Fastening clip assembly

Abstract

A fastening clip assembly is provided. A fastening clip assembly includes a fastening clip including a head portion to be positioned against a first surface of a component and a body portion for extending through a hole in the component, the body portion including an internal cavity and one or more resiliently deflectable retention members, one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members extending out of the lumen to engage a second surface of the component opposite the first surface to retain the fastening clip assembly in the bore of the component; and an insert configured to be inserted through an opening in the head portion of the fastening clip and into the lumen. The resiliently deflectable retaining members are adapted to deflect inwardly in a deflection direction when the body portion is pushed through the aperture, and the insert includes an engagement surface for engaging an end of one of the resiliently deflectable retaining members within the lumen, the end of the resiliently deflectable retaining member including a curved section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of fasteners and, in particular, to the field of fastener clips for attaching one or more components, such as airbag devices, to external structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fastener clip assembly for attaching a side impact airbag or curtain airbag to a vehicle structure. Background Art

[0002] Airbags are safety devices used in the automotive industry that, in combination with other safety components (such as seat belts), help reduce casualties in the event of a crash. Vehicle tests and mortality statistics have clearly shown that the use of airbags can significantly improve the safety of vehicle occupants and, when combined with other forms of passive safety measures (such as seat belts), can significantly reduce mortality in the event of a severe accident.

[0003] Today, manufacturers produce frontal airbags, which are designed to protect the driver and / or passengers in a head-on collision, as well as side airbags and curtain airbags, which are mounted behind pillars and / or to the sides of vehicle seats, depending on their location.

[0004] Curtain airbags are usually located on the side of the car near the roof, for example above the front and rear doors. Such airbags have very strict requirements in terms of the targets set for them and the technical challenges that must be overcome. Common challenges can be their location in the vehicle and the way they are fastened, the required deployment time and how long the airbags need to remain inflated. Other challenges can come from the short distance between the vehicle body and the occupants, with little vehicle material between the occupants and the impacting vehicle. For example, airbags must deploy within a fraction of a second, which creates huge grip forces on their attachment parts, which are then affected by such an impact.

[0005] Further, when installing a new air bag or restoring a previously deployed air bag, it is well known in the industry that the installation or restoration is a tedious task involving steps such as (i) removing all attachments to the air bag, (ii) replacing the air bag and installing a new air bag, and then (iii) installing all its attachments again. The work involved generally requires the installer to at least partially manually assemble the clip component with the air bag and push this assembly into a vehicle panel or structure to attach or operably couple the air bag to the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fastening clip assembly for installation in a hole of a component, the fastening clip assembly comprising:

[0007] a fastening clip including a head portion adapted to be positioned against a first surface of the component and a body portion for extending through a hole in the component, the body portion including an interior cavity and one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members extending out of the interior cavity to engage a second surface of the component opposite the first surface to thereby retain the fastening clip assembly in the hole of the component; and

[0008] an insert configured to be inserted through the opening in the head portion of the fastening clip and into the inner cavity;

[0009] wherein the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members are adapted to deflect inwardly in a deflection direction when the body portion is pushed through the aperture of the component, and

[0010] Wherein, the insert comprises an engagement surface, the engagement surface being arranged to engage the end of one of the one or more elastically deflectable retaining members in the inner cavity, and wherein, the end of the elastically deflectable retaining member comprises a curved section. The curved section is advantageous in a multi-material system because it ensures that the elastically deflectable retaining member only provides a grazing (glancing) contact with other components, thereby preventing the elastically deflectable retaining member from gouging, scratching, or damaging the other component if, for example, the elastically deflectable retaining member is formed of a harder material (such as an elastic metal) than another component (for example, a soft plastic such as polypropylene). In addition, the effect that the curved section can achieve is like forming the elastically deflectable retaining member to have a rounded end or a smooth impact end without the need for an additional separate manufacturing step. The curved section also minimizes the amount of space required while still providing the above benefits compared to the rounded end / head, so that the size of the fastening clip can be minimized by comparison. The amount of movement required to use the clip is also minimized (i.e., reducing the distance that the user must push the insert into the clip).

[0011] Suitably, the curved section comprises an arcuate surface configured to abut an engagement surface of the insert within the lumen. By ensuring that the arcuate surface is provided on the curved section, the effect of the curved section may be further enhanced, as the risk of the resiliently deflectable retaining member scratching, damaging or gouging into another part is additionally minimised.

[0012] Suitably, the curved section extends at a first angle relative to the engagement surface of the insert, and wherein the first angle is from about 0 to 120 degrees relative to the engagement surface, such that when the insert is located in the inner cavity, the edge of the end of the resiliently deflectable retaining member does not contact the engagement surface. Here 0 degrees means that the curved section is parallel to the engagement surface, and at 90 degrees, the curved section will be perpendicular to the engagement surface. At such an angle, the edge will obviously not gouge or scratch the engagement surface, thereby avoiding damage to the engagement surface.

[0013] Preferably, the curved section of the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members comprises a first portion extending towards the head portion of the fastening clip, a second portion extending at an angle relative to the first portion, and an arcuate portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. In this way, the curved section is composed of three different sections.

[0014] Optionally, the arcuate portion comprises an arcuate surface. It should be noted that the arcuate portion may be formed by a plurality of straight segments, and thus the arcuate surface means a surface defining an arc and having at least one radius of curvature. In the case of a plurality of radii of curvature, the transition from one radius to another is substantially continuous.

[0015] Suitably, the second portion extends at an angle of about 0 to 90 degrees relative to the first portion. Here 0 degrees means that the second portion extends parallel to the first portion but in the opposite direction, and at 90 degrees, the second portion will be perpendicular to the direction of travel of the first portion.

[0016] Suitably, the second portion extends at an angle of approximately 80 to 90 degrees relative to the first portion.

[0017] Suitably, the second portion extends at an angle of about 0 to 10 degrees relative to the first portion. Where the first and second portions are formed from a single piece of material and the first portion is folded over the second portion, the second portion may be considered to be arranged at an angle of between 350 and 360 degrees relative to the first portion.

[0018] Optionally, the body part includes:

[0019] a first side, wherein the first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the second resiliently deflectable retaining member extend from the first side of the body portion; and

[0020] A second side opposite the first side, wherein a third resiliently deflectable retaining member and a fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member extend from the second side of the body portion such that the third resiliently deflectable retaining member is opposite the first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member is opposite the second resiliently deflectable retaining member. When the clip is in use, the resiliently deflectable retaining members can be arranged in an open position such that the width of the clip is greater in the open position, thereby preventing the clip from being removed from the aperture after the clip is arranged in the aperture and then opened.

[0021] Suitably, within the inner cavity, the first and fourth resiliently deflectable retaining members extend toward the head portion to a first height, and the second and third resiliently deflectable retaining members extend toward the head portion to a second height, and wherein the first height is greater than the second height, so that the resiliently deflectable retaining members do not interfere with each other when deflected inwardly during use. Using different relative heights prevents the resiliently deflectable retaining members from interfering with each other.

[0022] Suitably, the first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member comprise curved sections.

[0023] Suitably, the insert comprises a first leg and a second leg, the first leg comprising an engagement surface, the second leg comprising a second engagement surface, and wherein the engagement surface of the first leg is arranged to engage a first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the second engagement surface of the second leg is arranged to engage a fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member.

[0024] Optionally, the first leg is staggered from the second leg so that the first leg is arranged to engage the first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the second leg is arranged to engage the fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member. This further reduces the likelihood of the resiliently deflectable retaining members undesirably interfering with each other.

[0025] Suitably, the insert is movable within the interior cavity of the fastening clip between the following positions:

[0026] an initial position in which the engagement surface engages a curved section of one of the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members for urging the fastening clip assembly into the hole of the component; and

[0027] A locked position in which the engagement surface does not engage the curved section of one of the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members. Locking the insert within the clip ensures that the clip remains in the open position and remains in the position it is in and may not work freely via, for example, vibration.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fastening clip for installation in a hole of a component, the fastening clip comprising:

[0029] a head portion adapted to be positioned against the first surface of the component; and

[0030] A body portion, the body portion being adapted to extend through a hole in a component, the body portion comprising:

[0031] Inner cavity,

[0032] a first side, wherein the first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the second resiliently deflectable retaining member extend from the first side of the body portion, and

[0033] a second side opposite the first side, wherein a third resiliently deflectable retaining member and a fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member extend from the second side of the body portion such that the third resiliently deflectable retaining member is opposite the first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member is opposite the second resiliently deflectable retaining member,

[0034] wherein each of the resiliently deflectable retaining members extends beyond the inner cavity and is deflectable inwardly when the body portion is pushed through the bore of the component to engage a second surface of the component opposite the first surface to retain the fastener clip assembly in the bore of the component, and

[0035] Wherein, within the inner cavity, the first elastically deflectable retaining member and the fourth elastically deflectable retaining member extend toward the head portion to a first height, and the second elastically deflectable retaining member and the third elastically deflectable retaining member extend toward the head portion to a second height, and wherein the first height is greater than the second height, so that these elastically deflectable retaining members do not interfere with each other when deflecting inward during use.

[0036] In this way, via the use of a first height and a second height, it can be ensured that the resiliently deflectable retaining members do not interfere with each other during use of the clip, if this would impair the proper function of the clip.

[0037] A fastening clip assembly for installation in a hole of a component may be provided, the fastening clip assembly comprising:

[0038] A fastening clip as described above, and

[0039] An insert is configured to be inserted through the opening in the head portion of the fastening clip and into the inner cavity.

[0040] Suitably, the insert comprises an engagement surface arranged to engage one of the resiliently deflectable retaining members within the lumen.

[0041] Suitably, the insert comprises a first leg and a second leg, the first leg comprising an engagement surface, the second leg comprising a second engagement surface, and wherein the engagement surface of the first leg is arranged to engage a first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the second engagement surface of the second leg is arranged to engage a fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member.

[0042] Suitably, the first leg is staggered from the second leg such that the first leg is arranged to engage the first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the second leg is arranged to engage the fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member.

[0043] Optionally, the end of at least one of the resiliently deflectable retaining members comprises a curved section.The curved section has the same advantages as the curved section of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0044] Suitably, the first and fourth resiliently deflectable retaining members comprise curved sections.

[0045] Suitably, the curved section comprises an arcuate surface configured to abut an engagement surface of the insert within the lumen. The arcuate surface has the same advantages as the arcuate surface of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0046] Suitably, the curved section extends at a first angle relative to an engagement surface of the insert, and wherein the first angle is from approximately 0 degrees to 120 degrees relative to the engagement surface such that an edge of the end of the resiliently deflectable retaining member does not contact the engagement surface when the insert is located in the inner cavity.

[0047] Suitably, the curved section comprises a first portion extending towards the head portion of the fastening clip, a second portion extending at an angle relative to the first portion, and an arcuate portion extending between the first portion and the second portion.

[0048] Suitably, the arcuate portion comprises an arcuate surface.

[0049] Suitably, the second portion extends at an angle of approximately 0 to 90 degrees relative to the first portion.

[0050] Suitably, the second portion extends at an angle of approximately 80 to 90 degrees relative to the first portion.

[0051] Optionally, the second portion extends at an angle of approximately 0 to 10 degrees relative to the first portion.

[0052] Suitably, the insert is movable within the interior cavity of the fastening clip between the following positions:

[0053] an initial position in which the engagement surface engages one of the resiliently deflectable retaining members for urging the fastening clip assembly into the hole of the component; and

[0054] A locked position in which the engagement surface does not engage the resiliently deflectable retaining members. The locked position has the same advantages as the locked position of the first aspect of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] 1( a ) and 1( b ) respectively illustrate a first side view and a second side view of a first embodiment of a fastening clip assembly;

[0057] 2( a ) and 2( b ) illustrate a first side cross-sectional view and a second side cross-sectional view, respectively, of a first embodiment of a fastening clip assembly;

[0058] 3(a) and 3(b) show enlarged views of the engagement surfaces of the curved section of the resiliently deflectable retaining member and the insert of the first embodiment of the fastening clip assembly, and

[0059] 4( a ) and 4 ( b ) show enlarged views of the engagement surfaces of the curved section of the resiliently deflectable retaining member and the insert of the second embodiment of the fastening clip assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The described exemplary embodiments relate to fastening clips suitable for securing equipment and accessories. The embodiment(s) of the present invention are generally applied in vehicles. Although the present invention is described with respect to vehicles, the present invention is not entirely limited to vehicles, but may also be used in other structures where it is necessary to attach accessories or peripheral components to the structure.

[0061] Certain terms used in the following description are for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear", "upward", "downward" and "downward" refer to directions referenced in the drawings and are relative to the components described when assembled and installed. The words "inward", "inwardly" and "outwardly", "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from a designated centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described elements, respectively, and the specific meaning is obvious from the context of the description.

[0062] Further, as used herein, the terms "connected," "attached," "coupled," and "mounted" are intended to include a direct connection between two components without any other components interposed therebetween, as well as an indirect connection between components with one or more other components interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

[0063] Further, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc. merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are referenced and is not intended to imply that the objects so described are necessarily in a given order temporally, spatially, in rank, or in any other manner.

[0064] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show a fastening clip assembly 1, which includes a fastening clip 2 and an insert 3. As described in more detail below, the fastening clip 2 includes a head portion 4, a body portion 5 extending from the head portion 4, and a first elastically deflectable retaining member 6a, a second elastically deflectable retaining member 6b, a third elastically deflectable retaining member 6c, and a fourth elastically deflectable retaining member 6d. The insert 3 can be inserted into the fastening clip 2, and during assembly with the component, the insert 3 moves between an initial position shown in Figure 1 and a locked position (not shown).

[0065] The fastening clip 2 is formed from a folded sheet. The folded sheet is a single piece of material, preferably a metal sheet such as stainless steel, which is folded to form a head portion 4 and a body portion 5.

[0066] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show a cross section of the fastening clip assembly 1. The head portion 4 includes a planar (i.e., flat) top wall 7. The head portion 4 includes a first and second bends 8a, 8b at opposite ends of the top wall 7. The first and second bends 8a, 8b extend to opposite bends 9a, 9b, which extend to first and second sections 10a, 10b of the body portion 5. The first and second bends 8a, 8b and the opposite bends 9a, 9b form a double bend to connect the head portion 4 to the body portion 5. The first side and the second side 10a, 10b of the body portion 5 are substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart. Due to the double bend, the width of the body portion 5 between the first side and the second side 10a, 10b is less than the width of the head portion 4. Accordingly, when the body portion 5 is installed in the hole of the component, the head portion 4 abuts the surface of the component.

[0067] The top wall 7 includes an opening 14 to receive the insert 3, as described below.

[0068] The body part 5 also includes a first retaining member 6a, a second retaining member 6b, a third retaining member 6c and a fourth retaining member 6d, which can be elastically deformable retaining members. As shown in the figure, each of the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d extends from a distal end 15 of the body part 5 opposite to the head part 4.

[0069] The first and second retaining members 6a, 6b extend from the distal end 15 of the first side 10a of the body portion 5. The third and fourth retaining members 6c, 6d extend from the distal end 15 of the second side 10b of the body portion 5. The third retaining member 6c extends opposite to the first retaining member 6a, and the fourth retaining member 6d extends opposite to the second retaining member 6d.

[0070] Each of the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is bent inwardly into the inner cavity 13. The retaining portion 17 of each of the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d extends through the opening in the first section 10a of the body portion 5. Thus, the retaining portion 17 of each of the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is arranged outside the body portion 5. The end 18 of the first retaining member 6a is arranged in the inner cavity 13. The end 18 of each of the first retaining member 6a and the fourth retaining member 6d has a curved section 18a. The curved section 18a is bent inwardly into the inner cavity 13. The end 18 of each retaining member 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is not directly connected to the body portion 5 and can therefore move within the inner cavity 13. In particular, each retaining member 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is resiliently deflectable so that the retaining portion 17 can move into the inner cavity 13 during installation and will rebound to the position shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) once the fastening clip 2 has been installed in the hole.

[0071] Each of the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is resiliently deflectable and serves to retain the fastening clip 2 in a bore of a component during use, as further described below.

[0072] The first retaining member 6a and the fourth retaining member 6d extend from the distal end 15 toward the head portion 4 and have a first height H1. The second retaining member 6b and the third retaining member 6c extend from the distal end 15 toward the head portion 4 and have a second height H2. The first height H1 and the second height H2 are the maximum dimensions of the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d from the distal end 15 to the end 18 near the head portion 4. In other words, the first height H1 and the second height H2 are the maximum dimensions of the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d along an axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the fastening clip 2. The first height H1 is greater than the second height H2 so that when the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are deflected inwardly during installation, the first retaining members 6a, 6d and the fourth retaining members 6b, 6c do not interfere with the opposing second retaining members and the third retaining members 6b, 6c.

[0073] The insert 3 includes a head portion 19 and a body portion 20. The body portion 20 has a first leg 21a and a second leg 21b. The first leg 21a and the second leg 21b are formed on opposite sides of the insert 3. The first leg 21a and the second leg 21b are offset from each other around a central longitudinal plane of the insert 3. The first leg 21a and the second leg 21b are separate and can therefore deflect toward and away from each other, as further described below.

[0074] The insert 3 is preferably formed from a polymer, such as polyoxymethylene. Preferably, the insert 3 is injection moulded.

[0075] Each of the first and second legs 21a, 21b comprises an engagement surface 25 arranged to engage the first and fourth retaining members 6a, 6d when the fastening clip assembly 1 is assembled. The engagement surface 25 faces away from the head portion 19.

[0076] When the first and second legs 21a, 21b are deflected inwardly, the difference between the first height H1 of the first retaining member 6a and the fourth retaining member 6d and the second height H2 of the second retaining member 6b and the third retaining member 6c allows one end of the first and second legs to be accommodated between the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d without compressing the first and second legs 21a, 21b. As shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b), when the insert 3 is received in the inner cavity 13 of the fastening clip 2, the second height H2 of the second retaining member 6b and the third retaining member 6c is lower than the position of the first leg 21a and the second leg 21b of the insert 3. Therefore, when the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are deflected inwardly, the second and third retaining members 6b, 6c do not contact the first and second legs 21a, 21b.

[0077] 2(a) and 2(b) show the fastening clip assembly 1 in an initial pre-assembled position before being installed into a hole in a component. In this configuration, the insert 3 is inserted through the opening 14 in the top wall 7 of the head portion 4. Specifically, the legs 21a, 12b are inserted through the opening 14 and disposed in the inner cavity 13 of the body portion 5 of the fastening clip 2.

[0078] In this initial position, engagement surfaces 25 of legs 21a, 21b engage curved sections 18a of retaining members 6a, 6d within lumen 13. Specifically, engagement surfaces 25 engage curved sections 18a at ends 18 of first and fourth retaining members 16a, 16d of fastening clip 2.

[0079] The fastening clip assembly 1 can be actuated to a locked position during installation of the fastening clip assembly 1 through a hole in a component. When the fastening clip 2 is pushed through the hole of the component, the retaining members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are deflected inwardly. The legs 21a, 21b of the insert 3 also have protrusions (not shown) that engage the sides of the hole and deflect the legs 21a, 21b inwardly. The legs 21a, 21b then disengage from the retaining members 6a, 6d, allowing the insert 3 to move further into the inner cavity 13 to reach the locked position.

[0080] 3(a) and 3(b) show enlarged views of the curved section 18a of the first retaining member 6a and the fourth retaining member 6d and the engagement surface 25 of the insert 3. The curved section 18a has a first portion 31 extending in a direction toward the head portion 4a, a second portion 32 extending at a certain angle relative to the first portion 31, and an arcuate portion 33 extending between the first portion and the second portion. The arcuate portion 33 has an arcuate surface 34. The first portion 31 extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the fastening clip 2. In other examples, the first portion 31 may extend toward the head portion 4 of the fastening clip 2 and inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the clip 2. In other words, the first portion 31 may not extend parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the fastening clip 2. The arcuate surface 34 of the curved section 18a contacts the engagement surfaces 25 of the legs 21a, 21b.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the second portion 32 of the curved section 18a extends at a first angle α relative to the engagement surface 25 of the insert 3. The curved section 18a is bent into a U-shape, and the second portion 32 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface 25. Therefore, the first angle α is about 70 to 120 degrees. Preferably, the first angle α is about 80 to 90 degrees. More preferably, the first angle α is about 90 degrees. Therefore, the second portion 32 extends away from the engagement surface 25, and the edge 35 of the retaining member 6a, 6d does not contact the engagement surface 25.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 3(b), the second portion 32 of the curved section 18a extends at a second angle β relative to the first portion 31 of the curved section 18a. The curved section 18a is bent into a U-shape, and the second portion 32 extends in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the first portion 31. Therefore, the second angle β is about -10 degrees to 10 degrees. Preferably, the second angle β is about 0 degrees to 10 degrees. More preferably, the second angle β is about 10 degrees. Therefore, the second portion 32 extends away from the engagement surface 25, and the edge 35 of the retaining member 6a, 6d does not contact the engagement surface 25.

[0083] Advantageously, when a force is applied to the insert 3 during installation of the fastening clip assembly 1, the reaction force applied by the fastening clip 2 to the insert 3 is distributed to the engagement surface 25 via the arcuate surface 34. The edge 35 of the retaining members 6a, 6d does not contact the engagement surface 25. This prevents the edge 35 of the retaining members 6a, 6d from causing damage to the engagement surface 25 of the legs 21a, 21b during installation of the fastening clip assembly.

[0084] 4(a) and 4(b) show enlarged views of the curved section 18a of the first retaining member 6a and the fourth retaining member 6d according to alternative embodiments. The first portion 31 of the curved section 18a extends toward the head portion 4 of the fastening clip 2 and extends inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis of the clip 2. Therefore, the first portion 31 does not extend parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the fastening clip 2. In other examples, the first portion 31 can extend parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the fastening clip 2.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 4( a), the second portion 32 of the curved section 18a extends at a first angle α relative to the engagement surface 25 of the insert 3. The curved section 18a is curved so that the second portion 32 extends in a direction substantially parallel to or away from the engagement surface 25. The first angle α is about 0 to 30 degrees. More preferably, the first angle α is about 0 to 10 degrees. Therefore, the second portion 32 extends parallel to or away from the engagement surface 25, and the edge 35 of the retaining member 6a, 6d does not contact the engagement surface 25.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 4(b), the second portion 32 of the curved section 18a extends at a second angle β relative to the first portion 31 of the curved section 18a. The curved section 18a is bent so that the second portion 32 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first portion 31. Therefore, the second angle β is about 70 to 120 degrees. Preferably, the second angle β is about 80 to 90 degrees. More preferably, the second angle β is about 90 degrees. Therefore, the second portion 32 extends parallel to or away from the engagement surface 25, and the edge 25 of the retaining member 6a, 6d does not contact the engagement surface 25.

[0087] Advantageously, when a force is applied to the insert 3 during installation of the fastening clip assembly 1, the reaction force applied by the fastening clip 2 to the insert 3 is distributed to the engagement surface 25 via the arcuate surface 34 or the flat surface of the second portion 32. The edge 35 of the retaining members 6a, 6d does not contact the engagement surface 25. This prevents the edge 35 of the retaining members 6a, 6d from causing damage to the engagement surface 25 of the legs 21a, 21b during installation of the fastening clip assembly.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and without any limiting meaning, and that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0089] Another aspect of the disclosure is described in the following clauses, which should not be confused with the claims:

[0090] Clause 1. A fastening clip (2) for mounting in a hole of a component, the fastening clip (2) comprising:

[0091] a head portion (4) adapted to be positioned against the first surface of the component; and

[0092] A body portion (5) adapted to extend through a hole in the component, the body portion (5) comprising:

[0093] An inner cavity (13),

[0094] a first side (10a), wherein the first and second resiliently deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b) extend from the first side (10a) of the body portion (5), and

[0095] a second side (10b) opposite the first side (10a), wherein a third elastically deflectable retaining member and a fourth elastically deflectable retaining member (6c, 6d) extend from the second side (10b) of the body portion (5) such that the third elastically deflectable retaining member (6c) is opposite to the first elastically deflectable retaining member (6a), and the fourth elastically deflectable retaining member (6d) is opposite to the second elastically deflectable retaining member (6b),

[0096] wherein each of the resiliently deflectable retaining members extends beyond the inner cavity (13) and is deflectable inwardly when the body portion (5) is pushed through the hole of the component so as to engage a second surface of the component opposite the first surface to retain the fastening clip in the hole of the component, and

[0097] Wherein, within the inner cavity (13), the first elastically deflectable retaining member and the fourth elastically deflectable retaining member extend toward the head portion (4) to a first height, and the second elastically deflectable retaining member and the third elastically deflectable retaining member extend toward the head portion (4) to a second height, and wherein the first height is greater than the second height, so that these elastically deflectable retaining members do not interfere with each other when deflecting inward during use.

[0098] Clause 2. A fastening clip assembly (1) for installation in a hole of a component, the fastening clip assembly (1) comprising:

[0099] A fastening clip (2) according to clause 1, and

[0100] An insert (3) is configured to be inserted through the opening in the head portion (4) of the fastening clip (2) and into the inner cavity (13).

[0101] Clause 3. The fastening clip assembly (1) of Clause 2, wherein the insert (3) comprises an engagement surface (25) arranged to engage one of the resiliently deflectable retaining members within the inner cavity (13).

[0102] Clause 4. A fastening clip assembly (1) according to clause 3, wherein the insert (3) includes a first leg (21a) and a second leg (21b), the first leg including an engagement surface (25), the second leg including a second engagement surface (25), and wherein the engagement surface (25) of the first leg (21a) is arranged to engage a first elastically deflectable retaining member (6a), and the second engagement surface (25) of the second leg (21b) is arranged to engage a fourth elastically deflectable retaining member (6d).

[0103] Clause 5. A fastening clip assembly (1) according to clause 4, wherein the first leg (21a) is offset from the second leg (21b) such that the first leg (21a) is arranged to engage a first resiliently deflectable retaining member (6a) and the second leg (21b) is arranged to engage a fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member (6d).

[0104] Clause 6. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the end of at least one of the resiliently deflectable retaining members comprises a curved section (18a).

[0105] Clause 7. The fastening clip assembly (1) of Clause 6, wherein the first resiliently deflectable retaining member and the fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member include a curved section (18a).

[0106] Clause 8. The fastening clip assembly (1) of clause 6 or clause 7, wherein the curved section (18a) comprises an arcuate surface (34) configured to abut an engagement surface (25) of the insert (3) within the inner cavity (13).

[0107] Clause 9. A fastening clamp assembly (1) according to any one of clauses 6 to 8, wherein the bent section (18a) extends at a first angle (α) relative to the engagement surface (25) of the insert (3), and wherein the first angle (α) is from approximately 0 degrees to 120 degrees relative to the engagement surface (25) so that when the insert (3) is located in the inner cavity (13), the edge of the end of the resiliently deflectable retaining member does not contact the engagement surface (25).

[0108] Clause 10. A fastening clip assembly (1) according to any one of clauses 6 to 9, wherein the curved section (18a) includes a first portion (31) extending toward the head portion (4) of the fastening clip (2), a second portion (32) extending at a certain angle relative to the first portion (31), and an arcuate portion (33) extending between the first portion (31) and the second portion (32).

[0109] Clause 11. The fastening clip assembly (1) of Clause 10, wherein the arcuate portion (33) comprises an arcuate surface (34).

[0110] Clause 12. The fastening clip assembly (1) of clause 10 or clause 11, wherein the second portion (32) extends at an angle of approximately 0 to 90 degrees relative to the first portion (31).

[0111] Clause 13. The fastening clip assembly (1) of Clause 12, wherein the second portion (32) extends at an angle of approximately 80 to 90 degrees relative to the first portion (31).

[0112] Clause 14. The fastening clip assembly (1) of Clause 12, wherein the second portion (32) extends at an angle of approximately 0 to 10 degrees relative to the first portion (31).

[0113] Clause 15. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to any one of clauses 3 to 14, wherein the insert (3) is movable in the inner cavity (13) of the fastening clip (2) between the following positions:

[0114] an initial position in which the engagement surface (25) engages one of the resiliently deflectable retaining members for urging the fastening clip assembly (1) into the hole of the component, and

[0115] A locked position in which the engagement surface (25) does not engage the resiliently deflectable retaining member.

Claims

1. A fastening clip assembly (1) for installation in a hole of a component, the fastening clip assembly (1) comprising: A fastening clip (2) comprising a head portion (4) adapted to be positioned against a first surface of the component and a body portion (5) for extending through a hole in the component, the body portion (5) comprising an inner cavity (13) and one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members extending out of the inner cavity (13) to engage a second surface of the component opposite the first surface, thereby retaining the fastening clip assembly (1) in the hole of the component, and an insert (3) configured to be inserted through an opening in the head portion (4) of the fastening clip (2) and into the inner cavity (13); wherein the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) are adapted to deflect inwardly in a deflection direction when the body portion (5) is pushed through the hole of the component, and wherein the insert (3) comprises a mating surface (25) arranged to engage the end of one of the one or more elastically deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) within the inner cavity (13), and wherein the ends of one or more of these elastically deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) comprise a curved section (18a).

2. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The curved section (18a) includes an arcuate surface (34) configured to abut an engagement surface (25) of the insert (3) within the inner cavity (13).

3. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The curved section (18a) extends at a first angle (α) relative to the engagement surface (25) of the insert (3), and wherein the first angle (α) is from approximately 0 degrees to 120 degrees relative to the engagement surface (25), so that when the insert (3) is located in the inner cavity (13), the edge of the end of the elastically deflectable retaining member does not contact the engagement surface (25).

4. A fastening clip assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The curved section (18a) of the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) comprises a first portion (31) extending toward the head portion (4) of the fastening clip (2), a second portion (32) extending at an angle relative to the first portion (31), and an arcuate portion (33) extending between the first portion (31) and the second portion (32).

5. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The arcuate portion (33) comprises an arcuate surface (34).

6. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: The second portion (32) extends at an angle of approximately 0 to 90 degrees relative to the first portion.

7. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The second portion (32) extends at an angle of approximately 80 to 90 degrees relative to the first portion.

8. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The second portion (32) extends at an angle of approximately 0 to 10 degrees relative to the first portion.

9. A fastening clip assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The main body part (5) comprises: a first side (10a), wherein first and second resiliently deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b) extend from the first side (10a) of the body portion (5), and A second side (10b) opposite to the first side (10a), wherein a third elastically deflectable retaining member and a fourth elastically deflectable retaining member (6c, 6d) extend from the second side (10b) of the main body portion (5), so that the third elastically deflectable retaining member (6c) is opposite to the first elastically deflectable retaining member (6a), and the fourth elastically deflectable retaining member (6d) is opposite to the second elastically deflectable retaining member (6b).

10. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein: In the inner cavity (13), the first elastically deflectable retaining member and the fourth elastically deflectable retaining member (6a, 6d) extend toward the head portion (4) to a first height, and the second elastically deflectable retaining member and the third elastically deflectable retaining member (6b, 6c) extend toward the head portion (4) to a second height, and wherein the first height is greater than the second height, so that these elastically deflectable retaining members do not interfere with each other when deflecting inward during use.

11. The fastening clip assembly (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein: The first and fourth resiliently deflectable retaining members (6a, 6d) comprise the curved section (18a).

12. The fastener clip of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The insert (3) comprises a first leg (21a) and a second leg (21b), the first leg comprising the engagement surface (25), the second leg comprising the second engagement surface (25), and wherein the engagement surface (25) of the first leg (21a) is arranged to engage the first elastically deflectable retaining member (6a), and the second engagement surface (25) of the second leg (21b) is arranged to engage the fourth elastically deflectable retaining member (6d).

13. The fastener clip of claim 12, wherein: The first leg (21a) is staggered from the second leg (21b) such that the first leg (21a) is arranged to engage the first resiliently deflectable retaining member (6a) and the second leg (21b) is arranged to engage the fourth resiliently deflectable retaining member (6d).

14. Fastening clip assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The insert (3) is movable in the inner cavity (13) of the fastening clip (2) between the following positions: an initial position in which the engagement surface (25) engages a curved section (18a) of one of the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) for pushing the fastening clip assembly (1) into a hole in the component; as well as A locked position in which the engagement surface (25) does not engage the curved section (18a) of one of the one or more resiliently deflectable retaining members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d).

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