Fastener for securing a vehicle component to a vehicle

Abstract

A fastener 20 for securing vehicle components to a vehicle body structure 12 has a mounting portion 22 for securing the fastener to the body structure, a pad retention portion 24, for example a flange

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a fastener. Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle body assembly, to a vehicle and to a method. BACKGROUND It is known to provide fasteners for securing vehicle components to a vehicle body structure (e.g. to the body in white of a vehicle). For vehicles such as electric vehicles that do not have an internal combustion engine, there is a challenge to accommodate key components within limited confines of space. For example, there is a need to make effective use of limited space to effectively support an electric drive unit within the vehicle. It is an aim 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 a fastener, a vehicle body assembly and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastener for securing vehicle components to a vehicle body structure, the fastener comprising: a fastener mounting portion for securing the fastener to the vehicle body structure; a pad retention portion for securing a noise insulation pad against the vehicle body structure; a hose retention portion for securing at least one fluid hose to the vehicle body structure; and a wire harness retention portion for securing a wire harness to the vehicle body structure. Optionally, the fastener mounting portion comprises a wall defining a bore for receiving a fixing shaft of the vehicle body structure into an open end of the bore, wherein the open end defines an abutment surface for supporting the fastener against the vehicle body structure. Optionally, the pad retention portion comprises a flange extending around the wall at a fixed distance from the open end. Optionally, the hose retention portion comprises at least one open channel configured to receive a fluid hose, and at least one resilient finger to retain the fluid hose in the at least one open channel. Advantageously, the fastener serves multiple functions by securing multiple different components to a vehicle body structure. This reduces the number of fasteners needed in a vehicle, providing a compact fastening arrangement that robustly secures multiple components to the vehicle body structure. The configuration of the fastener mounting portion allows for a stable connection between the fastener and the vehicle body structure, in which the fastener can abut against the vehicle body structure. The flange of the pad retention portion can be positioned against the noise insulation pad, providing a compact fastening arrangement. The configuration of the hose retention portion provides for a simple and effective means of fitting a hose to the fastener and thus securing a hose to the vehicle body structure. In this way, the configuration of the fastener can provide fora robust, secure, multipurpose fastener. Optionally, the hose retention portion comprises at least two open channels. Each open channel may be configured to receive one fluid hose. Each open channel may comprise at least one resilient finger to retain each fluid hose in the respective open channel. Advantageously, multiple fluid hoses can be connected to the vehicle body structure using a single fastener. In this way, the number of fasteners required in a vehicle is reduced, providing for a more compact means of securing fluid hoses to the vehicle body structure. Optionally, the or each open channel comprises at least two resilient fingers to retain a fluid hose in the respective open channel. Optionally, the at least two resilient fingers are positioned at opposing sides of the open channel. Optionally, the fixed distance is less than 10 mm; optionally, wherein the fixed distance is less than 5 mm; optionally, wherein the fixed distance is about 2 mm. Advantageously, the flange can effectively retain a noise insulation pad having a thickness of less than 10 mm. In some arrangements, the noise insulation pad has a thickness of approximately 2 mm. In this case, the fixed distance may be about 2 mm. This allows the flange to be substantially flush with the noise insulation pad. Moreover, the flange can act to compress the pad against the vehicle body structure, improving the robustness of the connection between the pad and the vehicle body structure and thereby improving the insulation provided by the pad. Optionally, the fastener mounting portion is located between the hose retention portion and the wire harness retention portion. The hose retention portion and the wire harness retention portion may be positioned on opposite sides of the fastener mounting portion to each other. The hose retention portion and the wire harness retention portion may be diametrically opposed either side of the fastener mounting portion. Advantageously, the fastener is more effectively balanced in use, as the one or more hoses are positioned on a first side of the fastener mounting portion, and the wire harness is positioned on a second, opposite, side of the fastener mounting portion. Locating these components on opposing sides of the fixing shaft of the vehicle body structure has been found to result in a more balanced and secure fastener. Optionally, the hose retention portion comprises a reinforced region of increased thickness in a direction of insertion of the fluid hose in a respective open channel, the reinforced region being located at or toward a closed end of the at least one open channel. Advantageously, the reinforced region increases the structural rigidity beneath the open channel, i.e. beneath where the or each fluid hose is retained. This can be particularly useful in arrangements having at least two open channels for retaining at least two fluid hoses, as flexing beneath the closed end of the open channels is reduced. This can reduce the risk of the hose retention portion breaking in response to multiple fluid hoses being retained therein. It can also facilitate installation of fluid hoses into the fastener by ensuring more of the insertion force is directed towards deflecting the at least one resilient finger rather than the hose retention portion. Optionally, the or each resilient finger is positioned at or toward an open end of the respective open channel. Advantageously, a user can identify that the hose is effectively secured and retained in the hose retention portion, as the hose will locate beneath the clip. Optionally, the at least one resilient finger may extend inwardly towards a centre of the open channel. Advantageously, such an arrangement effectively retains the hose in the open channel, reducing the space available for the hose to be removed. The at least one resilient finger may extend toward a closed end of the open channel. Advantageously, this arrangement provides a simple means of introducing the hose into the open channel, by pushing the hose against the or each finger toward the closed end of the open channel. The at least one finger may be configured to flex toward a closed end of the open channel in response to insertion of a fluid hose therein. The resilient finger may be configured to return to its original position upon insertion of a fluid hose in the open channel, thereby retaining the fluid hose therein. Such an arrangement provides a simple and intuitive means for securing the hose relative to a vehicle body structure e.g. by pushing the hose into the respective channel compared with axially feeding a hose into a channel. The arrangement allows for such a simple construction whilst still effectively retaining the hose in the open channel, preventing unintended disconnection ofthe hose. Optionally, the flange has a total width of at least 20 mm. With this arrangement, the flange is dimensioned to overlap a typically-sized opening in the noise insulation pad which is provided to accommodate the fastener mounting portion. This can improve the insulation performance ofthe noise insulation pad by attenuating sound waves which might otherwise pass around the fastener mounting portion through the opening. Optionally, the flange circumscribes the wall of the fastener mounting portion. Optionally, the flange is a circular flange which circumscribes the wall ofthe fastener mounting portion. Advantageously, a circular opening in the noise insulation pad can be completely covered by the circular flange to reduce noise transmission into a cabin of the vehicle. Depending on the size of the fixed distance and the thickness of the noise insulation pad, the flange can act to compress the noise insulation pad against the vehicle body structure. This can restrict movement of the noise insulation pad after installation to ensure correct positioning. Optionally, the fastener mounting portion comprises one or more locking formations which extend from the wall into the bore and are configured to engage the fixing shaft of the vehicle body structure when received in the bore. Advantageously, the locking formations can retain a fixing shaft in the bore, increasing the robustness of the connection between the fastener and the vehicle body structure as the fixing shaft is retained in place. Optionally, the one or more locking formations comprises a plurality of locking formations which are distributed circumferentially about the bore. Optionally, the one or more locking formations comprises a first set of locking formations and a second set of locking formations that differ in size and / or shape to the first set of locking formations. The differently configured locking formations facilitate the use of the fastener with different types of fixing shafts, e.g. fixing shafts of differing thicknesses, different threads and / or different thread pitch may be utilised that engage with one of the first or second set of locking formations. This facilitates the use of the fastener with different fixing shafts while still promoting a secure fit between the fastener and vehicle body structure. Optionally, the first set of locking formations each have a first extension length into the bore, and the second set of locking formations each have a second extension length into the bore, wherein the second extension length is different to the first extension length. Advantageously, the locking formations can be of different lengths to allow engagement with different shaft thicknesses to allow the fastener mounting portion to function effectively with various types of fixing shaft. Optionally, the first set of locking formations each have a first end profile and the second set of locking formations each have a second end profile, wherein the second end profile has a different shape to the first end profile. Advantageously, the end profiles can be differently configured to allow engagement with different thread patterns and / or different pitches to allow the fastener mounting portion to function effectively with various types of fixing shaft. Optionally, the first set of locking formations comprises at least three locking formations circumferentially distributed about the bore, and the second set of locking formations comprises at least three locking formations circumferentially distributed about the bore. Arranging the locking formations in such a way serves to balance the locking effect acting on a fixing shaft, thereby improving the robustness of the locking effect provided by the locking formations. Optionally, the first set of locking formations and the second set of locking formations circumferentially alternate about the bore. Optionally, one or more of the locking formations are resilient locking formations. Advantageously, the locking formations can more effectively flex in response to contact with a fixing shaft. Optionally, the wire harness retention portion defines an internal passageway configured to receive a fastening strap for the wire harness. Advantageously, the wire harness can be effectively supported by the fastening strap, which can be received in an internal passageway. This improves the ease of installation of the fastener as well as promoting an effective connection between the wire harness and the vehicle body structure. Optionally, the passageway defines a substantially L-shaped cross-section. Advantageously, such a cross-section provides a secure means of receiving the fastening strap. Optionally, the fastener is a unitary structure. Advantageously, the fastener is simple to manufacture and can allow a userto perform multiple functions with a single, unitary structure. Optionally, the fastener is formed of a plastic material. For example, the fastener may be formed of a polymer, such as a polyamide. Advantageously, the fastener is lightweight and durable. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle body assembly comprising: a vehicle body structure having a fixing element; a noise insulation pad arranged on the vehicle body structure and having a pad opening extending around the fixing element; the fastener as disclosed herein, wherein the fastener is coupled to the fixing element of the vehicle body structure by the fastener mounting portion and wherein the noise insulation pad is secured against the vehicle body structure by the flange of the pad retention portion. Optionally, the vehicle body assembly further comprises at least one fluid hose retained by the hose retention portion of the fastener. Optionally, the vehicle body assembly further comprises a wire harness secured to the wire harness retention portion of the fastener. The vehicle body assembly benefits from the advantages of the fastener outlined above. Optionally, the vehicle body assembly comprises at least two fluid hoses coupled to the fastener. Advantageously, multiple fluid hoses can be connected to the vehicle body structure using a single fastener. In this way, the number of fasteners required in a vehicle is reduced, providing for a more compact means of securing fluid hoses to the vehicle body structure. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the vehicle body assembly as disclosed herein. The vehicle benefits from the advantages of the vehicle body assembly outlined above. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastener for securing vehicle components to a vehicle body structure, the fastener comprising a fastener mounting portion for securing the fastener to the vehicle body structure, wherein the fastener mounting portion comprises: a wall defining a bore for receiving a fixing shaft of the vehicle body structure into an open end of the bore; and one or more locking formations which extend from the wall into the bore and are configured to engage a fixing shaft of the vehicle body structure when received in the bore; wherein the one or more locking formations comprises a first set of locking formations and a second set of locking formations that differ in size and / or shape to the first set of locking formations. The differently configured locking formations facilitate the use of the fastener with different types of fixing shafts, e.g. fixing shafts of differing thicknesses, different threads and / or different thread pitch may be utilised that engage with one of the first or second set of locking formations. This facilitates the use of the fastener with different fixing shafts while still promoting a secure fit between the fastener and vehicle body structure. The one or more locking formations may be resilient locking formations. Providing locking formations facilitates flexing of the formations as the shaft moves into the bore, reducing the risk of damage to the formations. Optionally, the first set of locking formations each have a first extension length into the bore, and the second set of locking formations each have a second extension length into the bore, wherein the second extension length is different to the first extension length. Advantageously, the locking formations can be of different lengths to allow engagement with different shaft thicknesses to allow the fastener mounting portion to function effectively with various types of fixing shaft. Optionally, the first set of locking formations each have a first end profile and the second set of locking formations each have a second end profile, wherein the second end profile has a different shape to the first end profile. Advantageously, the end profiles can be differently configured to allow engagement with different thread patterns and / or different pitches to allow the fastener mounting portion to function effectively with various types of fixing shaft. Optionally, the fastener further comprises a pad retention portion for securing a noise insulation pad against the vehicle body structure. Advantageously, the fastener serves multiple functions without occupying a significant space envelope. Optionally, the pad retention portion comprises a flange extending around the wall at a fixed distance from the open end. Advantageously, the flange of the pad retention portion can be positioned against the noise insulation pad, providing a compact fastening arrangement. Optionally, the fastener further comprises a hose retention portion for securing at least one fluid hose to the vehicle body structure. Advantageously, the fastener serves multiple functions without occupying a significant space envelope. Optionally, the hose retention portion comprises at least one open channel configured to receive a fluid hose, and at least one resilient clip to retain the fluid hose in the at least one open channel. The configuration of the hose retention portion provides for a simple and effective means of fitting a hose to the fastener and thus securing a hose to the vehicle body structure. Optionally, the fastener further comprises a wire harness retention portion for securing a wire harness to the vehicle body structure. Advantageously, the fastener serves multiple functions without occupying a significant space envelope. Optionally, the open end ofthe bore defines an abutment surface forsupporting the fastener against the vehicle body structure. The configuration ofthe fastener mounting portion allows for a stable connection between the fastener and the vehicle body structure, in which the fastener can abut against the vehicle body structure. According to an aspect ofthe invention, there is provided a method of securing vehicle components to a vehicle body structure, the method comprising: providing a fastener as described herein; using the fastener mounting portion to secure the fastener to the vehicle body structure; using the pad retention portion to secure a noise insulation pad against the vehicle body structure; using the hose retention portion to secure at least one fluid hose to the vehicle body structure; and using the wire harness retention portion to secure a wire harness to the vehicle body structure. The method benefits from the advantages ofthe fastener as described herein. 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, 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 One or more embodiments ofthe invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment; Figure 2 shows a front view of a vehicle body assembly according to an embodiment; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a vehicle component fastener according to an embodiment; Figure 4 shows a perspective cross-sectional view ofthe fastener of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a plan view ofthe fastener of Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a flow chart of a method of securing vehicle components to a vehicle body structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that is powered by electrical power alone and has no internal combustion engine. The vehicle 10 has an electric machine arranged to provide propulsive torque to the wheels ofthe vehicle. In some cases, the vehicle 10 may have two or more electric machines, such as a first electric machine to provide torque to the front wheels and a second electric machine to provide torque to the rear wheels. The electric machines may be powered by batteries, which may be arranged between the wheels, e.g. underneath a passenger compartment. In some arrangements, the batteries may locate in a front structure of the vehicle, ortoward a rear of the vehicle (e.g. in the boot or trunk). The electric machines may be electric motors or motor-generators and may also be referred to as an electric engine. The vehicle 10 has at least one vehicle drive unit. The drive unit may be an electric drive unit. The electric drive unit may contain an electric machine and one or more drivetrain components. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body assembly 100. The vehicle body assembly 100 includes a vehicle body structure 12 that provides structural support for the vehicle 10 and includes further vehicle components. The vehicle body structure 12 includes for example, a vehicle frame onto which further vehicle components are mounted. The vehicle body structure 12 includes a plurality of parts permanently coupled together for example using rivets (e.g. self-pierce rivets) orwelding, and as such may also be referred to as a body in white 12. The vehicle body structure 12 is required to be connected to a plurality of vehicle components, as will be discussed in relation to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows an arrangement of a vehicle body assembly 100. In Figure 2, the vehicle body assembly 100 includes a vehicle body structure 12 connected to a plurality of vehicle components. Such vehicle components include but are not limited to at least one fluid hose, at least one wire harness, and at least one noise insulation pad. The vehicle body assembly 100 includes a noise insulation pad 14 arranged on the vehicle body structure 12. The noise insulation pad 14 is configured to reduce or dampen noise and / or vibrations generated by or inside the vehicle body structure 12, particularly to reduce noise or vibration levels inside a cabin of the vehicle 10. The noise insulation pad 14 may extend over at least a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle body structure 12. The noise insulation pad 14 may be formed from foam, rubber, or any sound and / or vibration absorbing materials. The noise insulation pad 14 may be a noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) pad in some arrangements. The vehicle body assembly 100 includes at least one fluid hose 16. The at least one fluid hose 16 is configured to transport fluids from one location to another within the vehicle 100. The at least one hose 16 may be a tube, e.g. a flexible tube. The fluid hose 16 may be configured to transport windscreen wiper fluid from a reservoir of windscreen wiper fluid to a windscreen of the vehicle 12 (e.g. for cleaning the windscreen). The vehicle body assembly 100 includes a wire harness 18, which is illustrated schematically in Figure 2. The wire harness 18 is a system of wires, cables, connectors and / or other components configured to transmit electrical power and signals between various components within the vehicle 10. The vehicle body assembly includes a fastener 20 for securing vehicle components to the vehicle body structure 12. The fastener 20 may be a fastener clip. The fastener 20 is configured to secure a plurality of vehicle components to the vehicle body structure 12. In the arrangement of Figure 2, the fastener 20 is configured to secure the noise insulation pad 14, the one or more fluid hose 16 and the wire harness 18 to the vehicle body structure 12. In this way, the fastener 20 reduces the number of different fasteners required to connect the components to a vehicle body assembly 100 (e.g. compared with having one fastener per component), providing a compact fastening arrangement configured to robustly secure multiple components to the vehicle body structure 12. The fastener 20 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The fastener 20 includes a fastener mounting portion 22 configured to secure the fastener 20 to the vehicle body structure 12. The fastener 20 includes a pad retention portion 24 configured to secure the noise insulation pad 14 against the vehicle body structure 12. The fastener 20 includes a hose retention portion 26 for securing at least one fluid hose 16 to the vehicle body structure 12. The fastener 20 includes a wire harness retention portion 28 for securing the wire harness 18 to the vehicle body structure 12. In the figures, the fastener mounting portion 22 is located between the hose retention portion 26 and the wire harness retention portion 28. The hose retention portion 26 and the wire harness retention portion 28 may be positioned on opposite sides of the fastener mounting portion 22 to each other. The hose retention portion 26 and the wire harness retention portion 28 may be diametrically opposed either side of the fastener mounting portion 22. In this arrangement, the fastener 20 is more effectively balanced in use, as the one or more hoses 16 are positioned on a first side of the fastener mounting portion 22, and the wire harness 18 is positioned on a second, opposite, side of the fastener mounting portion 22. Locating these components on opposing sides of the fixture between the vehicle body structure 12 and the fastener 20 has been found to result in a more balanced and secure fastener 20. It will be appreciated that the differing portions of the fastener 20 may be positioned differently in relation to each other in alternative embodiments. The fastener mounting portion 22 includes a wall 30 defining a bore 32 for receiving a fixing shaft 34 (see Figure 2) of the vehicle body structure 12 into an open end 32a of the bore 32. The fastener 20 is configured to be coupled to the fixing shaft 34 by the fastener mounting portion 22. In Figure 2, the fixing shaft 34 is shown in dashed lines extending into the fastener mounting portion 22. The fixing shaft 34 may be in any suitable form, e.g. a projection extending from the vehicle body structure 12 (e.g. integrally formed therewith), a bolt or screw that has been received in a recess or bore of the vehicle body structure 12 and extends outwardly therefrom, or the like. It will be appreciated that the fixing shaft 34 may be any fixing element of the vehicle body structure 12. In the figures, the bore 32 is a through bore, having two open ends. In this arrangement, the open end 32a of the bore 32 will be understood the be the end of the bore 32 intended to locate proximate the vehicle body structure 12, e.g. the end of the bore 32 through which the fixing shaft 34 is intended to extend into when correctly positioned. In alternative arrangements, the bore 32 may be a blind bore, having only one open end into which the fixing shaft may be received. The open end 32a of the bore 32 defines an abutment surface 36 for supporting the fastener 20 against the vehicle body structure 12. The abutment surface 36 may be configured to compliment the surface of the vehicle body structure 12 such that the fastener mounting portion 22 abuts against the vehicle body structure 12. Such an arrangement provides stability to the fastener 20 in the vehicle body assembly 100. The configuration of the fastener mounting portion 22 allows for a stable connection between the fastener 20 and the vehicle body structure 12. The pad retention portion 24 includes a flange 38 extending at least partly around the wall 30 of the fastener mounting portion 22 at a fixed distance D from the open end 32a of the bore 32. The flange 38 of the pad retention portion 24 can be positioned against the noise insulation pad 14, providing a compact fastening arrangement. As shown in the assembly 100 of Figure 2, the noise insulation pad 14 is secured against the vehicle body structure 12 by the flange 38. As will be discussed in more detail below, the fastener 20 may be configured such that the flange 38 compresses the noise insulation pad 14 (e.g. against the vehicle body structure 12). In such an arrangement, a portion of the noise insulation pad 14 may locate between the flange 38 and the vehicle body structure. For example, a first surface of the noise insulation pad 14 may abut against the flange 38, and a second, opposing surface of the noise insulation pad 14 may abut against the vehicle body structure 12. The hose retention portion 26 comprises at least one open channel 40 configured to receive a fluid hose 16. At least one resilient finger 42 is provided to retain the fluid hose 16 in the at least one open channel 40. The open channel 40 may define a substantially U-shaped or semi-circular cross-section. The open channel 40 defines an open end 40a into which a hose 16 can be introduced, and a closed end 40b in which the hose 16 is retained. The configuration of the hose retention portion 26 provides for a simple and effective means of fitting a hose 16 to the fastener 20 and thus securing a hose 16 to the vehicle body structure 12. Combining the fastener mounting portion 22, the pad retention portion 24, the hose retention portion 26 and the wire harness retention portion 28 in a single fastener 20 results in a robust, secure and multipurpose fastener, capable of securing critical components relative to the vehicle body structure 12 without occupying a significant space envelope, or being overly complex. It can also avoid or reduce the need to secure vehicle components indirectly to fasteners, for example attaching a hose to a wire harness which is secured to a fastener. It can also simplify assembly of the vehicle by reducing the number of fasteners and / or fastening steps required to install the various vehicle components and / or by enabling a common routing path. Example arrangements of the hose retention portion 26 will now be described in more detail. The hose retention portion 26 comprises at least one open channel 40 configured to receive a fluid hose. In the figures, the hose retention portion 26 includes two open channels 40, each open channel is configured to receive one fluid hose 16. Each open channel 40 includes at least one resilient finger 42 configured to retain each fluid hose 16 in the respective open channel 40. The fastener 20 in the illustrated arrangement is configured to connect multiple fluid hoses 16 to the vehicle body structure 12. The vehicle body assembly 100 includes two hoses 16, one in each channel 40. In this way, the fastener 20 is configured to remove the need for additional fasteners (i.e. one per hose), reducing the number of fasteners required to secure hoses to the structure 12 and thereby providing a more compact assembly 100. In some arrangements, the or each open channel 40 may be configured to retain more than one fluid hose 16. The open channels 40 define a longitudinal axis L along which a respective hose 16 is intended to extend when retained therein. The longitudinal axes L of the two open channels 40 are optionally parallel in the figures (see Figure 3). The open channels 40 may be located adjacent one another. The adjacent open channels 40 may include a shared, central wall therebetween. In alternative arrangements, the open channels 40 may be positioned spaced apart or distal from one another, and / or in different regions of the fastener 20 and / or may be oriented differently from one another, for example, such that the longitudinal axes L defined by the channels 40 are non-parallel relative to each other. The at least one resilient finger 42 is defined as an extension into the open channel 40. The or each resilient finger 42 is configured to flex toward a closed end 40b of the open channel 40 in response to insertion of a fluid hose 16 therein, e.g. in response to a fluid hose 16 being pushed against the resilient finger(s) 42 toward the closed end 40b of the open channel 40. The or each resilient finger 42 is configured to return to its original position upon insertion of a fluid hose 16 in the open channel 40. The “original position” of the one or more resilient fingers 42 is shown in Figure 2. As can be seen, the fingers 42 extend into the open channel 40 so as to at least partially restrict or block movement of a hose 16 in a non-axial direction out of the channel 40. The configuration of the resilient finger(s) 42 in the open channel 40 facilitates a simple means of securing the hose 16 relative to the vehicle body structure 12, e.g. by pushing the hose 16 into the respective channel 40 compared with axially feeding a hose 16 into a channel. In the illustrated arrangement, the resilient fingers 42 are located at or toward the open end 40a of the open channel. This increases the space available in the channel 40 fora hose 16, thereby increasing the size of the hose 16 that can be received by the hose retention portion 26. In addition, a user can clearly identify that the hose 16 is secured and retained in the hose retention portion 26, since the hose 16 will locate beneath the resilient clip(s) 42. The at least one resilient finger 42 may extend inwardly towards a centreline of the open channel 40. The centreline may be defined by an axis (not shown) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the channel 40. The at least one resilient finger 42 may extend toward a closed end 40b of the open channel 40. In the figures, the at least one resilient finger 42 extends relative to a side wall 40c of the open channel 40 so as to define an acute angle therebetween. In the figures, the one or more resilient fingers 42 define an axial length (e.g. in the longitudinal direction) that is substantially the same as an axial length of the side walls 40c of the open channel 40. In other arrangements, the resilient finger(s) may define an axial length that is less than that of the side walls 40c, e.g. a plurality of resilient fingers 42 may be provided that are axially spaced apart along the respective side wall 4c. The or each open channel 40 may include at least two resilient fingers 42 to retain a fluid hose 16 in the respective open channel 40. In the figures, each open channel 40 includes two resilient fingers 42. The two resilient fingers 42 are positioned at opposing sides of the open channel 40 to one another. Each open channel 40 may be substantially symmetrical about a plane defined along the longitudinal axis (e.g. the two resilient fingers 42 may extend into the respective open channel 40 to the same extent and / or at the same angle relative to the side wall 40c and / or in the same direction). Providing at least two resilient fingers 42 in each channel 40 results in a more effective means of retaining a hose 16 therein. The hose retention portion 26 includes a reinforced region 44. The reinforced region 44 is defined as a region of increased thickness in a direction of insertion of the fluid hose 16 in the respective open channel 40 and / or in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The reinforced region 44 is located at or toward the closed end 40b of the respective open channel 40. In the figures, the reinforced region 44 extends beneath the closed end 40b of each of the open channels 40. The reinforced region 44 is configured to increase the structural rigidity at the closed end 40b of the open channel, i.e. beneath where the or each fluid hose 16 is retained. This can be particularly useful in arrangements having at least two open channels 40 for retaining at least two fluid hoses 16, as flexing beneath the closed end 40b of the open channels 40 is reduced. This can reduce the risk of the hose retention portion 26 breaking in response to multiple fluid hoses 16 being retained therein. The reinforced region 44 can also facilitate installation of fluid hoses 16 into the fastener 20 by ensuring more of the insertion force is directed towards deflecting the at least one resilient finger 42 rather than the open channel 40. While the figures indicate a hose retention portion 26 having two substantially identical open channels 40, it will be appreciated that the open channels 40 may be different in alternative arrangements. For example, the open channels 40 may be different sizes (for receiving different types of fluid hoses) and / or the arrangement of resilient fingers 42 may be different. It will be understood that the hose retention portion 26 may be configured to receive different vehicle components in some arrangements, for example, other substantially tubular or cylindrical vehicle components, such as bundles of wire, piping, or ducting. The pad retention portion 24 will now be described in more detail. As can be seen in Figure 2, the noise insulation pad 14 may extend over at least a portion of the vehicle body structure 12. The noise insulation pad 14 may include at least one pad opening 46. The pad opening 46 extends about the fixing element or shaft 34 of the vehicle body structure 12 to allow the shaft 34 to extend through the noise insulation pad 14 into the fastener mounting portion 22 via the opening 46. The flange 38 may be shaped and / or dimensioned so as to at least overlap the pad opening 46. In Figure 2, the flange 38 is configured such that the pad opening 46 is completely covered, but it will be appreciated that the pad opening 46 may be only partially covered by the flange 38 in some arrangements. The flange 38 may be dimensioned to have a total width that is greater than or equal to the total width of the pad opening 46. In some arrangements, the flange 38 has a total width of at least 20 mm. In some arrangements, the pad opening 46 may have a maximum width of at least 25 mm. The flange 38 may have a total width of at least 30 mm. The flange 38 is dimensioned to overlap and / or at least partially cover a typically-sized pad opening 46 in the noise insulation pad 14 which is provided to accommodate the fastener mounting portion 22 and the fixing shaft 34 of the vehicle body structure 12. Dimensioning the flange 38 in such a way can improve the insulation performance of the noise insulation pad 14 by attenuating sound waves which might otherwise pass around the fastener mounting portion 22 through the pad opening 46. The flange 38 may circumscribe the wall 30 of the fastener mounting portion 22. The flange 38 may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the pad opening 46. As can be best seen in Figure 5, the flange 38 is a circular flange which circumscribes the wall 30 of the fastener mounting portion 22. In this arrangement, a circular pad opening 46 in the noise insulation pad 14 can be completely covered by the circular flange 38 to reduce noise transmission into a cabin of the vehicle 10. It will be appreciated that the flange 38 may be any suitable shape, including a substantially circular shape or any shape that corresponds substantially with the shape of the pad opening 46 (e.g. if the pad opening 46 is a square, the flange 38 may define a square shape). Depending on the size of the fixed distance D between the flange 38 and the open end 32a of the bore and the thickness T of the noise insulation pad 14, the flange 38 may be configured to compress the noise insulation pad 14 against the vehicle body structure 12. This can restrict movement of the noise insulation pad 14 after installation to ensure correct positioning. The fixed distance D defined may be less than 10 mm. The fixed distance may be less than 5 mm. In some arrangements, the fixed distance may be 2mm or less than 2 mm. The flange 38 can effectively retain a noise insulation pad 14 having a thickness of less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm, or less than 2 mm. In one arrangement, the fixed distance D may be about 2 mm. The noise insulation pad 14 may have a thickness T of about 2 mm. The flange 38 can be arranged substantially flush with the noise insulation pad 14. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the fastener mounting portion 22 will now be described in more detail. The fastener mounting portion 22 includes one or more locking formations 48 which extend from the wall 30 into the bore 32. The locking formations 48 are configured to engage the fixing shaft 34 of the vehicle body structure 12 when received in the bore 32. The locking formations 48 are configured to retain the fixing shaft 34 in the bore 32, increasing the robustness of the connection between the fastener and the vehicle body structure 12. In the figures, a plurality of locking formations 48 are provided. The plurality of locking formations 48 are distributed circumferentially about the bore 32 (see Figure 5). At least six locking formations 48 circumferentially distributed about the bore. At least twelve locking formations 48 may be provided. The locking formation(s) 48 extend from the wall 32 away from the open end 32a of the shaft 32. One or more of the locking formations may be resilient locking formations. Providing resilient locking formations 48 facilitates flexing of the formations 48 as the shaft 34 moves into the bore 32, reducing the risk of damage to the locking formations 48. The locking formations 48 may include a first set of locking formations 48a and a second set of locking formations 48b that differ in size and / or shape to the first set of locking formations 48a. In the illustrated arrangement, a first 48a, a second 48b and a third set of locking formations 48c are provided that each differ in size and / or shape from one another. At least the first and second set of locking formations 48a, 48b are formed from a resilient material. The differently configured locking formations 48a, 48b, 48c facilitate the use of the fastener 20 with different types of fixing shafts 34, e.g. fixing shafts of differing thicknesses, different threads and / or different thread pitch may be utilised that engage with one or more of the sets of locking formations 48a, 48b, 48c. This facilitates the use of the fastener with different fixing shafts 34 while still promoting a secure fit between the fastener 20 and vehicle body structure 12. The first set of locking formations 48a each have a first end profile and the second set of locking formations 48b each have a second end profile. The end profile is defined as a region of the respective locking formation 48 that is distal to the wall 30 of the bore 32, e.g. a free end of the respective locking formation 48 that is intended to engage with a fixing shaft 34. As can be seen in Figure 4, the second end profile has a different shape to the first end profile. The third set of locking formations 48c has a third end profile that has a different shape to the first end profile and the second end profile. It will be appreciated that the end profile of each set of locking formations 48a, 48b, 48c may be differently configured for engaging with different fixing members, e.g. fixing shafts having different threads and / or thread pitch. In Figure 4, each of the first set of locking formations 48a includes a recessed internal interface that defines the first end profile. The recess may be curved, e.g. a concave recess, that is defined between first and second side walls of the respective locking formation 48a. Each of the second set of locking formations 48b includes a stepped or grooved interface. The groove may extend on an internal surface of the respective formation away from the free end of the respective locking formation 48b. Each of the third set of locking formations 48c defines a substantially triangular cross-section, e.g. a truncated triangle. It will be appreciated that the locking formations 48a, 48b, 48c may each have any end profile suitable for engaging with a fixing shaft. Referring to Figure 5, the first set of locking formations 48a each have a first extension length into the bore 32. The second set of locking formations 48b each have a second extension length into the bore 32. The second extension length is different to the first extension length. In the figures, the first set of locking formations 48a define a greater extension length than the second set of locking formations 48b. The third set of locking formations 48c defines a third extension length into the bore 32 that is less than the first and second extension length. The differently dimensioned locking formations 48 facilitate the use of the fastener mounting portion 22 with fixing shafts 34 of different thicknesses. Any number of locking formations of each set may be provided. In Figure 5, three locking formations from the first set 48a and three locking formations from the second set 48b are provided. The first set of locking formations 48a and the second set of locking formations 48b may circumferentially alternate about the bore 32. The third set of locking formations 48c includes at least six locking formations. One of each of the third set of locking formations 48c locates between alternating locking formations of the first and second set 48a. Arranging the locking formations 48 in such a way serves to balance the locking effect acting on a fixing shaft 34, thereby improving the robustness of the locking effect provided by the locking formations 48. It will be appreciated that any number of locking formations 48 may be provided. For example, two of each set of locking formations 48a, 48b, 48c may be provided, alternating around the bore 32. In some arrangements, the first set of locking formations 48a includes at least three locking formations circumferentially distributed about the bore 32. The second set of locking formations 48b includes at least three locking formations circumferentially distributed about the bore 32. The third set of locking formations 48c includes at least six locking formations circumferentially distributed about the bore. In some arrangements, only one set of locking formations 48 are provided. The wire harness retention portion 28 will now be described in more detail. The wire harness retention portion 28 defines an internal passageway 50. The internal passageway 50 may be a closed channel which is surrounded by the body of the fastener. The passageway 50 is configured to receive a fastening strap 52 for the wire harness 18. The fastening strap 52 may be in any suitable form to secure the wire harness 18 relative to the fastener 20, e.g. the fastening strap 52 may be a cable tie. In the figures, the internal passageway 50 extends through the fastener 20 from one surface of the fastener 20 to another. The wire harness retention portion 28 includes two openings into the fastener 20 and the internal passageway 50 extends therebetween. In this way, the fastening strap 52 can be fed or looped through the passageway 50, e.g. extending into one of the openings and out of the other. In alternative arrangements, the passageway 50 may only extend partially into the fastener 20, e.g. the wire harness retention portion 28 may only include one opening. In such an arrangement, the passageway 50 may include a fixture interface for receiving the fastening strap 52, e.g. a hook or other protrusion onto which the fastening strap 52 can be tied or otherwise attached to. Such a fixture interface may be present in passageways 50 having more than one opening. As can be best seen in Figure 4, the internal passageway 50 defines a substantially L-shaped cross-section. The two openings of the passageway 50 extend into surfaces of the fastener 20 that are generally perpendicular to one another. It will be appreciated that the passageway 50 may be any suitable shape. In some arrangements, the two openings may extend into the same surface, e.g. the passageway may be substantially U-shaped. In some arrangements, the wire harness retention portion 28 may include a plurality of internal passageways 50, e.g. for receiving a plurality of fastening straps 52 for a plurality of respective wire harnesses 18. In some arrangements, the internal passageway 50 may be configured to receive a plurality of fastening straps 52 for a plurality of respective wire harnesses 18. The fastener 20 is a unitary structure in the illustrated arrangement. The fastener mounting portion 22, the pad retention portion 24, the hose retention portion 26 and the wire harness retention portion 28 may be integrally formed. This results in a fastener 20 that is simple to manufacture, with a single unitary structure performing multiple functions. The unitary structure of the fastener 20 may be manufactured via any suitable means, e.g. via moulding, casting, or additive manufacturing techniques. The fastener 20 may be formed of a plastic material. For example, the fastener 20 may be formed of a polymer, such as polyamide. In other arrangements, the fastener 20 may be formed of a metallic material. In some arrangements, the fastener 20 may include different materials that have been bonded together. In alternative arrangements, one or more portions of the fastener 20 may be removeable components that are detachable from the unitary structure of the fastener 20. For example, the pad retention portion 24 may be removeably mounted to the fastener 20. In such an arrangement, the flange 38 may be moved relative to the wall 30 so as to alter the fixed distance D. This enables the fastener 20 to be altered to function with noise insulation pads 14 of different thicknesses T. In some arrangements, the flange 38 may be replaceable with a different flange having a different maximum width and / or a different shape, e.g. so as to substantially cover differently shaped pad openings 46 in the noise insulation pad 14. In such arrangements, the flange 38 may include an internal thread engageable with an external thread on wall 30 of the fastener mounting portion 22. A method of securing vehicle components to a vehicle body structure is illustrated in Figure 6. The method includes the following steps: a) providing the fastener 20 as described herein; b) using the fastener mounting portion 22 to secure the fastener 20 to the vehicle body structure 12; c) using the pad retention portion 24 to secure a noise insulation pad 14 against the vehicle body structure 12; d) using the hose retention portion 26 to secure at least one fluid hose 16 to the vehicle body structure 12; and e) using the wire harness retention portion 28 to secure a wire harness 18 to the vehicle body structure 12. 5 It will be appreciated that the method steps may be performed in any order. For example, in some arrangements one or more of the fluid hoses 16 and / or the wire harness 18 may be secured to the fastener 20 prior to securing the fastener to the vehicle body 12. In some cases, step (e) may be performed before steps (b), (c) and (d). In some arrangements, step (c) may be performed after steps (a), (e) and (b). In some 10 arrangements, step (d) may be performed after steps (a), (b), (c) and (e). 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. It should also be noted that whilst the appended claims set out particular combinations of features described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of 15 features herein disclosed.

Claims

1. A fastener for securing vehicle components to a vehicle body structure, the fastener comprising:a fastener mounting portion for securing the fastener to the vehicle body structure;a pad retention portion for securing a noise insulation pad against the vehicle body structure;a hose retention portion for securing at least one fluid hose to the vehicle body structure; anda wire harness retention portion for securing a wire harness to the vehicle body structure;wherein the fastener mounting portion comprises a wall defining a bore for receiving a fixing shaft of the vehicle body structure into an open end of the bore, wherein the open end defines an abutment surface for supporting the fastener against the vehicle body structure;wherein the pad retention portion comprises a flange extending around the wall at a fixed distance from the open end; andwherein the hose retention portion comprises at least one open channel configured to receive a fluid hose, and at least one resilient finger to retain the fluid hose in the at least one open channel.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the hose retention portion comprises at least two open channels, each open channel configured to receive one fluid hose, and each open channel comprising at least one resilient finger to retain each fluid hose in the respective open channel.

3. The fastener according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fixed distance is less than 10 mm; optionally, wherein the fixed distance is less than 5 mm; optionally, wherein the fixed distance is about 2 mm.

4. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener mounting portion is located between the hose retention portion and the wire harness retention portion.

5. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the hose retention portion comprises a reinforced region of increased thickness in a direction of insertion of the fluid hose in a respective open channel, the reinforced region being located at or toward a closed end of the at least one open channel.

6. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each resilient finger is positioned at or toward an open end of the respective open channel.

7. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange has a total width of at least 20 mm.

8. The fastener according to claim 7, wherein the flange is a circular flange which circumscribes the wall of the fastener mounting portion.

9. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener mounting portion comprises one or more locking formations which extend from the wall into the bore and are configured to engage the fixing shaft of the vehicle body structure when received in the bore.

10. The fastener according to claim 9, wherein the one or more locking formations comprises a first set of resilient locking formations and a second set of resilient locking formations that differ in size and / or shape to the first set of resilient locking formations.

11. The fastener according to claim 10, wherein the first set of locking formations comprises at least three locking formations circumferentially distributed about the bore, and the second set of resilient locking formations comprises at least three locking formations circumferentially distributed about the bore.

12. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the wire harness retention portion defines an internal passageway configured to receive a fastening strap for the wire harness.

13. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener is a unitary structure.14, A vehicle body assembly comprising:a vehicle body structure having a fixing element;a noise insulation pad arranged on the vehicle body structure and having a pad opening extending around the fixing element;the fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener is coupled to the fixing element of the vehicle body structure by the fastener mounting portion and wherein the noise insulation pad is secured against the vehicle body structure by the flange of the pad retention portion;at least one fluid hose retained by the hose retention portion of the fastener; and a wire harness secured to the wire harness retention portion of the fastener.

15. A vehicle comprising the vehicle body assembly of claim 14.

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