Dual lock fastener connecting structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a dual lock fastener connecting structure, comprising: a base and a protruding leg. The base comprises a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other, and the first surface of the base is configured to be connected to a dual lock upper strip or a dual lock lower strip of the dual lock fastener; the protruding leg is arranged on the second surface of the base, and snap clamps which are opposite to each other are arranged on the side surfaces of the protruding leg; surface of the base; and an accommodating space is formed between the snap clamps and the second surface of the base, wherein the height of the accommodating space is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the second surface of the base. In this way, a sheet metal part can be engaged in the accommodating space, and the height of the accommodating space is adjusted on the basis of the thickness of the sheet metal part.

Description

A mushroom buckle connection structure Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of mushroom buckle installation auxiliary jigs, in particular to a mushroom buckle connection structure particularly suitable for vehicle sunroofs. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles such as commercial SUVs and sedans are equipped with skylights on their roofs. The car skylights are installed on the roofs of vehicles, which can effectively make the air in the car more circulated and increase the entry of fresh air, thus meeting the need for ventilation. At the same time, the car windows can also broaden the field of vision and meet the needs of mobile photography and videography.

[0003] Currently, automotive sunroof glass is typically secured with mushroom latches, which bond the sunroof frame to the roof. Furthermore, roof linings are also installed on top of vehicles. To ensure a secure installation, a uniform gap between the sunroof opening and the roof lining, and to prevent exposed mounting points on the roof lining's exterior, paired mushroom latches are typically placed on the roof lining and sunroof. These latches are attached to the roof lining bracket and the corresponding sheet metal on the sunroof. Consequently, mushroom latches are widely used in automotive manufacturing, particularly in sunroof-related structures.

[0004] Currently, sunroof manufacturing requires installing mushroom buckles on the slide rails or on the sheet metal components corresponding to the sunroof. These buckles are typically installed manually by production workers. Precise dimensional requirements exist for the spacing between the buckles and the sheet metal components, but the thickness of sheet metal often varies between vehicles, or even within the same vehicle. This creates a gap between the buckles and the sheet metal components, which can easily lead to detachment and complicate manual installation.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a connection structure of a vehicle sunroof mushroom buckle, which can be stably and conveniently installed on a vehicle sheet metal part, and is particularly suitable for sheet metal parts with different thicknesses.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In response to the problems mentioned in the background technology, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a mushroom buckle connection structure, which can be stably and conveniently installed and fixed on a structure to be fixed, such as a sheet metal part or a similar plate-like component (such as a vehicle sheet metal part, hereinafter collectively referred to as "sheet metal part" or "structure to be fixed"), and is particularly suitable for sheet metal parts with different thicknesses, so that the mushroom buckle can be fixed on the sheet metal part through the mushroom buckle connection structure.

[0008] The above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a mushroom-type latch connection structure comprising: a base and a protruding leg, wherein the base comprises a first surface and a second surface opposing each other, the first surface of the base being configured to connect with an upper or lower mushroom latch of the mushroom-type latch; the protruding leg being disposed on the second surface of the base, and having opposing clips disposed on the sides of the protruding leg; a receiving space being formed between the clip and the second surface of the base, wherein the height of the receiving space is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the second surface of the base. Thus, a sheet metal part can be engaged within the receiving space, and the height of the receiving space can be adjusted according to the thickness of the sheet metal part.

[0009] Optionally, in one embodiment, the second surface of the base is further provided with an elastic structure, which is configured to maintain a first distance from the lowest end of the clip in a first state and a second distance from the lowest end of the clip in a second state, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance. The elastic structure can be used to conveniently adjust the height of the accommodation space.

[0010] Optionally, in one embodiment, the elastic structure includes at least two supporting elements; in another embodiment, the elastic structure includes a spring, which is arranged around the base of the protruding leg.

[0011] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: the height of the accommodating space of the mushroom buckle connection structure of the present invention can be adjusted according to the thickness of the sheet metal part to facilitate adaptation to sheet metal parts of different thicknesses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of some embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. Moreover, these drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way.

[0013] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a mushroom buckle connection structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG2 is a side view of the mushroom buckle connection structure 100 shown in FIG1 ;

[0015] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a mushroom buckle connection structure 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the mushroom buckle connection structure 200 shown in FIG3 when installed and used;

[0017] FIG5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary use of a mushroom buckle connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] It should be noted that the following embodiments are exemplary descriptions of the present invention, and features of different embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with specific embodiments.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a mushroom-shaped fastener connection structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mushroom-shaped fastener connection structure 100 includes a base 110 and a protruding leg 120. The base 110 includes a first surface 110a and a second surface 110b that oppose each other. The first surface 110a of the base 110 is configured to connect to an upper or lower mushroom fastener (not shown) of a mushroom-shaped fastener. The protruding leg 120 is disposed on the second surface 110b of the base 110, and opposing clips 130 are provided on side surfaces 121 of the protruding leg 120. An accommodating space 150 is formed between the clip 130 and the second surface 110b of the base 110.

[0020] When using the snap-on mushroom connection structure 100, it is typically secured to a structure to be secured, such as a sheet metal member or a similar plate-like component (as shown in FIG. 4 , hereinafter referred to as the "sheet metal member" or the "structure to be secured"). It will be appreciated that the sheet metal member has an opening through which the protruding legs 120 can pass. The protruding legs 120 can be any conventional design in the industry, as long as they can pass through the opening in the sheet metal member and secure the snap-on mushroom connection structure 100 to the sheet metal member. Simultaneously, the sheet metal member is engaged within the receiving space 150 along its thickness, being clamped between the second surface 110 b of the base 110 and the clamp 130.

[0021] Exemplarily, the structure of the protruding leg 120 can be a protruding three-dimensional structure perpendicular to the second surface 110b of the base 110. One or more clips 130 are respectively provided on two opposing side surfaces 121 of the protruding leg 120. Optionally, the clips 130 naturally protrude from the side surfaces of the protruding leg 120. Under the action of a certain external force, they can move closer to the side surfaces of the protruding leg 120, or even lie on the same plane as the side portions of adjacent protruding legs 120. The sheet metal typically has a corresponding opening, through which the protruding leg 120 of the mushroom-shaped snap-fit ​​connection structure passes. The sheet metal is then snapped into place within the accommodating space 150 between the clips 130 of the protruding leg 120 and the second surface 110b of the base 110. Simultaneously, the protruding leg 120 can be secured to the sheet metal via the clips 130. Thus, the clips 130 have a dual function.

[0022] In various embodiments, the protruding leg 120 can also be secured to the sheet metal component via other structures. For example, the clip 130 can be a rib-shaped structure disposed on the lower side of the protruding leg 120, solely functioning to secure the sheet metal component within the receiving space 150 between the clip 130 of the protruding leg 120 and the second surface 110b of the base 110. Alternatively, another snap-fit ​​structure disposed on the upper side of the protruding leg 120 secures the mushroom-shaped snap-fit ​​connection structure to the sheet metal component.

[0023] Furthermore, the mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structure 100 is further provided with an elastic structure 140. The elastic structure 140 is disposed between the second surface 110b of the base 110 and the clip 130, or between the second surface 110b of the base 110 and the side surface of the protruding leg 120. The elastic structure 140 is configured to maintain a first distance H1 from the lowest end of the clip 130 in a first state, and a second distance H2 from the lowest end of the clip 130 in a second state. The second distance H2 is different from the first distance H1. The first distance H1 and the second distance H2 respectively refer to the distances between the highest point of the elastic structure 140 and the lowest point of the clip 130 in different states, in the orientation shown in Figures 1 and 2. Exemplarily, the first state refers to the unused state of the snap-on connection structure 100; the second state corresponds to the used state of the snap-on connection structure 100. For example, when the snap-on connection structure 100 is engaged with a structure to be secured, such as a sheet metal component, the gravity of the structure exerts a downward force on the elastic structure 140, compressing the elastic structure 140. In this case, the second spacing H2 is greater than or equal to the first spacing H1. Furthermore, the specific value of the second spacing H2 varies for different sheet metal components. In this embodiment, the height of the accommodation space 150 formed between the clip 130 and the second surface 110b of the base 110 can be understood as being equal to the first spacing H1 in the first state and the second spacing H2 in the second state. The height of the accommodation space 150 can be adjusted by adjusting the elastic structure 140 to different states or positions.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elastic structure 140 includes four support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d. Support elements 140a and 140b are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the protruding leg 120, while support elements 140c and 140d are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the protruding leg 120. These support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d are symmetrically arranged around the protruding leg 120. The first ends of these support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d are respectively disposed at the base 122 of the protruding leg 120. In various embodiments, there may be two, six, or more support elements as needed. To ensure a better balance of the mushroom snap-on coupling structure 100, it is preferred that the number of support elements is even, and that they are relatively evenly distributed on opposite sides of the protruding leg 120.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d are sheet-like structures. A first end 141 of the sheet-like structure is fixed to the second surface 110b of the base 110 and connected to the base 122 of the protruding leg 120. A second end 142 of the sheet-like structure is spaced a third distance h from the second surface 110b of the base 110. Support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d each form an angle with the second surface 110b of the base 110. In the first state, the angle is between 10 and 45 degrees.

[0026] Preferably, corresponding grooves 111 are provided on the second surface 110b of the base 110 to accommodate the support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d. Thus, the support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d can be moved toward the base 110 under an external force, such as a downward force. If the support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d are subjected to a sufficiently large external force, they can be pressed downward into their corresponding grooves 111.

[0027] Thus, by adjusting the spacing between the elastic structure 140, such as the support elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d, and the clip 130 with an external force, the height of the accommodation space 150 in the vertical direction along the second surface can be adjusted to a value between H1 and H1+h. Thus, the accommodation space 150 between the clip 130 and the base can accommodate sheet metal parts of varying thicknesses, thereby enabling the mushroom-shaped latch connection structure to accommodate sheet metal parts of varying thicknesses within a certain range.

[0028] In one embodiment, the base 110 is approximately 3 mm thick, and the sheet-like support element is between 1 and 2 mm thick. In the first state, a third distance h between the second end 142 of the sheet-like structure and the second surface 110b of the base 110 is between 3 and 5 mm. Thus, compared to conventional snap-on fasteners, the snap-on fastener structure of this embodiment can accommodate sheet metal parts with a thickness ranging from 3 to 5 mm.

[0029] The support element and the second surface 110 b of the base 110 have an angle. Considering factors such as the strength of the support element and the inventor's experience, preferably, the angle is between 10 degrees and 45 degrees in the first state.

[0030] Preferably, based on the strength consideration of the elastic structure, the supporting element is made of at least one of the following materials: polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, acrylic resin.

[0031] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of a mushroom-type fastener connection structure 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. This mushroom-type fastener connection structure 200 includes a base 210 and a protruding leg 220. The base 210 includes opposing first and second surfaces 210a and 210b. The first surface 210a of the base 210 is configured to connect to an upper or lower mushroom-type fastener (not shown). The protruding leg 220 is disposed on the second surface 210b of the base 210, and opposing clips 230 are provided on the side surfaces 221 of the protruding leg 220. These structures may be identical or similar to those of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, and therefore will not be further described.

[0032] Furthermore, a receiving space 250 is formed between the clip 230 and the second surface 210b of the base 210. The second surface 210b of the base 210 is also provided with an elastic structure 240, which is arranged between the second surface 210b of the base 210 and the side surface of the protruding leg 220. The elastic structure is arranged to maintain a first distance from the lowest end of the clip 230 in the first state, and to have a second distance from the lowest end of the clip 230 in the second state, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance. Preferably, the second distance is greater than the first distance. The elastic structure 240 includes a spring, which is arranged around the root of the protruding leg 220, and at least part of the elastic structure 240 is in contact with the root of the protruding leg 220. The cross section of the spring has different distances from the second surface 210b of the base 210 at at least two different positions.

[0033] Specifically, the spring can be a warped spring, as shown in Figures 3 or 4 , known in the industry as a disc spring. Of course, it can also be a combination of one or more stacked springs, or a multi-coil spring, as needed. The specific spring design is not particularly limited, as long as it can change its spacing from the lowest end of the clamp 230 when subjected to an external force. In this way, the height of the sheet metal component that can be accommodated in the accommodation space 250 in the vertical direction along the second surface 210 is adjustable.

[0034] As shown in FIG4 , when using a mushroom snap-on connection structure 200, it is typically secured to a sheet metal member 300 or a similar plate-like structure to be secured. The sheet metal member 300 has an opening 310. The protruding leg 220 of the mushroom snap-on connection structure 200 passes through the opening 310, and the sheet metal member 300 is engaged between the clip 230 of the protruding leg 220 and the second surface 210 b of the base 210. The elastic structure 240 is pressed against the second surface 210 b of the base 210 by the sheet metal member 300 and deformed by the downward pressure generated by the sheet metal member 300. This increases the distance between the elastic structure 240 and the clip 230, making the distance between the elastic structure 240 and the clip 230 adjustable. In other words, the height of the accommodating space 250, along the vertical direction of the second surface 210, that can accommodate the sheet metal member is adjustable. Therefore, the space between the clip 230 and the second surface 210b of the base 210 can accommodate sheet metal parts 300 of varying thicknesses, allowing the mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structure to adapt to sheet metal parts of varying thicknesses. Compared to conventional mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structures that are only compatible with sheet metal parts of a specific thickness, the mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structure provided by the present invention has wider adaptability and easier installation. The resilient force of the elastic structure 240 also provides upward support for the sheet metal part 300, further stabilizing the connection between the mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structure and the sheet metal part. While the embodiment shown in FIG4 uses the mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structure 200 as an example to illustrate its use, this description also applies to the mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structures of other embodiments.

[0035] Figures 1 and 2 and Figures 3 and 4 respectively illustrate a mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structure employing different specific structures to achieve adjustable height of the receiving space of the mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structure in a vertical direction along the second surface of the base, thereby enabling the mushroom-shaped snap-on connection structure to accommodate sheet metal parts of varying thicknesses. It is understood that other specific structures, inspired by the present invention, and particularly these two specific embodiments, may also be employed. For example, the clips of the protruding legs may be configured to slide up and down to adjust the height of the receiving space in a vertical direction along the second surface of the base.

[0036] FIG5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a mushroom-shaped fastener structure in use according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mushroom-shaped fastener structure 100 or 200 is used on a sheet metal component of a vehicle roof sunroof, securing a roof interior 600, such as a sunroof headlining, to the sheet metal component via the mushroom fastener. The vehicle roof sunroof 400 is surrounded by sheet metal components 300, such as a sunroof reinforcement frame or sunroof frame. The mushroom-shaped fastener structure 100 or 200 is inserted through an opening in the sheet metal component 300 and engaged therewith. The upper fastener of the mushroom fastener 500 is attached to the first surface of the base of the mushroom-shaped fastener structure 100 or 200, thereby connecting the upper fastener to the sunroof sheet metal component 300. The lower fastener of the mushroom fastener 500 engages with the upper fastener. The lower fastener of the mushroom fastener 500 is then connected to the roof interior 600, such as a sunroof headlining. The interlocking mushroom fasteners 500 connect the roof trim 600 and the sunroof sheet metal 300, thereby securing the roof trim to the vehicle body. Manufacturing and assembly are simple, efficient, and offer excellent stability and reliability. Manufacturing and installation costs are relatively low. Furthermore, the snap fasteners are detachable, allowing for secondary installation. More importantly, because the space between the clip and the second surface of the base of the mushroom fastener structure can accommodate sheet metal parts of varying thicknesses, the mushroom fastener structure is adaptable to sheet metal parts of varying thicknesses.

[0037] Although the mushroom buckle connection structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention is described in conjunction with its application scenario of sheet metal parts in a vehicle, it is understandable that it can also be used in other fields where mushroom buckles can be used.

[0038] It will be understood that the embodiments described above are intended to illustrate and not to limit the present invention, and that those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The modifications and variations described above are considered to be within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. In addition, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The verb "comprise" and its variations do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in the claims. The indefinite article "a" or "an" preceding an element or step does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements or steps.

Claims

1. A mushroom buckle connection structure, comprising: A base, the base comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first surface being configured to be connected to an upper mushroom buckle or a lower mushroom buckle of a mushroom buckle; A protruding leg, wherein the protruding leg is disposed on the second surface of the base, and a clamp is disposed on the side of the protruding leg, and a receiving space is formed between the clamp and the second surface of the base; It is characterized in that the height of the accommodating space in the vertical direction along the second surface of the base is adjustable.

2. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an elastic structure, which is arranged between the second surface of the base and the clip, or the elastic structure is arranged between the second surface of the base and the side of the protruding leg; the elastic structure is arranged to have a first distance from the lowest end of the clip in a first state, and a second distance from the lowest end of the clip in a second state, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance so that the height of the accommodating space is adjustable.

3. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second interval is greater than the first interval.

4. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least a portion of the elastic structure is in contact with the base of the protruding leg.

5. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic structure comprises at least two supporting elements.

6. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first ends of the support elements are respectively arranged at the roots of the protruding legs, and the at least two support elements are symmetrically arranged around the protruding legs.

7. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support element and the second surface of the base have an included angle, and in the first state, the included angle is between 10 degrees and 45 degrees.

8. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The supporting element is a sheet-like structure, a first end of the sheet-like structure is fixed to the second surface of the base and connected to the root of the protruding leg, and a second end of the sheet-like structure has a third distance from the second surface of the base.

9. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The thickness of the sheet structure is between 1 mm and 2 mm.

10. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the first state, the third distance between the second end of the sheet structure and the second surface of the base is between 3 mm and 5 mm.

11. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: A corresponding groove is arranged on the second surface of the base to accommodate the supporting element.

12. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support element is made of at least one of the following materials: polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, acrylic resin.

13. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The elastic structure comprises a spring, and the spring is arranged around the root of the protruding leg.

14. The mushroom buckle connection structure according to claim 13, characterized in that: At least two different positions of the cross section of the spring have different distances from the second surface of the base.

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