Patent Description:
In general, a purpose built vehicle (PBV) means a future type vehicle in which a user can freely use the indoor space of the PBV according to his or her purpose so that the user can be provided with a required customized service while the user moves to a destination with the development of the autonomous driving technology.

Such a PBV has a structure in which a top hat, that is, an upper vehicle body designed according to a user's purpose, is coupled to a chassis frame having a skateboard form in which a battery module is widely disposed on the lower side of the PBV. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a new fastening structure through which the top hat or the battery module can be easily replaced from the chassis frame of the PBV and the automation of an assembly can be implemented.

The background technology of the present disclosure was disclosed in <CIT> and in <CIT>.

Various embodiments are directed to providing a fastening apparatus for a vehicle, wherein a top hat or a battery module can be easily mounted on or separated from the chassis frame of a purpose built vehicle (PBV). A fastening apparatus according to claim <NUM> is provided.

In an embodiment, a fastening apparatus for a vehicle includes a first fastener fixed to a first structure, a case fixed to the second structure and configured to have the first fastener inserted into an one side of the case, an elevation unit installed within the case in a way to be movable up and down, a second fastener rotatably supported against the elevation unit, fastened to or separated from the first fastener in a rotation direction thereof, and moved up and down along with the elevation unit, and a locking unit configured to interfere with a work tool that enters an another side of the case and to selectively permit the rotation of the second fastener.

Furthermore, the locking unit includes a first locking unit connected to the other side of the case, and a second locking unit connected to the second fastener in a way to be movable up and down, fastened to or separated from the first locking unit in a moving direction thereof, and configured to selectively permit the rotation of the second fastener.

Furthermore, the first locking unit includes a first body part disposed to face the second locking unit, an entry hole formed to penetrate the first body part and configured to provide guidance to entry of the work tool into the case, and a first locking member configured to protrude from the first body part and trapped and connected to the second locking unit when the second locking unit is seated on the first body part.

Furthermore, the first locking member is provided in a plural number. The plurality of first locking members are spaced apart from each other at certain intervals in the circumferential direction of the first body part.

Furthermore, when the work tool enters the case, the second locking unit is moved upward and separated from the first locking unit. When the work tool escapes from the case, the second locking unit is moved downward and fastened to the first locking unit.

Furthermore, the second locking unit includes a second body part provided between the elevation unit and the second fastener and installed in a way to be slidingly movable in a length direction of the second fastener, a rotation prevention unit provided in the second body part so that a relative rotation of the second body part with respect to the second fastener is prevented, and a second locking member extended from the second body part and connected to the first locking unit when the second body part is moved downward by a certain distance or more.

Furthermore, the rotation prevention unit is formed to have a polygonal cross-section shape and trapped and connected to the second fastener.

Furthermore, the second locking member includes a plurality of sawtooth parts configured to protrude in the radial direction of the second body part from the outer circumference surface of the second body part.

Furthermore, the sawtooth parts come into contact with the first locking unit, and restrict the second fastener from being rotated in a direction in which the second fastener is separated from the first fastener.

Furthermore, the elevation unit includes an elevation member installed within the case and configured to have the second fastener inserted therein, a guide part extended from the elevation member and connected to the case in a way to be slidingly movable, and a support part extended from the elevation member and configured to rotatably support the second fastener.

Furthermore, the second fastener includes a second fastening member disposed within the elevation member and configured to have a screw thread provided on the inner circumference surface of the second fastening member, a trapping part extended from the second fastening member and rotatably connected to an one side of the support part, and a flange extended from the second fastening member and configured to prevent an up and down movement of the second fastening member with respect to the elevation unit by coming into contact with an another side of the support part.

Furthermore, the second fastening member has a polygonal cross-section shape.

Furthermore, the fastening apparatus further includes a restoration part configured to restore the elevation unit to an initial location when the second fastener is separated from the first fastener.

Furthermore, the restoration part is installed between the case and the elevation unit and is provided in a stretchable manner in the length direction of the restoration part.

Furthermore, both ends of the restoration part come into surface contact with the case and the elevation unit, respectively.

The fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to the present disclosure can prevent the waste of a machine and manpower for an additional feeding work and a loss of parts upon assembly because parts necessary for the fastening of the first structure and the second structure can be implemented as one assembly.

Furthermore, the fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to the present disclosure can prevent an erroneous assembly because the second fastener is supported in a way to be rotatable and movable up and down in the state in which the second fastener maintains its regular position with respect to the first fastener by the elevation unit.

Furthermore, the fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to the present disclosure can prevent the second fastener from being arbitrarily separated from the first fastener due to a slip occurring between the case and the second fastener when vibration occurs in a vehicle due to the locking unit.

Furthermore, the fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to the present disclosure can improve efficiency and consistency of an assembly because the fastening and separation of the first fastener and the second fastener can be repeatedly performed by the restoration part.

Furthermore, the fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to the present disclosure can reduce weight of a product and an assembly can be more easily performed because both ends of the restoration part directly come into surface contact with the case and the elevation unit.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of achieving the advantages and features will be clear with reference to embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but will be implemented in various forms. The embodiments of the present disclosure are provided so that the present disclosure is completely disclosed, and a person with ordinary skill in the art can fully understand the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure will be defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Meanwhile, the terms used in the present specification are for explaining the embodiments, not for limiting the present disclosure.

<FIG> is an installation state diagram schematically illustrating the state in which a fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been installed. <FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the fastening apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastening apparatus <NUM> for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first fastener <NUM>, a case <NUM>, an elevation unit <NUM>, a second fastener <NUM>, a locking unit <NUM>, and a restoration part <NUM>.

A first structure <NUM> and a second structure <NUM> that are described hereinafter may be exemplified as a top hat corresponding to a vehicle body which can be customized and replaced depending on a user's purpose and a chassis frame that is installed on the lower side of a vehicle and that structurally supports the vehicle, respectively. However, the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> are not limited to the top hat and the chassis frame, and may be variously changed in design as different structures which may be fastened together and separated from each other up and down in a vehicle, such as a chassis frame and a battery module.

The first fastener <NUM> is fixed to the first structure <NUM> and fastened to the second fastener <NUM> that is described later, and mutually fixes the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM>.

The first fastener <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fixing part <NUM>, an extension part <NUM>, and an entry guide part <NUM>.

The fixing part <NUM> forms an external appearance of the top of the first fastener <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and generally supports the extension part <NUM> and the entry guide part <NUM> that are described later. The fixing part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is seated and fixed to the inner side of a bracket part <NUM> that is connected to the first structure <NUM>. The fixing part <NUM> may be welded or bonded to the inner side of the bracket part <NUM> and integrally connected to the bracket part <NUM>. A detailed shape of the fixing part <NUM> may be changed in design in various forms which may be seated and fixed to the inner side of the bracket part <NUM>, in addition to the circular shape illustrated in <FIG>.

The extension part <NUM> is extended from the fixing part <NUM>, and forms an external appearance of the central part of the first fastener <NUM>. The extension part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a form of a rod that is perpendicularly extended downward from the inner side of the fixing part <NUM>. The extension part <NUM> is extended downward from the bracket part <NUM> through the inner side of the bracket part <NUM>. A screw thread is formed along the outer circumference surface of the extension part <NUM> in the length direction of the extension part <NUM> so that the extension part <NUM> is screwed onto the second fastener <NUM> that is described later.

The entry guide part <NUM> is extended from the extension part <NUM>, and forms an external appearance of a lower part of the first fastener <NUM>. The entry guide part <NUM> is provided to provide guidance to the extension part <NUM> so that the extension part <NUM> enters the inside of the second fastener <NUM> in a process of the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> being fastened together. The entry guide part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is perpendicularly extended downward from the bottom of the extension part <NUM>. The entry guide part <NUM> is formed so that the width of the entry guide part <NUM> is reduced toward an end thereof. Accordingly, the entry guide part <NUM> may be formed to have a shape of approximately a cone.

The case <NUM> is fixed to the second structure <NUM>, and generally supports the elevation unit <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM>, and the restoration part <NUM> which are described later. The case <NUM> is provided in a way that the first fastener <NUM> is inserted into the case <NUM> on the upper side of the case <NUM> so that a fastening operation of the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> may be performed within the case <NUM> and that a work tool <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), such as a socket wrench, enters the case <NUM> on the lower side of the case <NUM>.

<FIG> are a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the case <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have an empty inside, and may be formed to have a cylindrical shape the bottom of which is opened. The length direction of the case <NUM> is parallel to the length direction of the first fastener <NUM>. The case <NUM> may be supported against the second structure <NUM> through the medium of an assembly part <NUM> that is extended from the side of the case <NUM>. In this case, the assembly part <NUM> may be integrally connected to the second structure <NUM> by welding or bonding, or may be detachably connected to the second structure <NUM> by bolting.

An insertion hole part <NUM> into which the first fastener <NUM> is inserted is formed at the top of the case <NUM>. The insertion hole part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a form of a hole that perpendicularly penetrates the top of the case <NUM> up and down. The insertion hole part <NUM> may be formed to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the extension part <NUM> so that an operation of the first fastener <NUM> being inserted into the insertion hole part <NUM> is smoothly performed.

A guide rail <NUM> may be formed within the case <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure perpendicularly protrudes from the inner circumference surface of the case <NUM> toward an internal space of the case <NUM>. However, the guide rail <NUM> is not limited to such a shape, and may be formed in the form of a groove that is concavely depressed from the inner circumference surface of the case <NUM> toward the outer circumference surface of the case <NUM>. The length direction of the guide rail <NUM> is extended in parallel to the length direction of the case <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> may be provided in a plural number. In this case, the plurality of guide rails <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other and disposed along an inner circumference surface of the case <NUM>.

The elevation unit <NUM> is installed within the case <NUM> in a way to be movable up and down. The elevation unit <NUM> functions as a component that lines up the second fastener <NUM> to its regular position within the case <NUM> and that also provides guidance to a movement of the second fastener <NUM> in a process of the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> being fastened together.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the elevation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the elevation unit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an elevation member <NUM>, a guide part <NUM>, and a support part <NUM>.

The elevation member <NUM> forms a schematic external appearance of the elevation unit <NUM>, and is installed within the case <NUM> in a way to be movable up and down. The elevation member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is formed to have a hollow cylindrical shape having both ends opened, and is installed within the case <NUM>. The outer circumference surface of the elevation member <NUM> is disposed to be spaced apart from the inner circumference surface of the case <NUM> at a certain interval so that the elevation member <NUM> is smoothly moved up and down within the case <NUM> and provides the space in which the guide part <NUM> and the restoration part <NUM> that are described later may be installed.

The guide part <NUM> is extended from the outer circumference surface of the elevation member <NUM>, and is connected to the guide rail <NUM> that is provided on the inner circumference surface of the case <NUM> in a way to be slidingly movable. The guide part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a form of a circular plate that is transversely extended in the radial direction of the elevation member <NUM> from the outer circumference surface of the bottom of the elevation member <NUM>.

The guide part <NUM> is connected to the guide rail <NUM> in a way to be slidingly movable through the medium of a guide member <NUM> that is formed in the outer circumference surface of the guide part <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a form of a groove that is concavely depressed from the outer circumference surface of the elevation member <NUM> toward the central axis of the elevation member <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> is formed to have a cross section corresponding to a cross section of the guide rail <NUM> that protrudes from the inner circumference surface of the case <NUM>, and is inserted into the guide rail <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> is slidingly moved in the length direction of the guide rail <NUM>, and supports the elevation member <NUM> with respect to the case <NUM> in a way to be movable up and down. However, the guide member <NUM> is not limited to such a form. If the guide rail <NUM> is concavely depressed from the inner circumference surface of the case <NUM>, the guide member <NUM> may be formed in a form that protrudes from the outer circumference surface of the elevation member <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> may be provided in a plural number, and the plurality of guide members <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other at certain intervals along the outer circumference surface of the elevation member <NUM>.

The support part <NUM> is extended from the inner circumference surface of the elevation member <NUM>, and rotatably supports the second fastener <NUM> that is described later. The support part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a form of a ring that is transversely extended from the inner circumference surface of the top of the elevation member <NUM> toward the inside thereof in the radial direction of the elevation member <NUM>. The support part <NUM> is formed to have a cross section having a stair form so that the support part <NUM> is trapped and connected to a trapping part <NUM> that is described later. That is, the bottom of the support part <NUM> may be more elongated toward the central axis of the elevation member <NUM> than the top of the support part <NUM>.

The second fastener <NUM> is rotatably supported against the elevation unit <NUM>. The second fastener <NUM> is connected to the work tool <NUM> that enters the lower side of the case <NUM>, and is clockwise or counterclockwise rotated around the central axis thereof by rotatory power that is applied by the work tool <NUM>. The second fastener <NUM> is fastened to or separated from the first fastener <NUM> depending on a rotation direction thereof, and is moved up and down within the case <NUM> along with the elevation unit <NUM>. That is, the second fastener <NUM> is connected to the elevation unit <NUM> in a way to be moved up and down integrally with the elevation unit <NUM> and also to be relatively rotated with respect to the elevation unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the second fastener according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the second fastener <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second fastening member <NUM>, the trapping part <NUM>, and a flange <NUM>.

The second fastening member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is formed to have a shape of a hollow rod, and is inserted into the elevation member <NUM>. The second fastening member <NUM> is formed to have a smaller diameter than the elevation member <NUM>. The outer circumference surface of the second fastening member <NUM> is disposed to be spaced apart from the inner circumference surface of the elevation member <NUM> at a certain interval. Accordingly, the second fastening member <NUM> may be smoothly rotated within the elevation member <NUM> without particular intervention, and may provide the space in which a second locking unit <NUM> that is described later may be installed between the second fastening member <NUM> and the elevation member <NUM>. A screw thread that is screwed onto the outer circumference surface of the extension part <NUM> is provided on the inner circumference surface of the second fastening member <NUM>. The second fastening member <NUM> is formed to have a length in which the bottom thereof may protrude downward from the elevation member <NUM>. Accordingly, the second fastening member <NUM> can improve the accessibility of the work tool <NUM>.

The second fastening member <NUM> may be formed to have a polygonal cross-section shape. For example, the cross-section shape of the second fastening member <NUM> may be a hexagon. Accordingly, the second fastening member <NUM> can be efficiently provided with rotatory power from the work tool <NUM>, and can also prevent the second locking unit <NUM> that is described later from being relatively rotated with respect to the second fastening member <NUM>.

The trapping part <NUM> is extended from the second fastening member <NUM> and rotatably connected to one side of the support part <NUM>, and supports the second fastening member <NUM> with respect to the elevation unit <NUM> in a way to be relatively rotatable.

<FIG> is an enlarged view schematically illustrating a configuration of the trapping part and the flange according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the trapping part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is bent from the top of the second fastening member <NUM> toward the outside of the second fastening member <NUM> in the radial direction thereof in the form of approximately "i". The lower side of the trapping part <NUM> is seated and supported by the upper side of the bottom of the support part <NUM> so that the second fastening member <NUM> can be relatively rotated around the support part <NUM> when the second fastening member <NUM> is rotated around the central axis thereof.

The flange <NUM> is extended from the second fastening member <NUM>, and prevents an up and down movement of the second fastening member <NUM> with respect to the elevation unit <NUM> by coming into contact with the other side of the support part <NUM>. Accordingly, the second fastening member <NUM> may be moved up and down integrally with the elevation member <NUM>, and may also be supported in the state in which the second fastening member <NUM> may be relatively rotated around the elevation member <NUM>.

The flange <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is transversely extended from the outer circumference surface of the second fastening member <NUM> to the outside of the second fastening member <NUM> in the radial direction thereof. The flange <NUM> is spaced apart from the trapping part <NUM> at a certain interval in the length direction of the second fastening member <NUM>, and is disposed to face the trapping part <NUM>. When the trapping part <NUM> is seated in the support part <NUM>, the flange <NUM> is disposed to face the lower side of the bottom of the support part <NUM> and is disposed to surround the bottom of the support part <NUM> along with the trapping part <NUM>. The interval between the flange <NUM> and the trapping part <NUM> may be changed in design in various ways within a size in which the trapping part <NUM> may be relatively rotated around the support part <NUM> and an up and down movement of the second fastening member <NUM> may be limited to a set range.

The locking unit <NUM> selectively permits the rotation of the second fastener <NUM> by interfering with the work tool <NUM> that enters the lower side of the case <NUM>. More specifically, in a process of the work tool <NUM> entering the case <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> being fastened to or separated from the first fastener <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM> permits the rotation of the second fastener <NUM>. Furthermore, when the work tool <NUM> is removed from the case <NUM> after the second fastener <NUM> is fully fastened to the first fastener <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM> restricts the rotation of the second fastener <NUM>. Accordingly, the locking unit <NUM> can prevent the second fastener <NUM> from being arbitrarily separated from the first fastener <NUM> due to a slip occurring between the case <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> when vibration occurs in a vehicle.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the locking unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the locking unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the locking unit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first locking unit <NUM> and the second locking unit <NUM>.

The first locking unit <NUM> is connected to the lower side of the case <NUM>, and provides guidance to the entry of the work tool <NUM> into the case <NUM>. The first locking unit <NUM> selectively permits the rotation of the second fastener <NUM> while operating in conjunction with an elevation movement of the second locking unit <NUM> that is described later by the work tool <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the first locking unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the first locking unit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first body part <NUM>, an entry hole <NUM>, and a first locking member <NUM>.

The first body part <NUM> forms a schematic external appearance of the first locking unit <NUM>, and is disposed to face the second locking unit <NUM> that is described later. The first body part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a cylindrical shape having a top opened. The opened top of the first body part <NUM> is disposed to face the bottom of the case <NUM>, and the inner circumference surface of the first body part <NUM> is connected to the outer circumference surface of the case <NUM>. In this case, the first body part <NUM> may be formed integrally with the case <NUM>, may be fabricated separately from the case <NUM>, and may be connected to the case <NUM> in a way to be separable from the case <NUM>.

The entry hole <NUM> is formed to penetrate the first body part <NUM>, and provides guidance to the entry of the work tool <NUM> into the case <NUM>. The entry hole <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a form of a hole that perpendicularly penetrates the bottom of the first body part <NUM> up and down. The central axis of the entry hole <NUM> is disposed to be placed on the same axis as the central axis of the first body part <NUM>. The diameter of the entry hole <NUM> is formed to be greater than the diameter of the work tool <NUM> and to be smaller than the diameter of each of the guide part <NUM> and the second locking member <NUM> that is described later. Accordingly, the entry hole <NUM> can prevent interference with the work tool <NUM> that enters the lower side of the case <NUM>, and can prevent the elevation unit <NUM> and the second locking unit <NUM> that are installed within the case <NUM> from being detached downward from the case <NUM> by their own weight.

The first locking member <NUM> protrudes from the first body part <NUM>. The first locking member <NUM> is trapped and connected to the second locking unit <NUM> when the second locking unit <NUM> that is described later is seated on the first body part <NUM>, and restricts the rotation of the second fastener <NUM>. The first locking member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a form of a protrusion that perpendicularly protrudes from the lower side of the first body part <NUM> toward the inside of the case <NUM>. The first locking member <NUM> has one side integrally connected to the inner circumference surface of the first body part <NUM> and the other side extended from the inner circumference surface of the first body part <NUM> in the radial direction of the first body part <NUM>. The other side of the first locking member <NUM> is disposed to be spaced apart from the central axis of the first body part <NUM> so that the space in which the second locking unit <NUM> that is described later may be seated on the first body part <NUM> is provided. The first locking member <NUM> is provided in a plural number. The plurality of first locking members <NUM> is disposed to be spaced apart from each other at certain intervals in the circumferential direction of the first body part <NUM>. The number of first locking member <NUM> and an interval between the first locking members <NUM> are not limited to those illustrated in <FIG>, and may be variously changed in design depending on the size of the first body part <NUM>. Furthermore, a cross-section shape of the first locking member <NUM> may be changed in design in various ways within the technical spirit of a form which may be trapped and connected to the second locking unit <NUM>, in addition to the quardrangle illustrated in <FIG>.

The second locking unit <NUM> is connected to the second fastener <NUM> in a way to be movable up and down. The second locking unit <NUM> is moved up and down by an external force from the work tool <NUM> that has entered the case <NUM>. The second locking unit <NUM> is fastened to or separated from the first locking unit <NUM> in a moving direction thereof, and selectively permits the rotation of the second fastener <NUM>. More specifically, when the work tool <NUM> enters the case <NUM>, the second locking unit <NUM> is moved upward and is separated from the first locking unit <NUM>, permitting the rotation of the second fastener <NUM>. Furthermore, when the work tool <NUM> escapes from the case <NUM>, the second locking unit <NUM> is moved downward by its own weight and fastened to the first locking unit <NUM>, and permits the rotation of the second fastener <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a second locking unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the second locking unit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second body part <NUM>, a rotation prevention unit <NUM>, and a second locking member <NUM>.

The second body part <NUM> is provided between the elevation unit <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM>, and is installed in the length direction of the second fastener <NUM> in a way to be slidingly movable. The second body part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to have a hollow cylindrical shape having both ends opened. The outer circumference surface and inner circumference surface of the second body part <NUM> are disposed to face the inner circumference surface of the elevation member <NUM> and the outer circumference surface of the second fastening member <NUM>, respectively. A friction reduction member (not illustrated) may be provided or a tolerance having a certain size may be formed between the second body part <NUM> and the elevation member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> so that the second body part <NUM> may be slidingly moved smoothly in the length direction of the second fastener <NUM>.

The rotation prevention unit <NUM> is provided in the second body part <NUM> so that a relative rotation of the second body part <NUM> with respect to the second fastener <NUM> is prevented. The rotation prevention unit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be exemplified as the inner circumference surface of the second body part <NUM> that is disposed to face the outer circumference surface of the second fastening member <NUM>. The rotation prevention unit <NUM> is formed to have a polygonal cross-section shape on a plane parallel to the radial direction of the second body part <NUM>, and is trapped and connected to the outer circumference surface of the second fastening member <NUM>. The rotation prevention unit <NUM> prevents the second body part <NUM> from being relatively rotated around the central axis of the second fastening member <NUM> with respect to the second fastening member <NUM> by a trapping force with the second fastening member <NUM>. A detailed cross-section shape of the rotation prevention unit <NUM> may be variously changed in design in a form corresponding to a cross-section shape of the second fastening member <NUM>, in addition to the hexagon illustrated in <FIG>.

The second locking member <NUM> is extended from the second body part <NUM>, and is trapped and connected to the first locking unit <NUM> when the second body part <NUM> is moved downward by a certain distance or more. More specifically, after the work tool <NUM> is removed from the case <NUM>, when the second body part <NUM> is moved downward by a certain distance or more by its own weight, the second locking member <NUM> is seated on the first body part <NUM> and trapped and connected to the first locking member <NUM>, and thus restricts the rotation of the second fastener <NUM>.

The second locking member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sawtooth part 523a.

The sawtooth part 523a protrudes in the radial direction of the second body part <NUM> from the outer circumference surface of the second body part <NUM>. The sawtooth part 523a has one side formed to have a form of a step that is parallel to the radial direction of the second body part <NUM>, and has the other side formed to have a form of an inclined plane that is slantly disposed at a given angle to the radial direction of the second body part <NUM>. When the second locking member <NUM> is seated on the first body part <NUM>, the stepped side of the sawtooth part 523a comes into contact with one side of the first locking member <NUM> of the first locking unit <NUM>, and the sawtooth part 523a restricts the second fastener <NUM> from being rotated in the direction in which the second fastener <NUM> is separated from the first fastener <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that one side of the sawtooth part 523a comes into contact with the right side of the first locking member <NUM>, as an example. However, one side of the sawtooth part 523a may come into contact with the left side of the first locking member <NUM> depending on the direction in which screw threads formed in the second fastener <NUM> and the first fastener <NUM> are wound. The sawtooth part 523a is provided in a plural number. The plurality of sawtooth parts 523a is disposed to be spaced apart from each other at certain intervals in the circumferential direction of the second body part <NUM>. The number of sawtooth parts 523a and an interval between the sawtooth parts 523a may be variously changed in design depending on the number of first locking members <NUM> and an interval between the first locking members <NUM>.

The restoration part <NUM> restores the elevation unit <NUM> to an initial location when the second fastener <NUM> is separated from the first fastener <NUM>. In this case, the initial location of the elevation unit <NUM> may mean the state in which the elevation unit <NUM> has descended to the maximum within the case <NUM> and the bottom of the guide part <NUM> has been seated on the top of the first locking member <NUM>. Accordingly, the restoration part <NUM> can secure consistent assembly performance when the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> are repeatedly fastened together.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the restoration part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the restoration part <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed between the case <NUM> and the elevation unit <NUM>. The restoration part <NUM> is formed to have a form of a coil spring that is provided in a stretchable manner in a length direction thereof, and elastically supports the elevation unit <NUM> with respect to the case <NUM>. The length direction of the restoration part <NUM> is disposed in parallel to the length direction of the case <NUM>. When the elevation unit <NUM> is disposed at its initial location, the restoration part <NUM> may be installed in a neutral state so that an elastic force is not generated in the length direction of the restoration part <NUM>.

Both ends of the restoration part <NUM> are supported by coming into surface contact with the case <NUM> and the elevation unit <NUM>, respectively. More specifically, the restoration part <NUM> has both ends each formed to have a cross section having a semi-circular form. The both ends of the restoration part <NUM> come into surface contact with the lower side of the top of the case <NUM> and the top of the guide part <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, the restoration part <NUM> can stably maintain a standing state without a special movement between the case <NUM> and the elevation unit <NUM> even without separate support means.

Hereinafter, an operation of the fastening apparatus <NUM> for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

<FIG> are diagrams schematically illustrating a process of the first fastener and the second fastener being fastened together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when the first structure <NUM> is seated on the second structure <NUM>, the first fastener <NUM> fixed to the first structure <NUM> is inserted into the case <NUM> through the insertion hole part <NUM>.

Thereafter, the work tool <NUM> enters the case <NUM> through the entry hole <NUM> provided in the first locking unit <NUM>, and is connected to the bottom of the second fastening member <NUM>.

The work tool <NUM> connected to the bottom of the second fastening member <NUM> pushes the second locking member <NUM> upward in the state in which the top of the work tool <NUM> has come into contact with the bottom of the second locking member <NUM>.

The second locking member <NUM> is isolated from the first body part <NUM> and separated from the first locking member <NUM> by an external force that is applied by the work tool <NUM>.

The elevation unit <NUM> is moved upward along with the second locking member <NUM>. The first fastener <NUM> is inserted into the second fastening member <NUM> through the top of the second fastening member <NUM>. In this case, as the width of the entry guide part <NUM> is formed to be reduced toward an end thereof, the first fastener <NUM> may be smoothly inserted into the second fastening member <NUM>.

Thereafter, the work tool <NUM> adds, to the second fastening member <NUM>, rotatory power toward one side (e.g., a counterclockwise direction on the basis of <FIG>) of the second fastening member <NUM> in the state in which the inner circumference surface of the second fastening member <NUM> has been engaged with the outer circumference surface of the first fastener <NUM>.

The second fastening member <NUM> is relatively rotated around the first fastener <NUM> toward one side thereof, screwed onto the first fastener <NUM>, and moved upward along with the elevation unit <NUM>.

At this time, the restoration part <NUM> is contracted in the length direction thereof and accumulates an elastic restoring force.

Thereafter, the top of the elevation member <NUM> comes into contact with the lower side of the top of the case <NUM>. The fastening of the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> is completed.

After the fastening of the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> is completed, the work tool <NUM> is separated from the second fastening member <NUM>, and escapes to the outside of the case <NUM>.

The second body part <NUM> is moved downward separately from the second fastening member <NUM> by its own weight.

When the second body part <NUM> is moved downward by a certain distance or more, the bottom of the second locking member <NUM> is seated on the top of the first body part <NUM>, and the second locking member <NUM> is trapped and connected to the first locking member <NUM>.

Thereafter, rotatory power may be applied to the second fastening member <NUM> toward the other side (e.g., a clockwise direction on the basis of <FIG>) of the second fastening member <NUM>, that is, in the direction in which the second fastener <NUM> is separated from the first fastener <NUM> due to vibration occurring while a vehicle drives.

Such rotatory power is offset by the sawtooth part 523a that has one side brought into contact with the first locking member <NUM>. Accordingly, the second fastener <NUM> can maintain the state in which the second fastener <NUM> has been fastened to the first fastener <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams schematically illustrating a process of the first fastener and the second fastener being separated from each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

If it is necessary to separate the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> from each other due to the replacement of a part, the work tool <NUM> enters the case <NUM> through the entry hole <NUM> provided in the first locking unit <NUM>, and is connected to the bottom of the second fastening member <NUM>.

The second locking member <NUM> is separated from the first locking member <NUM> by an external force that is applied by the work tool <NUM>. The state of the second fastening member <NUM> is changed into the state in which the second fastening member <NUM> may be rotated toward the other side (e.g., a clockwise direction on the basis of <FIG>) thereof.

Thereafter, the work tool <NUM> adds, to the second fastening member <NUM>, rotatory power toward the other side of the second fastening member <NUM>.

The second fastening member <NUM> is relatively rotated toward the other side thereof with respect to the first fastener <NUM>. The screwing of the second fastening member <NUM> onto the first fastener <NUM> is released, and the second fastening member <NUM> is moved downward along with the elevation unit <NUM>.

When the second fastening member <NUM> is separated from the first fastener <NUM>, the restoration part <NUM> is extended in the length direction thereof by an elastic restoring force that has been accumulated in the restoration part <NUM>, and it restores the elevation unit <NUM> to its initial location and seats the bottom of the second locking member <NUM> on the top of the first body part <NUM>.

The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but the embodiments are merely illustrative. A person having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible from the embodiments.

Claim 1:
A fastening apparatus (<NUM>) for a vehicle, comprising:
a first fastener (<NUM>) configured to be fixed to a first structure (<NUM>) of the vehicle;
a case (<NUM>) configured to be fixed to a second structure (<NUM>) of the vehicle and configured to have the first fastener (<NUM>) inserted into an one side of the case (<NUM>);
an elevation unit (<NUM>) installed within the case (<NUM>) in a way to be movable up and down;
a second fastener (<NUM>) rotatably supported against the elevation unit (<NUM>), fastened to or separated from the first fastener (<NUM>) in a rotation direction thereof, and moved up and down along with the elevation unit (<NUM>); and
a locking unit (<NUM>) configured to interfere with a work tool (<NUM>) that enters an another side of the case (<NUM>) and to selectively permit a rotation of the second fastener (<NUM>).