JP2008241038A - Energy absorbing tether clip - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an energy absorbing tether clip. <P>SOLUTION: A releasable fastener includes a tether and a clip adapted to be coupled to a first member. The tether has a first end releasably coupled to the clip, a second end adapted to be coupled to a second member that is movable relative to the first member, and a flexible member having first and second strands interconnecting the first and second ends of the tether. The second strand is frangible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to clip fasteners, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for creating and using a clip fastener assembly for joining automotive components.

  Various fasteners have been used in automotive applications to join trim parts to other parts of the vehicle. These fasteners sometimes need to be insertable into the car hole and must meet the requirements to hold the trim parts and allow the trim parts to be removed later if replacement is desired. is there. For example, when an airbag is deployed, it is typically necessary to replace the airbag and / or trim components that support the airbag. In order to replace the trim parts, the fasteners attaching the trim parts to the vehicle must also be removable. Unfortunately, many commercially available fasteners do not provide easily accessible fastener joints that allow removal of fastener / trim parts after such cases as damage or airbag deployment.

  Many vehicles are now equipped with a number of airbags or air curtains. Based on the various dimensions of the installed airbag, a number of special fasteners have been created to hold the trim parts surrounding the airbag relief holes. In addition, the use of side curtain airbags has further increased the thickness types of currently manufactured packed airbags.

  Another concern relates to extra movement of trim parts during or after deployment of the air curtain. Specifically, it is desirable to limit the movement of trim parts once the air curtain is fully deployed. Thus, there may be a need for a single solution fastener that is used in conjunction with multiple airbag designs having varying thicknesses and relief hole size requirements. Further, while providing a small connection design for packaging, it may be beneficial to provide a relatively long connection length during airbag deployment.

  The releasable fastener includes a connection and a clip adapted to couple to the first member. The connecting portion includes a first end releasably coupled to the clip, a second end adapted to couple to a second member movable relative to the first member, and a first end of the connecting portion; A flexible member having a first strand and a second strand interconnecting the second ends. The second strand is easy to break.

  In addition, the present disclosure includes a releasable fastener including a first connector having a male pin, a second connector flexibly connected to the first connector, and a clip releasably engageable with the second connector. About. The second connector has a receptacle and at least one biasing element that acts to releasably engage the male pin. The flexible connection includes a first strand and a second strand, each strand having one end on the side closer to the first connector and the other end on the side closer to the second connector. Part. The second strand is separable under a predetermined tensile load. The first strand continues to interconnect the first connector and the second connector when subjected to a tensile load.

  Still other applicable areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure can be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, the application, or the use.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, a fastener assembly 10 with a connecting connection portion includes a connection portion 12 and a clip 14. Clip 14 is coupled to vehicle panel 16. Connection 12 includes a first end 18 that is coupled to a vehicle moving part 20 such as a trim part associated with airbag deployment. The second end 22 of the connecting portion 12 is connected to the clip 14. The flexible element 24 interconnects the first end 18 and the second end 22.

  The second end 22 of the flexible element 24 includes a substantially U-shaped connector 30 that includes a first planar portion 32 and a second planar portion 34. The first and second planar portions 32 and 34 are disposed substantially parallel to each other and define a partial slot 36 and a solid portion 38 between the first planar portion 32 and the second planar portion 34. The freely extending end of the second planar portion 34 provides a hook-like end 40 having a partial cavity 42 and a rounded leading edge 44. The partial cavity 42 includes a stop surface 45. Pin 46 defines a longitudinal “Y” axis that is oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by surface 48 of first planar portion 32. The pin 46 is sized to be slidably received within the hole 50 created in the clip 14.

  Pin 46 includes a spherical head 64 having a head diameter “A”. The head 64 is connected to the stem 68 by a tapered portion 66. The stem 68 includes a stem diameter “C” that is smaller than the head diameter “A”. The head diameter A of the pin 46 is sized so as to pass through the hole 50 formed in the clip 14. The head diameter A of the pin 46 is further sized so as to be releasably engageable in the stepped receiving portion 70 formed in the engaging member 69 formed in the first end portion 18. The stepped receiving portion 70 includes a plurality of stepped deflecting members 72 separated from each other by a plurality of channels 74. Each stepped deflection member 72 includes an inclined contact surface 76 and an engagement surface 78. The head portion 64 of the pin 46 elastically bends each step-like bending member 72 when the head portion 64 is inserted into the step-like receiving portion 70. When the head 64 extends beyond the engagement surface 78, the resilient biasing force of the stepped flexure 72 is directed so that the engagement surface 78 contacts the tapered portion 66 of the stem 68, causing the connector 30 to clip 14. The engagement member 69 is releasably engaged through the through hole.

  The engagement member 69 includes a shoulder 79 at a first end and has a first post 80 and a second post 82 that extend laterally beyond each of the set of side walls 84. The post spacing width D is sized to accept the width of the first planar portion 32 of the connector 30. The first and second posts 80, 82 provide anti-rotation features to prevent the connector 30 from rotating relative to the engagement member 69 when the pin 46 is received in the stepped receptacle 70. To prevent. The engagement member 69 further provides a substantially flat engagement portion 86 and a deflectable tab 88.

  The clip 14 engages with the shoulder 79 of the engaging member 69. Clip 14 further includes a mounting plate 92 through which a hole 94 is formed. The mounting plate 92 integrally includes each of the first contact side surface 96 and the second contact side surface 98. The first and second contact side surfaces 96 and 98 extend substantially transverse to the mounting plate 92. The first contact side 96 and the second contact side 98 of the clip 14 typically extend laterally from the mounting plate 92. The first contact side surface 96 includes at least one first deflectable wing 104 that can be integrally connected to the first outer frame portion 100, the second outer frame portion 102, and the cross member 106 that extends distally from the mounting plate 92. including. The cross member 106 is coupled to the cross member 108 on the second contact side surface 98 by a first holding tab 110 formed integrally with the cross member 106 and a second holding tab 112 formed integrally with the cross member 108. The Each of the first retention tab 110 and the second retention tab 112 deforms and interlocks as indicated by the opposing cross member 106 or 108.

  The first outer frame portion 100 is integrally connected to the mounting surface 92 by the first side wall 114. Similarly, the second outer frame portion 102 is integrally connected to the mounting surface 92 by the second side wall 116. The first side wall 114 and the second side wall 116 respectively face the third side wall 118 that is integrally connected to the second contact side surface 98. A receiving channel 120 is defined between the first side wall 114, the second side wall 116, and the third side wall 118. The receiving channel 120 is configured to slidably receive the engagement member 69 when assembled. The second contact side surface 98 further includes a first inner frame portion 122 and a second inner frame portion 124 similar to the first outer frame portion 100 and the second outer frame portion 102. The second contact side 98 further includes at least two deflectable wings disposed opposite the first deflectable wing, including a second deflectable wing 126 and a third deflectable wing 128.

  As best shown in FIG. 5, each of the major components of the fastener assembly 10 of the present invention is shown assembled. The clip 14 is slidably engaged with the engaging member 69. More specifically, the deflectable tab 88 deflects to accept a clip. The connector 30 is rotated so that the pin 46 engages the stepped receiving portion 70. The pin 46 can be inserted into both the hole 50 of the clip 14 and the stepped receiving portion 70. The clip 14 is disposed between the first and second posts 80, 82 and the deflectable tab 88.

  After the fastener assembly 10 is assembled, each of the first contact side 96 and the second contact side 98 of the clip 14 is slidably inserted into a hole 130 formed in the vehicle panel 16. Each of the first deflectable wing 104, the second deflectable wing 126, and the third deflectable wing 128 flexes upon insertion into the hole 130 and elastically returns to an undeflected or expanded state after insertion. The first deflectable wing 104, the second deflectable wing 126, and the third deflectable wing 128 engage with the first surface of the panel 16, and the plurality of plate engaging members 134 are opposed to the opposing surface or the first of the panel 16. Engages with two surfaces 136.

  FIG. 6 shows a rectangular dog house 138 that includes a flat surface 140 having a hole 142 adapted to receive the hook-like end 40 of the connector 30. Dog house 138 is coupled to part 20. The hook-like end 40 is disposed outside the dog house 138 and is actively engaged with the plane 140 to resist separation from the dog house 138 unless the hook-like end 40 is deflected in the “E” direction. Match. The solid portion 38 is disposed in a detent 144 formed in the wall 146 of the dog house 138. When the hook-like end 40 is positioned as shown, the stop surface 45 and the solid portion 38 each resist movement of the doghouse 138 relative to the connector 30. A hook-like end 40 engaging the dog house 138 defines another releasable joint of the fastener assembly 10.

  When the fastener assembly 10 is used to join the component 20 to the vehicle panel 16, four main releasable connections are formed. The releasable connecting portion defines the joint integrated strength in a continuous or ascending order. The first releasable connecting portion 145 is formed between the pin 46 and the stepped receiving portion 70. The second releasable connecting portion 147 is formed between the hook-shaped end portion 40 and the hole 142 of the dog house 138. The second releasable connection 147 physically joins the dog house 138 to the connector 30. This releasable connection is designed to release continuously after the first releasable connection 145, allowing repair or replacement of the trim panel. The third releasable connecting portion 148 is formed between the clip 14 and the engaging member 69. The fourth releasable connecting portion 149 is formed by contact between the panel 16 and the first deflectable wing 104, the second deflectable wing 126, and the third deflectable wing 128 of the clip 14. The holding strength of each of the releasable connecting parts increases from the first releasable connecting part 145 to the fourth releasable connecting part 149, and each successive releasable connecting part is a stronger joint than the preceding joint. Form. In other words, the first releasable connection portion that is intended to be removed or removed during use is the first releasable connection portion 145. One object of providing individual bond strengths to each of the releasable connections of the present invention is to provide components such as, for example, a trim panel and a vehicle body panel for a vehicle when an airbag associated with the trim panel is deployed. This is because it is possible to separate from. By designing the first releasable connection 145 to first separate, the flexible element 24 continues to hold the part 20 to the panel 16 through the doghouse 138.

  During deployment of the airbag and after the first releasable connection is released, the pliable strands of the flexible element 24 are separated to allow proper airbag deployment. The flexible element 24 includes a main strand 150 that interconnects the connector 30 and the engagement member 69. The second strand 152 is disposed in parallel with the main strand 150 and further interconnects the connector 30 and the engaging member 69. The main strand 150 is longer than the second strand 152. In addition, the main strand 150 can have a thickness 154 that is greater than the nominal thickness of the second strand 152. The cross section 158 of the second strand 152 can have a thickness that is even thinner than the cross section 156.

  When the airbag is deployed, the first releasable connecting portion 145 is cut at a place where the pin 46 is released from the engagement with the stepped receiving portion 70. The flexible member 24 begins to extend as the airbag continues to be deployed. As the flexible member 24 extends, the second strands 152 are stretched and then separated at one of the reduced profile sections 158. The second strands 152 separate such that the length when the flexible element 24 extends can be increased and the opening (not shown) through which the airbag passes can be enlarged. When the maximum width of the airbag that is still deployed passes through the opening, the airbag no longer applies force to the component 20. The part 20 continues to move due to its own driving force that is a function of mass and speed. At this time, the main strand 150 starts to stop the driving force of the component 20. The main strand 150 maintains the interconnection between the connector 30 and the engagement member 69.

  FIG. 7 shows another connection 200 that includes a flexible element 201. The connection part 200 is substantially the same as the connection part 12. Accordingly, similar elements are identified by the same reference number having a superscript suffix. The connecting portion 200 includes a third strand 202 and a fourth strand 204 in addition to the main strand 150 ′ and the second strand 152 ′. In the flexible element 201, the fourth strand 204 is the shortest of all strands. Third strand 202 is the next longest strand, and second strand 152 'is the second longest after main strand 150'. By placing the strands in this manner, the tensile load between the first end 18 and the second end 22 is such that the fourth strand 204, the third strand 202, the second strand 152, and finally the main strand. 150 is sequentially applied. One or more strands can be separated depending on the mass of the movable part 20 and the impact of force on the part 20 from the airbag as it is deployed. Each of the strands 150 ', 152', 202, and 204 can also be formed to include a different thickness or width. The strands 152 ′, 202, and 204 can further include a locally thin cross-sectional thickness similar to the portion 158 formed on the second strand 152. Each structural difference between the strands causes each strand to separate with a different tensile force.

  Another method for achieving strand separation at various tensile forces involves forming the strands from different materials. Using multi-shot injection molding, one or more strands can be constructed from a first material and the remaining portion of flexible element 24 or 201 can be constructed from another plastic material.

  Based on the use of the main strand 150 and the second strand 152, the connection 12 can be constructed as a relatively small folding member useful for multiple airbags of varying thickness. More specifically, when a relatively small airbag is deployed, only the fourth strand 204 separates during deployment and the remaining strands limit movement of the part 20 relative to the vehicle. When a relatively large airbag such as a side air curtain is deployed, each of the second strand 152 ′, the third strand 202, and the fourth strand 204 is separated, and the opening of the side air curtain is moved. The size can be increased. The main strand 150 'remains intact and stops moving the part 20 after the side curtain has been deployed. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fastener assembly 10 can be adapted to common connections for a variety of airbag applications, thus adding additional components to the flexible element 24 and the flexible element 201. Will understand, can be significantly reduced.

  After deployment of the airbag is complete and at least the strand 150 stops moving the part 20, the second releasable connection 147 is released to allow complete separation of the part 20 and the panel 16, Designed to allow repair of components. The third releasable connection 148 applies a sufficient force in the direction opposite to the insertion direction or allows the clip 14 to be slidably removed beyond the end of the engagement member 69. It is cut by bending the 88 manually. The fourth releasable connection 149 is the strongest connection and may not be easily accessible after installation, so it is usually intended to be permanently connected, so the clip 14 is removed from the panel 16. Prior to removal, the deflectable wings 104, 126, and 128 need to be deflected manually.

  The material of each of the connections 12 and 200 is preferably a polymer material, and in one preferred embodiment is a nylon 6,6 material such as DuPont Zytel RTM ST801AHS. According to one preferred embodiment, the material for the clip 14 is a spring steel material according to SAE1050.

  The fastener assembly of the present invention provides several advantages. By providing multiple releasable connections with individual joint strengths, each of which can be configured in ascending or sequential order, such as when an airbag is deployed, components such as trim panels Thus, it is possible to prevent complete separation from the vehicle body panel. The movement of the trim panel can be controlled during deployment of the airbag by using a connection with at least one pliable strand parallel to the fold-resistant strand.

  The description provided is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the clip 14 may use as few as two opposing deflectable wings, or may use more than three deflectable wings. The flexible element 24 can be made as a separate part and is connected between the connector 30 and the engagement member 69 to allow the connector 30 and the engagement member 69 to be made separately and / or. Alternatively, it is possible to manufacture with different materials to distinguish the releasable connection strength. Clip 14 may be formed from a composite material or a polymer material. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled connection fastener according to the present disclosure. It is a perspective view of the connection part of the fastener of FIG. It is another perspective view of the connection part of the fastener of FIG. It is a perspective view of the clip part of the fastener of FIG. 1 is a side view of an assembled fastener of the present disclosure. FIG. It is a perspective view of a dog house portion of an automobile part. It is a side view of another connection part of a fastener.

Explanation of symbols

10: articulated fastener assembly 12: connection 14: clip 18: first end 22: second end 24: flexible element 30: connector 88: deflectable tab 150: main strand 152: second strand

Claims (25)

A clip adapted to couple to the first member;
A first end coupled releasably to the clip, a second end adapted to couple to a second member movable relative to the first member, and a connection having a flexible member;
Including
The flexible member has a first strand and a second strand that interconnect the first end and the second end of the connecting portion, and the second strand is easily broken. Releasable fasteners.   A third strand and a fourth strand disposed in parallel with the first strand and the second strand, wherein the second strand, the third strand, and the fourth strand are sequentially separated under a tensile load; The fastener of claim 1, wherein the fastener is constructed as follows.   The fastener of claim 2, wherein each of the first strand, the second strand, the third strand, and the fourth strand has a different length.   The fastener of claim 3, wherein one of the second strand, the third strand, and the fourth strand has a locally small cross-sectional dimension.   The fastener according to claim 4, wherein one of the second strand, the third strand, and the fourth strand is separated at a position closer to the small cross-sectional dimension.   One end of the connecting portion includes a pin, and the other end includes a receiving portion for receiving the pin, and the pin is released from engagement with the receiving portion before separating the second strand. The fastener according to claim 1.   The fastener of claim 6, wherein the clip includes a channel in a slidable reception of the first end of the connection.   The fastener of claim 7, wherein the first end includes a deflectable tab that holds the first end to the clip.   The fastener of claim 1, wherein the second strand is adapted to separate upon application of tension provided by the second member moving relative to the first member.   The fastener of claim 9, wherein the first strand is adapted not to separate and to limit movement of the second member relative to the first member.   The first strand of claim 1, wherein the first strand is adapted to maintain an interconnection between the first member and the second member after the second strand separates. Fastener.   The fastener of claim 1, wherein the second strand is shorter than the first strand.   The fastener of claim 1, wherein the second strand is disposed in parallel with the first strand.   2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein a recess is formed in the second strand, and a cross-sectional dimension of the second strand at the position of the recess is reduced. A first connector having a male pin;
A second connector flexibly connected to the first connector and having a receiving portion and at least one biasing element operative to releasably engage the male pin;
A clip that is releasably engageable with the second connector, wherein the flexible connecting portion is connected to one end on the side closer to the first connector and the second connector; A first strand and a second strand, each having a second end on the near side, the second strand being separable under a predetermined tensile load, the first strand having the predetermined tensile load; A releasable fastener, characterized in that when received, the first connector and the second connector remain interconnected.   The fastener of claim 15, wherein the second strand is disposed in parallel with the first strand.   The fastener of claim 16, wherein the clip further comprises a plurality of deflectable wings.   The plurality of deflectable wings includes first, second, and third deflectable wings, the first deflectable wings opposing both the second deflectable wing and the third deflectable wing. The fastener according to claim 17.   The apparatus further includes third and fourth strands arranged in parallel with the first strand and the second strand, and the second strand, the third strand, and the fourth strand are sequentially separated under a tensile load. The fastener of claim 15, wherein the fastener is constructed as follows.   The fastener of claim 19, wherein each of the first strand, the second strand, the third strand, and the fourth strand has a different length.   21. The fastener of claim 20, wherein one of the second strand, the third strand, and the fourth strand has a locally small cross-sectional dimension.   The second connector further includes a deflectable tab that acts to releasably engage the clip, the deflectable tab being elastically deflectable to receive the clip and returning by a spring force. The fastener of claim 15, wherein the fastener is retained.   The first connector includes a hook-like end adapted to releasably connect to a first part of the vehicle, and the clip is adapted to releasably connect to a second part of the vehicle. The fastener according to claim 15, characterized in that: A method for manufacturing a releasable fastener, comprising:
Releasably coupling the first end of the connection to the first part;
Join the clip to the second component,
Releasably coupling the second end of the connection to the clip;
Releasably coupling the first end of the connection to the second end of the connection;
Interconnecting the first connecting portion end and the second connecting portion end with a flexible member having a first strand and a second strand;
Separating the second strand by relative movement between the first part and the second part.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein an interconnection between the first part and the second part is maintained by the first strand after the second strand separates.

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