Translational retaining clip

Abstract

This document describes a retaining clip. The retaining clip has a first portion configured to temporarily deform upon insertion into a slot in an installation position and to prevent the retaining clip from retracting through the slot after insertion. The retaining clip also has a second portion configured to attach the retaining clip to a component via a first torque of a fastener engaged with the second portion. The retaining clip further has a third portion configured to abut against a surface of the component and deform under a second torque of the fastener such that the first and second portions translate toward the component along an attachment axis. The retaining clip allows for the positioning and securing of a component in two stages using a single fastener. Therefore, component installation can be cheaper, simpler, and faster.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] During vehicle manufacturing, numerous components are attached to the vehicle. Different types of fasteners and connectors are used depending on the specific requirements of the component and its installation. To reduce assembly complexity and production time, components are typically positioned (e.g., staged) in the first step and then secured to the vehicle in the second step. Determining how to best, efficiently, and effectively accomplish these two tasks can be challenging due to packaging constraints, vehicle limitations, component limitations, feature / hardware accessibility, and other factors. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This document relates to translational retaining clips (hereinafter referred to as retaining clips). Retaining clips can be configured for use in vehicle environments (e.g., for mounting parts to vehicles).

[0003] The retaining clip includes a first portion configured to temporarily deform upon insertion into a slot in the mounting position and to prevent the retaining clip from retracting through the slot after insertion. The retaining clip also includes a second portion configured to attach the retaining clip to the component. The retaining clip further has a third portion configured to abut against a surface of the component and deform such that the first and second portions translate toward the component along an attachment axis. The attachment axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the component.

[0004] This invention provides a simplified concept of a retaining clip, which is further described in the detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings. This invention is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The retaining clip is described with reference to the following figures, some of which use the same reference numerals throughout the figures to refer to examples of similar objects or similar features and parts.

[0006] Figure 1 An example retainer clip according to this disclosure is shown.

[0007] Figures 2 to 4 The various stages of assembling components into the mounting position according to the present disclosure using the retaining clips of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0008] Figure 5 An example assembly method using a retaining clip according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Overview

[0010] Modern vehicles comprise numerous components (e.g., body panels, trim pieces, modules, computers, or sensors such as cameras, radar, lidar, laser, and sonar sensors). For efficient production, these components are typically positioned (e.g., placed in place) before subsequent fastening. For example, components often have retaining clips to position them. Fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) then secure the components to the vehicle. One problem with using this technique is the need for multiple fastening devices (e.g., retaining clips and individual screws). Furthermore, both the components and the vehicle require attachment features for both types of hardware, thus increasing complexity and cost.

[0011] This document describes a retaining clip. The retaining clip has a first portion configured to temporarily deform upon insertion into a slot in the mounting position and to prevent the retaining clip from retracting through the slot after insertion. The retaining clip also has a second portion configured to attach the retaining clip to a component via a first torque of a fastener engaged with the second portion. The retaining clip further has a third portion configured to abut against a surface of the component and deform under a second torque of the fastener such that the first and second portions translate toward the component along an attachment axis. The described retaining clip allows for the positioning and securing of a component in two stages using a single fastener. Therefore, component installation is generally cheaper, simpler, and faster.

[0012] Example retaining clip

[0013] Figure 1 An example of a fixing clip 100 according to the system and technology of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Two views of the retaining clip 100 are shown. The retaining clip may be made of metal (e.g., formed, bent, and / or stamped from a sheet of metal) or plastic (e.g., molded, printed, formed). In some implementations, the retaining clip 100 may be a component and / or a combination of materials (e.g., plastic and metal parts). The design, size, and / or shape of the retaining clip 100 may differ from those shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the features described below may be implemented in other designs of the retaining clip 100 without altering its operation.

[0014] Coordinate system 102 is shown having an attachment axis 104, a left / right axis 106, and a front / rear axis 108. The attachment axis 104 corresponds to the axis on which the retaining clip 100 is inserted into the mounting position. In the example shown, the retaining clip is symmetrical about two planes (e.g., a plane parallel to the plane formed by the attachment axis 104 and the left / right axis 106, and a plane parallel to the plane formed by the attachment axis 104 and the front / rear axis 108). The retaining clip 100 may be asymmetrical about one or both of these planes without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the left / right axis 106 and the front / rear axis 108 may be switched without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0015] The retaining clip 100 includes a first portion 110, a second portion 112, and a third portion 114. The first portion 110 is configured to temporarily deform when the retaining clip 110 is inserted into an opening in the mounting position along the attachment shaft 104. For example, the first portion 110 may include a front deformable wing and a rear deformable wing that deform in a plane parallel to the attachment shaft 104 and the front / rear shaft 108 when inserted into the slot of the mounting position. The wing may have an introduction surface that facilitates deformation and may be connected to each other at ends opposite to the third portion. Furthermore, the wing may be connected to each other at ends opposite to the third portion 114. The first portion 110 may take a shape other than that shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0016] The second part 112 is configured to attach the retaining clip 100 to a component to be installed in a mounting position. The second part 112 may include a threaded hole, a clip configured to receive a threaded fastener, a through hole configured to receive a self-tapping / self-threading fastener, a screw, etc.

[0017] The third portion 114 is configured to abut against the component in a first stage of the retaining clamp 100 and deform in a second stage of the retaining clamp 100 such that the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 translate toward the component along the attachment axis 104. The third portion 114 may include a left deformable wing and a right deformable wing, which deform in a plane parallel to the attachment axis 104 and the left / right axis 106. The deformation of the third portion 114 will be further described below. The third portion 114 may take shapes other than those shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] To prevent the retaining clip 100 (and therefore the component) from being pulled past the mounting position during translation, the first portion 110 may include one or more retaining surfaces 116. The retaining surfaces 116 are configured to be close to the back surface of the mounting position and provide a supporting surface to prevent translation, thereby allowing the component and the mounting position to be pulled together when the third portion 114 deforms.

[0019] Therefore, the retaining clip 100 allows the component to be positioned and temporarily held relative to the mounting position in the first stage, and to be secured to the mounting position in the second stage. In doing so, parts can be eliminated from the assembly, and the manufacturing and mounting position of the component can be simplified, thereby improving cost, ease of assembly, and assembly time.

[0020] Example assembly stage

[0021] Figures 2 to 4 Example stages that the retaining clip 100 may go through when attaching the component to the mounting position are shown. Figure 2 A retaining clip 100 is shown at position 200, which is attached to component 202 to mounting location 204. Although this disclosure is directed to automotive applications, component 202 and mounting location 204 can be used in any application or environment without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Component 202 may be a body component, trim piece, module, computer, electrical component, fuse box, camera, radar sensor or radar module, lidar sensor or lidar module, sonar sensor or sonar module, laser sensor or laser module, other sensor or sensor module, etc. Mounting location 204 may be a body panel, frame member, part of a unibody construction, structural member, sheet metal, another component, etc.

[0022] The retaining clip 100 is attached to the component 202 by a first torque via a fastener 206. The fastener 206 engages with the second portion 112 of the retaining clip 100. The first torque pulls the retaining clip 100 toward the component 202 such that the third portion 114 is pressed against the component without substantially deflection or deformation. During this stage, there is an offset 208 or gap between the second portion 112 and the component 202.

[0023] Component 202 has an opening configured to receive retaining clip 100. The opening can be of any shape or size, depending on the configuration of retaining clip 100. In the example shown, the opening is rectangular. The rectangular opening has a dimension smaller than the front / rear width of the retaining clip. The dimension is such that the edge of the opening abuts against the introduction surface of the first portion 110, so that further insertion causes temporary deformation of the first portion 110. Figure 3 The retaining clip 100 is shown once it has been inserted through the opening.

[0024] Figure 3A retaining clip 100 inserted into mounting position 204 (when attached to component 202) is shown at 300. Insertion is not shown; however, those skilled in the art will understand the deformation of the first portion 110 upon entry through mounting position 204. Once inserted, the first portion 110 may retain partial deformation based on the lead-out surface. This partial deformation can result in a weak clamping force between mounting position 204 and component 202. When inserted, a gap 302 exists between the retaining surface 116 and the back side 304 of mounting position 204. An offset 208 may correspond to the maximum size of the gap 302.

[0025] Figure 4 At 400, it is shown after the second torque is applied to fastener 206 (according to...). Figure 3 The retaining clip 100 is inserted at mounting position 204. A third portion 114 is configured to deform, allowing the second portion 112 to be pulled upwards from the fastener 206. Because the first portion 110 is connected to the second portion 112, translation of the second portion 112 also causes the first portion 110 to be pulled upwards toward mounting position 204. The first portion 110 can be pulled upwards toward the back side 304 of mounting position 204 until the holding surface 116 contacts the back side 304. From there, a second torque is generated, causing the component 202 to be forced together with mounting position 204 (e.g., clamped). The retaining clip 100 can allow a clamping force of up to 1500 N or greater between mounting position 204 and component 202.

[0026] Therefore, the retaining clamp 100 provides a placement operation for positioning the component 202 relative to the mounting position 204, and a clamping operation for removing the gap 302 and securing the component 202 to the mounting position 204 with a high clamping force. In doing so, many parts can be reduced (in type and / or quantity), thereby allowing for reduced cost, complexity, and assembly time. Furthermore, the design of the component 202 and the mounting position 204 can be modified based on the premise that separate clamps and fasteners are not required.

[0027] Example Method

[0028] Figure 5 An example assembly method using a retaining clip according to this disclosure is shown. At 502, the retaining clip is attached to the component via a first torque of a fastener engaged with a second portion of the retaining clip. For example, retaining clip 100 may be attached to component 202 via a first torque of a fastener 206 engaged with a second portion 112.

[0029] At position 504, the component is positioned relative to the mounting position by inserting a retaining clip into the mounting position. For example, the component 202 can be positioned relative to the mounting position 204 by inserting a retaining clip 100 (attached to component 202) into the mounting position 204. Insertion can cause the first portion 110 to compress upon entering the mounting position 204. After insertion, the first portion 110 can exert a weak force to hold the component 202 in the mounting position 204. This weak force can be due to the spring action of the retaining clip 100 attempting to return to its uninserted shape.

[0030] At 506, the component is secured to the mounting position by a second torque of the fastener. The second torque of the fastener causes a first portion of the retaining clamp to be translated such that the retaining surface of the first portion abuts against the back side of the mounting position during translation. As part of the operation, the first portion can be partially pulled back from the mounting position until the retaining surface of the first portion abuts against the back side of the mounting position. Once the retaining surface abuts against the back side of the mounting position, the second torque can result in a clamping force between the mounting position and the component. For example, the component 202 can be secured to the mounting position 204 by the second torque of the fastener 206. The second torque of the fastener 206 can cause a first portion 110 of the retaining clamp 100 to be translated such that the retaining surface 116 of the first portion 110 abuts against the back side 304 of the mounting position 204. The second torque can then result in a clamping force between the mounting position 204 and the component 202.

[0031] Example

[0032] Example 1: A retaining clip comprising: a first portion configured to temporarily deform upon insertion into a slot in an installation position and to prevent the retaining clip from retracting through the slot after insertion; a second portion configured to attach the retaining clip to a component; and a third portion configured to: abut against a surface of the component; and deform such that the first and second portions translate toward the component along an attachment axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the component.

[0033] Example 2: The retaining clip of Example 1, wherein the second part is configured to mate with a threaded component.

[0034] Example 3: The retaining clip of Example 2, wherein the retaining clip is configured to: attach to the part via a first torque of the threaded component without deforming the third part; and deform the third part via a second torque of the threaded component when the retaining clip is attached to the part.

[0035] Example 4: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein the third part comprises the second part.

[0036] Example 5: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein the third part includes a plate-like structure with deformable wings at the proximal end.

[0037] Example 6: The retaining clip of Example 5, wherein the deformable wing extends substantially along an axis perpendicular to the temporary deformation direction of the first part.

[0038] Example 7: The retaining clip of Example 5 or 6, wherein the deformable wing is initially bent so that when the retaining clip is attached to the part, the second part is offset from the surface of the part.

[0039] Example 8: A retaining clip of any of Examples 5 to 7, wherein the deformation of the third part includes bending of the deformable wing toward being flush with the surface of the component.

[0040] Example 9: The retaining clip of Example 7 or 8, wherein the amount of offset corresponds to the amount of travel of the first part along the attachment axis.

[0041] Example 10: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein translation of the first portion along the attachment axis causes the retaining surface of the first portion to come into close contact with the surface of the mounting position opposite the component.

[0042] Example 11: The retaining clip of Example 10, wherein the retaining surface is a flange.

[0043] Example 12: A retaining clip of any of Examples 9 to 11, wherein when the component is attached to the mounting position, the amount of travel corresponds to the maximum clearance between the retaining surface of the first part and the surface of the mounting position opposite the component.

[0044] Example 13: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein deformation of the third part does not cause deformation of the first part.

[0045] Example 14: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein a first portion is attached to a third portion and extends along the attachment axis.

[0046] Example 15: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein: the component is an automotive radar component; and the mounting location is part of a metal plate of a vehicle.

[0047] Example 16: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein the retaining clip is made of metal.

[0048] Example 17: The retaining clip of Example 16, wherein the retaining clip is formed of a metal sheet.

[0049] Example 18: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein the retaining clip is made of plastic.

[0050] Example 19: A retaining clip of any of the preceding examples, wherein the retaining clip is configured to provide a clamping force along the attachment axis between the mounting position and the component.

[0051] Example 20: The retaining clamp of Example 19, wherein the clamping force is at least 1500 Newtons.

[0052] Example 21: A method comprising: attaching a retaining clip to a component via a first torque of a fastener engaged with a second portion of the retaining clip; positioning the component relative to a mounting position by inserting the retaining clip into the mounting position; and securing the component to the mounting position via a second torque of the fastener, the second torque of the fastener causing: a first portion of the retaining clip to be translated such that a retaining surface of the first portion abuts against the back side of the mounting position during the translation; and a clamping force between the mounting position and the component once the retaining surface abuts against the back side of the mounting position.

[0053] Conclusion

[0054] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be practiced in various ways within the scope of the following claims. It will be apparent from the foregoing description that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.

[0055] Unless the context explicitly states otherwise, the use of "or" and grammatically related terms indicates an unrestricted, non-exclusive alternative. As used herein, the phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items means any combination of those items, including a single member. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiple identical elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

Claims

1. A retaining clip, the retaining clip comprising: The first part is configured to temporarily deform upon insertion into the slot of the mounting position and to prevent the retaining clip from retracting through the slot after insertion. Once inserted, the first part retains partial deformation based on the lead-out surface, which provides a weak clamping force between the mounting position and the component. The second part is configured to attach the retaining clip to the component; as well as The third part includes a plate-like structure with deformable winglets at its proximal end, the deformable winglets being configured to: The surface of the component facing the mounting position; and The deformation allows the first and second portions to translate along an attachment axis toward the surface of the component, the attachment axis being substantially perpendicular to the surface of the component.

2. The retaining clip as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second part is configured to mate with a threaded component.

3. The retaining clip according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining clip is configured to: Without deforming the third part, the component is attached to the threaded component by a first torque. as well as When the retaining clip is attached to the component, the third part is deformed by a second torque via the threaded component.

4. The retaining clip as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third part includes the second part.

5. The retaining clip as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable wing extends substantially along an axis perpendicular to the temporary deformation direction of the first portion.

6. The retaining clip as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable wing is initially bent so that when the retaining clip is attached to the component, the second portion is offset from the surface of the component.

7. The retaining clip as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The deformation of the third part includes the bending of the deformable wing toward being flush with the surface of the component.

8. The retaining clip as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The amount of offset corresponds to the amount of travel of the first portion along the attachment axis.

9. The retaining clip as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The translation of the first portion along the attachment axis causes the retaining surface of the first portion to come into close contact with the surface of the mounting position opposite the component.

10. The retaining clip as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The retaining surface is a flange.

11. The retaining clip as described in claim 9, characterized in that, When the component is attached to the mounting position, the travel distance corresponds to the maximum gap between the retaining surface of the first portion and the surface of the mounting position opposite the component.

12. The retaining clip as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The deformation of the third part will not cause deformation of the first part.

13. The retaining clip as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first portion is attached to the third portion and extends along the attachment axis.

14. The retaining clip as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The component is an automotive radar component; and The installation location is part of the metal plate of the vehicle.

15. The retaining clip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining clip is made of metal.

16. The retaining clip according to claim 15, characterized in that, The retaining clip is formed of a metal sheet.

17. The retaining clip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining clip is made of plastic.

18. The retaining clip as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining clip is configured to provide a clamping force along the attachment axis between the mounting position and the component.

19. The retaining clip as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The clamping force is at least 1500 Newtons.

20. A method of using a retaining clip, the method comprising: The retaining clip is attached to the component by a first torque of a fastener connected to the second portion of the retaining clip and abuts the third portion of the retaining clip against the surface of the component, the third portion including a plate-like structure with deformable wings at the proximal end. By inserting the retaining clip into the mounting position, the component is positioned relative to the mounting position. Once inserted, a first portion of the retaining clip retains partial deformation based on the lead-out surface, and this partial deformation provides a weak clamping force between the mounting position and the component. as well as The component is secured to the mounting position by a second torque of the fastener, the second torque of the fastener causing: The first portion of the retaining clip is translated such that the retaining surface of the first portion is in close contact with the back side of the mounting position during the translation. as well as Once the retaining surface is pressed against the back side of the mounting position, the retaining clip provides a clamping force between the mounting position and the component.

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