Nut structure, connecting structure and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of fastening devices, and provides a nut structure, a connecting structure and a vehicle, the nut structure comprising an abutting part, a clamping part and a connecting column located on one side of the abutting part. The edge of the abutting part is provided with a radially outward extending clamping edge, the clamping part is provided with a plurality of clamping arms surrounding the connecting column, and a connecting arm is connected between each clamping arm and the connecting column, and a clamping groove is formed between the plurality of clamping arms and the clamping edge. The connecting column is provided with a fastening hole, and the abutting part is provided with a connecting hole through which a threaded fastener passes, when the threaded fastener is screwed into the fastening hole, the connecting column can push the clamping arms to expand radially through the connecting arm. The nut structure can increase the clamping interference amount between the clamping arms and the inner wall of the body sheet metal mounting hole, and can make the nut structure firmly clamped on the body sheet metal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fastener technology, and in particular to a nut structure, a connection structure, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the fixing connection between the decorative panel and the body sheet metal generally adopts a combination structure of plastic nut snap-fit ​​and threaded fasteners (such as self-tapping screws). To ensure that the plastic nut can be smoothly snapped into the mounting hole of the body sheet metal, the interference fit of the nut's snap-fit ​​portion is small. This results in a small amount of contact between the nut and the inner wall of the mounting hole after it is inserted, leading to poor connection strength between the nut and the body sheet metal.

[0003] Especially when the body sheet metal is thin or the mounting holes of the body sheet metal are too large, it will cause the body sheet metal and the nuts to not form a reliable snap-fit ​​relationship, which can easily cause the trim panel to wobble or fall off. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application aims to provide a nut structure to improve the snap-fit ​​strength between it and external components.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows: A nut structure includes an abutting portion, a snap-fit ​​portion located on one side of the abutting portion, and a connecting post; The edge of the abutting portion is provided with a radially outwardly extending snap-fit ​​edge. The snap-fit ​​portion has a plurality of snap-fit ​​arms arranged around the connecting post, and a connecting arm connecting each of the snap-fit ​​arms and the connecting post. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed between the plurality of snap-fit ​​arms and the snap-fit ​​edge. The connecting post is provided with a fastening hole, and the abutting part is provided with a connecting hole for threaded fasteners to pass through. When the threaded fastener is screwed into the fastening hole, the connecting post can push the snap-fit ​​arm to expand radially through the connecting arm.

[0006] Furthermore, the end of the connecting post away from the abutting portion is provided with a radially outwardly protruding plate; The convex plate seals one end of the fastening hole, and the end of each snap-fit ​​arm away from the abutment portion is connected to the convex plate.

[0007] Furthermore, along the outward extension direction of the snap-fit ​​edge, the snap-fit ​​edge gradually tilts towards the snap-fit ​​portion.

[0008] Furthermore, each of the connecting arms extends radially along the connecting post.

[0009] Furthermore, the thickness of the snap-fit ​​edge gradually decreases along its outward extension direction; and / or, The snap-fit ​​edge is a complete circle arranged circumferentially along the abutment portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the abutting portion has a main board arranged perpendicularly to the connecting post, and the snap-fit ​​edge is disposed along the edge of the main board; The card connector arm is located at the connection between the motherboard and the card connector edge.

[0011] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​arm is bent and bulges out in a direction away from the connecting post, and the snap-fit ​​arm includes a first plate and a second plate connected together; The first plate is connected to the connecting post, the second plate is connected to the abutting portion, and the connecting arm is connected to the end of the first plate near the second plate.

[0012] Compared with related technologies, this application has the following advantages: (1) The nut structure described in this application, by forming a snap-fit ​​groove between the snap-fit ​​arm and the snap-fit ​​edge for snapping onto external components such as the body sheet metal, can achieve initial snap-fit ​​of the nut structure onto external components such as the body sheet metal. In addition, by providing connecting arms between each snap-fit ​​arm and the connecting post, when the threaded fastener is screwed into the fastening hole, the threaded fastener will generate a radial force on the connecting post. At this time, the connecting post can transmit this force to the snap-fit ​​arm through the connecting arm, thereby pushing the snap-fit ​​arm to expand radially outward. As a result, the snap-fit ​​interference between the snap-fit ​​arm and the inner wall of the mounting hole of the body sheet metal can be increased, so that the nut structure can be firmly snapped onto the body sheet metal, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of loosening caused by the thinness of the body sheet metal or the large opening.

[0013] (2) By having the convex plate block one end of the fastening hole, it can effectively prevent dust, rainwater and other external environmental factors from entering the fastening hole. On the other hand, it can effectively prevent foreign objects from adhering to the inner wall of the threaded hole, which would cause the threaded fasteners to jam and affect the assembly efficiency.

[0014] (3) Along the outward extension direction of the snap-fit ​​edge, gradually tilt the snap-fit ​​edge towards the snap-fit ​​part. This setting allows the snap-fit ​​edge to be cantilevered and have a certain degree of elasticity, so that the nut structure can be snapped onto external components (such as body sheet metal) of different thicknesses through the snap-fit ​​groove formed between the snap-fit ​​edge and multiple snap-fit ​​arms.

[0015] (4) The thickness of the snap-fit ​​edge is gradually reduced along the outward extension direction of the snap-fit ​​edge, which makes the elasticity of the free end of the snap-fit ​​edge the maximum, so that it can be squeezed and deformed by external components (such as body sheet metal), thereby enabling the nut structure to snap onto external components (such as body sheet metal) of different thicknesses.

[0016] (5) By setting the snap-fit ​​edge to be a complete circle arranged around the circumference of the abutment part, the clamping force of the snap-fit ​​groove on the edge of the external component (such as the body sheet metal) can be evenly distributed around the circumference, which can effectively avoid the problem of insufficient local clamping force caused by segmented snap-fit. In addition, setting the snap-fit ​​edge to be a complete circle can also improve the sealing effect between the nut structure and the external component (such as the body sheet metal), and can have better waterproof performance.

[0017] (6) By setting the main board perpendicular to the connecting post, the part that abuts against other components can be a flat plane, which increases the contact area with other components, thereby improving the installation stability of other components on external components (such as body sheet metal). By setting the snap-fit ​​arm at the connection between the main board and the snap-fit ​​edge, the setting firmness of the snap-fit ​​arm can be effectively improved. At the same time, the structural strength of the snap-fit ​​arm can be used to make the snap-fit ​​edge have better structural strength, thereby improving the snap-fit ​​firmness of the nut structure on external components (such as body sheet metal).

[0018] (7) By making the snap-fit ​​arm bent and including a connected first plate and a second plate, when the threaded fastener is tightened and the connecting post is expanded, the snap-fit ​​arm can further open outward in the bulging direction, and its deformation range is much greater than that of a straight snap-fit ​​arm with a snap-fit ​​protrusion alone. Especially for mounting holes with larger diameters, this structure can compensate for the diameter deviation through greater deformation, which is conducive to ensuring the interference fit between the snap-fit ​​arm and the hole wall, thereby further improving the snap-fit ​​strength between the nut structure and external components (such as body sheet metal).

[0019] Another object of this application is to provide a connection structure suitable for connecting a first component and a second component together, including the nut structure as described above, and a threaded fastener adapted to the nut structure; the snap-fit ​​portion passes through the first component, and the snap-fit ​​edge is located between the first component and the second component; the threaded fastener passes through the second component and the connection hole, and is screwed into the fastening hole, and the first component is snapped into the formed snap-fit ​​groove.

[0020] Furthermore, a sealing element is fitted onto the snap-fit ​​portion, and the sealing element is sandwiched between the first component and the snap-fit ​​edge.

[0021] The connection structure described in this application, by employing the nut structure as described above, allows the threaded fastener to radially compress the connecting post, which in turn drives the snap-fit ​​arm to expand radially through the connecting arm. This further increases the interference fit between the snap-fit ​​arm and the mounting hole of the first component, ensuring that the first component is securely locked within the snap-fit ​​groove. Therefore, even under vibration or impact conditions, relative wobbling between the first and second components can be avoided, thus improving the secure mounting of the second component onto the first component.

[0022] In addition, by fitting a sealing gasket between the first component and the snap-fit ​​edge onto the snap-fit ​​part, dust, moisture, etc., can be effectively prevented from entering the interior of the first component through the mounting hole.

[0023] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a vehicle having the connection structure described above, wherein the first component and the second component are parts of the vehicle.

[0024] The vehicle described in this application, by setting the connection structure as described above, can effectively improve the connection strength between the first component and the second component, which is beneficial to improving the overall vehicle quality. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nut structure described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nut structure described in the embodiments of this application from another perspective; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the nut structure described in the embodiments of this application from another perspective; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view of line AA in the middle; Figure 5 This is an application state diagram of the nut structure described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural illustration from another perspective; Figure 7 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along the BB line.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Abutting part; 101. Snap-fit ​​edge; 102. Mainboard; 2. Snap-fit ​​part; 201. Snap-fit ​​arm; 2011. First plate; 2012. Second plate; 202. Connecting arm; 3. Connecting column; 301. Convex plate; 4. First component; 5. Second component; 6. Sponge pad; 7. Self-tapping screw; K. Fastening hole. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical solution and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this application, if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, these are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in light of the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0032] The present application will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0033] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a nut structure to improve its snap-fit ​​strength on an external component.

[0034] In related technologies, the fixed connection between the decorative panel and the body sheet metal generally adopts a combination structure of plastic nut snap-fit ​​and self-tapping screw 7. During assembly, the plastic nut is first inserted into the mounting hole of the body sheet metal through its snap-fit ​​structure to achieve pre-fixation between the nut and the body sheet metal. Then, the decorative panel is attached to the surface of the body sheet metal, aligning the connecting hole on the decorative panel with the fastening hole K of the plastic nut. Finally, the self-tapping screw 7 is passed through the connecting hole of the decorative panel and screwed into the fastening hole K of the plastic nut, and the thread engagement of the self-tapping screw 7 tightly fixes the decorative panel to the body sheet metal.

[0035] However, to ensure the plastic nut can smoothly engage with the mounting holes in the body sheet metal and to prevent breakage of the nut engagement structure or deformation of the mounting holes due to excessive resistance during engagement, the interference fit of the existing plastic nut's engagement portion 2 is relatively small. This results in a small engagement amount between the engagement portion 2 and the inner wall of the mounting hole after the nut is engaged. Furthermore, when the self-tapping screw 7 is screwed into the plastic nut, the thread of the self-tapping screw 7 generates a radial expansion force on the inner fastening hole K of the plastic nut. However, because there is no structural connection between the existing plastic nut's engagement portion 2 and the inner fastening hole K, the engagement portion 2 cannot expand synchronously.

[0036] In other words, after the self-tapping screw 7 is tightened, the deformation of the nut locking part 2 is minimal, making it difficult to generate sufficient locking force on the body sheet metal through deformation. This results in poor locking stability between the nut and the body sheet metal, making the trim panel prone to wobbling. Furthermore, in some related technologies, the locking part 2 on some nuts is a cantilever structure, which weakens its own structural strength and also hinders the secure locking between the nut and the body sheet metal, meaning there is also a risk that the trim panel may loosen and fall off.

[0037] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the related technology, the nut structure in this embodiment combines... Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the overall design includes an abutment portion 1, a snap-fit ​​portion 2 located on one side of the abutment portion 1, and a connecting post 3. The abutment portion 1 has radially outwardly extending snap-fit ​​edges 101. The snap-fit ​​portion 2 has multiple snap-fit ​​arms 201 arranged around the connecting post 3, and connecting arms 202 connecting each snap-fit ​​arm 201 to the connecting post 3. Snap-fit ​​grooves are formed between the multiple snap-fit ​​arms 201 and the snap-fit ​​edges 101.

[0038] In addition, the connecting post 3 is provided with a fastening hole K, and the abutting part 1 is provided with a connecting hole for threaded fasteners to pass through. When the threaded fastener is screwed into the fastening hole K, the connecting post 3 can expand radially by pushing the locking arm 201 through the connecting arm 202.

[0039] Therefore, by providing a radially extending snap-fit ​​edge 101 at the edge of the abutment portion 1 and providing multiple snap-fit ​​arms 201 on the snap-fit ​​portion 2, snap-fit ​​grooves for snapping onto external components such as body sheet metal can be formed between the multiple snap-fit ​​arms 201 and the snap-fit ​​edge 101, thus achieving initial snap-fit ​​of the nut structure onto external components such as body sheet metal. Furthermore, by providing a connecting arm 202 between each snap-fit ​​arm 201 and the connecting post 3, when the threaded fastener is screwed into the fastening hole K, the threaded fastener will generate a radial force on the connecting post 3. At this time, the connecting post 3 can transmit this force to the snap-fit ​​arm 201 through the connecting arm 202, thereby pushing the snap-fit ​​arm 201 to expand radially outward.

[0040] This design increases the interference fit between the snap-fit ​​arm 201 and the inner wall of the mounting hole in the body sheet metal, ensuring a secure fit of the nut structure onto external components such as the body sheet metal. This effectively prevents loosening caused by thin body sheet metal or oversized openings in these external components. Simultaneously, the connecting arm 202 ensures the stability of the expanded snap-fit ​​arm 201, further guaranteeing a strong connection between the snap-fit ​​arm 201 and external components such as the body sheet metal.

[0041] Based on the above overview, specifically, the nut structure is generally snapped onto the body sheet metal and is typically used to fix components such as decorative panels to the body sheet metal. Here, "decorative panel" refers to all types of decorative panels used on the vehicle body. The bolt fastener is generally a self-tapping screw (7). Of course, besides self-tapping screws (7), other screws or bolts can also be used. Therefore, the decorative panel usually has a connecting hole for the self-tapping screw (7) to pass through, and the body sheet metal has a mounting hole for snapping onto the nut structure. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the connecting hole is usually larger than the inner diameter of the fastening hole (K) but smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting hole.

[0042] Continue to combine Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the nut structure is entirely made of polyoxymethylene, which has high mechanical strength and rigidity, and can withstand large loads and pressures. The connecting post 3 is cylindrical, and the snap-fit ​​arms 201 are two oppositely arranged on opposite sides of the connecting post 3. In this case, to improve the compatibility between the body sheet metal and the nut structure, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the mounting hole on the body sheet metal is a square hole, and the dimension between the two side walls of the square hole is greater than the minimum dimension between the two snap-fit ​​arms 201, so that the snap-fit ​​arms 201 can pass through the mounting hole and be initially snapped onto the body sheet metal.

[0043] It should be noted that, in addition to setting the card arm 201 as Figure 1In addition to the two oppositely arranged in the middle, the snap-fit ​​arms 201 can also be set to three, four, or other numbers spaced around the connecting post 3. In addition, the connecting post 3 can be made into a rectangle or other shapes besides being cylindrical, as long as it can achieve screw connection with the self-tapping screw 7.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the end of the connecting post 3 away from the abutment portion 1 has a radially protruding convex plate 301. The convex plate 301 seals one end of the fastening hole K, and the ends of each snap-fit ​​arm 201 away from the abutment portion 1 are connected to the convex plate 301. When the threaded fastener pushes the connecting post 3, thereby driving the snap-fit ​​arm 201 to expand radially via the connecting arm 202, the snap-fit ​​arm 201 will be subjected to a reverse compressive force from the inner wall of the mounting hole in the body sheet metal. At this time, by rigidly connecting the end of the snap-fit ​​arm 201 to the connecting post 3 via the convex plate 301, the compressive force on the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can be transferred to the connecting post 3 and the convex plate 301, which can disperse local stress and effectively prevent the snap-fit ​​arm 201 from breaking.

[0045] In addition, by having the protruding plate 301 block one end of the fastening hole K, it can effectively prevent dust, rainwater, and other external environmental factors from entering the fastening hole K. On the other hand, it can effectively prevent foreign objects from adhering to the inner wall of the fastening hole K, which could cause jamming during the screwing of the self-tapping screw 7 (or screw) and affect assembly efficiency.

[0046] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, there are two locking arms 201 arranged opposite to each other. The protruding plate 301 in this embodiment is generally rectangular, with both ends extending towards and connecting to the corresponding locking arms 201 along its length. Furthermore, to reduce stress concentration, the connection between the protruding plate 301 and the locking arms 201 is rounded. Additionally, to further improve the locking strength between the nut structure and the vehicle body sheet metal, the width of each locking arm 201 is greater than the outer diameter of the connecting post 3, wherein the direction of each locking arm 201 is... Figure 3 The up and down directions are shown in the status. This setting, as... Figure 1 As shown, this also makes the width direction of the protrusion 301 (i.e. Figure 3 The two sides (in the up and down direction as shown in the state) are also convex outward relative to the connecting column 3.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the snap-fit ​​edge 101 gradually tilts towards the snap-fit ​​portion 2 along the outward extension direction of the snap-fit ​​edge 101. This arrangement allows the snap-fit ​​edge 101 to be cantilevered and flexible, thereby enabling the nut structure to be snapped onto body sheet metal of different thicknesses through the snap-fit ​​grooves formed between the snap-fit ​​edge 101 and the plurality of snap-fit ​​arms 201.

[0048] In other words, when the thickness of the body sheet metal is small, the compressive force exerted on the snap-fit ​​edge 101 when the nut structure snaps onto the body sheet metal is small, ensuring that the snap-fit ​​edge 101 and the snap-fit ​​arm 201 abut against the two opposite sides of the body sheet metal. Conversely, when the thickness of the body sheet metal is large, the compressive force exerted on the snap-fit ​​edge 101 when the nut structure snaps onto the body sheet metal is large, also ensuring that the snap-fit ​​edge 101 and the snap-fit ​​arm 201 abut against the two opposite sides of the body sheet metal. Therefore, the nut structure of this embodiment has a wide range of applicability to different body sheet metal thicknesses, thus exhibiting good versatility.

[0049] In some of the exemplary implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the thickness of the snap-fit ​​edge 101 gradually decreases along its outward extension direction. This design allows the elasticity of the snap-fit ​​edge 101 to gradually increase along its outward extension direction. That is, the free end of the snap-fit ​​edge 101 has the greatest elasticity, while the combined... Figure 7 As shown, the free end of the snap-fit ​​edge 101 is mainly used for contact with the body sheet metal. Here, by maximizing the elasticity of the free end of the snap-fit ​​edge 101, it can be easily deformed by the body sheet metal, thereby enabling the nut structure to snap onto body sheet metal of different thicknesses. In addition, it also facilitates the snap-fit ​​edge 101 to recover after the nut structure is installed.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the snap-fit ​​edge 101 is a complete circle arranged circumferentially along the abutment portion 1. This design ensures that when the nut structure is engaged with the mounting hole in the body sheet metal, the entire snap-fit ​​edge 101 fully conforms to the edge of the mounting hole, allowing the clamping force of the snap-fit ​​groove on the edge of the body sheet metal to be evenly distributed circumferentially, effectively avoiding the problem of insufficient local clamping force caused by segmented snap-fit.

[0051] Furthermore, if the snap-fit ​​edge 101 is configured as multiple segments spaced circumferentially along the connecting post 3, gaps can easily form between adjacent snap-fit ​​edges 101, allowing dust and moisture to enter the body sheet metal through these gaps. Therefore, configuring the snap-fit ​​edge 101 as a complete circle improves the sealing effect between the nut structure and the body sheet metal, resulting in better waterproof performance.

[0052] In some of these exemplary implementations, it may be as follows: Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the abutment portion 1 has a main plate 102 arranged perpendicularly to the connecting post 3, a snap-fit ​​edge 101 provided along the edge of the main plate 102, and a snap-fit ​​arm 201 provided at the connection between the main plate 102 and the snap-fit ​​edge 101. Since the abutment portion 1 is sandwiched between the body sheet metal and the decorative panel, by setting the main plate 102 perpendicular to the connecting post 3, the part that abuts against the decorative panel can be made into a flat plane, which can increase the contact area with the decorative panel, thereby improving the installation stability of the decorative panel on the body sheet metal.

[0053] Furthermore, since the thickness of the end where the snap-fit ​​edge 101 connects to the main board 102 is the greatest, by setting the snap-fit ​​arm 201 at the connection between the main board 102 and the snap-fit ​​edge 101, the setting firmness of the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can be effectively improved. At the same time, the structural strength of the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can be used to make the snap-fit ​​edge 101 have good structural strength while having a certain degree of elasticity, which is conducive to improving the snap-fit ​​firmness of the nut structure on the body sheet metal.

[0054] In specific implementation, it can be as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the snap-fit ​​edge 101 is arranged in a complete circle around the circumference of the abutment portion 1, and its thickness gradually decreases along its outward extension direction. Furthermore, the main board 102 is a circular plate of uniform thickness, its bottom abutting against the decorative panel, and the thickness of the main board 102 is greater than the thickness of the snap-fit ​​edge 101. This not only effectively ensures the firmness of the abutment between the decorative panel and the abutment portion 1, but also effectively prevents damage to the main board 102 caused by the screwing of the self-tapping screw 7 and the connecting post 3.

[0055] In some of the exemplary implementations, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the snap-fit ​​arm 201 is bent and bulges away from the connecting post 3, and includes a first plate 2011 and a second plate 2012 connected together. The first plate 2011 is connected to the connecting post 3, the second plate 2012 is connected to the abutment portion 1, and the connecting arm 202 is connected to the end of the first plate 2011 near the second plate 2012. That is, this structure makes the part where the first plate 2011 and the second plate 2012 connect protruding, allowing it to snap onto one side of the vehicle body sheet metal.

[0056] With this design, when the threaded fastener is tightened and the connecting post 3 expands, the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can further open outward in the bulging direction, and its deformation range is much greater than that of a straight snap-fit ​​arm 201 with a separate snap-fit ​​protrusion. Especially for body panel mounting holes with larger diameters, this structure can compensate for the diameter deviation through greater deformation, which helps to ensure the interference fit between the snap-fit ​​arm 201 and the hole wall, thereby further improving the snap-fit ​​strength between the nut structure and the body panel.

[0057] Because the first plate 2011 is connected to the free end of the connecting post 3, its structural strength is weaker than that of the second plate 2012, making it more conducive to radial expansion. At this time, by connecting the connecting arm 202 to the end of the first plate 2011 near the second plate 2012, the overall radial expansion of the locking arm 201 can be effectively promoted. Simultaneously, the connecting arm 202 is also positioned closer to the connection between the first plate 2011 and the second plate 2012, that is, closer to the locking point between the locking arm 201 and the body sheet metal. This effectively restricts the radial retraction of the locking arm 201, thereby ensuring the secure locking between the locking arm 201 and the body sheet metal.

[0058] In this embodiment, during specific implementation, it can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the length of the first plate 2011 is greater than the length of the second plate 2012. This allows the connection between the first plate 2011 and the second plate 2012, i.e. the part that engages with the body sheet metal, to be close to the root of the nut structure. This improves the structural strength of the part and further ensures the secure engagement between the nut structure and the body sheet metal.

[0059] In addition, the included angle between the first plate 2011 and the connecting post 3 along the axis is smaller than the included angle between the second plate 2012 and the connecting post 3 along the axis. This arrangement reduces the distance between the first plate 2011 of the two snap-fit ​​arms 201, which facilitates the snap-fit ​​arm 201 to snap onto one side of the body sheet metal after the nut structure passes through the mounting hole.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the connection between the first plate 2011 and the second plate 2012 is rounded, making the snap-fit ​​arm 201 approximately arc-shaped. This design allows the arc-shaped surface of the snap-fit ​​arm 201, compared to a straight snap-fit ​​arm 201 with a separate snap-fit ​​protrusion, to reduce frictional resistance with the mounting hole, facilitating smoother insertion into the mounting hole. Simultaneously, it effectively reduces stress concentration at the connection between the first plate 2011 and the second plate 2012, effectively preventing the snap-fit ​​arm 201 from breaking due to radial expansion.

[0061] Moreover, the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can also be restricted from radial movement by the joint support of the first plate 2011 and the second plate 2012. Even if it is subjected to vibration, the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can maintain its snap-fit ​​with the body sheet metal under the constraint of the connecting arm 202, which can effectively avoid the loosening of the snap-fit ​​arm 201 due to vibration in the traditional structure.

[0062] In some of the exemplary implementations, such as Figure 4As shown, each connecting arm 202 extends radially along the connecting post 3. This arrangement ensures that the radial expansion force generated by the threaded fastener pressing on the connecting post 3 can be transmitted to the snap-fit ​​arm 201 via the shortest path.

[0063] Therefore, when the threaded fastener is tightened, pushing the connecting post 3 to expand radially outward, the radially extending connecting arm 202 can directly transmit the expansion force along its own extension direction to the snap-fit ​​arm 201. The direction of force transmission is completely consistent with the required expansion direction of the snap-fit ​​arm 201. There is no need to decompose the expansion force into radial and axial components, allowing more expansion force to act on the opening action of the snap-fit ​​arm 201, significantly improving the expansion speed of the snap-fit ​​arm 201. Even with mounting holes of a relatively large diameter, sufficient interference fit can be quickly achieved.

[0064] In addition, this setting also helps to ensure that the expansion of all snap-fit ​​arms 201 is consistent, and there will be no situation where one snap-fit ​​arm 201 expands too much and another snap-fit ​​arm 201 expands too little. This helps to ensure that the interference fit between the snap-fit ​​arm 201 and the inner wall of the mounting hole is consistent, which can effectively avoid the nut structure shaking due to insufficient interference fit in some areas.

[0065] It is worth noting that, regarding the nut structure of this embodiment, based on the above exemplary implementations, in specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment, it is still composed of... Figures 1 to 7 As shown, it may include, for example, an abutment portion 1, a snap-fit ​​portion 2 located on one side of the abutment portion 1, and a connecting post 3. The abutment portion 1 has a radially outwardly extending snap-fit ​​edge 101 at its edge, the snap-fit ​​portion 2 has two snap-fit ​​arms 201 arranged around the connecting post 3, and a connecting arm 202 connecting each snap-fit ​​arm 201 to the connecting post 3, and a snap-fit ​​groove is formed between the two snap-fit ​​arms 201 and the snap-fit ​​edge 101.

[0066] Along the outward extension direction of the snap-fit ​​edge 101, the snap-fit ​​edge 101 gradually tilts towards the snap-fit ​​portion 2. Each connecting arm 202 extends radially along the connecting post 3. The snap-fit ​​arm 201 is bent and bulges away from the connecting post 3, and the snap-fit ​​arm 201 includes a first plate 2011 and a second plate 2012 connected together. The first plate 2011 is connected to the connecting post 3, the second plate 2012 is connected to the abutment portion 1, and the connecting arm 202 is connected to the end of the first plate 2011 near the second plate 2012.

[0067] In the preferred embodiment of the above nut structure, the specific setting and arrangement of the abutting part 1, the snap-fit ​​part 2 and the connecting post 3, etc., can still be referred to the description in the above exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the beneficial effects brought about by the design of the abutting part 1, the snap-fit ​​part 2 and the connecting post 3, etc., can also be referred to the description in the above exemplary embodiments.

[0068] The nut structure in this embodiment, with the design described above, not only allows the decorative panel to be more securely fastened to the body sheet metal, but also enables the decorative panel to be fastened to body sheet metal of varying thicknesses. Simultaneously, it reduces the dimensional accuracy requirements for the mounting holes on the body sheet metal.

[0069] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a connection structure, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, a device suitable for connecting a first component 4 and a second component 5 together includes the nut structure described above and a threaded fastener adapted to the nut structure. A snap-fit ​​portion 2 passes through the first component 4, and a snap-fit ​​edge 101 is located between the first component 4 and the second component 5. The threaded fastener passes through the second component 5 and the connecting hole, and is screwed into the fastening hole K, with the first component 4 snapped into the formed snap-fit ​​groove.

[0070] The connection structure of this application allows the first component 4 to be inserted through the snap-fit ​​portion 2 of the nut structure. The snap-fit ​​groove formed by the snap-fit ​​edge 101 and the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can be directly snap-fitted to the first component 4, which can achieve pre-fixation of the two components when the threaded fastener is not installed, and avoid the nut structure from shifting during assembly.

[0071] Then, when the threaded fastener passes through the second component 5, the connecting hole and screws into the fastening hole K, the axial force generated by the thread engagement will press the second component 5 tightly against the surface of the first component 4, which can eliminate the gap between the two components.

[0072] On the other hand, the radial compression of the threaded fastener on the nut connecting post 3 will drive the snap-fit ​​arm 201 to expand radially through the connecting arm 202, further increasing the interference between the snap-fit ​​arm 201 and the mounting hole of the first component 4, so that the first component 4 is firmly snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove. Thus, even in vibration and impact environments, the relative swaying of the first component 4 and the second component 5 can be avoided, which helps to improve the installation firmness of the second component 5 on the first component 4.

[0073] When maintenance or replacement of the second component 5 is required, the two components can be separated simply by unscrewing the threaded fastener. The nut structure can remain on the first component 4, or the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can be elastically deformed to disengage from the mounting hole of the first component 4. The nut structure and threaded fastener can be reused after disassembly, which can reduce maintenance costs.

[0074] In practical applications, the first component 4 can be made of different materials such as body sheet metal or plastic sheet, and the second component 5 can be different parts such as decorative panels or functional panels. The snap-fit ​​groove of the nut structure can adapt to the dimensional deviation of the mounting hole of the first component 4 through the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​arm 201.

[0075] In some of the exemplary implementations, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a sealing element is fitted onto the snap-fit ​​portion 2, and the sealing element is sandwiched between the first component 4 and the snap-fit ​​edge 101. This design effectively prevents dust, moisture, etc., from entering the interior of the first component 4 through the mounting hole.

[0076] In specific implementation, the sealing element can be a sponge pad 6 fitted onto the snap-fit ​​arm 201. The sponge pad 6 can prevent dust, moisture, oil, and other foreign objects from entering through the radial gap between the snap-fit ​​arm 201 and the mounting hole wall through its own elastic deformation. This helps prevent foreign objects from adhering to the surface of the threaded fastener or entering the fastening hole K, further protecting the reliability of the threaded connection. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The dashed line in the middle indicates the state of the sponge pad 6 when it is not compressed. It can be understood that in its actual use state, the sponge pad 6 is located between the snap-fit ​​edge 101 and the first component 4.

[0077] When the first component 4 (such as a car body sheet metal) vibrates due to external impact, the vibration is transmitted to the nut structure and the second component 5 (such as a decorative panel) through the snap-fit ​​arm 201. At this time, the sponge pad 6 sleeved on the snap-fit ​​arm 201 can absorb part of the vibration energy through its own compression and rebound, which can effectively prevent the vibration from being directly transmitted to the threaded fastener, thereby effectively reducing the loosening caused by repeated vibration at the thread engagement and improving the stability of the connection structure.

[0078] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a vehicle having the connection structure described above, wherein the first component 4 and the second component 5 are components of the vehicle.

[0079] The vehicle in this embodiment, by setting the connection structure as described above, can effectively improve the connection strength between the first component 4 and the second component 5, which is beneficial to improving the overall vehicle quality.

[0080] In specific implementation, the first component 4 can be a car body sheet metal, and the second component 5 can be a door trim panel or other trim panels or other components.

[0081] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A nut structure, characterized in that: It includes an abutting portion (1), a snap-fit ​​portion (2) located on one side of the abutting portion (1), and a connecting post (3); The edge of the abutting part (1) is provided with a radially outwardly extending snap-fit ​​edge (101), the snap-fit ​​part (2) has a plurality of snap-fit ​​arms (201) arranged around the connecting post (3), and a connecting arm (202) connecting each of the snap-fit ​​arms (201) and the connecting post (3), and a snap-fit ​​groove is formed between the plurality of snap-fit ​​arms (201) and the snap-fit ​​edge (101); The connecting post (3) is provided with a fastening hole (K), and the abutting part (1) is provided with a connecting hole for threaded fasteners to pass through. When the threaded fastener is screwed into the fastening hole (K), the connecting post (3) can push the snap-fit ​​arm (201) radially to expand through the connecting arm (202).

2. The nut structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting post (3) has a radially outwardly protruding convex plate (301) at one end away from the abutting part (1). The protruding plate (301) blocks one end of the fastening hole (K), and the end of each snap-fit ​​arm (201) away from the abutment portion (1) is connected to the protruding plate (301).

3. The nut structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the outward extension direction of the snap-fit ​​edge (101), the snap-fit ​​edge (101) gradually tilts towards the snap-fit ​​portion (2).

4. The nut structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the connecting arms (202) extends radially along the connecting post (3).

5. The nut structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the outward extension direction of the snap-fit ​​edge (101), the thickness of the snap-fit ​​edge (101) is gradually reduced; and / or, The snap-fit ​​edge (101) is a complete circle arranged circumferentially along the abutment portion (1).

6. The nut structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The abutting portion (1) has a main board (102) arranged perpendicularly to the connecting post (3), and the snap-fit ​​edge (101) is provided along the edge of the main board (102); The card arm (201) is located at the connection between the motherboard (102) and the card edge (101).

7. The nut structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​arm (201) is bent and bulges out in a direction away from the connecting post (3), and the snap-fit ​​arm (201) includes a first plate (2011) and a second plate (2012) connected together. The first plate (2011) is connected to the connecting post (3), the second plate (2012) is connected to the abutting part (1), and the connecting arm (202) is connected to the end of the first plate (2011) near the second plate (2012).

8. A connection structure suitable for connecting a first component (4) and a second component (5) together, characterized in that: It includes the nut structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the threaded fastener adapted to the nut structure; The snap-fit ​​portion (2) passes through the first component (4), and the snap-fit ​​edge (101) is located between the first component (4) and the second component (5); The threaded fastener passes through the second component (5) and the connecting hole and is screwed into the fastening hole (K), and the first component (4) is snapped into the formed snap-fit ​​groove.

9. The connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: A sealing element is fitted on the snap-fit ​​part (2), and the sealing element is sandwiched between the first component (4) and the snap-fit ​​edge (101).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle employs the connection structure as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the first component (4) and the second component (5) are parts of the vehicle.

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