CN110939635B

CN110939635B - Fastener clip assembly

Info

Publication number: CN110939635B
Application number: CN201910132348.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丹尼尔·詹姆斯·迪金森
Original assignee: Telmech Co ltd
Current assignee: Telmech Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-24
Filing date: 2019-02-22
Publication date: 2023-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-22
Also published as: CN116044872A; CN210371479U; CN110939635A

Abstract

The fastener clip assembly includes a barrel configured to engage and be secured to a slot in the chassis. The barrel is configured to be secured to the slot based at least on the barrel including two or more tabs. The tabs are attached to the barrel along a top of each tab, and each tab is configured to bend along the top of the tab. Each tab is configured to bend in response to the barrel being inserted into the slot and then to bend back to the initial position of each tab. The bottom of each tab engages the chassis to secure the barrel to the slot.

Description

Fastener clip assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to devices for fastening objects, and more particularly to fastener clip assemblies for insertion into an engaging structure (such as a vehicle chassis, hollow base, wall, panel, or any suitable surface).

Background

Currently, a number of devices and fasteners can be used to secure panels (e.g., body panels and automotive interior trim panels) to a vehicle chassis. As used herein, body panel refers to any interior or exterior body panel, plastic interior trim, door panel, roof lining, or any interior trim on a vehicle, for example. Additionally, the panel may be any suitable outer body panel, such as a fender, bumper, quarter panel, or door panel. The chassis of the vehicle may include any substrate, plate, body panel, structural frame, chassis component or sub-component, wall, or any suitable object.

These conventional fastener devices provide generally relatively equal levels of insertion and extraction forces. These body panels are often attached to the chassis of the automobile with a relatively high level of insertion force while providing a relatively low level of extraction force.

Fastener clips, such as two-piece fasteners (multi-piece), for attaching body panels to automotive chassis are known. Two-piece fasteners are used so that if the panel is removed after initial installation in order to service the components in the door, the two-piece fasteners can be pulled apart so that one portion remains attached to the sheet metal and the other portion remains attached to the trim panel. It is also possible to attach the two pieces after detachment. However, two-piece fasteners require the manufacture of multiple pieces and labor-intensive assembly of the two pieces, and are therefore relatively expensive.

One-piece fasteners are generally less expensive than two-piece or multi-piece fasteners. The one-piece fastener has: a base attached to the body panel; and a post attached to the base; and a wing attached at least to the top of the strut at the tip of the fastener for fastening to the frame slot. However, if the frame slot and fastener are misaligned, the forces on the wings are not equal because the wing closest to the slot edge will experience higher wing compression while the other wing will have insufficient spring force to engage the slot. This high force on one wing may cause the wing to break when the clip is forced into the slot, thus rendering the fastener unable to fasten the body panel to the frame. Poor, broken, damaged or weakened wings can cause disengagement of the body panels or cause a clicking sound.

The wings of conventional fasteners have sharp and non-smooth grooves to engage the edges of the frame slot. However, when the clip is removed, the sharp edges of the frame slot cut into the softer plastic and cut the groove. During manufacture, slots are typically formed in vehicle frames, such as in the inner roof panel or door sheet metal structure, by stamping the sheet metal. As the punch enters the sheet metal, the outer portion of the sheet metal is pushed toward the inner side and forms a metal spur or ridge on the inner side of the sheet metal. The resulting slot edges on the outside of the slot are relatively smooth; however, the inside of the slot edge is sharp and rough. Upon removal of the fastener clip, the sharp edges of the frame sever the groove, such that the clip may not be reinserted and reused.

For example, if the slot is off-center, or if the sheet metal thickness varies, or if there are manufacturing tolerances in the slot in the vehicle chassis or trim, the engagement of a portion of the hole in the chassis with one of the wings may not provide a suitable frictional engagement. Twisting of the body panel may be more dominant because not all points of contact with the slots of the vehicle chassis are actually achieved. As a result, conventional one-piece fasteners do not self-align when the fastener and body panel are misaligned and tend to break the wings so that the fastener cannot be reattached.

Conventional fasteners typically do not adequately secure panels to vehicle chassis having varying slot sizes and locations or sheet metal having different curvatures or thicknesses. Conventional one-piece fasteners do not align themselves when the fastener and body panel are misaligned and tend to break the wings so that the fastener cannot be reattached. Furthermore, conventional fasteners are unsuitable when subjected to various environmental conditions, such as the presence of various levels of vibration of amplitude and frequency. For example, conventional fasteners of this type generally do not prevent or minimize buzzes, clicks, or any other type of noise that may attract the attention of vehicle occupants or otherwise weaken the attachment. Conventional fasteners do not adequately tolerate various levels of manufacturing tolerances, such as, for example, various dimensions in the body panel and vehicle chassis. As a result, conventional fastener devices are typically not self-aligning nor sufficiently fastened to sheet metal of a range of thicknesses, and do not minimize or eliminate buzzes and clicks, and do not adequately accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances. As a result, wear, squeaking, rattling, buzzing, corrosion, and loss of resiliency and seal may occur, particularly after years of vehicle operation and exposure to vibration, heat, moisture, and other environmental conditions.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastener clip assembly that addresses the above-mentioned problems.

A fastener clip assembly according to the present invention comprises: a barrel configured to engage and be secured to a slot in a chassis, wherein the barrel is configured to be secured to the slot based at least on the barrel including two or more tabs, wherein the tabs are attached to the barrel along a top of each of the tabs, and wherein the tabs are configured to bend along the top of the tabs, wherein the tabs are configured to bend in response to insertion of the barrel into the slot, and are configured to then bend back to an initial position of the tabs, wherein a bottom of the tabs engages the chassis to secure the barrel to the slot.

Another fastener clip assembly according to the present invention comprises: a chassis; a barrel configured to engage and be secured to a slot in the chassis, wherein the barrel is configured to be secured to the slot based at least on the barrel including two or more tabs, wherein the tabs are attached to the barrel along a top of each of the tabs, and wherein the tabs are configured to bend along the top of the tabs, wherein the tabs are configured to bend in response to insertion of the barrel into the slot, and are configured to then bend back to an initial position of the tabs, wherein a bottom of the tabs engages the chassis to secure the barrel to the slot.

The fastener clip assembly of the present invention enables one-step assembly.

Drawings

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an alternative exploded view of a plastic barrel and a metal clip of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is yet another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is yet another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is another view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and the accompanying detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description

Various concepts related to systems and methods for automatically detecting similarities between sensors in order to identify and match sensors having similar properties and types, and embodiments of such systems and methods, are disclosed below.

FIG. 2 is an alternative exploded view of a plastic barrel and metal clip of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the fastener clip assembly includes a barrel 120, a rubber layer 130, and a metal clip 140.

In some embodiments, the assembly may be configured to hold various trim panels (such as panel 160, a rectangular portion of the panel 160 being shown) to an automobile chassis (such as chassis 115, a rectangular portion of the chassis 115 being shown).

In some embodiments, the rubber layer 130 may be fabricated on, for example, the barrel 120 using an overmolding process. The barrel 120 may be molded from, for example, plastic. The rubber layer 130 may then be overmolded onto the barrel 120 with a rubber material. In some embodiments, the overmold, i.e., the rubber layer 130, is configured to create a seal in the opening in the barrel 120 while allowing portions of the barrel 120 to freely flex substantially without restriction. For example, the barrel 120 may include a tab configured to bend inward when the barrel 120/rubber layer 130 is inserted into the slot 110 of the chassis 115, and then bend back out at the end to secure the assembly to the chassis 115. In addition, the skirt 135, as well as other portions of the overmold, i.e., the rubber layer 130, are also configured to form a seal against the chassis 115.

The clip 140 made of metal in some embodiments may be configured to engage to the inside of the tub 120 and be removably attached to the inside of the tub 120. The clip 140 is also configured to be secured to the rib/blade 150. The rib/vane 150 is attached to a portion of the panel 160 or the rib/vane 150 is a portion of the panel 160. In some embodiments, clip 140 is configured to form a non-removable coupling with rib 150.

In some embodiments, the barrel 120 and clip 140 are dimensionally configured to allow the tabs in the barrel 120 to freely bend even after the clip 140 has been installed in the barrel 120. Thus, the barrel 120 with the rubber layer 130 and clip 140 already engaged can be installed as an assembled pack into the slot 110 of the chassis 115. The rib 150 can then be pushed in by the clip 140 and brought into engagement with the component at a later time. One or more ridges, such as ridge 152, may be configured to guide clip 140 onto rib 150, and further, the ridges may provide additional structural support for rib 150.

In some embodiments, the barrel 120 (along with its rubber layer 130) is configured to engage with the slot 110 in the chassis 115 and be attached to the slot 110 in the chassis 115, for example. The rubber layer 130 is configured to seal (keep out water, moisture, dust, etc.) the opening in the barrel 120. Further, the skirt 135 of the rubber layer 130 is configured to form a seal (again, to block water, moisture, dust, etc.) against the chassis 115 when the barrel 120 engages the slot 110.

In some embodiments, the barrel 120 includes four tabs 10, the four tabs 10 configured to engage the slot 110. In some embodiments, the tab 10 may be cut out of the barrel 120 in three sides (two sides and a bottom) and remain attached to the barrel 120 only at the top. Thus, an easier inward and outward bending of the protrusion may be achieved by having only one side connection. Portions of the rubber layer 130 may be formed around the gaps (sides and bottom) of the protrusion 10 to form a seal while still allowing the protrusion 10 to flex easily. The seal may prevent, for example, dust from entering the vehicle environment through a slot in the chassis.

The tab 10 may have a gradually sloping top to facilitate easy engagement with the slot. In addition, the protrusion 10 may have a sharp (near 90 degree) bottom to ensure a secure connection with the chassis 115. The barrel 120 may also include a tapered top 20 and tapered sides 15 to help guide the barrel 120 into the slot 110.

The clip 140 is configured to engage with the barrel 120 and be removably secured to the barrel 120. In some embodiments, the top portion 45 of the clip is configured to fit into a similarly formed portion of the inside of the top of the barrel 120. The legs 30 are configured to bend inward as the clip is pushed into the barrel 120 and then outward back to facilitate coupling between the clip 140 and the barrel 120. Corresponding notches on either side of the inside of the barrel 120 are configured to further increase the coupling of the clip 140 to the barrel 120.

The feet 35 on the clip 140 are configured to rest in corresponding openings in the barrel 120 to facilitate secure coupling of the clip 140 in the barrel 120, particularly if the ribs 150 have not been inserted into the clip 140.

The clip 140 is also configured to engage the rib 150 of the panel 160 and be secured to the rib 150 of the panel 160. The hooks (in some embodiments four hooks) 40 of the clip 140 are configured to have a slight inward angle and face upward in such a way that the hooks interfere with the ribs 150. Thus, in some embodiments, the hook 40 is configured to substantially permanently attach the clip 140 to the barrel 120.

In some embodiments, the ribs 150 may include one or more ridges configured to add strength to the ribs and, in addition, to guide the ribs into the clip 140 for engagement.

After the components of the clip are fully assembled to the chassis and panel, in some embodiments, the panel 160 is attached to the chassis 150. In some embodiments, the panel may be removed from the chassis by pulling the panel and the chassis apart. In such an embodiment, the clip 140 is configured to remain on the rib 150 but removably separate from the barrel 120, the barrel 120 remaining attached to the slot 110. In some embodiments, the clip 140 is configured to engage and disengage from the barrel 120 multiple times.

In some embodiments, the barrel 120, the rubber layer 130, and the clip 140 are configured to be assembled together first and then placed into the slot 110. The panel may then be pushed into the assembly and engaged with the clips 140 via the ribs 150 of the panel. After the first engagement, the panel may then be removed and reinserted multiple times by separating and reengaging clip 140 from barrel 120.

It should be understood that embodiments of the invention in its various forms and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. It is therefore contemplated to cover by the present invention any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

One or more embodiments of the present invention have been described. It should be noted that these and any other embodiments are exemplary and are intended to illustrate rather than to limit the invention. While the present invention is broadly applicable to various types of systems, those skilled in the art will recognize that it is not possible to include all possible embodiments and contexts of the present invention in this disclosure. Many alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the claims. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to be interpreted as non-exclusively including the elements or limitations which follow those terms. Thus, a system, method, or other embodiment that comprises a set of elements is not limited to only those elements, and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the claimed embodiment.

While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention as detailed within the following claims.

Claims

1. A fastener clip assembly comprising:

a barrel configured to engage a slot in a chassis and to be secured to the slot,

wherein the barrel is configured to be secured to the slot based at least on the barrel including two or more tabs,

wherein the tabs are attached to the barrels along a top of each of the tabs such that an opening in the barrel surrounds both sides and a bottom of each of the tabs, and wherein the tabs are configured to bend along the top of the tabs,

wherein the tab is configured to bend in response to the barrel being inserted into the slot and then to bend back to an initial position of the tab, wherein a bottom of the tab engages the chassis to secure the barrel to the slot, and

a rubber layer, a first portion of the rubber layer formed around the protrusions, wherein the first portion of the rubber layer is configured to create a seal in the openings in the barrel around both sides and a bottom surface of each of the protrusions of the barrel.

2. The fastener clip assembly of claim 1, wherein a second portion of the rubber layer extends around an outside of the barrel forming a skirt configured to seal against the chassis and around the slot in the chassis.

3. The fastener clip assembly of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the rubber layer and the second portion of the rubber layer are integrally manufactured on the barrel using an overmolding process.

4. The fastener clip assembly of claim 1, further comprising a clip,

wherein the clip is configured to attach to a rib on a panel based at least on the clip including one or more barbs configured to dig into the rib as the clip is inserted atop the rib, wherein the barbs are located on an inner side of the clip and point upward, and

wherein the clip is configured to engage and attach to an inside of the barrel based at least on the clip including a leg configured to engage an inside of the barrel.

5. The fastener clip assembly of claim 4, wherein the barrel with the rubber layer is configured to be permanently attached into the slot in the chassis, and wherein the clip is configured to be permanently attached to the rib of the panel.

6. The fastener clip assembly of claim 4, wherein the ribs comprise one or more ridges configured to add rigidity to the ribs, and wherein the ridges are configured to guide the clip onto the ribs.

7. A fastener clip assembly comprising:

a chassis;

a barrel configured to engage a slot in the chassis and to be secured to the slot,

8. The fastener clip assembly of claim 7, wherein a second portion of the rubber layer extends around an outside of the barrel forming a skirt configured to seal against the chassis and around the slot in the chassis.

9. The fastener clip assembly of claim 8, wherein the first portion of the rubber layer and the second portion of the rubber layer are integrally manufactured on the barrel using an overmolding process.

10. The fastener clip assembly of claim 7, further comprising a clip and a panel,

wherein the clip is configured to attach to a rib on the panel based at least on the clip including one or more barbs configured to dig into the rib as the clip is inserted atop the rib, wherein the barbs are on an inner side of the clip and point upward, and

wherein the clip is configured to engage and attach to an inside of the barrel based at least on the clip including a leg configured to engage the inside of the barrel.

11. The fastener clip assembly of claim 10, wherein the barrel with the rubber layer is configured to be permanently attached into the slot in the chassis, and wherein the clip is configured to be permanently attached to the rib of the panel.

12. The fastener clip assembly of claim 10, wherein the ribs comprise one or more ridges configured to add rigidity to the ribs, and wherein the ridges are configured to guide the clip onto the ribs.