FASTENING ELEMENT, FASTENING ARRANGEMENT AND VEHICLE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fastener for connecting to a first component, the fastener comprising: a main body having a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other and define an axis; a head portion connected to the first end of the main body; and at least one wing connected to the main body and extending towards the head portion, the at least one wing being deflectable towards and away from the axis of the main body, the at least one wing being provided with a first retaining structure and a second retaining structure, the second retaining structure being arranged between the first retaining structure and the head portion;and wherein the fastening element has a first assembly state and a second assembly state, and is configured to at least partially retain the first component between the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure in the first assembly state, and to at least partially retain the first component between the second retaining structure and the head portion in the second assembly state;

Description

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410323736.6, filed on March 20, 2024, entitled “FASTENER AND FASTENING CONNECTION ASSEMBLY,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a fastening element for a vehicle, a fastening assembly comprising the fastening element, and a vehicle comprising the fastening assembly. BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicle assembly requires joining two components, such as a body panel to a vehicle panel. Fasteners are typically used to connect these components. In the prior art, the fasteners are typically pre-assembled to the body panel. When the body panel is to be joined to the vehicle panel, the fasteners are aligned with pre-drilled holes in the vehicle panel. The fasteners can be pressed directly into the holes in the vehicle panel to complete the joining and assembly of the body panel to the vehicle panel. SUMMARY

[0004] After extensive observation and investigation, the inventor of the present disclosure has found that some existing fasteners are provided with two separate retaining structures along their shank to facilitate pre-assembly of the fastener to the first component (e.g., a vehicle panel) and final assembly of the first component to the second component (e.g., a vehicle panel). As a result, the shank of the fastener is too long to meet the need for compact vehicle installation space. Furthermore, the inventor has found that the fastener may rotate relative to the vehicle panel in the pre-assembly state, which is not favorable for subsequent final assembly.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a fastener for connecting to a first component is provided, the fastener comprising: a main body having a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other and define an axis; a head portion connected to the first end of the main body; and at least one wing connected to the main body and extending towards the head portion, the at least one wing being deflectable towards and away from the axis of the main body, the at least one wing being provided with a first retaining structure and a second retaining structure, the second retaining structure being arranged between the first retaining structure and the head portion;and wherein the fastening element has a first assembly state and a second assembly state and is configured to at least partially retain the first component between the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure in the first assembly state and to at least partially retain the first component between the second retaining structure and the head part in the second assembly state.;

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener further comprises a foot portion connected to the second end of the main body, wherein the second component is retained between the foot portion and the first component in the second assembly state.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure are retaining projections that protrude outwardly from an outer surface of the wing.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first retaining projection has a first guide surface and a first retaining surface, wherein the first retaining surface is arranged between the first guide surface and the second retaining structure in an axial direction of the main body, and the first guide surface extends obliquely toward the second retaining structure away from the axis, and the second retaining projection has a second guide surface and a second retaining surface, wherein the second retaining surface is arranged between the second guide surface and the head portion in the axial direction of the main body, and the second guide surface extends obliquely toward the head portion away from the axis.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one wing is connected to the main body in a position near the second end.

[0010] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one wing comprises two wings, each arranged on opposite sides of the axis.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the main body is provided with a wing receiving portion for at least partially receiving the at least one wing when the at least one wing is deflected in the direction of the axis.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener further comprises at least one anti-rotation projection disposed on the main body and configured to cooperate with the first component when the fastener is in the first assembled state to prevent the fastener from rotating relative to the first component.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one anti-rotation projection is arranged between the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure in an axial direction of the main body.

[0014] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one anti-rotation projection comprises two anti-rotation projections, each arranged on opposite sides of the main body.

[0015] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a fastening arrangement for fastening to a second component is provided, the fastening arrangement comprising the fastening element according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and a first component, the fastening arrangement having a fastened state in which the first component is at least partially retained between the second retaining structure and the head portion and the second component is at least partially retained between the first retaining structure of the fastening element and the first component.

[0016] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the first component has an opening of the first component which is configured to enable insertion of the fastening element, wherein the opening of the first component is provided with at least one anti-rotation groove which is configured to cooperate with the at least one anti-rotation projection.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle comprising the fastening element according to the first aspect of the present disclosure or the fastening arrangement according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] By providing at least one deflectable wing serving as a retainer and connected to the main body, and providing two axially disposed retaining structures on each wing, the fastener of the present disclosure can implement the first assembly state of the fastener using the clearance between the two retaining structures (i.e., the first component is at least partially retained between the two retaining structures) and the second assembly state of the fastener using the clearance between the second retaining structure and the head portion of the fastener (i.e., the first component is at least partially retained between the second retaining structure and the head portion of the fastener).The main body of the fastener of the present disclosure can therefore be designed to be smaller on the axis than two deflectable retainers that are independent of each other in the axial direction of the fastener, thus meeting the need for a compact axial installation space. Even with a compact axial space, the wing serving as a retainer of the present disclosure can be extended by a sufficient length so that it can be easily deflected inward, which facilitates insertion of the fastener into the first component.Moreover, since the wing serving as a retaining device of the present disclosure is easily deflected inward, the contact area of ​​the second retaining structure provided with the first component on the wing after the wing is deflected back outward is also relatively large, so that the fastening element can retain the first component more stably in the second mounting state of the fastening element.

[0019] The additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of a fastener according to the present disclosure. Fig. 1B a perspective view of the Fig. 1A shown fastening element from below. Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1A along section line AA. Fig. 2A is a top perspective view of a first component according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 2A shown first component along the section line BB. Fig. 3A is a schematic representation of a fastening assembly according to the present disclosure prior to pre-assembly. Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the Fig. 3A shown fastening arrangement in a first assembly state. Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3B shown fastening arrangement along the section line CC. Fig. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3C shown fastening arrangement along the section line DD. Fig. 4A is a schematic illustration of a fastening assembly according to the present disclosure separated from a second component prior to insertion into the second component. Fig. Figure 4B is a schematic representation of the Fig. 4A in a state in which the fastening arrangement has been inserted into the second component but has not yet been fastened. Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 4B shown fastening arrangement along the section line EE. Fig. 4D is a perspective view of the Fig. 4A in a state in which the fastening assembly has been inserted into the second component and fastened. Fig. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 4D along a cutting line in the same direction as in Fig. shown in a state in which the fastening arrangement has been inserted into the second component and fastened. Description of the essential

[0020] Reference symbol X axis of the main body 10 Fastening element 20 First component 30 Second component 101 First Ending 102 Second Ending 110 main body 111 Head section 112 Support surface of the head section 113 main body 114 wings 116 Second guide surface 117 Footboard 118 First guide surface 119 Long exterior wall 120 Short exterior wall 122 cavity 125 boundary projection 126 Anti-rotation projection 130 sealing ring 131 First open space 132 Second open space 136 Second retention area 138 First retention area 141 Wing receiving section 187 Wedge-shaped surface 191 First retention structure 192 Second retention structure 202 Opening of the first component 204 Anti-rotation groove 251 bodies of the first component 252 First intervention area 253 Second intervention area 265 recess 270 Long interior wall 271 Short interior wall 300 mounting arrangement 401 Opening of the second component 411 Long side 412 Short side DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Various specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, which form a part of this specification. It should be understood that the same or similar reference numerals used throughout the present disclosure refer to the same components wherever possible.

[0022] The terms used to indicate orientations in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, "upper" and "lower," which are described with reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings, and are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first component 20 (as shown in the Fig. 2A-2B) by means of a fastening element 10 (as shown in the Fig. 1A-1C) with a second component 30 (as shown in Fig. 4A). The fastening element 10 has two states with respect to the first component 20, including a first assembly state and a second assembly state. In the first assembly state, the fastening element 10 is inserted into the first component 20, and the fastening element 10 and the first component 20 are pre-assembled together. In the second assembly state, the fastening element 10 is further inserted into the first component 20, so that a fastening assembly 300 (as shown in Fig. 3A), formed by the fastener 10 and the first component 20, can be fastened to the second component 30. In the first assembly state (i.e., a pre-assembled state), the fastener 10 does not rotate relative to the first component 20, nor does it easily detach from the first component 20, thereby facilitating storage, transportation, and subsequent final assembly of the first component 20 and the fastener 10, which are pre-assembled together.During final assembly, in which the fastening assembly 300 consisting of the first component 20 and the fastening element 10 is connected to the second component 30, the fastening element 10 is further inserted into the first component 20 to achieve its second assembled state, such that the fastening element 10 can rotate relative to the first component 20, and the first component 20 and the second component 30 can be connected to each other by means of the fastening element 10. In one embodiment, the first component 20 is a plastic vehicle body panel, and the second component 30 is a metal frame of a vehicle body.

[0024] The Fig. 1A-1C show a specific structure of a fastener 10 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of a fastener 10. Fig. 1B a perspective view of the Fig. 1A shown fastening element from below. Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1A along section line AA.

[0025] As in the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the fastener 10 includes a main body 110, a head portion 111 and a foot portion 117. The main body 110 defines an axis X and includes a first end 101 (i.e., an upper end in Fig. 1A) and a second end 102 (ie a lower end in Fig. 1A), which are opposite each other, with the head portion 111 and the foot portion 117 being connected to the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the main body 110, respectively. The main body 110 is generally rod-shaped.

[0026] The head portion 111 may be disc-shaped, and a head portion support surface 112 is provided on a side of the head portion 111 facing the main body 110. A sealing ring 130 is provided at a position near the outer periphery of the support surface 112 of the head portion, and the sealing ring 130 is supported by an elastic material such as rubber, which can be applied to the head portion 111 in a suitable manner, for example, by injection molding or bonding.

[0027] Further with reference to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the foot portion 117 has a substantially rectangular cross-section in a direction transverse to the main body axis X, such that the foot portion 117 has a pair of opposing long outer walls 119 and a pair of opposing short outer walls 120. A dimension of the main body 110 in a direction parallel to the long outer wall 119 is smaller than that of the long outer wall 119 of the foot portion 117.

[0028] The fastening element 10 further has at least one wing connected to the main body 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wing comprises two wings 114, wherein the two wings 114 are arranged on opposite sides of the axis X and are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the axis X. Each wing 114 is connected to the main body 110 at a position near the second end 102 of the main body 110 and extends towards the head portion 111. The two wings 114 are arranged on the same side of the main body 110 as the two long walls 119 of the foot portion 117. The two wings 114 are deflectable toward and away from the axis X of the main body 110. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the two wings 114 can be connected directly to the main body 110 or can be connected to the main body 110 via the foot portion 117.

[0029] Each of the two wings 114 includes a first retaining structure 191 and a second retaining structure 192. The first retaining structure 191 and the second retaining structure 192 are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the wing 114, with the second retaining structure 192 being arranged between the first retaining structure 191 and the head portion 111. Both the first retaining structure 191 and the second retaining structure 192 are retaining projections that protrude outward from an outer surface of the wing 114. The first retaining structure 191 and the second retaining structure 192 protrude outwardly to such an extent that they extend beyond the long outer wall 119 of the head portion 117. The first retaining structure 191 comprises a first retaining surface 138 facing the head portion 111 and a first guide surface 118 between the first retaining surface 138 and the foot portion 117.The first retention surface 138 and the second retention structure 192 thereabove together define a first clearance 131 (i.e., a pre-assembled clamping space) in which the first component can be engaged with the fastener 10 so that it is retained between the first retention structure 191 and the second retention structure 192, thereby achieving the first assembly state of the fastener 10. The first guide surface 118 extends obliquely away from the axis X toward the second retention structure 192. The second retention structure 192 has a second retention surface 136 facing the head portion 111 and a second guide surface 116 between the second retention surface 136 and the first retention structure 191. The second retention surface 136 and the head portion 111 thereabove together define a second clearance 132 in which the first component 20 (see . Fig. 2A) engages the fastener 10 when the fastener 10 is in its second assembly state, and the first component is thus retained between the second retention structure 192 and the head portion 111.

[0030] The main body 113 is provided with a wing receiving portion 141 for at least partially receiving the wing when the wing 114 is deflected toward the X-axis. In one embodiment shown in the figures, the wing receiving portion 141 penetrates the rod-shaped main body 113 in a radial direction to receive at least part of the two wings 114. In other embodiments, a wing receiving portion may also be provided on each of the opposite sides of the main body 113 to respectively receive the two wings 114.

[0031] In one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1B, the two wings 114 have upper and lower retaining projections that can deflect with the wings 114, with the retaining projections serving as retaining structures. It is understood that the retaining structure may also have other configurations in other embodiments.

[0032] Further with reference to Fig. 1A, the main body 113 further comprises at least one anti-rotation projection 126 arranged between the first retaining structure 191 and the second retaining structure 192, and in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one anti-rotation projection 126 comprises two anti-rotation projections arranged in pairs. When the fastening element 10 is in the first assembly state, the anti-rotation projection 126 can be connected to the first component 20 (as shown in Fig. 2A), thereby preventing rotation of the fastener 10 relative to the first component 20 in the first assembled state. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the anti-rotation projection 126 is a lug extending outwardly from an outer surface of the main body 113, with its extension direction substantially equal to an extension direction of the short outer wall 120 of the foot portion 117, and those skilled in the art will understand that the anti-rotation projection 126 may also be provided in the form of other projections or may have other extension directions.

[0033] Further with reference to Fig. 1B, the main body 113 is further provided with a pair of limiting protrusions 125 at a position near the head portion support surface 112, the pair of limiting protrusions being arranged symmetrically about the axis X of the main body 113. In the direction of the axis X, each limiting protrusion 125 is arranged between the second retaining surface 136 of a second retaining structure 192 and the head portion support surface 112. In addition, the pair of limiting protrusions 125 are each located above the pair of short outer walls 120 of the head portion 117 so as to be offset from the pair of wings 114 in a rotational direction of the fastener 10, thereby preventing them from interfering with each other during assembly.

[0034] Further with reference to Fig. 1A, the top of the foot portion 117 of the fastener 10 has a wedge-shaped surface 187 for securing the fastener 10 to the first component 20 (as shown in Fig. 2A) and the second component 30 (as shown in Fig. 4A).

[0035] Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1A along section line AA.

[0036] As in Fig. 1C, the wing 114 is connected to the main body 113 at a position near the second end 102 (lower end) of the main body 113, so that the wing 114 has a sufficient height such that the first guide surface 118 and the second guide surface 116, which can be inclined, can each be provided with a large inclination length, which is conducive to guiding the deflection of the wing 114 and facilitates its insertion through an opening 202 of the second component 20 (for details see Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B). In addition, the rod-shaped main body 110 has a cavity 122 that forms a wing receiving portion 141.

[0037] It should be noted that although the fastener of the present disclosure is provided with two wings in the embodiment shown, the fastener of the present disclosure may be provided with fewer or more wings in other embodiments.

[0038] The Fig. 2A-2B show a specific structure of a first component 20 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the first component 20, and Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the first component 20 along section line BB. in Fig. 2A.

[0039] As in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the first component 20 includes a plate-shaped first component body 251 having a first engagement surface 252 and a second engagement surface 253 that oppose each other, and includes an opening of the first component 202 extending through the body of the first component 251. The opening of the first component 202 has a substantially rectangular shape that corresponds to the outer contour of the base portion of the fastener, such that the opening of the first component 202 has a pair of opposing long inner walls 270 and a pair of opposing short inner walls 271. A length and a width of the opening of the first component 202 are each slightly larger than a length and a width of the base portion of the fastener, respectively, to allow the base portion of the fastener to be inserted through the opening of the first component 202.Furthermore, the opening of the first component 202 is sized such that the fastener can rotate within the opening of the first component 202 when the main body of the fastener is received within the opening of the first component 202 in a position between the second retention structure and the head portion.

[0040] The body of the first component 251 is provided with two anti-rotation grooves 204, wherein the two anti-rotation grooves 204 are arranged on the pair of long inner walls 270 of the opening of the first component 202 and communicate with the opening of the first component 202. The anti-rotation groove 204 can each receive two anti-rotation projections 126 of the fastening element (as in Fig. 1A), thereby preventing the fastener from rotating relative to the first component 20. The first engagement surface 252 of the first component 20 is also provided with two recesses 265, each located on two sides of the opening of the first component 202, arranged symmetrically about the center of the opening of the first component 202, and communicating with the opening of the first component 202. The recess 265 is recessed from the first engagement surface 252 toward the second engagement surface 253 by a depth to engage a limiting projection on the fastener when the fastener secures the first component 20 to the second component, thereby preventing the fastener from rotating and escaping from its fastening position and from becoming detached from these components due to vibrations (such as those generated when the vehicle is running).

[0041] The Fig. 3A-3D show the process of the fastener 10 entering the first assembly state. Fig. 3A is a schematic representation of the fastener 10 and the first component 20 before entering the first assembly state, Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the fastener 10 and the first component 20 in the first assembly state, Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3B shown fastening arrangement 300 along the section line CC and Fig. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3C shown fastening arrangement 300 along the section line DD.

[0042] As in Fig. 3A, when it is necessary to pre-assemble the fastener 10 to the first component 20, the foot portion 117 of the fastener 10 is aligned with the opening 202 of the first component such that the long outer wall 119 of the foot portion 117 of the fastener 10 is approximately parallel to the long inner wall 270 of the opening of the first component 202 and the two anti-rotation projections 126 (see Fig. 1A) are generally aligned with the two anti-rotation grooves 204 of the first component 20.

[0043] When inserting the foot portion 117 of the fastening element 10 through the opening of the first component 202, the first guide surfaces 118 (see Fig. 1A) the first retaining structures 191 of the two wings 114 of the fastening element 10 each touch the pair of long inner walls 270 of the opening of the first component 202, so that the wings 114 deflect inwardly in the direction of the axis X under the action of the pair of long inner walls 270 of the opening of the first component 202, until the first retaining structures 191 pass through the opening of the first component 202 and the fastening element 10 reaches the first assembly state and is pre-assembled with the first component 20, as in the Fig. 3B-3D shown.

[0044] As in the Fig. 3B-3D, the first retaining structures 114 of the two wings 114 have passed through the opening of the first component 202 in the first assembly state, and the two wings 114 are deflected back outward away from the axis X. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3C, the body of the first component 251 of the first component 20 is retained in the first clearance 131 between the first retaining surface 138 of the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure 116, so that the fastening element 10 can be prevented from moving in an insertion direction relative to the first component 20. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 3D, the pair of anti-rotation projections 126 of the fastening element 10 are each inserted into the pair of anti-rotation grooves 204 of the first component 20, so that the fastening element 10 cannot rotate relative to the first component 20 in the first assembled state.

[0045] The Fig. 4A-4E show the process of inserting the fastening assembly 300 into the second component 30. Fig. 4A shows a schematic representation of the fastening assembly 300 separated from the second component 30 before being inserted into the second component 30, Fig. Figure 4B is a schematic representation of the fastening arrangement 300 shown in Fig. 4A is shown in a state in which the fastening arrangement has been inserted into the second component 30 but has not yet been fastened, Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 4B shown fastening arrangement 300 along the section line EE, Fig. Figure 4D is a perspective view of the mounting assembly 300 shown in Fig. 4A, in a state in which the fastening arrangement has been inserted and fastened into the second component, and Fig. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 4D shown fastening arrangement 300 along the same cutting line as in Fig. 4C.

[0046] As in Fig. 4A, the second component 30 is generally plate-shaped and includes a second component opening 401 for receiving the fastening assembly 300. The second component opening 401 has the same generally rectangular shape as the first component opening 202 (as shown in Fig. 3A). The opening of the second component 401 has a pair of long sides 411 and a pair of short sides 412, and a length of the pair of long sides 411 and a length of the pair of short sides 412 are each greater than the longitudinal and width dimensions of the base portion of the fastener 10, so that the base portion of the fastener 10 can be inserted through the opening of the second component 401. However, the length of the pair of short sides 412 of the opening of the second component 401 is shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the base portion of the fastener 10, so that the base portion of the fastener 10 cannot escape from the opening of the second component 401 when the length of the base portion of the fastener 10 extends beyond the width of the opening of the second component 401. The second component 30 is typically a stationary component, such as a sheet metal part of a vehicle.

[0047] If the pre-assembled fastening arrangement 300 is Fig. 4A is inserted into the opening of the second component 401, first the long outer wall 119 and the short outer wall 120 of the foot portion 117 of the fastening element 10 are aligned parallel to the long side 411 and the short side 412 of the opening of the second component 401, respectively, and then the foot portion 117 of the fastening element 10 is inserted into the opening of the second component 401.If the fastening element 10 is inserted further into the opening 401 of the second component, the bottom of the first component 20 contacts and bears against the second component 30 so that the fastening element 10 can move axially relative to the first component 20, and the second guide surfaces 116 of the second retaining structures 192 of the two wings 114 of the fastening element 10 can each bear against the pair of long inner walls 270 of the opening of the first component 202 so that the two wings 114 are deflected inwards again in the direction of the axis X under the action of the pair of long inner walls 270 of the opening of the first component 202 until the second retaining structures 192 pass through the opening of the first component 202 in the position shown in FIG. Fig. 4B-4C shown condition.

[0048] As in the Fig. 4B-4C, the fastener 10 reaches its second assembly state, and the first component 20 is at least partially retained between the second retention structures 192 and the head portion 111 of the fastener 10. At this time, the foot portion 117 of the fastener 10 has also passed through the second component opening 401 of the second component 30, but the fastener 10 has not yet secured the first component 20 to the second component 30. Furthermore, because the anti-rotation projection of the fastener 10 has disengaged from the anti-rotation groove on the first component 20, the fastener 10 can rotate relative to the first component 20 and the second component 30.

[0049] As in the Fig. 4D-4E, the foot portion 117 of the fastener 10, when the fastener 10 is in the Fig. 4B-4C in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise) relative to the first component 20 and the second component 30, gradually changes to a state in which it extends transversely to the opening of the second component 401 of the second component 30 (as shown in Fig. 4D), and the wedge-shaped surface 187 on the fastener 10 can, due to the inclined characteristic of the wedge-shaped surface, gradually compress the first component 20, the second component 30, and the head portion 111 of the fastener 10, thereby achieving a fastening connection of the fastener 10 to the first component 20 and the second component 30.

[0050] The present disclosure further describes a vehicle including the fastener, the first component, and the second component described above. In one embodiment, the first component is a plastic vehicle body panel, and the second component is a metal frame of a vehicle body or a sheet metal part of a vehicle.

[0051] By providing at least one deflectable wing serving as a retainer and connected to the main body, and by providing two axially arranged retaining structures (two-stage retaining structure) on each wing, the fastener of the present disclosure can implement the first assembly state of the fastener using the clearance between the two retaining structures (i.e., the first component is at least partially retained between the two retaining structures) and the second assembly state of the fastener using the clearance between the second retaining structure and the head portion of the fastener (i.e., the first component is at least partially retained between the second retaining structure and the head portion of the fastener).The main body of the fastener of the present disclosure can therefore be designed to be smaller on the axis than two deflectable retainers arranged independently of each other in the axial direction of the fastener, thus meeting the need for a compact axial installation space. Even with a compact axial space, the retainer wing of the present disclosure can be extended by a sufficient length to be easily deflected inward, facilitating insertion of the fastener into the first component.Moreover, since the wing serving as a retaining device of the present disclosure is easily deflected inward, the contact area of ​​the second retaining structure provided with the first component on the wing after the wing is deflected back outward is also relatively large, so that the fastening element can retain the first component more stably in the second mounting state of the fastening element.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing an anti-rotation protrusion provided on the main body of the fastener and independent of the deflectable wing, such that when the fastener is in the pre-assembled position relative to the first component, the anti-rotation protrusion cooperates with the anti-rotation groove on the first component, the fastener of the present disclosure can prevent it from rotating relative to the first component, and the anti-rotation function is also not affected by the deflection of the wing, thereby more firmly holding the fastener and the first component together in the pre-assembled state so that they are not easily separated from each other by force during storage and transportation.

[0053] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the examples of embodiments described above, various alternatives, changes, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents that are currently known or can be expected or are to be expected in the near future may be obvious to at least one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary rather than restrictive. Therefore, the disclosure in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or solve other technical problems. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to encompass all known or previously disclosed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202410323736.6

[0001]

Claims

[1] Fastening element for connecting to a first component, comprising: a main body having a first end and a second end opposite each other and defining an axis; a head portion connected to the first end of the main body; and at least one wing connected to the main body and extending toward the head portion, the at least one wing deflectable toward and away from the axis of the main body; wherein the at least one wing is provided with a first retaining structure and a second retaining structure, wherein the second retaining structure is arranged between the first retaining structure and the head portion; and wherein the fastening element has a first assembly state and a second assembly state and is configured to at least partially retain the first component between the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure in the first assembly state, and to at least partially retain the first component between the second retaining structure and the head portion in the second assembly state. [2] Fastening element according to claim 1, further comprising: a foot portion connected to the second end of the main body, wherein the second component is retained between the foot portion and the first component in the second assembly state. [3] Fastening element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure are retaining projections projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the wing, and, optionally, wherein the first retaining projection has a first guide surface and a first retaining surface, wherein the first retaining surface is arranged between the first guide surface and the second retaining structure in an axial direction of the main body, and the first guide surface extends obliquely toward the second retaining structure away from the axis; and the second retaining projection has a second guide surface and a second retaining surface, wherein the second retaining surface is arranged between the second guide surface and the head portion in the axial direction of the main body, and the second guide surface extends obliquely toward the head portion away from the axis. [4] Fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one wing is connected to the main body at a position near the second end, and, optionally, wherein the at least one wing comprises two wings, each arranged on two opposite sides of the axis. [5] Fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main body is provided with a wing receiving portion for at least partially receiving the at least one wing when the at least one wing is deflected in the direction of the axis. [6] Fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: at least one anti-rotation projection arranged on the main body and configured to cooperate with the first component when the fastener is in the first assembly state to prevent the fastener from rotating relative to the first component, and, optionally, wherein the at least one anti-rotation projection is arranged in an axial direction of the main body between the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure. [7] Fastening element according to claim 6, wherein the at least one anti-rotation projection comprises two anti-rotation projections, each arranged on two opposite sides of the main body. [8] A fastening arrangement for fastening a second component, the fastening arrangement comprising: the fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 7; and a first component; wherein the fastening assembly has a fastened state in which the first component is at least partially retained between the second retaining structure and the head portion and the second component is at least partially retained between the first retaining structure of the fastening element and the first component. [9] A fastening arrangement according to claim 8, wherein, when claim 8 relates to claim 6, the first component comprises: an opening of the first component shaped to allow insertion of the fastening element, wherein the opening of the first component is provided with at least one anti-rotation groove configured to cooperate with the at least one anti-rotation projection. [10] A vehicle comprising the fastening element according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the fastening arrangement according to any one of claims 8 to 9.

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