SE541933C2

SE541933C2 - A fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object and a vehicle comprising said fastening configuration for attaching a panel to said vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE541933C2
Application number: SE1650123A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Martin Svalander; Tuhin Chowdhury
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2016-02-02
Filing date: 2016-02-02
Publication date: 2020-01-07
Also published as: SE1650123A1; DE102017000601A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fastening configuration (10) for attaching an element (20) to an object such as a vehicle, said fastening configuration (10) being arranged to protrude from the element, the fastening configuration (10) having a retaining portion (12) comprising an elongated recess (14) for receiving and retaining a fastening member (30). The fastening member (30) is movable along a longitudinal extension (X) of the elongated recess (14) and is prevented to be removed in the direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal extension of the elongated recess (14). The elongated recess (14) has a width (W1) such that the fastening member (30) is also movable in the transversal direction (Z) of the elongated recess (14).The present invention also relates to a vehicle.

Description

A FASTENING CONFIGURATION FOR ATTACHING AN ELEMENT TO AN OBJECT AND A VEHICLE COMPRISING SAID FASTENING CONFIGURATION FOR ATTACHING A PANEL TO SAID VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object according to the preamble of claim 1 . The invention also relates to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART Vehicles are often equipped with thermoplastic panels being produced through injection moulding. A common solution for attaching such an exterior thermoplastic panel is to use clip retainers being an integrated part of the panel, wherein a clip is attached to the clip retainer for attaching the panel in a clip being attached to a mating part on the vehicle, or other object.

Clip retainers are used in various forms to hold the clip in a certain position during the assembly of a panel. Holding of clip is necessary for production comprising assembly. It ensures that the assembler/operator does not need to adjust the clip position before attaching the panel to the mating part.

The clip retainer usually comprises an elongated recess, i.e. a slot, for receiving and retaining the clip. The clip is configured to be introduced at an inlet portion of the elongated recess and is movable along a longitudinal extension of the elongated recess.

In order make the clip stay in position usually small notches are added. The notches are made large enough to centre the clip along the elongated recess, but also small enough to allow movement along the longitudinal direction of the elongated recess.

An example of such a prior art clip retainer is shown in fig. 1a and 1b and has a dog-house shape and is arranged on the backside of the panel protruding from the panel.

By thus allowing movement of the clip along the longitudinal direction of the elongated recess certain expansion and shrinkage of the thermoplastic panel due to humidity and/or change in temperature is considered. However, such a solution may sill lead to over constrain of the thermoplastic panel, which may cause unwanted deformations of the panel and loss of location control when fitting the panel to the mating part.

Such a clip retainer with an elongated recess with an inlet for introducing a clip makes it possible to mount the clip up-side-down which can cause deviations / fault in production. Re-attaching the clips in the right orientation costs time and thus money at the assembly plant.

There is thus a need to further improve fastening configurations, e.g. clip retainers, for attaching elements such as panels to an object such as a vehicle.

There exist many different kinds of fastening configurations for attaching different kind of elements.

EP2400205 discloses a quick fastening device for a TV set, the quick fastening device having a fastening bracket that is provided with fastening seat arranged on fastening plane to receive fastening pin so as to determine undercut fixed connection between fastening pin and fastening seat.

JP2009213308 discloses a fastener for wire harness of motor vehicle, the fastener having a clip having circular base protruding from lower end for fitting between guide walls of branches in clip attaching section of wire harness fixing tool.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object which minimizes risk of unwanted deformations of the element when attached to the object.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object which minimizes loss of location control when fitting the element to the object.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object which facilitates reduced tolerance requirements during manufacturing of the fastening configuration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object which simplifies assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a fastening configuration and a vehicle as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the arrangement are defined in appended dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the device and method are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object such as a vehicle. The fastening configuration is arranged to protrude from the element. The fastening configuration has a retaining portion comprising an elongated recess for receiving and retaining a fastening member. The fastening member is movable along a longitudinal extension of the elongated recess and is prevented to be removed in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal extension of the elongated recess. The fastening configuration is characterized in that said elongated recess has a width such that the fastening member is also movable in the transversal direction of the elongated recess. The fastening member is thus a separate part which is received by the fastening configuration during assembly prior to attaching the element to the object. The fastening member is preferably a clip. The fastening member is configured such that it is movable along a longitudinal extension of the elongated recess and being prevented to be removed in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal extension of the elongated recess.

By having an elongated recess with a width such that the fastening member is also movable in the transversal direction of the elongated recess bi-axial movement of the element, e.g. a panel such as a thermoplastic panel, is facilitated, which improves absorption of assembly tolerances, manufacturing tolerances and thermal tolerances. This thus minimizes risk of unwanted deformations of the element when attached to the object. This further minimizes loss of location control when fitting the element to the object. This also facilitates reduced tolerance requirements during manufacturing of the fastening configuration.

According to an embodiment said fastening configuration comprises a gravity trap along one long side of the elongated recess shaped such that the fastening member by gravity slides to a desired position along said one long side. Hereby the fastening member is self-guided to the desired position and is kept in the desired position during assembly, thus simplifying assembly. Thus, positioning of the fastening member is facilitated without affecting the bi-axial movement.

According to an embodiment of the fastening configuration said one long side has a concave shape forming the gravity trap for the fastening member.

Hereby efficient self-guiding and positioning of the fastening member to a desired position is obtained.

According to an embodiment of the fastening configuration said elongated recess has an inlet portion in connection to one end of the elongated recess for introducing the fastening member into the elongated recess. Hereby easy and efficient introduction of the fastening member is facilitated.

According to an embodiment the fastening configuration is arranged to attach the element to said object by means of the fastening member so as to support the element. The fastening member is thus arranged to be fastened at said object so as to support the element. The fastening member is arranged to be fastened to a mating part at the object so as to provide a fastening joint for supporting the element, e.g. a panel.

According to an embodiment of the fastening configuration the fastening member is a clip. A clip is a very efficient fastening element providing easy assembly in that the element, e.g. panel, only needs to be pressed against a mating part of the object to which the element is intended to be attached. The clip is configured to be attached to a mating part of a clip joint.

According to an embodiment the fastening configuration is arranged on the back side of the element. Hereby the fastening configuration is hidden thus facilitating assembly of element, e.g. panel, at an object without the fastening configuration being visible when the element is assembled.

According to an embodiment the fastening configuration is arranged to protrude from a side of the element. Hereby easy assembly is facilitated.

According to an embodiment the fastening configuration is an integrated part of the element. Hereby easy assembly is facilitated in that only one piece needs to be assembled to the object.

According to an embodiment said fastening configuration, being an integrated part of the element, is injection moulded. Hereby efficient manufacturing of the fastening configuration is facilitated. The fastening configuration and hence the element of which the fastening configuration constitutes an integrated part is according to an embodiment made of thermoplastic material which is suitable for injection moulding.

According to an embodiment the fastening configuration is intended for attaching an element comprising a material with temperature and/or moisture sensitive properties affecting dimensions of the element. The material of the element, e.g. a panel, is according to a variant thermoplastic, i.e. the element is a thermoplastic element, e.g. a thermoplastic panel.

According to an embodiment the fastening configuration comprises a stop element arranged in connection to the inlet portion of the elongated recess so as to allow said fastening member to be introduced in only one orientation. Hereby assembly is simplified in that the fastening member cannot be mounted in the wrong way to the fastening configuration. Thus, it is not possible to mount the fastening member, e.g. a clip, up-side-down wherein deviations / fault in production can be avoided. Hereby a so called Poka-Yoke solution is obtained. Thus, unnecessary time due to re-attaching the fastening members in the right orientation can be avoided, wherein time and thus costs are saved.

According to an embodiment of the fastening configuration said elongated recess is configured to receive a fastening member having a foot portion arranged for retaining said fastening member in said elongated recess and on the opposite side a fastening portion arranged to protrude from the fastening configuration and the element.

According to an embodiment of the fastening configuration said inlet portion has a first recess portion having a width which is greater than the width of the elongated recess, said first recess portion being adapted to receive said foot portion of the fastening member. Hereby easy introduction of the fastening member, e.g. clip, is obtained by means of allowing introduction of the foot portion through such a recess portion arranged in connection to the stop element preventing introducing the fastening member, e.g. clip the wrong way.

According to an embodiment of the fastening configuration said inlet portion has a second recess portion having a width which is smaller than the width of the first recess portion, said second recess portion being adapted to receive an intermediate portion of the fastening member arranged between the foot portion and the fastening portion and configured to run in the elongated recess. Hereby easy introduction of the fastening member, e.g. clip, is obtained by means of allowing introduction of the foot portion through such a recess portion arranged in connection to the stop element preventing introducing the fastening member, e.g. clip the wrong way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object according to prior art; Fig. 1b schematically illustrates the fastening configuration in fig. 1a retaining a fastening member; Fig. 2a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2b schematically illustrates a view from the front side of the fastening configuration in fig. 2a; Fig. 2c schematically illustrates a side view of the fastening configuration in fig. 2a; Fig. 3a schematically illustrates a perspective view of the fastening configuration in fig. 2a retaining a fastening member according to the present invention; Fig. 3b schematically illustrates a view from the front side of the fastening configuration in fig. 3a; Fig. 3c schematically illustrates a side view of the fastening configuration in fig. 3a; Fig. 4a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a fastening configuration for attaching an element to an object according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4b schematically illustrates a view from the back side of the fastening configuration in fig. 4a; Fig. 4c schematically illustrates a side view of the fastening configuration in fig. 4a; Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a perspective view of the fastening configuration in fig. 4a retaining a fastening member according to the present invention; Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a view from the back side of the fastening configuration in fig. 5a; Fig. 5c schematically illustrates a side view of the fastening configuration in fig. 5a; and Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a fastening configuration 10P for attaching an element 20P to an object according to prior art.

The element 20P is constituted by a thermoplastic panel wherein the fastening configuration 10P is an integrated part of the element 20P. The fastening configuration 10P is arranged to protrude from the element 20P. The fastening configuration 10P has a dog-house shape.

The fastening configuration 10P has a retaining portion 12P comprising an elongated recess 14P for receiving and retaining a fastening member 30P in the shape of a clip. The fastening member being 30P is movable along a longitudinal extension of the elongated recess and being prevented to be removed in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal extension of the elongated recess. The fastening configuration 10P has an inlet portion arranged in connection to one end of the elongated recess 14P for introducing the fastening member into the elongated recess 14P.

In order make the fastening member 30P stay in position small notches 15P are added. The notches 15P are made large enough to centre the clip along the elongated recess 14P, but also small enough to allow movement along the longitudinal direction of the elongated recess 14P. The elongated recess 14P thus has a width W essentially corresponding to an intermediate part of the fastening member 30P configured to be closely received within the elongated recess 14P.

Fig. 1b schematically illustrates the fastening configuration 10P in fig. 1a retaining the fastening member 30P.

Fig. 2a schematically illustrates a perspective view, fig. 2b schematically illustrates a view from the front side, and fig. 2c schematically illustrates a side view of a fastening configuration 10 for attaching an element 20 to an object (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Only a portion of the element 20 is illustrated in fig. 2a-c as dotted lines. The element 20 may have any suitable shape. The element 20 has according to an embodiment a disc shape. According to an embodiment the element 20 comprises a material with temperature and/or moisture sensitive properties affecting dimensions of the element 20. The material of the element 20, e.g. a panel, is according to a variant thermoplastic, i.e. the element 20 is according to an embodiment a thermoplastic element, e.g. a thermoplastic panel.

According to an embodiment the fastening configuration 10 is an integrated part of the element 20. Hereby easy assembly is facilitated in that only one piece needs to be assembled to the object. According to an embodiment said fastening configuration 10, being an integrated part of the element 20, is injection moulded. Hereby efficient manufacturing of the fastening configuration is facilitated. The fastening configuration 10 and hence the element 20 of which the fastening configuration 10 constitutes an integrated part is according to an embodiment made of thermoplastic material which is suitable for injection moulding.

The fastening configuration 10 has a front side 10a, i.e. the side 10a configured to be facing away from the object when attached to the object. The fastening configuration 10 has a back side 10b, i.e. the side 10b configured to be facing the object when attached to the object.

As illustrated in fig. 2c the element 20 has a front side 20a, i.e. the side 20a configured to be facing away from the object when attached to the object. The element has a back side 20b, i.e. the side 20b configured to be facing the object when attached to the object.

The fastening configuration 10 is arranged to protrude from the element 20. The fastening configuration 10 is arranged to protrude from a side 20c of the element 20 as can be seen in fig. 2a and fig. 2b. The fastening configuration 10 has a tongue-like shape.

The fastening configuration 10 has an end side 10c constituting the side 10c where the extension of the protrusion of the fastening configuration 10 from the side of the element 20 terminates.

The fastening configuration 10 is extending in a direction from the side of the element 20 which is here denoted as the z-direction. The fastening configuration 10 has an extension along the side 20c of the element 20 which is here denoted as the x-direction.

The fastening configuration 10 has a first side 10d and an opposite second side 10e defining, i.e. delimiting, the extension of the fastening configuration 10 along the side 20c of the element 20. The end side 10c, the first side 10d and the second side 10e forms a frame portion.

The fastening configuration 10 has an extension from the back side 10b to the front side 10a which is here denoted as the z-direction.

The back side 10b of the fastening configuration 10 has a frame shape. The back side 10b thus comprises or constitutes a frame portion. The fastening configuration 10 has a thickness H corresponding to the extension of the fastening configuration in the z-direction.

The fastening configuration 10 is arranged to protrude from the element 20 such that the distance D from the front side 20a of the element 20 and the back side 10b of the fastening configuration 10 is longer than the height H of the fastening configuration 10, see fig. 2c. The extension of the fastening configuration 10 in the height direction, i.e. in the direction perpendicular to the x-direction and perpendicular to the z-direction is here denoted ydirection.

The fastening configuration 10 has a retaining portion 12 for retaining a fastening member. The frame portion formed by the sides 10c, 10d and 10e is protruding from the retaining portion 12 so that a space S is formed delimited by the sides 10c, 10d and 10e and the retaining portion 12. The retaining portion 12 has an underside 12a configured to face away from the object when attached to the object, and an opposite side 12b corresponding the back side 10b, see e.g. fig. 2c.

The retaining portion 12 comprises an elongated recess 14 for receiving and retaining a fastening member 30, shown in fig. 3a-c.

The fastening configuration 10 has an inlet portion 16 arranged in connection to one end of the elongated recess 14 for introducing the fastening member into the elongated recess 14.

As can be seen in fig. 2b the elongated recess 14 has a width W1. The elongated recess 14 has a longitudinal extension in the x-direction and a transversal extension in the z-direction. The elongated recess 14 has a first end 14a constituting a stop for movement of a fastening member in the longitudinal direction, i.e. x-direction and an opposite end being connected to the inlet portion 16 so as to facilitate introduction of a fastening member into the elongated recess. The elongated recess 14 has a first long side 14b facing in the direction of the element 20 and an opposite second long side 14c facing the end side 10c of the fastening configuration 10.

The inlet portion 16 has a first recess portion 16a extending along the second side 10e between the underside 12a of the retaining portion 12 and the front side 10a. The first recess portion 16a has a width W2 which is greater than the width W1 of the elongated recess 14 as can be seen in fig. 2b.

The inlet portion 16 has a second recess portion 16b extending from a central portion of the first recess portion 16a to and through the side 12b. The second recess portion 16b has a width W3 which is smaller than the width W2 of the first recess portion 16a, see fig. 2c, and smaller than the width W1 of the elongated recess 14 as can be seen in fig. 2b and 2c. The inlet portion 16 thus has a T-shaped profile viewed from the along the second side 10e.

The fastening configuration comprises a stop element 18 arranged in connection to the inlet portion 16 so as to allow the fastening member to be introduced in only one orientation. Thus, the inlet portion 16 with the first recess portion 16a extending along the second side 10e between the underside 12a of the retaining portion 12 and the front side 10a provides said stop element 18. The stop element 18 thus constitutes the portion of the second side 10e between the first recess portion 16a and the front side 10a.

The elongated recess 14 has a width W1 such that the fastening member is also movable in the transversal direction Z of the elongated recess 14. The fastening member is configured such that it is movable along a longitudinal extension X of the elongated recess and being prevented to be removed in the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal extension X and transversal extension Z of the elongated recess 14.

By having an elongated recess 14 with a width such that the fastening member is also movable in the transversal direction Z of the elongated recess bi-axial movement of the element 20, e.g. a panel such as a thermoplastic panel, is facilitated, which improves absorption of assembly tolerances, manufacturing tolerances and thermal tolerances. This thus minimizes risk of unwanted deformations of the element when attached to the object. This further minimizes loss of location control when fitting the element 20 to the object. This also facilitates reduced tolerance requirements during manufacturing of the fastening configuration.

The elongated recess 14 comprises a gravity trap 15 along the second long side 14c of the elongated recess 14 shaped such that the fastening member by gravity slides to a desired position along said one long side. Hereby the fastening member is self-guided to the desired position and is kept in the desired position during assembly, thus simplifying assembly. Thus, positioning of the fastening member is facilitated without affecting the bi-axial movement.

The second long side 14c has a portion with a concave shape forming the gravity trap 15 for the fastening member. Hereby efficient self-guiding and positioning of the fastening member to a desired position is obtained.

Fig. 3a schematically illustrates a perspective view, fig. 3b schematically illustrates a view from the front side, and fig. 3c schematically illustrates a side view of the fastening configuration 10 in fig. 2a-c retaining a fastening member 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to this embodiment of the fastening configuration the fastening member 30 is a clip. A clip is a very efficient fastening element providing easy assembly in that the element 20, e.g. panel, only needs to be pressed against a mating part of the object to which the element 20 is intended to be attached. The clip is configured to be attached to a mating part of a clip joint.

The fastening member 30 has a foot portion 32 arranged for retaining the fastening member 30 in the elongated recess 14 and on the opposite side a fastening portion 34 arranged to protrude from the fastening configuration 10 and the element 20. The fastening member 30 comprises an intermediate portion 36 arranged between the foot portion 32 and the fastening portion 34.

The foot portion 32 has a width W4 which is greater than the width W1 of the elongated recess 14 for retaining the fastening member, i.e. for preventing the fastening member 30 to be removed in the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal extension X and transversal extension Z of the elongated recess 14, see fig. 3b. The foot portion 32 has a width W4 which is smaller than the width W2 of the first recess portion 16a of the inlet portion 16 for allowing introduction of the foot portion 32 through the first recess portion 16a, see fig. 3b.

The fastening portion 34 has a portion 34a facing the retaining portion 12 which has a width W5 which is greater than the width W1 of the elongated recess 14 for retaining the fastening member, i.e. for preventing the fastening member 30 to be removed/moved in the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal extension X and transversal extension Z of the elongated recess 14, see fig. 3b.

The intermediate portion 36 has a width W6 which is smaller than the width W3 of the second recess portion 16b of the inlet portion 16 for allowing introduction of the intermediate portion 36 through the second recess portion 16b, see fig. 3c and fig. 2c.

The fastening configuration 10 is arranged to attach the element 20 to the object by means of the fastening member 30 so as to support the element 20. The fastening member 30 is thus arranged to be fastened at said object so as to support the element 20. The fastening member 30 is arranged to be fastened to a mating part at the object so as to provide a fastening joint for supporting the element, e.g. a panel.

As can be seen in fig. 3c, the stop element 18 arranged in connection to the inlet portion 16 of the elongated recess will allow the fastening member 30 to be introduced in only one orientation. Hereby assembly is simplified in that the fastening member 30 cannot be mounted in the wrong way to the fastening configuration 10. Thus, it is not possible to mount the fastening member 30, e.g. a clip which is the case in fig. 3a-c, up-side-down wherein deviations / fault in production can be avoided. Thus, unnecessary time due to re-attaching the fastening members 30 in the right orientation can be avoided, wherein time and thus costs are saved.

As described in connection to fig. 2a-c the elongated recess 14 has a width W1 such that the fastening member 30 is movable in the elongated recess 14 along both the longitudinal direction X and the transversal direction Z of the elongated recess 14. The fastening member 30 is thus a separate part which is received by the fastening configuration 10 during assembly prior to attaching the element 20 to the object. The fastening member is preferably a clip.

As explained above the fastening member 30 is thus configured such that it is movable along the longitudinal extension and transversal direction of the elongated recess 14 and being prevented to be removed in the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal extension of the elongated recess 14.

By having an elongated recess 14 with a width such that the fastening member 30 is also movable in the transversal direction of the elongated recess bi-axial movement of the element 20, e.g. a panel such as a thermoplastic panel, is facilitated, which improves absorption of assembly tolerances, manufacturing tolerances and thermal tolerances. This thus minimizes risk of unwanted deformations of the element 20 when attached to the object. This further minimizes loss of location control when fitting the element 20 to the object. This also facilitates reduced tolerance requirements during manufacturing of the fastening configuration 10.

As described in connection to fig. 2a-c the fastening configuration 10 comprises a gravity trap 15 along the second long side 14c of the elongated recess shaped such that the fastening member by gravity slides to a desired position along said one long side. Hereby the fastening member 30 is selfguided to the desired position and is kept in the desired position during assembly, thus simplifying assembly. In fig. 3a and 3b the fastening member 30 has been positioned within at the gravity trap in the elongated recess. Thus, positioning of the fastening member is facilitated without affecting the bi-axial movement. In order for the gravity trap to function applying the fastening member 30 during assembly the orientation of the fastening configuration 10 needs to be such that the second long side 14c with the gravity trap 15 needs to be lower level than the first long side 14b, i.e. the fastening configuration 10 needs to have an extension in the z-direction which have a certain angle relative to the horizontal plane. The extension in the z-direction during assembly is preferably essentially vertical.

Fig. 4a schematically illustrates a perspective view, fig. 4b schematically illustrates a view from the back side, and fig. 4c schematically illustrates a side view of a fastening configuration 110 for attaching an element 120 to an object (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The fastening configuration 110 illustrated in fig. 4a-c differs from the fastening configuration 10 illustrated in fig. 2a-c and 3a-c mainly in the shape and the arrangement on the element 120.

The fastening configuration 110 according to this embodiment is arranged on the back side 120b of the element 120. Hereby the fastening configuration 110 is hidden by the element 120 thus facilitating assembly of element 120, e.g. panel, at an object without the fastening configuration 110 being visible when the element 110 is assembled.

The fastening configuration 110 according to this embodiment has a doghouse shape. Such a dog-house shape of the fastening configuration provides good stability and strength for withstanding loads.

Only a portion of the element 120 is illustrated in fig. 4a-c. The element 120 may have any suitable shape. The element 120 has according to an embodiment a disc shape. According to an embodiment the element 120 comprises a material with temperature and/or moisture sensitive properties affecting dimensions of the element 120. The material of the element 120, e.g. a panel, is according to a variant thermoplastic, i.e. the element 120 is according to an embodiment a thermoplastic element, e.g. a thermoplastic panel.

According to an embodiment the fastening configuration 110 is an integrated part of the element 120. Hereby easy assembly is facilitated in that only one piece needs to be assembled to the object. According to an embodiment said fastening configuration 110, being an integrated part of the element 120, is injection moulded. Hereby efficient manufacturing of the fastening configuration is facilitated. The fastening configuration 110 and hence the element 120 of which the fastening configuration 110 constitutes an integrated part is according to an embodiment made of thermoplastic material which is suitable for injection moulding.

The thus dog-house shaped fastening configuration 110 has a front side 110a, i.e. the side 110a configured to be facing the back side 120b of the element 120 and according to an embodiment where the element and the fastening configuration constitutes an integrated part the element 120 transcends into the front side 110a. The fastening configuration 110 has a roof 110b constituting a back side 110b, i.e. the side 110b configured to be facing the object when attached to the object.

As illustrated in fig. 4a and 4c the element 120 has a front side 120a, i.e. the side 120a configured to be facing away from the object when attached to the object. The element has a back side 120b, i.e. the side 120b configured to be facing the object when attached to the object.

The fastening configuration 110 is arranged to protrude from the element 120. The fastening configuration 110 is arranged to protrude from the back side 120b of the element 120 as can be seen in fig. 4a and fig. 4c.

The fastening configuration 110 has opposite side walls 110c, 110d arranged at a distance from each other. The roof 110b of the fastening configuration 110 is arranged to run between the side walls and connect the side walls 110c, 110d. The fastening configuration 110 further comprises a front wall 110e running between the side walls 110c, 110d and connecting the side walls 110c, 110d.

The side walls 110c, 110d, the roof 110b running between the side walls 110c, 110d and the front wall 110e running between the side walls 110c, 110d forms a space S1. The side of the fastening configuration 110 opposite to the front wall 110e is open, i.e. provides an opening O. The opening is intended for facilitating removal of a tool part/mould part, sometimes called slider, after an injection moulding.

The front wall 110e is extending in a direction along the element 120 which is here denoted as the z-direction. The side walls 110c, 110d are extending in a direction along the element 120 which is here denoted as the x-direction. The fastening configuration 110 has an extension along the side 120c of the element 120 which is here denoted as the x-direction. The fastening configuration 110 is protruding in a direction essentially perpendicularly from the element 120 which is here denoted as the y-direction.

The fastening configuration 110 has a retaining portion 112 for retaining a fastening member. The retaining portion 112 is comprised by or constitutes the roof 110b. The retaining portion 112 has an underside 112a configured to face away from the object when attached to the object, see e.g. fig. 4a.

The retaining portion 112 comprises an elongated recess 114 for receiving and retaining a fastening member 30, shown in fig. 5a-c.

The fastening configuration 110 has an inlet portion 116 arranged in connection to one end of the elongated recess 114 for introducing the fastening member into the elongated recess 114. The elongated recess 114 has essentially the same shape and same function as the elongated recess 14 describe with reference to fig. 2a-c and 3a-c.

As can be seen in fig. 4b the elongated recess 114 has a width W1. The elongated recess 114 has a longitudinal extension in the x-direction and a transversal extension in the z-direction. The elongated recess 114 has a first end 114a constituting a stop for movement of a fastening member in the longitudinal direction, i.e. x-direction and an opposite end being connected to the inlet portion 116 so as to facilitate introduction of a fastening member into the elongated recess. The elongated recess 114 has a first long side 114b facing in the direction of the element 120 and an opposite second long side 114c facing the side wall 110c of the fastening configuration 110.

The inlet portion 116 has a first recess portion 116a extending along the front wall 110e at a distance from the element 120. The first recess portion 116a extending along the front wall 110e in the z-direction. The first recess portion 116a constitutes a cut-out of transition between the front wall 110e and the roof 110b. The first recess portion 116a has a width W2 which is greater than the width W1 of the elongated recess 114 as can be seen in fig. 4b.

The inlet portion 116 has a second recess portion 116b extending from a central portion of the first recess portion 116a to and through the roof 110b. The second recess portion 116b has a width W3 which is smaller than the width W2 of the first recess portion 116a, see fig. 4c, and smaller than the width W1 of the elongated recess 114 as can be seen in fig. 4b and 4c. The inlet portion 116 thus has a T-shaped profile viewed from the second side 110e.

The fastening configuration comprises a stop element 118 arranged in connection to the inlet portion 116 of the elongated recess 114 so as to allow the fastening member to be introduced in only one orientation. The front wall 110e comprises or constitutes the stop element 118.

The elongated recess 114 has a width W1 such that the fastening member is also movable in the transversal direction Z of the elongated recess 114. The fastening member is configured such that it is movable along a longitudinal extension X of the elongated recess and being prevented to be removed in the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal extension X and transversal extension Z of the elongated recess 114.

By having an elongated recess 114 with a width such that the fastening member is also movable in the transversal direction Z of the elongated recess bi-axial movement of the element 120, e.g. a panel such as a thermoplastic panel, is facilitated, which improves absorption of assembly tolerances, manufacturing tolerances and thermal tolerances. This thus minimizes risk of unwanted deformations of the element when attached to the object. This further minimizes loss of location control when fitting the element 120 to the object. This also facilitates reduced tolerance requirements during manufacturing of the fastening configuration.

The elongated recess 114 comprises a gravity trap 115 along the second long side 114c of the elongated recess 114 shaped such that the fastening member by gravity slides to a desired position along said one long side. Hereby the fastening member is self-guided to the desired position and is kept in the desired position during assembly, thus simplifying assembly. Thus, positioning of the fastening member is facilitated without affecting the bi-axial movement.

The second long side 114c has a portion with a concave shape forming the gravity trap 115 for the fastening member. Hereby efficient self-guiding and positioning of the fastening member to a desired position is obtained.

Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a perspective view, fig. 5b schematically illustrates a view from the back side, and fig. 5c schematically illustrates a side view of the fastening configuration 110 in fig. 4a-c retaining a fastening member 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The fastening member 30 corresponds to the fastening member described with reference to fig. 3a-c.

Thus, according to this embodiment of the fastening configuration the fastening member 30 is a clip. A clip is a very efficient fastening element providing easy assembly in that the element 120, e.g. panel, only needs to be pressed against a mating part of the object to which the element 120 is intended to be attached. The clip is configured to be attached to a mating part of a clip joint.

The fastening member 30 has a foot portion 32 arranged for retaining the fastening member 30 in the elongated recess 114 and on the opposite side a fastening portion 34 arranged to protrude from the fastening configuration 110 and the element 120. The fastening member 30 comprises an intermediate portion 36 arranged between the foot portion 32 and the fastening portion 34.

The foot portion 32 has a width W4 which is greater than the width W1 of the elongated recess 114 for retaining the fastening member 30, i.e. for preventing the fastening member 30 to be removed in the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal extension X and transversal extension Z of the elongated recess 114, see fig. 5b. The foot portion 32 has a width W4 which is smaller than the width W2 of the first recess portion 116a of the inlet portion 116 for allowing introduction of the foot portion 32 through the first recess portion 116a, see fig. 5b.

The fastening portion 34 has a portion 34a facing the retaining portion 112 which has a width W5 which is greater than the width W1 of the elongated recess 114 for retaining the fastening member, i.e. for preventing the fastening member 30 to be removed/moved in the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal extension X and transversal extension Z of the elongated recess 114, see fig. 5b.

The intermediate portion 36 has a width W6 which is smaller than the width W3 of the second recess portion 116b of the inlet portion 116 for allowing introduction of the intermediate portion 36 through the second recess portion 116b, see fig. 5c and fig. 4c.

The fastening configuration 110 is arranged to attach the element 120 to the object by means of the fastening member 30 so as to support the element 120. The fastening member 30 is thus arranged to be fastened at said object so as to support the element 120. The fastening member 30 is arranged to be fastened to a mating part at the object so as to provide a fastening joint for supporting the element, e.g. a panel.

As can be seen in fig. 5c, the stop element 118 arranged in connection to the inlet portion 116 of the elongated recess will allow the fastening member 30 to be introduced in only one orientation.

As described in connection to fig. 4a-c the elongated recess 114 has a width W1 such that the fastening member 30 is movable in the elongated recess 114 along both the longitudinal direction X and the transversal direction Z of the elongated recess 114. The fastening member 30 is thus a separate part which is received by the fastening configuration 110 during assembly prior to attaching the element 120 to the object. The fastening member is preferably a clip.

As explained above the fastening member 30 is thus configured such that it is movable along the longitudinal extension and transversal direction of the elongated recess 114 and being prevented to be removed in the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal extension of the elongated recess 114.

By having an elongated recess 114 with a width such that the fastening member 30 is also movable in the transversal direction of the elongated recess bi-axial movement of the element 120, e.g. a panel such as a thermoplastic panel, is facilitated, which improves absorption of assembly tolerances, manufacturing tolerances and thermal tolerances. This thus minimizes risk of unwanted deformations of the element 120 when attached to the object. This further minimizes loss of location control when fitting the element 120 to the object. This also facilitates reduced tolerance requirements during manufacturing of the fastening configuration 110.

As described in connection to fig. 4a-c the fastening configuration 110 comprises a gravity trap 115 along the second long side 114c of the elongated recess shaped such that the fastening member by gravity slides to a desired position along said one long side. Hereby the fastening member 30 is self-guided to the desired position and is kept in the desired position during assembly, thus simplifying assembly. In fig. 5a and 5b the fastening member 30 has been positioned within at the gravity trap in the elongated recess 114. Thus, positioning of the fastening member 30 is facilitated without affecting the bi-axial movement. In order for the gravity trap to function applying the fastening member 30 during assembly the orientation of the fastening configuration 110 needs to be such that the second long side 114c with the gravity trap 115 needs to be lower level than the first long side 114b, i.e. the fastening configuration 110 needs to have an extension in the z-direction which have a certain angle relative to the horizontal plane. The extension in the z-direction during assembly is preferably essentially vertical.

Above, with reference to the different embodiments of the fastening configuration 10; 110; 210 illustrated in fig. 2a-c, 3a-c, 4a-c and 5a-can xdirection, a y-direction and a z-direction has been referred to when describing the different views of the different embodiments. The x-, y- and z-directions refers to directions being essentially mutually perpendicular to each other in order to describe extensions of the fastening configuration/ portions of the fastening configuration, and particularly the extension of the elongated recess 14; 114. The fastening configuration 10; 110and hence the element, e.g. panel, to be applied to an object such as a vehicle, is generally and normally intended to be attached to the object, e.g. vehicle, essentially vertically. The fastening configuration 10; 110and hence the element, e.g. panel, to be applied to an object such as a vehicle, is generally and normally intended to have an essentially vertical orientation during assembly procedure. When attaching elements 20; 120 in the form of panels to an object being the side of a vehicle by means of the fastening configuration 10; 110, the direction denoted x-direction would refer to longitudinal extension of the vehicle, i.e. the extension of the side of the vehicle, the direction denoted y-direction would refer to the transversal extension of the vehicle, i.e. the width extension of the vehicle, and the direction denoted z-direction would refer to the vertical extension when the vehicle is horizontally orientated, i.e. the height extension of the vehicle. If x-direction refers to the longitudinal extension, y-direction the transversal extension and z-direction the vertical extension of the vehicle the x-direction and y-direction of the figures above should be switched when attaching a fastening configuration to the front or back of a vehicle.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle 1 according to the present invention. The exemplified vehicle 1 is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle according to the present invention could be any vehicle such as a bus or a car. The vehicle comprises one or more fastening configurations 10; 110 according to the present invention. The vehicle is configured to receive one or more fastening configurations 10; 110 according to the present invention. The vehicle comprises one or more elements being assembled by means of fastening configurations 10; 110 according to the present invention.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A fastening configuration (10; 110) for attaching an element (20; 120) to an object such as a vehicle, said fastening configuration (10; 110) being arranged to protrude from the element, the fastening configuration (10; 110) having a retaining portion (12; 112) comprising an elongated recess (14; 114) for receiving and retaining a fastening member (30), the fastening member (30) being movable along a longitudinal extension (X) of the elongated recess (14; 114) and being prevented to be removed in the direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal extension of the elongated recess (14; 114), said elongated recess (14; 114) has a width (W1) such that the fastening member (30) is also movable in the transversal direction (Z) of the elongated recess (14; 114), said elongated recess (14; 114) has an inlet portion (16; 116) in connection to one end of the elongated recess (14; 114) for introducing the fastening member (30) into the elongated recess (14; 114), the elongated recess (14, 114) has a first end (114a) opposite said inlet portion (16; 116) wherein said first end (114a) constituting a stop for movement of said fastening member in the longitudinal extension (X) characterized in that said fastening configuration (10; 110) comprises a concave shape forming a gravity trap (15; 115) for the fastening member (30) along one long side (14c; 114c) of the elongated recess (14; 114), wherein said concave shape is shaped such that the fastening member (30) by gravity is self-guided and slides to a desired position along said one long side (14c; 114c) when the orientation of the fastening configuration (10; 110) is such that the long side (14c; 114c) with the gravity trap (15; 115) is lower level than the other long side (14b; 114b) of the elongated recess (14; 114).

2. A fastening configuration (10; 110) according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening configuration (10; 110) is arranged to attach the element (20; 120) to said object by means of the fastening member (30) so as to support the element (20; 120).

3. A fastening configuration (10; 110) according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the fastening member (30) is a clip.

4. A fastening configuration (10; 110) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the fastening configuration (10; 110) is an integrated part of the element (20; 120).

5. A fastening configuration (10; 110) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said fastening configuration (10; 110) comprises a stop element (18; 118) arranged in connection to the inlet portion (16; 116) of the elongated recess (14; 114) so as to allow said fastening member (30) to be introduced in only one orientation.

6. A fastening configuration (10; 110) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein said elongated recess (14; 114) is configured to receive a fastening member (30) having a foot portion (32) arranged for retaining said fastening member (30) in said elongated recess (14; 114) and on the opposite side a fastening portion arranged to protrude from the fastening configuration (10; 110) and the element.

7. A vehicle (1) comprising a fastening configuration (10; 110) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein said element is a panel and wherein said panel is arranged to be assembled to said vehicle by means of said fastening configuration.