COUPLING ASSEMBLY WITH CLIP

Abstract

Coupling assembly (100), comprising: a plate (102) which has a plate hole (112); a clip (104) having a clip base (116) and a plurality of holders (126) coupled to the clip base (116) along the clip base (116), wherein the majority of the supports (126) extend through the plate hole (112) and each of the supports (126) includes: a frame (128) coupled to the clip base (116), wherein the frame (128) defines a first end section (130) and a second end section (132) facing away from the first end section (130), wherein the first end section (130) is coupled to the clip base (116) and the second end section (132) defines an axis of rotation (X); a projection (142) which is rotatably coupled to the second end section (132) so that the projection (142) is rotatable relative to the frame (128) about the axis of rotation (X); a limiting device (148) which is coupled to the projection (142) in such a way that the limiting device (148) is rotatable relative to the frame (128) between a first limiting device position and a second limiting device position, wherein the limiting device (148) is spaced apart from the frame (128) in the first limiting device position, and wherein the limiting device (148) is in direct contact with the frame (128) in the second position; wherein the limiting device (148) is movable from the first limiting device position to the second limiting device position when a pull-out force is exerted on the clip (104); and wherein the limiting device (148) in the second limiting device position touches the frame (128) to prevent rotation of the projection (142) relative to the frame (128), thereby preventing decoupling of the clip (104) from the plate (102); characterized by the fact that the clip base (116) has an annular shape which allows another object to extend through the clip (104) and the plate hole (112) of the plate (102), wherein the clip base (116) has an annular body (118) comprising an outer body surface (120) and an inner body surface (122) which faces away from the outer body surface (120), and wherein the inner body surface (122) defines a clip opening (124) with a circular shape as a through hole.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coupling assembly comprising a clip. BACKGROUND

[0002] Material strips can be attached to vehicle panels. Clips are used to secure the material strips to the vehicle. Retaining clips grip both the material strips and the vehicle panels. The clips are designed to prevent rattling between the material strip and the vehicle panel. Furthermore, the clips are designed to be attached to the vehicle using minimal insertion force, while requiring significant force to remove them.

[0003] DE 20 2011 101 112 U1 discloses a fastening device for attaching a component to a support member. The fastening device has a head section with a flat rectangular cover plate and a base section. Side walls extend from the longitudinal edges of the cover plate, forming a U-shaped profile together with the cover plate. The side walls comprise shaft arms that are bent into curved sections at the base, thereby forming an outer wing and an inner wing. Each inner wing has a pair of support cheeks and an end section. In the assembled state, the shaft arms are guided by a mounting arrangement of a support member, with contact sections of the support cheeks engaging behind the support member. Further prior art is known from JP 2003 - 134 648 A. SUMMARY

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved coupling assembly comprising a clip.

[0005] To solve the problem, a coupling assembly with the features of claim 1 is provided. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] The present disclosure describes a coupling assembly comprising a plate and a clip. The plate has a plate hole, and the clip is partially inserted through the plate hole. The clip is a one-time clip because it cannot be decoupled from the plate once it has been partially inserted through the plate hole. In one embodiment, the clip comprises a clip base and a plurality of supports coupled along the clip base. When the coupling assembly is fully assembled, the supports extend through the plate hole. Each support comprises a frame coupled to the clip base. The frame comprises a first end section and a second end section facing away from the first end section. The first end section of the frame is coupled to the clip base, and the second end section of the frame defines an axis of rotation.Each clip includes a projection that is rotatably coupled to the second end section of the frame. Therefore, the projection can rotate relative to the frame about the axis of rotation defined along the second end section of the frame. Each clip also includes a limiting device coupled to the projection. The limiting device can rotate relative to the frame between a first limiting device position and a second limiting device position. In the first limiting device position, the limiting device is spaced away from the frame. In the second limiting device position, the limiting device is in direct contact with the frame. The limiting device can move from the first limiting device position to the second limiting device position when a pull-out force is applied to the clip.Once in the second limiting device position, the limiting device contacts the frame to prevent the projection from rotating relative to the frame, thereby preventing the clip from decoupling from the plate. The present disclosure also describes vehicles incorporating the coupling assembly described above.

[0007] The above features and advantages, and further features and advantages of the present teachings, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best ways of carrying out the teachings when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a coupling assembly comprising a plate and a clip inserted through the plate; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective partial view of the in Fig. 1 clip shown; Fig. 3 is a schematic partial front view of the in Fig. 1 clip shown; Fig. 4A is a schematic partial view in cross-section of the in Fig. 1 shown clip, which runs along the section line 4-4 of Fig. 3 was taken, wherein the clip has a limiting device which is arranged in a first limiting device position; Fig. 4B is a schematic partial view in cross-section of the in Fig. 1 shown clip, which runs along the section line 4-4 of Fig. 3 was taken, wherein the clip has a limiting device which is arranged in a second limiting device position; and Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the in Fig. 1 coupling assembly shown, wherein the clip is inserted through the plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Reference is made to the drawings, whereby identical reference symbols throughout the various figures correspond to the same or similar components, starting with Fig. Figure 1, which schematically shows a coupling assembly 100. The coupling assembly 100 can be part of a vehicle 101. The vehicle 101 can be a land vehicle, such as a car or a truck, or another type of vehicle, such as an aircraft or a boat. The coupling assembly 100 can also be used in applications that are not vehicles.

[0009] The coupling assembly 100 comprises a plate 102 and a clip 104 coupled to the plate 102. The clip 104 can also be coupled to another object, such as a vehicle body part, to couple this object to the plate 102 via the clip 104. The plate 102 consists wholly or partially of a substantially rigid material, such as a rigid metal, and comprises a plate body 106, which may have a planar shape to minimize costs. The plate body 106 defines a first plate surface 108 and a second plate surface 110, which faces away from the first plate surface 108. The plate 102 has a plate hole 112, such as a through hole, which extends through the plate body 106. The plate hole 112 extends through the first plate surface 108 and the second plate surface 110. The plate body 106 has an inner plate surface 114 that defines the plate hole 112.The inner plate surface 114 can have a circumferential shape (e.g., a circular shape) to accommodate the clip 104. Because of the circumferential shape of the inner plate surface 114, the plate hole 112 can also have a circumferential shape (e.g., a circular shape), which helps to minimize manufacturing costs.

[0010] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The clip 104 consists wholly or partially of an elastic material, such as an elastic metal or an elastic polymer, and can be coupled to the plate 102. It comprises a clip base 116 that adjoins the plate body 106. More precisely, the clip base 116 can be isolated from the first plate surface 108 by a compliant material compressed between the base 116 and the first plate surface 108. This compliant interface generates an axial force that maintains contact between the clip 104 and the plate 102. The clip base 116 has an annular shape that allows another object, such as a rod, to extend through the clip 104 and the plate hole 112 of the plate 102. Therefore, the clip base 116 has a ring-shaped body 118, which has an outer body surface 120 and an inner body surface 122, which is facing away from the outer body surface 120.The inner body surface 122 defines a clip opening 124 (e.g., a through hole). The clip opening 124 can be circular. The clip base 116 is annular, and the outer body surface 120 is radially spaced from the inner body surface 122 along a radial direction R. The clip base 116 has a center C located in the plate hole 112. The inner body surface 122 faces the center C defined by the clip base 116, and the outer body surface 120 faces away from the center C defined by the clip base 116.

[0011] The clip 104 further comprises a plurality of brackets 126 coupled along the clip base 116. Although the illustrated embodiment shows four brackets 126, the clip 104 can include more or fewer brackets 126. Regardless of the number, the brackets 126 extend through the plate hole 112 to couple the clip 104 to the plate 102. The brackets 126 are arranged annularly around the center C, which is defined by the clip base 116, thereby facilitating contact between the plate 102 and the clip 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the brackets 126 are coupled directly to the clip base 116 along the inner body surface 122 and project from the clip base 116 in an axial direction A, which is perpendicular to the radial direction R.

[0012] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 Each bracket 126 comprises a frame 128 that is directly coupled to the clip base 116. In the illustrated embodiment, each frame 128 has a trapezoidal shape to promote its shape stability. Each frame 128 has a first end section 130 that is directly coupled to the clip base 116 and a second end section 132 that faces away from the first end section 130. The second end section 132 extends along an axis of rotation X, as described in detail below. In other words, the second end section 132 has a flexural hinge 133 that defines the axis of rotation X. Each frame 128 is cantilevered from the clip base 116. Therefore, the second end section 132 of the frame 128 is not directly coupled to the clip base 116. The second end section 132 is instead only coupled to the clip base 116 by the first end section 130 of the frame 128.In particular, the first end section 130 of the frame 128 is directly coupled to the inner body surface 122 of the ring-shaped body 118 (see . Fig. 2) to simplify the manufacturing process of clip 104.

[0013] The frame 128 comprises a frame body 134 and a frame opening 136 (e.g., a through-hole) extending through the frame body 134. The frame body 134 has an inner frame surface 138 that defines the frame opening 136 and an outer frame surface 140 that faces away from the inner frame surface 138. The outer frame surface 140 defines the substantially trapezoidal shape of the frame 128 to promote the dimensional stability of the frame 128. The frame opening 136 may also have a substantially trapezoidal shape to promote the dimensional stability of the frame 128. The frame 128 has a first frame surface 129 and a second frame surface 131 that faces away from the first frame surface 129. The first frame surface 129 faces from the center C ( Fig. 1) of the clip 104 away, and the second frame surface 131 points towards the center C of the clip base 116. The frame opening 136 extends through the first frame surface 129 and the second frame surface 131.

[0014] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4A Each bracket 126 includes a projection 142 that is rotatably coupled to the frame 128. More precisely, the projection 142 is rotatably coupled to the second end section 132 of the frame 128 and can therefore rotate relative to the frame about the axis of rotation X. The frame opening 136 partially accommodates the projection 142 to allow it to rotate freely relative to the frame 128. In other words, the projection 142 is partially located within the frame opening 136. Furthermore, the projection 142 includes a contact surface 144 and a ramp 146 connected to the contact surface 144. The ramp 146 is inclined relative to the contact surface 144 to facilitate the insertion of the brackets 126 through the plate hole 112. The contact surface 144 can be connected to the second plate surface 110 ( Fig. 1) are in place as soon as the brackets 126 have been inserted through the plate hole 112 to couple the clip 104 to the plate 102.

[0015] Each support 126 also includes a limiting device 148, which is directly coupled to the projection 142. A beam 152 can connect the projection 142 and the limiting device 148. The projection 142, the beam 152, and the limiting device 148 can together form a single-piece structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting device 148 is configured as a tab 150. Regardless of its configuration, the limiting device consists wholly or partially of an elastic material, such as an elastic polymeric material, to allow the limiting device 148 to bend when a force is applied and to return to its original shape when this force is released. The limiting device 148 can have a trapezoidal shape to promote its shape retention. Accordingly, the tab 150 can also have a trapezoidal shape.The entire boundary device 148 is closer to the second frame surface 131 than to the first frame surface 129.

[0016] The limiting device 148 projects from the projection 142 towards the center C ( Fig. 1) of the clip 104, and some sections of the limiting device 148 extend beyond the inner frame surface 138, which defines the frame opening 136. Therefore, the limiting device 148 is partially located behind the frame body 134. More precisely, in the illustrated embodiment, the limiting device 148 comprises a first limiting device section 154, a second limiting device section 156, which is located away from the first limiting device section 154, and a third limiting device section 158, which directly connects the first limiting device section 154 and the second limiting device section 156.The first limiting device section 154 and the second limiting device section 156 extend beyond the inner frame surface 138, so that the first limiting device section 154 and the second limiting device section 156 are arranged behind the frame body 134.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B the limiting device 148 can be positioned relative to the frame 128 between a first limiting device position ( Fig. 4A) and a second limiting device position ( Fig. 4B) move. The movement of the limiting device 148 between the first limiting device position ( Fig. 4A) and the second limiting device position ( Fig. 4B) may involve bending. In particular, the first limiting device section 154 and the second limiting device section 156 may bend when the limiting device 148 rotates relative to the frame 128 about the axis of rotation X ( Fig. 3) when applying or releasing a pull-out force W ( Fig. 1) rotates because the first limiting device section 154 and the second limiting device section 156 would press against the frame 128. In the first limiting device position ( Fig. 4A) The limiting device 148 is spaced from the frame 128 by a distance S. In other words, the limiting device 148 is not in direct contact with the frame 128 when the limiting device 148 is in the first limiting device position ( Fig. 4A). The limiting device 148 is normally in the first limiting device position. In the second limiting device position ( Fig. 4B) The limiting device 148 is in direct contact with the frame 128, thus preventing the clip 104 from decoupled from the plate. More precisely, the direct contact between the limiting device 148 and the frame 128 restricts further rotation of the projection 142 in an outward direction O ( Fig. 4B) if the limiting device 148 is in the second limiting device position.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 5. To couple the clip 104 to the plate, an insertion force I is exerted on the clip 104 in order to insert the supports 126 through the plate hole 112 of the plate 102. As the supports 126 move through the plate hole 112, the projections 142 rotate towards the center C of the clip 104, thereby allowing the ramps 146 ( Fig. 4A), to slide along the inner plate surface 114. The insertion force I is continuously applied to the clip 104 until the contact surface 144 ( Fig. 4A) of the projection 142 is in direct contact with the second plate surface 110.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 1, as soon as the plant area is 144 ( Fig. 4A) where the projection 142 is in direct contact with the second plate surface 110, the clip 104 is attached to the plate 102. At this connection point, the clip base 116 is in direct contact with the first plate surface 108 to help to attach the clip 104 to the plate 102.

[0020] When a pull-out force W is applied to the clip 104 in an attempt to decouple the clip 104 from the plate 102, the projection 142 rotates relative to the frame 128 in an outward direction O ( Fig. 4B). As a result, the limiting devices 148 move towards the frame 128 from the first mounting position ( Fig. 4A) into the second mounting position ( Fig. 4B). Once they are in the second mounting position ( Fig. 4B), the limiting devices 148 contact the frame 128 to prevent further movement (e.g., rotation) of the projection 142 in the outward direction O. Consequently, the limiting devices 148 help to keep the contact surface 144 in direct contact with the second plate surface 110 of the plate 102 and prevent the clip 104 from disengaging from the plate 102 when the limiting device 148 contacts and presses against the frame 128. Once the pull-out force W is released from the clip 104, the projection 142 rotates relative to the frame 128 in an inward direction N ( Fig. 4A), which causes the limiting device 148 to return to its first limiting device position. As described above, in the first limiting device position, the limiting device 148 is spaced away from the frame 128 and is not in direct contact with the frame 128.

[0021] Although the best embodiments of the teachings have been described in detail, those skilled in the field to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for the practical implementation of the teachings within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Coupling assembly (100) comprising: a plate (102) having a plate hole (112); a clip (104) having a clip base (116) and a plurality of brackets (126) coupled to the clip base (116) along the clip base (116), wherein the plurality of brackets (126) extend through the plate hole (112) and each of the brackets (126) comprises: a frame (128) coupled to the clip base (116), the frame (128) defining a first end portion (130) and a second end portion (132) remote from the first end portion (130), the first end portion (130) being coupled to the clip base (116) and the second end portion (132) defines an axis of rotation (X); a projection (142) rotatably coupled to the second end portion (132) such that the projection (142) is rotatable relative to the frame (128) about the rotation axis (X); a limiting device (148) coupled to the projection (142) such that the limiting device (148) is rotatable relative to the frame (128) between a first limiting device position and a second limiting device position, wherein the limiting device (148) is spaced from the frame (128) in the first limiting device position, and wherein the limiting device (148) is in direct contact with the frame (128) in the second position; wherein the limiting device (148) is movable from the first limiting device position to the second limiting device position when a pull-out force is exerted on the clip (104); and wherein the limiting device (148) in the second limiting device position contacts the frame (128) to prevent rotation of the projection (142) relative to the frame (128), thereby preventing decoupling of the clip (104) from the plate (102); characterized by , that the clip base (116) has an annular shape that allows another object to extend through the clip (104) and the plate hole (112) of the plate (102), wherein the clip base (116) has an annular body (118) comprising an outer body surface (120) and an inner body surface (122) facing away from the outer body surface (120), and wherein the inner body surface (122) defines a clip opening (124) having a circular shape as a through-hole. [2] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the second end portion (132) is not directly coupled to the clip base (116). [3] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein the frame (128) is cantilevered from the clip base (116) such that the second end portion (132) is coupled to the clip base (116) only through the first end portion (130). [4] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the clip base (116) has a center, the frame (128) has a first frame surface (129) and a second frame surface (131) facing away from the first frame surface (129), the first frame surface (129) faces away from the center, the second frame surface (131) faces toward the center, and the limiting device (148) is closer to the second frame surface (131) than to the first frame surface (129). [5] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 4, wherein the limiting means (148) projects from the projection (142) toward the center of the clip base (116). [6] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 4, wherein the frame (128) comprises a frame body (134) and a frame opening (136) extending through the first frame surface (129) and the second frame surface (131), and wherein the projection (142) is partially disposed in the frame opening (136). [7] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the frame opening (136) has a substantially trapezoidal shape. [8] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the frame (128) defines an inner frame surface (138), the inner frame surface (138) defining the frame opening (136), and the limiting device (148) extends beyond the inner frame surface (138). [9] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 8, wherein the limiting device (148) comprises a first limiting device portion (154), a second limiting device portion (156), and a third limiting device portion (158) interconnecting the first limiting device portion (154) and the second limiting device portion (156), wherein the first and second limiting device portions (154, 156) are coupled to the projection (142) only by the third limiting device portion (158), wherein the first limiting device portion (154) extends beyond the inner frame surface (138) and the second limiting device portion (156) extends beyond the inner frame surface (138). [10] The coupling assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the limiting device (148) is not in contact with the frame (128) when the limiting device (148) is in the first limiting device position relative to the frame (128).

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