Fastening clip

Abstract

A fastening clip (100) for securing a first component (200) and a second component (300) includes a body portion (102) and a neck ring (104) formed at an edge of the body portion (102). The body portion (102) includes a planar surface (106) having a first face and a second face, a locking element (110) extending from the first face of the planar surface (106) and adapted to be detachably coupled to the first component (200), and a plurality of engagement portions (108) extending from the first face of the planar surface (106) and adapted to be detachably coupled to the second component (300). The neck ring (104) includes a first flange (112) extending from the second face in a direction opposite the plurality of engagement portions. The first flange (112) is flexible and adapted to abut against the first component (200).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Fastening clips are commonly used to securely fasten two components together. For example, fastening clips can be used to attach trim pieces to vehicle panels, such as windows or doors. In one such example, in a vehicle, a window frame trim piece is attached to the door panel on the outside at the pillar section to enhance the aesthetics of the door panel. Fastening clips are typically integrated into the trim piece and are configured as protrusions projecting from the surface of the trim piece and received within a fixing area, such as a slot, provided on the panel to attach the trim piece to the panel. Attached Figure Description

[0002] A detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the detailed description and drawings are merely examples of the subject matter and do not necessarily represent the subject matter itself.

[0003] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C Multiple views of a fastening clip, based on an example from this topic, are shown; Figure 2 The example shown is a fastening clip mounted on a decorative piece, based on this topic. Figure 3 The decorative piece is shown being secured to the panel using fastening clips based on examples from this topic; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view is shown of a decorative piece secured to a panel using fasteners based on examples from this topic; and Figure 5A and Figure 5B An enlarged cross-sectional view shows a decorative piece secured to a panel using fasteners based on examples from this topic; and Figure 6A and Figure 6B Another cross-sectional view shows a decorative piece secured to a panel using fasteners based on examples from this topic.

[0004] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote similar elements, but may not denote the same elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some parts may be enlarged to illustrate the examples more clearly. Furthermore, the drawings provide examples and / or implementations consistent with the specification; however, the specification is not limited to the examples and / or implementations provided in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0005] Typically, fastening clips are configured to secure trim pieces to door or window panels by setting the clips as integral protrusions on the surface of the trim piece. The fastening clips include a set of snap-fit ​​structures. A portion is cut out or a slot is provided in the panel, and the snap-fit ​​structures of the fastening clips engage in this cut-out portion or slot, thereby securing the trim piece to the panel. The fastening clips are typically formed integrally with the trim piece by extruding them together with the trim piece or by integrally attaching the clips to the trim piece at a later stage.

[0006] However, fastening clips are susceptible to damage during installation, such as when inserting or removing trim pieces from the panel. In the event of a broken fastening clip, the trim piece becomes unusable and must be replaced. Therefore, the total cost of ownership for vehicles using trim pieces can be high. Furthermore, such damage during manufacturing can lead to a disproportionate amount of trim piece waste, rendered useless due to broken fastening clips. This problem is exacerbated when trim pieces are typically made of materials used to enhance aesthetics. In the aforementioned cases, the waste of trim pieces due to broken fastening clips can significantly impact manufacturing economics and repair costs. In other words, if the fastening clips break, the manufacturer or owner may have to bear substantial waste or replacement costs, respectively. Moreover, fastening clip damage is unavoidable when trim pieces must be removed, for example, when the panel must be repaired.

[0007] Furthermore, the conventional design of trim pieces with integrated fasteners may not provide a proper seal between the trim and the panel to prevent any foreign matter, such as dirt, moisture, or rainwater, from entering. Such entry could damage the panel over time, further increasing maintenance costs. Moreover, in examples where trim pieces are used on vehicle panels, due to inadequate sealing between the trim and the panel, water or any foreign matter could potentially reach the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0008] Meanwhile, the conventional design of decorative elements with integrated fasteners requires relatively high insertion force. The conventionally designed fasteners are inserted into rectangular slots set in the panel. The fasteners are designed such that the length of the fastener, i.e., the length of each snap-like structure on the fastener, is almost equal to the length of the rectangular slot in the panel. Due to this lengthy design of the snap-like structures, their flexibility is adversely affected, and a considerable amount of force is required when inserting them into the slots. Therefore, from an assembly perspective, it is cumbersome for operators to assemble the decorative elements onto the panel, resulting in low assembly efficiency and consequently low production or manufacturing speed.

[0009] Furthermore, trim pieces can have various shapes depending on the type of panel they are to be applied to. For example, in the case of vehicles, trim pieces may have a curved shape at the rear or front pillars and a generally flat shape at the side pillars, where they lie flat. Therefore, the distance between the wall of the trim piece and the opening side may vary depending on the design of the trim piece. For example, a trim piece used at the rear of a vehicle may have a curved shape, thus the distance between the wall of the trim piece and the opening side will be greater than that of a trim piece used at a side pillar with a flatter shape. When the distance between the opening and the wall of the trim piece is large, for example, when the trim piece has a curved shape, the snap-fit ​​structure extends further away from the trim piece, i.e., it has a longer overhang, making the snap-fit ​​structure highly prone to breakage. Furthermore, when the distance between the panel and the trim piece varies, it may be necessary, for example, to perform extrusion operations at different locations on the same trim piece to create fasteners of different lengths. Therefore, the time and cost involved in producing such trim pieces can be quite high.

[0010] This article describes examples of fastening clips used to secure a first component, such as a trim piece, to a second component, such as a panel. In one example, the fastening clip can be used in vehicle applications where a trim piece, such as a window frame trim piece, is to be installed onto a vehicle panel, such as a pillar adjacent to a door among multiple pillars. The fastening clip can be formed as a separate component, such that it is first detachably engaged with the trim piece and then used to secure the trim piece to the panel. Because the fastening clip is detachably attached and not integrated with the trim piece, in the event of a breakage of the fastening clip, the trim piece does not need to be replaced and the same trim piece can be reused. Therefore, the fastening clip has low maintenance costs.

[0011] The fastening clip may include a body portion and a collar surrounding the body portion. The body portion may include a plurality of engaging portions and locking elements, each of which protrudes from a flat surface of the body portion of the fastening clip. The collar may include a first flange and a second flange. The fastening clip is engaged to a trim piece using the locking elements, and when the fastening clip is engaged to the trim piece, the first flange abuts against a surface of the trim piece. Further, a panel is engaged with the fastening clip via the cooperation of the engaging portions. When the panel is engaged with the fastening clip, the second flange abuts against a surface of the panel, as will be explained later.

[0012] To mount the fastening clip to the trim piece, the trim piece includes a mounting bridge extending from its surface. A locking element of the fastening clip engages with the mounting bridge of the trim piece, thereby securing the fastening clip to the trim piece. The trim piece can then be attached to a panel using the fastening clip. The panel includes a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the fastening clip. Each of the plurality of engaging portions of the fastening clip is formed as a snap-fit ​​lug and has a wedge-shaped structure. The snap-fit ​​feature of the engaging portion snaps into and locks into the slot to engage the trim piece to the panel. In one example, at least one engaging portion of the fastening clip is designed such that it can yield or break when a pull-out force exceeding a threshold force is applied to the trim piece to disengage it from the panel. In this case, the fastening clip may need to be replaced. In another example, the engaging portion can be designed such that it remains intact when a pull-out force is applied to disengage the trim piece from the panel. In other words, the fastening clip can also be designed to be reusable with the trim piece.

[0013] Furthermore, when the fastening clip is inserted into the slot provided in the panel, the engaging portion of the clip only contacts the corner of the slot, not the entire length of the slot. In other words, the engaging portion of the clip is not continuous, and therefore the flexibility of the engaging portion is greater than that of the panel. Due to the increased flexibility, the insertion force of the clip is reduced. Moreover, due to the increased flexibility, it is possible for the clip to be pulled out or removed from the panel without damaging the engaging portion. Therefore, if the locking element is designed to be unbreakable as described above, the clip can be reused. This increases the reusability of the clip. Furthermore, since the clip is not extruded from the decorative element, it can be made of a different material than the decorative element. Furthermore, since the clip is manufactured separately, the time and cost required for its production are lower.

[0014] In the example, the body and collar of the fastening clip can be made of the same material. In another example, the body and collar can be formed as separate components, wherein the materials of the body and collar can be appropriately selected to achieve their respective functions, as detailed later. Furthermore, as explained later, the fastening clip can also be reusable in certain situations. Thus, for example, even expensive materials can be used for both the body and collar.

[0015] As described above, trim pieces can have various shapes and sizes depending on the vehicle's intended location. The distance between the surfaces of the trim piece that engage with the first flange can vary depending on the shape and size of the trim piece. Therefore, the first flange can have a larger size and a higher degree of flexibility than the second flange to accommodate trim pieces of various shapes and sizes. In the example, the fastening clip is used to mount the trim piece to a vehicle side pillar where the trim piece is flat, and also for a vehicle rear or front pillar where the trim piece's surface is curved. With existing designs of the fastening clip, the same clip can be used with multiple trim pieces. Therefore, the collar of the fastening clip can provide a waterproof seal with the trim piece, regardless of its shape and size. In the example described, the collar, whether made of the same material as the body portion or a different material, can be designed to be flexible.

[0016] In the example, in addition to forming a waterproof seal with the trim piece, the fastening clip can also be designed to form a waterproof seal with the panel. Therefore, the second flange can also be made flexible to ensure a waterproof seal. When the fastening clip is installed onto the trim piece, the first flange of the clip's neck ring abuts against the surface of the trim piece, thus forming a waterproof seal. Further, when the fastening clip is in the engaged position with the panel to install the trim piece, the second flange of the fastening clip contacts the surface of the panel, thus forming a waterproof seal with the panel. Panels typically have similar shapes, regardless of where the panel will be used on the vehicle. In other words, in the engaged position, the distance between the second flange and the panel remains almost the same for any panel. Therefore, the length and flexibility of the first flange can be greater than the length and flexibility of the second flange.

[0017] The subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in these figures and the following description to denote the same or similar parts. It should be noted that these descriptions and drawings only illustrate the principles of the subject matter. Therefore, it should be understood that various arrangements can be conceived that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the subject matter. Furthermore, all statements and specific examples of the principles, aspects, and examples of the subject matter referenced herein are intended to cover their equivalents.

[0018] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C Several perspective views of a fastening clip 100, an example based on this topic, are shown. For simplicity and ease of understanding, [the following is a partial translation of the original text]. Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C The discussion should be conducted by combining these elements.

[0019] The fastening clamp 100 includes a body portion 102 and a neck ring 104. The body portion 102 includes a flat surface 106, a plurality of engaging portions 108, and a locking element 110. The first surface 106 has a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. The engaging portions 108 and the locking element 110 extend from the first face of the flat surface 106. The neck ring 104 includes a first flange 112 and a second flange 114. The first flange 112 extends from the second face in a direction opposite to the engaging portions 108. The second flange 114 extends from the first face in the direction of the engaging portions 108. The first flange 112 and the second flange 114 may be made of a flexible material. The first flange 112 has greater flexibility than the second flange 114. Furthermore, the first flange also has a larger size than the second flange 114.

[0020] The fastening clip 100 is configured to secure a first component 200, such as a trim piece, to a second component 300, such as a panel. First, the fastening clip 100 is mounted on the trim piece using its locking element 110, as will be explained later. When the fastening clip 100 is mounted on the trim piece, a first flange 112 abuts against the surface of the trim piece, as will be explained later. Then, the panel is secured to the trim piece by the operation of the engaging portion 108 of the fastening clip 100, as will be explained later. When the trim piece secures the panel, a second flange 114 abuts against the surface of the panel, as will be explained later. In another example, the fastening clip 100 may be initially mounted to the panel 300 and then to the trim piece 200.

[0021] Figure 2 A fastening clip 100 mounted on a trim piece 200, according to an example of this subject matter, is shown. The trim piece 200 includes a trim piece surface 202 and a mounting bridge 204 extending from the trim piece surface 202. The mounting bridge 204 includes a hole (not shown) interlocking with a locking element 110. First, the fastening clip 100 is mounted on the trim piece 200. The locking element 110 is inserted into the hole of the mounting bridge 204. In other words, the hole is configured to receive the locking element 110 of the fastening clip 100. When the fastening clip 100 is mounted with the trim piece 200, a first flange 112 of a collar 104 abuts against the trim piece surface 202. The first flange 112 is made of a flexible material, such as rubber.

[0022] When the fastening clip 100 is engaged with the trim piece 200, the trim piece surface 202 presses against the first flange 112. The first flange 112 is adapted to bend outward in a circumferential direction when the fastening clip 100 is engaged with the trim piece 200. In other words, as the fastening clip 100 is engaged with the trim piece 200, the distance between the flat surface 106 and the trim piece surface 202 begins to decrease. The trim piece surface 202 varies depending on the position of the panel. For example, in the case of a vehicle, the trim piece surface 202 is flat when the trim piece 200 is needed to secure the side pillars or center pillars of the vehicle. When the trim piece 200 is to secure the rear pillars of the vehicle, the trim piece surface 202 is curved. The length of the mounting bridge 204 varies with the shape of the trim piece 200. For example, when the trim piece 200 has a curved shape, the distance between the trim piece surface 202 and the flat surface 106 is greater than when the trim piece 200 has a flat shape. Due to the flexible nature of the first flange 112, the fastening clip 100 can be used with mounting bridges 204 of different lengths.

[0023] When the fastening clip 100 is mounted on the trim piece 200, the locking element 110 of the fastening clip 100 engages with a hole in the mounting bridge 204 of the trim piece 200. Therefore, the fastening clip 100 is detachably attached to the trim piece 200. Thus, in the adverse event of damage to the fastening clip 100, it is not necessary to replace the trim piece 200. The locking element 110 can be fracture-resistant, meaning it can break under impact or excessive load. In one example, the locking element 110 can be made of a brittle material. When a force exceeding a threshold limit is applied, the locking element 110 breaks, thereby ensuring that the mounting bridge 204, which is in direct contact with the locking element 110, is not damaged by the application of excessive force. In other words, when a force exceeding a threshold force is applied to the fastening clip 100, the locking element 110 breaks. Furthermore, the locking element 110 can also be made of a non-brittle material, such as a hard material. If the locking element 110 is made of a hard material, it will be able to withstand excessive force without damaging the mounting bridge 204. In this case, the fastening clip 100 can be pulled out from the decorative piece 200 without damaging the locking element 110.

[0024] Locking element 110 includes one or more fracture-aiding features. In one example, the fracture-aiding feature may be provided in the form of a notch. A portion of locking element 110 may have a tapered shape, with the fracture-aiding feature, such as a notch, positioned at the very end of the tapered portion. Due to the notch, in the event of impact or excessive load, locking element 110 fractures in the region near the notch. As a result, the mounted bridge 204 remains undamaged. In another example, the fracture-aiding feature can be provided by removing material from locking element 110.

[0025] Furthermore, in the installed position, the first flange 112 of the fastening clip 100 abuts against the decorative surface 202 of the decorative element 200. The contact between the first flange 112 and the decorative surface 202 provides a waterproof seal between the fastening clip 100 and the decorative element 200. The first flange 112 may be made of a material that restricts the entry of foreign matter such as dust, moisture, water, etc., that could damage the decorative element. In one example, the first flange 112 is made of a flexible and waterproof material, such as rubber.

[0026] Since the decorative element 200 forms the exterior portion of a window or door, the material of the decorative element 200 is chosen to enhance its aesthetics. The material of the fastening clip 100 may differ from that of the decorative element 200. In one example, the fastening clip 100 may have different materials for the body portion 102 and the collar 104. The collar 104 may be made of a flexible material, such as rubber. In one example, the collar 104 may be attached to the body portion 102 using different bonding processes, such as welding or by applying adhesives.

[0027] Figure 3 A decorative element 200 is shown, wherein the decorative element secures the panel 300 to the decorative element 200 by a fastening clip 100 mounted on the decorative element 200. Furthermore, Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of a fastening clip 100, a decorative element 200, and a panel 300 according to an example of this subject are shown, illustrating the decorative element 200 being secured to the panel 300 using the fastening clip 100. Furthermore, Figure 5A and Figure 5B An enlarged view showing the cross-sectional view of the fastener 100, the decorative piece 200, and the panel 300. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The fastening clip 100, decorative piece 200, and panel 300 are displayed along... Figure 4 The cross-sectional side view of section AA is shown. For simplicity and ease of understanding, [the following text is missing]. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 6A and Figure 6B They are described in combination.

[0028] In one example, panel 300 may be a door or window of a vehicle. In another example, panel 300 may be a non-vehicle component used in the interior of a home or office, such as a wall panel. Panel 300 includes a slot 302, which may be rectangular, rectangular, or any other geometric shape. In one case, the slot 302 may be formed on the surface of panel 300 by, for example, stamping away a portion of panel 300 with the aid of a die. After fastening clip 100 is attached to trim 200, the slot 302 of panel 300 is configured to receive a portion of fastening clip 100 to secure panel 300 to trim 200.

[0029] The engaging portion 108 of the fastening clip 100 is inserted into the slot 302 of the panel 300. The engaging portion 108 of the fastening clip 100 is formed as a snap-fit ​​lug and has a wedge-shaped structure. The wedge-shaped structure of the engaging portion 108 allows the fastening clip 100 to be locked together with the panel 300. The snap-fit ​​feature of the engaging portion can snap and lock together with the slot to engage the decorative piece with the panel.

[0030] In the locked position, the second flange 114 of the fastening clip 100 abuts against the surface of the panel 300. The contact between the second flange 114 and the surface of the panel 300 provides a waterproof seal between the fastening clip 100 and the panel 300. Furthermore, when the fastening clip 100 is inserted into a slot disposed in the panel, the engaging portion of the fastening clip 100 contacts only the corner of the slot, not the entire length of the slot. In other words, the engaging portion 108 of the fastening clip 100 is not continuous, and therefore its length is less than the length of the slot 302. Because the engaging portion 108 of the fastening clip 100 is not continuous, its flexibility relative to the panel 300 is increased. Due to this increased flexibility, the insertion force of the fastening clip 100 is reduced. In one example, the engaging portion 108 includes a flat portion following a locking portion that locks the fastening clip 100 into the slot 302 in the assembled position.

[0031] In this example, the engagement portion 108 of the fastening clip 100 can be designed to break when the trim 200 is pulled out of the panel 300, for example, for maintenance purposes. Since the fastening clip 100 is detachably attached to the trim 200, there is no need to replace the trim 200. Therefore, in such an example, the engagement portion 108 can be made of a less expensive, brittle material. In another example, the engagement portion 108 can be designed such that when a pull-out force is applied, the engagement portion 108 can withstand the pull-out force without breaking and exit from the slot 302 of the panel without breaking. In this example, if the engagement portion 108 does not break when the fastening clip 100 is pulled out of the trim 200 without damaging the locking element 110, the fastening clip 100 can be reused.

[0032] For example, in the latter example, the engagement portion 108 may have a beveled portion at the free end of the wedge structure away from the flat surface 106. In other words, the engagement portion 108 has a beveled portion where it contacts and locks into the slot 302. Such a design allows the fastening clip 100 to be pulled out of the panel 300 without breaking. For example, due to the beveled shape, the pull-out force required can be significantly greater than the insertion force required to insert the fastening clip 100 into the slot 302. However, even when such a high force is applied, the engagement portion 108 may not be damaged and the fastening clip 100 can be reused. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement portion 108 may be flexibly attached to the flat surface 106 of the fastening clip 100. In other words, the engagement portion 108 may be flexible, allowing the fastening clip 100 to be withdrawn from the panel 300 without breaking.

[0033] In one example, the fastening clip 100 is a window frame clip. The trim piece 200 is a window frame trim piece. The panel 300 is a door of the vehicle. In the vehicle, the fastening clip 100 is first installed on the trim piece 200, and then the trim piece 200 is secured to the vehicle's panel 300 by the fastening clip 100. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, the fastening clip 100, the trim piece 200, and the panel 300 can be any suitable application to the functions available to the fastening clip 100.

[0034] Although examples of the fastening clip 100 for mounting the decorative element 200 to the panel 300 have been described in language specifically addressing structural features and / or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. Rather, specific features are disclosed as examples of the fastening clip 100.

Claims

1. A fastening clamp (100) for securing a first component (200) and a second component (300), the fastening clamp (100) comprising: Body portion (102), the body portion includes: A flat surface (106) having a first surface and a second surface; A locking element (110) extends from the first surface of the flat surface (106). The locking element (110) is configured to be detachably coupled to the first component (200), and The locking element (110) includes at least one fracture-aiding structure; and Multiple joining portions (108) are connected at their first ends to a first surface of the flat surface (106) and separated from each other at their second ends. The plurality of engaging portions (108) are configured to be detachably connected to the second component (300); and A neck ring (104) is formed at the edge of the body portion (102) and includes a first flange (112) extending from the second surface in a direction opposite to the plurality of engagement portions (108), wherein the first flange (112) is flexible and configured to abut against the first member (200).

2. The fastening clamp as described in claim 1, wherein, The locking element (110) is fracture-resistant at the at least one fracture aid structure when a threshold force is applied.

3. The fastening clamp as described in claim 1, wherein, The first flange (112) bends outward along its periphery to accommodate different shapes of the first component (200).

4. The fastening clamp as described in claim 1, wherein, The neck ring (104) further includes a second flange (114) extending from the first face in the direction of the plurality of engagement portions (108), wherein the second flange (114) is flexible and configured to abut against the second member (300).

5. The fastening clamp as described in claim 4, wherein, The first flange (112) has a larger size and greater flexibility than the second flange (114).

6. The fastening clamp as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of engagement portions (108) is formed as a snap-fit ​​lug and has a wedge-shaped structure.

7. The fastening clamp as described in claim 6, wherein, The plurality of joint portions (108) include beveled portions formed at the free end of the wedge structure away from the flat surface (106).

8. The fastening clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The locking element (110) is tapered or has a slot to define the at least one fracture aid structure.

9. A fastening clip for securing a first component (200) and a second component (300), the first component (200) having a mounting bridge extending therefrom, the second component (300) having a slot, the fastening clip (100) comprising: Body portion (102), the body portion includes: A flat surface (106) having a first surface and a second surface; A locking element (110) extends from the first surface of the flat surface (106). The locking element (110) is configured to detachably engage and connect to the mounting bridge of the first component (200); and Multiple joining portions (108) are connected at their first ends to a first surface of the flat surface (106) and separated from each other at their second ends. The plurality of engaging portions (108) are configured to be detachably coupled to the slot of the second component (300); and A neck ring (104) is formed at the edge of the body portion (102), the neck ring (104) including a first flange (112) extending from the second surface in a direction opposite to the plurality of engagement portions (108), and the first flange (112) being configured to abut against the first member (200).

10. The fastening clip of claim 9, wherein the locking element includes a pair of snap-fit ​​lugs configured to receive and secure the mounting bridge.

11. The fastening clip of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of snap-fit ​​lugs comprises a wedge-shaped structure.

12. The fastening clip of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of snap-fit ​​lugs includes a wedge-shaped structure configured to engage the mounting bridge.

13. The fastening clip of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of snap-fit ​​lugs includes a wedge-shaped structure configured to engage a hole formed in the mounting bridge.

14. The fastening clamp of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of engaging portions is a snap-fit ​​lug configured to engage the slot.

15. The fastening clip of claim 14, wherein the snap-fit ​​lug includes a wedge-shaped structure configured to engage the slot.

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