2011000860 W IN 2011000860W WO 2013088447 A1 WO2013088447 A1 WO 2013088447A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- attachment organ
- attachment
- wall
- organ
- Prior art date
Links
- 210000000056 organ Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 112
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- F16B5/065—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 one on top of the other and distanced from each other, e.g. by using protrusions to keep contact and distance
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/40—Removing or ejecting moulded articles
- B29C45/44—Removing or ejecting moulded articles for undercut articles
- B29C45/4407—Removing or ejecting moulded articles for undercut articles by flexible movement of undercut portions of the articles
-
- 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
- F16B5/0664—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 at least one of the sheets or plates having integrally formed or integrally connected snap-in-features
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
- B60R13/0206—Arrangements of fasteners and clips specially adapted for attaching inner vehicle liners or mouldings
Abstract
The assembly (1 ) comprises a first element (2), having an inner face (6), and a second element (4), having an inner face (10), the inner face (6) of the first element (2) being attached to the inner face (10) of the second element (4) by at least one attachment device, comprising a first attachment organ (14) and a second attachment organ (16), the first attachment organ (14) being engaged in the second attachment organ (16). The first attachment organ (14) comprises a hollow shaft (20), closed at one of its end (22) by the inner face (6) of the first element (2) and opened at its other end (24), said shaft (20) comprising at least one fixing element (28) formed on its outer wall (26) and the second attachment organ (16) comprises a hollow shaft (30), closed at one of its end (32) by the inner face (10) of the second element (4) and opened at its other end (34), said shaft (30) comprising at least one complementary fixing element (38) formed on the inner wall (36) of said shaft (30).
Description
Assembly comprising two elements attached by invisible attachment organs
The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a first element, having an inner face and an outer face, and a second element, having an inner face and an outer face, the inner face of the first element being attached to the inner face of the second element by at least one attachment device, comprising a first attachment organ protruding from the inner face of the first element and a second attachment organ protruding from the inner face of the second element, the first attachment organ being engaged in the second attachment organ to attach the elements together.
The invention also relates to a method for producing an element of said assembly.
The assembly of two elements, such as trim panels, is generally performed via an attachment device comprising a first attachment organ passing through one of the elements and engaging in a complementary attachment organ provided on the other element, such as a screw and a threaded bore receiving the screw.
This assembly method is not satisfactory because at least one supplementary part, in addition to the elements to be assembled, is to be provided, which complicates the production of the assembly. Furthermore, the first attachment organ is visible from the outer face of the element it passes through. This is not satisfactory when both outer faces of the elements to be assembled are to be visible from outside of the assembly, for example when the elements form together a sun visor or a movable rear tray in a vehicle, for example an automotive vehicle.
To remedy these drawbacks, the elements can be assembled by welding the inner faces of the elements together. However, this process is more costly and can leave visible markings on the outer faces of the elements. Furthermore, the positioning of one element relative to the other has to be precise, which is difficult to achieve when the elements are welded together due to the tolerances of a welding process. In addition, the elements have to be realized in the same material to allow them to be welded together, which reduces the choice in the elements to be assembled.
One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing an assembly of two elements, wherein the inner faces of the elements are attached together without it being visible from the outer faces of the elements, and offering a precise positioning of one element relative to the other to obtain an assembly having a satisfactory appearance.
To this end, the invention relates to assembly as mentioned above, wherein the first attachment organ comprises a hollow shaft, closed at one of its end by the inner face of the first element and opened at its other end, said shaft comprising at least one fixing
element formed on its outer wall and the second attachment organ comprises a hollow shaft, closed at one of its end by the inner face of the second element and opened at its other end, said shaft comprising at least one complementary fixing element formed on the inner wall of said shaft, said complementary fixing element cooperating with the fixing element of the first attachment organ.
The attachment organs of the elements extend only on the inner faces of the elements, which make them invisible from outside the assembly when the elements are attached together. Furthermore, the first element is precisely positioned relative to the second element when the fixing element cooperates with the complementary fixing element.
According to other features of the assembly according to the invention:
- the fixing element is a projection protruding from the outer wall of the shaft of the first attachment organ and the complementary fixing element is a projection protruding from the inner wall of the shaft of the second attachment organ, said projections cooperating together to lock the first element relative to the second element according to a separation direction;
- the fixing element is a series of consecutive teeth protruding from the outer wall of the shaft of the first attachment organ and the complementary fixing element is a series of complementary teeth protruding from the inner wall of the shaft of the second attachment organ, said teeth and complementary teeth cooperating together to lock the first element relative to the second element according to a separation direction;
- the fixing element extends on a part of or all around of the outer wall of the shaft of the first attachment organ and the complementary fixing element extends on a part or all around the inner wall of the shaft of the second attachment organ ;
- the first attachment organ comprises at least one stopping rib extending at the base of the hollow shaft, said rib being arranged to contact the second attachment organ when the fixing element cooperates with the complementary fixing element in order to lock the first element relative to the second element according to a fixation direction;
- the stopping rib extends substantially perpendicularly to the base of the shaft of the first attachment organ and to the inner face of the first element ;
- the first attachment organ is made integral with the first element and the second attachment organ is made integral with the second element ;
- the shafts of the first attachment organ and of the second attachment organ are substantially cylindrical with a circular or ovoid base; and
- the shafts of the first attachment organ and of the second attachment organ have a closed cross-section or an open cross-section.
The invention also relates to a method for producing an element of the assembly as described above, using a forming tool comprising a first forming element having the shape of the inner face of the element to be produced and comprising a bore having the shape of the outer wall of the shaft of the attachment organ of said element, the forming tool further comprising a pin extending in the bore, said pin having the shape of the inner wall of the shaft of the attachment organ of said element, such that said shaft can be formed between the wall of the bore and the pin, the first forming element and the pin being movable relative to each other, said method comprising the following steps:
- injecting a moulding material against the first forming element of the forming tool in order to form the element of the assembly, said moulding material filling the space between the wall of the bore and the pin in order to form the shaft of the attachment organ,
- moving the pin or the first forming element in order to free a space around or in the shaft formed during the injection of the moulding material,
- separating the shaft from the pin or from the wall of the bore, said shaft being able to be elastically deformed in the space around or inside said shaft, such that the fixing element or the complementary fixing element can be released from the forming tool.
Other aspects and. advantages of the invention will appear upon reading the following description, given by way of example and made in reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of part of an assembly according to the invention, showing a first embodiment of the attachment organs,
- Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of part of an assembly according to the invention, showing a second embodiment of the attachment organs,
- Fig. 3 and 4 are perspective views of part of an assembly according to the invention, showing particular shapes of the attachment organs,
- Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of part of an assembly according to the invention, showing a third embodiment of the attachment organs, and
- Figs. 6 to 8 are cross-sectional views of the steps of the method for producing an element of the assembly according to the invention.
In the specification, the term "inner" is defined as what extends between the two elements of the assembly and what is invisible from outside of the assembly and the term "outer" is defined as what is visible from outside the assembly.
With reference to Figs 1 to 5, there is described an assembly 1 comprising a first element 2 and a second element 4. The first element 2 and the second element 4 are for
example trim panels to form a part of a vehicle, for example an automotive vehicle, such as a sun visor, a rear tray, the door of a storage compartment in a centre console, a door trim, an instrument panel or an armrest.
The first element 2 comprises an inner face 6 and an outer face 8 and the second element 4 comprises an inner face 10 and an outer face 12. The inner faces 6 and 10 of the elements 2 and 4 face each other when the elements 2 and.4 are assembled together by an attachment device, whereas the outer faces 8 and 12 form the visible side of the assembly 1 , thereby defining the aspect of the assembly 1.
The attachment device comprises a first attachment organ 14 protruding from the inner face 6 of the first element 2 towards the inner face 10 of the second element 4 and a second attachment organ 16 protruding from the inner face 10 of the second element 4 towards the inner face 6 of the first element 2. The first attachment organ 14 is made integral with the first element 2 and the second attachment organ 16 is made integral with the second element 4, i.e. the attachment organs 14 and 16 are made in a single piece with the element from which they protrude.
The first attachment organ 14 comprises a hollow shaft 20 extending from the inner face 6 of the first element 2 substantially perpendicularly to the inner face 6. The hollow shaft 20 is closed at one of its end 22 by the inner face 6 of the first element 2 and is opened at its other end 24 extending opposite the inner face 10 of the second element 4. In other words, the hollow shaft 20 does not extend through the first element 2, from the inner face 6 to the outer face 8, the outer face 8 being continuous opposite the hollow shaft 20. The hollow shaft 20 is substantially cylindrical and extends around an axis A substantially perpendicular to the inner face 6 of the first element 2. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the hollow shaft 20 has a circular base and according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the hollow shaft 20 has an ovoid base. The hollow shaft 20 bears on its outer wall 26, i.e. the wall turned towards the exterior of the shaft 20, at least one fixing element 28, as will be described bellow.
The second attachment organ 16 comprises a hollow shaft 30 extending from the inner face 10 of the second element 4 substantially perpendicularly to the inner face 10. The hollow shaft 30 is closed at one of its end 32 by the inner face 10 of the second element 4 and is opened at its other end 34 extending opposite the inner face 6 of the first element 2. In other words, the hollow shaft 30 does not extend through the second element 4, from the inner face 10 to the outer face 12, the outer face 12 being continuous opposite the hollow shaft 30. The hollow shaft 30 is substantially cylindrical and coaxial with the hollow shaft 20 of the first attachment organ 14, i.e. the hollow shaft 30 extends around the axis A, which is also substantially perpendicular to the inner face 10 of the
second element 4. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the hollow shaft 30 has a circular base and according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the hollow shaft 30 has an ovoid base. The shapes of the hollow shafts 20 and 30 are substantially complementary, the hollow shaft 30 of the second attachment organ 16 being arranged to receive therein the hollow shaft 20 of the first attachment organ 14 through its open end 34, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4. Therefore, when the elements 2 and 4 to be assembled are placed opposite each other, the first and the second attachment organs 14 and 16 are aligned on the axis A and the first attachment organ 14 is able to penetrate in the hollow shaft 30 of the second attachment organ 16. The hollow shaft 30 bears on its inner wall 36, i.e. the wall turned towards the interior of the shaft 30, at least one complementary fixing element 38, as will be described bellow.
The hollow shafts 20 and 30 can have a closed cross-section, such as a circle or an oval, as shown in the embodiments of Figs 3 and 4, or an open cross-section, such as an arc of circle, which means that the wall of the shaft is open on between the interior of the shaft and the exterior of the shaft.
The fixing element 28 and the complementary fixing element 38 are intended to cooperate together to attach the first element 2 and the second element 4 together when the first attachment organ 14 is engaged in the second attachment organ 18. Indeed, when the first attachment organ 14 is engaged in the second attachment organ 18, the outer wall 26 of the hollow shaft 20, carrying the fixing element 28, extends opposite the inner wall 36 of the hollow shaft 30, carrying the complementary fixing element 38, as shown in Figs. 1 , 2 and 5, thereby making the fixing element 28 able to cooperate with the complementary fixing element 38.
The fixing element 28 is formed by at least one projection extending from the outer wall 26 of the hollow shaft 20 of the first attachment organ 14 towards the inner wall 36 of the hollow shaft 30 of the second attachment organ 16. The complementary fixing element 38 is also formed by at least one projection extending from the inner wall 36 of the hollow shaft 30 of the second attachment organ 16 towards the outer wall 26 of the hollow shaft 20 of the first attachment organ 14.
When cooperating together, the fixing element 28 is engaged behind the complementary fixing element 38, which retains said fixing element 28 inside the hollow shaft 30 of the second attachment organ 16. By "engaged behind", it is meant that the fixing element 28 has penetrated in the hollow shaft 30 according to a fixation direction until the fixing element 28 passes over and beyond the complementary fixing element 38 according to the fixation direction. The fixation direction extends along the axis A and corresponds to the direction along which the first element 2 and the second element 4 are
brought closer from each other. Therefore, when cooperating together, the fixing element 28 and the complementary fixing element 38 prevent the first element 2 from separating from the second element 4, thereby locking the first element 2 relative to the second element 4 according to a separation direction. The separation direction extends along the axis A and corresponds to the direction along which the first element 2 is spaced apart from the second element 4. The separation direction is therefore the opposite direction of the fixation direction. By "locking", it is meant that the first element 2 is prevented from moving relative to the second element 4 according to the separation direction.
The first element 2 is also locked relative to the second element 4 in the fixation direction by means of at least one stopping rib 40 extending at the base of the hollow shaft 20 of the first attachment organ 14 and arranged to come into abutment against the open end 34 of the hollow shaft 30 of the second attachment organ 16 when the fixing element 28 cooperates with the complementary fixing element 38, as shown in Figs 1 , 2 and 5, thereby preventing the hollow shaft 20 from further engaging in the hollow shaft 30 according to the fixation direction. The stopping rib 40 extends substantially perpendicularly to the outer wall 26 of the hollow shaft 20 and perpendicularly to the inner face 6 of the first element 2. The stopping rib 40 therefore extends radially from the outer wall 26 of the shaft 20 and from the inner face 6 of the first element 2. According to the embodiment shown in Figs 1 , 2 and 5, two stopping ribs 40 are provided, which are diametrically opposite relative to the hollow shaft 20.
According to another embodiment, not shown, the locking of the first element 2 relative to the second element 4 in the fixation direction is obtained by the inner face 6 of the first element 2 coming into abutment against the open end 34 of the hollow shaft 30 of the second attachment organ 16, i.e. without the stopping rib 40.
The locking of the first element 2 relative to the second element 4 in both the fixation direction and the separation direction guarantees that the elements 2 and 4 are firmly attached to each other and that one of the elements is not able to move relative to the other in these directions, thereby guarantying a proper robustness to the assembly 1.
According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the fixing element 28 is formed by a single projection extending in the vicinity of the open end 24 of the hollow shaft 20 and the complementary fixing element 38 is formed by a single projection extending substantially in a central part of the hollow shaft 30 between its closed end 32 and its open end 34, such that, when the first element 2 is in abutment against the open end 34 of the hollow shaft 30, for example via the stopping rib 40, the fixing element 28 cooperates with the complementary fixing element 38.
The projection forming the fixing element 28 or the complementary fixing element 38 can extend all around the hollow shaft from which it protrudes or around a part of this hollow shaft. The projection extends around a part of the hollow shaft for example when the first element 2 and the second element 4 are not of fully complementary shapes, as shown in Fig. 4.
According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the fixing element 28 is formed by two projections substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart according to the fixation direction. The complementary fixing element 38 then comprises two corresponding projections each arranged to cooperate with one of the projection of the fixing element 28 when the first element 2 is in abutment against the open end 34 of the hollow shaft 30, for example via the stopping rib 40. The use of two projections enables to strengthen the attachment between the first element 2 and the second element 4, the force needed to separate these elements being greater.
According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the fixing element 28 is formed by a series of consecutive teeth 42 extending successively on the outer wall 26 of the shaft 20 along the axis A and the complementary fixing element 38 is formed by a series of consecutive complementary teeth 44 extending successively on the inner wall 36 of the shaft 30 along the axis A. The teeth 42 engage in the complementary teeth 44 when the elements are moved in the fixation direction until the first element 2 comes into abutment against the open end 34 of the hollow shaft 30, for example via the stopping rib 40, when the first element 2 is locked relative to the second element 4 according to the separation and the fixation directions.
The first and second attachment organs 14 and 16 comprising hollow shafts, they are able to elastically deform to allow the fixation element 28 to pass beyond the complementary fixation element 38 when the elements 2 and 4 are moved relative to each other in the fixation direction. Therefore, the hollow shaft 20 and/or the hollow shaft 30 are deformed when the fixation element 28 passes against the complementary fixation element 38 and return to their initial shape once the fixation element 28 has passed beyond the complementary fixation element 38. The attachment of the two elements 2 and 4 is therefore very simple to achieve and does not need a strong effort or pressure on the elements 2 and 4. The attachment organs 14 and 16 enable to precisely position one element in respect to the other, with a small tolerance, which improves the aspect of the finished assembly.
The first and second elements 2 and 4 are for example made in plastic materials, which further enhance the elastic properties of the first and second attachment organs. According to an embodiment, the first and second elements 2 and 4 are made of different
materials, since they do not have to be compatible as it is the case when the elements are welded together.
The first element 2 can comprise several first attachment organs 14 and the second element 4 can comprise an equal number of second attachment organs 16 to improve the robustness of the assembly 1. In particular, the use of several attachment organs 14 and 16 helps to orientate the elements relative to each other. Furthermore, different shapes of attachment organs 14 and 16 can be used depending on the location of these organs on the elements. For example, if the elements have a different geometry or a varying geometry, attachment organs such as represented in Fig. 4 can be used because they leave a gap in one direction between the hollow shafts 20 and 30. This gap can offer a certain tolerance in the positioning of one element relative to the other.
Since, the attachment organs protrude from the inner faces 6 and 10 of the elements 2 and 4 and do not extend on the outer faces 8 and 12 thereof, the attachment device of the elements is completely invisible from the exterior of the assembly, which improves the aspect of the finished assembly 1.
Furthermore, the method for producing the attachment organs does not impart on the aspect of the outer faces of the elements, by leaving sink marks for example, as will be described below.
The method for producing the elements 2 and 4 of the assembly 1 will now be described in reference to Figs. 6 to 8.
In these figures, the method for producing the second element 4 is more particularly represented.
The method involves a forming tool 46, for example an injection moulding tool, comprising a first forming element 48, intended to shape the inner face 6, 10 of the element 2, 4, and a second forming element (not shown), intended to shape the outer face 8, 12 of the element 2, 4. In a known manner, the first and second elements define between them a moulding cavity having the shape of the element to be produced.
The first forming element 48 comprises a bore at the location of the attachment organ 14, 16, said bore having an inner wall 50 intended to form the outer wall of the attachment organ 14, 16. A pin 52 is located inside the bore and is spaced from its inner wall 50, the outer wall of the pin 52 being intended to form the inner wall of the attachment organ 14, 16. The inner wall 50 of the bore is spaced from the outer wall of the pin 52, this space having the shape of the attachment organ 14, 16 to be produced. Therefore, when the forming tool 46 is used to form a first element 2, the inner wall 50 of the bore comprises at least one recess having the shape of the fixing element 28 to be formed on the outer wall 26 of the hollow shaft 20 and when the forming tool 46 is used to form the
second element 4, the outer wall of the pin comprises at least one recess 54 having the shape of the complementary fixing element 38 to be formed on the inner wall 36 of the hollow shaft 30, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8. A sleeve pin 56 is arranged inside the space separating the inner wall 50 of the bore from the outer wall of the pin 52. The sleeve pin 56 therefore surrounds the pin 52. The end of the sleeve pin 56 is intended to form the open end 24, 34 of the hollow shaft 20, 30 of the attachment organ to be produced. If needed, the first forming element 48 can also comprise a recess arranged to form one or two stopping ribs 40 when a first element is to be produced by the forming tool 46.
The first forming element 48, the pin 52 and the sleeve pin 56 are movable relative to each other in order to release the different parts of the element to be produced, as will now be described.
In a first step, shown in Fig. 6, the forming tool 46 is placed in a closed position, wherein the first forming tool 46, the second forming tool, the pin 52 and the sleeve pin 56 are placed such as to define a moulding cavity having the shape of the element to be produced, including the attachment organ. A moulding material, such as a plastic material, is for example injected inside this cavity to form the element to be produced. More particularly, the moulding material fills the space between the inner wall 50 of the bore and the outer wall of the pin 52 and the recess 54 formed therein.
In a second step shown in Fig. 7, the first forming element 46 and the pin 52 are moved relative to each other in order to free a space around or inside the hollow shaft 20, 30 formed during the first step. When a second element is produced, as shown in Fig. 7, the first forming element 46 is retracted relative to the pin 52 in order to free the space around the hollow shaft 30 and when the first element is produced, the pin 52 is retracted relative to the first forming element 46 in order to free the space inside the hollow shaft 20.
In a third step, shown in Fig. 8, the sleeve pin 56 is moved in an ejection direction shown by the arrows F in order to push the attachment organ out of the bore when a first element is produced or out of the pin 52 when a second element is produced, as shown in Fig. 8. Due to the elasticity of the moulding material and to the fact that the shaft is hollow, this shaft is able to deform in order to free the fixation element 28 or the complementary fixation element 38 from the recess 54. When the first element is produced, the hollow shaft is deformed in the space freed inside the hollow shaft to release the fixation element 28 formed in the recess provided in the inner wall 52 of the bore and when the second element is produced, as shown in Fig. 8, the hollow shaft is deformed in the space freed around the hollow shaft to release the complementary fixation element 38 from the recess 54 formed on the outer wall of the pin 52. Still due to the elasticity of the moulding
material, the hollow shaft recovers its shape after the element has been retrieved from the forming tool 46.
It is to be noted that the method described above enables to form the attachment organ in a single piece with the element to be produced, without leaving markings on the outer face of the element, such a sink marks, because the shaft of the attachment organ is hollow and its wall is thin. Therefore, an element having an outer face with a satisfactory aspect can be produced in an easy manner.
It is to be understood that the assembly 1 can comprise more than two elements attached together by attachment organs such as described above.
Claims
1. Assembly (1 ) comprising a first element (2), having an inner face (6) and an outer face (8), and a second element (4), having an inner face (10) and an outer face (12), the inner face (6) of the first element (2) being attached to the inner face (10) of the second element (4) by at least one attachment device, comprising a first attachment organ (14) protruding from the inner face (6) of the first element (2) and a second attachment organ (16) protruding from the inner face (10) of the second element (4), the first attachment organ (14) being engaged in the second attachment organ (16) to attach the elements (2, 4) together, characterized in that the first attachment organ (14) comprises a hollow shaft (20), closed at one of its end (22) by the inner face (6) of the first element (2) and opened at its other end (24), said shaft (20) comprising at least one fixing element (28) formed on its outer wall (26) and the second attachment organ (16) comprises a hollow shaft (30), closed at one of its end (32) by the inner face (10) of the second element (4) and opened at its other end (34), said shaft (30) comprising at least one complementary fixing element (38) formed on the inner wall (36) of said shaft (30), said complementary fixing element (38) cooperating with the fixing element (28) of the first attachment organ (14).
2 - Assembly according to claim 1 , characterized in that the fixing element (28) is a projection protruding from the outer wall (26) of the shaft (20) of the first attachment organ (14) and the complementary fixing element (38) is a projection protruding from the inner wall (36) of the shaft (30) of the second attachment organ (16), said projections cooperating together to lock the first element (2) relative to the second element (4) according to a separation direction.
3. - Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing element (28) is a series of consecutive teeth (42) protruding from the outer wall (26) of the shaft (20) of the first attachment organ (14) and the complementary fixing element (38) is a series of complementary teeth (44) protruding from the inner wall (36) of the shaft (30) of the second attachment organ (16), said teeth (42) and complementary teeth (44) cooperating together to lock the first element (2) relative to the second element (4) according to a separation direction.
4. - Assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the fixing element (28) extends on a part of or all around of the outer wall (26) of the shaft (20) of the first attachment organ (14) and the complementary fixing element (38) extends on a part or all around the inner wall (36) of the shaft (30) of the second attachment organ (16).
5.- Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first attachment organ (14) comprises at least one stopping rib (40) extending at the base of the hollow shaft (20), said rib (40) being arranged to contact the second attachment organ (16) when the fixing element (28) cooperates with the complementary fixing element (38) in order to lock the first element (2) relative to the second element (4) according to a fixation direction.
6.- Assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the stopping rib (40) extends substantially perpendicularly to the base of the shaft (20) of the first attachment organ (14) and to the inner face (6) of the first element (2).
7. - Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first attachment organ (14) is made integral with the first element (2) and the second attachment organ (16) is made integral with the second element (4).
8. - Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the shafts (20, 30) of the first attachment organ (14) and of the second attachment organ (16) are substantially cylindrical with a circular or ovoid base.
9. - Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shafts (20, 30) of the first attachment organ (14) and of the second attachment organ (16) have a closed cross-section or an open cross-section.
10. - Method for producing an element (2, 4) of the assembly (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, using a forming tool (46) comprising a first forming element (48) having the shape of the inner face (6, 10) of the element (2, 4) to be produced and comprising a bore having the shape of the outer wall of the shaft (20, 30) of the attachment organ (14, 16) of said element (2, 4), the forming tool (46) further comprising a pin (52) extending in the bore, said pin (52) having the shape of the inner wall of the shaft (20, 30) of the attachment organ (14, 16) of said element (2, 4), such that said shaft (20, 30) can be formed between the wall (50) of the bore and the pin (52), the first forming element (48) and the pin (52) being movable relative to each other, said method comprising the following steps:
- injecting a moulding material against the first forming element (48) of the forming tool (48) in order to form the element (2, 4) of the assembly, said moulding material filling the space between the wall (50) of the bore and the pin (52) in order to form the shaft (20, 30) of the attachment organ (14, 16),
- moving the pin (52) or the first forming element (48) in order to free a space around or in the shaft (20, 30) formed during the injection of the moulding material,
- separating the shaft (20, 30) from the pin (52) or from the wall (50) of the bore, said shaft (20, 30) being able to be elastically deformed in the space around or inside said shaft (20, 30), such that the fixing element (28) or the complementary fixing element (38) can be released from the forming tool (46)..
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| BR112014014172A BR112014014172A2 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2011-12-15 | set and method for set element production |
| CN201180076264.XA CN104067005B (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2011-12-15 | Form the assembly of a part for vehicle and be used for the method for the element producing this assembly |
| PCT/IN2011/000860 WO2013088447A1 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2011-12-15 | Assembly comprising two elements attached by invisible attachment organs |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IN2011/000860 WO2013088447A1 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2011-12-15 | Assembly comprising two elements attached by invisible attachment organs |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2013088447A1 true WO2013088447A1 (en) | 2013-06-20 |
Family
ID=48611954
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IN2011/000860 WO2013088447A1 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2011-12-15 | Assembly comprising two elements attached by invisible attachment organs |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN104067005B (en) |
| BR (1) | BR112014014172A2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2013088447A1 (en) |
Cited By (31)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20140041185A1 (en) * | 2012-08-13 | 2014-02-13 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic tube alignment and attachment system and method for precisely locating and attaching components |
| CN103925266A (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2014-07-16 | 宝钢发展有限公司 | Large plastic plate matching structure based on cantilever buckles |
| FR3019238A1 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2015-10-02 | Faurecia Interieur Ind | DEVICE FOR FASTENING TWO VEHICLE ELEMENTS ENSURING DOUBLE COOPERATION BETWEEN THESE ELEMENTS |
| US9303667B2 (en) | 2013-07-18 | 2016-04-05 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Llc | Lobular elastic tube alignment system for providing precise four-way alignment of components |
| WO2016062343A1 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2016-04-28 | Elringklinger Ag | Method for producing a plastic component and plastic component |
| US9388838B2 (en) | 2013-04-04 | 2016-07-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic retaining assembly for matable components and method of assembling |
| US9429176B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2016-08-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
| US9428046B2 (en) | 2014-04-02 | 2016-08-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment and retention system for laterally slideably engageable mating components |
| US9428123B2 (en) | 2013-12-12 | 2016-08-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment and retention system for a flexible assembly |
| US9446722B2 (en) | 2013-12-19 | 2016-09-20 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic averaging alignment member |
| US9447840B2 (en) | 2013-06-11 | 2016-09-20 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically deformable energy management assembly and method of managing energy absorption |
| US9447806B2 (en) | 2013-12-12 | 2016-09-20 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Self-retaining alignment system for providing precise alignment and retention of components |
| US9458876B2 (en) | 2013-08-28 | 2016-10-04 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically deformable alignment fastener and system |
| US9457845B2 (en) | 2013-10-02 | 2016-10-04 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Lobular elastic tube alignment and retention system for providing precise alignment of components |
| US9463831B2 (en) | 2013-09-09 | 2016-10-11 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic tube alignment and fastening system for providing precise alignment and fastening of components |
| US9463538B2 (en) | 2012-08-13 | 2016-10-11 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment system and method thereof |
| US9481317B2 (en) | 2013-11-15 | 2016-11-01 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically deformable clip and method |
| US9488205B2 (en) | 2013-07-12 | 2016-11-08 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment arrangement for mated components and method |
| US9511802B2 (en) | 2013-10-03 | 2016-12-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
| US9541113B2 (en) | 2014-01-09 | 2017-01-10 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
| US9599279B2 (en) | 2013-12-19 | 2017-03-21 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically deformable module installation assembly |
| US9618026B2 (en) | 2012-08-06 | 2017-04-11 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Semi-circular alignment features of an elastic averaging alignment system |
| US9657807B2 (en) | 2014-04-23 | 2017-05-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | System for elastically averaging assembly of components |
| US9669774B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2017-06-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Reconfigurable vehicle interior assembly |
| US9758110B2 (en) | 2015-01-12 | 2017-09-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Coupling system |
| US9812684B2 (en) | 2010-11-09 | 2017-11-07 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Using elastic averaging for alignment of battery stack, fuel cell stack, or other vehicle assembly |
| US9863454B2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2018-01-09 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment system for providing precise alignment and retention of components of a sealable compartment |
| US10107319B2 (en) | 2015-03-02 | 2018-10-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
| US10286576B2 (en) * | 2013-08-27 | 2019-05-14 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Coupling structure for resin parts, and method of manufacturing same |
| US20190145446A1 (en) * | 2017-11-10 | 2019-05-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Integrated fixture retention mechanism |
| US11027233B2 (en) | 2016-08-17 | 2021-06-08 | Nichias Corporation | Absorption rotor, rotor element, method of manufacturing absorption rotor, and method of manufacturing rotor element |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10829934B2 (en) * | 2016-01-14 | 2020-11-10 | Andries Auret LOUW | Structural element |
| CN109899360A (en) * | 2019-03-04 | 2019-06-18 | 浙江日富机械制造有限公司 | Novel high-precision connection component |
| CN113623297A (en) * | 2021-08-03 | 2021-11-09 | 杭州熊熊环保科技有限公司 | Self-locking tensioning bolt for corrugated board and hollow board |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN2577025Y (en) * | 2001-01-21 | 2003-10-01 | 陈中腾 | Rapid plate joining element |
| DE202006012577U1 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2007-12-20 | Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg | Subframe for installation in a door structure, a motor vehicle door |
| CN201053151Y (en) * | 2007-05-21 | 2008-04-30 | 中山市珀丽优板材有限公司 | Sheet material split joint roofing |
| US20090126168A1 (en) * | 2007-11-15 | 2009-05-21 | Kobe James J | Multi-Angle Pop-In Mechanical Fastener |
| US20090293237A1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2009-12-03 | Newfrey Llc | Blade Fastener For Trim Member |
| CN201702880U (en) * | 2010-07-08 | 2011-01-12 | 青岛开世密封工业有限公司 | Backrinding resistant rubber die |
-
2011
- 2011-12-15 BR BR112014014172A patent/BR112014014172A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2011-12-15 WO PCT/IN2011/000860 patent/WO2013088447A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-12-15 CN CN201180076264.XA patent/CN104067005B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN2577025Y (en) * | 2001-01-21 | 2003-10-01 | 陈中腾 | Rapid plate joining element |
| DE202006012577U1 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2007-12-20 | Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg | Subframe for installation in a door structure, a motor vehicle door |
| CN201053151Y (en) * | 2007-05-21 | 2008-04-30 | 中山市珀丽优板材有限公司 | Sheet material split joint roofing |
| US20090126168A1 (en) * | 2007-11-15 | 2009-05-21 | Kobe James J | Multi-Angle Pop-In Mechanical Fastener |
| US20090293237A1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2009-12-03 | Newfrey Llc | Blade Fastener For Trim Member |
| CN201702880U (en) * | 2010-07-08 | 2011-01-12 | 青岛开世密封工业有限公司 | Backrinding resistant rubber die |
Cited By (32)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9812684B2 (en) | 2010-11-09 | 2017-11-07 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Using elastic averaging for alignment of battery stack, fuel cell stack, or other vehicle assembly |
| US9618026B2 (en) | 2012-08-06 | 2017-04-11 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Semi-circular alignment features of an elastic averaging alignment system |
| US20140041185A1 (en) * | 2012-08-13 | 2014-02-13 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic tube alignment and attachment system and method for precisely locating and attaching components |
| US9463538B2 (en) | 2012-08-13 | 2016-10-11 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment system and method thereof |
| US9388838B2 (en) | 2013-04-04 | 2016-07-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic retaining assembly for matable components and method of assembling |
| US9447840B2 (en) | 2013-06-11 | 2016-09-20 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically deformable energy management assembly and method of managing energy absorption |
| US9488205B2 (en) | 2013-07-12 | 2016-11-08 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment arrangement for mated components and method |
| US9303667B2 (en) | 2013-07-18 | 2016-04-05 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Llc | Lobular elastic tube alignment system for providing precise four-way alignment of components |
| US9863454B2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2018-01-09 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment system for providing precise alignment and retention of components of a sealable compartment |
| US10286576B2 (en) * | 2013-08-27 | 2019-05-14 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Coupling structure for resin parts, and method of manufacturing same |
| US9458876B2 (en) | 2013-08-28 | 2016-10-04 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically deformable alignment fastener and system |
| US9463831B2 (en) | 2013-09-09 | 2016-10-11 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic tube alignment and fastening system for providing precise alignment and fastening of components |
| US9457845B2 (en) | 2013-10-02 | 2016-10-04 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Lobular elastic tube alignment and retention system for providing precise alignment of components |
| US9511802B2 (en) | 2013-10-03 | 2016-12-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
| US9669774B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2017-06-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Reconfigurable vehicle interior assembly |
| US9481317B2 (en) | 2013-11-15 | 2016-11-01 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically deformable clip and method |
| US9428123B2 (en) | 2013-12-12 | 2016-08-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment and retention system for a flexible assembly |
| US9447806B2 (en) | 2013-12-12 | 2016-09-20 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Self-retaining alignment system for providing precise alignment and retention of components |
| US9446722B2 (en) | 2013-12-19 | 2016-09-20 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic averaging alignment member |
| US9599279B2 (en) | 2013-12-19 | 2017-03-21 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically deformable module installation assembly |
| US9541113B2 (en) | 2014-01-09 | 2017-01-10 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
| FR3019238A1 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2015-10-02 | Faurecia Interieur Ind | DEVICE FOR FASTENING TWO VEHICLE ELEMENTS ENSURING DOUBLE COOPERATION BETWEEN THESE ELEMENTS |
| US9428046B2 (en) | 2014-04-02 | 2016-08-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment and retention system for laterally slideably engageable mating components |
| CN103925266A (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2014-07-16 | 宝钢发展有限公司 | Large plastic plate matching structure based on cantilever buckles |
| US9657807B2 (en) | 2014-04-23 | 2017-05-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | System for elastically averaging assembly of components |
| US9429176B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2016-08-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
| WO2016062343A1 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2016-04-28 | Elringklinger Ag | Method for producing a plastic component and plastic component |
| US10221878B2 (en) | 2014-10-23 | 2019-03-05 | Elringklinger Ag | Method for producing a plastic component and plastic component |
| US9758110B2 (en) | 2015-01-12 | 2017-09-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Coupling system |
| US10107319B2 (en) | 2015-03-02 | 2018-10-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
| US11027233B2 (en) | 2016-08-17 | 2021-06-08 | Nichias Corporation | Absorption rotor, rotor element, method of manufacturing absorption rotor, and method of manufacturing rotor element |
| US20190145446A1 (en) * | 2017-11-10 | 2019-05-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Integrated fixture retention mechanism |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN104067005A (en) | 2014-09-24 |
| BR112014014172A2 (en) | 2017-06-13 |
| CN104067005B (en) | 2016-01-20 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| WO2013088447A1 (en) | Assembly comprising two elements attached by invisible attachment organs | |
| US20100011820A1 (en) | Vehicle anti-theft device including an equipped case and method for producing said case | |
| JP5324443B2 (en) | Blind mount fastener | |
| WO2006114182A1 (en) | Method for producing multicomponent parts from plastic, corresponding part and injection molding tool | |
| US10221878B2 (en) | Method for producing a plastic component and plastic component | |
| EP2179832B1 (en) | Method for making an interior trim panel | |
| JP4988543B2 (en) | Mold and method for producing resin molded product | |
| JP2022081906A (en) | Connected body, band, and watch | |
| JP5934592B2 (en) | Clip and manufacturing method thereof | |
| DE102009005993B4 (en) | Airbag module and method for its production | |
| JP6364301B2 (en) | Method for producing pillar garnish | |
| JP5691287B2 (en) | Foam molded member, clip for mounting the foam, method for manufacturing foam molded member, and mounting structure for foam molded member | |
| EP2112025A1 (en) | Interior cladding component for motor vehicles | |
| JP2008142973A (en) | Method for manufacturing vehicle upholstery material | |
| CN211195799U (en) | Plaque and car in door | |
| DE102004033139A1 (en) | Plastic laminar moulding comprises a carrier element and a foam injection moulded surface layer, with an intermediate functional layer | |
| JP5267547B2 (en) | Clip holding structure for mounting impact energy absorber and mold for mounting shock energy absorber and clip for mounting impact energy absorber | |
| JP2005178134A (en) | Ea material and its manufacturing method | |
| JP5691288B2 (en) | Foam molded member, clip for mounting the foam, method for manufacturing foam molded member, and mounting structure for foam molded member | |
| DE102011013843A1 (en) | Injection molding process for producing a plastic component | |
| WO2017149936A1 (en) | Resin molded article, molding device, molding method, and mold | |
| JP5644245B2 (en) | Foam molded member, clip for mounting the foam, method for manufacturing foam molded member, and mounting structure for foam molded member | |
| JP5605068B2 (en) | Foam molded member, clip for mounting the foam, method for manufacturing foam molded member, and mounting structure for foam molded member | |
| US9051949B2 (en) | Clip for attaching EA member, and EA member | |
| CN214365481U (en) | Powder metallurgy automobile mechanical key |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 11877425 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
| NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
| REG | Reference to national code |
Ref country code: BR Ref legal event code: B01A Ref document number: 112014014172 Country of ref document: BR |
|
| 122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 11877425 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
| ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 112014014172 Country of ref document: BR Kind code of ref document: A2 Effective date: 20140611 |