Compression limiter with retention capability

Abstract

A compression limiter of a first component includes a body defining a bore, a pair of fingers extending from the body into the bore to a distal end, the pair of fingers configured to engage with threads of a bolt of a second component, the first component and the second component configured to be secured to each other via the bolt passing through the bore, and a pair of slots on either side of the pair of fingers, the pair of slots extending from the body into the bore to a distal end, the pair of fingers configured to engage with threads of the bolt of the second component. The pair of slots is configured to allow the pair of fingers to flex in response to a force exerted on the pair of fingers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the context of the present disclosure generally. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section, and aspects that may not be eligible as prior art at the time of filing, are not admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure, either expressly or implicitly.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to overmolded compression limiters. Specifically, the compression limiters described herein can be used to provide and maintain the bolted joint integrity of components. The compression limiters can be designed to protect the components of the assembly from the compressive loads generated when the bolts are tightened to their recommended tightening torques, thus ensuring that the joint remains intact throughout the life of the assembly. Background Art

[0003] In certain applications, two components of an assembly may need to be joined together, for example, via bolt fasteners, studs, etc. In such applications, it may be desirable to temporarily engage the components together so that the installer does not need to hold the components together with one hand (e.g., to prevent the components from separating) while permanently engaging the components together with the other hand (e.g., by tightening a nut onto a bolt). Therefore, there is room for improvement in compression limiters. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for a vehicle, the system including a first component and a compression limiter, the first component including a first aperture, the compression limiter disposed within the first aperture of the first component, the compression limiter including a body that defines a second aperture that coincides with the first aperture, a pair of fingers extending from the body into the second aperture to a distal end, the pair of fingers configured to threadedly engage a bolt of a second component, the first component and the second component being configured to be fixed to each other via the bolt passing through the first aperture and the second aperture, and a pair of slots on either side of the pair of fingers being configured to allow the pair of fingers to bend in response to a force applied to the pair of fingers.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the compression limiter is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0006] The first component may be formed of one of plastic or metal.

[0007] The bolt can be configured to receive one of a flanged nut or a washer. The body of the compression limiter can include an upper surface configured to engage one of the flanged nut or the washer. Each of the pair of fingers can include an upper surface spaced below the upper surface of the body of the compression limiter.

[0008] When the pair of fingers engages the threads of the bolt, the first component can be at least temporarily fixed to the second component.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for a vehicle, the system including a first component and a compression limiter, the first component including a first hole, the compression limiter disposed within the first hole of the first component, the compression limiter including a body defining a second hole coinciding with the first hole, a pair of fingers extending from the body into the second hole to a distal end, and a pair of slots on either side of the pair of fingers, the pair of slots configured to allow the pair of fingers to flex in response to a force applied to the pair of fingers.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the compression limiter is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0011] The first component can be formed of one of plastic or metal.

[0012] The distal end of each finger of the pair of fingers can be configured to engage the threads of a bolt of a second component, the first component and the second component configured to be fixed to each other via a bolt passing through the first hole and the second hole. The bolt can be configured to receive one of a flanged nut or a washer. The body of the compression limiter can include an upper surface configured to engage one of the flanged nut or the washer. Each of the pair of fingers can include an upper surface spaced below the upper surface of the body of the compression limiter.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a compression limiter for a first component, the compression limiter including a body defining a hole, a pair of fingers extending from the body into the hole to a distal end, the pair of fingers configured to engage the threads of a bolt of a second component, the first component and the second component configured to be fixed to each other via the bolt passing through the hole, and a pair of slots on either side of the pair of fingers, the pair of slots configured to allow the pair of fingers to flex in response to a force applied to the pair of fingers.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the compression limiter is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0015] The first component can be formed of either plastic or metal.

[0016] The bolt can be configured to receive either a flange nut or a washer. The body of the compression limiter can include an upper surface configured to engage either a flange nut or a washer.

[0017] Each of the pair of fingers can include an upper surface spaced below the upper surface of the body of the compression limiter.

[0018] Details of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first component according to the principles of the present disclosure, the first component including an exemplary compression limiter of a stud that holds the first component to a second component;

[0021] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the compression limiter;

[0022] Figure 3A is Figure 1 a perspective view of the compression limiter;

[0023] Figure 3B is Figure 1 a side view of the compression limiter;

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first component according to the principles of the present disclosure, the first component including another exemplary compression limiter of a stud that holds the first component to a second component;

[0025] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the compression limiter;

[0026] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a side view of the compression limiter;

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 4 a perspective view of a first portion, with the compression limiter removed for visual clarity;

[0028] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first component including another exemplary compression limiter according to the principles of the present disclosure, the compression limiter including an insert for a stud that holds the first component to a second component;

[0029] Figure 9 is along Figure 1 line 9-9 of Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of the compression limiter;

[0030] Figure 10 is Figure 8 a top perspective view of the compression limiter and the insert;

[0031] Figure 11 is Figure 8 a bottom perspective view of the compression limiter and the insert;

[0032] Figure 11A is a top perspective view of a first component including an isolator according to the principles of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 11B is along Figure 11A line 11B-11B of Figure 11A a cross-sectional view of the isolator.

[0034] In all the figures, corresponding reference numerals represent corresponding components. Detailed Description

[0035] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the example configurations may be embodied in many different forms and that specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0036] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may also be intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0037] When an element or layer is referred to as "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element or layer, directly engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there can be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configuration.

[0039] Referring Figures 1 to 3B , a compression limiter 100 is generally shown. The compression limiter 100 can be used to provide and maintain the bolted connection integrity of plastic components or parts, e.g., between a first part 10 and a second part 50. The compression limiter 100 can be overmolded with the first part 10 or inserted into a hole 14 of the first part 10 defined by an inner wall 12. The compression limiter 100 can be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0040] The first part 10 and the second part 50 can be used for any suitable application, such as a vehicle. The second component 50 can include a bolt 20 extending away from the second component 50. In some embodiments, the bolt 20 is permanently fixed to the second component 50, for example, via welding or other means. The bolt 20 includes a bolt shank 22 having threads 24 extending along the bolt shank 22. The bolt 20 is configured to receive a washer 30 and a nut 40. In some embodiments, the washer 30 and the nut 40 can be combined into a single component, such as a flange nut. The first component 10 and the second component 50 can each be formed of a plastic material or a metallic material.

[0041] Specifically referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the compression limiter 100 includes a body 102. Although the body 102 is generally shown as circular or oval in the drawings, it should be understood that the body 102 can have any suitable shape, such as triangular, square, pentagonal, etc. The body 102 includes an upper surface 102a configured to engage the washer 30. The compression limiter 100 includes a pair of fingers 104. Each of the fingers 104 includes an upper surface 104a and a distal surface 104b. The upper surface 104a is spaced a distance 110 below the upper surface 102a of the body 102, which ensures that the washer 30 engages the upper surface 102a of the body 102 and is spaced from the upper surface 104a of each finger 104. The distal surface 104b of each finger 104 is configured to extend into the hole 106 of the compression limiter 100 defined by the body 102 and engage one or more of the threads 24 of the bolt 20 to temporarily fix the first component 10 to the second component 50.

[0042] The body 102 includes a set of slots 108 on either side of each finger 104. The slots 108 are configured to allow the fingers 104 to have a certain amount of flexibility. For example, when the first component 10 is inserted onto the second component 50 with the bolt 20 extending through the hole 106 of the compression limiter 100, the fingers 104 bend in an upward direction in response to a series of threads 24 that sequentially abut the fingers 104. When the first component 10 is installed onto the second component 50, the distal surface 104b of each finger 104 engages an adjacent thread 24 of the bolt 20 to temporarily secure the first component 10 to the second component 50. When the first component 10 is temporarily secured to the second component 50, the installer can then remove both hands from the first component 10 and use both hands to more permanently secure the first component 10 to the second component 50, for example, by attaching the washer 30 and nut 40 to the bolt 20 using any suitable tool. This allows for a faster and safer installation process because the installer is able to freely use both hands to more permanently secure the first component 10 to the second component 50 rather than forcing the installer to hold the first component 10 with one hand while attempting to attach the washer 30 and nut 40 to the bolt 20 with the other hand.

[0043] Referring to Figures 4 to 7 , generally shows a second compression limiter 200. The second compression limiter 200 can be used to provide and maintain the bolted connection integrity of a plastic assembly or component, for example, between the first component 10a and the second component 50. The second compression limiter 200 can be overmolded with the first component 10a or inserted into the hole 14 of the first component 10a defined by the inner wall 12. The second compression limiter 200 can be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0044] Specifically referring to Figure 6 , the second compression limiter 200 includes a body 202. Although the body 202 is generally shown as circular or oval in the drawings, it should be understood that the body 202 can have any suitable shape, such as triangular, square, pentagonal, etc. The body 202 includes an upper surface 202a configured to engage the washer 30. The body 202 includes a pair of slots 204 that allow a portion of the first component 10a to extend into the hole 206 of the body 202. Each slot 204 defines a lower surface 208 spaced a distance 210 from the upper surface 202a of the body 202.

[0045] Referencing Figure 7, except that the first component 10a includes a pair of fingers 16 that extend into the hole 14, the first component 10a is substantially similar to the first component 10. The fingers 16 function similarly to the fingers 104 of the compression limiter 100. For example, each of the fingers 16 includes an upper surface 16a that is set lower than the upper surface 202a of the body 202 to ensure that the washer 30 engages the upper surface 202a of the body 202 and is spaced apart from the upper surface 16a of each finger 16. Each of the fingers 16 includes a distal surface 16b that is configured to extend into the orifice 206 of the second compression limiter 200 and engage one or more threads 24 of the bolt 20 to temporarily secure the first component 10a to the second component 50. In some embodiments, the fingers 16 are formed of spring steel.

[0046] The first portion 10a includes a set of slots located on either side of each finger 16. The slots are configured to allow a certain amount of flexibility of the fingers 16. For example, when the first component 10a is inserted onto the second component 50 with the bolt 20 extending through the hole 206 of the second compression limiter 200, the fingers 16 bend in an upward direction in response to a series of threads 24 sequentially abutting the fingers 16. When the first component 10a is installed onto the second component 50, the distal surface 16b of each finger 16 engages an adjacent thread 24 of the bolt 20 to temporarily secure the first component 10a to the second component 50. When the first component 10a is temporarily secured to the second component 50, the installer can then remove both hands from the first component 10a and use both hands to more permanently secure the first component 10a to the second component 50, for example, by attaching the washer 30 and nut 40 to the bolt 20 with any suitable tool. This allows for a faster and safer installation process because the installer is able to freely use both hands to more permanently secure the first component 10a to the second component 50 rather than forcing the installer to hold the first component 10a with one hand while attempting to attach the washer 30 and nut 40 to the bolt 20 with the other hand.

[0047] Referring to Figures 8 to 11 , generally shown is a third compression limiter 300. The third compression limiter 300 can be used to provide and maintain the bolt connection integrity of a plastic component or part, for example, between the first component 10 and the second component 50. The third compression limiter 300 can be overmolded with the first component 10 or inserted into the hole 14 of the first component 10. The third compression limiter 300 can be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0048] Specifically referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11, the third compression limiter 300 includes a body 302. Although a circular or oval body 302 is generally shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the body 302 can have any suitable shape, such as triangular, square, pentagonal, etc. The body 302 includes an upper surface 302a configured to engage with the gasket 30.

[0049] The third compression limiter 300 includes an insert 400 disposed in an inner portion of the third compression limiter 300. The third compression limiter 300 includes a hole 304 configured to receive a protrusion 410 of the insert 400. The third compression limiter 300 includes a first groove 306 and a second groove 308 provided on a bottom portion of the body 302, and the first groove 306 and the second groove 308 are configured to receive a first protrusion 412 and a second protrusion 414 of the insert 400, respectively. The engagement of the protrusion 410 with the hole 304, the engagement of the first protrusion 412 with the first groove 306, and the engagement of the second protrusion 414 with the second groove 308 fix the insert 400 to the third compression limiter 300.

[0050] The insert 400 includes a body 402 having an upper surface 402a. The insert 400 includes a pair of fingers 404 extending from the body 402 and into a hole 406 defined by the body 402. Each finger 404 includes an upper surface 404a spaced below the upper surface 402a of the body 402. The distal surface 404b of each finger 404 is configured to engage one or more threads 24 of the bolt 20 to temporarily fix the first component 10 to the second component 50.

[0051] The body 402 of the insert 400 includes a set of slots 408 on either side of each finger 404. The slots 408 are configured to allow the fingers 404 to have a certain amount of flexibility. For example, when the first component 10 is inserted onto the second component 50 with the bolt 20 extending through the hole 406 of the insert 400, the fingers 404 bend in an upward direction in response to a series of threads 24 sequentially abutting the fingers 404. When the first component 10 is mounted onto the second component 50, the distal surface 404b of each finger 404 engages an adjacent thread 24 of the bolt 20 to temporarily secure the first component 10 to the second component 50. When the first component 10 is temporarily secured to the second component 50, the installer can then remove both hands from the first component 10 and use both hands to more permanently secure the first component 10 to the second component 50, for example, by attaching the washer 30 and nut 40 to the bolt 20 with any suitable tool. This allows for a faster and safer installation process because the installer is able to freely use both hands to more permanently secure the first component 10 to the second component 50 rather than forcing the installer to hold the first component 10 with one hand while attempting to attach the washer 30 and nut 40 to the bolt 20 with the other hand.

[0052] The foregoing descriptions related to the compression limiters 100, 200, and 300 can equally apply to anti-vibration mechanisms such as isolators, dampers, etc. In such an embodiment, the compression limiters 100, 200, 300 can be formed of any suitable material that dampens or absorbs vibration, such as rubber, foam, neoprene, etc.

[0053] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B , the isolator 500 is generally shown as being fixed to the second component 50. In some examples, the second component 50 may be subjected to vibratory forces through the bolt 20. To reduce or absorb these vibratory forces, the isolator 500 may include a body 502 defining a hole 504 and a first tether 506a and a second tether 506b attached to the body 502 and extending through the hole 504. The tethers 506a, 506b engage the threads 24 of the bolt 20 to hold the bolt 20 in place. The tethers 506a, 506b are also designed such that any vibratory forces transmitted through the bolt 20 are received by the tethers 506a, 506b but not transmitted to the body 502. That is, the tethers 506a, 506b can bend relative to the bolt 20 in the hole 504 to absorb the vibratory forces.

[0054] Numerous embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0055] The foregoing description is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also vary in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for a vehicle, comprising: a first component, the first component comprising a first hole; as well as a compression limiter disposed within the first aperture of the first component, the compression limiter comprising: a body defining a second aperture coincident with the first aperture; a pair of fingers extending from the body into the second hole to a distal end, the pair of fingers being configured to engage with threads of a bolt of a second component, the first component and the second component being configured to be fixed to each other via the bolt passing through the first hole and the second hole; and A pair of slots on either side of the pair of fingers are configured to allow the pair of fingers to flex in response to a force exerted on the pair of fingers.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The compression limiter is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first component is formed from one of plastic or metal.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The bolt is configured to receive one of a flange nut or a washer.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The body of the compression limiter includes an upper surface configured to engage one of the flange nut or the washer.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: Each finger of the pair of fingers includes an upper surface that is spaced below the upper surface of the body of the compression limiter.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When the pair of fingers engage the threads of the bolt, the first component is at least temporarily secured to the second component.

8. A system for a vehicle, comprising: a first component, the first component comprising a first hole; as well as a compression limiter disposed within the first aperture of the first component, the compression limiter comprising: a body defining a second aperture coincident with the first aperture; a pair of fingers extending from the body into the second bore to a distal end; and A pair of slots on either side of the pair of fingers are configured to allow the pair of fingers to flex in response to a force exerted on the pair of fingers.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The compression limiter is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The first component is formed from one of plastic or metal.

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