External threaded clamp post attachment fastener

Abstract

The clip stud fastener includes a base and a sleeve section including a first end connected to the base, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining a central axis extending between the first end and the second end. The sleeve section includes an outer surface, a central channel having an inner surface, and a plurality of tooth members projecting radially inward from the inner surface. The clip post fastener includes a slot extending through the base section and the sleeve section substantially parallel to the central axis to form a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion being configured to engage together to engage the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of fasteners, and more particularly, to externally threaded clamp-on-post attachment fasteners. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles consist of a large number of components. These components are connected to each other by various fastener systems. Components that are subject to high stress, such as engine components, suspension components, etc., are connected with hardened fasteners. Depending on the location on the vehicle, body parts can be connected with pins, clips, metal bolts, etc. Interior trim parts are usually connected with clips, pins or other fasteners designed for low-stress applications.

[0003] In some cases, a component may be formed with a portion of the fastener. For example, a panel may include an opening machined to be internally threaded or a post machined to be externally threaded. While machining a small part may be a fairly simple operation, applying threads to multiple posts protruding from the surface of a larger component is a time consuming and expensive process. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an easily produced and cost effective system for providing a threaded interface on a molded post. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a non-limiting example, a clamping column fastener includes a base section and a sleeve section, the sleeve section including a first end connected to the base, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining a central axis extending between the first end and the second end. The sleeve section includes an outer surface, a central channel having an inner surface, and a plurality of tooth members protruding radially inward from the inner surface. The clamping column fastener includes a slot extending substantially parallel to the central axis through the base section and the sleeve section to form a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion being configured to be brought together to engage a substrate.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the intermediate portion includes a plurality of threads.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, a plurality of tooth members are disposed between the base segment and the plurality of threads.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of tooth members projects radially inwardly from the outer surface toward the central axis.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of tooth members includes a channel extending from the outer surface through the inner surface toward the central axis.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the central channel includes a terminal end having a surface, the slot extending from the surface of the terminal end through the base segment along the intermediate portion.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the slot includes a first split and a second split, the second split being arranged substantially parallel to the first split and the central axis, the first split and the second split extending from the surface of the end along the middle portion through the base segment.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the base segment includes an annular rim supporting the plurality of tooth elements.

[0012] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body defining a passenger compartment and a component system fixed to the body. The component system includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a column having an outer annular surface, and the second component includes an opening for receiving the column. A clamping column fastener is fixed to the column. The clamping column fastener includes a base and a sleeve section, the sleeve section including a first end connected to the base, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining a central axis extending between the first end and the second end. The sleeve section also includes an outer surface, a central channel having an inner surface, and a plurality of tooth members protruding radially inward from the inner surface. The clamping column fastener includes a narrow slot extending through the base section and the sleeve section substantially parallel to the central axis, thereby forming a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, and the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are configured to be combined to engage the column.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the intermediate portion includes a plurality of threads.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, a plurality of tooth members are disposed between the base segment and the plurality of threads.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of tooth members projects radially inwardly from the outer surface toward the central axis.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of tooth members includes a channel extending from the outer surface through the inner surface toward the central axis.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the central channel includes a terminal end having a surface, the slot extending from the surface of the terminal end through the base segment along the intermediate portion.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the slot includes a first split and a second split, the second split being arranged substantially parallel to the first split and the central axis, the first split and the second split extending from the surface of the end along the middle portion through the base segment.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the base segment includes an annular rim supporting the plurality of tooth elements.

[0020] According to a non-limiting example, a method of fastening a vehicle component includes supporting a first vehicle component having a post, positioning a second vehicle component having an opening over the first vehicle component, passing the post of the first vehicle component through the opening in the second vehicle component, positioning a sleeve section of a clamping post fastener over the post, engaging a fastener to the sleeve section of the clamping post fastener, and clamping the clamping post fastener to the post by tightening the fastener.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, securing the post clip fastener to the post includes engaging a plurality of tooth elements formed on an inner surface of the sleeve section with an outer surface of the post.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, engaging the fastener to the sleeve section of the clip-on fastener includes threading the fastener onto threads formed on the sleeve section.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, determining that a fault exists in the clip post fastener, removing the clip post fastener from the post by expanding the sleeve segment, and attaching a new clip post fastener to the post to re-secure the first vehicle component with the second vehicle component.

[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including a component system engaged with a clip-post fastener according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 is a front view of a clip-on post fastener joining a first component and a second component of a component system according to a non-limiting example;

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a clip-stud fastener according to a non-limiting example;

[0029] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of a clip-stud fastener according to a non-limiting example;

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a clamp-post fastener installed on a post of a first component according to a non-limiting example;

[0031] Figure 6 Depicted is a method of clamping a post clamp fastener to a Figure 5 Fasteners for columns; and

[0032] Figure 7 is through Figure 2 The line 7-7 is intercepted Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of a clip-stud fastener. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0034] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 The vehicle 10 is generally indicated at 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 includes a passenger compartment 18 in which a plurality of seats, such as indicated at 20, are arranged. The seats 20 are positioned behind an instrument panel 22. A steering wheel 23 is arranged between the seats 20 and the instrument panel 22. The instrument panel 22 is formed by a component system 24 including a plurality of connected components. Figure 2 , the components may include a base material, such as a first component or decorative support 28, an outer component or outer decorative trim 30 ( Figure 1 ) and a second component or interface member, such as a bracket 32 ​​for securing the exterior decorative trim 30 to the trim support 28.

[0035] At this point, it should be understood that although shown and described in terms of a trim support and interface member, the first and second components of the component system 24 may take a variety of forms. Furthermore, the components need not be limited to automotive applications. In a non-limiting example, the first component 28 includes a first surface 34 for supporting a column 38, such as Figure 5 The column 38 protrudes outward from the first surface 34. The second component 32 includes a second surface 42, and the second surface 42 includes an opening 44 ( Figure 7 ). At this point, it should be understood that the number of posts 38 and openings 44 may vary.

[0036] like Figure 7As shown, when the second component 32 is mounted to the first component 28, the opening 44 can be aligned with the post 38. In a non-limiting example, the post 38 includes a substantially smooth outer annular surface 48. In a non-limiting example, the post 38 supports a clamp-on-post (COP) fastener 70, which in combination with a fastener 72 secures the first component 28 to the second component 32, as will be described herein. Figure 3 and Figure 4 And continue to refer to Figure 2 , the clamping post fastener 70 includes a sleeve section 76 and a base section 74 that can engage the second surface 42. The base section 74 includes an annular edge 78 that supports a plurality of tooth elements 80. When the fastener 72 is tightened, the tooth elements 80 bite into the second surface 42 to limit the rotation of the clamping post fastener 70.

[0037] In a non-limiting example, the sleeve segment 76 includes a first end 82 and a second end 84 coupled to the base segment 74. The sleeve segment 76 includes an outer surface 86 and a central passage 88 ( Figure 4 ), the central passage 88 has a terminal end 90 and an inner surface 92. The terminal end 90 is defined by the second end 84 of the sleeve section 76. A plurality of threads 96 are formed on the sleeve section 76. The plurality of threads 96 extend between the first end 82 and the second end 84 on the outer surface 86. The plurality of threads 96 are configured to interact with threads on the fastener 72 to secure the second component 32 to the first component 28. Further according to a non-limiting example, the inner surface 92 of the central passage 88 includes a plurality of tooth members 100. Each tooth member 100 includes an internal channel 104 and is formed by forcing a tool through the outer surface 86. As will be described in detail herein, the tooth members 100 are configured to engage or "bite into" the outer annular surface 48 of the column 38 to secure the clamp column fastener 70 to the first component 28.

[0038] In a non-limiting example, the clamp-post fastener 70 includes a slot 108 extending from the base section 74 to the end 90 of the sleeve section 76. The slot 108 includes a first split 110 and a second split 112. The second split 112 is spaced 180° from the first split 110. The first split 110 and the second split 112 form a first sleeve section 114 and a second sleeve section 116 that can be brought together to clamp onto the post 38, as will be described in detail herein. Figure 6 As shown, the second component 32 is placed on the first component 28 so that the post 38 passes through the opening 44. The clip post fastener 70 is then placed on the post 38.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, once the clamping post fastener 70 is positioned on the post 38, the fastener 72 is positioned at the second end 84 and tightened. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the fastener 72 is rotated toward the base section 74, bringing the first sleeve section 114 and the second sleeve section 116 together so as to force the tooth member 100 into the outer annular surface 49 of the post 38. At this point, the post clamp fastener 70 is secured to the post 38.

[0040] When the fastener 72 is tightened, e.g., pulled toward the first end 82, the tooth elements 80 on the base section 74 snap into the first surface 34, in addition to the tooth members 100 engaging the outer annular surface 48, thereby preventing rotation of the clip-on fastener 70, thereby engaging the second component 32 to the first component 28. At this point, it should be appreciated that the clip-on fastener 70 provides an easily manufactured, cost-effective alternative to machining pins directly on the components.

[0041] The term "a" does not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicates the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or." References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0042] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0043] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0044] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0045] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A clamping column fastener, comprising: Base segment; as well as A sleeve section, the sleeve section includes a first end, a second end and a middle portion, the first end is connected to the base section, the middle portion defines a central axis extending between the first end and the second end, the sleeve section includes an outer surface, a central channel with an inner surface and a plurality of tooth members protruding radially inward from the inner surface, the clamping column fastener includes a narrow slot, the narrow slot extends through the base section and the sleeve section substantially parallel to the central axis, thereby forming a first fastener part and a second fastener part, the first fastener part and the second fastener part are configured to be combined to engage a substrate.

2. The clamp-type fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate portion includes a plurality of threads.

3. The clamp-type fastener according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of tooth members are disposed between the base segment and the plurality of threads.

4. The clamping post fastener according to claim 2, wherein: Each tooth member of the plurality of tooth members projects radially inwardly from the outer surface toward the central axis.

5. The clamping post fastener according to claim 4, wherein: Each tooth member of the plurality of tooth members includes a passage extending from the outer surface through the inner surface toward the central axis.

6. The clamp-type fastener according to claim 2, wherein: The central passage includes a terminal end having a surface, and the slot extends from the surface of the terminal end through the base section along the intermediate portion.

7. The clamp-type fastener according to claim 6, wherein: The slot includes a first split and a second split, the second split being arranged substantially parallel to the first split and the central axis, the first split and the second split extending from a surface of the tip along the intermediate portion through the base section.

8. The clamp-type fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The base section includes an annular rim supporting a plurality of tooth elements.

9. A vehicle comprising: a body defining a passenger compartment; a component system secured to the vehicle body, the component system comprising a first component and a second component, the first component comprising a post having an outer annular surface, and the second component comprising an opening for receiving the post; as well as A column clamping fastener secured to the column, the column clamping fastener comprising: Base segment; as well as A sleeve section, the sleeve section includes a first end, a second end and a middle portion, the first end is connected to the base section, the middle portion defines a central axis extending between the first end and the second end, the sleeve section includes an outer surface, a central channel with an inner surface and a plurality of tooth members protruding radially inward from the inner surface, the clamping column fastener includes a narrow slot, the narrow slot extends through the base section and the sleeve section substantially parallel to the central axis, thereby forming a first fastener part and a second fastener part, the first fastener part and the second fastener part are configured to be combined to engage a substrate.

10. The clamp-type fastener according to claim 9, wherein: The intermediate portion includes a plurality of threads.

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