Pin and grommet fastener including pin and grommet, panel retention finger and pin retention finger having pin receptacle cooperating with each other to define pin receptacle for receiving pin

Abstract

The pin and grommet fastener includes a grommet and a pin. The grommet includes a base, a panel locking finger, and a pin locking finger. The locking fingers protrude from the base and cooperate with each other to define a pin receiving portion therebetween. The pin includes a pin head, a drive beam connected to the pin head, and a protrusion. When the pin head is inserted through the opening in the base and into the pin receiving portion, the pin locking finger engages the pin, thereby retaining the pin head in the pin receiving portion. When the fastener is inserted into a hole in the panel in one direction, the panel engages the drive beam, thereby moving the pin in an opposite direction relative to the grommet, which causes the panel locking fingers to bend away from each other, thereby preventing withdrawal of the fastener from within the hole in the panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pin and grommet fastener including a pin and a grommet, the grommet having panel retaining fingers and pin retaining fingers that cooperate with each other to define a pin receiving portion for receiving the pin. Background Art

[0002] The background description provided herein is intended to generally introduce the background of the present invention. To the extent described in this background art section, the work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly considered to be prior art to the present disclosure.

[0003] Pin and grommet fasteners are commonly used in the automotive industry. The use of pin and grommet fasteners typically requires inserting the grommet into a hole in a mating component. The pin generally must then be inserted into the hole of the grommet and seated within the grommet hole. Seating the pin within the grommet causes the legs of the grommet to expand radially outwardly and locks the pin and grommet to the mating component. Thus, in known grommet and pin fasteners, the pin generally must be seated within the grommet as a separate step or operation that must be performed after the grommet is inserted into the hole of the mating component.

[0004] In some cases, the pin can be assembled to the grommet, where the pin is held in a partial, temporary, or shipping position within the grommet. The pin and grommet fastener can then be shipped to a manufacturing facility. Thus, the end user only needs to handle a single component and does not need to manage separate pin and grommet parts. Such a component eliminates the need for the end user to initially insert the pin into the hole of the grommet. However, the pin and grommet fastener generally still must be inserted into the hole of the mating component, and the pin generally must be seated within the grommet as a separate step or operation that must be performed after the pin and grommet fastener is inserted into the hole of the mating component. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A pin and grommet fastener according to the present disclosure is configured to be secured within a hole in a panel. The pin and grommet fastener includes a grommet and a pin. In one example, the grommet includes a base having an opening, a pair of panel locking fingers projecting from the base adjacent the opening, and a pair of pin locking fingers projecting from the base adjacent the opening. The panel locking fingers and the pin locking fingers cooperate with each other to define a pin receiving portion therebetween. The pin includes a pin head, a drive beam connected to the pin head, and a pair of protrusions. When the pin head is inserted through the opening in the base of the grommet and into the pin receiving portion of the grommet, the pin locking fingers engage the pin, thereby holding the pin head within the pin receiving portion. When the panel locking fingers, the pin locking fingers, and the pin head are inserted into the hole in the panel in a first direction, the panel engages the drive beam, thereby causing the pin to move relative to the grommet in a second direction opposite the first direction. This causes the protrusions on the pin to engage the panel locking fingers, thereby forcing the panel locking fingers to bend away from each other and preventing the fastener from being withdrawn from the hole in the panel.

[0006] In one aspect, the opening in the base of the grommet is elongate, the panel locking fingers are spaced apart from each other along the width of the opening, and the pin locking fingers are spaced apart from each other along the length of the opening.

[0007] In one aspect, when the protrusion on the pin engages the panel locking fingers, forcing the panel locking fingers to bend apart, the pin locking fingers engage the pin head, thereby holding the pin in a position where the protrusion continues to force the panel locking fingers to bend apart.

[0008] In one aspect, the pin further includes a pin shaft connecting the pin head to the drive beam, and the protrusion on the pin is a knuckle projecting from the pin shaft.

[0009] In one aspect, the pin further includes a pin shaft ring that projects from the pin shaft and mates with the pin head to define a pair of locking grooves, and the pin locking fingers include a pair of protrusions configured to engage the locking grooves on the pin to hold the pin head in the pin receiving portion.

[0010] In one aspect, when the pin is inserted into the pin receiving portion of the grommet and the pin head and the pin shaft ring move past the protrusions on the pin locking fingers, the protrusions on the pin locking fingers engage the pin shaft, thereby holding the pin head in the pin receiving portion.

[0011] In one aspect, the side surface of the pin head defines a guiding groove, and the pin locking fingers include a boss that engages the guiding groove when the pin head is located within the pin receiving portion, such that when the pin moves relative to the grommet in a second direction due to the engagement between the drive beam and the panel, the engagement between the boss and the guiding groove causes the pin head to rotate about its axis relative to the drive beam.

[0012] In one aspect, when the pin head rotates due to the movement of the pin in the second direction and the engagement between the boss and the guiding groove, the protrusion projects from the side surface of the pin head and engages the side surface of the panel locking fingers, thereby forcing the panel locking fingers to bend apart.

[0013] In one aspect, when the pin head is inserted into the pin receiving portion and the protrusion on the pin head moves past the pin locking fingers, the axial end surface of the pin locking fingers engages the protrusion, thereby preventing the pin head from being withdrawn from the pin receiving portion.

[0014] In one aspect, the panel locking fingers define locking grooves, and when the pin head has rotated a first amount, the protrusion on the pin head engages the locking grooves in the panel locking fingers, and the engagement between the protrusion and the locking grooves prevents the pin head from rotating, thereby locking the pin head in place relative to the grommet.

[0015] In one aspect, a locking groove is defined in a first side surface of the pin locking finger, and the panel locking finger further includes a pendant portion protruding from a second side surface opposite the first side surface. When the panel locking finger is inserted through a hole in the panel, the pendant portion on the panel locking finger engages the back side of the panel, thereby further preventing the fastener from being withdrawn from the hole in the panel.

[0016] In one aspect, the pin and grommet fastener further includes a tether that connects the pin head to the drive beam while allowing the pin head to rotate about its axis.

[0017] In one aspect, the pin and grommet fastener further includes a tubular body having an outer radial surface from which the drive beam protrudes, and the pin further includes a pin shaft that protrudes from the pin head and is configured to be fixed within the tubular body by snap fit to connect the pin head to the drive beam.

[0018] In one aspect, the pin shaft has legs protruding from its axial ends, the legs having side surfaces defining grooves therein, and the tubular body has an annular flange protruding radially outward therefrom, the annular flange engaging the grooves in the legs to fix the pin shaft to the tubular body when the pin shaft is inserted into the tubular body.

[0019] In another example, the grommet includes a base having an opening, a pair of panel locking fingers protruding from the base adjacent the opening, and a pair of pin locking fingers protruding from the base adjacent the opening. The panel locking fingers and the pin locking fingers cooperate with each other to define a pin receiving portion therebetween. The pin locking fingers include protrusions protruding towards each other. The pin includes a pin head, a drive beam, a pin shaft connecting the pin head to the drive beam, a knuckle protruding from opposite side surfaces of the pin shaft, and a pin shaft ring protruding from opposite side surfaces of the pin shaft and cooperating with the pin head to define a pair of locking grooves. When the pin head and the pin shaft are inserted through the opening in the base of the grommet and into the pin receiving portion of the grommet, the protrusions on the pin locking fingers engage the pin shaft, thereby holding the pin head in the pin receiving portion. When the panel locking fingers, the pin locking fingers, and the pin head are inserted into a hole in the panel in a first direction, the panel engages the drive beam, causing the pin to move relative to the grommet in a second direction opposite to the first direction. This causes the knuckle on the pin shaft to engage the panel locking fingers, forcing the panel locking fingers to bend away from each other. When the pin shaft ring moves past the protrusions on the pin locking fingers in the second direction, the protrusions engage the locking grooves in the pin, thereby holding the pin in a position where the knuckle continuously forces the panel locking fingers to bend apart, which prevents the fastener from being withdrawn from the hole in the panel.

[0020] In one aspect, the opening in the base of the grommet is elongate, the panel locking fingers are spaced from each other along the width of the opening, the pin locking fingers are spaced from each other along the length of the opening, and the side surface from which the knuckle of the pin shaft projects is perpendicular to the side surface from which the pin collar of the pin shaft projects.

[0021] In one aspect, the grommet further includes a seal that projects from the base, surrounds the panel and pin locking fingers, and is configured to bear against the panel when the panel locking fingers, the pin locking fingers, and the pin head are inserted into a hole in the panel and the protrusion on the pin locking finger engages a locking groove in the pin.

[0022] In yet another example, the grommet includes a base, a pair of panel locking fingers projecting from the base, and a pair of pin locking fingers projecting from the base. The panel locking fingers and the pin locking fingers cooperate with each other to define a pin receiving portion therebetween. The panel locking fingers have side surfaces that define locking grooves therein. The pin locking fingers include bosses projecting from their side surfaces. The pin includes a pin head and a drive beam connected to the pin head. The pin head includes a protrusion projecting from its side surface. The side surface of the pin head defines a guide groove. When the pin head is inserted into the pin receiving portion of the grommet such that the protrusion on the pin head moves past the pin locking fingers, the axial end surface of the pin locking fingers engages the protrusion, thereby preventing the pin head from being withdrawn from the pin receiving portion. When the panel locking fingers, the pin locking fingers, and the pin head are inserted into a hole in the panel in a first direction, the panel engages the drive beam, thereby causing the pin to move relative to the grommet in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Correspondingly, the engagement between the boss and the guide groove causes the pin head to rotate about its axis relative to the drive beam. This causes the protrusion on the pin head to engage the panel locking fingers, thereby forcing the panel locking fingers to bend away from each other. When the pin head has rotated a first amount, the protrusion engages the locking groove, which prevents the pin head from rotating, thereby locking the pin head in place relative to the grommet and preventing the fastener from being withdrawn from the hole in the panel.

[0023] In one aspect, the pin and grommet fastener further includes a tether that connects the pin head to the drive beam while allowing the pin head to rotate about its axis. The pin head, the drive beam, and the tether form a single continuous piece.

[0024] In one aspect, the pin and grommet fastener further includes a tubular body having an outer radial surface and axial ends, the drive beam projects from the outer radial surface, the axial ends bend radially inwardly, and the pin further includes a pin shaft projecting from the pin head, the pin shaft having legs projecting from its axial ends. The legs have side surfaces that define grooves therein. The axial ends of the tubular body engage the grooves in the legs, thereby fixing the pin shaft to the tubular body when the pin shaft is inserted into the tubular body.

[0025] Other applicable fields of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a pin and grommet fastener according to the present disclosure, the fastener including a pin and a grommet;

[0028] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the grommet of

[0029] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the pin of

[0030] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a top view of the pin and grommet fastener of

[0031] Figure 5A is along Figure 4 line A-A shown in Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the pin and grommet fastener of

[0032] Figure 5B is along Figure 4 line B-B shown in Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the pin and grommet fastener of

[0033] Figure 6A is along Figure 4 line A-A of Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the pin and grommet fastener of

[0034] Figure 6B is along Figure 4 line B-B of Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the pin and grommet fastener of

[0035] Figure 7A is along Figure 4 line A-A of Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the pin and grommet fastener of

[0036] Figure 7B is along Figure 4taken along line B-B of Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the pin and grommet fastener, where the fastener is shown in a fully installed state;

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another example of a pin and grommet fastener according to the present disclosure, the fastener including a pin and a grommet;

[0038] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is Figure 8 Perspective view of the pin;

[0039] Figure 11 is Figure 8 Perspective view of the grommet;

[0040] Figure 12 is Figure 8 Enlarged perspective view of a part of the grommet;

[0041] Figure 13 is taken along Figure 11 the line 13-13 shown in Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of a part of the grommet;

[0042] Figure 14 is Figure 8 Top view of a part of the grommet;

[0043] Figure 15 is Figure 8 Sectional perspective view of a part of the pin and grommet fastener;

[0044] Figure 16 is of the Figure 8 Top view of the pin and grommet fastener in a shipping state;

[0045] Figure 17 is of the Figure 8 Side view of the pin and grommet fastener in a shipping state, where a part of the fastener is inserted into a hole in the panel;

[0046] Figure 18 is of the Figure 8 Pin and grommet fastener in an installed state relative to the hole in the panel;

[0047] Figure 19 is of the Figure 8 Pin and grommet fastener in an installed state relative to the hole in the panel;

[0048] Figure 20 is a perspective view of an example of a pin that includes a convex portion and a concave portion, and the pin can be used to replace the Figure 8 pin;

[0049] Figure 21 is Figure 20 a cross-sectional view of a pin;

[0050] Figure 22 is Figure 20 a perspective view of a concave member of a pin;

[0051] Figure 23 is Figure 20 a perspective view of a convex portion of a pin;

[0052] Figure 24 is Figure 20 a top view of a convex portion of a pin;

[0053] Figure 25 is Figure 20 a side view of a convex portion of a pin;

[0054] Figure 26 is a part of a pin and grommet fastener including Figure 8 a grommet and Figure 20 a pin; and a perspective view; and

[0055] Figure 27 is Figure 8 a magnified perspective view of the engagement between a grommet and Figure 20 a pin, which engagement prevents the pin from being withdrawn from the grommet;

[0056] In the drawings, reference numerals may be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Now referring to Figures 1 to 4 , a pin and grommet fastener 10 may be used to attach a vehicle component (such as a bumper spacer) to a vehicle panel 12 having a hole 14 ( Figure 6A ). The pin and grommet fastener 10 locks while being inserted into the panel 12. The pin and grommet fastener 10 includes a grommet 16 and a pin 18. The grommet 16 may be integrated into a bracket and / or into a component to be attached to the panel 12. The grommet 16 and the pin 18 may be made of a thermoplastic material, such as acetal, nylon, or glass-filled polypropylene.

[0058] The grommet 16 includes a base 20 having an elongated opening 22 ( Figure 2 ), a pair of panel locking fingers 24, and a pair of pin locking fingers 26. The panel locking fingers 24 and the pin locking fingers 26 project from the base 20 adjacent to the opening 22. The panel locking fingers 24 are spaced apart from each other along the width W ( Figure 5B ) of the opening 22. The pin locking fingers 26 are spaced apart from each other along the length L ( Figure 5A ) of the opening 22.

[0059] The grommet 16 further includes a seal 28 that projects from the base 20 and surrounds the panel locking fingers 24 and the pin locking fingers 26. The seal 28 may have the umbrella shape as shown. The panel locking fingers 24 and the pin locking fingers 26 cooperate with each other to define a pin receiving portion 30 therebetween ( Figure 2 ).

[0060] As Figure 2 best shown therein, each panel locking finger 24 has an inclined surface 32 and a shoulder 33. Each pin locking finger 26 includes a body 34 and an inclined projection 36 that projects from the body 34. The inclined projections 36 on the pin locking fingers 26 project toward each other.

[0061] As Figure 3 best shown therein, the pin 18 includes a pin head 38, a drive beam 40, a pin shaft 42 that connects the pin head 38 to the drive beam 40, a pair of knuckles 44 that project from opposite side surfaces 46 of the pin shaft 42, and a pin shaft ring 48. The pin shaft ring 48 includes a pair of wedge portions 50 that project from opposite side surfaces 52 of the pin shaft 42. The side surface 46 of the pin shaft 42 (from which the knuckles 44 project) is perpendicular to the side surface 52 of the pin shaft 42 (from which the wedge portions 50 of the pin shaft ring 48 project). The wedge portions 50 of the pin shaft ring 48 cooperate with the pin head 38 to define a pair of locking grooves 54 therebetween. The drive beam 40 includes a pair of semi-cylindrical portions 56.

[0062] In Figure 2 the example shown, the grommet 16 further includes a pair of ribs 58 that project from the base 20. In Figure 3 the example shown, the pin 18 further includes a disc-shaped base 60, a pair of annular lips 62 that project radially from the base 60, and a retaining tab 64. The drive beam 40 and the pin shaft 42 project from a first side 66 of the base 60, and the retaining tab 64 projects from a second side 68 of the base 60 that is opposite the first side 66.

[0063] Now referring Figure 5A to Figure 5B , the pin 18 can be assembled to the grommet 16 (e.g., for shipping) by inserting the pin 18 in a first direction 70 into an opening 22 in the base 20 of the grommet 16 and into the pin receiving portion 30 of the grommet 16. When the pin 18 is inserted into the pin receiving portion 30 (e.g., using the retaining tab 64), the knuckles 44 on the pin shaft 42 engage the panel locking fingers 24, causing the panel locking fingers 24 to bend away from each other. In addition, the pin head 38 and the pin shaft ring 48 engage the inclined projections 36 on the pin locking fingers 26, causing the pin locking fingers 26 to bend away from each other. In addition, the annular lips 62 on the pin 18 engage the holes 22 in the base 20 of the grommet 16 to seal the interface between the grommet 16 and the pin 18.

[0064] The pin 18 is inserted in a first direction 70 until the knuckle 44 on the pin shaft 42 moves past the panel locking finger 24, as Figure 5B shown, and the pin head 38 and the pin shaft collar 48 move past the inclined projection 36 on the pin locking finger 26, as Figure 5A shown. At this time, the inclined projection 36 on the pin locking finger 26 engages the pin shaft 42, thereby holding the pin head 38 in the pin receiving portion 30. When the pin locking finger 26 is in the relaxed state as Figure 2 shown, the distance D between the inclined projections 36 can be less than the width W of the pin shaft 42 ( Figure 5A ), such that the pin locking finger 26 biases the inclined projections 36 toward the pin shaft 42 to hold the pin 18 in place relative to the grommet 16.

[0065] Now referring to Figure 6A and Figure 6B , the fastener 10 can be fixed to the panel 12 by moving the grommet 16 toward the panel 12 to insert the panel locking finger 24, the pin locking finger 26, and the pin head 38 into the hole 14 in the panel 12 in the first direction 70. Accordingly, the panel 12 engages the drive beam 40, causing the pin 18 to move relative to the grommet 16 in a second direction 72 opposite to the first direction 70. As a result, the knuckle 44 on the pin shaft 42 engages the inclined surface 32 of the panel locking finger 24, forcing the panel locking fingers 24 to bend away from each other, as Figure 6B shown. In addition, the wedge portion 50 of the pin shaft collar 48 begins to move past the inclined projection 36 on the pin locking finger 26, as Figure 6A shown.

[0066] Now referring to Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the grommet 16 is moved toward the panel 12 until the rib 58 on the grommet 16 engages the panel 12. At this time, the inclined projection 36 on the pin locking finger 26 engages the locking groove 54, as Figure 7A shown, thereby holding the pin 18 in a position where the knuckle 44 continuously forces the panel locking fingers 24 to bend apart, as Figure 7B shown. This inhibits the extraction of the fastener 10 from the hole 14 in the panel 12. In addition, the shoulder 33 on the panel locking finger 24 engages the portion of the panel 12 surrounding the hole 14, which further inhibits the extraction of the fastener 10 from the hole 14. In addition, the seal 28 presses against the panel 12, which seals the interface between the panel 12 and the grommet 16 surrounding the hole 14. Therefore, the presence of the seal 28 obviates the need for an external seal (i.e., an additional component). In addition, the presence of the pin locking finger 26 improves the shear and peel performance of the fastener 10.

[0067] Now referring to Figures 8 to 15, the pin and grommet fastener 80 can also be used to attach a vehicle component (such as a bumper spacer) to a vehicle panel 82 having a hole 84 ( Figure 17 ). The pin and grommet fastener 80 includes a grommet 86 and a pin 88. The grommet 86 can be integrated into a bracket and / or integrated into a component to be attached to the panel 82. The grommet 86 and the pin 88 can be made of a thermoplastic material, such as acetal, nylon, or glass-filled polypropylene.

[0068] As Figures 11 to 14 best shown in, the grommet 86 includes a base 90 having an elongated opening 92, a pair of panel locking fingers 94, and a pair of pin locking fingers 96. The panel locking fingers 94 and the pin locking fingers 96 project from the base 90 adjacent to the opening 92. The panel locking fingers 94 are spaced apart from each other along the width W of the opening 92. The pin locking fingers 96 are spaced apart from each other along the length L of the opening 92. The panel locking fingers 94 and the pin locking fingers 96 cooperate with each other to define a pin receiving portion 98 therebetween. The grommet 86 further includes a pair of ribs 100 projecting from the base 90.

[0069] Each panel locking finger 94 has a first side surface 102 and a second side surface 104 opposite to the first side surface 102. The first side surface 102 of each panel locking finger 94 defines a locking groove 106 and a lead chamfer 108 therein. The second side surface 104 of each panel locking finger 94 defines a shoulder 110. The first side surface 102 and the second side surface 104 are planar.

[0070] Each pin locking finger 96 has a first side surface 112, a second side surface 114 opposite to the first side surface 112, an axial end surface 116, and a rectangular slot 118 extending through the first side surface 112 and the second side surface 114 ( Figure 13 ). In addition, each pin locking finger 96 includes a boss 120 projecting from its first side surface 112 and a rib 122 projecting from its second side surface 114. The first and second side surfaces 112 and 114 are curved. In the illustrated example, the boss 120 is cylindrical. However, the boss 120 can have other shapes.

[0071] As Figure 9 and Figure 10 best shown in, the pin 88 includes a pin head 124, a pin base 126, connecting the pin head 124 to the pin base 126 while allowing the pin head 124 to rotate about its longitudinal axis 129 ( Figure 8)A pair of rotating tethers 128, and a drive beam 130 protruding from the pin base 126. The pin head 124, the pin base 126, the tethers 128, and the drive beam 130 form a single continuous piece. The drive beam 130 is not directly connected to the pin head 124. Instead, the pin base 126 and the tethers 128 connect the drive beam 130 to the pin head 124.

[0072] The pin head 124 has a pair of first side surfaces 132, a pair of second side surfaces 134, a pair of locking protrusions 136, a pair of guiding grooves 138 defined in the first side surfaces 132, and a pair of rectangular pockets 140 defined in the second side surfaces 134. The first side surfaces 132 are curved and face each other. The radius of curvature of the first side surfaces 132 of the pin head 124 can be equal to the radius of curvature of the first side surface 112 and the second side surface 114 of the pin locking fingers 96 ( Figure 14 ). The second side surfaces 134 are planar and face each other.

[0073] The locking protrusions 136 protrude from the opposite corners of the pin head 124 at the intersection between the first side surfaces 132 and the second side surfaces 134. Each guiding groove 138 includes an axial portion 142 extending along the longitudinal axis 129 and an angled portion 144 oriented at an acute angle with respect to the axial portion 142. The depth of the angled portion 144 is greater than the depth of the axial portion 142.

[0074] The pin base 126 includes a disc-shaped portion 146 and a cylindrical portion 148 protruding from the disc-shaped portion 146 and coaxial with the disc-shaped portion 146. The pin base 126 has a pair of holes 150 extending through the disc-shaped portion 146 and the cylindrical portion 148. The holes 150 allow tools to access for assembling the pin 88 to the grommet 86. For example, when assembling the pin 88 to the grommet 86, a tool can be inserted through the holes 150 to manipulate the pin head 124. The drive beam 130 includes a pair of triangular blocks 152 protruding from the cylindrical portion 148 of the pin base 126.

[0075] As Figure 15 best shown, the pin 88 is assembled to the grommet 86 by aligning the axial portion 142 of the guiding groove 138 in the pin head 124 with the boss 120 on the pin locking fingers 96 and inserting the pin head 124 into the pin receiving portion 98 in the first direction 154. When the pin head 124 is inserted into the pin receiving portion 98, the boss 120 on the pin locking fingers 96 moves through the axial portion 142 of the guiding groove 138. In addition, the locking protrusions 136 on the pin head 124 engage the first side surfaces 112 of the pin locking fingers 96, causing the pin locking fingers 96 to bend away from each other.

[0076] The pin head 124 is inserted into the pin receiving portion 98 until the locking projection 136 on the pin head 124 moves past the pin locking finger 96. At this time, the pin locking finger 96 returns to its relaxed state, and the axial end surface 116 of the pin locking finger 96 engages the locking projection 136, thereby preventing the pin head 124 from being withdrawn from the pin receiving portion 98. In addition, the boss 120 on the pin locking finger 96 engages the angled section 144 of the guide groove 138 in the pin head 124.

[0077] Now referring to Figure 16 and Figure 17 , to secure the fastener 80 to the panel 82, the pin 88 is assembled to the grommet 86 as discussed above and as Figure 16 shown. The fastener 80 is then moved toward the panel 82 to insert the panel locking fingers 94, the pin locking finger 96, and the pin head 124 into the hole 84 in the panel 82 in the first direction 154. Accordingly, the panel 82 engages the drive beam 130 as Figure 17 shown, causing the pin 88 to move relative to the grommet 86 in a second direction 156 opposite to the first direction 154.

[0078] Now referring to Figure 15 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 , when the pin 88 moves relative to the grommet 86 in the second direction 156, the boss 120 on the pin locking finger 96 moves through the angled portion 144 of the guide groove 138, causing the pin head 124 to rotate about its axis 129 in a third direction 158. The boss 120 moves through the angled portion 144 rather than moving backward through the axial portion 142 because the depth of the angled portion 144 is greater than the depth of the axial portion 142. When the pin head 124 rotates in the third direction 158, the locking projection 136 on the pin head 124 engages the first side surface 102 of the panel locking finger 94, causing the panel locking fingers 94 to bend away from each other. When this engagement initially occurs, the locking projection 136 engages the lead chamfer 108 on the first side surface 102, which reduces the required installation force.

[0079] Fastener 80 presses against panel 82 to rotate pin head 124 in a third direction 158 until rib 100 on grommet 86 engages panel 82. At this time, pin head 124 has rotated a certain angle (e.g., 45 degrees) in the third direction 158, and locking protrusion 136 on pin head 124 engages locking groove 106 in panel locking finger 94. This engagement prevents pin head 124 from rotating, thus locking pin head 124 in place relative to grommet 86. In addition, when locking protrusion 136 on pin head 124 engages locking groove 106 in panel locking finger 94, panel locking fingers 94 move towards each other but do not return to their relaxed state. Therefore, this engagement locks pin head 124 in a position where locking protrusion 136 continuously forces panel locking fingers 94 to bend apart, thereby preventing fastener 80 from being pulled out of hole 84 in panel 82. In addition, shoulder 110 on panel locking finger 24 engages a portion of panel 82 surrounding hole 84, which further inhibits fastener 80 from being pulled out of hole 84.

[0080] Now referring to Figures 20 to 25 , a pin 160 can be used instead of pin 88 in fastener 80. Pin 160 has a longitudinal axis 161 and includes a pin base 162 and a pin body 164. Pin base 162 and pin body 164 can be made of a thermoplastic material, such as acetal, nylon, or glass-filled polypropylene.

[0081] Pin base 162 includes a tubular body 166, an annular flange 168, and a drive beam 170. Tubular body 166 has an inner radial surface 172, an outer radial surface 174, a first axial end 175, and a second axial end 176. Inner radial surface 172 of tubular body 166 defines a hole 177 extending through tubular body 166. Annular flange 168 projects radially outward from outer radial surface 174 of tubular body 166. Drive beam 170 includes a pair of rectangular blocks 178 projecting radially outward from outer radial surface 174 of tubular body 166. First axial end 175 of tubular body 166 has a recessed surface 179. Second axial end 176 of tubular body 166 bends radially inward.

[0082] Pin body 164 includes a pin head 180 and a pin shaft 182 projecting from pin head 180. Pin body 164 has a hole 183 extending through pin head 180 and pin shaft 182. Pin head 180 has a pair of first side surfaces 184, a pair of second side surfaces 186, a pair of locking protrusions 188, a pair of guiding grooves 190 defined in first side surfaces 184, and a plurality of bumps 192. First side surfaces 184 are curved and face each other. The radius of curvature of first side surfaces 184 of pin head 180 can be equal to the radius of curvature of first side surface 112 and second side surface 114 of pin locking finger 96 ( Figure 14 ). Second side surfaces 186 are planar and face each other.

[0083] The locking protrusions 188 project from opposite corners of the pin head 180 at the intersection between the first side surface 184 and the second side surface 186. Each guiding groove 190 includes an axial portion 194 extending along the longitudinal axis 161 and an angled portion 196 oriented at an acute angle relative to the axial portion 194. The depth of the angled portion 196 is greater than the depth of the axial portion 194. The pin shaft 182 has legs 198 projecting from its axial end 200. The legs 198 have locking grooves 202 defined therein.

[0084] To assemble the pin body 164 to the pin base 162, the pin shaft 182 is inserted into the hole 177 in the tubular body 166. During insertion, the second axial end 176 of the tubular body 166 engages the legs 198 of the pin shaft 192, causing the legs 198 to bend radially inwardly towards each other. The pin shaft 182 is inserted into the hole 177 in the tubular body 166 until the bump 192 on the pin head 180 engages the recessed surface 179 on the first axial end 175 of the tubular body 166, as Figure 21 shown. At this time, the legs 198 return to their relaxed state, and the second axial end 176 of the tubular body 166 engages the locking grooves 202 in the side surfaces 202 of the legs 198, thereby fixing the pin shaft 182 to the tubular body 166.

[0085] The pin body 164 is rotatable relative to the pin base 162 about the longitudinal axis 161 of the pin 160. The recessed surface 179 of the pin base 162 can be smooth to reduce friction when the pin body 164 rotates relative to the pin base 162. In addition, the bump 192 on the pin head 180 further reduces friction.

[0086] Now referring to Figure 26 and Figure 27 , the pin 160 is shown assembled to the grommet 86. The pin 160 is assembled to the grommet 86 in the same manner as the pin 88 is assembled to the grommet 86. In addition, the fastener including the pin 160 and the grommet 86 can be fixed to the panel in the same manner as the fastener 80 is fixed to the panel.

[0087] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Thus, while the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon study of the drawings, the specification, and the appended claims. In addition, although each embodiment above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if not explicitly described in that combination. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutations of one or more of the embodiments with each other are still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using a variety of terms, including “connected,” “engaged,” “coupled,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “disposed.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between a first element and a second element in the foregoing disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first element and the second element, but can also be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist (spatially or functionally) between the first element and the second element.

[0089] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply an order or sequence unless the context clearly dictates. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0090] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used herein, such as "inner", "outer", "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the drawings to another element or feature. The spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can cover both an orientation above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0091] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean a logical (A OR B OR C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C".

Claims

1. A pin and grommet fastener configured to be secured within a hole in a panel, the pin and grommet fastener comprises: a grommet including a base having an opening, a pair of panel locking fingers projecting from the base adjacent the opening, and a pair of pin locking fingers projecting from the base adjacent the opening, the panel locking fingers and the pin locking fingers cooperating with each other to define a pin receiving portion therebetween; and a pin including a pin head, a drive beam connected to the pin head, and a pair of protrusions, wherein when the pin head is inserted through the opening in the base of the grommet and into the pin receiving portion of the grommet, the pin locking fingers engage the pin to hold the pin head in the pin receiving portion, and when the panel locking fingers, the pin locking fingers, and the pin head are inserted into the hole in the panel in a first direction, the panel engages the drive beam to move the pin relative to the grommet in a second direction opposite to the first direction, which causes the protrusions on the pin to engage the panel locking fingers to force the panel locking fingers to bend away from each other and prevent the fastener from being withdrawn from the hole in the panel.

2. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the base of the grommet is elongated, the panel locking fingers are spaced apart from each other along the width of the opening, and the pin locking fingers are spaced apart from each other along the length of the opening.

3. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the protrusions on the pin engage the panel locking fingers to force the panel locking fingers to bend apart, the pin locking fingers engage the pin head to hold the pin in a position where the protrusions continuously force the panel locking fingers to bend apart.

4. The pin and grommet fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pin further includes a pin shaft connecting the pin head to the drive beam, and the protrusions on the pin are knuckles projecting from the pin shaft.

5. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 4, wherein the pin further includes a pin shaft ring projecting from the pin shaft and cooperating with the pin head to define a pair of locking grooves, and the pin locking fingers include a pair of protrusions configured to engage the locking grooves on the pin to hold the pin head in the pin receiving portion.

6. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 5, wherein when the pin is inserted into the pin receiving portion of the grommet and the pin head and the pin shaft ring move past the protrusions on the pin locking fingers, the protrusions on the pin locking fingers engage the pin shaft to hold the pin head in the pin receiving portion.

7. The pin and grommet fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The side surface of the pin head defines a guiding groove, and the pin locking finger includes a boss which engages the guiding groove when the pin head is located within the pin receiving portion, such that when the pin moves relative to the grommet in the second direction due to the engagement between the drive beam and the panel, the engagement between the boss and the guiding groove causes the pin head to rotate relative to the drive beam about its axis.

8. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 7, wherein, when the pin head rotates due to the movement of the pin in the second direction and the engagement between the boss and the guiding groove, the protrusion projects from the side surface of the pin head and engages the side surface of the panel locking finger, thereby causing the panel locking finger to bend apart.

9. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 8, wherein, when the pin head is inserted into the pin receiving portion and the protrusion on the pin head moves past the pin locking finger, the axial end surface of the pin locking finger engages the protrusion, thereby preventing the pin head from being withdrawn from the pin receiving portion.

10. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, the panel locking finger defines a locking groove, and when the pin head has rotated a first amount, the protrusion on the pin head engages the locking groove in the panel locking finger, and the engagement between the protrusion and the locking groove prevents the pin head from rotating, thereby locking the pin head in place relative to the grommet.

11. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 10, wherein, the locking groove is defined in the first side surface of the pin locking finger, the panel locking finger further includes a hanging portion protruding from its second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and when the panel locking finger is inserted through the hole in the panel, the hanging portion on the panel locking finger engages the back side of the panel, thereby further preventing the fastener from being withdrawn from the hole in the panel.

12. The pin and grommet fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a tether which connects the pin head to the drive beam while allowing the pin head to rotate about its axis.

13. The pin and grommet fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a tubular body having an outer radial surface from which the drive beam protrudes, wherein, the pin further includes a pin shaft which protrudes from the pin head and is configured to be fixed within the tubular body by snap fit to connect the pin head to the drive beam.

14. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 13, wherein, the pin shaft has legs protruding from its axial ends, the legs having side surfaces in which grooves are defined, and the tubular body has an annular flange protruding radially outward therefrom, the annular flange engaging the grooves in the legs to fix the pin shaft to the tubular body when the pin shaft is inserted into the tubular body.

15. A pin and grommet fastener which is configured to be fixed within a hole in a panel, the pin and grommet fastener Comprising: A grommet, the grommet including a base having an opening, a pair of panel locking fingers projecting from the base adjacent to the opening, and a pair of pin locking fingers projecting from the base adjacent to the opening, the panel locking fingers and the pin locking fingers cooperating with each other to define a pin receiving portion therebetween, the pin locking fingers including protrusions projecting towards each other; and A pin, the pin including a pin head, a drive beam, a pin shaft connecting the pin head to the drive beam, knuckles projecting from opposite side surfaces of the pin shaft, and pin shaft rings projecting from opposite side surfaces of the pin shaft and cooperating with the pin head to define a pair of locking grooves, wherein when the pin head and the pin shaft are inserted through the opening in the base of the grommet and into the pin receiving portion of the grommet, the protrusions on the pin locking fingers engage the pin shaft, thereby holding the pin head in the pin receiving portion, and when the panel locking fingers, the pin locking fingers and the pin head are inserted into a hole in the panel in a first direction, the panel engages the drive beam, thereby moving the pin in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the grommet, which causes the knuckles on the pin shaft to engage the panel locking fingers, thereby forcing the panel locking fingers to bend away from each other, and when the pin shaft rings move past the protrusions on the pin locking fingers in the second direction, the protrusions engage the locking grooves in the pin, thereby holding the pin in a position where the knuckles continuously force the panel locking fingers to bend apart, which prevents the fastener from being pulled out of the hole in the panel.

16. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 15, wherein, The opening in the base of the grommet is elongate, the panel locking fingers are spaced apart from each other along the width of the opening, the pin locking fingers are spaced apart from each other along the length of the opening, and the side surface from which the knuckles of the pin shaft project is perpendicular to the side surface from which the pin shaft rings of the pin shaft project.

17. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The grommet further includes a seal projecting from the base, surrounding the panel and pin locking fingers, and the seal is configured to press against the panel when the panel locking fingers, the pin locking fingers and the pin head are inserted into a hole in the panel and the protrusions on the pin locking fingers engage the locking grooves in the pin.

18. A pin and grommet fastener configured to be fixed into a hole in a panel, the pin and grommet fastener comprising: A grommet, the grommet including a base, a pair of panel locking fingers projecting from the base, and a pair of pin locking fingers projecting from the base, the panel locking fingers and the pin locking fingers cooperating with each other to define a pin receiving portion therebetween, the panel locking fingers having side surfaces defining locking grooves therein, the pin locking fingers including bosses projecting from their side surfaces; and A pin, the pin including a pin head and a drive beam connected to the pin head, the pin head including protrusions protruding from a side surface of the pin head, the side surface of the pin head defining a guiding groove, wherein when the pin head is inserted into the pin receiving portion of the grommet such that the protrusions on the pin head move past the pin locking fingers, an axial end surface of the pin locking fingers engages the protrusions, thereby preventing the pin head from being withdrawn from the pin receiving portion, and when the panel locking fingers, the pin locking fingers and the pin head are inserted into the hole in the panel in a first direction, the panel engages the drive beam, thereby causing the pin to move relative to the grommet in a second direction opposite to the first direction, correspondingly, the engagement between the boss and the guiding groove causes the pin head to rotate about its axis relative to the drive beam, which causes the protrusions on the pin head to engage the panel locking fingers, thereby forcing the panel locking fingers to bend away from each other, and when the pin head has rotated a first amount, the protrusions engage the locking groove, which prevents the pin head from rotating and thereby locks the pin head in place relative to the grommet and prevents the fastener from being withdrawn from the hole in the panel.

19. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 18, further comprising a tether that connects the pin head to the drive beam while allowing the pin head to rotate about its axis, wherein, the pin head, the drive beam and the tether form a single continuous piece.

20. The pin and grommet fastener according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising a tubular body having an outer radial surface and axially end portions that are radially inwardly curved, the drive beam protruding from the outer radial surface, wherein, the pin further includes a pin shaft protruding from the pin head, the pin shaft having legs protruding from its axial end portions, the legs having side surfaces that define grooves therein, and the axially end portions of the tubular body engage the grooves in the legs, thereby fixing the pin shaft to the tubular body when the pin shaft is inserted into the tubular body.

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