Vehicle trim part attachment

Abstract

A trim assembly for a vehicle includes a first trim piece, a second trim piece, and a clip extending from the first trim piece. The clip has a base portion at the first trim piece and a terminal end portion. A clip opening is located at the second trim piece. The clip opening has a complementary shape in which the clip is installed. The clip opening includes a plurality of opening tabs, each of the plurality of opening tabs being engaged with a retention feature of the clip to retain the clip in the clip opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to securing plastic trim components in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles include multiple plastic trim pieces inside the vehicle that are attached to other plastic trim pieces and / or directly to the body. One such area in a vehicle is the door assembly. Various attachment methods, such as hot studs and screws, are used in the door assembly. However, these attachments require welding machines, torque machines, or fastener installation machines, which require electricity. It is desirable to reduce the use of such complex and power-intensive machines to assemble components while achieving similar performance to that of the attachment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, the vehicle trim assembly includes a first trim piece, a second trim piece, and a clamping member extending from the first trim piece. The clamping member has a base portion and an end portion located at the first trim piece. An opening in the clamping member is located at the second trim piece. The clamping member opening has a complementary shape in which the clamping member is mounted. The clamping member opening includes a plurality of opening tabs, each of which engages with a retaining feature of the clamping member to retain the clamping member within the clamping member opening.

[0004] Alternatively or concurrently, in this or other embodiments, the clamping member includes a plurality of clamping member sides extending from a base portion to an end portion and a side opening defined in each of the plurality of clamping member sides. Each of the plurality of opening tabs is inserted into a corresponding side opening to retain the clamping member in the clamping member opening.

[0005] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of opening tabs are flexible to reduce the insertion force of the clamping member into the clamping member opening.

[0006] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the insertion force is 10 pounds or less.

[0007] Alternatively or concurrently, in this or other embodiments, the clamping opening includes a central portion to which the clamping member is mounted and a plurality of branch opening portions extending from the central opening portion. Each branch opening portion includes one of a plurality of tabs extending toward the central opening portion.

[0008] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the holding force of the clamp in the clamp opening is 50 pounds or more.

[0009] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the clamp is either circular or polygonal in shape.

[0010] Alternatively or concurrently, in this or other embodiments, the clamping member is integrally formed with the first decorative member.

[0011] Alternatively or in this or other embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs extend from the first decorative element to the clamping element.

[0012] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the base cross-sectional area of ​​the base portion is greater than the end cross-sectional area of ​​the end portion.

[0013] In another embodiment, the vehicle door assembly includes an inner door panel and a door trim assembly mounted to the inner door panel. The door trim assembly includes a first trim member, a second trim member, and a clamping member extending from the first trim member. The clamping member has a base portion and an end portion located at the first trim member. A clamping member opening is located at the second trim member. The clamping member opening has a complementary shape in which the clamping member is mounted. The clamping member opening includes a plurality of opening tabs. Each of the plurality of opening tabs engages with a retaining feature of the clamping member to retain the clamping member within the clamping member opening.

[0014] Alternatively or concurrently, in this or other embodiments, the clamping member includes a plurality of clamping member sides extending from a base portion to an end portion and a side opening defined in each of the plurality of clamping member sides. Each of the plurality of opening tabs is inserted into a corresponding side opening to retain the clamping member in the clamping member opening.

[0015] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of opening tabs are flexible to reduce the insertion force of the clamping member into the clamping member opening.

[0016] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the insertion force is 10 pounds or less.

[0017] Alternatively or concurrently, in this or other embodiments, the clamping opening includes a central portion to which the clamping member is mounted and a plurality of branch opening portions extending from the central opening portion. Each branch opening portion includes one of a plurality of tabs extending toward the central opening portion.

[0018] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the holding force of the clamp in the clamp opening is 50 pounds or more.

[0019] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the clamp is either circular or polygonal in shape.

[0020] Alternatively or concurrently, in this or other embodiments, the clamping member is integrally formed with the first decorative member.

[0021] Alternatively or in this or other embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs extend from the first decorative element to the clamping element.

[0022] Alternatively or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the base cross-sectional area of ​​the base portion is greater than the end cross-sectional area of ​​the end portion.

[0023] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following detailed description, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an embodiment of the vehicle;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a vehicle door assembly;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the first and second door trim pieces;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamping member attached to a door trim piece;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamping member opening, in which the clamping member is installed;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the clamping member installed in the opening of the clamping member;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the clamping member installed in the clamping member opening; and

[0032] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a clamping member installed in the clamping member opening. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0034] An embodiment of vehicle 1 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Vehicle 1 includes a body 2 that defines an occupant compartment 3 within the vehicle 1. One or more door assemblies 10 provide access to the occupant compartment. Referring now... Figure 2An embodiment of door assembly 10 is shown. Door assembly 10 includes a door 12 having an inner door panel 14, and in some embodiments, the door 12 at least partially defines a window 16 via a door frame 18. In some embodiments, the inner door panel 14 is formed of, for example, stamped metal or a composite material, and the door frame 18 is similarly formed of metal or a composite material. Door trim assembly 20 is attached to the inner door panel 14 and includes one or more trim pieces 22a and 22b (generally referred to as 22) directly attached to the inner door panel 14 and / or attached to other trim pieces 22. Door trim pieces 22 may be formed of one or more materials such as plastic, fabric, wood, or metal.

[0035] refer to Figure 3 The attachment of a first door trim 22a to a second door trim 22b is shown. The first door trim 22a includes a first front surface 24 and a first rear surface 26 opposite to the first front surface 24. The second door trim 22b similarly includes a second front surface 28 and a second rear surface 30 opposite to the second front surface 28. When assembled, the first rear surface 26 of the first door trim 22a abuts the second front surface 28 of the second door trim 22b. The first door trim 22a is held to the second door trim 22b by one or more clamps 32. When the first door trim 22a is attached to the second door trim 22b, each clamp 32 extends from the first rear surface 26 of the first door trim 22a and extends through a clamp opening 34 in the second door trim 22b. In some embodiments, the clamps 32 are integrally formed with the first door trim 22a. Although the clamping member 32 is described herein in the context of securing the first door trim 22a to the second door trim 22b, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the clamping member 32 can be used to connect other components, such as two plastic components, or to secure plastic components to the vehicle body 2.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 4The clamping member 32 extends from a clamping member base 36 at the first rear surface 26 to a clamping member end 38 defining the end of the clamping member 32. In some embodiments, the clamping member base 36 is square and extends to the clamping member end 38 defining four clamping member sides 40. Although the clamping member base 36 is square in shape and the clamping member 32 has four clamping member sides 40 in the description and drawings herein, those skilled in the art will readily understand that other polygonal shapes can be used for the clamping member base 36, and thus the clamping member can have other numbers of clamping member sides 40. The side width 42 of each clamping member side 40 tapers from the clamping member base 36 to the clamping member end 38 such that the side width 42 at the clamping member base 38 is greater than the side width 42 at the clamping member end 38. The clamping member 32 is hollow, and in some embodiments, the clamping member end 38 is open, and each clamping member side 40 includes a side tab 44 located at the clamping member end 38, which, together with the open clamping member end 38, facilitates positioning and guiding the clamping member 32 into the clamping member opening 34. In some embodiments, the side tab 44 is shaped, for example, trapezoidal or triangular.

[0037] The clamping member 32 also includes one or more side ribs 46 at the clamping member side 40, the side ribs 46 extending from the first rear surface 26 along the clamping member side 40 to support the clamping member side 40. In some embodiments, the clamping member 32 also includes one or more corner ribs 48 extending along a clamping member corner 50 defined at the intersection of adjacent clamping member sides 40. The corner ribs 48 further reinforce the clamping member 32 to support the clamping member 32 during installation into the clamping member opening 34. Furthermore, each clamping member side 40 has a side opening 50 formed therein and extending through the clamping member side 40. In some embodiments, the side opening 50 is rectangular in shape. The side opening 50 serves to retain the clamping member 32 at the clamping member opening 34, as described below.

[0038] refer to Figure 5 An embodiment of a clamping opening 34 in the second door trim 22b is shown. The clamping opening 34 is cross-shaped, having a central opening portion 52 and four branch opening portions 54 extending from the central opening portion 52. The central opening portion 52 is configured to receive the clamping member 32, and therefore in some embodiments, the central opening portion 52 is square. In some embodiments, the branch opening portions 54 are rectangular, but those skilled in the art will readily understand that other shapes can be utilized. Opening tabs 56 are located in each branch opening portion 54 and extend toward the central opening portion 52.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 6When the clamping member 32 is installed into the clamping member opening 34, the opening tab 56 extends into the side opening 50 of the clamping member 32 and engages the side opening 50 to retain the clamping member 32 at the clamping member opening 34. The opening tab 56 is flexible, resulting in a low insertion force of the clamping member 32 into the clamping member opening 34. In some embodiments, the insertion force of the clamping member 32 into the clamping member opening 34 is 10 pounds or less, while the holding force of the clamping member 32 in the clamping member opening 34 is 50 pounds or more. The side opening 50 and the opening tab 56 are easily adjustable to adjust the insertion force and holding force and limit the relative movement of the first door trim 22a and the second door trim 22b. In some embodiments, the thickness and / or shape of the opening tab 56 can be modified to increase the flexibility of the opening tab 56, thereby reducing the insertion force of the clamping member 32 into the clamping member opening 34. For example, reducing the thickness of the opening tab 56 can increase the flexibility of the opening tab 56 to reduce the insertion force. Additionally or alternatively, changing the size of the side opening 50 relative to the opening tab 56 can alter the retaining force. For example, increasing the size of the side opening 50 relative to the opening tab 56 can decrease the retaining force. While in some embodiments the clamp 32 and the clamp opening 34 can be adjusted to have the same insertion and retaining forces, in other embodiments the clamp 32 and the clamp opening 34 can be adjusted to have different insertion and retaining forces at different locations on the door trim assembly. Furthermore, the square shape of the clamp 32 and the corresponding square shape of the opening center portion 52 restrict all degrees of freedom of the first door trim 22a relative to the second door trim 22b.

[0040] In other embodiments, reference is now made to Figure 7 and 8 The clamping member 32 and the clamping opening 34 are each circular in shape, such that the clamping member 32 extends from a circular clamping member base 36 at the first rear surface 26 to a circular clamping member end 38 defining the end of the clamping member 32. The clamping member 32 also includes a clamping member ridge 60 that extends around the clamping member body 64 between the clamping member base 36 and the clamping member end 38. In some embodiments, in Figure 8The clamping ridge 60, best shown in the diagram, has a triangular cross-section. When the clamping member 32 is installed into the clamping opening 34, an opening tab 56 extending inward from the clamping opening 34 engages with the clamping ridge 60 by inserting the clamping member 32 into the clamping opening 34 in the installation direction 66, thereby holding the clamping member 32 in the installation position within the clamping opening 34. To prevent the clamping member 32 from being installed too far into the clamping opening 34 in the installation direction 66, the second door trim 22b includes a clamping stop 68 projecting from the second front surface 28 toward the first rear surface 26. When the clamping member 32 is installed in the correct installation position, the clamping stop 68 contacts the first rear surface 26 to prevent the clamping member 32 from being further inserted into the clamping opening 34. In some embodiments, the clamping stop 68 is circular and extends around the periphery of the clamping opening 34. However, it should be understood that this configuration is merely exemplary and other configurations of the clamping stop 68 may be utilized. For example, in other embodiments, the clamping stop 68 may include a plurality of segmented ribs extending from the second front surface 28 toward the first rear surface 26.

[0041] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope of its claims.

Claims

1. A decorative component for a vehicle, comprising: First decorative element; Second decorative element; A clamping member extending from the first decorative element, the clamping member having: The base portion is located at the first decorative element; as well as The end portion; A clamping opening is provided at the second decorative member, the clamping opening having a complementary shape into which the clamping member is mounted, the clamping opening including a plurality of opening tabs extending in an obliquely upward direction transverse to the extension direction of the clamping member, each of the plurality of opening tabs engaging with a retaining feature of the clamping member to retain the clamping member in the clamping opening; The clamping element includes: Multiple clamping member sides, the multiple clamping member sides extending from the base portion to the end portion; and A side opening is defined in each of the plurality of clamping member sides and located between the base portion and the end portion, and opens in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the clamping member; Each of the plurality of open tabs is inserted into a corresponding side opening to hold the clamping member in the clamping member opening.

2. The decorative component according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of open tabs are flexible to reduce the insertion force of the clamping member into the opening of the clamping member.

3. The decorative component according to claim 2, wherein, The insertion force is 10 pounds or less.

4. The decorative component according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping member opening includes: The clamping member is installed in the center portion of the opening; and Multiple open branch portions, the multiple open branch portions extending from the center portion of the opening; Each of the opening branches includes one of a plurality of opening tabs extending toward the center portion of the opening.

5. The decorative component according to claim 1, wherein, The holding force of the clamp in the clamp opening is 50 pounds or more.

6. The decorative component according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping element is either circular or polygonal in shape.

7. The decorative component according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping member is integrally formed with the first decorative member.

8. The decorative assembly of claim 7, further comprising one or more reinforcing ribs extending from the first decorative element to the clamping element.

9. The decorative component according to claim 1, wherein, The base portion has a larger base cross-sectional area than the end portion has a larger end cross-sectional area.

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