Fastener assembly with component isolation gasket

Abstract

A fastener assembly configured to be securely coupled to a component includes a bushing, a fastener, and a washer. The bushing is an extrusion limiting bushing, and comprises a flange, a sleeve and an elastic part, a tube extending from the flange; and a central channel formed through the flange and the tube, where at least one protrusion extends from the tube to the central channel, and where the at least one protrusion is spaced apart from the flange. The fastener is coupled to the bushing and has a radial neck ring, wherein the fastener is configured to be at least partially retained within the central channel by the at least one protrusion. The gasket is coupled to the bushing and located between the flange of the bushing and the radial neck ring of the fastener.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on October 6, 2017, with international application number PCT / US2017 / 055486, national application number 2017800691656, and entitled "Fastener Assembly with Component Isolation Washer".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications This application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 419,701, filed November 9, 2016, entitled “Fastener Assembly,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to fastener assemblies, and more specifically, to fastener assemblies including component isolation washers. Background Technology

[0004] Various components include panels, parts, or other such objects that are connected to each other. For example, automotive components include various panels and structures that are attached to other panels or structures or to the vehicle body. Fasteners are used to secure the various components to different parts of the vehicle.

[0005] Fasteners are used to hold various components together in a variety of applications. One type of fastener assembly includes bolts positioned within metal bushings. Each metal bushing includes a generally flat flange integrally connected to a hollow post, which is typically perpendicular to the flange. The post is located within a channel or opening formed through a workpiece component that is secured to and removed from another component by the fastener assembly.

[0006] To attach a known H-type washer to a component, the washer is pushed through a hole in the component, and then a metal stamping or bushing is pushed into the washer. This process is difficult and cumbersome, requiring relatively high insertion forces and component strength. That is, the force required to insert the washer into the hole in the component and the bushing can damage the washer and / or the component. In fact, components made of certain materials, such as carbon fiber, may not be able to withstand the high insertion forces required to insert the washer into the component. Summary of the Invention

[0007] There is a need for a washer that can be easily, safely, and securely attached to components. Furthermore, there is a need for a simpler process for securing the washer to the components.

[0008] In view of these needs, certain embodiments of this disclosure provide a fastener assembly configured to be securely coupled to a component. The fastener assembly includes a compression-restricting bushing, a fastener coupled to the compression-restricting bushing, and a washer coupled to the compression-restricting bushing. A gap is defined between one or both of the compression-restricting bushing or the fastener and the washer. When the fastener assembly is pushed into an opening in the component, at least a portion of the washer is configured to move into the gap. The washer is configured to be securely coupled to the component.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the washer includes a nose. A portion of the washer configured to move into a gap may include the nose. An annular flange is coupled to the nose. A central channel is located between the nose and the annular flange. The central channel is configured to securely retain an edge of a component that defines an opening in which a fastener assembly is configured to be disposed. A central hole passes through the nose, the annular flange, and the central channel. A portion of the bushing and a portion of the fastener are retained within the central hole. The nose may include a beveled end. In at least one embodiment, the washer includes a first nose and a second nose coupled to each other. The first and second noses may include recessed spaces.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the bushing includes a flange, a tube extending from the flange, and a central channel formed through the flange and the central tube. The shaft of the fastener can be retained within the central channel.

[0011] At least one protrusion may extend from the tube into the central channel. The protrusion is configured to interact with at least a portion of the fastener to limit relative movement between the fastener and the bushing.

[0012] The bushing may include one or more retaining protrusions extending inward from the inner wall of the tube into a central channel. The retaining protrusions are configured to be held by at least one notch formed in the shaft of the fastener.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the fastener includes a head having a radial collar and a shaft connected to the head. The shaft includes a first section extending from the head, an inwardly recessed circumferential notch formed at the end of the first section, a radially extending radially and outwardly protrusion near the notch, an inwardly inclined ramp from the protrusion, and a second section having a distal end.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the bushing tube is configured to be inserted into and pushed into a central hole formed through the washer. A fastener is configured to be attached to the bushing after it has been attached to the washer.

[0015] The washer can be axially constrained between the neck of the fastener and the flange of the bushing.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter of the tube fitting within the central bore of the washer is smaller than the diameter of the central bore. A gap is defined between the inner walls of the washer, which define the central bore and the outer surface of the tube.

[0017] The washer may include at least one protrusion extending into a central bore. The protrusion is configured to interact with at least a portion of the bushing to limit relative movement between the bushing and the washer. For example, a plurality of first protrusions and a plurality of second protrusions may be separated by an annular space. In at least one embodiment, a retaining foot of the bushing is configured to be held in a pre-assembled position within the annular space between the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions. The protrusion may include inwardly oriented ridges. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A first end perspective view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A second end perspective view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A third end view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 The gasket shown is based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The axial sectional view obtained by section line 4-4.

[0022] Figure 5 A perspective view of a compression limiting bushing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 A perspective view of a fastener according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 A first end perspective view of a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 8 A second end perspective view of a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 9 The fastener assembly shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is constructed by... Figure 7 The axial sectional view obtained by cutting line 9-9.

[0027] Figure 10 A top perspective view of a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 11 A top perspective view of a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 12 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly initially fitted into an opening in a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 13 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly securely connected to a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 14 A first end perspective view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 15 A second end perspective view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 16 A first end view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 17 The gasket shown is based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 The axial sectional view obtained by cutting line 17-17.

[0035] Figure 18 An axial sectional view of a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 19 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly initially fitted into an opening in a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 20 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly securely connected to a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 21 A first end perspective view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 22 A second end perspective view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 23 An axial sectional view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 24 A perspective view of a bushing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 25 A perspective view of a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 26 An axial sectional view of a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 27An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly initially fitted into an opening in a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 28 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly securely connected to a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 29 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener being withdrawn from a bushing of a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] Figure 30 An axial sectional view of a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Before explaining the embodiments of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. It should also be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of "comprising" and "including," and variations thereof, means to include the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as any additional items and their equivalents. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a fastener assembly including a confining compression limiter and molded elastomeric members (e.g., washers) providing noise, vibration, and / or material isolation on both sides of a component (e.g., a portion of a hood). The fastener assembly holds the fastener and the confined washer coupled to the component. In at least one embodiment, a gap (e.g., a void region) is formed during insertion to allow the washer material to deform, enabling the fastener assembly to be secured to the component using a lower insertion force (compared to known H-type washer fastener assemblies). As a portion of the washer is pushed into an opening in the component, the washer can deform by bending inward, compressing, flattening, or otherwise moving into the gap.

[0050] Compared to previous designs, embodiments of this disclosure provide an improved fastener assembly. In previous designs, the conventional "H-type" washer was pushed through a hole in the component, and then a metal stamp or bushing was pushed into the washer, which typically proved difficult and cumbersome, and usually required high insertion forces and high component strength. Embodiments of this disclosure provide a fastener assembly configured to be inserted using reduced forces. Embodiments of this disclosure can be used in applications where high insertion forces may not be tolerated, such as carbon fiber components.

[0051] Fastener assemblies provide additional features for noise, vibration, and / or material isolation between components (e.g., a portion of a hood) and the fastener assembly. The fastener assembly is configured to provide a low insertion force between the fastener assembly / restrictor and the washer by allowing a buffered area of ​​the washer material to deform inward during installation. In at least one embodiment, the fastener assembly is configured to have additional retraction, thereby allowing the use of shorter restrictors and washers, resulting in reduced cost and material usage.

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a robust fastening system and method that offers greater clamping force compared to prior ball-end bolt designs, which are prone to loosening, for example, during impact testing. The threaded joint fastening method according to embodiments of this disclosure can be designed to be twisted to a desired clamping load.

[0053] The embodiments disclosed herein offer cost savings over conventional two-piece snap-fit ​​designs that require two limiters, two washers, and components for holding the two sides together, as no second washer or additional retaining components are needed.

[0054] The embodiments disclosed herein offer an improvement over previous designs due to their ease of installation at tiered suppliers and engine component OEM customers. Previous designs did not secure fasteners or nuts to engine components before shipping them to the engine assembly plant. Instead, previous designs typically required manual attachment of components to covers or plastic parts, which were then manually attached to the engine.

[0055] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first end of a gasket 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The first end may be a top end, a bottom end, a side end, etc., depending on the orientation of the gasket 100. The gasket 100 includes a body 102, which may be formed of a flexible and elastic material. For example, the gasket 100 may be formed of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0056] The body 102 of the gasket 100 includes a nose 104 connected to an annular flange 106. The nose 104 may include a beveled end 108. An intermediate annular channel 110 is formed between the nose 104 and the annular flange 106. A central channel or hole 112 is formed through the body 102. The central hole 112 extends through the nose 104 and the annular flange 106 and may be coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 114 of the gasket 100. The central hole 112 includes a first opening 116 formed through the annular flange 106 and a second opening 118 formed through the nose 104. The annular flange 106 includes an annular plane 120 surrounding the first opening 116, an outer annular wall 122, and a circumferential inner wall 124 defining a portion of the central hole 112.

[0057] Figure 2A second end perspective view of the gasket 100 is shown. The nose portion 104 includes an exposed lip 126 connected to an outer annular chamfered wall 128 that expands outward from the lip 126 to an annular protrusion 130, the annular protrusion 130 defining a portion of a channel 110. The channel 110 is defined by the protrusion 130 of the nose portion 104, the outer wall 132 with a reduced diameter, and an annular protrusion 134 of the circumference 106 opposite to the protrusion 130 of the nose portion 104.

[0058] Figure 3 A first end view of washer 100 is shown. As shown, a central hole 112 extends through the length of washer 100. As described above, the central hole 112 can be coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 114 of washer 100.

[0059] Figure 4 It shows that washer 100 passes through Figure 3 The axial cross-sectional view is obtained by section line 4-4. The circumferential inner wall 124 of the annular flange 106 can slope inward from the opening 116 toward the first end 135 of the cylindrical intermediate wall 136 near the channel 110 (i.e., the diameter decreases). The circumferential inner wall 138 of the nose 104 can slope outward from the second end 137 of the intermediate wall 136 (i.e., the diameter increases) toward the opening 118. The central hole 112 is defined by the inner surfaces of the circumferential inner wall 124, the intermediate wall 124, and the circumferential inner wall 138. Alternatively, the circumferential inner walls 124 and 138 can be cylindrical instead of sloped inward or outward.

[0060] Figure 5 A perspective view of a compression-limiting bushing 200 (or compression limiter) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The bushing 200 includes a body 202 that may be formed of metal, plastic, and / or the like. The bushing 200 includes a circumferential flange 204 and a central tube 206 extending from the flange 204. A central channel 207 is formed through the bushing 200 and may be coaxial with a central longitudinal axis 208 of the bushing 200. One or more retaining protrusions 210 extend inwardly from an inner wall 212 of the tube 206 into the central channel 207. The protrusions 210 may be hemispherical bumps, short posts, etc. As shown, the protrusions 210 may be located near an end 214 of the tube 206 remote from the flange 204.

[0061] Figure 6A perspective view of a fastener 300 (e.g., a bolt) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The fastener 300 includes a head 302 having a radial collar 304 connected to a shaft 306. In at least one embodiment, the collar 304 may be a separate component, such as a washer, coupled to the fastener 300. The shaft 306 includes a first segment 308 extending downward from the head 302. An inwardly recessed circumferential notch 310 is formed at the lower end of the first segment 308. Radial protrusions (e.g., flat protrusions 312, bulges, barbs, ridges, rims, etc.) extend radially outward below the notch 310. A ramp 314 slopes inward from the protrusion 312 to form another circumferential notch 316, which connects to a second segment 318 having a distal end 320 with a reduced diameter.

[0062] Figure 7 A first end perspective view of a fastener assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 A second end perspective view of the fastener assembly 400 is shown. Figure 9 The fastener assembly 400 is shown through Figure 7 The axial sectional view obtained by section line 9-9. (Refer to...) Figure 7-9 The fastener assembly 400 includes a washer 100 connected to a bushing 200, which in turn is connected to a fastener 300. To form the fastener assembly 400, a tube 206 of the bushing 200 can first be inserted into an opening 118 through a central hole 112 formed by a nose 104. The tube 206 is then pushed into the central hole 112.

[0063] Next, the fastener 300 is connected to the bushing 200 such that the second section 318 of the shaft 306 of the fastener 300 is located within the central channel 207 of the bushing 200. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in particular, at least one protrusion 210 of the bushing 200 can extend into a recess 210 above the protrusion 312, thereby securing the bushing 200 to the fastener 300. For example, the bushing 200 can be snap-fitted to the fastener 300 by the interaction of the protrusion 210 and the recess 210. In this way, the washer 100 is axially constrained or otherwise clamped between the neck ring 304 of the fastener 300 and the flange 204 of the bushing 200.

[0064] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A top perspective view of a component 500 (such as a portion of a hood) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Component 500 may be formed of plastic, metal, and / or composite materials, and may include a panel 502 having openings 504a and 504b formed therethrough. Openings 504a and 504b may have different sizes and / or shapes. Openings 504a and 504b may have different sizes and shapes than those shown.

[0065] Figure 12 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 400 initially fitted into an opening 504 of a component 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. To secure the fastener assembly 400 to the component 500, the exposed end 320 of the fastener 300 is pushed into the opening 504 of the component 500 in the direction of arrow A. During this movement, the nose 104 of the washer 100 abuts against the inner edge 506 of the panel 502, which defines the opening 504. Then, the neck ring 304 abuts against the flat surface 120 of the circumferential edge 106 of the washer 100.

[0066] exist Figure 12 In the pre-assembled position shown, the outer diameter 218 of the tube 206 of the bushing 200 is smaller than the diameter 150 of the central hole 112 of the washer 100. Therefore, a gap 180 is formed between the tube 206 of the bushing 200 and the washer 100. Specifically, the gap 180 is defined between the outer diameter 218 of the tube 206 and the inner diameter 150 of the defined central hole 112 of the washer 100. Thus, when the fastener assembly 400 is further pushed into the opening 504 of the component 500 in the direction of arrow A, the beveled end 108 of the nose 104 slides on the inner edge 506 and is pressed inward in the direction of arrow B. The gap 180 provides space for the nose 104 to deform inward (e.g., by bending, pressing, flattening, or otherwise deforming or moving) to allow the nose 104 to pass through the opening 504, and the inner edge 506 is held within the annular channel 110 of the washer 100. The gap 180 between the washer 100 and the bushing 200 (and the fastener 300) provides clearance or other such space volume for the deformation of the washer 100 so that the nose 104 of the washer 100 can pass through the opening 504 of the component 500.

[0067] Figure 13 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 400 securely connected to component 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 13 As shown, the nose 104 of the washer 100 has been pushed past the opening 504, causing the nose 104 to bend inward until the protrusion 130 emerges from the opening 504. At this point, the nose expands outward to its original state, and the component 500 is clamped within the channel 110. The fastener 300 can be tightened relative to the bushing 200 such that the annular flange 106 abuts against the neck ring 304 of the fastener 300, and the nose 104 abuts against the flange 204 of the bushing 200. During this tightening, the protrusion 210 of the bushing 200 disengages from the recess 310 of the fastener 300.

[0068] The gap 180 between washer 100 and bushing 200 and fastener 300 allows for positional offset between them. The positional offset caused by gap 180 allows for a wider range of tolerances between fastener assembly 400 and component 500. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the intermediate wall 136 of washer 100 can be reduced to conform to the outer surface shape of tube 206 of bushing 200, for example, through an interference fit. For instance, gap 180 may exist between washer 100 and tube 206 near the end of washer 100 but not near intermediate wall 136.

[0069] The gap 180 allows the fastener assembly 400 to be inserted into the component 500 with a lower insertion force. The washer 100 is configured to be coupled within its inner diameter to a different type of pull-out metal stamping extrusion limiter (e.g., bushing 200) such that the extrusion of the washer 100 can be limited to a desired amount on each side of the component 500.

[0070] Figure 14 A first end perspective view of a gasket 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 15 A second end perspective view of washer 100 is shown. Figure 16 A first end view of washer 100 is shown. Figure 17 It shows that washer 100 passes through Figure 16 The axial sectional view obtained by section line 17-17. (Reference) Figure 14-17 Washer 100 is similar to... Figure 1-4 The washer shown and described. Washer 100 may include a plurality of spaced-apart first protrusions 600 extending into a central bore 112 near a first opening 116. The first protrusions 600 may be inwardly facing ribs, short posts, protrusions, bumps, and / or the like. Additionally, a plurality of second protrusions 602 (e.g., posts, ribs, short posts, protrusions, bumps, etc.) extend into the central bore 112 near a second opening 118. As shown, the first protrusions 600 may be radially displaced relative to the second protrusions 602. The first protrusions 600 and the second protrusions 602 may be used in any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0071] An annular space 603 is formed between the ends of protrusions 600 and 602. The retaining foot of bushing 200 ( Figure 18 (As shown) can be securely held in the radial space between protrusions 600 and 602 at the pre-assembled position.

[0072] Figure 18 An axial sectional view of a fastener assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The fastener assembly 400 includes components relative to... Figure 14-17 Washer 100 is shown and described.

[0073] Figure 19An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 400 initially fitted into an opening 504 of a component 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 20 An axial sectional view of the fastener assembly 400 securely connected to component 500 is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 18-20 Fastener 300 and bushing 200 can be connected together, for example, by snap-fit, as described above.

[0074] Next, the sub-assembly formed by the fastener 300 and the bushing 200 can be partially inserted into the washer 100. The washer 100 is secured to the bushing 200 by a press fit or by a retaining foot 604 on the bushing resting in the gap in the center hole 112 of the washer 100 below the first protrusion 600, thereby providing a pre-assembled position or state (e.g., a "shipping" state), such as... Figure 18 As shown. When the retaining foot 604 is held between the protrusions 600 and 602 within the space 603, the first and / or second protrusions 600, 602 can abut against the outer surface of the tube 206 of the bushing 200, thereby securely connecting the washer 100 to the bushing 200 in the pre-assembled state (and thus to the fastener 300).

[0075] By applying pressure to the top of washer 100, as Figure 18 The pre-assembled fastener assembly 400 shown is pressed into the opening 504 of the component 500, as... Figure 19 As shown. Because bushing 200 is in such a position Figure 19 The partially inserted position, as shown, defines a large gap 180 between the shaft 306 of the fastener 300 and the washer 100, thereby allowing the washer to be pushed into the opening 504 of the component 500 until... Figure 20 The fully fixed position, as shown, provides an increased range of motion deflection for washer 100. Clearance 180 provides a buffer clearance that allows the nose 104 of washer 100 to deform and deflect inwards. Once washer 100 is in the fully fixed position... Figure 20 When fixed to component 500, bushing 200 is fully pressed into washer 100 and can also be held by first protrusion 600 and second protrusion 602, which are connected to tube 206. As shown, retaining foot 604 can be fixed in the enlarged notch end 606 of center hole 112.

[0076] Figure 21 A first end perspective view of a gasket 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 22 A second end perspective view of washer 100 is shown. Figure 23 An axial sectional view of washer 100 is shown. (Reference) Figure 21-23 Washer 100 is similar to the washers described above. For example... Figure 21-23As shown, the washer 100 may include protrusions, such as an inwardly pointing ridge 700, which is adjacent to the opening 116 and extends into the central hole 112. The ridge 700 may be used in any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0077] Figure 24 A perspective view of a bushing 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Bushing 200 is similar to... Figure 6 and 18 The bushing is shown and described. Bushing 200 may include retaining feet 604 opposite to flange 204. A plurality of protrusions 702 (e.g., protrusions, tabs, bumps, studs, etc.) may extend inwardly from the inner surface of tube 206 into central channel 207. Protrusions 702 may be used for bushings in any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0078] Figure 25 A perspective view of a fastener assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 26 An axial sectional view of the fastener assembly 400 is shown. Figure 27 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 400 initially fitted into an opening 504 of a component 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 28 An axial sectional view of the fastener assembly 400 securely connected to component 500 is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 25-28 , and about Figure 14-20 The described embodiment is similar, whereby foot 604 can be locked onto spine 702 (e.g.) Figure 27 As shown), to prevent the bushing 200 and fastener 300 from moving out of the washer, while providing an increased clearance 180 between the washer 100 and the shaft 306 of the fastener 300, which allows the washer 100 to move inward to a greater extent when the nose 104 is pushed into the opening 504.

[0079] Figure 29 An axial cross-sectional view is shown of a fastener 300 retracting from a bushing 200 of a fastener assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a washer 100 is secured to a component 500 such that the edge 506 of a panel 502 is confined within an annular channel 110 of the washer 100.

[0080] When the fastener 300 is retracted in the direction of arrow A' (e.g., pushed upwards), the retaining foot 604 abuts against the ridge 700 of the washer 100. Because the retaining foot 604 abuts against the ridge 700, the ridge 700 prevents further movement of the bushing 200 in the direction of arrow A'. If the fastener 300 is pulled out of the bushing 200 in the direction of arrow A', the protrusion 702 abuts against the protrusion 312 of the fastener 300, thereby ensuring that the fastener 300 remains engaged to the bushing 200.

[0081] exist Figure 21-29In the illustrated embodiment, after the bushing 200 snaps past the ridge 700, the washer 100 is free to move vertically relative to the bushing 200. The range of vertical movement is limited by the abutting interaction between the flange 204 of the bushing 200 and the annular edge 106 of the washer 100, and by the abutting interaction between the retaining foot 604 and the ridge 700. The ridge 700 may be a ring, segmented rib / protrusion, and / or the like as shown in the figure, within the central hole 112. The permissible relative movement between the washer 100, the bushing 200, and the fastener 300 allows for additional retraction of the assembly 400, specifically as follows: Figure 29 As shown.

[0082] Figure 30 An axial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the washer 100 may include opposing noses 104a and 104b, each nose having a beveled end 108. Furthermore, the annular channel 110 may include a recessed space 111 extending into the noses 104a and 104b. Figure 30 The washer 100 shown allows for easy insertion into the component. For example, the beveled ends 108 of the opposing noses 104a and 104b provide an introduction feature that allows the washer 100 to be inserted into the component from either end. Furthermore, the recessed space 111 provides increased flexibility, which allows the noses 104a and 104b to bend more easily when inserted into the holes of the component.

[0083] refer to Figure 1-30 Embodiments of this disclosure provide fastener assemblies including washers that can be easily, securely, and firmly attached to components. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure provide a simple process for securing the washers to components that is unlikely to damage the washers or components.

[0084] Although various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, lower part, center, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc. are used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only relative to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. These orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that the upper part is the lower part or vice versa, or that the horizontal becomes the vertical, etc.

[0085] All the foregoing variations and modifications are within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein are extend to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned in or becoming apparent from the text and / or drawings. All these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein illustrate the known best mode for practicing this disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize this disclosure. The claims should be construed as including alternative embodiments within the scope permitted by the prior art.

[0086] Within the scope used in the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “therein” are used as plain English equivalents of the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”. Furthermore, within the scope used in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as denoting marks and are not intended to impose any numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the following claims are not drafted in a “functionally defined” format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.SC §112(f), unless and until such a claim limitation is explicitly expressed by the phrase “means for,” which is followed by a functional statement lacking further structure.

[0087] The various features of this disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fastener assembly configured to securely engage with a component, the fastener assembly comprising: Bushing, the bushing being a compression-restricting bushing, the bushing comprising: Flange; A tube extending from the flange; and A central channel is formed through the flange and the tube, wherein at least one protrusion extends from the tube to the central channel, and wherein the at least one protrusion is spaced apart from the flange; Fasteners, the fasteners being coupled to the bushing and having radial neck rings, wherein the fasteners are configured to be at least partially retained within the central channel by the at least one protrusion; and A washer, which is attached to the bushing and located between the flange of the bushing and the radial neck ring of the fastener.

2. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the washer includes at least one nose, and wherein, in a pre-assembled state, a gap is defined between one or both of the bushing or the fastener and the at least one nose of the washer, wherein the at least one nose of the washer is configured to move into the gap when the fastener assembly is pushed axially into the opening of the component in the pre-assembled state, and wherein the washer is configured to be securely coupled to the component.

3. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one nose comprises a beveled end.

4. The fastener assembly of claim 3, wherein the washer further comprises: A ring edge, the ring edge being connected to the nose; A central channel located between the nose and the annular edge, wherein the central channel is configured to securely hold the edge of the component, the edge of the component defining an opening, and the fastener assembly is configured to be disposed in the opening; as well as A central hole passing through the nose, the annular rim, and the intermediate channel, wherein at least a portion of the bushing and at least a portion of the fastener are retained within the central hole.

5. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the washer includes a first nose and a second nose connected to the first nose, the washer further including an annular channel between the first nose and the second nose, wherein the first nose and the second nose include recessed spaces, and the annular channel extends into the recessed spaces.

6. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the protrusions is located near one end of the tube.

7. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises: Head, the head having the radial neck ring; as well as A shaft, connected to the head, wherein the shaft comprises: A first segment extends from the head; An inwardly recessed circumferential notch is formed at one end of the first section; A radial protrusion that extends radially outward near the notch; A ramp, the ramp sloping inward from the radial protrusion; and The second segment has a distal end.

8. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the tube of the bushing is configured to be inserted into and pushed into a central hole formed through the washer, and wherein the fastener is configured to be coupled to the bushing after the bushing is coupled to the washer, and wherein the tube of the bushing is configured to be inserted into the central hole of the washer from the end opposite to the radial neck of the fastener.

9. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein the outer diameter of the tube fitting within the central hole of the washer is smaller than the diameter of the central hole, wherein the gap is defined between the inner wall of the washer and the outer surface of the tube, the inner wall of the washer defining the central hole.

10. A fastener assembly configured to securely engage with a component, the fastener assembly comprising: Extrusion limiting bushing; Fasteners connected to the bushing; as well as Washers connected to the bushing; The gasket includes a first nose and a second nose connected to the first nose, and the gasket also includes an annular channel located between the first nose and the second nose, wherein the first nose and the second nose include recessed spaces, and the annular channel extends into the recessed spaces.

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