Fastener clip assemblies and fastener clip systems

Abstract

A fastener clip assembly and a fastener clip system are provided. The fastener clip assembly includes a barrel that is configured to engage and be secured to a slot in a chassis. The barrel is configured to be secured to the slot based at least on the barrel including two or more protrusions. The barrel is configured to be secured to the slot based at least on the barrel including two or more protrusions, the protrusions being disposed on the sidewalls of the barrel. The protrusions are attached to the barrel along the top of each protrusion, and each protrusion is configured to bend along the top of the protrusion. Each protrusion is configured to bend in response to the barrel being inserted into the slot and then bend back to an initial position of each protrusion. The flat bottom surface of each protrusion engages the chassis to secure the barrel to the slot.

Description

[0001] Description of the case

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with a priority date of September 24, 2018, application number 201910132348.9 and invention name “Fastener Clip Assembly”. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to devices for fastening objects and, more particularly, to a fastener clip assembly for insertion into a joining structure such as a vehicle chassis, a hollow substrate, a wall, a panel, or any suitable surface. Background Art

[0004] Currently, many devices and fasteners can be used to fasten panels (such as body panels and automotive interior trim panels) to the vehicle chassis. As used herein, for example, a body panel refers to any interior or exterior body panel, plastic interior trim, door panel, roof lining, or any interior trim on a vehicle. In addition, a panel can be any suitable exterior body panel, such as a fender, bumper, quarter panel, or door panel. The chassis of a vehicle can include any substrate, plate, body panel, structural frame, chassis component or subcomponent, wall, or any suitable object.

[0005] These conventional fastener arrangements provide generally relatively equal levels of insertion and extraction forces. These body panels are often attached to the chassis of the vehicle using a relatively high level of insertion force while providing a relatively low level of extraction force.

[0006] Fastener clips for attaching body panels to automobile chassis, such as two-piece fasteners (multi-piece), are known. Two-piece fasteners are used so that if the panel is removed after initial installation to repair components in the door, the two-piece fastener can be pulled apart so that one part remains attached to the sheet metal and the other remains attached to the trim panel. The two pieces can also be reattached after separation. However, two-piece fasteners require the manufacture of multiple pieces and labor-intensive assembly of the two pieces and are therefore relatively expensive.

[0007] One-piece fasteners are generally less expensive than two-piece or multi-piece fasteners. A one-piece fastener has a base that attaches to the body panel, a post that attaches to the base, and wings that attach to at least the top of the post at the tip of the fastener for fastening to the frame slot. However, if the frame slot and the fastener are misaligned, the forces on the wings are unequal 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 can cause the wing to break when the clip is forced into the slot, rendering the fastener unable to fasten the body panel to the frame. A poorly made, broken, damaged, or weakened wing can cause the body panel to detach or cause a rattling sound.

[0008] The wings of conventional fasteners have sharp, uneven grooves to engage the edges of the frame slots. However, when the clip is removed, the sharp edges of the frame slots cut into the softer plastic and cut the grooves. During manufacturing, slots are typically formed in vehicle frames, such as in the inner roof panel or door sheet metal structure, by stamping sheet metal. As the punch enters the sheet metal, the outer portion of the sheet metal is pushed inward and forms metal spurs or ridges on the inside of the sheet metal. The resulting slot edge on the outside of the slot is relatively smooth; however, the inside of the slot edge is sharp and rough. When the fastener clip is removed, the sharp edges of the frame cut into the slot, making it possible for the clip to be reinserted and reused.

[0009] For example, if the slot is off-center, 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. Because not all points of contact with the slot in the vehicle chassis are actually achieved, twisting of the body panel may become more dominant. As a result, conventional single-piece fasteners do not self-align when the fastener and body panel are misaligned and are prone to breaking the wings, making the fastener impossible to reattach.

[0010] Conventional fasteners are generally unable to adequately secure panels to vehicle chassis with varying slot sizes and positions, or sheet metal with varying curvatures or thicknesses. Conventional one-piece fasteners do not align themselves when the fastener and the body panel are misaligned, and are prone to breaking the wings, rendering the fastener incapable of reattachment. Furthermore, conventional fasteners are unsuitable for use in various environmental conditions, such as vibrations of varying amplitudes and frequencies. For example, conventional fasteners of this type generally fail to prevent or minimize humming, rattling, or any other type of noise that might attract the attention of vehicle occupants or otherwise detract from the attachment. Conventional fasteners are also unable to adequately accommodate various levels of manufacturing tolerances, such as the various sizes found in body panels and vehicle chassis. Consequently, conventional fastener arrangements generally fail to self-align or adequately secure to a range of sheet metal thicknesses, fail to minimize or eliminate humming and rattling, and fail to adequately accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances. As a result, wear, squeaks, rattles, hums, corrosion, and loss of elasticity and sealing can occur, especially after years of vehicle operation and exposure to vibration, heat, moisture, and other environmental conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a fastener clip assembly that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0012] A fastener clip assembly according to the present invention includes: a barrel configured to engage a narrow slot in a chassis and be secured to the narrow slot, wherein the barrel is configured to be secured to the narrow slot based at least on the barrel including two or more protrusions, wherein the protrusions are attached to the barrel along a top portion of each of the protrusions, and wherein the protrusions are configured to bend along the top portion of the protrusions, wherein the protrusions are configured to bend in response to the barrel being inserted into the narrow slot and then bend back to the initial position of the protrusions, wherein the bottom portion of the protrusions engages the chassis to secure the barrel to the narrow slot.

[0013] Another fastener clip assembly according to the present invention includes: a chassis; a barrel, the barrel being configured to engage a narrow slot in the chassis and be secured to the narrow slot, wherein the barrel is configured to be secured to the narrow slot based at least on the barrel including two or more protrusions, wherein the protrusions are attached to the barrel along a top portion of each of the protrusions, and wherein the protrusions are configured to bend along the top portion of the protrusions, wherein the protrusions are configured to bend in response to the barrel being inserted into the narrow slot and then bend back to an initial position of the protrusions, wherein the bottom portion of the protrusions engages the chassis to secure the barrel to the narrow slot.

[0014] The fastener clip assembly of the present invention can be assembled in one step. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 2 is an alternative exploded view of a plastic barrel and metal clip of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 3 is another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 4 is yet another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 5 is yet another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 6 is a side view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 8 is another view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0024] While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example in the drawings and accompanying detailed description. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments. On the contrary, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Disclosed below are various concepts relating to systems and methods for automatically detecting similarities between sensors in order to identify and match sensors of similar properties and types, and embodiments of such systems and methods.

[0026] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 2is an alternative exploded view of a plastic barrel and metal clip of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 3 is another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 4 is yet another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 5 is yet another alternative exploded cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0031] In some embodiments, the fastener clip assembly includes a barrel 120 , a rubber layer 130 , and a metal clip 140 .

[0032] In some embodiments, the fastener clip assembly may be configured to retain various trim panels (such as panel 160 , a rectangular portion of which is shown) to an automotive chassis (such as chassis 115 , a rectangular portion of which is shown).

[0033] In some embodiments, the rubber layer 130 can be manufactured, for example, on the barrel 120 using an overmolding process. The barrel 120 can be molded from, for example, plastic. The rubber layer 130 can then be overmolded onto the barrel 120 using a rubber material. In some embodiments, the overmolding, 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 bend freely and substantially unrestricted. For example, the barrel 120 can include a protrusion that is 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 and other portions of the overmolding, i.e., the rubber layer 130, are also configured to form a seal against the chassis 115.

[0034] The clip 140, which is made of metal in some embodiments, can be configured to engage and be removably attached to the inside of the barrel 120. The clip 140 is also configured to be secured to the rib / blade 150. The rib / blade 150 is attached to or is part of the panel 160. In some embodiments, the clip 140 is configured to form a non-removable connection with the rib 150.

[0035] In some embodiments, the barrel 120 and the clip 140 are sized to allow the protrusion in the barrel 120 to flex freely, even after the clip 140 has been installed in the barrel 120. Thus, the barrel 120 with the rubber layer 130 and the clip 140 already engaged can be installed as an assembled group into the slot 110 of the chassis 115. The rib 150 can then be pushed in and engaged with the fastener clip assembly by the clip 140 at a later time. One or more ridges (such as ridge 152) can be configured to guide the clip 140 onto the rib 150, and in addition, the ridges can provide additional structural support to the rib 150.

[0036] Figure 6 is a side view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0037] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 8 is another view of an assembled fastener clip assembly according to some embodiments.

[0039] In some embodiments, barrel 120 (along with its rubber layer 130) is configured, for example, to engage with and be attached to slot 110 in chassis 115. Rubber layer 130 is configured to seal (keep out water, moisture, dust, etc.) the opening in barrel 120. Furthermore, skirt 135 of rubber layer 130 is configured to form a seal against chassis 115 when barrel 120 engages slot 110 (again, keeping out water, moisture, dust, etc.).

[0040] In some embodiments, barrel 120 includes four protrusions 10, which are configured to engage slots 110. In some embodiments, protrusion 10 can be cut off from barrel 120 in three sides (two sides and bottom) and remain attached to barrel 120 only at the top. Therefore, the easier inward and outward bending of the protrusion can be achieved by only having one side connection. The portion of rubber layer 130 can be formed around the gap (side and bottom) of the protrusion 10, thereby forming a seal while still allowing the protrusion 10 to bend easily. The seal can prevent, for example, dust from entering the vehicle environment through the slot in the chassis.

[0041] The protrusion 10 may have a gradually inclined top to facilitate easy engagement with the slot. Additionally, the protrusion 10 may have a sharp (approximately 90 degrees) 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.

[0042] The clip 140 is configured to engage and be removably secured to the barrel 120. In some embodiments, the top 45 of the clip is configured to fit within a similarly formed portion of the inside of the top of the barrel 120. The legs 30 are configured to flex inward as the clip is pushed into the barrel 120, and then flex back outward to facilitate the 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 enhance the coupling of the clip 140 to the barrel 120.

[0043] 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 yet been inserted into the clip 140 .

[0044] The clip 140 is also configured to engage and be secured to the ribs 150 of the panel 160. The hooks 40 (in some embodiments, there are four hooks) of the clip 140 are configured to have a slight inward angle and face upward in a manner such that the hooks obstruct the ribs 150. Thus, in some embodiments, the hooks 40 are configured to substantially permanently attach the clip 140 to the barrel 120.

[0045] In some embodiments, rib 150 may include one or more ridges configured to add strength to the rib and, further, to guide the rib into clip 140 for engagement.

[0046] In some embodiments, after the components of the clip are fully assembled to the chassis and panel, the panel 160 is attached to the chassis 150. In some embodiments, the panel can be removed from the chassis by pulling the panel and chassis apart. In such embodiments, the clip 140 is configured to remain on the ribs 150 but to be removably separated from the barrel 120, which remains attached to the slot 110. In some embodiments, the clip 140 is configured to engage and disengage the barrel 120 multiple times.

[0047] In some embodiments, the barrel 120, rubber layer 130, and clip 140 are configured to be assembled together first and then placed into the slot 110. The panel can then be pushed into the fastener clip assembly and the panel engages the clip 140 via the panel's ribs 150. After the first engagement, the panel can then be removed and reinserted multiple times by disengaging and reengaging the clip 140 from the barrel 120.

[0048] It should be understood that other variations and modified embodiments of the present invention in its various forms will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. It is therefore contemplated that the present invention encompasses any and all variations, modifications, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the basic principles disclosed and claimed herein.

[0049] One or more embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that these and any other embodiments are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the present invention rather than to limit the present invention. Although the present invention is broadly applicable to various types of systems, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not possible to include all possible embodiments and backgrounds of the present invention in this disclosure. Upon reading this disclosure, many alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0050] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, 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.

[0051] The benefits and advantages that can be provided by the present invention have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, as well as any elements or limitations that can make these benefits and advantages appear or become more apparent, are not to be construed as key, essential, or necessary features of any or all claims. As used herein, the terms "comprise," "include," or any other variations of the elements or limitations that are intended to be interpreted as non-exclusively including the elements or limitations that follow these terms. Therefore, a system, method, or other embodiment that includes a set of elements is not limited to only these elements, but may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to the claimed embodiments.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may be made to the embodiments described above. It is contemplated that such variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention as detailed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fastener clip assembly comprising: a barrel, at least a portion of which is continuously formed in a circumferential direction of the barrel and which is adapted to engage and be fixed to a slot in a chassis, wherein the barrel is configured to be adapted to be fixed to the slot at least based on the barrel comprising two or more protrusions provided on a side wall of the barrel, wherein the protrusion is attached to the barrel along a top portion of each of the protrusions so that the opening in the side wall of the barrel surrounds both side surfaces and a bottom surface of each of the protrusions, and wherein the protrusion is configured to bend along the top portion of the protrusions, wherein the protrusion is adapted to bend in response to the barrel being inserted into the slot and then bend back to an initial position of the protrusion, wherein the flat bottom surface of the projection is adapted to engage the chassis to secure the barrel to the slot, wherein the fastener clip assembly comprises: A rubber layer has a first portion formed around the protrusion, wherein the first portion of the rubber layer is configured to create a seal in the opening in the sidewall of the barrel.

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

3. The fastener clip assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rubber layer does not cover the top of the barrel, with the barrel being adapted to be guided into the slot using the top. 4 . 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 fabricated on the barrel using an overmolding process.

5. The fastener clip assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a clip, wherein the clip is adapted to be attached 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 inside 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 legs configured to engage the inside of the barrel.

6. The fastener clip assembly of claim 5, wherein the barrel is adapted to be permanently attached to the slot in the chassis, and wherein the clip is adapted to be permanently attached to the rib of the panel.

7. The fastener clip assembly of claim 5, wherein when the clip is inserted onto the rib, an interior portion of the clip engages a ridge formed on the rib to guide the clip onto the rib.

8. A fastener clip system comprising: chassis; a barrel, at least a portion of which is continuously formed in a circumferential direction of the barrel, and the barrel is configured to engage and be fixed to a slot in the chassis, wherein the barrel is configured to be fixed to the slot based at least on the barrel comprising two or more protrusions provided on a side wall of the barrel, wherein the protrusion is attached to the barrel along a top portion of each of the protrusions so that the opening in the side wall of the barrel surrounds both side surfaces and a bottom surface of each of the protrusions, and wherein the protrusion is configured to bend along the top portion of the protrusions, wherein the protrusion is configured to bend in response to the barrel being inserted into the slot and then bend back to an initial position of the protrusion, wherein the flat bottom surface of the projection engages the chassis to secure the barrel to the slot, The fastener clip system comprises: A rubber layer has a first portion formed around the protrusion, wherein the first portion of the rubber layer is configured to create a seal in the opening in the sidewall of the barrel.

9. The fastener clip system of claim 8, wherein the second portion of the rubber layer extends around the outside of the barrel, thereby forming a skirt configured to rest against the chassis and create a seal around the slot in the chassis.

10. The fastener clip system of claim 8 or 9, wherein: The rubber layer does not cover the top of the barrel, and the barrel is configured to be guided into the slot using the top.

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

12. The fastener clip system of claim 8, 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 located on an inside 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 legs configured to engage the inside of the barrel.

13. The fastener clip system of claim 12, wherein the barrel is configured to be permanently attached to the slot in the chassis, and wherein the clip is configured to be permanently attached to the rib of the panel.

14. The fastener clip system of claim 12, wherein the rib includes one or more ridges configured to add rigidity to the rib, and wherein the ridges are configured to guide the clip onto the rib.

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