Fastener

Abstract

The utility model provides a fastener which comprises a main body, a limiting part and at least two elastic arms, the main body is provided with a first end, a second end and a main body channel, and the main body channel extends in the extension direction of the center line of the main body and penetrates through the first end and the second end; the limiting part extends from the first end of the main body to the direction far away from the center line of the main body; each of the at least two elastic arms is connected with the main body and is configured to be capable of deflecting towards the center line of the main body; wherein the main body channel is provided with a cylindrical section continuously extending in the circumferential direction, the main body is provided with a joint section close to the limiting part, and the cross section of the joint section is in an anti-rotation shape. The fastener can be matched with a screw to fasten and connect the two panels. The fastener is easy to install and has better retention force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a fastener, and in particular to a fastener for connecting two panels. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, it is necessary to connect two panels on a vehicle. For example, an instrument panel must be connected to a vehicle interior panel. In this case, the connection between the instrument panel and the vehicle interior panel must be secure. Fasteners are typically used to connect the instrument panel to the vehicle interior panel. Utility Model Content

[0003] The fastener provided in this application can conveniently realize the connection between two panels.

[0004] The present application provides a fastener, comprising: a main body, a limiting portion and at least two elastic arms, the main body having a first end, a second end and a main body channel, the main body channel extending along the extension direction of the center line of the main body and passing through the first end and the second end; the limiting portion extends from the first end of the main body in a direction away from the center line of the main body; each of the at least two elastic arms is connected to the main body and is configured to be able to deflect toward the center line of the main body; wherein the main body channel has a cylindrical section extending continuously in a circumferential direction, the main body has a joining section close to the limiting portion, and the cross-section of the joining section is an anti-rotation shape.

[0005] The fastener as described above is made of plastic material, and the cylindrical section is configured to be capable of cooperating with a screw having threads.

[0006] As described above, in the fastener, the proximal end of each of the at least two elastic arms is connected to the main body and extends toward the limiting portion, and each elastic arm has a convex portion on the outer side. In the free state of each elastic arm, the convex portion exceeds the main body in a direction away from the center line of the main body.

[0007] As described above, the fastener, the main body includes a pair of first side walls arranged opposite to each other, a receiving space is provided in the first side walls, the receiving space has an inner opening passing through the inner side of the first side wall and an outer opening passing through the outer side of the first side wall, the inner opening is connected to the main body channel, at least two elastic arms are located in the receiving space, and in the free state of each of the elastic arms, the protrusion of each of the elastic arms exceeds the outer opening.

[0008] As described above, the fastener has a contact portion on the inner side of each of the at least two elastic arms. When the at least two elastic arms are deflected inward, the contact portion can enter the inner opening. When the at least two elastic arms are in a free state, there is a distance between the contact portion of each elastic arm and the inner opening.

[0009] In the fastener as described above, the cylindrical section is located on a side of the main body away from the limiting portion.

[0010] In the fastener as described above, the outer contour of the cross section of the engaging section is square.

[0011] As for the fastener as described above, the main body side wall also includes a pair of second side walls arranged opposite to each other, and the two ends of each second side wall are respectively connected to a pair of first side walls. At the joint section, the two ends of each second side wall can contact the edge of the hole on the mounting panel.

[0012] As described above, the fastener of the at least two elastic arms has a step surface, and the step surface is arranged toward the limiting portion; each of the at least two elastic arms has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion passes through the inner and outer sides of the corresponding elastic arm and is close to the proximal end of the corresponding elastic arm.

[0013] As described above, the fastener has a top opening in the accommodating space, and the top opening is located at the first end of the main body; the fastener also includes a claw portion, which is connected to the inner side of the top of the elastic arm and extends toward the top opening, and the claw portion is configured to be able to be operated from the top opening.

[0014] In the present application, the fastener of the present application can cooperate with the screw to fasten two panels together. The fastener is easy to install and has good holding force. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the fastener in this application;

[0016] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the fastener from another angle;

[0017] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A a side view of the fastener in;

[0018] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A side view of the fastener from another angle;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1DA cross-sectional view of the fastener taken along line AA;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1D A top view of the fastener;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the fastener and the first panel, the second panel and the screw;

[0022] Figure 5A yes Figure 1A A side view of the fasteners and screws connecting the first panel to the second panel;

[0023] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various specific embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating directions, such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", etc., are used in this application to describe various example structural parts and elements of the present application, these terms are used here only for the purpose of convenience of explanation and are determined based on the example orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be set in different directions, these directional terms are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. Where possible, the same or similar figure numbers used in this application refer to the same parts.

[0025] Figure 1A is a three-dimensional diagram of the fastener in this application, Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Another perspective view of the fastener in Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Side view of the fastener in Figure 1D yes Figure 1A Another side view of the fastener in FIG.

[0026] Figure 1AThe fastener 100 shown in the figure is used to cooperate with a screw to connect two panels, such as connecting the instrument panel and the interior panel of a vehicle. The fastener 100 includes a main body 101, a limit portion 102 and a pair of elastic arms 103 and 104. The fastener 100 has a length direction L, a height direction H and a width direction W. The main body 101 is roughly cubic and extends along the length direction L. In the length direction of the fastener 100, the main body 101 has a first end 111 and a second end 112, and a main body channel 115 passing through the first end 111 and the second end 112. The main body channel 115 extends along the center line C of the fastener 100. The first end 111 of the main body 101 is connected to the limit portion 102, and the second end 112 has a guide portion 150, which gradually narrows in the direction from the first end 111 to the second end 112 to guide the main body 101 into the hole of the first panel.

[0027] The main body 101 has a main body sidewall 190 extending along the direction surrounding the main body channel 115. The main body sidewall 190 includes a pair of opposing first sidewalls 191 and 192, and a pair of opposing second sidewalls 193 and 194. A pair of elastic arms 103 and 104 are connected to the first sidewalls 191 and 192. The stopper 102 includes a first portion 195 and a second portion 196. The first portion 195 and the second portion 196 extend from the second sidewalls 193 and 194 along the width W and length L of the fastener 100, and the widths of the first and second portions 195 and 196 are substantially the same as the widths of the second sidewalls 193 and 194. The upper surfaces of the first and second portions 195 and 196 are substantially flush with the end surface of the first end 111 of the main body 101.

[0028] The main body 101 has a pair of accommodating spaces 181 and 182 extending from the end surface of the first end 111 of the main body 101 to the second end 112. The accommodating spaces 181 and 182 are capable of accommodating the elastic arms 103 and 104, respectively, allowing the elastic arms 103 and 104 to move within the accommodating spaces 181 and 182. The accommodating space 181 has a top opening 171, an inner opening 172, and an outer opening 173. The top opening 171 extends through the end surface of the first end 111, the inner opening 172 extends through the inner side of the first side wall 191, and the outer opening 173 extends through the outer side of the first side wall 191. The top of the first side wall 191 has a support portion 174. The two ends of the support portion 174 are respectively connected to the first portion 195 and the second portion 196 of the stopper 102. The support portion 174 is located between the outer opening 173 and the top opening 171. The support portion 174 can provide a supporting force to prevent the first side wall 191 and the second side wall 192 from deflecting toward each other. The accommodating space 181 has a platform portion 161, which is close to the guide portion 150 of the main body 101 and faces the support portion 174. The platform portion 161 extends generally along the height direction and the width direction of the fastener 100.

[0029] Similarly, the accommodating space 182 has a top opening 175, an inner opening 176, and an outer opening 177. The top opening 175 extends through the end surface of the first end 111, the inner opening 176 extends through the inner side of the first side wall 192, and the outer opening 177 extends through the outer side of the first side wall 192. A support portion 178 is formed at the top of the first side wall 191. The ends of the support portion 178 are connected to the first and second portions 195, 196 of the stopper 102, respectively. The support portion 178 is located between the outer opening 177 and the top opening 175. The support portion 178 provides a supporting force to prevent the first and second side walls 191, 192 from deflecting toward each other. The accommodating space 181 has a platform portion 162, which is adjacent to the guide portion 150 of the main body 101 and faces the support portion 178. The platform portion 162 extends generally along the height and width of the fastener 100.

[0030] The elastic arms 103 and 104 are symmetrical in structure. The proximal end of the elastic arm 103 is connected to the platform portion 161 and extends toward the first end 111. The proximal end of the elastic arm 103 has a hollow portion 165 to facilitate deformation of the elastic arm 103. The top 131 of the elastic arm 103 is located below the support portion 174 and is spaced apart from the support portion 174. The top 131 of the elastic arm 103 is provided with a claw portion 155. The claw portion 155 is connected to the inner side of the top 131 of the elastic arm 103 and extends beyond the bottom of the support portion 174 toward the top opening 171. In the width direction, there is a gap between the two sides of the claw portion 155 and the support portion 174 and the inner opening 172. When the elastic arm 103 deflects inward, the claw portion 155 can enter the inner opening 172.

[0031] In other embodiments of the present application, there are multiple hollow portions, or no hollow portion is provided.

[0032] The elastic arm 103 includes an upper portion 133, a lower portion 134, and a middle portion 135. The middle portion 135 is located between the upper and lower portions 133, 134, and is connected to the upper and lower portions 133, 134. The upper portion 133 includes an upper inclined surface 136 extending from the top 131 toward the second end 112 of the body 101, away from the body passage 115. The lower portion 134 includes a lower inclined surface 137 extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the elastic arm 103, away from the body passage 115. The upper and lower inclined surfaces 136, 137 are respectively connected to the middle portion 135. In the width direction of the fastener 100, the middle portion 135 forms a protrusion 185 that protrudes upward. The top of the middle portion 135 has a stepped surface 138 , which is arranged toward the first end 111 of the body 101 and extends substantially along the width direction W and the length direction L of the fastener. The stepped surface 138 is connected to the upper inclined surface 136 and forms an angle with the upper inclined surface 136 .

[0033] Similarly, the proximal end of the elastic arm 104 is connected to the platform portion 163 and extends toward the first end 111. The proximal end of the elastic arm 104 has a hollow portion 166 to facilitate shaping of the elastic arm 104. The top 132 of the elastic arm 104 is located below the support portion 174 and is spaced apart from the support portion 174. The top 132 of the elastic arm 104 is provided with a claw portion 156. The claw portion 156 is connected to the inner side of the top 132 of the elastic arm 104 and extends beyond the bottom of the support portion 178 toward the top opening 172. In the width direction, there is a space between the support portion 178 and the inner opening 176 on both sides of the claw portion 156. When the elastic arm 104 deflects inward, the claw portion 155 can enter the inner opening 176.

[0034] The elastic arm 104 includes an upper portion 143, a lower portion 144, and a middle portion 145. The middle portion 145 is located between the upper and lower portions 143, 144, and is connected to the upper and lower portions 143, 144. The upper portion 143 includes an upper inclined surface 146 extending from the top 132 toward the second end 112 of the body 101, away from the body passage 115. The lower portion 144 includes a lower inclined surface 147 extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the elastic arm 103, away from the body passage 115. The upper and lower inclined surfaces 146, 147 are respectively connected to the middle portion 145. In the width direction of the fastener 100, the middle portion 145 forms a protrusion 186 that protrudes upward. The top of the middle portion 145 has a stepped surface 148 , which is arranged toward the first end 111 of the body 101 and extends substantially along the width direction W and the length direction L of the fastener. The stepped surface 148 is connected to the upper inclined surface 146 and forms an angle with the upper inclined surface 146 .

[0035] The inner side of each of the elastic arms 103 and 104 forms a contact portion that can come into contact with the screw.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present application, along the width direction W, both ends of the second side walls 193 and 194 extend beyond the inner side walls of the elastic arms 103 and 104 .

[0037] The body 101 includes an engagement section 140 at the first end 111, adjacent to the stopper 102. The engagement section 140 has a square cross section, thereby fitting into the square hole of the first panel, so that the fastener 100 cannot rotate in the square hole of the first panel.

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1D The cross-sectional view of the fastener along line AA, Figure 3 yes Figure 1D Top view of the fastener. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The internal structure of the fastener is shown more clearly. Figure 2 As shown, the main channel 115 includes a guide section 211, an upper section 212, and a lower section 213. The lower section 213 is formed by the main sidewall 190 extending continuously along the circumferential direction. At the lower section 213, the main sidewall 190 has a cylindrical section 220, and the diameter D1 of the cylindrical section 220 is smaller than the outer diameter of the screw it engages. The upper section 212 is surrounded by the inner openings 172 and 176 of the first sidewalls 191 and 192, respectively, and the inner walls of the second sidewalls 193 and 194. The diameter of the upper section 212 is roughly equal to the diameter of the cylindrical section 220. In other words, the inner walls of the second sidewalls 193 and 194 extend continuously with the inner wall of the cylindrical section 220. The guide section 211 gradually expands from the upper section 212 to the end surface of the first end 111 to form a trumpet shape, which is used to guide the screw into the main channel 115.

[0039] The inner cross-sections of elastic arms 103 and 104 are arcuate in shape, with the diameter D2 of the circle surrounding them being greater than the diameter D1 of cylindrical segment 220 and equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw they engage. The inner wall of claw portion 155 extends continuously with the inner wall of elastic arm 103, with a gap between its outer wall and support portion 174. The inner wall of claw portion 156 extends continuously with the inner wall of elastic arm 104, with a gap between its outer wall and support portion 178. An operator can manipulate claw portions 155 and 156 through top openings 171 and 172, causing elastic arms 103 and 104 to deflect toward each other, facilitating removal of fastener 100 from above.

[0040] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the fasteners, the first panel, the second panel, and the screws. Figure 4As shown, the first panel 401 is provided with a square mounting hole 411, the shape of which matches the shape of the body 101 of the fastener 100. The mounting hole 411 has a pair of first edges 421 and 422, and a pair of second edges 423 and 424. In one embodiment of the present application, the first edges 421 and 422 of the mounting hole 411 have a step 440, where the step surface 441 of the step 440 is lower than the surface of the first panel 401. During the insertion of the fastener 100, the elastic arms 103 and 104 deflect inward, allowing the respective protrusions of the elastic arms 103 and 104 to pass through the mounting hole 411. When the main body 101 of the fastener 100 is installed in the mounting hole 100, the first parts 195 and 196 of the limiting portion 102 respectively abut against the step surfaces 440 at the first edge 421 and the second edge 422 to prevent the fastener 100 from continuing to move along the insertion direction, the elastic arms 103 and 104 abut against the first edge 421 and the second edge 422 to prevent the fastener 100 from moving against the insertion direction, and the two ends of the second side walls 193 and 194 abut against the second edges 423 and 424 respectively to prevent the fastener 100 from rotating relative to the first panel 401.

[0041] The second panel 402 has a mounting hole 455. The screw 403 has a head 431 and a shank 432, wherein the diameter of the head 431 is larger than the diameter of the straight portion 432. The outer side of the shank 432 has threads (not shown). The shank 432 can pass through the mounting hole 455 of the second panel 402 to connect with the fastener 100.

[0042] Figure 5A yes Figure 1A Side view of the fasteners and screws connecting the first panel to the second panel, Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of .

[0043] like Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, when the fastener is installed in place in the first panel 401, the upper inclined surfaces 136 and 134 of the resilient arms 103 and 104 abut against the first edge 421 and the second edge 422, respectively, preventing the fastener 100 from moving upwardly away from the first panel 401. The second panel 401 is stacked on the first panel 401, and the screw 403 passes through the mounting hole of the second panel 401 and enters the main body channel 115 of the fastener 100. The fastener 100 is made of a plastic material, and the screw 403 can be rotated into the fastener 100, with the threads of the shank of the screw 403 being embedded in the material of the fastener 100. The inner walls of the resilient arms 103 and 104 abut against or slightly embed into the threads of the screw 403, preventing the resilient arms 103 and 104 from deflecting inwardly, thereby preventing the fastener 100 from being removed from the first panel 401. The inner wall of the cylindrical section 220 of the main body channel 115 and the inner walls of the second sidewalls 193 and 194 cooperate with the screw threads, enabling screw 403 to be connected to the fastener 100. The cylindrical section 220 is a continuously extending portion that is less susceptible to deformation, allowing screw 403 to be securely connected to the fastener 100. When screw 403 is properly installed in the fastener 100, the first panel 401 is securely connected to the second panel 402.

[0044] The fastener disclosed herein can be used with a screw to securely connect two panels. The fastener's main channel comprises a continuous cylindrical section that mates with a threaded screw. One end of the main channel has an engagement section that provides an anti-rotation feature, preventing the fastener from rotating relative to the panel when the screw is rotated into the fastener.

[0045] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents, whether known or now or soon foreseeable, may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary and not restrictive; so the disclosures in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects. Therefore, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to include all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A fastener, characterized in that include: A main body (101), the main body (101) having a first end (111), a second end (112), and a main body channel (115), the main body channel (115) extending along an extension direction of a center line of the main body (101) and penetrating the first end (111) and the second end (112); a limiting portion (102), the limiting portion (102) extending from the first end of the main body (101) in a direction away from the center line of the main body (101); at least two elastic arms (103, 104), each of the at least two elastic arms (103, 104) being connected to the body (101) and configured to be deflectable toward a centerline of the body; The main body channel (115) has a cylindrical section (220) extending continuously in the circumferential direction, and the main body (101) has a coupling section (140) close to the limiting portion (102), and the cross section of the coupling section (140) is in an anti-rotation shape.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The fastener is made of plastic material, and the cylindrical section (220) is configured to be able to cooperate with a screw having threads.

3. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The proximal end of each of the at least two elastic arms (103, 104) is connected to the main body (101) and extends toward the limiting portion (102); the outer side of each elastic arm (103, 104) has a convex portion (185, 186); in the free state of each elastic arm (103, 104), the convex portion (185, 186) exceeds the main body (101) in a direction away from the center line of the main body (101).

4. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein: The main body comprises a pair of first side walls (191, 192) arranged opposite to each other, an accommodating space (181, 182) being provided in the first side walls (191, 192), the accommodating space (181, 182) having an inner opening (172, 176) penetrating the inner side of the first side walls (191, 192) and an outer opening (173, 177) penetrating the outer side of the first side walls (191, 192), the inner opening (172, 176) being in communication with the main body channel (115), at least two elastic arms (103, 104) being located in the accommodating space (181, 182), and in a free state of each elastic arm (103, 104), the protrusion (185, 186) of each elastic arm exceeds the outer opening (173, 177).

5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the at least two elastic arms (103, 104) has a contact portion on its inner side. When the at least two elastic arms (103, 104) are deflected inward, the contact portion can enter the inner opening (172, 176). When the elastic arms of the at least two elastic arms (103, 104) are in a free state, there is a distance between the contact portion of each elastic arm and the inner opening (172, 176).

6. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The cylindrical section (220) is located on a side of the main body (101) away from the limiting portion (102).

7. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The outer contour of the cross section of the joining section (140) is square.

8. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein: The main body side wall (190) further includes a pair of second side walls (193, 194) arranged opposite to each other, with both ends of each second side wall (193, 194) respectively connected to a pair of first side walls (191, 192), and at the joint section (140), both ends of each second side wall (193, 194) can contact the edge of the hole on the mounting panel.

9. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the at least two elastic arms (103, 104) has a stepped surface (138), and the stepped surface (138) is arranged toward the limiting portion (102); Each of the at least two elastic arms (103, 104) has a hollow portion (165, 166), which passes through the inner side and the outer side of the corresponding elastic arm (103, 104) and is close to the proximal end of the corresponding elastic arm (103, 104).

10. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein: The accommodating space (181, 182) has a top opening (171, 175), and the top opening (171, 175) is located at the first end (111) of the main body (101); The fastener further includes a claw portion (155, 156) connected to the inner side of the top of the elastic arm (103, 104) and extending toward the top opening (171, 175), and the claw portion (155, 156) is configured to be operable from the top opening (171, 175).

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