Retention assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a retention assembly for selectively permitting the release of a clip 204 from a slot 104 of a vehicle, comprising a support bracket 502 mountable to the vehicle, and a retentio

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a retention assembly. Aspects of the invention relate to a retention assembly, to a vehicle assembly, and to a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to use releasable clips to releasably attach vehicle components to one another. The use of releasable clips permits vehicle components to be removed or adjusted by a user. However, the use of releaseable clips for attaching vehicle components may sometimes lead to the undesired detachment of vehicle components. In certain examples, vibrations and / or airflow during vehicle use may give rise to undesirable detachment. In other examples, vehicle components attached to one another with releasable clips may be unlawfully removed from the vehicle. It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide Aspects of the invention relate to a retention assembly, to a vehicle assembly, and to a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a retention assembly for selectively permitting the release of a clip from a slot of a vehicle, including a support bracket mountable to the vehicle, a retention member rotatably coupled to the support bracket, where the retention member is rotatable relative to the support bracket between a first position in which the retention member may inhibit movement of the clip such that the clip cannot be released from the slot, and a second position in which the retention member does not inhibit movement of the clip such that the clip can be released from the slot. In any aspect, the retention assembly may advantageously selectively prevent release of the clip from the slot. Undesirable release of the clip from the slot may therefore be avoided. The retention assembly also includes a keyway that is engageable by a tool having a key that is complementary to the keyway, where the retention member may be rotatable between the first position and the second position by the tool when the tool is engaged with the keyway. The use of a tool to cause rotation of the retention member between the first position and the second position provides a convenient yet secure method of interacting with the retention member. The retention assembly may also include a first protrusion, the first protrusion being arranged to abut against the clip when the retention member is in the first position. 06 10^5 The first protrusion may compensate for any tolerance (or other positional variance) issues to ensure that the retention member engages with the clip in the first position. 5 In certain embodiments, the first protrusion may be tapered. Such a tapered profile may facilitate smooth engagement of the retention member with the clip. One or both of the retention member and the support bracket may include a second protrusion that provides a friction fit between the retention member and the support bracket when the retention member is in the second 10 position. The friction fit between the retention member and the support bracket provides some retention that reduces the risk of the retention member moving when not engaged with the clip. In certain embodiments, the friction fit may be deliberately overcome by the user in order to move the retention member back into the first position. 15 In certain embodiments, the second protrusion may be tapered. Such a tapered profile may facilitate a smooth transition into and out of the friction fit. The retention member may include a cylindrical portion extending along a longitudinal axis, and the support bracket may include an aperture through which the cylindrical portion extends, where the retention member may be rotatable relative to the support bracket about the longitudinal axis. Such an arrangement is particularly effective and yet structurally non-complex. The cylindrical portion may include the keyway. Providing the keyway on the cylindrical portion provides a 25 particularly convenient and effective interface for the tool to engage the retention member. Examples of a keyway may include a hexagon security socket, a Torx ® security socket, or similar sockets with security features. Other examples may include a hexagon socket or screwdriver slot which requires a tool to rotate the retention member. Internal and external keyways are anticipated, and the keyway may use a common tool such as a locking wheel nut key. 30 In certain embodiments, the retention member may include a main body having a first portion extending along a first axis and a second portion extending along a second axis, wherein the first axis is inclined relative to the second axis. 35 Such an arrangement may provide a portion of the retention member that may run along the support bracket whilst another portion extends so that it may engage the clip when in the first position. By running along the support bracket, the support bracket may provide support to the retention member and thereby increase the ability of the retention member to resist undesirable deflection due to loading when in the first position. 40 In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle assembly comprising: a first vehicle component defining a slot, and a second vehicle component having a clip that is receivable in the slot so as to 06 10^5 couple the second vehicle component to the first vehicle component, the clip and slot being configured such that when the clip is received in the slot, the clip is moveable between a retained position in which the clip cannot be removed from the slot and a release position in which the clip can be removed from the slot, and the retention assembly described above, wherein the support bracket is fixed relative to the first vehicle 5 component, and in the first position the retention member inhibits movement of the clip, and in the second position the retention member does not inhibit movement of the clip. In certain embodiments, the second vehicle component may comprise a splitter. The benefits afforded by embodiments of the present invention are particularly suited to the selective securement of a splitter to a 10 vehicle. A splitter is an aerodynamic component which is located at the front of the vehicle, often close to the ground at the bottom of the front spoiler. It is intended to split the airflow between air flowing under the vehicle and air flowing over the vehicle and helps to control aerodynamic downforce and drag. The vehicle assembly may include a third vehicle component arranged relative to the retention member, the 15 third vehicle component having an access aperture through which a part of a tool may be passed to engage with the retention member to rotate the retention member between the first position and the second position. The provision of an access aperture in the third vehicle component ensures that access to the retention member (and control of its position) is limited. Such an arrangement may enhance security of the second vehicle component and mitigate against undesired detachment thereof. In certain embodiments, the third vehicle component comprises a vehicle bumper. Provision of the access aperture in the vehicle bumper is particularly convenient as it may be easily accessed by a user. The vehicle assembly may comprise a tool for engaging with the retention member to rotate the retention 25 member between the first position and the second position. The limited use of a tool for rotating the retention member provides a secure manner for permitting release of the clip from the slot. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the retention assembly described above, or comprising the vehicle assembly described above. 30 Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, 35 unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 40 06 10^5 One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a first vehicle component in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 5 FIG. 2 shows a second vehicle component in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 shows a retention member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 10 FIG. 4 shows an alternative view of the retention member of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 shows a support bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 shows an alternative view of the support bracket of FIG. 5; 15 FIG. 7 shows a vehicle assembly comprising a retention member in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 shows an alternative view of the vehicle assembly of FIG. 7 with the retention member in the first position; FIG. 9 shows the vehicle assembly of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 with the retention member in a second position; FIG. 10 shows a tool and a third vehicle component in accordance with an embodiment of the present 25 invention; and FIG. 11 shows a vehicle comprising the second vehicle component in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 30 DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows a first vehicle component 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first vehicle component 102 comprises a slot 104 that is capable of receiving a clip, as is described further below. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the slot 104 is generally T-shaped, having a first slot portion 106 having a first width, and a second slot portion 108 having a second width that is less than the 35 first width. FIG. 2 shows a second vehicle component 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The second vehicle component 202 comprises a pair of clips 204 204 wherein each clip 204 may be received in a respective slot 104 of the first vehicle component 102 so that the second vehicle component 202 is 40 releasably attachable to the first vehicle component 102. 06 10^5 In certain embodiments, the second vehicle component 202 may comprise a splitter of a vehicle. It is often desirable for the splitter to be removable from the vehicle (e.g. when travelling off road or towing) such that a releasable attachment mechanism is required. The clip 204 and slot 104 arrangement described herein is one such suitable releasable attachment mechanism. 5 Each clip 204 comprises a rigid part 206 and a moveable part 208 that is moveable relative to the rigid part 206. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the moveable part 208 is moveable relative to the rigid part 206 by flexing of at least a part of the moveable part 208 relative to the rigid part 206. Movement of the moveable part 208 relative to the rigid part 206 causes a cross-sectional profile of the clip 204 to change. 10 The moveable part 208 has a first chamfered portion 210 that may be contacted by another component (as is described further below) to facilitate flexing of the moveable part 208 relative to the rigid part 206 when the clip 204 is being moved along a first direction relative to that component. The moveable part 208 also has a second chamfered portion 212 that facilitates flexing of the moveable part 208 relative to the rigid part 206 when the clip 204 is being moved along a second direction relative to that component, where the second 15 direction is opposite to the first direction. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the first chamfered portion 210 and the second chamfered portion 212 form an apex with one another. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the rigid part 206 is arranged relative to the moveable part 208 such that the rigid part 206 substantially surrounds the moveable part 208. In alternative embodiments, the clip 204 may take on other forms. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the second vehicle component 202 comprises two clips 204. In alternative embodiments, the second vehicle component 202 may comprise any number (i.e. one or more) of clips 204. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show alternative views of a retention member 302 that may form part of a retention assembly 704 (shown in FIGs. 7, 8 and 9 and described further below) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The retention member 302 comprises a main body 304. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the main body 304 comprises a first portion 316 that extends along a first axis 318 and a second 30 portion 320 that extends along a second axis 322, wherein the first axis 318 is inclined relative to the second axis 322. As shown in the Figures, the first axis 318 may be inclined relative to the second axis 322 by substantially 90°. In alternative embodiments, the first axis 318 may be inclined relative to the second axis 322 by other angles. 35 The retention member 302 shown in the Figures comprises a cylindrical portion 312 that extends away from the main body 304 along a longitudinal axis 314, the purpose of which is described further below. The depicted retention member 302 comprises a first protrusion 308 that extends from the main body 304. On an opposite side of the main body 304 relative to the first protrusion 308, the retention member 302 comprises 40 a depression 310. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the first protrusion 308 is tapered. The 06 10^5 tapered first protrusion 308 may have a domed profile, as shown in the Figures. In alternative embodiments, the first protrusion 308 may have another form. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the retention member 302 comprises a keyway 306 that 5 is engageable by a tool 1002 (shown in FIG. 10) to cause a movement of the retention member 302, as described further below. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the keyway 306 forms part of the cylindrical portion 312. In alternative embodiments, the keyway 306 (if present) may be provided elsewhere on the retention member 302. 10 In certain non-limiting embodiments, the retention member 302 comprises a rigid material (e.g. a metal). FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show alternative views of a support bracket 502 that may form part of the retention assembly 704 (which comprises the support bracket 502 and the retention member 302). The support bracket 502 comprises an aperture 504 for receiving the cylindrical portion 312 of the retention member 302 so that, when the cylindrical portion 312 is received in the aperture 504, the retention member 302 is rotatably moveable 15 relative to the support bracket 502 about the longitudinal axis 314. In particular, the retention member 302 is rotatable relative to the support bracket 502 between a first position and a second position, as described further below. In certain embodiments, a retention fixture may be provided to maintain the cylindrical portion 312 within the aperture 504. In other embodiments, no such retention fixture may be provided (e.g the cylindrical portion 312 may remain in the aperture 504 by virtue of gravity). The support bracket 502 shown in the Figures has a second protrusion 506 that projects from a side of the support bracket 502 that faces the main body 304 of the retention member 302 when the cylindrical portion 312 is received in the aperture 504. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the second protrusion 506 is tapered. The tapered second protrusion 506 may have a domed profile, as shown in the Figures. In 25 alternative embodiments, the second protrusion 506 may have another form. The support bracket 502 comprises a plurality of mounting holes 508 for mounting the support bracket 502 within a vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the support bracket 502 may be mountable to the vehicle by alternative means. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the support bracket 502 may be mountable to the first 30 vehicle component 102. The depicted support bracket 502 comprises a first stop 510 that serves to abut a part of the retention member 302 and consequently limit rotational movement of the retention member 302 relative to the support bracket 502 when the cylindrical portion 312 is received in the aperture 504. 35 In certain embodiments, the support bracket 502 may comprise a plurality of apertures 504 that may each receive a retention member 302. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show alternative views of a vehicle assembly 702 that comprises the retention assembly 704 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The retention assembly 704 comprises the 40 support bracket 502 and the retention member 302. 06 10^5 The vehicle assembly 702 additionally comprises the first vehicle component 102 and the second vehicle component 202, wherein the second vehicle component 202 is attached to the first vehicle component 102 by virtue of the clip 204 being received in and engaged with the slot 104. In embodiments in which the second vehicle component 202 comprises more than one clip 204, each clip 204 may be received in and engaged with 5 a respective slot 104. Each clip 204 is engaged in a respective slot 104 by virtue of the moveable part 208 extending beyond the bounds of the slot 104. In order to attain such a configuration, the moveable part 208 must move during assembly of the second vehicle component 202 on the first vehicle component 102, relative to the rigid part 10 206, so that a cross sectional profile of the clip 204 lies within the bounds of the slot 104. In particular, the moveable part 208 may move relative to the rigid part to a position in which it may pass through the second slot portion 108, so that the clip 204 may be received in the slot 104. The profile of the first chamfered portion 210 may facilitate insertion of the clip 204 in the slot 104. In particular, the first chamfered portion 210 may engage with edges of the first vehicle component 102 that define the slot 104 and cause a camming action as 15 the clip 204 is moved towards and through the slot 104 that results in the moveable part 208 moving relative to the rigid part 206 to permit further passage of the clip 204 through the slot 104. Once the clip 204 is received through the slot 104, the moveable part 208 may be allowed to return to (or towards) its original position such that it extends beyond the profile of the slot 104. In this configuration, the clip 204 is in a retained position. In the retained position, the moveable part 208 is not aligned with the second slot portion 108 and abutment between the moveable part 208 and parts of the first vehicle component 102 prevent subsequent removal of the clip 204 from the slot 104 in the absence of a force that is sufficient to cause the moveable part 208 to move relative to the rigid part 206 to once again result in the cross sectional profile of the clip 204 lying within the bounds of the slot 104. The second chamfered portion 212 may provide 25 a camming action when engaging with edges of the first vehicle component 102 that define the slot 104 in a similar manner to the first chamfered portion 210 (albeit when the clip 204 is moved relative to the slot 104 in an opposite direction). Nevertheless, a sufficient force must be applied to the clip 204 relative to the slot 104 in order for the moveable part 208 to move and permit the clip 204 to be removed from the slot 104. 30 The support bracket 502 is mounted in the vehicle such that the retention member 302 is disposed proximate to the clip 204 as the clip 204 protrudes through the slot 104. In the configuration shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the retention member 302 is in the first position relative to the support bracket 502. In the first position, the retention member 302 is positioned such that it inhibits movement 35 of the moveable part 208 of the clip 204 in a manner that prevents the clip 204 from being released from the slot 104. In particular, abutment between the moveable part 208 and the retention member 302 prevents the moveable part 208 from moving relative to the rigid part 206 to a position in which it may pass through the second slot portion 108 and thereby permitting release of the clip 204 from the slot 104. 40 Therefore, when the retention member 302 is in the first position, unwanted release of the clip 204 from the slot 104 is prevented. In embodiments in which the second vehicle component 202 is a splitter, unwanted 06 10^5 release that may otherwise be caused by vibration, airflow on the splitter or unlawful removal may be prevented. The first protrusion 308 that extends from the main body 304 of the retention member 302 may contact the clip 5 204. In embodiments in which the first protrusion 308 is tapered, the tapered profile may facilitate smooth engagement of the retention member 302 with the clip 204. Moreover, the presence of the first protrusion 308 may compensate for any tolerance (or other positional variability) issues that may otherwise result in the retention member 302 failing to contact the clip 204 when in the first position. 10 In order to permit release of the clip 204 from the slot 104, the retention member 302 must be moved to the second position in which the retention member 302 does not inhibit movement of the clip 204. FIG. 9 shows the vehicle assembly 702 in a configuration in which the retention member 302 is in the second position relative to the support bracket 502. As shown in FIG. 9, in the second position the retention member 15 302 is a sufficient distance away from the clip 204 such that the moveable part 208 may move relative to the rigid part 206 to a release position in which it may pass through the second slot portion 108 and permit the clip 204 to be released from the slot 104 (and the second vehicle component 202 to be released from the first vehicle component 102). As noted above, the second chamfered portion 212 may facilitate movement of the moveable part 208 relative to the rigid part 206 in response to engagement of the second chamfered portion 212 with edges of the first vehicle component 102 that define the slot 104. In particular, when the retention member 302 is in the second position, a force may be applied to the clip 204 (e.g. via the second vehicle component 202) in a direction through the slot 104, and such force may cause engagement of the second chamfered portion 212 with the 25 edges of the first vehicle component 102 that define the slot 104, resulting in movement of the moveable part 208 relative to the rigid part 206 that consequently permits release of the clip 204 from the slot 104. Engagement of the retention member 302 with the first stop 510 may prevent movement of the retention member 302 relative to the support bracket 502 beyond the second position. Such engagement may occur in 30 a configuration in which the retention member 302 is in the second position. Additionally or alternatively, in the configuration in which the retention member 302 is in the second position, the presence of the second protrusion 506 may give rise to a frictional engagement (or “friction fit”) between the retention member 302 and the support bracket 502 which releasably retains the retention member 302 in the second position. Such frictional engagement may prevent the retention member 302 vibrating or otherwise moving (and possibly 35 contacting surrounding components) when in the second position. In certain embodiments, the second protrusion 506 may engage with the depression 310 to facilitate the abovedescribed frictional engagement, where the depression 310 may have a form that is complementary to the form of the second protrusion 506. In certain embodiments, a second protrusion 506 may be formed on the 40 retention member 302 instead of or in addition to the second protrusion 506 on the support bracket 502. In 06 10^5 embodiments in which a depression 310 is present, the depression 310 may be formed on the support bracket 502 to engage with a second protrusion 506 of the retention member 302. In embodiments in which the second protrusion 506 and / or the depression is / are tapered, such a tapered 5 profile may facilitate smooth engagement of the retention member 302 with the support bracket 502. In certain embodiments, a movement of the retention member 302 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 314 may be required relative to the support bracket 502 in order forthe retention member 302 to disengage from support bracket 502 (e.g. due to the frictional engagement caused by the second protrusion 506) before 10 the retention member 302 may move from the second position to the first position. The retention member 302 may be moved between the first position and the second position by any suitable means. In certain embodiments, engagement of a tool 1002 with the keyway 306 of the retention member 302 may facilitate movement of the retention member 302 between the first position and the second position. 15 FIG. 10 shows, schematically, an example of a tool 1002 that may be used to engage the keyway 306 and facilitate movement of the retention member 302 between the first position and the second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a third vehicle component 1008 having an access aperture 1010 through which a part of the tool 1002 may pass in orderto engage the keyway 306. The third vehicle component 1008 may comprise an external panel of a vehicle that would otherwise prevent access to the retention vehicle assembly 702. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 10, the tool 1002 comprises a key 1004 that extends from a handle 1006. A user may grasp the handle 1006, insert the key 1004 through the access aperture 1010 and engage 25 the key 1004 with the keyway 306 in order to move the retention member 302 between the first position and the second position. The use of a specific tool 1002 (particularly when it is required to pass through the access aperture 1010) for movement of the retention member 302 between the first position and the second position limits such 30 movement to being performed only by authorised users and / or avoids inadvertent instances of such movement. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the third vehicle component 1008 comprises a vehicle bumper. FIG. 11 shows a vehicle 1102 with the second vehicle component 202 mounted thereto in accordance with an 35 embodiment of the present invention. The second vehicle component 202 may be mounted to a first vehicle component 102 of the vehicle 1102 in the manner described above. The vehicle 1102 may comprise the retention assembly 704 (thereby forming the vehicle assembly 702) for selectively preventing release of the clip 204 from the slot 104, thereby selectively preventing release of the second vehicle component 202 from the vehicle 1102. 40 The second vehicle component 202 may comprise any vehicle component that may be releasably attachable to the first vehicle component 102 (which may be any other vehicle component). The second vehicle component 202 may comprise any suitable material (including but not limited to carbon fibre). Whilst in one above-described embodiment, the second vehicle component 202 comprises a splitter, in other embodiments, 5 the second vehicle component 202 may comprise (but is not necessarily limited to) a cover for a spare wheel, or a cover over one or more towing features (e.g. a tow bar). Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described clip 204 and slot 104 arrangement. Indeed, retention assemblies 704 according to embodiments of the present invention may be 10 used to selectively permit the release of any clip from any slot of a vehicle where such release requires movement of at least a part of the clip. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. 15 06 10 25

Claims

1. A retention assembly for selectively permitting the release of a clip from a slot of a vehicle, comprising:a support bracket mountable to the vehicle; and5 a retention member rotatably coupled to the support bracket;wherein the retention member is rotatable relative to the support bracket between a first position in which the retention member may inhibit movement of the clip such that the clip cannot be released from the slot, and a second position in which the retention member does not inhibit movement of the clip such that the clip can be released from the slot, and10 wherein the retention member comprises a keyway that is engageable by a tool having a keythat is complementary to the keyway, wherein the retention member is rotatable between the first position and the second position by the tool when the tool is engaged with the keyway.

2. The retention assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention member comprises a first protrusion, the first 15 protrusion being arranged to abut against the clip when the retention member is in the first position.

3. The retention assembly of claim 2, wherein the first protrusion is tapered.

4. The retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or both of the retention member and the support bracket comprises a second protrusion that provides a friction fit between the retention member and the support bracket when the retention member is in the second position.

5. The retention assembly of claim 4, wherein the second protrusion is tapered.25 6. The retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retention member comprises a cylindricalportion extending along a longitudinal axis, and the support bracket comprises an aperture through which the cylindrical portion extends, wherein the retention member is rotatable relative to the support bracket about the longitudinal axis.30 7. The retention assembly of claim 6, wherein the cylindrical portion comprises the keyway.

8. The retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the retention member comprises a main body having a first portion extending along a first axis and a second portion extending along a second axis, wherein the first axis is inclined relative to the second axis.

359. A vehicle assembly comprising:a first vehicle component defining a slot; anda second vehicle component having a clip that is receivable in the slot so as to couple the second vehicle component to the first vehicle component, the clip and slot being configured such that when40 the clip is received in the slot, the clip is moveable between a retained position in which the clip cannot be removed from the slot and a release position in which the clip can be removed from the slot; and06 10^5the retention assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support bracket is fixed relative to the first vehicle component, and in the first position the retention member inhibits movement of the clip, and in the second position the retention member does not inhibit movement of the clip.5 10. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, wherein the second vehicle component comprises a splitter.

11. The vehicle assembly of claim 9 or 10, comprising a third vehicle component arranged relative to the retention member, the third vehicle component having an access aperture through which a part of a tool may be passed to engage with the retention member to rotate the retention member between the first position and 10 the second position.

12. The vehicle assembly of claim 11, wherein the third vehicle component comprises a vehicle bumper.

13. The vehicle assembly of any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising a tool for engaging with the retention 15 member to rotate the retention member between the first position and the second position.

14. A vehicle comprising the retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8 or comprising the vehicle assembly of any one of claims 9 to 13.06 10^5

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