Pin clamp fastening element with external thread

Abstract

A pin clamp fastener comprises a base section and a sleeve section, which includes a first end connected to the base section, a second end, and an intermediate section defining a central axis extending between the first and second ends. The sleeve section includes an outer surface, a central passage containing an inner surface, and several toothed elements projecting radially inward from the inner surface. The pin clamp fastener has a slot extending through the base section and the sleeve section substantially parallel to the central axis, forming a first fastening section and a second fastening section configured to join together to engage a substrate.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the disclosure relates to the art of fasteners and, more particularly, to a pin clamp fastener with an external thread.

[0002] Vehicles contain several different components. The components are joined together using several different fastening systems. Components subject to high loads, such as engine components, chassis components, and the like, are joined with hardened fasteners. Body components may be joined with pins, clamps, metal studs, or the like, depending on their location within the vehicle. Interior trim components are often joined with clamps, studs, or other fasteners designed for low-load applications.

[0003] In some cases, the component may be formed with a portion of the fastener. For example, a trim panel may have an opening machined to include an internal thread or may include a pin machined to include an external thread. While machining small parts can be a relatively simple process, applying threads to multiple pins projecting from a surface of a larger component is a time-consuming and costly process. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an easy-to-manufacture and cost-effective system for providing a threaded interface on a formed pin. SUMMARY

[0004] A pin-clamp fastener includes, by way of non-limiting example, a base portion and a sleeve portion having a first end connected to the base portion, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining a central axis extending between the first end and the second end. The sleeve portion includes an outer surface, a central passage including an inner surface, and a plurality of tooth elements projecting radially inward from the inner surface. The pin-clamp fastener has a slot extending through the base portion and the sleeve portion substantially parallel to the central axis, forming a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion configured to mate to engage a substrate.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the intermediate portion includes a plurality of threads.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of tooth elements are disposed between the base portion and the plurality of threads.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of tooth elements projects radially inwardly from the outer surface toward the central axis.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of tooth elements includes a passage extending from the outer surface through the inner surface to the central axis.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the central passageway includes a terminal end having a surface, the slot extending from the terminal end surface along the intermediate portion through the base portion.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the slot includes a first gap and a second gap disposed substantially parallel to the first gap and the central axis, the first gap and the second gap extending from the surface of the terminal end along the intermediate portion through the base portion.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the base portion includes an annular rim carrying a plurality of tooth elements.

[0012] According to one non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body defining a passenger compartment and a component system attached to the body. The component system includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a pin having an outer circular surface, while the second component has an opening that receives the pin. A pin clamp fastener is attached to the pin. The pin clamp fastener includes a base portion and a sleeve portion having a first end connected to the base portion, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining a central axis extending between the first end and the second end. The sleeve portion further includes an outer surface, a central passage including an inner surface, and a plurality of tooth elements projecting radially from the inner surface.The pin clamp fastener has a slot extending through the base portion and the sleeve portion substantially parallel to the central axis and forming a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion configured to be brought together to engage the pin.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the intermediate section includes a plurality of threads.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of tooth elements are disposed between the base portion and the plurality of threads.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of tooth elements projects radially inwardly from the outer surface toward the central axis.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of tooth elements includes a passage extending from the outer surface through the inner surface to the central axis.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the central passageway includes a terminal end having a surface, the slot extending from the terminal end surface along the intermediate portion through the base portion.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the slot includes a first gap and a second gap disposed substantially parallel to the first gap and the central axis, the first gap and the second gap extending from the surface of the terminal end along the intermediate portion through the base portion.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the base portion includes an annular rim carrying a plurality of tooth elements.

[0020] A method of securing a vehicle component according to one non-limiting example includes supporting a first vehicle component having a pin, positioning a second vehicle component having an opening over the first vehicle component, passing the pin of the first vehicle component through the opening of the second vehicle component, positioning a sleeve portion of a pin clamp fastener over the pin, engaging a fastener with the sleeve portion of the pin clamp fastener, and clamping the pin clamp fastener onto the pin by tightening the fastener.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, securing the pin clamp fastener to the pin includes engaging a plurality of toothed members formed on an inner surface of the sleeve portion with an outer surface of the pin.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, engaging the fastener on the sleeve portion of the pin clamp fastener includes screwing the fastener onto the threads formed on the sleeve portion.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, determining that a fault in the pin clamp fastener exists includes removing the pin clamp fastener from the pin by expanding the sleeve portion and attaching a new pin clamp fastener onto the pin to reattach the first vehicle component to the second vehicle component.

[0024] The above-described features and advantages and other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features, advantages and details appear only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings; they show: Fig. 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including a component system assembled by a pin clamp fastener, according to one non-limiting example; Fig. 2 is a front view of the pin clamp fastener joining a first component and a second component of the component system, according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the pin clamp fastener according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the pin clamp fastener according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the pin clamp fastener mounted on a pin of the first component, according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 6 a fastener that secures the pin clamp fastener to the pin of the Fig. 5 clamps, according to a non-limiting example; and Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the pin clamp fastener of the Fig. 2 by line 7-7 of the Fig. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate similar or corresponding portions and features.

[0027] A vehicle is, according to a non-limiting example, in Fig. 1 is generally designated 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 includes a passenger compartment 18 in which numerous seats are arranged, designated 20. The seat 20 is arranged behind an instrument panel 22. A steering wheel 23 is arranged between the seat 20 and the instrument panel 22. The instrument panel 22 consists of a component system 24 that includes a plurality of connected components. According to Fig. 2, the components may include base materials, such as a first component or a trim overlay 28, an outer component or an outer decorative trim element 30, Fig. 1, and a second component or interface element, such as an angle 32, used to attach the outer decorative trim element 30 to the trim overlay 28.

[0028] At this point, it should be understood that the first and second components of the component system 24, although shown and described in the form of a trim overlay and an interface element, may take a variety of forms. Furthermore, the components need not be limited to use in the automotive industry. According to one non-limiting example, the first component 28 includes a first surface 34 that includes a pin 38. Fig. 5, carries. The pin 38 protrudes from the first surface 34. The second component 32 includes a second surface 42 which has an opening 44, Fig. 7. At this point, it should be understood that the number of pins 38 and openings 44 may vary.

[0029] As in Fig. 7, the opening 44 can align with the pin 38 when the second component 32 is assembled to the first component 28. According to one non-limiting example, the pin 38 includes an outer circular surface 48 that is substantially smooth. According to one non-limiting example, the pin 38 carries a pin clamp fastener (COP) 70 which, in combination with a fastener 72, secures the first component 28 to the second component 32, as described herein. With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and with continued reference to Fig. 2, the pin clamp fastener 70 includes a base portion 74 that can engage the second surface 42 with a sleeve portion 76. The base portion 74 includes an annular rim 78 that carries a plurality of toothed members 80. When the fastener 72 is tightened, the toothed members 80 pierce the second surface 42 to restrict the rotation of the pin clamp fastener 70.

[0030] By way of non-limiting example, the sleeve portion 76 includes a first end 82 coupled to the base portion 74 and a second end 84. The sleeve portion 76 includes an outer surface 86 and a central passage 88. Fig. 4, which has a terminal end 90 and an inner surface 92. The terminal end 90 is defined by the second end 84 of the sleeve portion 76. A plurality of threads 96 are formed on the sleeve portion 76. The plurality of threads 96 extend between the first end 82 and the second end 84 on the outer surface 86. The plurality of threads 96 are configured to interact with the threads of the fastener 72 to secure the second component 32 to the first component 28. As another non-limiting example, the inner surface 92 of the central passage 88 includes a plurality of toothed elements 100. Each toothed element 100 has an inner passage 104 and is formed by pressing a tool through the outer surface 86.As explained in detail hereinafter, the tooth elements 100 are configured to engage or “bite” into the outer circular surface 48 of the pin 38 to secure the pin clamp fastener 70 to the first component 28.

[0031] By way of non-limiting example, the pin clamp fastener 70 includes a slot 108 extending from the base portion 74 to the terminal end 90 of the sleeve portion 76. The slot 108 includes a first gap 110 and a second gap 112. The second gap 112 is spaced 180° apart from the first gap 110. The first gap 110 and the second gap 112 form a first sleeve portion 114 and a second sleeve portion 116, which, as described herein, can be brought together to clamp onto the pin 38. As shown in Fig. 6, the second component 32 is positioned relative to the first component 28 such that the pin 38 passes through the opening 44. The pin clamp fastener 70 is then positioned over the pin 38.

[0032] As in Fig. 6, once the pin clamp fastener 70 is placed over the pin 38, the fastener 72 is placed on the second end 84 and tightened. The fastener 72 is, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 7, rotated toward the base portion 74, bringing the first sleeve portion 114 and the second sleeve portion 116 together to cause the tooth elements 100 to be pressed into the outer circular surface 49 of the pin 38. At this point, the pin clamp fastener 70 is secured to the pin 38.

[0033] Once the fastener 72 is tightened, e.g., moved to the first end 82, in addition to the toothed elements 100 engaging the outer circular surface 48, toothed elements 80 on the base portion 74 engage the first surface 34, preventing rotation of the pin-clamp fastener 70, thereby securing the second component 32 to the first component 28. At this point, it should be understood that the pin-clamp fastener 70 provides a simple, cost-effective alternative to directly machining pins onto a component.

[0034] The terms "a" and "an" do not imply a limitation of number, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced elements. The term "or" means "and / or" unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. A reference throughout the application text to "an aspect" means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or property) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in further aspects. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0035] When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is referred to as "on" another element, it may be directly adjacent to the other element or may also have intervening elements present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly adjacent" to another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified herein, all examination standards shall be the most recent standard in force as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the examination standard appears.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0038] While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements without departing from the scope thereof. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

[1] Pin clamp fastener comprising: a base section; and a sleeve portion having a first end connected to the base portion, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining a central axis extending between the first end and the second end, the sleeve portion having an outer surface, a central passage having an inner surface, and a plurality of tooth elements projecting radially inwardly from the inner surface, the pin clamp fastener having a slot extending through the base portion and the sleeve portion substantially parallel to the central axis and forming a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion configured to be brought together to engage a substrate. [2] The pin clamp fastener of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion includes a plurality of threads. [3] The pin clamp fastener of claim 2, wherein the plurality of tooth elements are disposed between the base portion and the plurality of threads. [4] The pin clamp fastener of claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of tooth members extends radially inwardly from said outer surface toward said central axis. [5] The pin clamp fastener of claim 4, wherein each of said plurality of tooth members includes a passage extending from said outer surface through said inner surface to said central axis. [6] The pin clamp fastener of claim 2, wherein the central passage includes a terminal end having a surface, the slot extending from the terminal end surface along the intermediate portion through the base portion. [7] The pin clamp fastener of claim 6, wherein the slot includes a first gap and a second gap disposed substantially parallel to the first gap and the central axis, the first gap and the second gap extending from the surface of the terminal end along the intermediate portion through the base portion. [8] A pin clamp fastener according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has an annular rim carrying a plurality of tooth elements. [9] Vehicle that includes: a body that defines a passenger compartment; a component system attached to the body, the component system including a first component and a second component, the first component including a pin having an outer circular surface, and the second component including an opening receiving the pin; and a pin clamp fastener attached to the pin, the pin clamp fastener comprising: a base section; and a sleeve portion including a first end connected to the base portion, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining a central axis extending between the first end and the second end, the sleeve portion having an outer surface, a central passage having an inner surface, and a plurality of tooth elements projecting radially inward from the inner surface, and the pin clamp fastener having a slot extending through the base portion and the sleeve portion substantially parallel to the central axis and forming a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion configured to be brought together to engage a substrate. [10] A pin clamp fastener according to claim 9, wherein the intermediate portion has a plurality of threads.

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