Clamping device

Abstract

The clamping device comprises: a bolt member with a support head and a shank provided with a threaded portion, a locking clip ( 10 ) comprising a base ( 21 ) equipped with a through-hole ( 20 ) for the passage of the shank of the bolt member, and retaining means which are supported by the base ( 21 ) so as to be arranged vertically to the through-hole ( 20 ) and which are suitable for cooperating with the threaded portion to effect axial immobilization between the bolt member and the locking clip ( 10 ). The retaining means are constituted by flexible and elastic tongues ( 22, 23 ), arranged convergently. Their free ends ( 221, 231 ) define between them a gap (d) which is smaller than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion ( 15 ) so that they automatically enter into engagement with the threads of the threaded portion ( 15 ) when the shank ( 12 ) is inserted axially into the through-hole ( 20 ). A burr ( 29 ) directed toward the flexible tongues ( 22, 23 ) is provided at the periphery of the through-hole ( 20 ) to form a stop for the free ends ( 221, 231 ) when the shank ( 12 ) is axially withdrawn.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . A clamping device, comprising:
 a bolt member including a support head and a shank provided with a threaded portion having a nominal diameter; and   a locking clip, comprising:
 a base including a through-hole; 
 retainer structure supported by said base and disposed vertically with respect to said through-hole, said retainer structure cooperating with said threaded portion of said bolt member to effect axial immobilization between said bolt member and said locking clip, said retaining structure including a plurality of flexible and elastic tongues arranged convergently such that free ends of said tongues define therebetween a gap (d) smaller than said nominal diameter of said threaded portion, said free ends engaging threads of said threaded portion upon insertion of said shank into said through-hole; and 
 a burr disposed at a periphery of said through-hole, said burr directed toward said tongues and forming a stop for said free ends when said shank is withdrawn. 
   
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein second ends of said flexible tongues opposite from said free ends are each integral to a respective connecting arm, each connecting arm connected to said base by an elastically deformable region. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said connecting arms are interconnected by at least one stiffener disposed parallel to said base. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said free ends of said flexible tongues include hollowed-out portions. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said base includes a branch, and wherein a device to be clamped is receivable between said base and said branch. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said locking clip is substantially U-shaped, with said branch substantially parallel to said base, said branch disposed on an opposite side of said base from said flexible tongues. 
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said base includes a plurality of fixing holes. 
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein a fixing flap extends from an edge of said base.