Patent Description:
The automotive industry is increasingly using quick-fix fasteners, such as turn-lock fasteners, for attaching or fixing components, e.g. door panels or any other suitable component, to a vehicle structure, e.g. the interior and or exterior chassis, the underbody or door frame or door structure.

Currently available fasteners include metal, as well as, plastic fasteners, such as, for example, standard screws and rivets (for a strong but irremovable bond) requiring specific tools, as well as, time for installation. Other commonly used fasteners may include quarter-turn fasteners (with or without overmoulded seals) that can be preassembled on the component or structure to then be coupled with the other structure or component.

Often, the modules fixed to or into the vehicle structure include electrical components and parts (e.g. electrical window mechanism), so a water-tight seal is required to protect the "Interior" from water ingress through the fastener apertures. As a result, some known fastener solutions may comprise an overmoulded seal (e.g. rubber or silicone) that is arranged to as to sealingly "wedge" between the fastener and vehicle structure.

However, for fasteners with such currently available seals it can be difficult for the user to compress the fastener seal sufficiently to then turn the quarter-turn fastener into locking engagement, due to an inadequate overmould seal arrangement and/or seal profile. In particular, the difficulty to lockingly engage the components with the fastener may increase if, for example, the aperture edge of the structure or component (e.g. metal sheet material) comprises burrs, or other uneven edges from "cutting" the aperture or hole, on the side where the hammer member lockingly engages with the surface of the structure or component, because friction between the fastener and the structure is significantly increase potentially damaging the seal during locking.

Also, despite the "quick-fix" nature, these fasteners have to provide a strong bond between the component and the vehicle structure, such as provided by the more commonly utilised permanent fasteners (screws, rivets etc), while being easy to use (e.g. without the need for a special tool) and removable.

Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fastener, such as a quarter-turn fastener, adapted to overcome at least some of the problems of the prior art.

Fastener comprising a sealing ring is known from <CIT> and from <CIT>.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastener for securing to at least a first panel having a collar defining an opening formed therein, the fastener comprising:.

wherein the gasket is configured to engage the inner surface of the collar to provide a first level of resistance when moving in the first direction and a second level of resistance when moving in the second direction, the first level of resistance being lower than the second level of resistance.

The fastener of the present invention provides the advantage of a secure coupling with an improved bond between, for example, a door module and the door structure, while ensuring an improved compression of, for example, a door module seal to maintain a watertight fluid seal. In addition, the fastener provides the advantage of an improved ease of use (no special tools required) as it can be preassembled, for example on the door module, thus minimising the assembly time.

Advantageously, the fastener further comprises a protrusion arranged to engage a corresponding protrusion of the first panel when the fastener is inserted into the collar, the protrusion and corresponding protrusion being configured to move the fastener in the second direction on rotation of the fastener relative to the first panel.

Advantageously, the fastening portion comprises a retaining member adapted to move behind a portion of the first panel and optionally a second panel on rotation of the fastener relative to the first panel.

According to the invention, the gasket comprises an upper lip and a lower lip spaced in the first direction. Preferably, the upper lip and the lower lip define respective circumferential perimeters of the gasket, and wherein the upper lip has a larger diameter than the lower lip.

Advantageously, the upper lip and the lower lip define respective circumferential perimeters of the gasket, and wherein the lower lip has a larger diameter than the upper lip.

Advantageously, the gasket comprises a mould division line.

Advantageously, the mould division line is disposed on an upper surface of the upper lip.

Advantageously, the mould division line is disposed on a lower surface of the lower lip.

Advantageously, the mould division line is disposed on a lower surface of the upper lip.

Advantageously, the mould division line is disposed on a circumferential edge of the first lip or the second lip.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a panel comprising an opening and a fastener according to the first aspect of the invention mounted within the opening.

Example embodiment(s) of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The described example embodiment relates to a fastener assembly for a vehicle and in particular to a sealing fastener. However, the invention is not limited to fastener for vehicle structures but may also be used for any other suitable structure.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'right', 'left', 'lower', 'upper', 'front', 'rear', 'upward', 'down', 'downward', 'above' and 'below' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted (e.g. in situ). The words 'inner', 'inwardly' and 'outer', 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

Through the description and claims of this specification, the terms 'comprise' and 'contain', and variations thereof, are interpreted to mean 'including but not limited to', and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality, as well as, singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The illustrated example embodiment(s) relate(s) to a fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provided with a gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> over-moulded on the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to improve sealing. In one example embodiment, the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is made of plastic. A gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is over-moulded on the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to ensure a tight sealing against, for example, water. The gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a predetermined interference with the fastener's <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> housing <NUM>.

The drawings illustrate a new design for a fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that is displaceable in a direction coaxial (A) with the installation direction of the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e. along the axis of rotation <NUM>). The gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can displace and therefore slip in a predetermined direction, allowing friction to be reduced. This facilitates a lower force required for assembly, allowing the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to be more easily and quickly installed by the user. When the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is pushed in an opposite direction to the predetermined direction (A), the lip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> tends to rotate (or flip over) and friction increases, which allows the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to provide sealing properties. The gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is provided with an upper lip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a lower lip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> displaced from one another along a direction of insertion of the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> into the housing <NUM>.

During use, the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is preassembled, for example, on a door module (not shown). The fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is pushed down inside a housing <NUM> of a door module to mount the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> within the housing <NUM>, and then the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is rotated to lock it in place. While the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is rotated, for example in a quarter turn, the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> moves upwards so that a hammer portion <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> contacts with the door module, providing a seal between the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the door module. In one specific embodiment, the upper lip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a greater diameter than the lower lip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to provide further improved sealing between the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the door module. In another specific embodiment, the lower lip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a greater diameter than the upper lip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to provide further improved sealing between the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the door module.

The housing <NUM> is shown having a collar <NUM> with an inner surface <NUM> against which the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> sealingly engages to provide a fluid-tight seal. The collar <NUM> is generally cylindrical and the inner surface <NUM> in an inner circumferential surface.

The fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a body <NUM> with a flange portion <NUM> onto which the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is mounted, and a gripping portion on which barbed members <NUM> are formed. The gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is mounted circumferentially on the flange portion <NUM>.

The barbed members <NUM> engage with corresponding edges <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to secure the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in a first position (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). In the first position, the assembly formed by the housing <NUM> and the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be considered a pre-assembly which can be secured to a second panel <NUM> or housing to form a complete assembly. The complete assembly may be a door module. Panel <NUM> may be made of metal.

The barbed members <NUM> and edges <NUM> are arranged to allow the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to move in a pre-determined direction (A) whilst substantially preventing movement in the opposite direction.

By pressing the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, for example using a tool to engage the head <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the user is able to easily move the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> through an opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM> and into a second position (see <FIG>). In the second position, the user can then rotate the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> about an axis of rotation <NUM> such that the hammer portion <NUM> is rotated from an unlocked position into a locked position. In the locked position, the hammer portion <NUM> presses against a panel <NUM> to further secure the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. While the panel <NUM> may be part of the housing <NUM>, it would be apparent that the panel <NUM> may be part of a second housing and therefore the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be used to secure two housings together. While a hammer portion <NUM> is described, it would be apparent this was merely one example of a retaining member suitable for engaging the panel <NUM> in the manner described.

Furthermore, as the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is rotated into the second position, protrusions formed on the body <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> engage one or more of the edges <NUM> to urge the fastener in a second direction opposite to the insertion direction (A). Whilst enhancing the engagement between the hammer portion <NUM> and the panel <NUM>, this further serves to increase the sealing force between the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the collar <NUM> due to the specific configuration of the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, as described below, the gasket <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is configured, for example shaped, such that its engagement with the inner surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> generates a lower resistive force during insertion of the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the insertion direction (A), and a higher resistive force during movement of the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the second direction as the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is rotated and the protrusions urge the fastener <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the second direction.

<FIG> show fastener <NUM> with a gasket <NUM> having an upper lip <NUM> and a lower lip <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> is spaced from a bottom surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>. The relative terms "upper", "lower", "bottom" and "top" are relative to the insertion direction (A). Thus, the upper lip <NUM> may also be considered to be above the lower lip <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> has a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>. The upper lip <NUM> also has a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>. The terms "leading" and "trailing" are relative to the insertion direction (A). As shown in the Figures, the leading edges <NUM>, <NUM> forms a larger angle relative to the insertion direction (A) than the trailing edge <NUM>, <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> is also substantially straight, thus forming a flat leading surface around the lower lip <NUM>. The trailing edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> has an arcuate profile. The leading edge <NUM> and trailing edge <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM> have arcuate profiles. This arrangement reduces the amount of force needed to insert the fastener <NUM> in the insertion direction (A) compared to moving the fastener <NUM> in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (A), as the lips <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket will have a different stiffness depending on whether the fastener <NUM> is being inserted or moved in an opposite direction. As the gasket <NUM> may be made injection moulded, the gasket <NUM> will include a mould line division <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the mould line division line <NUM> is on the lower lip <NUM> and is joined to the leading edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM>.

<FIG> show fastener <NUM> with a gasket <NUM> having an upper lip <NUM> and a lower lip <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> is spaced from a bottom surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> has a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>. The upper lip <NUM> also has a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>. As shown in the Figures, the leading edges <NUM>, <NUM> form a larger angle relative to the insertion direction (A) than the trailing edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> is also substantially straight, thus forming a flat leading surface around the lower lip <NUM>. The trailing edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> has an arcuate profile. The leading edge <NUM> and trailing edge <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM> have arcuate profiles. This arrangement reduces the amount of force needed to insert the fastener <NUM> in the insertion direction (A) compared to movement of the fastener <NUM> in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (A), as the lips <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket will have a different stiffness depending on whether the fastener <NUM> is being inserted or moved in an opposite direction. As the gasket <NUM> may be made from injection moulding, the gasket <NUM> will include a mould line division <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the mould line division line <NUM> is on the lower lip <NUM> and is joined to the leading edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM>.

<FIG> show fastener <NUM> with a gasket <NUM> having an upper lip <NUM> and a lower lip <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> is spaced from a bottom surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> has a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>. The upper lip <NUM> also has a leading edge <NUM>. However, in contrast to the gaskets <NUM>, <NUM> of fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, gasket <NUM> has a mould line division <NUM> as the trailing edge of the upper lip <NUM>. As shown in the Figures, the leading edge <NUM> forms a larger angle relative to the insertion direction (A) than the trailing edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM>. However, for upper lip <NUM>, the mould line division <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction (A) and forms a greater angle to the insertion direction (A) than the leading edge <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> is also substantially straight, thus forming a flat leading surface around the lower lip <NUM>. The trailing edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> has an arcuate profile. The leading edge <NUM> and mould line division <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM> have substantially straight profiles. By providing the mould line division <NUM> as an upper surface of the gasket <NUM>, this improves the moldability of the gasket <NUM> whilst still optimizing the load for insertion and the water tightness of the gasket <NUM>. This arrangement reduces the amount of force needed to insert the fastener <NUM> in the insertion direction (A) compared to the force needed to move the fastener <NUM> in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (A), as the lips <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> will have a different stiffness depending on whether the fastener <NUM> is being inserted or moved in an opposite direction.

<FIG> show fastener <NUM> with a gasket <NUM> having an upper lip <NUM> and a lower lip <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> has a trailing edge <NUM> and a leading edge <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> is continuous with a bottom surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>. The upper lip <NUM> also has a leading edge <NUM>. However, in contrast to the gaskets <NUM>, <NUM> of fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, gasket <NUM> has a mould line division <NUM> as the trailing edge of the upper lip <NUM>. As shown in the Figures, the leading edge <NUM> forms a larger angle relative to the insertion direction (A) than the trailing edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM>. However, for upper lip <NUM>, the mould line division <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction (A) and forms a greater angle to the insertion direction (A) than the leading edge <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> and trailing edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> have arcuate profiles. The leading edge <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM> has an arcuate profile. By providing the mould line division <NUM> as an upper surface of the gasket <NUM>, this improves the moldability of the gasket <NUM> whilst still optimizing the load for insertion and the water tightness of the gasket <NUM>. This arrangement reduces the amount of force needed to insert the fastener <NUM> in the insertion direction compared to the force needed to move the fastener <NUM> in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (A), as the lips <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> will have a different stiffness depending on whether the fastener <NUM> is being inserted or moved in an opposite direction.

<FIG> show a fastener <NUM> with a gasket <NUM> having an upper lip <NUM> and a lower lip <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> is spaced from a bottom surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>. The lower lip <NUM> has a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>. The upper lip <NUM> also has a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>. As shown in the Figures, the leading edges <NUM>, <NUM> form a larger angle relative to the insertion direction (A) than the trailing edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> is also substantially straight, thus forming a flat leading surface around the lower lip <NUM>. The trailing edge <NUM> of the lower lip <NUM> has an arcuate profile. The leading edge <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM> is also substantially straight, thus forming a flat leading surface around the upper lip <NUM>. The trailing edge <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM> has an arcuate profile. This arrangement reduces the amount of force needed to insert the fastener <NUM> in the insertion direction (A) compared to movement of the fastener <NUM> in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (A), as the lips <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> will have a different stiffness depending on whether the fastener <NUM> is being inserted or moved in an opposite direction. As the gasket <NUM> may be made from injection moulding, the gasket <NUM> will include a mould line division <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the mould line division line <NUM> is on the upper lip <NUM> and is joined to the leading edge <NUM> of the upper lip <NUM>. As illustrated, the lower lip <NUM> has a greater diameter than the upper lip <NUM>. That is, the lower lip <NUM> extends further in an axial direction from axis <NUM> than the upper lip <NUM>. Accordingly, the lower lip <NUM> creates greater resistance with the collar <NUM> than the upper lip <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A fastener (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for securing to at least a first panel (<NUM>) having a collar (<NUM>) defining an opening formed therein, the fastener (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a fastening portion adapted to be inserted in a first direction (A) through the opening of the collar (<NUM>) and then moved in a second direction into an engaged positioned to secure the fastener (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the first panel (<NUM>), the second direction being opposite to the first direction (A); and
a body (<NUM>) having a circumferential gasket (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) secured thereto such that the gasket (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is arranged to sealingly engage with an inner surface (<NUM>) of the collar (<NUM>) when the fastener (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is inserted into the collar (<NUM>);
characterised in that the gasket (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to engage the inner surface (<NUM>) of the collar (<NUM>) to provide a first level of resistance when moving in the first direction (A) and a second level of resistance when moving in the second direction, the first level of resistance being lower than the second level of resistance; and
in that the gasket (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises an upper lip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a lower lip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) spaced in the first direction (A).