Clip

Abstract

The invention provides a clip which simplifies the structure of two parts and can easily and reliably assemble the two parts. A clip (1) for joining a first member and a second member is provided with: an annular ring having a main body part having a housing hole and a plurality of locking claws extending from the periphery of the housing hole in the main body part along the axis of the housing hole; and a pin having a shaft portion inserted into the housing hole. The plurality of locking claws include a plurality of first locking claws for locking the first member, a plurality of second locking claws for locking the second member, and a plurality of third locking claws for holding the pin. The shaft portion has: a large-diameter portion provided on the base end side; and a small-diameter portion provided closer to the distal end side than the large-diameter portion, the small-diameter portion having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter portion. The pin can move relative to the hole ring between a temporary fixing position where the large-diameter part is separated from the containing hole and a combination position where the large-diameter part is inserted into the containing hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip having a hole ring and a pin. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been actively made to provide a means for a sustainable transportation system for those who are in a vulnerable position among traffic participants. To achieve this goal, research and development have been carried out to further improve traffic safety and convenience through preventive safety technology research and development. For example, a sensor structure for a sensor for monitoring the surroundings of a vehicle is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The sensor structure of Patent Document 1 has a sensor and a sensor bracket for holding the sensor. The sensor and the sensor bracket are fixed to each other by a plurality of screws (bolts).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 6378638 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In Patent Document 1, in order to fix the sensor and the sensor bracket to each other using a plurality of screws, a plurality of threaded grooves are formed in the sensor bracket. Therefore, the structure of the sensor bracket becomes complicated. Further, in Patent Document 1, when the sensor and the sensor bracket are fixed to each other, in a state where the sensor and the sensor bracket are aligned, the plurality of screws are engaged with the threaded holes of the sensor and the threaded grooves of the sensor bracket one by one. Therefore, the assembly operation of the sensor and the sensor bracket becomes complicated.

[0008] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a clip that simplifies the structures of two components and enables the two components to be easily and reliably assembled to each other. Moreover, it further contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a clip 1, 100 for coupling a first member 12 formed with a first coupling hole 23 and a second member 14 formed with a second coupling hole 41. The clip has hole rings 45, 101 and pins 46, 102. The hole rings 45, 101 have: a main body portion 50, 103 having a receiving hole 48, 112; and a plurality of locking claws 52 extending along the axis A of the receiving hole from the periphery of the receiving hole on the main body portion. The pins 46, 102 have a shaft portion 64 inserted into the receiving hole. The plurality of locking claws include: a plurality of first locking claws 56, 105 that penetrate the first coupling hole to lock the first member; a plurality of second locking claws 58, 106 that penetrate the second coupling hole to lock the second member; and a third locking claw 60, 107 that holds the pin. The shaft portion has: a large-diameter portion 67, 108 provided on the proximal end side; and a small-diameter portion 68 provided at a position closer to the distal end side than the large-diameter portion and having a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter portion. The pin is movable relative to the hole ring between a temporary fixing position where the large-diameter portion disengages from the receiving hole and a coupling position where the large-diameter portion is inserted into the receiving hole. When the pin is in the temporary fixing position, the plurality of first locking claws and the plurality of second locking claws can be displaced toward the axis side. When the pin is in the coupling position, the displacement of the plurality of first locking claws and the plurality of second locking claws toward the axis side is restricted.

[0011] According to this method, since it is possible to assemble the first member and the second member without forming a thread groove on the first member and the second member, the structures of the first member and the second member can be simplified. In addition, in a state where the plurality of first locking claws lock the first member and the plurality of second locking claws lock the second member, by moving the pin from the temporary fixing position to the coupling position, the first member and the second member can be easily and reliably assembled with each other. Therefore, it is possible to provide a clip that can easily and reliably assemble the first member and the second member with each other while simplifying the structures of the first member and the second member.

[0012] In the above-described manner, preferably, each of the first locking claws has: a first piece portion 56A that extends from the main body portion in parallel with the axis of the receiving hole; and a first claw portion 56B that projects from the end of the first piece portion toward the side opposite to the axis. Each of the second locking claws has: a second piece portion 58A that extends from the main body portion in parallel with the axis of the receiving hole and is longer than the first piece portion; and a second claw portion 58B that projects from the end of the second piece portion toward the side opposite to the axis. Each of the third locking claws has: a third piece portion 60A that extends from the main body portion in parallel with the axis of the receiving hole and is longer than the second piece portion; and a third claw portion 60B that projects from the end of the third piece portion toward the axis side.

[0013] According to this manner, the first component and the second component can be assembled together with a simple structure.

[0014] In the above-described manner, it may be that when the pin is in the engaged position, the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion abuts against at least a part of the surface on the axis side of the first piece portion and the surface on the axis side of the second piece portion.

[0015] According to this manner, when the pin is in the engaged position, the displacement of the first piece portion and the second piece portion toward the axis side of the receiving hole is restricted. Therefore, the first claw portion can reliably hold the first component, and the second claw portion can reliably hold the second component.

[0016] In the above-described manner, it may be that an internal thread 104 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion, and a thread tooth 109 that is screwed with the internal thread when the pin is in the engaged position is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion.

[0017] According to this manner, the displacement of the pin from the engaged position to the temporarily fixed position is reliably restricted.

[0018] In the above-described manner, it may be that the third piece portions are arranged opposite to each other with the axis as the center, the second piece portions are arranged opposite to each other with the axis as the center and are arranged between the third piece portions, and the plurality of first piece portions are respectively delimited by gaps 62 provided at the base end portions of the third piece portions.

[0019] According to this manner, the respective locking claws do not interfere with each other and are arranged with a simple structure.

[0020] In the above-described manner, it may be that the outer diameter of the end portion of the third piece portion is larger than the outer diameter of the base end portion of the third piece portion.

[0021] According to this method, the rigidity of the end portion of the third piece portion can be ensured, so that the pin can be stably held by the third claw portion protruding from the end of the third piece portion.

[0022] In the above method, it may be that the shaft portion further has a middle diameter portion 69 provided at the end of the small diameter portion, the diameter of the middle diameter portion is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion and smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion, and when the pin is in the temporary fixing position, the third locking claws are respectively opposed to the small diameter portion on the proximal end side of the middle diameter portion.

[0023] According to this method, when the pin is in the temporary fixing position, the pin is restricted from coming out of the hole ring.

[0024] In the above method, it may be that the shaft portion further has an engaging portion 70 provided at a position closer to the proximal end side than the middle diameter portion, and when the pin is in the engaging position, the third locking claws are respectively engaged with the engaging portion.

[0025] According to this method, the movement of the pin from the engaging position to the temporary fixing position is restricted.

[0026] In the above method, it may be that the first component is a vehicle sensor 12 and the second component is a bracket 14 that holds the vehicle sensor.

[0027] According to this method, the structures of the vehicle sensor and the bracket can be simplified, and the vehicle sensor and the bracket can be easily and reliably assembled to each other.

[0028] Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to the above structure, it is possible to provide a clip that simplifies the structures of two components and easily and reliably assembles the two components to each other. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 It is a front view of a vehicle provided with the sensor device of the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the assembly of the sensor device using the clip of the first embodiment and the assembly of the sensor device to the housing of the headlight.

[0032] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the clip of the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the clip of the first embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 3 ).

[0034] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the clip of the first embodiment (taken alongFigure 3 Cross-sectional view of the V-V line in

[0035] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view (A) at the section corresponding to Figure 4 of the clip showing the temporarily fixed state of the first embodiment, and a cross-sectional view (B) at the section corresponding to Figure 5 of the clip showing the temporarily fixed state of the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view (A) at the section corresponding to Figure 4 of the clip showing the temporarily fixed state in which the vehicle sensor of the first embodiment is clamped, and a cross-sectional view (B) at the section corresponding to Figure 5 of the clip showing the temporarily fixed state in which the vehicle sensor of the first embodiment is clamped.

[0037] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view (A) at the section corresponding to Figure 4 of the clip showing the temporarily fixed state in which the vehicle sensor and the bracket of the first embodiment are clamped, and a cross-sectional view (B) at the section corresponding to Figure 5 of the clip showing the temporarily fixed state in which the vehicle sensor and the bracket of the first embodiment are clamped.

[0038] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view (A) at the section corresponding to Figure 4 of the clip showing the tightened state in which the vehicle sensor and the bracket of the first embodiment are clamped, and a cross-sectional view (B) at the section corresponding to Figure 5 of the clip showing the tightened state in which the vehicle sensor and the bracket of the first embodiment are clamped.

[0039] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view (A) of the clip of the second embodiment and a cross-sectional view (B) showing the tightened state of the clip of the second embodiment.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals

[0041] 1, 100: Clip;

[0042] 12: Vehicle sensor (first component);

[0043] 14: Bracket (second component);

[0044] 23: First coupling hole;

[0045] 41: Second coupling hole;

[0046] 45, 101: Hole ring;

[0047] 46: Pin;

[0048] 48, 112: Receiving holes;

[0049] 50, 103: Main body parts;

[0050] 52: Locking claws;

[0051] 56, 105: First locking claws;

[0052] 56A: First piece part;

[0053] 56B: First claw part;

[0054] 58, 106: Second locking claws;

[0055] 58A: Second piece part;

[0056] 58B: Second claw part;

[0057] 60, 107: Third locking claws;

[0058] 60A: Third piece part;

[0059] 60B: Third claw part;

[0060] 62: Gap;

[0061] 64: Shaft part;

[0062] 67, 108: Large diameter parts;

[0063] 68: Small diameter part;

[0064] 69: Medium diameter part;

[0065] 70: Engaging part;

[0066] 104: Internal thread;

[0067] 109: Thread tooth;

[0068] A: Axis. Detailed implementation manners

[0069] (First implementation manner)

[0070] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the clip 1 (refer to Figure 2 ) and the sensor device 2 having the clip 1 will be described. As Figure 1 shown, the sensor device 2 is mounted on the vehicle 3. The vehicle 3 is, for example, a four-wheel automobile.

[0071] The vehicle 3 has a frame (not shown) as a skeleton, a front bumper panel 5 supported by the frame and constituting the front outer shell of the vehicle 3, and a front grille 7 provided at the upper center of the front bumper panel 5. Headlights 9 as front lamps are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the upper part of the front bumper panel 5. The sensor device 2 is provided above the headlights 9.

[0072] The headlights 9 have a light source, an outer lens that allows light from the light source to pass toward the outside of the vehicle 3, a housing 10 (see Figure 2 ) that holds the outer lens and is fixed to the frame, and a light source cover that holds the light source. As Figure 2 shown, a plurality of fastening holes 11 extending in the vertical direction are formed in the upper part of the housing 10. Internal threads (not shown) are formed in the fastening holes 11.

[0073] Hereinafter, the direction in which the headlights 9 emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 3 (i.e., the direction from the inside of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle) is defined as the outside vehicle direction, and the direction opposite to the outside vehicle direction (i.e., the direction from the outside of the vehicle toward the inside of the vehicle) is defined as the inside vehicle direction. In addition, the outside vehicle direction and the inside vehicle direction are collectively referred to as the vehicle inside-outside direction.

[0074] The sensor device 2 has: a vehicle sensor 12 (an example of a first component) that detects obstacles around the vehicle 3, a bracket 14 (an example of a second component) for holding the vehicle sensor 12, and a clip 1 that couples the vehicle sensor 12 and the bracket 14.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the vehicle sensor 12 is a millimeter-wave radar. The millimeter-wave radar has, for example: a sensor body (not shown), which includes a circuit board, a transmitting antenna for irradiating millimeter waves (electromagnetic waves), and a receiving antenna for receiving millimeter waves reflected by an obstacle; a housing 16 that houses the sensor body; and a connector portion 18 that houses sensor-side terminals (not shown) connected to the circuit board.

[0076] The housing 16 has a housing main body portion 21 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a plurality of tabs 22 protruding from the housing main body portion 21 to the left and right sides. Each tab 22 is formed in a plate shape. First coupling holes 23 penetrating in the vehicle inside-outside direction are formed in each tab 22.

[0077] The connector portion 18 has a flat cylindrical shape. The connector portion 18 extends outward from one of the left and right sides of the housing main body portion 21.

[0078] The bracket 14 has a base portion 24 fixed to the upper surface of the housing 10 of the headlights 9 and a holding portion 26 that extends upward from the base portion 24 and holds the vehicle sensor 12.

[0079] The base portion 24 has a base main body portion 28 formed in a plate shape and a plurality of base portion side protrusions 29 extending upward from the upper surface of the base main body portion 28. Through holes 31 penetrating in the vertical direction are formed in each of the base portion side protrusions 29 and the base main body portion 28. The central axis of each through hole 31 coincides with the central axis of the fastening hole 11 of the corresponding housing 10. The base portion 24 is fixed to the housing 10 by bolts 33 that pass through the through holes 31 and are screwed into the internal threads (not shown) of the fastening holes 11 of the housing 10. Thus, the bracket 14 is assembled to the upper surface of the headlamp 9.

[0080] The holding portion 26 has a holding main body portion 35 formed in a plate shape and a plurality of holding portion side protrusions 37 extending outward from the vehicle outer side surface of the holding main body portion 35. Second coupling holes 41 penetrating in the vehicle interior-exterior direction are formed in each of the holding portion side protrusions 37 and the holding main body portion 35. The central axis of each second coupling hole 41 coincides with the central axis of the first coupling hole 23 of the corresponding vehicle sensor 12.

[0081] The vehicle sensor 12 is assembled to the bracket 14 via a plurality of clips 1. Since the structures of the plurality of clips 1 are the same, only one of the plurality of clips 1 will be described below. As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the clip 1 has a hole ring 45 inserted into the first coupling hole 23 of the vehicle sensor 12 and the second coupling hole 41 of the bracket 14, and a pin 46 inserted into the hole ring 45. The hole ring 45 and the pin 46 can be formed of a resin material, respectively.

[0082] The hole ring 45 has: a main body portion 50 having a receiving hole 48; and a plurality of locking claws 52 that extend along the axis A of the receiving hole 48 from the periphery of the receiving hole 48 on the main body portion 50.

[0083] The main body portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vehicle interior-exterior direction (the direction along the axis A of the receiving hole 48). The receiving hole 48 is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 50. The axis A of the receiving hole 48 coincides with the central axis of the first coupling hole 23 and the central axis of the second coupling hole 41. The outer diameter of the main body portion 50 is equal to the diameter of the first coupling hole 23. A flange portion 54 protruding radially outward is provided at the base end portion (the vehicle outer side end portion) of the main body portion 50. The outer diameter of the flange portion 54 is larger than the diameter of the first coupling hole 23.

[0084] The plurality of locking claws 52 include: a plurality of (two in this embodiment) first locking claws 56 that penetrate the first coupling hole 23 and lock the vehicle sensor 12; a plurality of (two in this embodiment) second locking claws 58 that penetrate the second coupling hole 41 and lock the bracket 14; and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) third locking claws 60 that hold the pin 46. Each locking claw 52 is provided so as to be elastically deformable toward the axis A side of the receiving hole 48 (i.e., radially inward).

[0085] The plurality of first locking claws 56 each have: a first piece portion 56A extending parallel to the axis A of the main body portion 50 and the receiving hole 48; and a first claw portion 56B protruding from the end (the inner side end of the vehicle) of the first piece portion 56A toward the side opposite to the axis A of the receiving hole 48. Each first piece portion 56A is arranged to extend from the end portion of the main body portion 50 toward the inner side of the vehicle. Specifically, each first piece portion 56A is defined by a slit 62 of a third piece portion 60A of a third locking claw 60 described later. The first piece portions 56A are arranged to face each other with the axis A of the receiving hole 48 as the center.

[0086] Each first claw portion 56B is inclined from the outer side of the vehicle toward the inner side of the vehicle toward the axis A side of the receiving hole 48. Each first claw portion 56B has a first contact surface 56C facing the outer side of the vehicle and contacting the inner side surface of the tab 22 of the vehicle sensor 12. The length in the vehicle inner-outer direction from the inner side surface of the flange portion 54 of the hole ring 45 to the first contact surface 56C of the first claw portion 56B is equal to the thickness of the tab 22 of the vehicle sensor 12.

[0087] The plurality of second locking claws 58 each have: a second piece portion 58A extending parallel to the axis A of the main body portion 50 and the receiving hole 48 and longer than the first piece portion 56A; and a second claw portion 58B protruding from the end (the inner side end of the vehicle) of the second piece portion 58A toward the side opposite to the axis A of the receiving hole 48. Each second piece portion 58A is arranged to extend from the end portion of the main body portion 50 toward the inner side of the vehicle. The second piece portions 58A are arranged to face each other with the axis A of the receiving hole 48 as the center.

[0088] Each second claw portion 58B is inclined from the outer side of the vehicle toward the inner side of the vehicle toward the axis A side of the receiving hole 48. Each second claw portion 58B has a second contact surface 58C facing the outer side of the vehicle and contacting the inner side surface of the holding portion 26 of the bracket 14. The radial length of the second contact surface 58C is longer than the radial length of the first contact surface 56C. The length in the vehicle inner-outer direction from the inner side surface of the flange portion 54 of the hole ring 45 to the second contact surface 58C of the second claw portion 58B is equal to the sum of the thickness of the tab 22 of the vehicle sensor 12 and the thickness of the holding portion 26 of the bracket 14.

[0089] The plurality of third locking claws 60 each have: a third piece portion 60A that extends parallel to the axis A of the housing hole 48 from the main body portion 50 and is longer than the second piece portion 58A; and a third claw portion 60B that protrudes from the end (the end portion on the vehicle inner side) of the third piece portion 60A toward the axis A side of the housing hole 48. Each third piece portion 60A is provided so as to extend from the end portion of the main body portion 50 toward the vehicle inner side. Each third piece portion 60A is arranged to face each other with the axis A of the housing hole 48 as the center. More specifically, each third piece portion 60A is arranged between the second piece portions 58A.

[0090] The outer diameter of the end portion of the third piece portion 60A is larger than the outer diameter of the base end portion of the third piece portion 60A. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of a part of the end side portion of the third piece portion 60A (the portion closer to the vehicle inner side than the end portion of the second locking claw 58 in the vehicle inner-outer direction) is larger than the outer diameter of the base end portion of the third piece portion 60A. In other embodiments, the entire outer diameter of the end side portion of the third piece portion 60A may also be larger than the outer diameter of the base end portion of the third piece portion 60A.

[0091] A slit 62 is provided at the base end portion (the end portion on the vehicle outer side) of each third piece portion 60A. The slit 62 has a pair of longitudinal portions 62A extending in the vehicle inner-outer direction and a transverse portion 62B extending in the circumferential direction and connecting the end portions on the vehicle inner side of the pair of longitudinal portions 62A to each other. The first piece portion 56A is defined by the slit 62 provided in each third piece portion 60A.

[0092] Each third claw portion 60B is arranged to face each other with the axis A of the housing hole 48 as the center with a gap therebetween. Each third claw portion 60B is inclined from the vehicle outer side toward the vehicle inner side toward the axis A side of the housing hole 48.

[0093] The pin 46 has a shaft portion 64 inserted into the housing hole 48. The shaft portion 64 extends in the vehicle inner-outer direction. The shaft portion 64 inserted into the housing hole 48 is arranged coaxially with the axis A of the housing hole 48. A flange portion 66 protruding radially outward is provided at the base end portion (the end portion on the vehicle outer side) of the shaft portion 64. The diameter of the flange portion 66 of the pin 46 is at least larger than the diameter of the housing hole 48. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the flange portion 66 of the pin 46 is larger than the diameter of the housing hole 48 and smaller than the diameter of the flange portion 54 of the hole ring 45.

[0094] The shaft portion 64 has: a large diameter portion 67 provided on the base end side (the vehicle outer side); a small diameter portion 68 provided at a position closer to the end side (the vehicle inner side) than the large diameter portion 67 and having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 67; a medium diameter portion 69 provided at the end of the small diameter portion 68; and an engaging portion 70 provided at a position closer to the base end side than the medium diameter portion 69.

[0095] The diameter of the large-diameter portion 67 is equal to the diameter of the receiving hole 48. The length of the large-diameter portion 67 in the vehicle interior-exterior direction is at least longer than the sum of the length of the main body portion 50 of the hole ring 45 and the length of the first locking claw 56 in the vehicle interior-exterior direction. In the present embodiment, the length of the large-diameter portion 67 in the vehicle interior-exterior direction is substantially equal to the sum of the length of the main body portion 50 of the hole ring 45 and the length of the second locking claw 58 in the vehicle interior-exterior direction.

[0096] The diameter of the small-diameter portion 68 is smaller than the diameter of the receiving hole 48. More specifically, the diameter of the small-diameter portion 68 is set such that each third claw portion 60B abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 68. The length of the small-diameter portion 68 in the vehicle interior-exterior direction is substantially equal to the sum of the length of the main body portion 50 of the hole ring 45 and the length of the third locking claw 60 in the vehicle interior-exterior direction.

[0097] The diameter of the middle-diameter portion 69 is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 68 and smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter portion 67. The portion of the middle-diameter portion 69 from the base end portion (the vehicle exterior side end portion) to the central portion is formed in an inverted conical shape with the diameter increasing toward the vehicle interior side. The portion of the middle-diameter portion 69 from the central portion to the end portion (the vehicle interior side end portion) is formed in a conical shape with the diameter decreasing toward the vehicle interior side.

[0098] The engaging portion 70 is provided to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 68. The engaging portion 70 is inclined toward the axis A side of the receiving hole 48 from the base end side (the vehicle exterior side) toward the end side (the vehicle interior side).

[0099] The pin 46 can move relative to the hole ring 45 between the temporary fixing position where the large-diameter portion 67 is detached from the receiving hole 48 and the engaging position where the large-diameter portion 67 is inserted into the receiving hole 48. As Figures 6 to 8 shown, in the temporary fixing position, the third claw portion 60B is located at a position closer to the vehicle exterior side than the middle-diameter portion 69. In addition, in the temporary fixing position, each first locking claw 56 and each second locking claw 58 can be displaced toward the axis A side of the receiving hole 48. As Figure 9 shown, in the engaging position, the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 67 abuts against the surface on the axis A side of the first piece portion 56A and the surface on the axis A side of the second piece portion 58A. Thereby, the displacement of each first locking claw 56 and each second locking claw 58 toward the axis A side of the receiving hole 48 is restricted. In addition, in the engaging position, the third claw portion 60B is engaged with the engaging portion 70 respectively. The state where the pin 46 is in the temporary fixing position is referred to as the temporary fixing state of the clip 1. The state where the pin 46 is in the fastening position is referred to as the fastening state of the clip 1.

[0100] A method of assembling the sensor device 2 configured as described above will be described.

[0101] As Figure 6 in (A) of Figure 6As shown in (B), first, the operator inserts the pin 46 of the clip 1 into the hole ring 45 of the clip 1 to make the clip 1 in a temporarily fixed state. Specifically, the operator inserts the end of the pin 46 into the receiving hole 48 of the hole ring 45. At this time, the end of the middle diameter part 69 of the shaft part 64 of the pin 46 abuts against the third claw part 60B of the third locking claw 60. As the shaft part 64 of the pin 46 is inserted into the receiving hole 48 of the hole ring 45, the outer peripheral surface of the middle diameter part 69 of the shaft part 64 of the pin 46 presses the third claw part 60B of each third locking claw 60 toward the radially outer side, and the third piece part 60A of each third locking claw 60 elastically deforms toward the radially outer side. The shaft part 64 of the pin 46 is further inserted into the receiving hole 48 of the hole ring 45. When the middle diameter part 69 of the shaft part 64 of the pin 46 moves to a position on the end side with respect to the third claw part 60B of each third locking claw 60, the third piece part 60A of each third locking claw 60 elastically restores toward the radially inner side and abuts against the small diameter part 68 of the shaft part 64 of the pin 46. That is, the third locking claws 60 are respectively opposed to the small diameter part 68 on the base end side of the middle diameter part 69. At this time, the large diameter part 67 of the shaft part 64 of the pin 46 is in a state of being separated from the receiving hole 48. Thus, the clip 1 becomes in a temporarily fixed state.

[0102] As Figure 7 shown in (A) and Figure 7 shown in (B), next, the operator fixes the clip 1 to the vehicle sensor 12. Specifically, the operator inserts the end of the hole ring 45 of the clip 1, that is, the end of each locking claw 52, into the first engaging hole 23 of the tab 22 provided on the vehicle sensor 12. After the end of the second claw part 58B of each second locking claw 58 passes through the first engaging hole 23, the end of the first claw part 56B of each first locking claw 56 abuts against the edge part of the tab 22 defining the first engaging hole 23. As the hole ring 45 is inserted into the first engaging hole 23, the edge part of the tab 22 defining the first engaging hole 23 presses the first claw part 56B of each first locking claw 56 toward the radially inner side, and the first piece part 56A of each first locking claw 56 elastically deforms toward the radially inner side. When the hole ring 45 is further inserted into the first engaging hole 23 and the first claw part 56B of each first locking claw 56 moves to a position on the vehicle inner side with respect to the first engaging hole 23, the first piece part 56A of each first locking claw 56 elastically restores toward the radially outer side, and the first abutting surface 56C of the first claw part 56B of each first locking claw 56 abuts against the vehicle inner side surface of the tab 22. At this time, the vehicle inner side surface of the flange part 54 of the hole ring 45 abuts against the vehicle outer side surface of the tab 22. Thus, the clip 1 is fixed to the vehicle sensor 12.

[0103] As Figure 8 shown in (A) and Figure 8As shown in (B) of [reference], next, the operator engages the clip 1 fixed to the vehicle sensor 12 with the bracket 14. Specifically, the operator inserts the end of the hole ring 45 of the clip 1 into the second engagement hole 41 of the holding portion 26 provided on the bracket 14. At this time, the end of the second claw portion 58B of each second locking claw 58 abuts against the edge portion of the holding portion 26 that defines the second engagement hole 41. As the hole ring 45 is inserted into the second engagement hole 41, the edge portion of the holding portion 26 that defines the second engagement hole 41 presses the second claw portion 58B of each second locking claw 58 radially inward, and the second piece portion 58A of each second locking claw 58 elastically deforms radially inward. When the hole ring 45 is further inserted into the second engagement hole 41 and the second claw portion 58B of each second locking claw 58 moves to a position closer to the vehicle interior than the second engagement hole 41, the second piece portion 58A of each second locking claw 58 elastically returns radially outward, and the second contact surface 58C of the second claw portion 58B of each second locking claw 58 abuts against the vehicle interior surface of the holding portion 26. At this time, the vehicle exterior surface of the holding portion 26 of the bracket 14 abuts against the vehicle interior surface of the tab 22 of the vehicle sensor 12. The first claw portion 56B of each first locking claw 56 is inserted into the second engagement hole 41, and the radially outer end of the first claw portion 56B of each first locking claw 56 can abut against the inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 26 that defines the second engagement hole 41. Thus, the clip 1 fixed to the vehicle sensor 12 is engaged with the bracket 14. Therefore, the sensor device 2 is in a state where the vehicle sensor 12 is temporarily fixed to the bracket 14 by the clip 1.

[0104] As Figure 9 shown in (A) of [reference] and Figure 9 shown in (B) of [reference], next, the operator brings the clip 1 into an engaged state. Specifically, the operator further inserts the pin 46 in the temporary fixing position into the receiving hole 48 of the hole ring 45. At this time, the engaging portion 70 of the shaft portion 64 of the pin 46 abuts against the end of the third claw portion 60B of each third locking claw 60. As the pin 46 is inserted into the receiving hole 48, the engaging portion 70 of the shaft portion 64 of the pin 46 presses the third claw portion 60B of each third locking claw 60 radially outward, and the third piece portion 60A of each third locking claw 60 elastically deforms radially outward. When the pin 46 is further inserted into the receiving hole 48 of the hole ring 45 and the engaging portion 70 of the shaft portion 64 of the pin 46 moves to a position closer to the vehicle interior than the third claw portion 60B of each third locking claw 60, the third piece portion 60A of each third locking claw 60 elastically returns radially inward, and the third claw portion 60B of each third locking claw 60 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 68 of the shaft portion 64 of the pin 46. At this time, the vehicle interior surface of the flange portion 66 of the pin 46 can abut against the vehicle exterior surface of the flange portion 54 of the hole ring 45. Thus, the clip 1 is brought into an engaged state. As described above, the sensor device 2 is assembled.

[0105] In addition, as Figure 2As shown, together with the assembly operation of the sensor device 2 as described above, the operator performs the assembly operation of the sensor device 2 with respect to the housing 10 of the headlamp 9. Specifically, the operator passes the bolt 33 through each through-hole 31 of the base portion 24 provided on the bracket 14 and engages it with the internal thread (not shown) of the corresponding fastening hole 11 of the housing 10 of the headlamp 9. Thus, the bracket 14 is assembled to the housing 10 of the headlamp 9. After that, the operator connects the terminal (not shown) of the wiring harness provided on the vehicle 3 to the connector portion 18 of the vehicle sensor 12. In other embodiments, the operator may also connect the connector portion 18 of the vehicle sensor 12 to the terminal of the wiring harness provided on the vehicle 3 before assembling the bracket 14 to the housing 10 of the headlamp 9.

[0106] For example, the sensor device 2 can be assembled to the housing 10 of the headlamp 9 in a state where the vehicle sensor 12 is temporarily fixed to the bracket 14 by the clip 1. Or, the sensor device 2 can be assembled to the housing 10 of the headlamp 9 in a state where the vehicle sensor 12 is fastened to the bracket 14 by the clip 1. Or, after the bracket 14 is assembled to the housing 10 of the headlamp 9, the vehicle sensor 12 can be assembled to the bracket 14 by means of the clip 1.

[0107] The clip 1 configured as described above can assemble the vehicle sensor 12 and the bracket 14 without forming a threaded groove in the vehicle sensor 12 and the bracket 14, so that the structures of the vehicle sensor 12 and the bracket 14 can be simplified. In addition, in a state where a plurality of first locking claws 56 lock the vehicle sensor 12 and a plurality of second locking claws 58 lock the bracket 14, the pin 46 is moved from the temporary fixing position to the coupling position, so that the vehicle sensor 12 and the bracket 14 can be easily and reliably assembled to each other. Therefore, the vehicle sensor 12 and the bracket 14 can be simplified, and the vehicle sensor 12 and the bracket 14 can be easily and reliably assembled to each other. As Figure 2 shown, the direction in which the clip 1 is inserted to assemble the vehicle sensor 12 to the bracket 14, the direction in which the bolt 33 is inserted to assemble the bracket 14 to the housing 10 of the headlamp 9, and the direction in which the connector portion 18 of the vehicle sensor 12 is connected to the terminal of the wiring harness provided on the vehicle 3 are all different. Since the vehicle sensor 12 is held on the bracket 14 by the clip 1, the operator can perform the process of assembling the bracket 14 to the housing 10 of the headlamp 9 and the process of connecting the connector portion 18 of the vehicle sensor 12 to the terminal of the wiring harness provided on the vehicle 3 without pressing the vehicle sensor 12 against the bracket 14.

[0108] The plurality of first locking claws 56 each have: a first piece portion 56A extending parallel to the axis A of the main body portion 50 and the receiving hole 48; and a first claw portion 56B protruding from the end of the first piece portion 56A toward the side opposite to the axis A of the receiving hole 48. In addition, the plurality of second locking claws 58 each have: a second piece portion 58A extending parallel to the axis A of the main body portion 50 and the receiving hole 48 and longer than the first piece portion 56A; and a second claw portion 58B protruding from the end of the second piece portion 58A toward the side opposite to the axis A of the receiving hole 48. Thus, the vehicle sensor 12 and the bracket 14 can be assembled to each other with a simple structure.

[0109] When the pin 46 is in the engaged position, the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 67 abuts against the surface on the axis A side of the first piece portion 56A and the surface on the axis A side of the second piece portion 58A. Thus, the displacement of the first piece portion 56A and the second piece portion 58A toward the axis A side of the receiving hole 48 is restricted. Therefore, the first claw portion 56B can reliably hold the vehicle sensor 12, and the second claw portion 58B can reliably hold the bracket 14.

[0110] The respective third piece portions 60A are arranged opposite to each other with the axis A of the receiving hole 48 as the center, the respective second piece portions 58A are arranged opposite to each other with the axis A of the receiving hole 48 as the center, and are arranged between the third piece portions 60A. The plurality of first piece portions 56A are each delimited by a slit 62 provided at the base end portion of the third piece portion 60A. Thus, the respective locking claws 52 do not interfere with each other and are arranged with a simple structure.

[0111] The outer diameter of the end portion of the third piece portion 60A is larger than the outer diameter of the base end portion of the third piece portion 60A. Thus, the rigidity of the end portion of the third piece portion 60A can be ensured, and therefore the pin 46 can be stably held by the third claw portion 60B protruding from the end of the third piece portion 60A.

[0112] The shaft portion 64 further has a middle-diameter portion 69 provided at the end of the small-diameter portion 68. The diameter of the middle-diameter portion 69 is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 68 and smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter portion 67. When the pin 46 is in the temporarily fixed position, the third locking claws 60 are respectively opposed to the small-diameter portion 68 on the base end side of the middle-diameter portion 69. Thus, when the pin 46 is in the temporarily fixed position, the pin 46 is restricted from coming out of the hole ring 45.

[0113] When the pin 46 is in the engaged position, the third locking claws 60 are respectively engaged with the engaging portions 70. Thus, the pin 46 is restricted from moving from the engaged position to the temporarily fixed position.

[0114] (Second Embodiment)

[0115] Refer to Figure 10The clip 100 of the second embodiment will be described. In the clip 100 of the second embodiment, the structures of the hole ring 101 and the pin 102 are different from those of the hole ring 45 and the pin 46 of the first embodiment, and the other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the elements that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0116] As Figure 10 shown in (A) of, an internal thread 104 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 103 of the hole ring 101. In the present embodiment, in addition to the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 103 of the hole ring 101, an internal thread 104 is also formed on a part of the inner peripheral surface of the first piece portion 105A of the first locking claw 105, the inner peripheral surface of the second piece portion 106A of the second locking claw 106, and the inner peripheral surface of the third piece portion 107A of the third locking claw 107.

[0117] On the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 108 of the pin 102, a thread tooth 109 that is screwed with the internal thread 104 provided on the main body portion 103 of the hole ring 101 when the pin 102 is in the engaged position is formed. On the outer surface of the vehicle side of the flange portion 110 of the pin 102, a tool engaging portion 111 that is recessed toward the vehicle inner side is formed. The tool engaging portion 111 can be formed to be able to engage with tools such as a Phillips screwdriver and a flat screwdriver.

[0118] In order to displace the pin 102 from the temporarily fixed position to the engaged position, the operator can rotate the pin 102 clockwise with respect to the axis A of the receiving hole 112 of the main body portion 103 of the hole ring 101 by the above tool. Thus, as Figure 10 shown in (B) of, the large-diameter portion 108 of the pin 102 is screwed with the main body portion 103 of the hole ring 101, the first piece portion 105A, the second piece portion 106A, and the third piece portion 107A, and moves toward the vehicle interior direction. The large-diameter portion 108 of the pin 102 is screwed with the main body portion 103, the first piece portion 105A, the second piece portion 106A, and the third piece portion 107A, thereby reliably restricting the displacement of the pin 102 from the engaged position to the temporarily fixed position.

[0119] The description of the specific embodiments has ended above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be widely modified and implemented. For example, in the above embodiment, the engaging portion 70 provided on the shaft portion 64 is provided to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 68, but it can also be provided to be recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 68. In addition, a millimeter-wave radar is taken as an example of the vehicle sensor 12, but in other embodiments, a sensor other than the millimeter-wave radar (for example, a microwave radar, a lidar, an ultrasonic sensor) can be taken as an example of the vehicle sensor 12.

Claims

1. A clip, used to combine a first component having a first combining hole and a second component having a second combining hole, wherein: The clip has an eyelet and a pin, and the eyelet has: a main body having a receiving hole; and a plurality of locking claws extending from the periphery of the receiving hole on the main body along the axis of the receiving hole, the pin having a shaft portion inserted into the receiving hole, The plurality of locking claws include: a plurality of first locking claws, which penetrate through the first coupling hole to lock the first component; a plurality of second locking claws which penetrate the second coupling hole to lock the second member; and a plurality of third locking claws which hold the pin, The shaft portion includes: a large diameter portion provided at the base end side; and a small diameter portion provided at a position closer to the tip end side than the large diameter portion and having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion. The pin is movable relative to the annular ring between a temporary fixing position where the large diameter portion is detached from the receiving hole and a coupling position where the large diameter portion is inserted into the receiving hole. When the pin is in the temporary fixing position, the plurality of the first locking claws and the plurality of the second locking claws are displaceable toward the axis side. When the pin is at the coupling position, displacement of the plurality of first locking claws and the plurality of second locking claws to the axis side is restricted.

2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein: The first locking claws each include: a first piece extending from the main body and parallel to the axis of the receiving hole; and a first claw protruding from the end of the first piece to the side opposite to the axis. The second locking claws each include: a second piece extending from the main body and parallel to the axis of the receiving hole and longer than the first piece; and a second claw protruding from the end of the second piece to the side opposite to the axis. Each of the third locking claws includes: a third piece portion extending from the main body portion in parallel with the axis of the accommodation hole and longer than the second piece portion; and a third claw portion protruding from a distal end of the third piece portion toward the axis.

3. The clip according to claim 2, wherein: When the pin is in the coupling position, the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion abuts against at least a portion of a surface of the first piece portion on the axis side and a surface of the second piece portion on the axis side.

4. The clip according to claim 2, wherein: An internal thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body. A thread that is threadably engaged with the internal thread when the pin is at the coupling position is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion.

5. The clip according to claim 2, wherein: The third pieces are arranged opposite to each other with the axis as the center. The second pieces are opposed to each other with the axis as the center and are arranged between the third pieces. The plurality of first sheet portions are respectively defined by slits provided at the base end portion of the third sheet portion.

6. The clip according to claim 5, wherein: The outer diameter of the distal end portion of the third piece portion is larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end portion of the third piece portion.

7. The clip according to claim 1, wherein: The shaft portion further includes a middle diameter portion disposed at the end of the small diameter portion. The diameter of the middle diameter portion is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion and smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion. When the pin is in the temporary fixing position, the third locking claws are respectively opposed to the small diameter portion at the base end side of the middle diameter portion.

8. The clip according to claim 7, wherein: The shaft portion further includes an engaging portion provided at a position closer to the base end side than the middle diameter portion. When the pin is at the coupling position, the third locking claws are respectively engaged with the engaging portions.

9. The clip according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first component is a vehicle sensor, The second member is a bracket that holds the vehicle sensor.

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