Clip device

Abstract

To make the clip difficult to detach while also allowing for easy and convenient removal. [Solution] The device comprises a gate member 20 attached to a first plate-shaped portion 52 of a first member 5 and having a gate-shaped opening 26 oriented parallel to the first plate-shaped portion 5, an opening 42 drilled in a second plate-shaped portion 41 of a second member 4 through which the gate member 20 can be inserted, and a clip 30 which is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 of the gate member 20 protruding from the opening 42 by overlapping the two plate-shaped portions 41 and 52. The clip 30 has a clip body 31 that is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 and an operating portion 32. The clip body 31 has a claw portion 33 that can be elastically deformed in a direction toward and away from the upper edge of the opening of the gate-shaped opening 26. A recess 35 is formed on the upper surface of the longitudinal middle portion of the claw portion 33. A pressing portion 36 that elastically deforms the claw portion 33 is formed on the side of the claw portion 33 closest to the operating portion 32. When the clip body 3 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, the recess 35 is fitted into the upper edge of the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip device suitable for use in aligning the relative positions of components.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in automobiles, a variety of components are used. Clips are frequently used to connect these components to the vehicle body or to connect components to each other. Clips are often used because they can easily perform component alignment (relative alignment of components) and attachment to the main body of the component.

[0003] Such clips are usually mounted in the same direction with respect to the component mounting direction. For example, when attaching a component to be attached (mounting component) to the mounting surface of a component at the mounting destination, the clip is inserted into the clip hole formed in the mounting surface from a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface, and the clip and the mounting component are locked to the mounting surface. In this case, the direction of approaching perpendicularly to the mounting surface is the component mounting direction and the clip mounting direction.

[0004] In the case of a clip mounted in the same direction with respect to the component mounting direction in this way, the clip is provided with a protruding portion that expands and contracts by elastic deformation. During the insertion of the clip into the clip hole, the protruding portion contracts in diameter due to elastic deformation, and after the insertion is completed, the protruding portion expands in diameter and is locked to the locking portion on the periphery of the clip hole.

[0005] However, due to the reaction force between the components to be connected, the mounting component attached with the clip may come off from the component at the mounting destination. For example, due to a shape error between components, a force (reaction force) opposite to the component mounting direction may occur at the component mounting location. In this case, if the clip mounting direction is the same as the component mounting direction, the reaction force acts in the direction of removing the clip, and the mounting component may come off from the component at the mounting destination.

[0006] For this reason, in many cases, screws or bolts are used instead of clips to fasten the mounting component to the target component in a way that resists the reaction force, especially in parts with strong reaction forces or in locations where reaction forces are likely to occur due to their shape. However, in terms of ease of installation, clips are superior to screws and bolts, and there is a need for the development of clips that can be used without problems even in places where there is a strong reaction force or where the shape makes it easy for a reaction force to occur.

[0007] If the clip mounting direction is the same as the component mounting direction, increasing the removal force (the force required to remove the clip) will make it harder for the clip to come loose, but it will also increase the force required to insert the clip during installation, thus increasing the workload and burden on the installer. In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a clip whose mounting direction is set to intersect with the component mounting direction. The purpose of this invention is to enable easy and reliable fixing of a speaker bracket that generates vibrations.

[0008] In this invention, the panel (the component to be mounted) is provided with a projection having a clip insertion hole, and the speaker bracket (mounting component) to be attached to the panel is provided with a panel mounting portion having a projection insertion hole formed parallel to the surface (mounting surface) of the panel (in a direction intersecting the component mounting direction). The clip is made of resin and comprises a locking portion that is inserted into and locked in the clip insertion hole of the panel, and an operating portion for operation by the worker. The locking portion of the clip is inserted into the exposed clip insertion hole when the projection of the panel is fitted into the projection insertion hole of the panel mounting portion of the speaker bracket. As a result, the upper surface of the locking portion of the clip presses against the inner surface of the clip insertion hole, causing the projection to bend. In addition, the rear inclined surface of the elastically deformable claw portion of the clip presses against the front horizontal edge of the ceiling surface of the clip insertion hole, and both connecting portions of the clip press against the vertical edge of the inner wall surface of the clip insertion hole, fixing it in place. In this case, the clip mounting direction is intersecting with the component mounting direction and is different from the component mounting direction, so the clip is less likely to come loose and the component less likely to detach, even when used with components that have a strong reaction force or in locations where a reaction force is easily generated due to the shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 065121 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] By the way, when joining parts with a clip, sometimes it is assumed that the two parts will not be separated once joined, but sometimes it is assumed that the two parts will be separated by removing the clip after they have been joined. The invention in Patent Document 1 is based on the former premise that the two parts will not be separated once joined, and does not include any configuration to improve operability when removing the clip.

[0011] This invention was conceived in response to these challenges, and one of its objectives is to provide a clipping device that makes it difficult for clips to come loose while also allowing for easy removal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications. The clip device according to this application example is a clip device for connecting a first member and a second member, comprising: a gate member provided on a first plate-shaped portion of the first member and having a gate-shaped opening oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped portion extends; an opening drilled in a second plate-shaped portion of the second member, through which the gate member can be inserted; and a clip that is inserted into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member, which is inserted through the opening and protruding from the opening, by overlapping the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion, wherein the clip is inserted into the gate-shaped opening so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the gate-shaped opening. The clip has a main body and an operating part provided on the base end side of the clip body for an operator to insert the clip body into the gate-shaped opening. The clip body has a claw portion that protrudes in the extending direction of the clip from the tip of the clip body toward the operating part and is elastically deformable in a direction toward and toward the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening when inserted into the gate-shaped opening. A recess is formed on the upper surface of the longitudinal middle portion of the claw portion, and a pressing portion is formed on the side of the claw portion toward the operating part to elastically deform the claw portion. When the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, the recess engages with the upper edge of the opening.

[0013] According to this application example, when inserting the clip body of the clip into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member, the worker can easily insert the clip body into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member by grasping the operating part and pressing the pressing part, causing the claw part to elastically deform. Since the gate-shaped opening is oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first and second plate-shaped parts extend, the clip body inserted into the gate-shaped opening is also inserted parallel to the plane direction in which the first and second plate-shaped parts extend. Therefore, the clip mounting direction is different from the component mounting direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane direction in which the first and second plate-shaped parts extend), making it difficult for the clip to come loose and the component to detach even when used with components that have a strong reaction force or in locations where a reaction force is likely to occur due to the shape. Also, when removing the clip body inserted into the portal-shaped opening of the gate member from the portal-shaped opening, the operator can easily remove the clip body from the portal-shaped opening of the gate member while elastically deforming the claw portion by pressing the pressing portion while grasping the operation portion, just as when inserting.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to this application example, it becomes difficult for the clip to come off, and the clip can be removed with good operability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a state where a clip is inserted into a gate member according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a side view of a main part of a vehicle showing an example of an application target of a clip device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a front view of a mounting base having a first plate-shaped portion with a notch groove fixed to a first member of a clip device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a mounting base having a first plate-shaped portion with a notch groove fixed to a first member of a clip device according to an embodiment, showing a state during the mounting of the gate member. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the gate member shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a top view of the gate member shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a view showing the gate member shown in FIG. 1, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 7(a). [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the clip shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a top view of the clip shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a side view of the clip shown in FIG. 1, where (a) shows only the state where the claw portion is in a natural state, and (b) shows the state where the claw portion is elastically deformed in addition to the natural state. [Figure 11]It is a front end side end face view of the clip shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] It is a rear end side end face view of the clip shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a side view showing a state in which a clip is inserted into a gate member of a clip device according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a top view showing a state in which a clip is inserted into a gate member of the clip device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing a state in which the clip shown in FIG. 1 is held by a finger and inserted. [Figure 16] It is a side view showing the process of inserting a clip into a gate member of the clip device shown in FIG. 1 in the order of (a) to (d). [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0016] Referring to the drawings, embodiments of the present case will be described. The following embodiments are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly stated in this embodiment. Each configuration of the following embodiments can be variously modified and implemented without departing from their gist. Also, they can be selected as necessary, or appropriately combined.

[0017] In FIGS. 1 and 3 to 16 referred to in the following description, based on the first plate-shaped portion of the first member, the direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the first plate-shaped portion on the mounting work space side with respect to the first plate-shaped portion is defined as "upward", and the opposite direction is defined as "downward". These "upward" and "downward" are not along the vertical direction, but are defined as above for the convenience of explanation.

[0018] [1. Configuration] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, a clip device according to an embodiment will be described. In FIGS. 1, 13 to 16, in order to make it easier to distinguish the gate member and the clip, the background color of the gate member is shown in gray. This clip device 10 is for connecting two members (a first member and a second member). Here, an example of the first member and the second member will be described. Figure 2 is a side view of the cab 2 of the truck 1. As shown in Figure 2, a fender 4 is fitted on the outside of the wheel arch 3 along the wheel arch 3, and a step wall 5 for holding the boarding / alighting step 6 of the cab 2 is fitted on the lower front of the fender 4. The step wall 5 is also fitted along the wheel arch 3 so as to be continuous with the fender 4.

[0019] The fender (second component) 4 and the step wall (first component) 5 are separate parts, but they need to be mounted in a way that makes them appear smooth and continuous. For this reason, a clip device 10 is used to connect the fender 4 and the step wall 5 in a predetermined relative relationship. Here, the front lower edge of the fender 4 is overlapped and joined on the back surface 5a (see Figure 4) side of the step wall 5. The step wall 5 corresponds to the first component, and the fender 4 corresponds to the second component. The clip device 10 is used, for example, at two locations indicated by the black stars in Figure 2.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the clip device 10 comprises a gate member 20 and a clip 30. Both the gate member 20 and the clip 30 are made of resin, and this resin material can be, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyacetal, acetal resin, etc. The gate member 20 is attached to the step wall 5 (first member). Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a mounting base 50 for attaching the gate member 20 is formed on the back surface 5a side of the step wall 5.

[0021] In the following explanation, the opening direction (direction perpendicular to the opening surface) of the gate-shaped opening 26 of the gate member 20 will be described as D1, and the width direction D2 will be described as the direction parallel to the plate-shaped portion 41 (see Figure 13) of the fender 4 (second member) and perpendicular to the extending direction (also called the "longitudinal direction") of the clip 30. When the clip 30 is inserted into the gate member 20 (after installation), the extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the clip 30 coincides with the opening direction D1. Furthermore, in Figures 1, 3-15, when the clip 30 is inserted into the gate member 20, the base end direction in the longitudinal direction (coinciding with the opening direction) D1 of the clip 30 is indicated by LDB, the tip direction by LDT, the rightward direction in the width direction D2 by RH, the leftward direction by LT, the upper direction by TP, and the lower direction by BM. These are indicated with arrows in each figure.

[0022] The mounting base 50 includes vertical wall-shaped legs 51 protruding from the back surface 5a, and a plate-like portion (first plate-like portion) 52 positioned above the legs 51 and separated from the back surface 5a. The plate-like portion 52 is a roughly rectangular flat plate, and an opening 53 is formed in one edge of the plate-like portion 52 and the leg 51 continuous below it, into which the first base portion 22 of the gate member 20 (details will be described later) can be inserted. In addition, a notched groove 54 is formed in the plate-like portion 52, continuous with this opening 53, into which the neck portion 24 of the gate member 20 can be inserted. Stiffeners 55 are provided protruding from both outer sides of the leg 51 on the other edge side of the plate-like portion 52.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 13, the fender 4 (second member), which is connected to the step wall 5 by the clip device 10, has a plate-like portion (second plate-like portion) 41 extending from it so as to overlap with the back surface 5a side of the step wall 5. This plate-like portion 41 is also flat, and an opening 42 is drilled in the plate-like portion 41 through which the gate portion 25 of the gate member 20 (details will be described later) can be inserted.

[0024] Here, the details of the gate member 20 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 7. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the gate member 20 consists of a rectangular base portion 21 attached to the mounting base 50 and a gate portion 25 extending upward from the base portion and forming a gate-shaped opening 26. At the joint between the base portion 21 and the gate portion 25, at least one pair of protrusions 27 are formed on the diagonal of the base portion 21, contacting the inner circumferential surface of the opening 42. The diagonal length L1 of the opening 42 is set to be greater than the diagonal length L2 of the base of the gate portion 25.

[0025] The base portion 21, when attached to the plate-shaped portion 52 of the mounting base 50 of the step wall 5, comprises a rectangular flat first base portion 22 located below the plate-shaped portion 52 (on the back surface 5a side of the step wall 5), a rectangular flat second base portion 23 located above the plate-shaped portion 52 and arranged parallel to the first base portion 22, and a neck portion 24 provided between the first base portion 22 and the second base portion 23. The distance between the first base portion 22 and the second base portion 23 is set to be slightly greater than the thickness of the plate-shaped portion 52.

[0026] Furthermore, the first base portion 22 is slightly narrower than the second base portion 23. This is because the lower surface of the plate-like portion 52 into which the first base portion 22 enters has legs 51 around it, and is narrower than the upper surface of the plate-like portion 52 on which the second base portion 23 rests. Furthermore, the outer circumference of the neck portion 24 is formed with an uneven shape 24a, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 7(c). In other words, multiple striated projections 24b extending in the axial direction (the axial direction of the neck portion 24, in the vertical direction when mounted on the mounting base 50) are formed, and grooves 24c extending in the axial direction are formed between adjacent striated projections 24b. In addition, the striated projections 24b are formed smoothly without sharp corners.

[0027] The base portion 21 is positioned so that the neck portion 24 is inserted into the notched groove 54 and the plate-shaped portion 52 is sandwiched between the first base portion 22 and the second base portion 23. The notched groove 54 is narrowed at the entrance portion on the opening 53 side to be slightly narrower than the outer diameter of the neck portion 24, and the inner portion where the neck portion 24 is housed is formed as a cylindrical surface with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the neck portion 24. Since the outer circumference of the neck portion 24 is formed as an uneven shape 24a, the projection 24b of the neck portion 24 is elastically deformed to reduce its diameter at the narrow entrance portion of the notched groove 54, allowing the neck portion 24 to easily enter the inner part of the notched groove 54. Conversely, the gate member 20 can also be removed from the mounting base 50. In other words, the gate member 20 is detachably attached to the step wall 5 (first member).

[0028] The gate section 25 is erected on the second base section 23 of the base section 21 and is formed in a gate shape consisting of a pair of columnar sections 28, 28 and a beam-like section 29 that spans the upper part of these columnar sections 28, 28. Inside the columnar sections 28, 28 and the beam-like section 29, a gate-shaped opening 26 is formed, which is roughly rectangular in front view (see Figure 7(a)). The gate member 20, including the gate section 25, has the same shape on both the front and back sides, so there is no distinct front or back side, but for convenience, one side will be referred to as the front and the other as the back side.

[0029] The corners of the columnar sections 28, 28 and the beam-shaped section 29 are chamfered. The chamfering of the parts that form the gate-shaped opening 26 is to facilitate the smooth insertion of the clip 30 into the gate-shaped opening 26. In addition, the upper surface 29a of the beam-shaped section 29 (the top surface of the gate section 25) is formed into a smooth, curved surface shape that is convex upwards when viewed from both the front and the side. This is to facilitate the smooth insertion of the gate section 25 into the opening 42.

[0030] The projection 27 is formed near the base on either the front or back side of each columnar portion 28, and the outer surface of this projection 27 is also formed in a smooth curved shape. Furthermore, when each columnar portion 28 is viewed from the side (see Figure 7(b)), both the front and back surfaces are inclined so that they gradually become thinner towards the upward (away from the base portion 21) TP. This is to facilitate the smooth insertion of the gate portion 25 into the opening 42. In contrast, the front and back surfaces of the projection portion 27 stand perpendicular to the plane of the base portion 21 (the rectangular flat second base portion 23). This is because the projection portion 27 abuts against the edge of the opening 42 drilled in the plate-shaped portion 41 of the fender 4 over its entire thickness, thereby contributing to the positioning of the plate-shaped portion 41.

[0031] Next, we will explain clip 30 with reference to Figures 8 to 12. As shown in Figures 8 to 12, the clip 30 has a clip body 31 that is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction D1 of the gate-shaped opening 26, and an operating part 32 provided on the base end side of the clip body 31 (see arrow LDB) for the operator to insert the clip body 31 into the gate-shaped opening 26.

[0032] The clip body 31 has elastically deformable claw portions 33 formed thereon. In detail, the clip body 31 is positioned to sandwich the claw portion 33 from both sides, and has an arm portion 34 whose one end is connected to the operating portion 32 and whose other end is connected to the plate-shaped tip portion 31a of the clip body 31. The claw portion 33 has one end held by the tip portion 31a of the clip body 31 and extends in the longitudinal direction D1 of the clip 30 so as to approach the side of the operating portion 32. Furthermore, when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, the claw portion 33 is elastically deformable in a direction (downward) BM that moves away from the upper edge portion 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26.

[0033] A recess 35 is formed on the upper surface of the middle portion of the claw portion 33 in the longitudinal direction D1. Furthermore, a pressing portion 36 is formed on the side of the claw portion 33 that approaches the operating portion 32, for performing a pressing operation to elastically deform the claw portion 33. Then, when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, the recess 35 is fitted into the upper edge 26a of the opening. However, the bottom surface 35a of the recess 35 is separated from the upper edge 26a of the opening, and only the two vertical walls 35b and 35c of the recess 35 approach or come into contact with the upper edge 26a of the opening.

[0034] Furthermore, the tip portion 31a of the clip body 31 is curved in the direction TP away from the plate-shaped portion 41 (second plate-shaped portion). The angle θ of this curvature (see Figure 10(a)) is, for example, about 40 degrees. The lower surface 31b of the tip portion 31a is slidable with the plate-shaped portion 41 while the clip body 31 is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26. Furthermore, the tip portion 31a of the clip body 31 is formed in a plate shape with a smaller thickness than the rest of the clip body 31.

[0035] Furthermore, the lower surface 34b of the arm portion 34 is slidable with the plate-shaped portion 41 while the clip body 31 is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, and the upper surface 34a on the base end side of the arm portion 34 is configured to come close to the upper edge 26a of the opening when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26. As a result, when the clip 30 attempts to move away from the base portion 21 of the gate member 20, the upper surface 34a comes into contact with the upper edge 26a of the opening, restricting its movement.

[0036] Furthermore, the claw portion 33 includes a first protrusion 37 adjacent to the tip side of the clip body 31 relative to the recess 35, and a second protrusion 38 adjacent to the base end side of the clip body 31 relative to the recess 35. When the recess 35 is fitted with the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38 protrude above the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, and in particular, the second protrusion 38 protrudes above the upper surface 29a of the beam-shaped portion 29 (the top surface of the gate portion 25). Furthermore, a pressing portion 36 is provided on the upper surface of the second protrusion 38.

[0037] When the pressing portion 36 is pressed downwards, the claw portion 33 elastically deforms and bends downwards, and returns to its original position when the pressing force of the pressing portion 36 is released. As shown in the plan view of Figure 9, the wall portion 40 of the operating portion 32, which is opposite the tip of the claw portion 33, is positioned with a gap between it and the tip of the claw portion 33. However, the upper corner portion 38a of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 interferes with the wall portion 40 when the pressing portion 36 is pressed downwards beyond a certain point, as shown by the shaded area in Figure 10(b).

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, the corner portion 38a is cut out to avoid this interference and to allow the pressing portion 36 to be pushed downward by a certain amount or more. In other words, the surface 39 on the tip side of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 (corresponding to the base end side of the clip body 31) is formed as an inclined surface that gradually moves upward away from the base end side of the clip body 31. However, if a sufficient gap can be made between the wall portion 40 and the tip of the claw portion 33 and the pressing portion 36 can be pushed downward by a certain amount or more, the corner portion 38a may be left uncut.

[0039] Furthermore, when the pressing portion 36 is pressed firmly downwards, the tip surface 39 of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 eventually comes into contact with the wall portion 40 of the operating portion 32, restricting the pressing portion 36 from further elastically deforming downwards. Therefore, the wall portion 40 of the operating portion 32 functions as a deformation restricting portion. Furthermore, even when the tip of the claw portion 33 is elastically deformed until it is restricted by the wall portion (deformation restricting portion) 40, the upper end of the second protrusion 38 is set to protrude above the upper edge portion 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26.

[0040] The operating section 32 is formed to protrude to the left and right in the width direction D2 from the clip body 31. Operating surfaces 32a that can be grasped by the operator's fingers are formed at both the left and right ends of the operating section 32 in the width direction D2. Furthermore, the upper surface portion 33a located on the tip side of the clip body 31 (see arrow LDT) in the longitudinal direction of the claw portion 33 is formed in a curved shape that allows it to smoothly slide against the upper edge portion 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26 when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26.

[0041] [2. Connecting the two components] When connecting two members (step wall 5 (first member) and fender 4 (second member)) using the clip device 10 configured in this way, as described above, first, the gate member 20 is attached to the mounting base 50 of the step wall 5 (first member), and the gate portion 25 of the gate member 20 is inserted through the opening 42 of the fender 4 (second member).

[0042] From this state, the clip 30 is inserted into the gate member 20, and at this time, the clip 30 is grasped with the fingers, for example as shown in Figure 15. In the example shown in Figure 15, the thumb 61 and middle finger 63 grasp the operating surfaces 32a at both ends in the width direction of the operating part 32, and the index finger 62 is placed against the pressing part 36 on the upper surface of the second protrusion 38. The clip 30 shown as an example here is small, for example, about 20-25 mm in length and 10-15 mm in width, and the gate member 20 is similarly small.

[0043] Figures 16(a) to 16(d) show the process of inserting the clip 30 into the gate member 20 in that order. First, as shown in Figure 16(a), the tip 31a of the clip 30 is pointed diagonally downward from above the gate member 20 and brought close to the plate-shaped portion 41 of the fender 4 near the gate-shaped opening 26. Then, the tip 31a of the clip 30 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26.

[0044] Since the lower surface 31b of the tip portion 31a of the clip body 31 is slidable with the plate-shaped portion 41, the tip portion 31a can be inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 while the lower surface 31b of the tip portion 31a slides along the surface of the plate-shaped portion 41. Also, since the tip portion 31a is curved in a direction away from the plate-shaped portion 41, as shown in Figure 16(b), the clip 30 can be inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 with the tip portion 31a facing diagonally downwards.

[0045] As the tip 31a of the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, the upper surface 33a of the claw portion 33 comes into contact with the upper edge 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26. Since the upper surface 33a of the claw portion 33 is formed in a curved shape that allows it to slide smoothly against the upper edge 26a of the opening, it is possible to slide the contact portion and further insert the tip 31a into the gate-shaped opening 26. However, as shown in Figure 16(c), pressing the pressing portion 36 with the index finger 62 (see white arrow) separates the upper surface 33a of the claw portion 33 from the upper edge 26a of the opening, allowing for smoother insertion.

[0046] Then, once the lower surface 34b of the arm portion 34 comes into contact with the plate-shaped portion 41, as shown in Figure 16(d), the tip portion 31a is further inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 while pressing the pressing portion 36 (see white arrow) and sliding the contact portion. At this time, the upper surface 34a on the base end side of the arm portion 34 approaches the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, but when the clip 30 tries to move away from the base portion 21 of the gate member 20, the upper surface 34a comes into contact with the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, and its movement is restricted. Ultimately, as shown in Figures 1, 13, and 14, the recess 35 is fitted into the upper edge 26a of the opening. This fitting restricts the clip 30 from moving in the insertion direction (longitudinal direction).

[0047] On the other hand, when removing the clip body 31 from the gate-shaped opening 26, the thumb 61 and middle finger 63 grasp the operating surfaces 32a at both ends in the width direction of the operating part 32, and the index finger 62 presses the pressing part 36 on the upper surface of the second protrusion 38, causing the claw part 33 to elastically deform downwards. This causes the upper surface of the first protrusion 37 to be lower than the upper edge 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26, allowing the clip body 31 to be easily pulled out of the gate-shaped opening 26.

[0048] [3. Action and Effects] Since the clip device according to the embodiment is configured as described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained. Since the gate-shaped opening 26 is oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped portion 52 and the second plate-shaped portion 41 extend, the clip body 31 of the clip 30 inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 is also inserted parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped portion 52 and the second plate-shaped portion 41 extend. Therefore, the clip mounting direction is different from the component mounting direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped portion 52 and the second plate-shaped portion 41 extend), making it difficult for the clip 30 to come loose and the component to come off, even when used with components that have a strong reaction force or in locations where a reaction force is likely to occur due to the shape.

[0049] Furthermore, despite its simple structure, the two parts can be easily connected. Furthermore, when removing the clip body 31 inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 of the gate member 20 from the gate-shaped opening 26, as described above, the worker can easily remove the clip body 31 from the gate-shaped opening 26 of the gate member 20 by grasping the operating part 32 and pressing the pressing part 36, thereby elastically deforming the claw part 33. Therefore, the clip 30 becomes less likely to come loose, and it can be removed with ease of operation.

[0050] In the case of truck 1 illustrated in this embodiment, the exterior of the cab manufactured by the vehicle manufacturer is often repainted, and in this case, the fenders 4 and step walls 5 are also painted. When painting, it is necessary to disconnect the fenders 4 and step walls 5 beforehand. In this regard, if the clips 30 can be removed with ease of operation, the connection between the fenders 4 and step walls 5 can be easily disconnected, and the above-mentioned preliminary work can be carried out efficiently.

[0051] Furthermore, since the gate member 20 is detachably attached to the first member, if the gate member 20 is damaged, only the gate member 20 needs to be replaced, thus reducing repair costs. If the gate member 20 were integrated with the step wall 5, then if the gate member 20 were damaged, the entire step wall 5 would have to be replaced, resulting in higher repair costs.

[0052] The gate member 20 has a pair of protrusions 27 formed at the joint between the base portion 21 and the gate portion 25, on the diagonal of the base portion 21, which contact the inner circumferential surface of the opening 42. Since the diagonal length L1 of the opening 42 is greater than the diagonal length L2 of the base of the gate portion 25, the gate portion 25 can easily fit into the opening 42 when the two members 4 and 5 are stacked, improving assembly workability. In addition, the diagonally placed protrusions 27 allow the opening 42 and the gate member 20 to align point by point, absorbing product tolerances and assembly errors (dimensional errors) and suppressing rattle.

[0053] The base portion 21 is positioned so that the neck portion 24 is inserted into the notched groove 54 and the first plate-shaped portion 52 is sandwiched between the first base portion 22 and the second base portion 23, thereby allowing the gate member 20 to be positioned in the correct position relative to the step wall 5 (first member). Since the outer surface of the neck portion is formed with an uneven shape, it becomes easier to insert the neck portion 24 into the notched groove 54. The upper surface 29a of the beam-like portion 29 (the top surface of the gate portion 25) is formed in a smooth curved shape, which makes it easier for the gate portion 25 to enter the opening 42.

[0054] The tip 31a of the clip body 31 is curved in a direction away from the second plate-like portion 41. Therefore, when inserting the clip body 31 into the gate portion 25, it is easier to insert it at an angle due to the curve, making it easier to insert the clip even in narrow mounting spaces and improving assembly workability. For example, the clip 30 can be inserted while rotating it using the upper edge 26a of the opening of the gate portion 25 as a pivot point.

[0055] The tip 31a of the clip body 31 is formed in a plate shape with less thickness than the rest of the clip body 31, making it easier to insert the clip body 31 into the gate-shaped opening 26. The lower surface 34b of the arm portion 34 of the clip body 31 is slidable with the second plate-shaped portion 41 while the clip body 31 is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, making it easy to insert the clip body 31 into the gate-shaped opening 26. In addition, the upper surface 34a on the base end side of the arm portion 34 approaches the upper edge 26a of the opening when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, restricting the upward movement of the clip 30, so that the clip 30 can be securely locked to the gate member 20.

[0056] With the recess 35 of the claw portion 33 fitted with the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38 protrude above the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, so that the clip 30 can be securely locked to the gate member 20. In addition, the second protrusion 38 protrudes above the top surface of the gate member 20, and a pressing portion 36 is provided on this second protrusion 38, which improves operability. Even when the tip of the claw portion 33 is elastically deformed until it is restricted by the wall portion (deformation restricting portion) 40, the second protrusion 38 protrudes above the upper edge portion 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26, thus preventing the clip 30 from being excessively inserted into the gate member 20.

[0057] The operating section 32 is formed to protrude in the width direction from the clip body 31, and operating surfaces 32a that can be gripped by the operator's fingers are formed at both ends of the operating section 32 in the width direction, thereby improving operability. The upper surface of the tip end of the clip body 31 of the claw portion 33 is formed in a curved shape that allows the clip body 31 to slide smoothly against the upper edge 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26 as it is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0058] Furthermore, since the tip side (corresponding to the base end side of the clip body 31) of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 is formed as an inclined surface that gradually moves away from the base end side of the clip body 31 toward upward, even when the pressing portion 36 is pressed downward, there is no risk of the tip of the second protrusion 38 [corner portion 38a in Figure 10(a)] interfering with the wall portion 32b of the claw portion 33 before it is pressed all the way down, thus ensuring operability.

[0059] [4. Others] Although the embodiments have been described above, this device can be applied to various fields, such as by applying it to other parts of a vehicle or to parts other than those of a vehicle.

[0060] [5. Addendum] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0061] (Note 1) A clip device for connecting a first member and a second member, A gate member is provided on the first plate-shaped portion of the first member, which is a plate-shaped portion, and has a gate-shaped opening oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped portion extends, A second plate-shaped portion of the second member is provided with an opening through which the gate member can be inserted, The first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are superimposed, and the clip is inserted into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member which is inserted through the opening and protrudes from the opening, The clip comprises a clip body that extends in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the gate-shaped opening and is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, and an operating part provided on the base end side of the clip body for an operator to insert the clip body into the gate-shaped opening. The clip body has a claw portion that protrudes in the extending direction of the clip from the tip of the clip body toward the side of the operating portion, and is elastically deformable in a direction toward and toward the upper edge of the opening of the gate-shaped opening when inserted into the gate-shaped opening. A recess is formed on the upper surface of the longitudinal middle portion of the claw portion. A pressing portion is formed on the side of the claw portion that approaches the operating portion, which causes the claw portion to elastically deform. When the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, the recess engages with the upper edge of the opening. A clipping device characterized by the following features.

[0062] (Note 2) The gate member is detachably attached to the first member. The clip device described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein.

[0063] (Note 3) The opening is formed in a rectangular shape, The gate member comprises a rectangular base portion formed on the first member and attached to a mounting base having the first plate-shaped portion, and a gate portion extending from the base portion and constituting the gate-shaped opening. At the joint between the base portion and the gate portion, at least one pair of protrusions are formed on the diagonal of the base portion, in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening. The diagonal length of the opening is greater than the diagonal length of the base of the gate portion. The clip device described in Appendix 2, characterized by the features described herein.

[0064] (Note 4) The base portion, when attached to the first plate-shaped portion, comprises a rectangular flat first base portion located below the first plate-shaped portion, a rectangular flat second base portion located above the first plate-shaped portion and arranged parallel to the first base portion, and a neck portion provided between the first base portion and the second base portion. The first plate-like portion is positioned apart from the first member via the leg portion and has a notched groove formed therein. The base portion is positioned such that the neck portion is inserted into the notched groove and the first plate-shaped portion is sandwiched between the first base portion and the second base portion. The clip device described in Appendix 3, characterized by the above.

[0065] (Note 5) The outer circumferential surface of the neck portion is formed in an uneven shape. The clip device described in Appendix 4, characterized by the features described herein.

[0066] (Note 6) The top surface of the gate portion is formed in a smooth, curved shape. A clip device as described in any one of appendices 3 to 5, characterized by the above.

[0067] (Note 7) The tip of the clip body is curved in a direction away from the second plate-like portion. A clip device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

[0068] (Note 8) The tip of the clip body is formed in a plate shape with a thickness smaller than the rest of the clip body. A clip device as described in any one of appendices 1 to 7, characterized by the above.

[0069] (Note 9) The clip body is positioned to clamp the claw portion, its base end is connected to the operating portion, and its tip is plate-shaped and includes an arm portion connected to the tip portion. The lower surface of the arm portion is slidable with the second plate-shaped portion while the clip body is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening, and the upper surface of the arm portion on the base end side approaches the upper edge of the opening when the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, thereby restricting the upward movement of the clip. A clip device as described in any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized by the above.

[0070] (Note 10) The claw portion comprises a first protrusion adjacent to the tip end side of the clip body relative to the recess, and a second protrusion adjacent to the base end side of the clip body relative to the recess. With the recess fitted to the upper edge of the opening, the first and second protrusions protrude above the upper edge of the opening, and the second protrusion protrudes above the top surface of the gate member. The pressing portion is provided on the second protrusion. A clip device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9, characterized by the above.

[0071] (Note 11) The clip is equipped with a deformation restricting portion that restricts the tip of the claw portion from elastically deforming downward beyond a certain limit. Even when the tip of the claw portion is elastically deformed until it is restricted by the deformation restricting portion, the second protrusion protrudes above the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening. The clip device described in Appendix 10, characterized by the above.

[0072] (Note 12) The second protrusion is formed such that the base end surface of the clip body is inclined upwards, gradually moving away from the base end. A clip device as described in Appendix 10 or 11, characterized by the above.

[0073] (Note 13) The operating portion is formed to protrude from the clip body in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the extending direction of the clip. Operating surfaces that can be grasped by the operator's fingers are formed at both ends in the width direction of the operating section. A clip device as described in any one of appendices 1 to 12, characterized by the above.

[0074] (Note 14) In the longitudinal direction of the claw portion, the upper surface of the clip body on the tip side is formed in a curved shape that allows the clip body to smoothly slide against the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening as it is inserted into the gate-shaped opening. A clip device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 13, characterized by the features described herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 track 2 Cab 3 Wheel arches 4. Fender (second component) 5. Step Wall (First Member) 5a Back side of step wall 5 6. Steps for boarding and alighting 10 Clip device 20 Gate members 21 Base section 22 First base section 23 Second Base Section 24 Neck 24a Uneven shape 24b protrusion 24c groove 25 Gate section 26 Portal opening 26a Upper edge of the gate-shaped opening 26 27 Protrusion 28 Columnar part 29 Beam-shaped part 30 clips 31 Clip body 31a Tip of the clip body 31 31b Lower surface of the tip 31a of the clip body 31 32 Operation section 32a Operation surface 33 Nail area 33a Upper surface of claw portion 33 34 Arm section 34a Upper surface of the base end of the arm portion 34 34b Lower surface of arm portion 34 35 recess 35a Bottom surface of recess 35 35b, 35c Both vertical walls of recess 35 36 Pressing part 37 First protrusion 38 Second protrusion 38a Corner at the upper end of the second protrusion 38 39 The tip side surface 39 of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 40 Deformation Control Section 41 Plate-like portion (second plate-like portion) 42 Opening 50 Mounting base 51 Legs 52 Plate-like portion (first plate-like portion) 53 Aperture 54 Notched groove 55 Stiffener 61 Thumb 62 Index finger 63 middle finger D1 Opening direction of the gate-type opening 26 (longitudinal or extending direction of the clip 30 after installation) D2 width direction L1 Diagonal length of opening 42 L2 Diagonal length of the base of gate portion 25 LDB proximal direction LDT tip direction LT left direction RH (Rightward) TP upward BM downward

Claims

1. A clip device for connecting a first member and a second member, A gate member is provided on the first plate-shaped portion of the first member, which is a plate-shaped portion, and has a gate-shaped opening oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped portion extends, A second plate-shaped portion of the second member is provided with an opening through which the gate member can be inserted, The first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are superimposed, and a clip is inserted into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member that is inserted through the opening and protrudes from the opening, The clip comprises a clip body that extends in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the gate-shaped opening and is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, and an operating part provided on the base end side of the clip body for an operator to insert the clip body into the gate-shaped opening. The clip body has a claw portion that protrudes in the extending direction of the clip from the tip of the clip body toward the side of the operating portion, and is elastically deformable in a direction toward and toward the upper edge of the opening of the gate-shaped opening when inserted into the gate-shaped opening. A recess is formed on the upper surface of the longitudinal middle portion of the claw portion. A pressing portion is formed on the side of the claw portion that approaches the operating portion, which causes the claw portion to elastically deform. When the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, the recess engages with the upper edge of the opening. A clipping device characterized by the following features.

2. The gate member is detachably attached to the first member. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The opening is formed in a rectangular shape, The gate member comprises a rectangular base portion formed on the first member and attached to a mounting base having the first plate-shaped portion, and a gate portion extending from the base portion and constituting the gate-shaped opening. At the joint between the base portion and the gate portion, at least one pair of protrusions are formed on the diagonal of the base portion, in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening. The diagonal length of the opening is greater than the diagonal length of the base of the gate portion. The clip device according to claim 2, characterized in that

4. The base portion, when attached to the first plate-shaped portion, comprises a rectangular flat first base portion located below the first plate-shaped portion, a rectangular flat second base portion located above the first plate-shaped portion and arranged parallel to the first base portion, and a neck portion provided between the first base portion and the second base portion. The first plate-like portion is positioned apart from the first member via the leg portion and has a notched groove formed therein. The base portion is positioned such that the neck portion is inserted into the notched groove and the first plate-shaped portion is sandwiched between the first base portion and the second base portion. The clip device according to claim 3, characterized in that...

5. The outer circumferential surface of the neck portion is formed in an uneven shape. The clip device according to claim 4, characterized in that

6. The top surface of the gate portion is formed in a smooth, curved shape. The clip device according to claim 3, characterized in that...

7. The tip of the clip body is curved in a direction away from the second plate-like portion. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that

8. The tip of the clip body is formed in a plate shape with a thickness smaller than the rest of the clip body. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that

9. The clip body is positioned to clamp the claw portion, its base end is connected to the operating portion, and its tip is plate-shaped and includes an arm portion connected to the tip portion. The lower surface of the arm portion is slidable with the second plate-shaped portion while the clip body is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening, and the upper surface of the arm portion on the base end side approaches the upper edge of the opening when the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, thereby restricting the upward movement of the clip. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that

10. The claw portion comprises a first protrusion adjacent to the tip end side of the clip body relative to the recess, and a second protrusion adjacent to the base end side of the clip body relative to the recess. With the recess fitted to the upper edge of the opening, the first and second protrusions protrude above the upper edge of the opening, and the second protrusion protrudes above the top surface of the gate member. The pressing portion is provided on the second protrusion. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that

11. The clip is equipped with a deformation restricting portion that restricts the tip of the claw portion from elastically deforming downward beyond a certain limit. Even when the tip of the claw portion is elastically deformed until it is restricted by the deformation restricting portion, the second protrusion protrudes above the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening. The clip device according to claim 10, characterized in that...

12. The second protrusion is formed such that the base end surface of the clip body is inclined upwards, gradually moving away from the base end. The clip device according to claim 10, characterized in that...

13. The operating portion is formed to protrude from the clip body in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the extending direction of the clip. Operating surfaces that can be grasped by the operator's fingers are formed at both ends in the width direction of the operating section. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that

14. In the longitudinal direction of the claw portion, the upper surface of the clip body on the tip side is formed in a curved shape that allows the clip body to smoothly slide against the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening as it is inserted into the gate-shaped opening. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that

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