fastener

Abstract

A fastener (10) to be installed in a mounting hole of a mounting member has a body portion (12) having an engagement portion to be engaged with the mounting member, an elongated portion (14) extending from the body portion (12), and a rotation guide portion (16) connected to the elongated portion (14). The rotation guide portion (16) has an abutting surface (34) to be abutted against an edge of the mounting hole at the time of insertion of the rotation guide portion (16) into the mounting hole, and a drop prevention portion (32) to prevent the rotation guide portion (16) from dropping out of the mounting hole after the insertion of the rotation guide portion (16) into the mounting hole. The rotation guide portion (16) rotates around an axis along a longitudinal direction by the abutting surface (34) being abutted against the edge of the mounting hole at the time of insertion into the mounting hole, and the elongated portion (14) is able to be flexed in a manner twisted by the rotation of the rotation guide portion (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fasteners that are installed in mounting holes. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a clip that is mounted on a mounting hole. The clip has a pair of clips connected at the front end and a flange formed at the base end of the clips. A flexible elastic piece is formed on the clip through a slit, and a locking shoulder is provided on the elastic piece to engage with the peripheral edge of the back side of the mounting hole.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-86928 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the clamping member may detach from the mounting hole under excessive impact.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fastener that prevents the entire fastener from detaching from the mounting hole even if the fastener body detaches from the mounting hole, thereby improving installability.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a fastener mounted on a mounting member, comprising: a main body having a locking portion that engages with the mounting member; an elongated portion extending from the main body; and a rotation guide portion connected to the elongated portion. The rotation guide portion has: an abutting surface that abuts against the edge of the mounting hole when the rotation guide portion is inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting member; and an anti-dislodgement portion that prevents the rotation guide portion from dislodging from the mounting hole after insertion. When inserted into the mounting hole, the rotation guide portion rotates about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the elongated portion by abutting against the edge of the mounting hole with its abutting surface, and the elongated portion can flex in a manner that allows it to twist due to the rotation of the rotation guide portion.

[0007] Invention Effects According to the present invention, a fastener can be provided that prevents the entire fastener from detaching from the mounting hole even if the fastener body detaches from the mounting hole, thereby improving installability. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fastener of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 (a) is a front view of the fastener of the first embodiment. Figure 2 (b) is a bottom view of the fastener of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the process of installing fasteners onto a mounting component, showing the state before the rotary guide is inserted into the mounting hole formed in the mounting component.

[0011] Figure 4 (a) is viewed from below. Figure 3 The diagram shows the fasteners and mounting components. Figure 4 (b) is Figure 4 (a) is a sectional view of the fastener along line segment A-A.

[0012] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the process of installing fasteners onto a mounting component, showing the state in which the rotary guide is inserted into the mounting hole.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a diagram used to illustrate the process of installing fasteners onto mounting components, and it shows the state in which the fasteners are installed into the mounting holes.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the long strip of the fastener.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the component assembled from the fasteners of the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The exploded view of the components shown is a perspective view of the fasteners and mounting components of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fastener 10 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 2 (a) is a front view of the fastener 10 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 (b) is a bottom view of the fastener 10 of the first embodiment. The fastener 10 is used to mount components to mounting members. For example, the mounting member is a panel that constitutes a door or an armrest of a vehicle, and the component is an operation panel with opening and closing buttons for windows, etc.

[0018] The fastener 10 includes a main body 12, an elongated portion 14, and a rotation guide portion 16. The main body 12 is engaged with the edge of a mounting hole formed in a mounting member. The main body 12 has a locking foot 20, an inner extension 22, an inner protrusion 24, and a flange 26.

[0019] The locking feet 20 are formed in opposite pairs and configured to flex in an approaching or expanding manner. The lower ends of the pair of locking feet 20 are connected, and the upper ends are free ends. The locking feet 20 are locked onto the back edge of the mounting hole to prevent the main body 12 from falling out of the mounting hole. The flange 26 extends outward from the upper end of the locking feet 20 in the opposite direction and is locked onto the upper edge of the mounting hole.

[0020] The inner extension 22 extends from the inner surface of the locking foot 20 toward the lower end. The inner protrusion 24 protrudes inward from the upper end of the locking foot 20. The pair of inner extensions 22 and the pair of inner protrusions 24 clamp the boss formed on the component.

[0021] The elongated portion 14 extends from the main body 12 in the longitudinal direction. The elongated portion 14 has a strip-shaped portion 28 and a protruding portion 30. The strip-shaped portion 28 extends in the longitudinal direction. The protruding portion 30 protrudes from the strip-shaped portion 28 and extends along the longitudinal direction. The elongated portion 14 can flex in a manner that allows it to twist about an axis along the longitudinal direction by rotating the rotation guide 16, and can return to its original state after twisting. The rotation guide 16 can reciprocate between a normal reference position and a position rotated 90 degrees via the elongated portion 14.

[0022] The rotation guide 16 is connected to the elongated portion 14. The rotation guide 16 has the function of guiding rotation when the rotation guide 16 is inserted into the mounting hole and the function of preventing it from falling out of the mounting hole. The rotation guide 16 has an anti-fall portion 32, an abutment surface 34, a cut portion 36, a short diameter portion 38a, and a long diameter portion 38b.

[0023] The anti-detachment part 32 is formed to extend from the lower end of the elongated part 14 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the elongated part 14. The anti-detachment part 32 is formed in a planar shape. The anti-detachment part 32 prevents the rotating guide part 16 from falling out of the mounting hole after the rotating guide part 16 is inserted into the mounting hole.

[0024] The abutment surface 34 is located on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation guide portion 16 and is formed as a tapered shape that tapers from the edge of the anti-detachment portion 32 toward the front end. The abutment surface 34 is formed in a circumferentially curved manner, spanning from approximately the center of the long diameter portion 38b to the short diameter portion 38a. The abutment surfaces 34 are formed in pairs, located diagonally opposite to the central axis of the rotation guide portion 16, and inclined in a radially intersecting manner. The central axis of the rotation guide portion 16 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated portion 14. The abutment surface 34 abuts against the edge of the mounting hole when the rotation guide portion 16 is inserted into the mounting hole, guiding the rotation of the rotation guide portion 16.

[0025] like Figure 2As shown in (b), when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the elongated portion 14, the rotation guide portion 16 is formed in a generally parallelogram shape, having a short diameter portion 38a and a long diameter portion 38b. At the outer periphery of the anti-slip portion 32, the portion constituting the short diameter portion 38a partially overlaps with the portion constituting the long diameter portion 38b.

[0026] The cutout portions 36 are formed in pairs to cut off the lower part of the rotation guide portion 16. The pair of cutout portions 36 are located diagonally opposite to the central axis of the rotation guide portion 16. The pair of abutment surfaces 34 and the pair of cutout portions 36 are arranged alternately around the central axis of the rotation guide portion 16.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown in (a), the width W1 of the long diameter portion 38b is greater than the width W2 of the front end of the rotary guide portion 16. Therefore, the rotary guide portion 16 tapers towards the front end.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown in (b), a pair of corner portions 39 are formed on the outer periphery of the anti-detachment portion 32. The corner portions 39 are formed at acute angles θ. The abutment surface 34 is inclined at an acute angle θ from the corner portions 39, so that when the abutment surface 34 on the short diameter portion 38a side abuts against the edge of the mounting hole, it can withstand the rotational torque about the central axis.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the process of installing the fastener 10 onto the mounting member 40, showing the state before the rotary guide 16 is inserted into the mounting hole 42 formed in the mounting member 40. Figure 4 (a) is viewed from below. Figure 3 The diagram shows the fastener 10 and the mounting component 40. Figure 4 (b) is Figure 4 (a) shows a sectional view of the fastener 10 along line segment A-A. The mounting hole 42 formed in the mounting member 40 is generally rectangular, having a short side 42a and a long side 42b. It should be noted that the mounting hole 42 is not limited to being generally rectangular, and may also be generally elliptical or elongated. In any case, the mounting hole 42 has a shape with a long dimension and a short dimension.

[0030] The operator grasps the main body 12 and pushes it into the mounting hole 42 from the rotation guide 16. The fastener 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 42 along the central axis direction from the rotation guide 16. The locking feet 20 of the main body 12 have a larger width than the short side 42a, so the direction of insertion of the fastener 10 is predetermined, and it is inserted along the rotational position of the short side 42a with the opposing directions of the pair of locking feet 20.

[0031] exist Figure 3In the middle, the abutting surface 34 abuts against the edge of the mounting hole 42. Since the insertion direction is fixed, the long diameter portion 38b extends along the opposing directions of the pair of locking feet 20, therefore... Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 As shown in (b), the contact point 44 of the contact surface 34 abuts against the long side 42b of the mounting hole 42.

[0032] The abutment surface 34 contacts the edge of the mounting hole 42 and is subjected to a force in the direction that causes the rotation guide 16 to rotate about the axis. As a result, the rotation guide 16 begins to rotate about the axis. Because the abutment surface 34 is formed in a circumferentially curved manner, it can slide smoothly along the edge of the mounting hole 42. This allows for smooth rotation of the rotation guide 16.

[0033] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the process of installing the fastener 10 onto the mounting member 40, showing the rotary guide 16 inserted into the mounting hole 42. The rotary guide 16 is located from... Figure 3 The reference position shown is rotated 90 degrees. Furthermore, the elongated portion 14 is twisted according to the rotation of the rotation guide portion 16. Thus, while maintaining the rotational position of the main body portion 12, the rotation guide portion 16 can be positioned to pass through the mounting hole 42. The rotational position where the rotation guide portion 16 can pass through the mounting hole 42 is the position where the short diameter portion 38a is accommodated in the short side portion 42a and the long diameter portion 38b is accommodated in the long side portion 42b.

[0034] The elongated portion 14 is ensured to have sufficient length and thinness for twisting. The elongated portion 14 is longer than the main body portion 12 in the longitudinal direction and is ensured to have sufficient length. The width of the elongated portion 14 is smaller than the short side portion 42a of the mounting hole 42, so that it can be inserted into the mounting hole 42 in a twisted state.

[0035] Thus, the operator can easily insert the rotating guide 16 into the mounting hole 42 by simply pushing the abutment surface 34 of the rotating guide 16 against the edge of the mounting hole 42.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the process of installing the fastener 10 onto the mounting member 40, showing the state in which the fastener 10 is installed into the mounting hole 42.

[0037] A pair of flanges 26 are engaged with the long side 42b of the mounting hole 42. At this time, the operation panel (not shown) is held by the inner extension 22. In case the operation panel needs to be repaired or replaced, the operator pulls the main body 12 out of the mounting hole 42 and removes the operation panel from the inner extension 22. The fastener 10 can be removed from the mounting hole 42 together with the operation panel, which ensures reassembly similar to existing parts by returning to the pre-assembly state. The operator pulls the main body 12 out of the mounting hole 42 with the operation panel assembled, and with the anti-detachment part 32 engaged in the mounting hole 42, the operator grasps the elongated part 14 with a tool and twists it about 90 degrees, thereby removing the anti-detachment part 32 from the mounting hole 42.

[0038] After passing through the mounting hole 42, the elongated portion 14 returns to its original position from its twisted state, causing the rotation guide 16 to rotate and return to the position where the anti-detachment portion 32 can be locked onto the mounting hole 42. Thus, because the elongated portion 14 returns to its original position from its twisted state, the rotation guide 16 returns to its original position, allowing the anti-detachment portion 32 to be positioned and engaged with the mounting hole 42. Even if the main body 12 is about to detach from the mounting hole 42 and fall upwards, the anti-detachment portion 32 can ultimately be locked onto the mounting hole 42 and prevent detachment. Therefore, even if the vehicle experiences a significant impact due to a traffic accident, and the main body 12 detaches from the mounting hole 42, the engagement of the rotation guide 16 with the mounting hole 42 prevents the control panel from flying into the vehicle.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the elongated portion of fastener 10. (Example) Figure 7 As shown in (a), the elongated portion 14 has a strip-shaped portion 28 and a protruding portion 30. The protruding portion 30 protrudes from both edges of the strip-shaped portion 28 in a direction perpendicular to the surface. Thus, the cross-section of the elongated portion 14 is formed into a generally H-shaped form. Furthermore, as Figure 1 As shown, the protruding portion 30 extends along the longitudinal direction of the elongated portion 14. By providing the protruding portion 30, even if the strip portion 28 is formed relatively thin, the rigidity of the elongated portion 14 can be ensured, and the elongated portion 14 can be easily twisted.

[0040] Figure 7 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the elongated portion 114 in the modified example. The elongated portion 114 has a strip-shaped portion 28 and a protruding portion 130. The protruding portion 130 protrudes from the center of both sides of the strip-shaped portion 28. Thus, the cross-section of the elongated portion 114 is formed into a cross shape.

[0041] Figure 7 (c) is a cross-sectional view of the elongated portion 214 in another variation. The elongated portion 214 has a strip-shaped portion 28 and a protruding portion 230. Relative to... Figure 7 As shown in (a), the protruding strip 30 protrudes from both sides and both edges of the strip-shaped portion 28. Figure 7The difference is that the protrusion 230 shown in (c) protrudes from one edge of the strip 28. The protrusion 230 is diagonally arranged relative to the central axis of the strip 28.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the assembly of the fastener 300 of the second embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The exploded view of the components shown is a perspective view of the fastener 300 and mounting member 50 of the second embodiment.

[0043] Fastener 300 also functions as a cover component, covering the bolts used to secure mounting component 50 to the side of the vehicle body. Mounting component 50 and fastener 300, for example, constitute the pull handle portion of the door trim.

[0044] Mounting member 50 has a housing portion 52, a first mounting hole 54, a second mounting hole 56, and a through hole 58. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The housing portion 52 shown is the rear side, and the front side of the housing portion 52 has a receiving portion and a through hole 58. A pair of first mounting holes 54 are provided, extending through the bottom of the housing portion 52. A second mounting hole 56 and a through hole 58 are provided, extending through the bottom of the housing portion 52. The receiving portion is disposed between the first mounting hole 54 and the second mounting hole 56. The through hole 58 is for inserting bolts for fixing to the vehicle body side.

[0045] The fastener 300 has a locking part 312, an elongated part 14, a rotation guide part 16, a main body part 318, and an anti-detachment part 32. Figure 9 The fastener 300 shown is the back side. The main body 318 is formed in the shape of a plate.

[0046] The locking portions 312 are formed in pairs, protruding toward the back of the main body portion 318. The locking portions 312 are formed in a claw shape. The elongated portion 14 extends from the back of the main body portion 318 along the longitudinal direction and can be flexed in a manner that allows it to twist about an axis along the longitudinal direction.

[0047] The rotary guide 16 is connected to the front end of the elongated portion 14. The configuration of the rotary guide 16 of the fastener 300 is similar to... Figure 1 The rotating guide 16 shown is the same.

[0048] like Figure 8 As shown, a pair of locking portions 312 are respectively inserted into a pair of first mounting holes 54. A strip-shaped portion 14 and a rotation guide portion 16 are inserted into a second mounting hole 56. The anti-detachment portion 32 of the rotation guide portion 16 is engaged around the second mounting hole 56, preventing the fastener 300 from detaching from the mounting member 50. The pair of first mounting holes 54 and second mounting holes 56 are rectangular square holes.

[0049] The installation process of fastener 300 onto mounting member 50 will be described. Fastener 300 is assembled onto mounting member 50. First, the rotation guide 16 is inserted into the second mounting hole 56. At this time, the abutment surface 34 abuts against the edge of the second mounting hole 56 and is subjected to rotational torque, causing the elongated portion 14 to twist about an axis along its length, and the rotation guide 16 to rotate and pass through the second mounting hole 56. After the rotation guide 16 passes through the second mounting hole 56, it returns to its original rotational position through the elastic reset of the elongated portion 14, and the anti-disengagement portion 32 prevents disengagement. Next, the locking portion 312 is pushed into the first mounting hole 54 and locks against the edge of the first mounting hole 54.

[0050] Thus, when the fastener 300 is installed on the mounting member 50, the rotating guide 16 is rotated and installed, so installation can be easily achieved even without changing the posture of the main body 318. It should be noted that when removing the fastener 300, the operator uses a tool to push the locking part 312 into the first mounting hole 54 in the disengaging direction to release the locking. With the anti-detachment part 32 engaged in the second mounting hole 56, the operator uses a tool to grasp the elongated part 14 and twist it approximately 90 degrees, thereby removing the anti-detachment part 32 from the second mounting hole 56.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various design changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and embodiments with such modifications can also be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] In the first embodiment, a generally rectangular mounting hole 42 is shown, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the mounting hole 42 may also be generally cross-shaped. In this variation, the rotary guide has an anti-detachment portion formed in a generally cross shape and an abutment surface bent into a cone shape. In this embodiment, the rotary guide rotates within a range of 30 to 45 degrees.

[0053] Industrial availability This invention relates to fasteners that are installed in mounting holes.

[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10: Fastener; 12: Main body; 14: Strip-shaped part; 16: Rotation guide part; 20: Locking foot part; 22: Inner extension part; 24: Inner protrusion part; 26: Flange part; 28: Strip-shaped part; 30: Protruding strip part; 32: Anti-detachment part; 34: Abutment surface; 36: Cut-out part; 38a: Short diameter part; 38b: Long diameter part; 39: Corner part; 40: Mounting component; 42: Mounting hole; 42a: Short side part; 42b: Long side part.

Claims

1. A fastener, installed on a mounting component, characterized in that, have: The main body has a locking part that locks into the mounting component; The elongated portion extends from the main body portion; and The rotating guide is connected to the elongated section. The rotary guide portion has: The contact surface abuts against the edge of the mounting hole when the rotary guide is inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting member; and The anti-detachment part prevents the rotary guide from falling out of the mounting hole after the rotary guide is inserted into the mounting hole. When the rotating guide is inserted into the mounting hole, it rotates about an axis along the longitudinal dimension of the elongated portion by abutting against the edge of the mounting hole via the abutting surface. The elongated portion can be flexed by twisting through the rotation of the rotating guide portion.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, characterized in that, After passing through the mounting hole, the elongated part recovers from its twisted state, causing the rotating guide to rotate and return to the position where the anti-detachment part can prevent the mounting hole from detaching.

3. The fastener according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The contact surface is formed as a tapered curved surface that contacts the edge of the mounting hole, causing the rotary guide to rotate about an axis.

4. The fastener according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting holes are generally rectangular, generally elliptical, or elongated. The locking parts are provided in pairs opposite each other, locking onto the edge of the mounting hole. The rotating guide portion, when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the elongated portion, has a long diameter portion and a short diameter portion. The long diameter portion extends along the opposing directions of the pair of locking portions.

5. The fastener according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elongated portion has: The strip-shaped portion extends along the longitudinal direction; and The protruding part protrudes from the strip-shaped part and extends along the longitudinal direction.

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