Fastening clip
By separating the beam and leg structures and using a fastening clip with an inclined angle, the problem of inconvenient insertion and removal during the connection process of existing fastening clips is solved, achieving a stable and convenient connection effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing fasteners are difficult to use effectively to connect the first and second components with a doghouse-style connection structure, especially as they are prone to restriction or interference during insertion and removal.
The structure employs a separate beam and leg design. The first component is connected by maintaining the structural connection, while the second component is connected by deflectable legs. The design of the legs with different tilt angles ensures appropriate insertion and extraction forces.
This achieves a stable connection between the fastening clamp and the second component, reduces interference during insertion and removal, and improves the convenience and stability of insertion and removal.
Smart Images
Figure CN224550580U_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410813316.6, filed on June 21, 2024, entitled "Fastening Clip", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] This application generally relates to fastening clips, and more particularly to fastening clips for connecting a first component to a second component. Background Technology
[0004] In one application scenario, a fastening clip is needed to connect a first component to a second component. The first component, for example, has a doghouse-like connection structure, and the second component is, for example, a plate with holes. During connection, the fastening clip is first connected to a receiving channel in the first component, and then the fastening clip is inserted into the hole in the second component, thereby achieving the connection between the first and second components. Existing fastening clips suitable for connecting first components with doghouse-like structures are generally made of plastic. Utility Model Content
[0005] This application provides a fastening clip for connecting a first component to a second component. The fastening clip includes a retaining structure, a beam, and a first leg and a second leg. The retaining structure is configured to hold the fastening clip on the first component. The beam includes opposing first and second ends and is connected to the retaining structure at the first end. The first and second legs are respectively connected to the second end of the beam on opposite sides of the beam and extend toward the first end, and are deflectable relative to the beam. Each of the first and second legs has a blocking portion and an engaging portion. The first and second legs are configured to clamp at least a portion of the second component between the blocking portion and the engaging portion to connect the fastening clip to the second component.
[0006] In some embodiments, each of the first leg and the second leg includes a first leg segment and a second leg segment, the first leg segment and the second leg segment being connected to each other to form the joint at their connection, the first leg segment being connected to a second end of the beam portion, and the blocking portion being connected to the second leg segment. The first leg segment and the second leg segment extend obliquely relative to the beam portion, and the first leg segment gradually moves away from the beam portion in a direction from the second end to the first end, while the second leg segment gradually moves closer to the beam portion in a direction from the second end to the first end.
[0007] In some embodiments, the tilt angle of the second leg segment is greater than the tilt angle of the first leg segment.
[0008] In some embodiments, the first leg and the second leg are provided with protrusions extending in their extension direction on the side opposite to the beam.
[0009] In some embodiments, each of the first leg and the second leg is provided with a receiving hole, the receiving hole being configured to receive at least a portion of the retaining structure during connection of the first leg and the second leg with the second component.
[0010] In some embodiments, the receiving hole is provided at least in the blocking portion of the first leg and the second leg.
[0011] In some embodiments, the beam portion includes a first beam and a second beam, the first beam and the second beam being respectively connected to the first leg and the second leg, and connected to each other between the first end and the second end.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first beam and the second beam are connected to each other by at least one connecting tab, which is disposed on at least one of the first beam and the second beam.
[0013] In some embodiments, guide edges are provided on opposite sides of the beam portion, the guide edges being configured to guide the first leg and the second leg into the holes of the second component.
[0014] In some embodiments, the blocking portion includes a tab extending from the second leg segment away from the beam portion.
[0015] In some embodiments, the retaining structure includes a head and a neck. The neck is located between the head and the beam portion. The head is configured to insert into a slot in the first component, and the neck is configured to be received in a channel of the first component.
[0016] In some embodiments, the fastening clip is integrally formed from a metal sheet.
[0017] The fastening clip of this application is provided with separate beam and legs. A retaining structure at one end of the beam enables the connection between the fastening clip and a first component with a doghouse-like connection structure to be fastened, and the legs enable the connection between the fastening clip and a second component to be fastened, rather than simultaneously enabling the connection between the fastening clip and both the first and second components. Therefore, the first and second legs, which are only connected to the second component, will not be limited by the first component and thus will not be unable to generate sufficient deflection or interfere with each other, thereby allowing the legs to achieve the desired insertion and extraction force when connected to the hole in the second component. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a fastening clip according to an embodiment of this application;
[0019] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the fastening clamp from another angle;
[0020] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A side view of the fastening clamp shown from one perspective;
[0021] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A side view of the fastening clamp from another perspective;
[0022] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the fastening clamp and the first and second components it fastens;
[0023] Figure 2B yes Figure 1A The shown is a cross-sectional view of the fastening clamp during the process of fastening the first and second components.
[0024] Figure 2C yes Figure 1A The side view shown shows the fastening clamps securing the first and second components in place.
[0025] Key reference numerals:
[0026] Fastening clamp 100; retaining structure 110; beam 120; first end 121; second end 122; guide edge 126; connecting tab 127; first and second beams 128; first and second legs 130; first leg segment 131; second leg segment 132; blocking part 133; joint 135; bending part 136; receiving hole 138; protrusion 139; head 140; bending part 147; neck 160; first component 210; opening 212; receiving channel 215; slot 218; side wall 219; second component 220; hole 225. Detailed Implementation
[0027] Various specific embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although directional terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are used in this application to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for illustrative purposes and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these directional terms are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.
[0028] Figure 1A-1DThe specific structure of a fastening clip 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown, wherein, Figure 1A and 1B These are two different perspective views of the fastening clamp 100. Figure 1C and 1D These are two different side views of the fastening clamp 100. The fastening clamp 100 is used to fasten the first component 210 (such as...) Figure 2A (As shown) Secure to the second component 220 (as shown) Figure 2A (As shown).
[0029] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the fastening clamp 100 has a length direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T, and has an axis X extending along its length direction L. The fastening clamp 100 includes a retaining structure 110, a beam portion 120, and first and second legs 130. The retaining structure 110 includes a head 140 and a neck 160. The beam portion 120 extends generally along the length direction of the fastening clamp 100 and includes two opposing axial ends, namely a first end 121 and a second end 122. The beam portion 120 is connected to the retaining structure 110 at its first end 121 and to the first and second legs 130 at its second end 122. The retaining structure 110 is used to connect and retain the fastening clamp 100 on a first component 210, and the first and second legs 120 are used to connect the fastening clamp 100 to a second component 220. The fastening clamp 100 is made of a metallic material. In some embodiments, the fastening clamp 100 is integrally formed from a single sheet or plate of metal by processes such as stamping and bending.
[0030] The first and second legs 130 are disposed on opposite sides of the beam 120 in the width direction W of the fastening clamp 100 and extend from the second end 122 of the beam 120 toward the first end 121. The first and second legs 130 are deflectable relative to the beam 120, allowing them to deflect toward and away from each other, thereby enabling them to be inserted into the hole 225 of the second component 220. That is, the first and second legs 130 are elastic, capable of moving toward each other under the action of the edge of the hole 225 of the second component 220, and also capable of rebounding when the force is removed.
[0031] Each leg 130 includes a first leg segment 131, a second leg segment 132, and a blocking portion 133. The first leg segment 131 is connected to the second end 122 of the beam 120. The first leg segment 131 and the second leg segment 132 are interconnected. The blocking portion 133 is connected to the second leg segment 132. The first leg segment 131 extends obliquely relative to the beam 120 and gradually moves away from the beam 120 in the direction from the second end 122 to the first end 121. The second leg segment 132 extends obliquely relative to the beam 120 and gradually moves closer to the beam 120 in the direction from the second end 122 to the first end 121. The first leg segment 131 and the second leg segment 132 extend relative to the beam 120 at different oblique angles. The interconnected first leg segment 131 and the second leg segment 132 together form a bent shape and form a joint 135 at their connection.
[0032] The blocking portion 133 includes a protrusion extending from the second leg segment 132 away from the beam portion 120, the protrusion having a certain length. Both the blocking portion 133 and the engaging portion 135 are provided on the side of the first and second legs 130 opposite to the beam portion 120. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the blocking portion 133 extends generally along the width direction W of the fastening clamp 100. The blocking portion 133 includes a bend 136 near its free end, the bend 136 protruding toward the first leg segment 131 for inserting into the hole 225 of the second component 220 (e.g., ...). Figure 2A (As shown) it abuts against one side of the second component 220.
[0033] The second component 220 is inserted into the hole 225 in the first and second legs 130 (e.g., ...). Figure 2A During the process (as shown), as the first and second legs 130 deflect toward each other, their engagement portion 135 can pass through the hole 225 of the second component 220, while the blocking portion 133 cannot pass through the hole 225 of the second component 220. That is, the length of the blocking portion 133 is set such that when the first and second legs 130 deflect toward each other to the point where the engagement portion 135 can pass through the hole 225, the blocking portion 133 is blocked by the second component 220 and cannot pass through the hole 225. Thus, the blocking portion 133 prevents the leg 130 from completely passing through the hole 225, and the blocking portion 133 and the engagement portion 135 connect the fastening clip 100 to the second component 220 by clamping the second component 220 therebetween.
[0034] like Figure 1A-1CAs shown, beam 120 includes first and second beams 128, which are connected to neck 160 at a first end 121 and to first and second legs 130 at a second end 122, respectively. The first and second beams 128 extend generally along the length direction L of the fastening clamp 100. The first and second beams 128 are close to each other and connected to each other between the first end 121 and the second end 122. In some embodiments, each of the first and second beams 128 has a connecting tab 127 located on opposite sides of the first and second beams 128. The first and second beams 128 can be connected together by bending the free ends of the connecting tabs 127. In other embodiments, only one connecting tab 127 may be provided, or more than two connecting tabs 127 may be provided.
[0035] like Figure 1B and 1D As shown, each of the first and second beams 128 is further provided with guide edges 126 on opposite sides of the clamping clamp 100 in the thickness direction T. The guide edges 126 are located near the second end 122 and extend obliquely relative to the axis X, such that the thickness of each of the first and second beams 128 gradually decreases near the second end 122. Thus, the guide edges 126 can guide the first and second legs 130 into the holes 225 of the second component 220. The guide edges 126 are located between the second end 122 of the beam portion 120 and the connecting tab 127.
[0036] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the head 140 is generally flat and has a bend 147. The bend 147 is formed by bending at least a portion of the insertion edge of the head 140 toward the neck 160, for inserting the first component 210 (e.g., ...) into the head 140. Figure 2A When inserted into the slot 218, the first component 210, for example made of plastic, is protected from damage to the insertion edge of the head 140 of the fastening clip 100, which is made of metal.
[0037] The first and second leg portions 130 are provided with protrusions 139 extending in their extension direction on the side opposite to the beam portion 120. The outer contour of the cross-section of the protrusion 139 is, for example, convex circular, to match the shape of the hole 225 (circular hole in the figure) on the second component 220 and reduce the insertion force.
[0038] like Figure 1CAs shown, in the width direction of the fastening clamp 100, the neck 160 is narrower than the head 140, thus forming a T-shaped connector together with the head 140 to match the connection structure of the first component 210 to be connected. Furthermore, in the width direction of the fastening clamp 100, the neck 160 is wider than the beam 120 to more stably hold the fastening clamp 100 on the first component 210. In other embodiments, the retaining structure 110 may also lack the neck 160 and only have the head 140, simply by extending the beam 120.
[0039] Still as Figure 1A and 1B As shown, each of the first and second legs 130 has a through-hole 138 for receiving at least a portion of the neck 110 during insertion of the first and second legs 130 into the hole 225 of the second component 220, thereby preventing interference between the neck 110 and the leg 130 and allowing the first and second legs 130 to deflect toward each other so that their engagement portion 135 can pass through the hole 225 of the second component 220. In some embodiments, the through-hole 138 is disposed in a blocking portion 133 of the leg 130. In other embodiments, the through-hole 138 may also extend from the blocking portion 133 of the leg 130 into the second leg segment 132.
[0040] like Figure 1C As shown, the first leg segment 131 and the second leg segment 132 are inclined at different angles relative to the first and second beams 128 and the axis X. The inclination angle of the first leg segment 131 relative to the first and second beams 128 and the axis X is α1, and the inclination angle of the second leg segment 132 relative to the first and second beams 128 and the axis X is α2, where α2 > α1.
[0041] exist Figure 1A-1C In the embodiment shown, the fastening clamp 100 is generally symmetrical about the X-axis.
[0042] like Figure 1D As shown, in the thickness direction T of the fastening clamp 100, the first and second beams 128 extend beyond the leg 130, such that the guide edges 126 of the first and second beams 128 are located outside the leg 130. The first and second guide edges 126 engage with the edge of the hole 225 of the second component 220, so that the leg 130 is centered relative to the hole when inserted into the hole 225, thereby ensuring that the leg 130 is subjected to uniform force and can be smoothly installed in place.
[0043] Figure 2A-2C The process of fastening the first component 210 to the second component 220 by the fastening clamp 100 is shown. Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the fastening clamp 100, the first component 210, and the second component 220. Figure 2BThis is a cross-sectional view of the fastening clamp 100 during the process of fastening the first component 210 and the second component 220. Figure 2C This is a side view of the fastening clamp 100 securing the first component 210 and the second component 220 into place.
[0044] like Figure 2A As shown, the fastening clip 100 is used to fasten the first component 210 to the second component 220. The second component 220 is a plate having a hole 225, which is circular. In other embodiments, the hole 225 may not be circular. The first component 210 is a component with a doghouse-style connector for mating with a fastening component having a T-shaped connector. Specifically, the first component 210 includes a receiving channel 215 and a slot 218 located below the receiving channel 215. The receiving channel 215 has an opening 212 to allow the fastening component to enter the receiving channel 215 through the opening 212. The width of the opening 212 is smaller than the radial dimension of the receiving channel 215. The first component 210 is made of plastic material, and when subjected to a certain force, a pair of sidewalls 219 defining the opening 212 can expand away from each other to enlarge the opening 210, and when the force is removed, these pair of sidewalls 219 can spring back to their initial position.
[0045] like Figures 2A to 2C As shown, during the fastening process, the fastening clip 100 is first connected to the first component 210. When connecting the fastening clip 100 to the first component 210, the head 140 and neck 160 of the fastening clip 100 are aligned with the slot 218 and opening 212 of the first component 210, respectively. The neck 160 pushes against a pair of sidewalls 219 of the opening 212, widening the opening 212. Subsequently, the neck 160 enters the receiving channel 215, and the head 140 enters the slot 218. The pair of sidewalls 219 of the opening 212 spring back, holding the neck 160 within the receiving channel 215. Thus, the fastening clip 100 is connected to and held on the first component 210.
[0046] After that, as Figure 2B As shown, the leg 130 of the fastening clamp 110 is inserted into the hole 225 of the second component 220.
[0047] Because the first and second legs 130 are elastic, they deflect towards each other under the action of the edge of the hole 225, so that the joint portion 135 of the first and second legs 130 can pass through the hole 225 and cooperate with the blocking portion 133 that cannot pass through the hole 225, holding the first and second legs 130 on the second component 220, thus achieving the connection between the two. Therefore, the first component 210 is fastened to the second component 220 by the fastening clip 110, as... Figure 2C As shown.
[0048] like Figure 2B As shown, when the joint 135 of the first and second legs 130 passes through the hole 225 of the second component 220, the first and second legs 130 move toward each other with the greatest amplitude. However, since the portion of the neck 110 located on the movement path of the legs 130 can be received by the receiving hole 138 on the legs 130, the neck 110 does not interfere with the movement of the legs 130.
[0049] The fastening clip of this application features separate beam and legs. A retaining structure at one end of the beam connects the clip to a first component with a doghouse-like connection structure, and the legs connect the clip to a second component, rather than simultaneously connecting the clip to both components. This prevents the first and second legs, which only connect to the second component, from being restricted by the first component and thus unable to generate sufficient deflection or interfere with each other. This allows the legs to achieve the desired insertion and extraction force when connected to the hole in the second component, making it easier to insert and secure the clip, while preventing accidental dislodgement during the secured state. Furthermore, the clip's ability to connect to the second component using only the legs, eliminating the need for both the legs and the head, also facilitates achieving the desired insertion and extraction force when connected to the hole in the second component.
[0050] Furthermore, the fastening clamp of this application sets different inclination angles relative to the beam for the two legs, namely the second leg closer to the plate and the first leg farther from the plate, so that the inclination angle of the second leg is greater than that of the first leg. This further reduces the force required to insert the fastening clamp into the plate and increases the force required to pull the fastening clamp out of the plate.
[0051] Although this application has been described with reference to examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosures herein may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or can solve other technical problems. Thus, the examples of embodiments of this application as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents.
Claims
1. A fastening clamp for connecting a first component to a second component, characterized in that... include: A retaining structure configured to hold the fastening clamp on the first component; A beam portion, the beam portion including opposing first and second ends, and connected at the first end to the retaining structure; The first leg and the second leg are respectively connected to the second end of the beam on opposite sides of the beam and extend toward the first end. The first leg and the second leg are deflectable relative to the beam. Each of the first leg and the second leg has a blocking portion and a connecting portion, and the first leg and the second leg are configured to clamp at least a portion of the second component between the blocking portion and the connecting portion to connect the fastening clip to the second component.
2. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the first leg and the second leg includes a first leg segment and a second leg segment, the first leg segment and the second leg segment being connected to each other to form the joint at their connection, the first leg segment being connected to the second end of the beam, and the blocking portion being connected to the second leg segment; The first leg segment and the second leg segment extend obliquely relative to the beam portion, with the first leg segment gradually moving away from the beam portion in the direction from the second end to the first end, and the second leg segment gradually moving closer to the beam portion in the direction from the second end to the first end.
3. The fastening clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tilt angle of the second leg segment is greater than that of the first leg segment.
4. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first leg and the second leg have protrusions extending in their extension direction on the side opposite to the beam.
5. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the first leg and the second leg is provided with a receiving hole, the receiving hole being configured to receive at least a portion of the retaining structure during the connection of the first leg and the second leg with the second component.
6. The fastening clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that: The receiving hole is provided at least in the blocking portion of the first leg and the second leg.
7. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beam section includes a first beam and a second beam, which are respectively connected to the first leg and the second leg, and are connected to each other between the first end and the second end.
8. The fastening clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first beam and the second beam are connected to each other by at least one connecting tab, which is disposed on at least one of the first beam and the second beam.
9. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: Guide edges are provided on opposite sides of the beam, and the guide edges are configured to guide the first leg and the second leg into the hole of the second component.
10. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blocking portion includes a tab extending from the second leg segment away from the beam portion.
11. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that... The retaining structure includes: Head; and Neck, located between the head and the beam; The head is configured to be inserted into a slot in the first component, and the neck is configured to be received in a channel in the first component.
12. The fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fastening clamp is integrally formed from a metal sheet.