Fixing anchor

Abstract

A device for anchoring components or parts to a rigid element, such as an engine block, for example, or to intermediate elements which are in turn fixed to rigid elements, such as an intermediate pin mounted on the engine block, for example. The anchor consists of a structure which can be manufactured from stamped and punched sheet metal parts giving rise to an inexpensive and easy-to-manufacture component. The particular configuration based on stamped and punched sheet metal parts shows high rigidity and is particularly suitable for anchoring heavy components. The fixing anchor is suitable for bolted joints of the components or parts.

Claims

1. A fixing anchor for bolted joints suitable for being secured on a support surface, comprising: a bent and punched sheet metal base having a first longitudinal segment having a joining surface for joining the same to the support surface by welding, a first end flange extending from one end of the first longitudinal segment, and a second end flange extending from the opposite end of the first longitudinal segment, wherein both flanges are arranged transverse to the first longitudinal segment and essentially parallel to one another, and wherein both end flanges comprise a hole such that a line extending between the centers of the two holes establishes a longitudinal direction X-X for a screw fastener to be inserted, and a bent and punched sheet metal compression part having a segment having a partially cylindrical sector where a steering axis thereof is parallel to direction X-X, wherein said segment having said partially cylindrical sector extends longitudinally from the first end flange to the second end flange and wherein the segment having said partially cylindrical sector of the compression part is extended on both lateral sides into respective skirts; and a force transmission surface at each longitudinal end of the compression part, wherein one said force transmission surface is in contact with the first end flange of the base, and another said force transmission surface is in contact with the second end flange of the base, and wherein the first and second end flanges enclose and contact the respective force transmission surface; wherein the base and the compression part are joined by welding at least between the surfaces of the end flanges of the base and the force transmission surfaces of the compression part, such that they contact the base.

2. The anchor according to claim 1, wherein the force transmission surface allows compression such that one said force transmission surface is located in the end of the compression part oriented towards the first end flange of the base, and the other said force transmission surface is located at the opposite end of the compression part oriented towards the second end flange.

3. The anchor according to claim 1, wherein the joining surface is a protruding region of the first longitudinal segment.

4. The anchor according to claim 3, wherein the protruding region is a spaced double stepping in the longitudinal direction X-X.

5. The anchor according to claim 1, wherein the end of the first end flange, the end of the second end flange or both have a semicircular configuration.

6. The anchor according to claim 1, wherein the perimetral edge of the skirts has a configuration coinciding with the configuration of the base, closing a volume between the base and the compression part.

7. The anchor according to claim 1, wherein the skirts are fitted on the lateral side of the first end flange, and the lateral side of the second end flange.

8. The anchor according to claim 7, wherein the ends of the skirts comprise bent extensions parallel to the first and second end flanges and where the force transmission surfaces which allow compression are located on the surfaces of the bent extensions in contact with said first and second end flanges.

9. The anchor according to claim 1, where the segment having the partially cylindrical sector of the compression part has a support extension at each of its ends, where each said support extension is supported on the end of the corresponding end flange.

10. The anchor according to claim 9, where the support extension is at least a portion of the force transmission surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood based on the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting example in reference to the attached drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fixing anchor already assembled.

(3) FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the parts comprising the embodiment of the fixing anchor of the preceding figure.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixing anchor already assembled.

(5) FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the parts comprising the embodiment of the fixing anchor of the preceding figure.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixing anchor already assembled.

(7) FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the parts comprising the embodiment of the fixing anchor of the preceding figure.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixing anchor already assembled.

(9) FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the parts comprising the embodiment of the fixing anchor of the preceding figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) According to the first inventive aspect, the present invention relates to a fixing anchor device for bolted joints suitable for being secured on a support surface, which allows securing at least one device either to an engine block or to an intermediate element which is in turn fixed to the engine block.

(11) The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the invention. All the features described in this description including the independent claims, dependent claims, description and drawings can be combined in any combination, except for combinations of such mutually excluding features.

(12) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor, and FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the parts comprised in the anchor according to the example shown FIG. 1.

(13) In this particular example, the fixing anchor comprises two main portions which are joined to one another. The first main part is a bent and punched sheet metal base (1) which comprises a first longitudinal segment (1.1).

(14) A first end flange (1.2) and a second end flange (1.3) extend, as a prolongation of both ends of the first longitudinal segment (1.1), in a direction essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X. The first and second end flanges (1.2, 1.3) receive the bolt tightening forces once the bolted joint is established, and the tightening in turn gives rise to the occurrence of compressive forces on other portions of the anchor.

(15) Additionally, the first end flange (1.2) and second end flange (1.3) comprise holes (1.2.1, 1.3.1) for housing a bolt or fastener of the bolted joint. The holes (1.2.1, 1.3.1) are through holes in both end flanges (1.2, 1.3) and allow the passage of the fastener. The centers between holes (1.2.1, 1.3.1) define the longitudinal direction X-X. The fastener extends according to this direction X-X and in this embodiment, the first longitudinal segment (1.1) extends according to the same longitudinal direction X-X.

(16) In this particular example, the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) comprise ends having a semicircular configuration. This facilitates assembling the anchor since this semicircular configuration easily adapts to the semicircular section of another part, i.e., the compression part (2).

(17) On the other hand, the first longitudinal segment (1.1) has a joining surface (1.4) which allows joining the anchor by means of any joining technique, preferably brazing, to the device or device assembly to be anchored.

(18) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this particular example the joining surface (1.4) is a protruding region of the first longitudinal segment (1.1), particularly configured by means of a spaced double stepping in the longitudinal direction X-X. This advantageously allows the anchor to adapt to the shape of the device to which it will be joined, such that the joint is more robust.

(19) The second main part is a bent and punched sheet metal compression part (2). This entails an advantage in terms of manufacture given that it is simpler and less expensive.

(20) The compression part (2) is configured according to a segment having a cylindrical sector (2.1), the directrix of which extends in the longitudinal direction X-X. The cylindrical sector extends between the two end flanges (1.2, 1.3).

(21) The compression part (2) in turn comprises at each end a force transmission surface (2.2, 2.3), which are surfaces adapted to work under compression in this embodiment and in the next two embodiments. These force transmission surfaces (2.2, 2.3) are located at each longitudinal end of the segment having a cylindrical sector (2.1) of the compression part (2), such that they contact the base (1). In this embodiment, each of the force transmission surfaces (2.2, 2.3) is supported on the inner face of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3), i.e., the faces facing one another. Therefore, the compressive force applied by the fastener or bolt in the bolted joint is received by the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) and transmitted to the force transmission surface (2.2, 2.3). This compressive force is supported by the cylindrical sector (2.1) having a circular section showing high stability against buckling in response to compressive force.

(22) Additionally, the compression part (2) comprises in this particular example a skirt (2.4, 2.5) on each side of the cylindrical sector (2.1) having a circular section. In this particular case, the skirts (2.4, 2.5) can be interpreted as a prolongation on both sides of the cylindrical sector (2.1) having a circular section, or as a portion of the cylindrical sector (2.1), making use of the broadest interpretation of the term cylindrical where the generatrix is formed by a 180 arc prolonged at both ends by means of respective straight segments. The segment having a 180 arc gives rise to the cylindrical sector (2.1) having a circular section, and the straight segments give rise to the skirts (2.4, 2.5). In this particular case, the force transmission surface (2.2, 2.3) extends both to the cylindrical segment (2.1) having a circular section and to the straight segments when they are joined to the base (1) by welding.

(23) The height of the skirts (2.4, 2.5) is less than the total height of the anchor once it has been assembled. The skirts (2.4, 2.5) therefore do not completely cover the length of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3). However, the skirts (2.4, 2.5) are laterally fitted either to one of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) or to both, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This advantageously facilitates assembling the anchor by providing a larger contact area between the base (1) and the compression part (2) for joining it and for a guiding that allows better positioning between both during manufacture.

(24) The base (1) and the compression part (2) are joined by welding, preferably brazing, at least on the surfaces of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) of the base (1) in contact with the compression surfaces (2.2, 2.3) of the compression part (2). This advantageously allows a strong joint between the two parts, supporting the force applied on the bolted joint.

(25) In this particular example, the ends of the skirts (2.4, 2.5) are also welded to the side ends of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3), increasing rigidity of the assembly.

(26) FIGS. 3 and 4 show another particular example of the invention. The particular example shares the features explained in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except for the configuration of the skirts (2.4, 2.5).

(27) In this particular example, the perimetral edge of the skirts (2.4, 2.5) has a configuration coinciding with the configuration of the base, closing a volume between the base (1) and the compression part (2).

(28) Therefore, the windows shown between the two parts forming the anchor in the first embodiment are non-existent. This advantageously allows having a larger welding area between both portions given that the perimetral edge of the base (1) and the compression part (2) coincide. This additionally allows better positioning of both parts for assembly as well as greater rigidity of the assembly against forces applied on the anchor in the longitudinal direction X-X. An important source of such forces is a force due to vibrations.

(29) Like in the preceding example, the compressive forces generated by the bolted joint are transmitted from the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) to the force transmission surfaces (2.2, 2.3) in contact with them. These forces are compressive forces on the surfaces (2.2, 2.3). Therefore, like in the preceding example, the skirts (2.4, 2.5) contribute to the rigidity of the anchor against compressive forces.

(30) FIGS. 5 and 6 show another particular example sharing the configuration of the base (1) with the first example but not the configuration of the compression part (2).

(31) In this particular example, the compression part (2) has a cylindrical sector (2.1) comprising skirts (2.4, 2.5) configured as prolongations on both sides of the cylindrical sector (2.1).

(32) The ends of the skirts (2.4, 2.5) in turn comprise bent prolongations which are parallel to the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) of the base (1). The prolongations, which are bent such that they are facing one another, comprise compression surfaces (2.2, 2.3). The compression surfaces (2.2, 2.3) are in contact with the end flanges (1.2, 1.3).

(33) Therefore in this particular example, part of the compressive forces generated by the bolted joint are transmitted from the inner face of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) to the compression surfaces (2.2, 2.3) of the skirts (2.4, 2.5), and are also supported in the cylindrical sector (2.1), like in the preceding examples.

(34) Contact between the compression surfaces (2.2, 2.3) and the inner face of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) allows joining them together by means of welding, preferably brazing, for assembling the base (1) and the compression part (2) of the anchor.

(35) The welding which allows joining both portions also transmits shear forces generated by the bolted joint.

(36) Additionally, the skirts (2.4, 2.5) of this embodiment do not comprise a perimetral edge coinciding with the configuration of the base, thus closing a volume between the base (1) and the compression part (2) as in the second particular example. This reduces the possible welding area between parts. Nevertheless, according to other embodiments, part of the skirts (2.4, 2.5) could be extended in conformity with the configuration of the base part (1).

(37) In this particular example, the cylindrical sector (2.1) has a support prolongation or extension (2.6) at each of its ends, where each support prolongation (2.6) is adapted to be supported on the perimetral edge of the end of the corresponding end flange (1.2, 1.3). This advantageously allows better positioning of the base (1) and the compression part (2) of the anchor for a simpler assembly of the anchor before performing the final welding. The inner face of the support prolongation (2.6) is therefore supported on the perimetral edge of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3), which allows joining them by welding, preferably brazing. In this particular case, joining the support prolongation (2.6) and the flanges (1.2, 1.3) by welding gives rise to a force transmission surface (2.2, 2.3) working under shearing.

(38) FIGS. 7 and 8 show another embodiment in which the compression part (2) has a support prolongation (2.6) at both ends. This support prolongation (2.6) is what contacts the perimeter of the end flanges (1.2, 1.3) forming the force transmission surface (2.2, 2.3), which works under shearing. The support prolongation (2.6) also extends along its skirts (2.4, 2.5), increasing contact with the perimetral edge of the flanges (1.2, 1.3). In this embodiment, the joint between the base (1) and the compression part (2) as a whole works under shearing when the anchor is subjected to compression by means of the bolt or fastener.