Fastening clip

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a fastening clip (100) for mounting in a bore of a component. The fastening clip includes a clip body (102) having a first end (104), a second end (104), and a pair of sidewalls (108) extending from the first end to the second end and defining an interior cavity of the clip body. Each side wall is provided with a window (110). The fastening clip (100) also includes a head portion disposed at the first end of the clip body and protruding from the sidewall. The fastening clip (100) also includes a pair of retaining portions (112) extending from the side wall at the second end of the clip body. Each retaining portion includes: a protruding portion protruding through the window in the respective side wall and deflectable into the internal cavity of the clip body when the fastening clip is mounted through the hole of the component; and an end portion disposed within the interior cavity of the clip body.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of fasteners, and more particularly 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 and 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 (such as seat belts), can significantly reduce mortality in the event of a severe accident.

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

[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 stringent requirements regarding the goals set for them and the technical challenges that must be overcome. Typical challenges can be the position of the airbag in the vehicle and how it is fastened, the required deployment time and how long the airbag needs to remain inflated. Other challenges can come from the short distance between the vehicle body and the occupants, with little vehicle material between them and the impacting vehicle. For example, airbags must deploy within a fraction of a second, which results in huge grip forces on the parts to which they are attached, which in turn bear the consequences of 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 the present invention, there is provided a fastening clip for mounting in a hole in a component according to the accompanying claims.

[0007] According to one aspect, a fastening clip is provided, comprising: a clip body having a first end, a second end, and a pair of side walls, the pair of side walls extending from the first end to the second end and defining an internal cavity of the clip body, each side wall being provided with a window; a pair of retaining portions, the pair of retaining portions extending from the side walls at the second end of the clip body, each retaining portion comprising: a protruding portion and an end portion, the protruding portion protruding through the window in the corresponding side wall and being capable of deflecting into the internal cavity of the clip body when the fastening clip is installed through the hole of the component, the end portion being arranged in the internal cavity of the clip body; and a head portion, the head portion being arranged at the first end of the clip body and protruding from the side wall.

[0008] In an example, each protrusion includes: a first segment connected to the side wall at a first bend and protruding through the window at an angle relative to the side wall; an intermediate bend; and a second segment extending from the intermediate bend through the window into the internal cavity and defining an end portion.

[0009] In an example, the first section comprises a reinforced section. In an example, the reinforced section comprises a curved surface.

[0010] In an example, the first segments each comprise a wing. In an example, the first segments each comprise two wings extending from opposite main edges of the first segment. In an example, the first segment and the wings form a U-shaped profile.

[0011] In an example, the edge of each wing forms a stop portion facing the end portion of the protruding portion. In an example, the stop portion is flat. In an example, the stop portion extends along a plane perpendicular to the side wall.

[0012] In an example, the protruding portion comprises a constant cross-sectional shape in a direction from the first bend to the middle bend. Since the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion in a direction from the first bend to the middle bend is constant, there is no slot or aperture in the protruding portion between the first bend and the middle bend.

[0013] Therefore, the constant cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion from the first bend to the middle bend increases the bending resistance of the protruding portion. This increases the pull-out force of the fastening clip.

[0014] In an example, the second section is substantially perpendicular to the side wall.

[0015] Therefore, when the fastening clip is installed in the hole of the component, the second section will be substantially parallel to the lower surface of the component. When a pull-out force is applied to the fastening clip, the second section will abut against the lower surface of the component, thereby increasing the pull-out force of the fastening clip.

[0016] In an example, the end portion is connected to the second section by a second bend.

[0017] In an example, the end portion extends substantially parallel to the side wall.

[0018] Thus, when a pull-out force is applied to the fastening clip, the end portion will abut against the side wall in the inner cavity, thereby increasing the pull-out force of the fastening clip.

[0019] In an example, the retaining portion comprises a groove at the first bend.

[0020] Thus, the groove at the first bend reduces the spring force of the first bend, thereby reducing the insertion force of the fastening clip when installing the fastening clip through the hole of the component.

[0021] In an example, the pair of side walls does not include any slots or apertures extending from the window toward the first end of the clip body. In other words, when the insert is received in the interior cavity of the fastening clip, the side walls retain the insert in the interior cavity of the fastening clip so that the insert or any part thereof does not protrude from the interior cavity through the side walls.

[0022] Thus, the side wall without slots or apertures increases the side wall's resistance to buckling. This increases the pull-out force of the fastening clip.

[0023] In an example, the end portion of each retaining portion extends within the internal cavity of the clip body toward the first end of the clip body and has a height (H). In an example, at least 40% of the height (H) of the end portion extends beyond the window and overlaps the side wall of the clip body. In some examples, at least 50% of the height (H) of the end portion extends beyond the window and overlaps the side wall of the clip body. In some examples, at least 60% of the height (H) of the end portion extends beyond the window and overlaps the side wall of the clip body. In one example, approximately 50% of the height (H) of the end portion extends beyond the window and overlaps the side wall of the clip body. In some examples, the end portion is connected to the second section by a second bend, and the height (H) is the distance from the second bend to the farthest point of the end portion.

[0024] Therefore, the height of the end portion, where the end portion extends at least 40% beyond the window, increases the force required to deform the end portion so that it can be pulled through the window of the side wall. This increases the pull-out force of the fastening clip. The pull-out force of the fastening clip increases in proportion to the height of the end portion.

[0025] In an example, the end portion of each retaining portion has a U-shape.

[0026] Thus, the end portion has a bent section close to the first end so that the bent section of the U-shaped end portion contacts the insert when it is assembled in the fastening clip, thereby preventing damage to the insert when it is pressed against the end portion.

[0027] In an example, each of the pair of side walls includes a protrusion protruding into the interior cavity. The protrusion can maintain separation between the end portion of the retaining portion and the side wall, so that a removal tool is inserted between the end portion and the side wall to deflect the retaining portion inwardly, thereby removing the fastening clip from the component.

[0028] The projection thus allows easier and faster removal of the fastening clip from the hole of the component.

[0029] The fastening clip may include any combination of the foregoing features.

[0030] According to another aspect, a fastening clip assembly for installation in a hole of a component is provided, the fastening clip assembly comprising: a fastening clip, the fastening clip comprising a clip body, the clip body having a first end, a second end, and a pair of side walls, the pair of side walls extending from the first end to the second end and defining an internal cavity of the clip body, each side wall being provided with a window; a pair of retaining portions, the pair of retaining portions extending from the side walls at the second end of the clip body, each retaining portion comprising: a protruding portion and an end portion, the protruding portion protruding through the window in the corresponding side wall and when the fastening clip is installed through the hole of the component capable of deflecting into an internal cavity of the clamp body, the end portion being disposed within the internal cavity of the clamp body; and a head portion being disposed at a first end of the clamp body and protruding from a side wall; and an insert configured to be inserted through an opening in the head portion of the fastening clamp into the internal cavity, the insert comprising a pair of verification elements; wherein the pair of retaining portions are adapted to deflect inwardly into the internal cavity of the clamp body as the clamp body is pushed through the hole in the component, and wherein the pair of retaining portions are adapted to move each verification element into engagement with another of the verification elements.

[0031] Thus, during the installation of the fastening clip assembly in the hole of the component, the verification elements of the insert can be moved into engagement with each other by the retaining portion. When the verification elements are engaged with each other, the retaining portion can protrude through the window to return to its original position, and the insert can be further pushed into the internal cavity of the clip body through the retaining portion, thereby moving from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position. This arrangement of the fastening clip and the insert allows the insert to verify the correct assembly of the fastening clip assembly without the insert protruding through the clip body or the retaining portion. Therefore, the clip body and the retaining portion can be manufactured without a groove for the insert to extend through, thereby increasing the bending resistance of the clip body and the retaining portion, thereby increasing the pull-out force of the fastening clip.

[0032] In examples, each verification element is adapted to be deflected into engagement with another of the verification elements by an end portion of the retaining portion.

[0033] In an example, the verification elements are adapted to be deflected away from the side walls towards each other.

[0034] In an example, at least one of the verification elements comprises an engagement element configured to engage with another of the verification elements when the verification elements come into contact by deflection of the retaining portion during installation of the fastening clip through the hole of the component. In an example, the engagement element of at least one of the verification elements comprises a latching end configured to be in locking engagement with another latching end of another of the verification elements. In an example, the latching end comprises a raised surface.

[0035] In an example, the locking end comprises a tapered surface configured to move at least one of the verification elements past another of the verification elements to resiliently lock the verification elements together.

[0036] In an example, each verification element comprises a snap-on end.

[0037] In an example, moving each authentication element into engagement with the other authentication element of the pair includes connecting each authentication element with the other authentication element of the pair.

[0038] In an example, at least one of the verification elements comprises an engagement element configured to engage with another of the verification elements when the verification elements come into contact by deflection of the retaining portion during installation of the fastening clip through the hole of the component.

[0039] In an example, each verification element comprises an engagement element. In an example, each engagement element may be configured to engage with an engagement element of another verification element in the verification element. In other words, each engagement element may be configured to connect with an engagement element of another verification element in the pair of verification elements.

[0040] In an example, each engagement element is configured to frictionally engage with an engagement element of another of the verification elements. In an example, the engagement elements can frictionally engage with each other to temporarily retain the verification elements in engagement when the retaining portion protrudes through the window of the clip body and returns to its original position so that the insert can be further pushed into the internal cavity of the clip body.

[0041] Thus, the frictional engagement between the engagement elements allows the insert to be pushed through the retaining portion into the internal cavity of the clip body when the engagement elements are engaged. This allows verification that the fastening clip is correctly installed in the hole of the component.

[0042] In examples, each engagement element is configured to lock with an engagement element of another authentication element in the authentication element. In some examples, the engagement elements can be temporarily locked to each other. In other examples, the engagement elements can be reversibly locked to each other. In yet other examples, the engagement elements can be permanently locked to each other.

[0043] In an example, the pair of engagement elements may be a hook and a latch, respectively.

[0044] In an example, the pair of verification elements are retained within the interior cavity of the clip body by the side walls. In some examples, the pair of verification elements may be retained within the interior cavity of the clip body by the side walls in both the pre-assembled position and the assembled position.

[0045] Thus, the side wall has no slots or apertures, which increases the side wall's resistance to buckling. This increases the pull-out force of the fastening clip.

[0046] In various examples, fastening clips and fastening clip assemblies may be used to fasten an air bag assembly to an attachment panel of a vehicle, as described in the Background section.

[0047] The fastening clips and fastening clip assemblies may include any combination of the foregoing features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Embodiments of the invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1A A perspective view of a fastening clip assembly including a fastening clip and an insert is illustrated.

[0050] Figure 1B Picture shows Figure 1A A profile side view of a fastening clip assembly.

[0051] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip is shown.

[0052] Figure 3 Picture shows Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the fastening clip.

[0053] Figure 4 An enlarged side view of a fastening clip inserted into a hole in a component is shown.

[0054] Figure 5 A perspective view showing the end of a fastening clip is illustrated.

[0055] Fig. 6AA cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly is illustrated schematically illustrating an insert inserted into the fastening clip in a first configuration.

[0056] Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly is illustrated schematically illustrating an insert inserted into the fastening clip in a second configuration.

[0057] Figure 6C A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly is illustrated schematically illustrating the insert inserted into the fastening clip in a third configuration.

[0058] Fig.6D A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly is illustrated schematically illustrating the insert inserted into the fastening clip in a fourth configuration.

[0059] Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly is illustrated.

[0060] Fig. 8A A profile side view of a fastening clip assembly is illustrated.

[0061] Figure 8B Picture shows Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly.

[0062] Fig. 9A Picture shows Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly prior to being assembled into a hole in a component.

[0063] Fig. 9B Picture shows Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly during assembly into a hole in a component.

[0064] Fig. 9C Picture shows Figure 8B Cross-sectional view of a fastener clip assembly partially assembled into a hole in a component.

[0065] Fig.9D Picture shows Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly after being assembled into a hole in a component.

[0066] Fig. 10A An enlarged cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly is illustrated.

[0067] Fig. 10B An enlarged cross-sectional view is illustrated showing the area where the fastening clip assembly is inserted into the hole of the component.

[0068] Fig. 10C An enlarged cross-sectional view showing the base of the fastening clip assembly is illustrated.

[0069] Fig.11A A cross-sectional view of a fastening clip assembly having a reinforcing projection is illustrated.

[0070] Fig. 11B The diagram shows the Fig.11A A magnified cross-sectional view of AA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear", "upward", "lower", and "downward" refer to directions referenced in the drawings and are relative to the components described when assembled and installed. The words "inward", "inwardly", "outwardly", and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from a designated centerline or geometric center (e.g., a central axis) of the described elements, respectively, and the specific meaning is apparent from the context of the description.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Further, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," and "third," etc. merely indicates that different examples 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.

[0074] Like reference numerals are used throughout to depict like features.

[0075] Now refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , a fastening clip 100 is shown. The fastening clip 100 includes a clip body 102 having a first end 104, a second end 106, and a pair of side walls 108 extending between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The clip body 102 defines an internal cavity (126, Figure 2 ). Each side wall 108 is provided with a window 110. The fastening clip 100 includes a pair of retaining portions 112 extending from the respective side walls 108 at the second end 106 of the clip body 102. Each retaining portion 112 includes a protruding portion 113 that protrudes through the window 110 of the respective side wall 108. In this example, the pair of side walls 108 do not have any slots or apertures extending from the window 110 toward the first end 104 of the clip body 102.

[0076] The protruding portion 113 includes a first section 116 connected to the side wall 108, and further includes a middle bend 120, and an inner cavity (126, 127) extending from the middle bend 120 through the window 110 into the clip body 102. Figure 2 ) in a second section 122. The second section 122 is substantially perpendicular to the side wall 108. The protruding portion 113 has a constant cross-sectional shape in the direction from the first bend 118 to the intermediate bend 120. This means that there are no slots or orifices in the protruding portion 113. The retaining portion 112 includes a slot 124 at the first bend 118. The size of the slot 124 can be set to limit and define the elastic restoring force of the retaining portion 112.

[0077] The first end 104 of the clip body 102 is provided with a head portion 114 protruding from the side walls 108. In particular, the head portion 114 extends outwardly from the two side walls 108 in a direction perpendicular to the planes of the side walls 108, and both sides of the head portion 114 each include a rounded edge 134 joined together at the end section 132. The head portion 114 includes an opening 125, which in this example has a rectangular shape.

[0078] The fastening clip 100 is part of a fastening clip assembly 200 that includes an insert 202 that is inserted into the fastening clip 100 through the opening 125 in the head portion 114 .

[0079] Insert 202 includes legs 210 that extend through opening 125 of fastening clip 100 into interior cavity 126 of clip body 102. Insert 202 also includes arms 214 that abut against a surface of head portion 114 when insert 202 is inserted into fastening clip 100. Arms 214 are joined together and terminate at base 212.

[0080] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the fastening clip 100 is shown, more clearly illustrating the retaining portion 112 and the protruding portion 113 of the retaining portion 112. The protruding portion 113 protrudes through the corresponding window 110. More specifically, the second section 122 of each protruding portion 113 extends from the middle bend 120 through the window 110 into the interior cavity 126 of the clip body 102 and defines an end portion 128. The end portion 128 is substantially parallel to the side wall 108.

[0081] like Figure 3As seen in FIG. 1 , the end portion 128 is connected to the second section 122 by a second bend 138, which is a U-shaped bend. In this example, the side wall 108 includes a protrusion 136 that protrudes inwardly into the interior cavity 126. The protrusion 136 maintains separation between the end portion 128 of the protrusion 113 and the side wall 108 of the clip body 102. The end portion 128 of each protrusion 113 extends within the interior cavity 126 of the clip body 102 toward the first end 104 of the clip body 102.

[0082] The end portion 128 has a height H that extends beyond the window 110. The height H of the end portion 128 may be the portion of the end portion 128 that extends beyond the window 110 and overlaps the side wall 108 of the clip body 102. The height H of the end portion 128 may be the distance from the second bend 138 to the farthest point of the end portion 128. In this example, at least 40% of the height H of the end portion 128 extends beyond the window 110 and overlaps the side wall 108 of the clip body 102. However, it is contemplated that in other examples, this may be a different percentage, for example, at least 50% or 60% of the height H of the end portion 128 extends beyond the window 110 and overlaps the side wall 108 of the clip body 102.

[0083] During use, the fastening clip 100 is inserted through the component (50, Figure 4 ) of the hole (52, Figure 4 ), which deflects the protrusion 113 into the internal cavity 126 of the clip body 102. When the fastening clip 100 is inserted through the component 50, the protrusion 113 springs outward from the internal cavity 126 and passes through the corresponding window 110 to its original position, thereby preventing the fastening clip 100 from being removed from the component 50.

[0084] Figure 4 The fastening clip 100 is shown after being inserted through the component 50 and after the projection 113 is sprung outwardly from the internal cavity 126 to its original position. The surface of the second section 122 of the projection 113 engages the component 50. The previously referenced Figure 3 The protrusion 136 is described to keep the end portion 128 of the retaining portion 112 separated from the side wall 108 of the clip body 102 so that a removal tool can be inserted between the end portion 128 and the side wall 108 to deflect the retaining portion 112 inwardly, thereby removing the clip body fastening clip 100 from the component 50. The removal tool can be inserted through the opening 125 and can include a pair of long nose pliers or a special tool with opposing arms that are pushed between the end portion 128 and the side wall 108 to move the end portion 128 inwardly, thereby allowing the fastening clip 100 to be removed from the component 50.

[0085] Figure 5An alternative arrangement of the fastening clip 100 is shown in which the first section 116 connected to the side wall 108 has a rounded shape. Figure 4 Compared with the fastening clip 100 shown in the figure, the first bending portion 118 has a larger bending radius. Specifically, each first bending portion 118 extends from the end of the fastening clip 100 to the side wall 108, so that each first bending portion 118 only includes a curved surface.

[0086] Fig. 6A A fastening clip assembly 200 is shown, illustrating an assembly verification process. The fastening clip assembly 200 includes the fastening clip 100 and an insert 202 .

[0087] Insert 202 includes a pair of verification elements 204a, 204b, which may be legs of insert 202. Verification elements 204a, 204b are retained within interior cavity 126 of clip body 102 by sidewall 108 both in the pre-assembled configuration of fastening clip 100 and in the assembled configuration of fastening clip 50.

[0088] like Fig. 6A As shown, the insert 202 and verification elements 204 a , 204 b are inserted into the interior cavity 126 of the fastening clip 100 .

[0089] exist Figure 6B In the configuration shown, the verification elements 204a, 204b open outwardly toward the side wall 108 and engage with the stop 142 in the protrusion 113. In this position, the fastening clip 100 and the insert 202 are in a pre-assembled configuration in which the fastening clip 100 and the insert 202 can be pushed into a hole in a component.

[0090] Figure 6C The following arrangement is shown: as the fastening clip 100 is pushed into a hole in a component, the protruding portion 113 is deflected inwardly into the internal cavity 126, and the retaining portion 112 is deflected inwardly by engaging the hole. In this case, the verification elements 204a, 204b are moved toward each other by the protruding portion 113. In this example, the verification elements 204a, 204b intersect each other.

[0091] like Fig.6DAs shown, the verification elements 204a, 204b are engaged with each other (i.e., connected). The engagement can be performed via an engagement element 206 provided on one or both of the verification elements 204a, 204b. When the verification elements 204a, 204b are engaged, the retaining portion 112 protrudes through the window 110 to return to its original position after passing through the hole in the component. The engagement of the verification elements 204a, 204b allows the insert 202 to be further inserted into the internal cavity 126 and pass through the retaining portion 112 of the fastening clip 100. This allows verification that the fastening clip 100 is correctly installed in the hole 52 of the component 50 without the insert 202 protruding through the clip body 102 or the retaining portion 112. In this way, there is no need for a slot or aperture in the clip body 102 or the retaining portion 112 for the insert 202 to extend through, thereby increasing the pull-out resistance of the fastening clip 100.

[0092] The engagement via one or more engagement elements 206 can be friction engagement and / or locking engagement. The engagement element 206 is arranged to temporarily keep the pair of verification elements 204a, 204b engaged when the protruding portion 113 protrudes through the window 110 and returns to its original position. Therefore, the insert 202 can be further pushed into the internal cavity 126 of the fastening clip 100. This makes it verified that the fastening clip 100 is correctly installed in the hole 52 of the component 50. When the engagement element 206 locks the engagement, this locking can be temporary, reversible or permanent. The engagement element 206 can include one or more of a hook, a latch or an adhesive, for example.

[0093] although FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D The fastening clip 100 in this example is shown having a spring leg defined at the second section 122 , but it is contemplated that the assembly verification process may be adapted for a fastening clip 100 having an end portion 128 instead of a spring leg. Figure 7 The legs 210 of the insert 202 are shown engaging the end portion 128 , particularly at the second bend 138 .

[0094] FIG. 8A to FIG. 11B A fastening clip assembly 200 having a fastening clip 100 is shown, which is similar to the fastening clip assembly 200 of FIG. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The fastening clip assembly described in , therefore only the differences are described below. The fastening clip 100 is part of a fastening clip assembly 200 which includes an insert 202 which is inserted into the fastening clip 100 during use.

[0095] Fig. 8A and Figure 8BThe illustrated insert 202 includes a pair of verification elements that are retained within the side wall 108 when the insert 202 is inserted into the fastening clip 100. In this example, the verification elements are legs 210 that are arranged on different planes and face away from each other. The legs 210 extend through the opening 125 of the fastening clip 100. The legs 210 include engagement elements that allow the legs 210 to engage and lock with each other when deflected to hold the legs 210 together.

[0096] In this example, the engagement element of each leg 210 is a latching end 258 located at the end of the leg 210 proximal to the fastening clip 100. Fig. 10A As shown in more detail in FIG. 2 , in this example, the latch ends 258 include raised surfaces to engage and lock with each other. The latch ends 258 include tapered surfaces to move the legs 210 past each other when the legs 210 move toward each other so that the legs 210 can be elastically locked together.

[0097] like Fig. 10B As shown in more detail in FIG. 1 , the insert 202 includes a pair of first hooks 250, each of which is provided with a first hook end 262 that engages with the end section 132 of the fastening clip 100 to prevent the insert 202 from Figure 8B The position of the insert 202 shown is accidentally removed from the fastening clip 100. The first hook 250 can be deflectable or deformable, and / or can be tapered to enable it to move through the opening 125 in the fastening clip 100 and be configured to be biased outwardly to abut against the surface of the end section 132 to be in position. Figure 8B Position shown.

[0098] Additionally, in this example, the insert 202 also includes a pair of second hooks 252. The second hooks 252 may be deformable and / or tapered so that when the insert 202 is pushed into the fastening clip 100, the second hooks 252 can move through the openings 125 in the fastening clip 100. Each second hook 252 terminates in a protrusion 254. The second hooks 252 are used to retain the insert 202 in the fastening clip 100 after assembly, as described in more detail below.

[0099] In this example, the insert 202 is also provided with a pair of platform portions 256. The platform portions 256 are rectangular-based protrusions provided in a generally wedge-shaped shape that are movable to engage with the outer side of the end section 132 of the fastening clip 100 to provide tactile feedback after the fastening clip 100 and the insert 202 are assembled, as further described below.

[0100] 9A to 9D The process of assembling the fastening clip assembly 200 is illustrated in FIG. Fig. 9AAs shown, in the initial state, the insert 202 is placed into the cavity of the fastening clip 100 so that the legs 210 are held in place between the side walls 108 of the fastening clip 100. Since the first hooks 250 abut against the inside of the end section 132 of the fastening clip 100 at the opening 125, these first hooks prevent the insert 202 from being accidentally removed. The fastening clip assembly 200 is aligned with the hole 52 of the component 50 in which the fastening clip assembly 200 is to be inserted. Fig. 9A The configuration shown may be the delivery state of the fastening clip assembly 200, which is provided to an assembly line for assembling an air bag to a vehicle frame.

[0101] Reference Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C , when inserting the fastening clip assembly 200, as the fastening clip 100 is pushed into the hole 52 in the component 50, the protrusion 113 is deflected inwardly against the edge of the hole 52. In this example, the protrusion 113 is deflected to be in line with the side wall 108. The deflection of the protrusion 113 causes the end portion 128 to move inwardly toward the central axis of the fastening clip 100. Each end portion 128 engages with a corresponding leg 210 of the insert 202 and moves the legs 210 toward each other. Due to the tapered surface of the locking end 258, the legs 210 move past each other when they are pushed by the end portion 128.

[0102] Once the protrusions 113 pass through the opposite side of the hole 52 of the reaching component 50, these protrusions pop up to return to their original position, thereby protruding outward through the side wall 108. This causes the end portion 128 to also return to its original position, in which the end portion is not engaged with the leg 210 of the insert 202. Since the end portion 128 is no longer pushed against the leg 210, the leg 210 will pop up toward the side wall 108 to which it was originally adjacent, so that the corresponding locking ends 258 of the legs 210 engage with each other. Therefore, the legs 210 are held and locked together, consistent with the central axis of the fastening clip 100. In particular, the locking ends 258 resiliently lock the legs 210 together. Since the legs 210 are not restricted by the end portions 128 of the fastening clip 100, the insert 202 can be pushed further into the fastening clip 100 and is in Fig.9D The position shown is the assembled position.

[0103] In the assembled position, the second hook 252 abuts against the inner side of the end section 132 of the fastening clip 100 around the opening 125, holding the insert 202 in place to prevent removal of the insert 202. An opposing tab 254 protrudes from the opening 125 to permit removal of the insert 202 from the fastening clip 100 for disassembly, as described below.

[0104] Once the insert 202 is fully inserted into the fastening clip 100 , the platform portion 256 moves into engagement with the fastening clip 100 to provide tactile feedback to verify installation of the fastening clip assembly 200 .

[0105] Thus, the insert 202 can only be moved to the opposite side of the component 50 when the protrusion 113 pops up. Fig.9D Thus, the insert 202 provides confirmation that the projection 113 has properly latched the fastening clip assembly 200 to the component 50 .

[0106] Fig. 10A The engagement of the legs 210 is shown in greater detail. The latching ends 258 of the legs 210 include tapered raised surfaces, allowing the legs 210 to move past each other as they are pushed inwardly by the end portions 128. Once the legs move past each other and the projections 113 deflect outwardly, the contact between the end portions 128 and the legs 210 is removed and the legs 210 deflect back toward each other in locked engagement.

[0107] Fig. 10B It is shown that when the insert 202 is in the Fig. 9A The initial state shown is the engagement of the first hook 250 with the end section 132 of the fastening clip 100. When the insert 202 is inserted into the opening 125 of the fastening clip 100, the first hook end 262 of the first hook 250 faces and contacts the inner surface of the end section 132. The first hook 250 and the first hook end 262 prevent the insert 202 from being accidentally removed from the fastening clip 100 in the initial state.

[0108] Fig. 10C shows that when the insert 202 has reached Fig.9D 2 and the function of the second hook 252 and the protrusion 254 in the assembled state shown. As shown, the protrusion 254 extends through the opening 125 so that the protrusion can be engaged by a removal tool (e.g., pliers indicated by tool section 268) to apply a force inward to disengage the protrusion 254 from the end section 132 of the fastening clip 100. The second hook 252 and its second hook end 264 are no longer in contact with the end section 132 of the fastening clip 100 so that the insert 202 can be removed from the fastening clip 100.

[0109] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B An example of a fastening clip 100 is shown in which the retaining portion 112 is provided with a reinforced section 276 , specifically a curved surface 284 and wings 270 , as described below.

[0110] like Fig.11AAs shown, each retaining portion 112 includes a first section 278 extending from a first bend 272 at the second end 106 of the fastening clip 100. The first section 278 extends through the window 110 in the side wall 108. At the protruding portion 113, the retaining portion 112 includes an intermediate bend 274 and a second section 280 that extends rearward through the window 110 into the fastening clip 100. An end portion 282 is formed on the end of the second section 280.

[0111] In this example, the first section 278 of the retaining portion 112 is provided with a reinforcement section 276. In particular, the first section 278 includes a curved surface 284, forming a U-shaped profile, such as Fig. 11B The curved surface 284 and the U-shaped profile increase the bending stiffness of the retaining portion 112, thereby reducing deformation of the retaining portion 112 when a pull-out force is applied.

[0112] In the example shown, the first sections 278 each include a wing 270 extending toward the corresponding second section 280. Each first section 278 includes a wing 270 extending from an opposite main edge. The wings 270 each have a flat surface. The wings 270 extend along a plane perpendicular to the side wall 108. The curved surface of the first section 278 and the wings 270 together define a U-shaped profile.

[0113] The ends of the wings 270 each form a stopper portion 286 which, when a pull-out force is applied, abuts against the second section 280 of the corresponding retaining portion 112. This abutment prevents further deformation of the retaining portion 112 to further increase the pull-out resistance.

[0114] By providing the retaining portion 112 with the reinforced section 276, the pull-out resistance of the fastening clip 100 is increased because the first section 278 has a higher bending stiffness and is more resistant to bending. In addition, during the application of the pull-out force (for example, when the airbag is activated), the wing 270 (specifically the stopper portion 286) engages on the end portion 128 of the retaining portion 112 to prevent deformation of the retaining portion 112 (specifically further bending of the middle bending portion 274), thereby further increasing the pull-out resistance of the fastening clip 100.

[0115] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above detailed examples are described by way of example only 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. Various modifications to the above detailed examples are possible.

[0116] Throughout the description section and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and their variations mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integral bodies or steps. Throughout the description section and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, this specification should be understood as contemplating plural as well as singular forms, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0117] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except for at least some mutually exclusive combinations of such features and / or steps. The invention is not limited to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps in any of the steps of the method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A fastening clip for installation in a hole of a component, the fastening clip comprising: A clamp body having a first end, a second end, and a pair of side walls extending from the first end to the second end and defining an internal cavity of the clamp body, each of the side walls being provided with a window; a head portion disposed at a first end of the clip body and protruding from the side wall; as well as a pair of retaining portions extending from the side wall at a second end of the clamp body, each retaining portion comprising: a protruding portion that protrudes through a window in a respective one of the side walls and is deflectable into an interior cavity of the clip body when the fastening clip is installed through the hole in the component, and An end portion is disposed within the inner cavity of the clamp body.

2. The fastening clip according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the protruding portions includes: a first section, which is connected to the side wall at a first bend and protrudes through the window at an angle relative to the side wall; an intermediate bend; and a second section, which extends from the intermediate bend through the window into the internal cavity and defines the end portion.

3. The fastening clip according to claim 2, wherein: The first section includes a reinforced section.

4. The fastening clip according to claim 3, wherein: The reinforcement section includes a curved surface.

5. The fastening clip according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The first sections each include a wing portion.

6. The fastening clip according to claim 5, wherein: The first sections each include two wings extending from opposing major edges of the first section.

7. The fastening clip according to claim 6, wherein: The first section and the wings form a U-shaped profile.

8. The fastening clip according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: An edge of each of the wing portions forms a stopper portion facing an end portion of the protruding portion.

9. The fastening clip according to claim 8, wherein: The stop portion is flat.

10. The fastening clip according to claim 9, wherein: The stop portion extends along a plane perpendicular to the side wall.

11. A fastening clip assembly for installation in a hole of a component, the fastening clip assembly include: The fastening clip according to any one of claims 1 to 10; as well as an insert configured to be inserted through the opening in the head portion of the fastening clip into the interior cavity, the insert including a pair of verification elements; wherein the pair of retaining portions are adapted to deflect inwardly into an interior cavity of the clamp body as the clamp body is pushed through the aperture of the component, and wherein the pair of retaining portions are adapted to move each of the verification elements into engagement with another of the verification elements.

12. The fastening clip assembly according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the verification elements is adapted to be deflected into engagement with another of the verification elements by an end portion of the retaining portion.

13. The fastening clip assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The verification elements are adapted to be deflected away from the side walls and towards each other.

14. The fastening clip assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: At least one of the verification elements includes an engagement element configured to engage with another of the verification elements when the verification elements come into contact by deflection of the retaining portion during installation of the fastening clip through the hole of the component.

15. The fastening clip assembly of claim 14, wherein: The engagement element of at least one of the verification elements includes a latching end configured to lockingly engage with another of the verification elements.

16. The fastening clip assembly of claim 15, wherein: The locking end includes a raised surface.

17. A fastening clip assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The locking end includes a tapered surface configured to move at least one of the verification elements past another of the verification elements to resiliently lock the verification elements together.

18. A fastening clip assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: Each of the verification elements comprises a locking end.

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