TRIM CLIP

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to couplings, more specifically to trim clips, and particularly to trim clips with lateral float capability that are useful for fastening panels to structural parts, and even more particularly are useful in the automotive industry.

[0002] An existing trim clip useful for fastening a panel to a structural part includes a one-piece clip having a double flange arrangement on a deformable body, where the first flange seats against the structural part after the deformable body is pushed through a hole therein, and the panel also having a hole therein is sandwiched between the first and second flanges.

[0003] Another existing trim clip useful for fastening a panel to a structural part includes a two-piece clip having a similar double flange arrangement and deformable body as discussed above, but with a push pin that is axially driven through a hole in the center of the clip to flair out legs of the deformable body on the underside of the structural part once the clip body is pushed through a hole in the structural part. As with the first trim clip, the panel includes a hole for receiving the trim clip, which captivates the panel between the double flanges of the trim clip.

[0004] While existing trim clips are suitable for their intended purpose, if the holes in the panel and the structural part do not line up within a required positional tolerance, the result may be any one of: deformation of the trim part; misalignment of the trim part with respect to the structural part; or, lack of full engagement of the clip in the locating hole of the structural part.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a trim clip arrangement that overcomes these drawbacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An embodiment of the invention includes a trim clip for securing a panel to a structural part, the trim clip including: a captivating part having an anchor; a body part having a cavity for receiving the anchor; and means for locking the captivating part to the body part. Wherein the body part is engageable with the structural part and has a first flange for seating against the structural part. Wherein the captivating part has a second flange for seating against the panel. Wherein the captivating part and the body part in an unlocked state have a lateral float, an axial float, and an angular tilt float therebetween. Wherein the captivating part and the body part in a locked state have substantially no lateral float, no axial float, and no angular tilt float therebetween.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention includes a coupling for securing a panel to a structural part, the coupling including: a captivating part having an anchor, a body part having a cavity for receiving the anchor, and means for locking the captivating part to the body part via the anchor. Wherein the body part is engageable with the structural part. Wherein the captivating part has means for retaining the panel. Wherein the captivating part and the body part in an unlocked state have a lateral float, an axial float, and an angular tilt float therebetween, and wherein the captivating part and the body part in a locked state have substantially no lateral float, no axial float, and no angular tilt float therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in the accompanying Figures:

[0009] Figures 1A,B depict an axial section view a trim clip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0010] Figure 2 depicts an axial section view of the trim clip of Figures 1A,B in an unlocked position with sectioned portions of a panel and a structural part illustrated;

[0011] Figures 3A,B, 4A,B,C,D,E, F, 5A,B, 6, 7A,B,C,D, 8, 9,A,B,C,D and 10A,B depict section views of alternative trim clip arrangements to that depicted in Figures 1A,B;

[0012] Figure 11 depicts a section view of the trim clip of Figures 1A,B with an angular tilt; and

[0013] Figure 12 depicts a section view of a prior art clip for comparison with Figure 11.

[0014] While the several figures illustrated herein are identified as section views, the section lines are omitted for clarity, thereby illustrating schematic cross sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides a flexible fastener, also herein referred to as a trim clip, for joining panels, or trim generally, to a structural part. The trim clip allows for lateral float of the panel relative to the structural part, thereby improving perceived quality and visual aesthetics for achieving greater customer satisfaction. The trim clip has a body part and a captivation part that connects with the body part in both an unlocked position and a locked position. In an embodiment, the body part has a deformable body that securely engages with the structural part by insertion through a hole therein. A first flange of the body part seats against the outer surface of the structural part. The body part has a cavity for receiving the captivation part, which includes a second flange for engagement with the panel. The panel has a hole for receiving the engagement part. Lateral clearance between the captivation part and the body part allows for lateral float of the panel

relative to the structural part. Once the captivation part with panel engaged is inserted into the body part, fixing means locks the captivation part to the body part. In the unlocked state, the captivating part and the body part have a lateral float, an axial float, and an angular tilt float therebetween. In the locked state, the captivating part and the body part have substantially no lateral float, no axial float, and no angular tilt float therebetween. As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the degree of locking achieved, the tolerances between locking surfaces, and the flexibility of the material of the locked parts. In an embodiment, the trim clip is made of plastic.

[0016] Such fixing means will now be described with reference to the various figures. Referring now to Figure IA (pre-assembled condition) and Figure IB (assembled condition), a trim clip 100 is shown in both the pre-assembled and assembled condition, respectively. The trim clip 100 includes a body part 105 and a captivation part 110. The body part 105 has a first flange 115 for seating against a structural part 120, and the captivation part 110 has a second flange 125 for seating against a trim part (panel) 130, and a shelf 112 for supporting the trim part 130, best seen by referring to Figure 2. The body part 105 has a cavity 135 for receiving a reservoir of adhesive (glue for example) 140 and a seal 145. During insertion of the captivation part 110 into the cavity 135, an anchor 150 of the captivation part 110 breaks the seal 145 and exposes the anchor 150 to the adhesive 140. Connecting the anchor 150 to the flange section of the captivation part 110 is a stem 155, which is narrower than the anchor 150. Both anchor 150 and stem 155 pass through an opening 160 defined by ribs 165 on body part 105. Due to the difference in dimensions of the width of the anchor 150 and the width of the stem 155 relative to the width of the opening 160, and the difference in dimensions of the width of the anchor 150 and the width of the cavity 135, a degree of lateral float is provided between the captivation part 110 and the body part 105, illustrated by dashed lines 170. This degree of lateral float also provides for a degree of angular tilt, illustrated by dashed lines 175. Dashed lines 170 and 175 exemplify a range of lateral variation and angularity between the captivation part 110 and the body part 105. Also, by

appropriately sizing the height of the cavity 135, the length of the anchor 150 and the amount of adhesive 140, float in the axial direction (defined by dashed line 177) between the captivation part 110 and the body part 105 can be suitably managed to accommodate panels 130 of different thicknesses, illustrated by gap 180. Once the adhesive sets, the captivation part 110 and body part 105 are locked in position, and once locked, the relationship between the two clip portions (body part 105 and captivation part 110) is fixed, thereby absorbing the variation between the hole in the panel and the hole in the structural part.

[0017] Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, a mechanical locking arrangement of captivation part 110 to body part 105 is illustrated in both the pre- assembled condition and the assembled condition, respectively. Since the basic concept of the trim clip 100 illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B is similar to that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, discussion here will be restricted to the difference in the locking means. With reference now to Figures 3A and 3B, anchor 150 includes spring loaded spikes 185 that are latched in a retracted position by latches 190 of a "T" plunger 195. In the retracted position, captivation part 110 is unlocked from base part 105. During insertion of captivation part 110 into base part 105, the bottom tip 200 of "T" plunger 195 strikes the floor 205 of cavity 135, causing the "T" plunger to translate axially (lift, relative to the view of Figure 3A) with respect to the captivation part 110, thereby releasing the latches 190 from spikes 185, and allowing spring 210 to drive the spikes 185 into the interior sides of cavity 135 to lock the captivation part 110 relative to the base part 105. In view of the foregoing description, Figure 3A is considered to illustrate the spring 210 and spike 185 arrangement to be mechanically unlocked, and Figure 3B is considered to illustrate the spring 210 and spike 185 arrangement to be mechanically locked. Similar clearances and dimensions as discussed above provide for lateral float, angular tilt float, and axial float of the captivation part 110 relative to the base part 105. Unlike the embodiment of Figures IA and IB, the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B may be used for permanently

locking the captivation part 110 with the body part 105, or for locking and unlocking the captivation part 110 relative to the body part 105.

[0018] Referring now to Figures 4A-4D, an alternative mechanical locking arrangement to that illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B is illustrated in both a pre- assembly condition and an assembled condition, respectively. In the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B, anchor 150 comprises a shape memory material, which may be a metal alloy or a polymer. In the pre-assembly condition illustrated in Figure 4A the shape memory material (generally referred to by reference numeral 150 in association with Figures 4A and 4B) is in a retracted pre-memory state, and in the assembled condition illustrated in Figure 4B the shape memory material is in an expanded memory state. To transition the shape memory to its expanded memory state, a resistive switch 215 on the floor of cavity 135 is used to close an electrical circuit via wires 217 to a power source 220 as captivation part 110 is pushed into body part 105, thereby allowing resistive heating at the switch to elevate the temperature of the shape memory anchor 150 above its memory threshold temperature to cause it to change shape into its expanded memory state. Once the shape memory anchor 150 has changed shape, the electrical circuit may be disconnected. Shape memory anchor 150 may engage with the interior sidewalls of cavity 135 by a press fit arrangement, or may be captivated by an undercut 225 in the sidewalls of cavity 135. Similar clearances and dimensions as discussed above provide for lateral float, angular tilt float, and axial float of the captivation part 110 relative to the base part 105. While the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B has been illustrated using resistive heating to cause a change in state of the shape memory material, it is contemplated that magnetic heating may also be employed. Similar to the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B may be used for permanently locking the captivation part 110 with the body part 105, or for locking and unlocking the captivation part 110 relative to the body part 105.

[0019] In the embodiment of Figures 4C (pre-assembly condition) and 4D (assembled condition), another version of electrical resistive heating of the shape

memory material 150 is depicted, where one electrical wire 218 passes through flange 115 to the floor 205 of cavity 135, and another electrical wire 219 passes through flange 125 to the bottom of anchor (shape memory material) 150. An electrical heater wire 216 (resistance heating element) is electrically connected at one end to electrical wire 218 at the floor 205, and is switchably connectable at an opposing end to electrical wire 219 at the bottom of anchor 150 upon insertion of captivation part 110 into body part 105. Upon such insertion, electrical wire 219 contacts electrical heater wire 216, which is used to trigger shape memory polymer 150 to expand and lock into position, meanwhile disabling the heating circuit when the desired expansion is achieved. External power 220 is connected to wires 218, 219 to provide the necessary energy for heating electrical heater wire 216. With a shape memory locking arrangement, the trim clip 100 may be unlocked by forcing the circuit to connect and heat up to the glass transition temperature of the shape memory material, thereby returning the shape memory material to its original shape.

[0020] In the embodiment of Figures 4E (pre-assembly condition) and 4F (assembled condition), another version of the shape memory locking arrangement is depicted using magnetic heating. Here, a magnet 260 is embedded in the shape memory material of anchor 150, and an electrically powered magnetic field device 265 (such as an installation tool for example) is used to make the magnet block 260 rotate at a defined speed (generally illustrated by reference numeral 267), thereby resulting in a friction heating pad 262 to increase the shape memory polymer temperature for locking. As before, the trim clip 100 may be unlocked by heating up the shape memory polymer to its glass transition temperature, thereby returning the shape memory material to its original shape. As an aside, the electrically powered magnetic field device 265 may also be used to "trip" the spring loaded spikes 185 in the embodiment of Figures 3 A and 3B.

[0021] Figures 5 A (pre-assembled condition) and 5B (assembled condition) illustrate a variation of the trim clip 100 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, where the body part 105 and the captivation part 110 include capillary tubes 230 and 235,

respectively, for delivering adhesive 140 to the structural part 120 and the panel 130 (see regions 122, 132 under flanges 115, 125, respectively) once the captivation part 110 is assembled to the body part 105. An advantage of the embodiment of Figures 5 A and 5B is a reduction in vibration of the captivated parts and improved acoustical sealing upon curing of the adhesive.

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates a variation of one or more of the foregoing embodiments, where a first captivation part 110 engages with a body part 105 as discussed above, and a second captivation part 240 engages the first captivation part 110 in a manner similar to one previously discussed above. Second captivation part 240 includes a flange 242 for engaging panel 270. As such, embodiments of the invention are not limited to just one panel being connected to a structural part, but also include arrangements for connecting multiple panels 130, 270 with different alignment and thickness considerations to a structural part 120.

[0023] Figures 7A-7D illustrate a variation of one or more of the foregoing embodiments, where captivation part 110 includes a removable cap 245 for permitting disassembly of panel 130 from structural part 120 after the respective parts and trim clip 100 have been assembled. While Figures 7A-7D illustrate the use of a screw 250 for fastening removable cap 245 to captivation part 110, it is understood that any other fastener suitable for the purposes disclosed herein may be used in place of screw 250. In summary, Figure 7A illustrates a pre-installation condition, Figure 7B illustrates a partially installed condition, Figure 7C illustrates a fully installed condition, and Figure 7D illustrates a disassembled condition for service.

[0024] Figure 8 illustrates a variation of one or more of the foregoing embodiments, where captivation part 110 is replaced by a locating stud member 255. Here, the body part 105 is positioned as discussed above in a structural part (not shown but understood as described above), and the locating stud member 255 will be inserted into cavity 135, oriented as needed, and locked in position as discussed above (such as adhesive 140 as illustrated, but not limited to adhesive as discussed above). Locating stud member 255 may be a post for welding or for receiving a spring clip or

cap 275, or a threaded stud for receiving a nut (also generally referred to by reference numeral 275). In the embodiment of Figure 8, vertical, lateral and axial positioning of locating stud member 255 relative to body part 105 can be managed within a defined window of vaπation, as illustrated by dashed lines 280, 285 relative to axis 177.

[0025] Figures 9A-9D illustrate vaπations of the locating stud member 255 arrangement illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 9A illustrates a first configuration that illustrates the arrangement of Figure 8, Figure 9B illustrates a second configuration that illustrates an arrangement where the locating stud member 255 is integral with the panel 130, Figure 9C illustrates a third configuration that illustrates an arrangement where body part 105 is integral with structural part 120, and Figure 9D illustrates a fourth configuration that illustrates an arrangement that combines the second configuration of Figure 9B with the third configuration of Figure 9C. While Figures 9A-9D illustrate cavity 135 having adhesive 140, it will be appreciated that any fixing means discussed above may be employed in place of or m conjunction with adhesive 140.

[0026] Figures 1OA and 1OB illustrate a vaπation of one or more of the foregoing embodiments, where the adhesive 140 may be inserted into cavity 135 at the time of assembly of panel 130 to structural part 120 (see block of adhesive 140 in Figure 10B), instead of being pre-injected into cavity 135 and sealed via seal 145 (seal not shown m Figure 10 but similar to that shown in Figure IB). A breakable skin 290 formed over the block of adhesive 140 delays cuπng of the adhesive until broken by insertion of anchor 150 of panel 130 into cavity 135 of body part 105. Figure 1OA illustrates a sixth configuration that is similar to the second configuration of Figure 9B, and Figure 1OB illustrates a seventh configuration that is similar to the fourth configuration of Figure 9D.

[0027] Figure 11 illustrates an advantage of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. For example, if it is desirable, or required, for panel 130 to have an angle "A" relative to structural part 120, the angular tilt float discussed above that is available with tπm clip 100 will permit the flange 115 of body part 105 to be oπented

with structural part 120, and the flange 125 of captivation part 110 to be oriented with panel 130, without the need for creating an embossment 295 in structural part 120 to set up the appropriate angle "A", as is the case with an existing trim clip 300 not having angular tilt allowance, see Figure 12 for example. Once the panel 130 is put into place relative to structural part 120, any of the fixation means discussed above may be used to hold the panel 130 in place.

[0028] While embodiments of the invention have discussed trim clip 100 having two parts that fit and lock together using an adhesive or other mechanical fixation means, it is contemplated that any sort of fixation means may be used, such as any type of bonding agent, a self curing agent, heat or chemically activated bonding, mechanical joining, magnetic joining, and fixation using shape memory materials, where some of these fixation means would provide the option for disassembly of parts for service, replacement, or finesse, for example. It is also contemplated that the fixation means may include any combination of an adhesive locking arrangement, a spring-loaded spike locking arrangement, and a shape memory material locking arrangement. For example, a reservoir of adhesive may be disposed within the cavity of the body part regardless of whether the anchor is a static form of plastic, or includes spring-biased spikes or a shape memory material.

[0029] While embodiments of the invention have been discussed using a plastic trim clip, it is contemplated that the scope of the invention also includes trim clips made out of any type of material that is suitable and compatible with the composition of the components being joined together, including High Strength Steel (HSS) fasteners for HSS application.

[0030] While embodiments of the invention have been discussed suggesting a two-piece trim clip arrangement with a self contained glue feature that is installed as a direct replacement for a traditional molded clip, it is contemplated that the scope of the invention also includes fasteners that could be designed, supplied, and presented to a vehicle as individual components, or multiple components supplied and presented as separate pieces, where the glue or retention feature can be self contained or supplied

and inserted separately. It is also contemplated that part of the fastener could be a feature of the components being joined together. It is further contemplated that the fasteners could be of three or more pieces for joining three or more components, for example.

[0031] While embodiments of the invention have been discussed suggesting a fastener for retaining and/or locating two parts, it is contemplated that the scope of the invention also includes devices for locating only, and that such devices could be of any configuration discussed above.

[0032] While embodiments of the invention imply that the trim clip could be manufactured, supplied and even pre-installed and presented to the assembly location as a single self-contained device, it is contemplated that portions of the trim clip could be unique to a specific application and supplied separately. Portions could also be common to different applications and supplied in bulk quantity. The adhesive component could be added at a point of usage for shelf life, cost, quality, or failure considerations. Generally speaking, the trim clips could be supplied to a final assembly stage in any state of pre-assembly.

[0033] While embodiments of the invention have been described in terms of a trim clip, it will be appreciated that a broader interpretation would generally include a coupling, since Figures 9D and 1OB clearly illustrate embodiments of the invention where elements of a trim clip are integrally arranged with elements of a structural part and/or a trim part to form a coupling therebetween. As such, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to a trim clip component that is separate from a structural and/or trim part.

[0034] As disclosed, some embodiments of the invention may include some of the following advantages: the pre-locking lateral float characteristic will enable stress-free assembly, best fit assembly, finesse after assembly during a controlled time period, and improved repair/serviceability re-assembly results; potential ergonomic

gains in some applications; and, energy absorption potential in applications utilizing the capillary bonding arrangement of components that bear a direct end load.

[0035] Further to all of the above, it is contemplated that specific tools may be utilized to install, lock, unlock, or remove the proposed trim clip designs for service or replacement. These tools are also considered to be within the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

[0036] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.